A Big Thanks to the Unsung Heroes: Thoughtful Reviewers!

Today, I’d like to give a big thanks to some folks who are a huge help to both readers and authors alike.
Everyone, let’s have a big round of applause for… reviewers!

From the casual reader who takes the time to write a few sentences about what they liked or didn’t, to the professional bloggers who create beautiful in-depth evaluations of books, you guys contribute more than you probably realize.

For the readers, they’re a huge help in deciding which books to read. Yes, there’s the blurb and cover. There are star ratings. But books can be very subjective. One person’s treasure is another’s trash, and an in-depth review can help readers decide if a book is right for them. After all, reading a book cover to cover can be a significant investment of time.

And for authors… well, there’s a common expression, ‘reviews are not for authors.’ Which is true, but, they can be valuable and motivating. For me personally, sure, sales are good. As are good star ratings. But even a simple review that lets me know somebody out there ‘got’ what I was trying to do can be a real boost. It might be a theme I was trying to convey—the value of trust or friendship. It might be a tone I was trying to achieve. Or a way I was trying to portray a certain character. Regardless of the specifics, I can’t tell you how often I’ve read a passage in a review and done a fist pump, thrilled that someone out there understood what I was trying to do.

So here are a few review quotes that really got my attention. And once again, a huge thanks to everybody who has taken the time to share their thoughts. I’ve linked to their blogs, so why not have a look at some of the other reviews they did. You might find your next amazing read. [Note, some are edited for length].

“You’re in for a treat. Arvia: Heart of the Sky is a fun and playful book, with a subtle look at different relationship dynamics hiding beneath harpy-sized charm.”
_{-Witty & Sarcastic Bookclub Blog}

“Despite the darker stuff that happens in the story, the book is filled with lots of good humour and lovely moments throughout, and you can’t help but smile especially at some of the naive things Rinloh says or thinks.”
_{-The Strawberry Post Blog}

“I smiled all the way as it was so witty and lighthearted. This fits the general feel of the series overall; charming, witty and lighthearted. The story is heartwarming even when the characters are in over their heads fighting scary monsters.”
_{-Inishowen Cailín Blog}

“Willison populates Arvia with quirky creatures that do not follow the standard monster tropes. A troll who loves to explore and meet new people. An ogre who is very friendly, though quite willing to smash people who need smashing. A naga whose primary interest is seeing his daughter make her way among humans. And a harpy who loves to kiss her human, although her mouth is large enough she can more easily eat him than smooch him. If you are ready to take a deep breath and enter a world full of friendly monsters and often unfriendly humans, if you are ready to take flight with improbable friendships and impossible romances, then Arvia: Wings of the Wild is ready for you.”
_{-Scintilla Book Blog}

“It’s great to see a protagonist in a fantasy in the form of Darin who is basically the most average, weak, and insignificant guy in existence rather than your usual super amazing fighter and chosen one etc etc that basically every other fantasy book in the world has.”
_{-TheBookDude’s review (Goodreads)}

“Their bond is the centerpiece that appealed to me in Tales of Arvia. It’s a wholesome story/series that really emphasizes the romantic bond between two characters and them being mutually supportive of one another. Rinloh was the stronger of the pair, but without going overboard with the dom aspect in a sexual way, while Darin, though physically weaker highlighted other aspects those around him respected. He was always willing to put his better foot forward, contribute what little he could and throw down what few cards he has when Rinloh, or anyone really, needs him.”
_{-Reddit review of Tales of Arvia}