Book Blogging 101 - Review Templates

Spawned from the Big Sis, Little Blog program, Book Blogging 101 was born. Do you have a question? Leave it in the comments section or email me parajunkee at gmail dot com


Q: Should I pick a “template” for my review style?

When I first started reviewing I just sort of went with the flow, I did short paragraph reviews and lengthy 10 paragraph reviews, depending on how I felt at the time. I had no set style and I guess it worked for me then. But devising and refining a review template made my life so much easier and gave me something to start with -- in turn it made me review the book easier. I don’t know about better, but it works for me.

Once I started actively “stalking” other bloggers I began recognizing their styles and the way they handled their reviews. Some I like, some I’m not to fond of, really it all a matter of preference.

The big thing about blogging is finding your voice, you style. If a “go-by” on how you review works for you, go for it. If you are looking to set up a style, try it out.  You can do it any way you like, you can even change it up if you want.

My main PRO regarding a template is it gives me an outline on how to set up my review so I have the first step down before anything. Usually with that first step in place everything comes out easily.


Q: What should I include in my reviews? Is there something that shouldn’t be left out, something that should be left out?

Once again, personal preference. The one thing that I think should be in every review is your opinion and feelings about the book. The reason you are writing this review is because you have some thoughts on the book, right? So what are those thoughts.

Oh and of course, the little bit about where you got the book is required. If the book was given to you for review you need to disclose that you did receive it for review.

i.e. This book was provided for review by the publisher in exchange of an honest review.

Things that can be in a review:
• A synopsis
• Your opinion on the story line
• Recommendations, who would like this book
• Your rating
• Information on how to purchase the book
• Information on the book, publisher, pages, ISBD etc.
• Author bio/info
• Promotional items regarding the book, like book trailers
• The book cover
• Links to the books web page, author’s blog etc.
• Pictures of you reading the book in stunned appreciation
• Skits of barbies and GI JOES acting out scenes from the book..... ;)


What are your thoughts about any of these items in a review? I’ve heard some people rant about a synopsis. I’m not particularly stuck either way. I will usually skip over a regurgitated synopsis (when a synopsis is copy and pasted from goodreads or amazon) and just read the review part. I usually make sure that I surmise the book in my own words - but sometimes this can be hard to not reveal spoilers.


I'm not saying that this post will warrant as much discussion as former posts...but a few posted their own follow-up posts in response to this one...so to make it easier, I've attached a Mr. Linky. If you posted in response to this one...link it up.

Waiting on Wednesday: Iron Crowned

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly Meme started by Breaking the Spine. It is a feature that  spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Iron Crowned by Richelle Mead

The book I have been waiting for --- what seems years. And yeah has a cover and a release date: March 2011

Release Date: March 2011 from Kensington Books

Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham is the best at banishing entities trespassing in the mortal realm. But as the Thorn Land’s queen, she’s fast running out of ways to end the brutal war devastating her kingdom. Her only hope: the Iron Crown, a legendary object even the most powerful gentry fear…

Who Eugenie can trust is the hardest part. Fairy king Dorian has his own agenda for aiding her search. And Kiyo, her shape-shifter ex-boyfriend, has every reason to betray her along the way. To control the Crown’s ever-consuming powers, Eugenie will have to confront an unimaginable temptation--one that will put her soul and the fate of two worlds in mortal peril…

Currently Reading:

Parajunkee's Guest Appearance...

Just an FYI, Nely over at All About {n} is doing a feature called Bookcase of the week...and guess whose bookcases are being revealed. Yup, mine. I've been revealed ;)

Go check it out...please. XOXO

Click Here for post

Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires) by Rachel Caine

Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Book 1) by Rachel Cain
Purchased with my own money.

Stalk the author: Web | Twitter | Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository



PJVs QUICKIE: This was a ONE SITTER. You know open the first page, sit down and you don't get up until you are done. I had been dying to read this one, but something had always kept me away from it...now I'm dying to read the rest of the series like now. My hand fluctuating from the kindle BUY IT NOW button. I'll do it right after I write this review, most likely.


REVIEW: Claire Danvers is a genius, but super smarts doesn't save her from super psychos that are living in her dorm and have taken a fascination in tormenting and nearly killing Claire.  To save herself she flees the dorm and desperately searches for somewhere safe to stay the night. The problem is, this is Morganville and night is about as unsafe as you can get.  She does manage to find a place to stay...but it only turns out to be an eye opener as her new roomies reveal just what goes on in Morganville after dark.

A little dark YA novel that had me quite impressed and frothing at the mouth for more. There was just enough of everything to keep me very interested. The vamps were quirky enough, the heroine, likable, the support staff, charming, the setting, interesting, the writing, excellent and the ending --- edge of your seat. Ms. Cain, I'm charmed...can I have some more?

My only gripe was I desperately wanted Claire to pick up a baseball bat and beat the living dog biscuits out of Monica. She need a little more spitfire --- but I understand keeping in character and all that. C'mon where is the superpower when you need it??? *Completely joking*

Overall, loved it. Highly impressed with my YA stint lately. I think I might stay on this path for a bit longer. Going to download The Dead Girl's Dance now.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Suitable for younger teens, there is a bit of violence that might be inappropriate for an immature audience. There is also a maturing that adults will enjoy.