A Few Great Book Review Blogs

Before I commit to purchasing a book from a previously unknown or unknown-to-me author, I like to read a review or two. Although a poor review will not always deter my choice, I do prefer to be prudent with my spending. Here’s my selection of some of the most helpful book review sites.

1. Worlds In Ink

Worlds In Ink is a blog review site dedicated solely to Sci-Fi and Fantasy genre writings. The blogger is from South Africa, so Americans will notice some differences in spelling and colloquial sayings, but may also gain insight to some authors lesser known in North America.

I appreciate this active blog, which has been around since 2010. Consistent and regular reviews keep me stopping by for more.

2. Goodreads

Again and again I mention Goodreads on my blog – this website is so useful! Abundant reviews exist for all kinds of books – Sci-Fi, Young Adult, Chic-Lite, Romance, Historical Fiction, Biography, and more. Users can create reading lists and then the built-in website software will suggest recommendations of similar books you may enjoy based on others input. It’s a great way to read book reviews from all sorts of readers, keep your reading list organized, and discover new works.

3. Science Fiction Book Review Podcast

The Science Fiction Book Review Podcast (SFBRP) offers visitors a more interactive form of book review, that is, via a podcast listening experience. Luke Burrage, podcaster, shares honest and witty opinions on a variety of Sci-Fi writings about once every 3-5 weeks. His regular postings are entertaining and insightful, check out his review of The Darkness That Comes Before for a good example.

4. Arts Beat

The Arts Beat blog is run by the New York Times, so reviews are always well-written. The site covers a variety of genres, but I really appreciate their Mystery and Thriller reviews in particular. Although this review site features mostly mainstream publications, there are occasional independent press reviews now and then.

Also be aware that Arts Beat does not only focus on book reviews, but all types of arts-related reviews – visual art exhibitions, dance performances, and theatrical happenings may all appear on this site. It can be quite refreshing to investigate something other than writing.

5. The Indie View

The IndieView features reviewers of all sorts of fiction and non-fiction, making the site very diverse and fascinating. You may follow the site at large, or choose to follow just a selected handful of reviewers you have come to enjoy. Lesser known publications are regularly featured, so I check here frequently for new inspirations.

6. Amazon

If a book is available for order through Amazon, there are almost always reviews associated with it. Be careful though, as anyone with an Amazon account can create a review. Check for the “Verified Purchase” text beside the review headline to be certain this reviewers actually paid for the novel. Otherwise, if a reviewer was given the book for free in exchange for a review, he or she should reveal this in the text.

Usefulness of Book Review Sites

Reading book reviews can help in making selections on future reading lists. In some cases, book reviews may also contribute to your overall understanding of a novel. Have you ever found a certain chapter confusing? On some of the sites above you may engage the reviewer to get his/her take on it.

In other cases, book reviews may give something away. Usually, reviewers will put out a warning saying “Spoiler Alert” to inform readers to stop here if they do not want to have anything given away about the plot outcome.

What are some of your favorite book review sites? Be sure to head over to my website, www.leifericksonwriting.com to purchase my books and review them on your favorite site!