Let’s Review – Goodreads or Point of Purchase?

I've been somewhat of a slacker recently on Goodreads, actually with reviews in general. I used to write reviews for books whether or not I liked them, but that took a lot of time. So I started only writing reviews for the books I loved. Then after hearing about the rise of fake reviews, I stopped reviewing all together.

But the thing is – fake review or real – I read reviews before I buy a book. And having my own book out there makes me realize how important it is to have those reviews from real readers. (I'm so grateful to every person that has ever written a review of my book, even if it wasn't a glowing review. I just appreciate their time first in reading, and second in writing the review.) So the question remains: how do you get legitimate reviews for a book without begging, bribing or otherwise paying for them? And where do people look for reviews? Goodreads? Amazon? Barnes & Noble? Or old-fashioned word of mouth?

 I love reading the reviews that come through my Goodreads feed, telling me what books my friends have read. (And if we aren't already friends over there, send me a friend request!) I have definitely read someone's review and then gone online to buy the book. But otherwise, I tend to just look at the reviews at whatever online portal I'm buying the book from.

What about you? Do you generally review books that you read? How much do reader reviews inform your purchases? And where do you go to find reviews?

And speaking of Goodreads, author friend Dawn Malone is giving away 10 copies of her new novel, Bingo Summer. Pop on over to enter for your chance to win!

The Quest for a Good Review

Back in the old days, newspapers and magazines were the only place to read reviews about books. Publishers would send their upcoming releases to these publications and their paid reviewers would critique them.

These days, very few papers around the country even print book reviews. And why should they? Plenty of people are willing to write reviews for free: on blogs, on Goodreads, B&N.com and Amazon.

But how many of those reviews are actually "free?"

Everybody knows that friends of the author are going to write some of the reviews. But some authors, even big name, best selling authors, are finding elaborate ways to get good reviews for their books. For example:

• For every 25 reviews posted to Amazon or B&N, J. Thomas Shaw, author of The Rx Factor, will give away a $25 gift card to the "person judged to have written the best review."

• Last year Karen Kingsbury gave away airfare and hotel accommodations for two for a two-night, three-day visit to Portland, OR to the person who wrote the best review of her book, Leaving.

• Then there are websites like Readers Favorite that provide reviews and awards for authors. You too can "Become an Award Winning Author."

I get that people want, okay, need, good reviews of their books. But it makes me highly suspect of any positive review. At least in a newspaper, you know that the writer was paid to give their opinion. These other tactics feel like scams because as a reader, you don't know up front which reviews are honest. Unless they only have one or two stars. I'm pretty sure no one pays for those.

What do you think? Does it make sense to run contests to bump up your positive reviews?

Entering the H.I.V.E.

I first heard about this book during a session with editors at the SCBWI conference last summer. I knew right away I wanted to read it.


Hogwarts may be for students who display a talent for magic. Kids who have a knack for evil wind up at HIVE, the Higher Institute of Villainous Education. Hidden inside a volcano on a deserted island, students take classes like Villainy Studies and Stealth and Evasion 101, all designed to turn them into supervillains. 

But nobody chooses to attend HIVE. They are kidnapped and brought there, sometimes with their parents' consent, sometimes not. And leaving is not an option. So can a group of students plan an escape and actually make it out?


Full of action, suspense, an epic battle and a giant carnivorous plant, HIVE is a promising start to an adventurous series. Book 6 in the series came out last September so can you guess what we'll be reading all this summer?


Find out more about the books on the HIVE website: http://www.hivehub.co.uk/#/home


Looking for more good middle grade books? Check out these bloggers:
Shannon Whitney Messenger
Shannon O'Donnell
Joanne Fritz
Myrna Foster
Brooke Favero
Anita Laydon Miller
Deb Marshall
Barbara Watson
Michael Gilmartin

Birthdays and Alternates

Not so long ago on Candyland's blog I met the wonderful Lenny Lee. If you haven't visited the blog of this amazing 11-year-old writer, you really should. Through him I've learned about doggy lifeguards and the importance of hugging. This post for mother's day will blow you away.

Today is Lenny's birthday and I just wanted to give him a shout out. Hope it's a fabulous day, Lenny!!

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And since we're talking about wonderful boys, today I'm featuring a guest post from my favorite almost-11-year-old boy: my son. He's written a review of one of his favorite books, The Force Unleashed, and written an alternate ending as well. Please welcome him here today!

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A Review of The Force Unleashed

The Force Unleashed is one of the best Star Wars books ever. This book is based on the video game (which I must say is awesome). The main characters are Galen Marek who is Darth Vader’s secret apprentice, Juno Eclipse who is Galen’s chauffeur, Proxy who is Galen’s training droid, and of course, the one and only Darth Vader.

It starts out with Vader training his apprentice, and giving Galen a mission. Galen went to his destination to eliminate his target, a rouge jedi named Rahm Kota. He supposedly killed Kota and reported that to his master. Vader gave him another assignment to eliminate another jedi, which was completed as well. Finally, Vader gave him a last mission: to destroy the jedi master Shaak Ti. Galen successfully finised this mission, too, and went back to meet with Vader.

Galen’s next mission was to gather up a group of rebels to take on the Emperor. After weeks of work, Galen formed a small committee. But unfortunately, as soon as the alliance was formed, it was destroyed. Vader led a party of stormtroopers into the meeting, injuring Galen and capturing the rest of the alliance. Juno and Proxy found Galen and dropped him off at the Death Star, where he found the Emperor. (Start reading alternate ending or read next paragraph for the book's ending.)

Galen freed the rebels, which escaped with Juno. Galen stayed, and dueled with Vader. He wounded the dark lord and turned on the Emperor. The Emperor released a full blast of sith lightning on Galen, who simultaneously sent a force blast so large, the Death Star nearly exploded. The Emperor increased his lightning until Galen’s inert body fell to the ground. As Galen felt his life being drained from him, Darth Vader crushed his dead apprentice’s lightsaber.

Pretty unhappy ending, huh? Well, if you keep reading, then you will witness my alternate ending.


Alternate Ending

Another staggering, painful step and the Emperor was within the apprentice’s reach. With shaking fingers, he took the old man’s bony shoulders in his hands and gripped them tight. The lightning engulfed them both, and Galen jumped back. He pulled his lightsaber from his waist, and ignited its red blade.

He looked out of the Death Star’s window for a moment, and saw the Rebel ship leaving. Suddenly, turbolasers flared, and the ship exploded.

The Emperor looked at Galen, and laughed. “You see, youngling, there is no hope now!”

No, he thought. No!!!

But it was too late. Galen had given in to the Dark Side. He roared, and rushed at Palpatine, lightsaber raised. He swung the blade in a deadly arc, severing the old man in two.

Galen deactivated his lightsaber, looking at the two halves of the Galactic Emperor. What have I done?!?

He turned to see Darth Vader, standing behind him. “What–what–?” the Dark Lord spluttered. “You will pay for this, my apprentice!”

Galen reactivated his lightsaber. “I am no longer your apprentice. I will soon be the master!” He charged at Vader, and their lightsabers clashed once more.

Vader swept his weapon up, and brought it down toward Galen. Galen dodged, and outstretched his hand. A wave of Force knocked Vader to the ground. The Dark Lord skittered across the floor and banged against the wall.

“Ugh!” Vader grunted. He stood up, and somersaulted in the air before landing in front of the apprentice.

Right as Vader landed, Galen stuck his lightsaber straight out. “Huh?” Vader muttered. He looked down, and saw a lightsaber protruding from his stomach. “How–?” And the Dark Lord sank to the floor.

Galen stared at the carnage. Dead stormtroopers lay everywhere, and the remains of the Emperor and Vader haunted him. Galen put his lightsaber back in his cloak. There is no going back now.


END


I hope you have enjoyed my review on The Force Unleashed, and my Alternate Ending.

Best Books from Spring Break read-a-thon

After eleven days of exploring, beach combing, and soaking up the Carolina sun as we downed sweet tea and hush puppies, we're finally back at home. It's pouring rain and everyone in my house is asleep. We may be back on the west coast, but our bodies haven't decided what time zone to follow.

Being away from home is the perfect time to squeeze in lots of reading, especially when you're stuck with a sluggish internet connection. I have no idea how I ever survived dial-up for as long as I did because on Friday when I tried to watch a three minute video, it turned into a 45-minute torture session. I'm not ashamed to say I gave up and went back to my books.

I finished six of the eight I brought along and three were absolute standouts.

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
You knew I was going to love this one, right? I had high expectations for this book (which can be dangerous!), but Maggie didn't disappoint. I seriously think someone should be teaching a course on brilliant character arcs, use of language and multiple pov's using her books as the texts. She seriously has it mastered. I don't want to give away too much here, but if you enjoyed Shiver, you are going to want to get your hands on this book as soon as it comes out in July.

Princess for Hire by Lindsey Leavitt
I love when an author surprises me and Lindsey absolutely did with this book. I expected a frothy sweet tween novel, a lighthearted beach read. But I was amazed by the depth she managed to give this character. This isn't just a teen romp with romance at its core. Princess for Hire speaks more to girl power, and learning to stand up for yourself and making a difference in people's lives. With an ode to her hometown of Las Vegas, an Amazon tribal dance and unexpected twists on princess lore, Lindsey has created a very impressive debut!

The Heart is Not a Size by Beth Kephart
I've enjoyed other books by Beth, but this one moved me like no other. Maybe the fact that I went on a similar journey in high school made the story that much more real for me. But even more than that, I felt like I knew these people. The friendship between Riley and Georgia, with all its flaws and blinders, felt so true to life. The way Beth let the story unfold, the secrets they kept from each other and even from themselves, their journey of discovery was beautifully written, totally heartfelt and definitely a must read. If you've never picked up a book by Beth, let this be your first.