My review policy

Influenced by this article by Paula Krapf and some of her examples, I am publishing an official review policy.

May 2011: I am currently open to review requests.  I try to be selective in what I read, and if I don’t think I will like a book, I will not review it. That doesn’t mean all my reviews are going to be 100% positive. My opinion is just my opinion, but I try to present a balanced viewpoint with both the positives and the negatives of each book I review.

I try to review books in a timely manner, but if you have a specific timeline in mind, please say so. In general, I try to post a review within 1 month of receiving a book. ARCs, if received at least 2 weeks in advance, will be reviewed by the release date, unless I tell you otherwise.

I do not review e-books.

I do not review every book that I read, not even all the ones I liked. I post a review when I actually have soemthing to say beyond "that was good and I liked it." I do tweet about most books, and give a star rating on Goodreads.

I only respond to review requests I have decided to accept, due to the unpleasant comments I have received from individuals whose book I've declined to review.

I do not accept self-published books for review.

Contact me: adventureinbooks(at)gmail(dot)com

Genres I review: Paranormal, urban fantasy, YA fiction, chick lit, mystery/suspense/crime.

Genres I DO NOT review: poetry, horror, erotica and non-fiction.

Ratings: I rate the book out of 5 points. This rating purely reflects my enjoyment of the book, not the quality of writing. Except, of course, as the writing quality affects my enjoyment. I will comment about the writing in my review, if I feel it is noteable. My ratings are as follows:

1 - I did not like this book at all.
2 - Overall, I didn't like this, but there were moments that I enjoyed.
3 - It was consistently OK. I would recommend this, with some reservations.
4 - Good. I really enjoyed this, and I recommend it.
5 - Great! This book is being added to my favorites list and I can't stop urging people to read it.

Examples of books I would give 5 points to:
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Assassins of Tamurin by S D Tower

Where I post: I typically post my reviews on my blog, on Goodreads and Amazon.ca

Other info: I do not sell ARCs, but I might give them away. Let me know if you prefer I don't.