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Not gonna even engage with that L*cus M*g review. Rather, I'll point you to Foz's excellent unpacking of that here: https://fozmeadows.wordpress.com/2021/02/10/sequel-rights-a-review-of-locus-reviews/
In addition, here is why such poor reviewing approaches hurt authors from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups even more:
In addition, here is why such poor reviewing approaches hurt authors from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups even more:
1. When one says "I barely understood what was going on," for us it often means, "Much of what you're drawing on for influence in building this world is so unfamiliar to me, and I simply can't be arsed to do the work required. Which means your book is bad and I'm gonna pass."
Perhaps one has often jumped into a middle book for series like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings and ridden the wave of understanding. Good for one. But did one consider that maybe this is because they're based on cultures that are dominant in literature/media? Eh, compadre?
Thinking one can just as easily jump into the middle book of a trilogy set in a secondary world inspired by pre-colonial Phillippines, without putting in some extra work before, during and after reading, is simply absurd.
One knows the world does not revolve around one, right?
One knows the world does not revolve around one, right?
2. And here's the multiplier: Reviews like this make interested readers think this disorientation is the *author's* failing, when in truth, it's all on the reviewer.
(If there are readers who actually think it's the author's fault still, they can kindly take a seat in the back.)
(If there are readers who actually think it's the author's fault still, they can kindly take a seat in the back.)
And you know what gets affected by readers opting out of reading a book because they fear it will be a gruelling time-suck?
SALES. Cha-ching!
And you know what gets affected by sales? The author's ability to get their next book through the doors at Big Publishing.
SALES. Cha-ching!
And you know what gets affected by sales? The author's ability to get their next book through the doors at Big Publishing.
To the uppers, "you didn't sell enough" is often translated into "no one wants to buy books by people like you." And then round and round we go on this carousel of diversity or the lack of it in publishing.
Seems dramatic? Think how many are victims of this. Think how often.
Seems dramatic? Think how many are victims of this. Think how often.
It is not just a one-time, harmless mistake. There's an author on the other end with the potential to suffer from such poor judgment demonstrated by a few hands at an influential industry venue.
If that isn't called out--as I'm glad we have today--imagine the damage it could do.
If that isn't called out--as I'm glad we have today--imagine the damage it could do.
Anyway, you know what we must all now do, right? Buy THE IKESSAR FALCON, is what. https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/k-s-villoso/the-ikessar-falcon/9780316532716/
