Concern About Possible Goodreads Review Bombing Across Seven Books > Likes and Comments

I'm an independent science-fiction author, and I'd like to raise a serious concern about what appears to be possible targeted rating manipulation on Goodreads.

I've spent decades writing *The Ocoda Chronicles*, an eight-book science-fiction series. My first novel, *Paladin*, was published in 2010.

Recently, I discovered unexplained one-star ratings across seven of my eight published books. This followed an earlier incident in which a Goodreads member repeatedly posted one-star reviews criticizing my use of AI-generated cover artwork rather than discussing the books themselves.

I previously reported those reviews, and at least one was successfully removed.

I kept screenshots of that member's Goodreads rating history, and the changes are concerning.

**Earlier account statistics:**
- 355 total ratings
- 252 one-star ratings
- 293 written reviews

**Current account statistics:**
- 569 total ratings
- 463 one-star ratings
- 504 written reviews

That's an increase of **214 ratings, of which 211 were one star — approximately 98.6%.**

I fully understand that readers have every right to dislike a book. I have no objection to legitimate one-star reviews or honest criticism of my writing.

However, I question whether ratings based solely on objections to cover artwork, rather than the books' contents, should be allowed to affect an author's reputation.

For additional context, *Paladin* recently received a 2026 International Firebird Book Award in Multicultural Fiction and a five-star editorial review from Literary Titan.

These recognitions certainly don't mean every reader must enjoy my books. But the sudden appearance of one-star ratings across almost my entire series, combined with the previous cover-related criticism, makes me concerned about possible retaliation.

I cannot prove that the same individual submitted these new ratings. That's precisely why I believe Goodreads should investigate.

I have screenshots documenting the account statistics and the earlier activity.

**My question to other Goodreads members and authors is this: Have you encountered similar patterns of suspected rating manipulation, and has Goodreads successfully investigated them?**

I believe the integrity of Goodreads' rating system matters to readers and authors alike.

Daniel O'Connell
Author, *The Ocoda Chronicles*

These probably aren't readers if there is no review people just hating your choice to use AI in your books.

Thank you, Laura. That's exactly what concerns me.

I have no objection to someone giving my books a negative review after reading them. That's part of being an author.

What troubles me is the possibility that people are rating the books solely because they object to AI-generated cover artwork, without ever reading the stories.

I began developing The Ocoda Chronicles in 1979, and the first book was published in 2010. These are stories I've spent decades writing myself. The AI-generated artwork is simply part of how I've chosen to illustrate and promote them.

I can't prove who submitted these recent ratings, but the earlier incident and the pattern across seven books are why I've asked Goodreads to investigate.

I appreciate you taking the time to respond.