Review Policy

If you're interested in sending me a review copy of your book (or audio-book), I'm happy to hear from you. Email me at asilverthistle(AT)gmail(DOT)com

I am currently open to receiving requests to review but please bear in mind that I try to be selective to ensure that each book I read and review receives the necessary time and attention it deserves. If I don’t think I’m going to like a book I will most likely decline your request. Please don't be offended, better to find someone who will love your book than to have it accepted by someone who may not appreciate it. I have no problem with self published/indy authors and this will never be a factor in deciding whether I choose to review or not. It's the story I'm interested in, not how it has been published. I also have no objection to older publications. It's unimportant to me whether the book was published last week, last year or even the beginning of the last millennium. Old or new, I'll consider it all.

I am most likely to snap up your request if your book fits into the following categories (in no particular order):

Speculative Fiction: (YA, Adult) -- I enjoy science fiction and fantasy. I especially enjoy dystopian and apocalyptic fiction. I am also very partial to time travel and alternate realities.

Historical Fiction (Adult, YA) -- I enjoy historical fiction. These can be romances, fantasies, mysteries or a combination of all of these. Some time periods I enjoy more than others. Anything before the 20th century is preferred and if it's before the 19th century, that's even better. I also have a soft spot for ancient history and prehistoric time frames.

Supernatural/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy -- Vampires, werewolves, ghosts, demons, angels and fae (and everything in between) all thrill me.

A mixture of any combination of the above is also intriguing to me.

I may, on occassion and on a case by case basis, accept the following:

Short Story Collections -- I usually prefer stories to have more meat on their bones and am usually left unsatisfied by a short story. I have found a few authors that can write really great short stories though and I'm sure there are others out there for me to discover.

Genre's I am most likely to refuse are listed below, although if they cross-over with any of the above categories then perhaps I'd enjoy them... I'm not opposed to these genres, they're just not my go-to categories and they take me out of my comfort zone.

Contemporary Fiction, Sports fiction, Chick Lit, Mysteries, Horror, Thrillers, biographies and/or suspense.

Non fiction is dependant upon subject and just too varied to categorise so file it under 'ask and see'. If it's craft related then it jumps up to the 'hmmm, sounds interesting' section.

Categories which I can almost guarantee to NOT choose as reading material are as follows:
Self-help books, Finance, Business, Economics, Technical, Christian fiction, Erotica, Memoirs, Fashion or Politics.

I also prefer to NOT read in e-format. Reason? I do not have a portable ereader. Being limited to only reading while sitting in front of my computer screen is not condusive to me being able to lose myself in the pages and/or enjoying the story. Reading from a screen seems very impersonal and clinical to me and is also very hard on my ageing eyesight.


Publishers, authors, etc.:

You should know several things before you contact me:

1) I do not guarantee a review of your book. I am just agreeing to consider it for review.
2) You can expect honesty. My reviews are my own personal opinions so they will be subjective. If I love a book I will say why, equally if I'm not fond of a particular book then I will give reasons. Not all books are guaranteed a positive review.
3) I can not guarantee that I will get to your book immediately. I can't promise to get to your book within a given time frame. If you have a deadline in mind, please mention it as it may affect the decision to review.
4)I usually cross-post my reviews on Amazon.co.uk, goodreads and very occasionally on LibraryThing. If there is anywhere else you’d like my review posted please let me know in advance and I’ll consider it.
5)Your ARCs are safe with me – I will not sell them! However, I may from time to time pass on a book to other bloggers who I think might enjoy it and/or review it. If this is disagreeable to you, please get in touch talk things through.

And finally, if you have any interest in author interviews/guest blog posts/blog tours here at The Bookshelf Chronicles, you know the drill... communication is key!

For any other questions or concerns, reach me at:

asilverthistle(AT)gmail(DOT)com