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I think the distinction between the type of review provided by Critter and the like and Kirkus is the review's focus - Critter's being the writer, and Kirkus' the reader. The Kirkus review accordingly is more interested in telling the reader what the story is about, and only broadly characterizing the quality of the writing, while a Critter crit offers detailed suggestions for improving the writing as such. The value of the Kirkus review seems to me to be its use as a marketing tool. With its name recognition (the company has been around for 80+ years, according to its website), and its association with best-selling authors (e. g., Stephen King), a favorable Kirkus review of your book gives the reader the impression that its author is running with the big dogs.
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