5 Easy Steps to Writing a Great Book Review
Writing a book review is easy with these five simple steps!
You don’t need to be a professional critic—just a reader eager to share your thoughts. If you’ve ever finished a book and thought, “Wow, I wish more people would read this,” then you’re already halfway there. Writing a book review doesn’t just benefit other readers—it also helps you become a better reader.
Follow these steps to write a review that captures what you loved (or didn’t) about a book:
Step 1:
Share Your Overall Impression and Hook Potential Readers
Capture your general thoughts about the book. What stood out? The characters, the world-building, or a unique writing style? State this in a one-liner that sums up the book. Think of it as your own tagline to help readers get excited about the story. Comparing to a similar book can be helpful.
Examples:
“An enchanting journey through a world of hidden magic and fierce loyalty, perfect for fans of The Wheel of Time.”
“With a magic system unlike any I’ve seen, this book kept me hooked from the first page!”
Step 2:
Talk About the Characters and Story Hook
Describe a favorite character or characters and what they’re striving to achieve. How did they drive the action? What about them stood out to you? Add 1 or 2 spoiler-free lines of what grabbed your attention. Not too much detail—just enough to entice or inform!
Example:
“Elira, the young mage fighting to control her wild magic, stole the show for me. Her inner struggle felt so real and kept me rooting for her. From the first few chapters, I was pulled into a dangerous world on the edge of collapse, with whispers of an ancient prophecy threatening to resurface.”
Step 3:
Highlight the Book’s Strengths
What did the author really nail? What did you love about the world-building? The dialogue? Maybe the pacing or the action? Pinpoint a few of your favorite elements and share why they worked for you.
Example:
“The author’s ability to create vivid, detailed settings was incredible. I could picture the bustling cities and mysterious forests so clearly. Plus, the tension between the characters felt authentic, making each interaction meaningful.”
Step 4:
Mention Areas for Improvement (Optional)
Were there parts of the book that didn’t quite hit the mark for you? Frustrations or unmet expectations? Mention them—just keep it brief and constructive. What you may find as a drawback, another reader may love. Critical feedback can make your review genuine and helpful.
Example:
“While I loved the overall story, there were a few slow moments during the middle section. Tightening up the pacing there would’ve kept the excitement going.”
Step 5:
Wrap Up with Final Thoughts and a Rating
End your review by summarizing how you felt after finishing the book. Was it a satisfying conclusion? Would you recommend it to others? If possible, compare it to a similar book that is successful. Lastly, give the book a rating (usually a 1-5 star scale).
Example:
“In the end, The Mage’s Gamble delivered an unforgettable adventure with characters I won’t soon forget. If you’re a fan of Mistborn or The Priory of the Orange Tree, this one’s for you. I’d give it a solid 4.5 stars!”
Rating criteria is subjective, but these are good guidelines followed by lots of experienced book reviewers:
1 Star: You really didn’t enjoy the book.
2 Stars: It had some good moments but wasn’t your cup of tea.
3 Stars: A solid read with some flaws, but enjoyable.
4 Stars: A great book with only a few minor issues.
5 Stars: An outstanding read—you absolutely loved it.
Conclusion
By simplifying the process into just a few key steps, writing a book review becomes easy and enjoyable. Whether you loved or didn’t quite connect with a book, your review can help others decide if it’s the right fit for them. And remember, the most important part is to share your honest thoughts and put them where other readers can find them.