Buying books: words or phrases that can turn a 'yes' into a 'no'?

[Apache]

Originally Posted by pwalker8

There are certain mistakes that show that the author doesn't know the time period and didn't bother to research it much. Classic example is some using a repeating rifle in a western that was set prior to the Civil War.

The Spencer Rifle went into production in 1860 and the Henry rifle was introduced in the early 1860's. Although the Volition was introduced in 1848 and Smith and Wesson formed the Volcanic Rifle Company in 1855.
Also it seems like most western authors think that everyone used a 45 caliber pistol. Actually the most popular cartridge caliber in the Old West was the 44-40. Most carried this caliber cartridge because they could use it in both their pistol and rifle and did not have to carry two types of cartridges. Also if you are interested look up the Ferguson Rifle designed in 1770 by Major Patrick Ferguson of the British Army. History lesson off.
Apache

[jenieliser]

The "no" triggers:
-"unputdownable"
-when the listed title includes a description (So-and-So and the Such-and-Such: The Amazing Unputdownable Interesting New Story That Will Have You Reading Through the Night)
-saga
-generations
-descriptions beginning with reviews

The "yes" triggers:
-a very short description that doesn't reveal the whole plot
-"for fans of..." Looks like I'm the only sucker for this on this thread. Sure, half of them don't live up to the hype, but I still have to give it a go, just in case

[kyrilson]

Instant passes:
"young adult"
"love triangle"
"saga"
"plucky"
"sassy"

[Catlady]

I cringe when a blurb claims the author is "at the height of his/her powers." Oh please.

[ZodWallop]

Originally Posted by jenieliser

The "no" triggers:
-when the listed title includes a description (So-and-So and the Such-and-Such: The Amazing Unputdownable Interesting New Story That Will Have You Reading Through the Night)

This used to be one for me until authors I otherwise respect started doing it (Douglas Clegg, what were you thinking?).

[JSWolf]

Here is a paragraph of all turn offs of a soon to be released book.

Critically acclaimed author Nina Varela delivers a stunning sequel to the richly imagined queer epic fantasy Crier's War, which SLJ called "perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass."

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Here is a paragraph of all turn offs of a soon to be released book.

I quite liked Throne of Glass.

But then I'm known for my poor taste in books.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by haertig

Having converted to mostly reading eBooks these days, I learned about these "serials". You don't see that in the printed book world - at least I never ran into it. So up until a few years ago when I went digital, I never knew these half-finished books existed.

I did read one serial that I enjoyed. Wool. But I didn't realize that it had started out as a serial until after I had read it. I bought the eBook that contained all of the previous parts, not realizing that that was what I was doing. So I lucked out there. And it was a good book. But I would never have even started it had I known what it was initially. The author would not have gotten one penny of my money. Authors should take note of that (not that they care what I, a single individual, feels). Wasn't Wool one of the first serials that made it big? I seem to remember reading that somewhere (after I had already read it).

I don't care for serials that are a complete book split into parts. I want the complete book.

[ZodWallop]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

I quite liked Throne of Glass.

I prefer Heart of Glass myself

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

I quite liked Throne of Glass.

But then I'm known for my poor taste in books.

Throne of Glass is not the issue. It's the "for fans of" or "if you liked".

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by ZodWallop

I prefer Heart of Glass myself

[ZodWallop]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I got to see Blondie and Devo in a dual show a few years ago. I thought both were great, but the better half thought that Debbie Harry was saving her voice for their upcoming show in Los Angeles (we're in Houston).

[pwalker8]

Originally Posted by Apache

The Spencer Rifle went into production in 1860 and the Henry rifle was introduced in the early 1860's. Although the Volition was introduced in 1848 and Smith and Wesson formed the Volcanic Rifle Company in 1855.
Also it seems like most western authors think that everyone used a 45 caliber pistol. Actually the most popular cartridge caliber in the Old West was the 44-40. Most carried this caliber cartridge because they could use it in both their pistol and rifle and did not have to carry two types of cartridges. Also if you are interested look up the Ferguson Rifle designed in 1770 by Major Patrick Ferguson of the British Army. History lesson off.
Apache

Yep. Of course, prior to the Civil War, cap and ball style pistols were common rather than cartridges. One reads of cavalry soldiers carrying a pocket full of pre-loaded cylinders for their pistols. Yep, I'm well aware of the Ferguson Rifle, If I remember correctly it was used by Ferguson's unit during the American Revolutionary War.

[Apache]

I have always wondered how the Napoleonic War would have gone if the British Army had adopted the Ferguson Rifle.
Apache

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by ZodWallop

I got to see Blondie and Devo in a dual show a few years ago. I thought both were great, but the better half thought that Debbie Harry was saving her voice for their upcoming show in Los Angeles (we're in Houston).

I saw Blondie at a free concert one summer. They were very good.