Quote:
Originally Posted by Krazykiwi
Besides, negative reviews aren't always total downers from an authors point of view. I loathe love triangles with a passion, and I've put down books before that sprang one on me halfway through the book. I hate unexpected cliffhangers that leave the primary plot unresolved (sure, set up the next book, but at least wrap up the main points of this one). That's why I don't read much YA, and I don't buy serials unless they're already complete. But there are a lot of readers who actively like both those things. My reason for not finishing a book can as well be someone elses "Oh that sounds good." while also warning off other people who don't like love triangles and cliffhangers. I've picked up books based on the reverse--"It's too hard sciencey", or "I don't get the worldbuilding, you have to figure it out as you go along, there's no exposition" - both being things I tend to like, but that aren't for everyone.
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This is very true. There are some "negatives" listed by reviewers that actually encourage me to try the book; and vice-versa.
For instance, when I read someone raving about an author's "world-building" skills, I tend to assume that there's a lot of pointless, fill-ery, info-dumping going on. I like to do the heavy lifting myself where "world-building" is concerned--thank you very much. An author who tries to micromanage that experience tends to annoy me.
Conversely, someone who gripes about hating first-person narratives has just handed me a plum.
Things like that are especially helpful when I have past experience with the reviewer in question, and have a feel for their tastes. Whether or not they coincide with my own is mostly irrelevant.