Work is reviewed by Foes of Reality using the following criteria, in varying proportions and at the discretion of the reviewer, along with any additional thoughts or observations that the reviewer wishes to include:

Plot

For rating purposes, “plot” refers to the primary and secondary story arcs that take readers on a narrative journey. Plot includes the layering of subplots that add interest, variety, and complexity to that journey.

Character

Characters are evaluated in terms of development, growth, reader identification, consistency, believability, and depth.

Vision

Vision covers the ideas within a novel that differentiate it stylistically, philosophically or otherwise set it apart from other works in the genre specifically and other writers generally. Vision also includes the overall originality of a novel’s themes and execution.

Mechanics

A work’s technical qualities help define its unique authorial voice and style. An evaluation of a novel’s mechanics includes but is not limited to grammar usage, point of view, use of symbolism, consistency in tone and character voice, and proportion of dialogue, exposition, and descriptive detail.

Enjoyment

Technically brilliant work doesn’t necessarily equate with good story telling or a fun read any more than imperfect work spells disaster. We strive for objectivity as reviewers, but we also like what we like, warts and all. We reserve the right to express as much in our reviews.