Rating Rubric

What my ratings mean.
I rate based on entertainment value, not literary merit. My ratings are subjective and based solely according to taste. My taste.

• 1 star
  1. I probably didn't even finish the book and was annoyed and bored at least 50% of the time.
  2. The characterization was weak. Mary Sues extremely likely.
  3. The plot was unoriginal, very badly executed.
  4. The book punched one of my "hot buttons."
  5. The writing was disorganized/poor.
     
     
• 2 stars
  1. I got through most of/all of the book but was bored at least 50% of the time.
  2. The characterization was okay, or a mix of bad and good (i.e. all the focus is on the main characters, but the supporting characters are basically props).
  3. The plot may have been original, but it wasn't executed very well.
  4. The book got "misplaced" a lot while I was reading it.
  5. The writing is okay, maybe a little bad in some places. But effort is clear.
     
     
• 3 stars
  1. I got through all of the book and found it diverting.
  2. The characters were amusing, though not necessarily fleshed-out.
  3. The plot was good and flowed well.
  4. I would recommend this book to others.
  5. The writing is good, slightly complex, and reveals effort. May be slightly prosaic.
• 4 stars
  1. I got through all of the book and wanted more.
  2. The characters are developed, with weaknesses and idiosyncrasies that don't seem forced or contrived.
  3. The plot is complex, with several arcs, a good climax, and a satisfying resolution.
  4. I would stalk the author for updates on sequels.
  5. The writing is very good, complex, and beautifully done.
     
     
•  5 stars
  1. I got through all of the book and immediately marked all of the author's other books as to-read.
  2. The characters are developed, with weaknesses and idiosyncrasies that don't seem forced and contrived, and I become emotionally invested in them.
  3. The plot is very complex, with several arcs, a good climax, and a realistic resolution.
  4. Where is the sequel? Oh god, I can't breathe! I need it NOW!
  5. The writing is addictive, lyrical, and effortless.