When I was studying with the Open University I remember completing assignments that asked me to 'Describe and Discuss'. This instruction always comes to mind when I read reviews; for my own novels and for those by other authors.

I firmly believe that reviews should keep well away from the 'describe' and concentrate on the 'discuss'. Not an easy task, I know; almost akin to the 'show don't tell' for we authors. But put simply, describing the content of the novel isn't really necessary, since any potential reader can get that from the blurb. And yet often there are paragraphs telling the story in great detail (often giving away the ending). But a discussion on the novel is worth its weight in gold. If a reader spoke about their feelings when reading the story; their views on the characters and what they liked and disliked about the story, then I would give five stars for that review.

Here's two reviews that I would give five stars to, even though they are at each end of the spectrum.

4.0 out of 5 stars Totally absorbed by this
ByHullaballooon October 24, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
I like time travel and this one had me trying to find more reading time as the story unfolded. The story started in the 20th century and the author describes the scenes so well, I felt I was there with the hero moving into his new flat. I was soon absorbed in the lives of the characters. A few hints and clues are dropped as the story moves on but the ending still came as a complete surprise. Bit of a shock really. I’m not one for explicitness but much of the gory part goes with the characterisation.

1.0 out of 5 stars Not that good.
Byanon19on September 25, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
* spoiler * Disappointed by the unnecessary degradation of story by torture and rape.