![]() ![]() ![]() I try to be spoiler free as much as possible because I want the reader to experience the twists and turns for themselves. But he was fooling himself, and I loved his character journey as all his delusions were stripped away. Recently, I read City of Last Chances by Adrian Tchaikovsky, and my favourite character was a university lecturer who thought he was so clever and indispensable. I also like to mention my favourite part or character of the book because that will have elevated the book beyond the others I’ve read. I like to mention any running themes, especially if they relate to current issues in the news or are picked up in other books I’ve read. SD: For me, a great review goes beyond a rewording of the blurb. ToW: There are all sorts of ways to write a book review, but for you personally what makes a great review and what are you aiming for with your own reviews? I also read and loved Under Fortunate Stars and Equinox – fantastic books! Kingfisher’s Nettle & Bone to look forward to. For Christmas, I have Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao and T. This summer, I read Ren Hutching’s Under Fortunate Stars and Equinox by David Towsey based on reviews sent through. These books have caught my eye over the year, and I would have read them if someone else hadn’t requested them. However, I have a little stash of books for pleasure that I add to throughout the year to read over my summer and Christmas holidays. I juggle a full-time job and managing a house with reviewing, so, at the moment, I’m only reading review books. Unless there’s something from Adrian Tchaikovsky or about zombies or xenomorphs, in which case, they’re mine! I always let the other reviewers choose first then I pick from what’s left. There are so many great books coming through that I must be selective. SD: All the books for the BFS to review come to me, so I choose from those. ![]() ToW: How do you choose what to review? Do you write about everything you read, or do you have a decision-making process for which books you’re going to cover? It kept me sane during the lockdowns and has given me the opportunity to read things I would never have picked up by myself. I wasn’t expecting to get the position, but my philosophy is if I don’t ask, then I’ll never get it, and here I am 3 years later. The BFS Reviews Editor before me, Phil, put a tweet out for reviewers, and I thought, why not? I did that for about two years, and then Phil stepped down and asked for volunteers to replace him. SD: Like most things in my life, I saw an opportunity and took a chance. ToW: How did you get into reviewing in the first place? As someone who wants to be scared, not every book I read will hit those criteria, but that doesn’t stop me from appreciating the story and the work that’s gone into creating it. Whenever I review something, I look beyond my personal opinion, although that is an important part of a review. I have been reviewing for about 6 years (has it really been that long?!), and I am a sucker for anything that says zombie or xenomorph. Having the Kindle app and ePub on my phone has been revolutionary for my poor shoulders because I don’t need to have a physical book on me. I’ve been reading for as long as I can remember and there was always a book in my bag, you never know when you’ll have some free time for a quick read. Sarah Deeming: Hi, I’m Sarah, and I am the Reviews Editor for the British Fantasy Society. Track of Words: To begin with, tell us a bit about yourself as a reader, and as a reviewer. Whether you’re interested in the life of a reviewer, what’s involved in organising reviews for the BFS website, the indie publishing community, or you’re just on the lookout for recommendations of great SFF novels and graphic novels (aren’t we all?), this interview has got you covered! So without further ado, let’s get on with it. If you’re not already following the BFS reviews, head over to the website and check it out – there’s loads of good stuff there. Hello and welcome to Track of Words for this SFF Community Spotlight interview, where I’m thrilled to be chatting to Sarah Deeming, Reviews Editor for the British Fantasy Society! In this ongoing series of interviews I’m celebrating and promoting the work of the bloggers and reviewers who put so much time and effort into making the science fiction and fantasy book community such a great place, and I was really keen to talk to Sarah as both a reviewer herself and the person in charge of reviews at the BFS.
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