It's constantly reinforced to me wherever I look that 'reviews' are the lifeblood of book sales.

Okay, I concur. But are there other 'things' that can present a book to enthusiasts without a review?

What was done before the internet and social media?

How did authors and publishers navigate the landscape before the advent of newspapers and TV?

What about before printing invention?

I'm fully vented now and know the answers to all those questions. But?

What if your gazillion reviews average 2.5?
Are you sh... out of luck?

I'm just saying...