Welcome back to another blog hop, with #OpenBook. Here’s this week’s prompt.
Don’t forget to click the purple button to see what everyone else has to say on this week’s subject. It’s at the end of my post.
Write a review for someone else’s books. Now write a review for one of yours.
I write a lot of reviews, mostly for the Indie authors that I’ve been lucky enough to either meet in person or those who have been recommended to me through social media.
And I have to say that I’m rarely disappointed by what I read. There are some real gems, written by people who are willing to take a chance on a concept that traditional publishing would run a mile from.
If I can persuade someone to try an Indie book, I consider it a job well done.
Here’s one of my recent reviews. This is for a fantasy adventure, Sword and Fire, by P.J. Reed.
Non-stop action and adventure!
I’m partial to a good fantasy adventure. It needs to have great worldbuilding, fascinating characters and a good dose of magic. A quest is essential and bonus points will be awarded for some surprises.
This story delivers on all of the above.
Meloc is a slightly dubious warlock, in a land where magic occupies a somewhat ambiguous place. He wants to warn people of the impending doom provided by an invading army. Instead, he’s imprisoned. Then he’s given a choice.
His adventures are just beginning.
What follows is an epic quest, as he seeks the magic weapons of old to save his lands, not to mention his life. There is just about non-stop action, with a cast of creatures that all leap from the pages as they seek to thwart him and his allies.
The land of Mercia comes alive under Reed’s pen, every dark and brooding part of it is vividly described, while the action scenes are frantic and visceral.
Bring on the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
You can find all my recent book reviews by clicking on this link.
Now when it comes to reviewing my own work, I have a problem. I think that I’m too close to what I’ve written to be objective.
You would presumably expect me to say that any of my novels are good. The trouble is, I can’t ignore the faults that exist in all of them.
I would have to give myself two or maybe three stars as a maximum for any of my titles. I know that they all need a serious rewrite to get them to any sort of readable standard.
I don’t promote them much as I don’t think they’re good enough to expect people to pay for them.
So, I’m going to decline. The reviews on Amazon are there if you want to take a look. They’re the opinions of the only people who matter.
What do you think?
Do you write reviews for the books you read?
If you’re an author, could you review one of your own books?
Let me know below.
Then, please check out what my fellow writers have to say about this week’s topic.
Until next time.
Let me know what you think about this week’s subject.
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Now see what the other blogs in this hop have to say by clicking below.
Check out the other great blogs here.
Steven Smith
I have the same issue as you when it comes to reviewing my own work. As for the book you’ve reviewed, I’ll be adding to my list!
Richard Dee
I’m too close to my own work. Sword and Fire is excellent.
Stevie Turner
Yes, it’s hard to write a review for your own book. I’ve added more of a short synopsis for mine and left out the stars!
Richard Dee
I saw that, good idea, wish I’d thought of it.
P.J. MacLayne
We can be our biggest critics. It’s hard to let go of that and give ourselves kudos.
Richard Dee
I guess you’re right. It’s the lack of feedback that does little to help change my mind.
Daryl Devore
You said – Now when it comes to reviewing my own work, I have a problem. I think that I’m too close to what I’ve written to be objective.
I think that is true for all of us. We’ve pretty much said the same thing but in different ways.
But still a great review for the first book. And I think you are being too humble about your work.
Richard Dee
Thank you, I enjoy reviewing the work of others.