A bit about me:
I’m a lifelong reader, with a penchant for fantasy, science fiction and a soft spot for fantasy YA. My father read the large, soft-cover illustrated Hobbit (the one with the glorious illustration of Smaug, by Michael Hague, surrounded by the ugly golden-yellow border and green text) to my sister and me when I was 7. I cut my reading teeth on the Xanth series and The Belgariad, and spent middle-school summers reading Star Trek novels. But despite having access to my father’s extensive collection of fantasy and sci-fi, there are a lot of “classics” (both in the realm of fantasy/sci fi and traditional literature) that I’ve yet to read. (I had a busy adolescence). I’m still working on correcting these oversights. I’m not sure I’ll write reviews for books more than 10 years old, though, unless there’s a request for it.
I’m also a writer with flights of fancy of being published one day. I wrote my first story when I was 5, about a pair of horse friends (NOT ponies — very important) and while I’ll honestly probably never top that, I try.
As with reading, I prefer to write fantasy. It’s just more fun to play in made-up worlds where anything is possible.
I can be a pretty thorough reviewer and critic, but I always back up my statements. I’m also not afraid to love something and critically evaluate it at the same time. I also really hate writing synopsis and don’t really understand why they’re in reviews. If you’re reading a review, it’s because you have an interest in the book already (and have therefore already read a synopsis or cover copy) or because you’ve read the book and want to see what others think. In either case, do you really want to read my inferior attempt to sum up the book? Probably not.
So I usually just dive right into the review. My reviews tend to be divided into two sections: The first section is for people looking for an overall idea of the quality of the book’s pacing, characterization, world building, etc. After that, I’ll dive into a more detailed discussion and dissection (which may or may not turn into rants — /ahem/ — no promises) that will always contain a spoiler alert when necessary. No one should have something spoiled by a fellow lover of literature. While I myself don’t mind spoilers (I am terrible about waiting and have insatiable curiosity), I think it is the epitome of rudeness and self-centeredness to ruin a plot twist, character death, or other important story element for another person.
Oh, and did I mention I was long winded? 😉
I force my significant other to edit my work (he’s my second biggest critic; he’s also not here right now, hah!) and somehow have managed to collect five cats in a bizarre real-life emulation of Neko Atsume. They do not help with the writing, editing, or reading process.
I also have an unhealthy love of coffee.
I’m not sure what Desirai was thinking bringing me on board, but I do honestly hope you’ll enjoy my reviews and I look forward to any discussions they may inspire.
Your ever-humble book-reviewing servant,
~J