My policy is to review only those books that are exceptional -- exceptionally good or exceptionally bad. Very rarely I will review a book that fits in neither category because I think either the author has talent that needs to be directed or the book could be exceptionally good with a little bit of reworking. That was the case with
Olivia's Kiss by Catherine Robinson. I reviewed the book (
click here to access the review) and noted that it has the potential to be outstandingly good with some developmental editing.
With most books falling into the mediocre or less place on a rating scale, it seems a waste of time and energy to review them. I never downgrade a book because of cost, although I will state that I think the cost is too high if the book doesn't deliver what I perceive to be equivalent value.
The problem with reviewers is that one cannot tell what is their agenda or background. The one thing missing with online reviews are reviews of the reviewers or at least a full, comprehensive bio of the reviewer so one can at least glean whether or not the reviewer's opinion might have some value.