As the next thing on my do list after writing this post is a book review, I figured I’d cross that one off my list of topics for blog posts.

As well as being an author I’m also a reviewer. Another author asked me once why I’d do that, and mentioned something about other authors being “the opposition.” I was a little floored by that perspective for two reasons. Firstly I’m of the opinion that we’re all on this journey together, and secondly if I read something I enjoy I want to help spread the word.

Also, I work in a library in my day job so recommending books etc aka readers advisory is what I do as part of that. I’ve also belonged to a SF club for years, and we’re always swapping book recommendations and sharing our thoughts about what we’ve just read. Writing reviews are also a good way to use the skills I learned while attaining my teaching and English lit degrees.

I enjoy most of the books I read as I tend to choose ones I suspect I’ll enjoy. Life’s too short otherwise. But, on the odd occasion I read one I don’t enjoy as much I don’t review it, and I don’t rate anything less than a three out of five. I don’t see the point in writing a review of a book I don’t like, and although it might not be a book for me there are others out there who will love it.

On the flip side, there are books I love more than others, books I enjoy but wouldn’t read again, and those I get a tiny bit obsessed over. But I always find some positive elements and make sure I write a ‘feedback sandwich’ for those I have a few issues with, so there’s something good the author can take away with them from the review, while ensuring the reviews I give are honest ones. I don’t see the point otherwise.

I feel very privileged to be asked to review, and have discovered some fabulous books and new to me authors that way. With that, and giving into reading temptations from other sources—shelving in the fantasy section at the library has added to my reading stack exponentially—I don’t think I’m ever going to run out of books to read.

Ooh look, another shiny….

Speaking of new authors to me, I’ve found a few this year already. To name a few: A.L. Lester, Robin Reardon, Elle Keaton and Anne Bishop. And then there’s the fact that some of my favourites keep writing new ones!

I’d love to know what new authors to you you’ve found so far this year.