Please keep in mind these examples and ratings are completely subjective and are meant as general guidelines concerning how our reviews will be based.

10 One of the best books I have ever read
This is a complex, well rounded work that is re-readable, and is thoroughly engrossing. It is an important work–a classic in its own right or a classic in it’s genre–without any perceptible flaws.

Examples:
Thea’s: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, The Lord of the Rings, Gone With the Wind
Ana’s: The Sandman series, Gone with the Wind, The Lord of the Rings, Siddhartha, The Wuthering Heights , Lord of Scoundrels

9 Damn near perfection
A very well-rounded work, with exceptional characters/plot/style. Not quite a perfect 10, but damn close.

Examples:
Thea’s: The Gunslinger, Kushiel’s Avatar, Outlander
Ana’s : The Shadow of the Wind, The Spymaster’s Lady, The Woman in White

8 Excellent
An excellent literary work with solid execution of themes/plot, and is highly entertaining. Memorable, above-par book.

Examples:
Thea’s: Hyperion, Across the Nightingale Floor, House of Leaves
Ana’s: A Kingdom of Dreams, Stardust, The Physician

7 Very good
Highly recommended book that is entertaining, well paced, and enjoyable. While it has some flaws that cannot be overlooked, the story still works.

Examples:
Thea’s: Ill Wind, Song of Kali, Twilight
Ana’s : The Alchemist, The Duke and I, Perfume

6 Good, recommend with reservations
Above average, but nothing to write home about. This book is enjoyable and works as a whole, but is lacking that special oomph. Recommended, but only if there isn’t anything else available. Typical mindless entertainment.

Examples:
Thea’s : Guilty Pleasures, The Decoy Princess, Poison Study
Ana’s : The Da Vinci Code, The Eight, The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever

5 Meh, take it or leave it
This book is average at best, suffering from banal writing and or plotting. Not bad, but not memorable. As the ranking says, take it or leave it.

Examples:
Thea’s: Cast In Shadow, When Demons Walk, The Ruins
Ana’s: Labyrinth, The Firm, the Raven Prince

4 Bad, but not without some merit
A work that is by all standards sub-par and lacking in all departments, yet still has some redeeming qualities that save it from being a complete disaster.

Examples:
Thea’s: Simply Love, Black Jewels Trilogy, Rhapsody
Ana’s: The Historian, The Five People you meet in heaven

3 Horrible, barely readable
A book that could be muscled through for the sake of saying you finished it, but has few redeeming qualities. This book suffers huge problems, and is almost embarrassing to read.

Examples:
Thea’s: A Hunger Like No Other, The Da Vinci Code, Scarlett: The Sequel to Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind
Ana’s : The Catcher in the Rye and One Hundred Years of Solitude, two of the most overratted books of all time, IMO

2 Complete waste of time
A work that is utterly useless in every possible way. Major plot holes, bad writing, and cardboard characterizations are key traits. A book that has no payoff, and is just a step above complete crap.

Examples:
Thea’s: The Rising, Men are from Mars Women are from Venus, Mission Earth
Ana’s: Scarlett: The Sequel to Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind

1 One of the worst books I have ever read; I want my money (and a few hours of my life) back
What else can you say? A book that is complete and utter crap with absolutely no redeeming qualities.

Examples:
Thea’s: Noughts and Crosses, Mein Kampf
Ana’s: Noughts and Crosses, The Celestine Prophecy: An Adventure