To see how the reviews differ in content and form, two reviews from each star rating were selected between 2011 and 2022. The reviews show a clear shift in how The Distant Hours has been discussed over time. Early reviews (2011–2013) are longer and more analytical, focusing on literary discussion, narrative structure, pacing and characterisation. They often resemble traditional book reviews, with a formal tone and detailed evaluation of the text. For example, reviews by Cryssa (2011) and Veronica (2011) critically examine the writing style and story development. In contrast, later reviews (2016–2022) are shorter, more conversational and emotionally driven. They focus more on personal reading experience, often using informal language and humour.

To see how the platform shapes the form of a review, it can also be compared with Lee Peoples’ 2012 review in Agenda Magazine. Published in an online magazine rather than a reader-driven platform, the review follows a more structured format, with detailed discussion of the novel’s themes, writing and Gothic genre. Phrases such as ‘historical fiction in true gothic style’ and ‘replete with all of the elements of the genre’ reflect its descriptive and evaluative approach, following the conventions of traditional book reviewing.

The function of reviews

Goodreads has no formal editorial gatekeeping or fixed critical standards, meaning that anyone can contribute regardless of expertise. The comment sections demonstrate that readers are often guided by others’ opinions in deciding whether to read or not read a book. This can include choosing to abandon a book, known as ‘Did Not Finish’ (DNF), or adding it to their Goodreads ‘To Be Read’ (TBR) list.

Some examples of responses to the reviews are:

• ‘Thanks for saving me a few bucks.’

• ‘Your review gives me the courage to DNF.’

• ‘By your review, this book sounds like one I must add to my TBR list.’

A high volume of reviews and visible star ratings creates a sense of legitimacy that can increase readership, while negative may discourage engagement. Research by Maity et al. shows that user engagement behaviours on Goodreads, such as tracking reading activity and social interaction, can predict a book’s success as a bestseller more effectively than ratings alone. Additionally, algorithms on the platform help organise and rank books based on user activity.

A key limitation of Goodreads reviews is that they are not based only on the text itself, but are often influenced by external factors such as the author’s reputation and social perception. For instance, a sudden reputational change involving physician and author Peter Attia significantly altered ratings of Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity, even though the book itself did not change, with average ratings dropping from 4.18 to 2.54 and a sharp rise in one-star reviews. Goodreads functions as an interactive space where opinions are influenced by shifting perceptions and promotional factors.

BookTok and the changing form of book reviews

Book reviews have changed not only in their traditional structure, but also in the way they are presented to audiences. BookTok, an online community on TikTok centred around books and reading, uses short-form videos to combine book discussion with personal reactions, opinions and recommendations

Personal and emotional reactions

Luke Bateman’s TikTok account (@lukesreads) offers an insight into examining how the book review has been reshaped through BookTok culture. Bateman’s reviews on TikTok are usually 1.5–2.5 minutes long and his reviews span all genres of fiction. Across a sample of 11 review videos, Bateman’s content demonstrates how contemporary reviewing on TikTok differs from traditional book reviews in tone, structure and performance. As one of the most popular Australian BookTok influencers, his relatable and affective reviews reflect a broader shift in digital book reviewing culture. His videos frequently begin with a reflection on how the book impacted him emotionally, not with a synopsis or analysis. Bateman’s review of Heated Rivalry is initially autobiographical, expressing, ‘as an ex-athlete, it brought up a lot of frustration in me.’ His emotional responsiveness is common across BookTok, positioning the review as a dialogue between text and reader identity. Similarly, in discussing The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, he states that ‘when you read a story, you don’t experience a story as it is, you experience it as you are’. His commentary suggests that meaning is generated through subjective encounter rather than objective interpretation.

Informal, expressive and conversational

Bateman uses conversational videos that are typically filmed in informal settings such as a car, sitting in front of a bookshelf or while holding the phone in selfie mode—which reflects the lively nature of TikTok. All his videos are minimally edited, usually consisting of a single take with in-app generated speech-to-text subtitles and an image of the book cover placed on the screen. Reddan argues that this visual informality helps to create intimacy and authenticity, making viewers feel they are receiving recommendations from a trusted friend rather than a distant critic striving for perfection. In reviews such as A Wizard of Earthsea, Bateman’s physical excitement is conveyed by his animated enthusiasm, kicking his feet. Bateman’s language is highly emotive and frequently hyperbolic, used to accentuate his passion for books. Books are often described as ‘remarkable’, ‘unforgettable’ or impossible to ‘put down’. In discussing The Bronze Horseman, Bateman declares that the novel should be placed on an ‘IV drip and hook[ed] into my veins’. Similarly, Bateman describes The Heart’s Invisible Furies as capable of ‘changing your life’, positioning traditional reviewing as comparatively dispassionate and removed—this aligns with TikTok’s algorithm, where enthusiasm and urgency can generate attention and reposts. The top comments on Bateman’s The Bell and the Blade review similarly praise his ‘passion’, with one comment noting his enthusiasm directly contributed to them adding the book to their TBR list.

Flexible review structure

Another recurring feature in Bateman’s reviews is their fluid structure. Across his videos, he typically combines several of the following elements: emotional reacting, plot summarising, commenting on themes, comparing the book to others, and connecting to his personal experience or social commentary that the book evokes. This approach mirrors the conversational style of TikTok more broadly. Bateman reviews commercially successful books and BookTok favourites alongside more critically respected literary works and social commentary texts. On his page, monster-smut Ice Planet Barbarians appears beside critically acclaimed books, such as The Will to Change and The Time Traveler’s Wife. Rather than privileging literary prestige, Bateman judges books according to emotional impact, reader immersion and personal resonance.

He typically shares only books he loves and avoids speaking negatively about texts unnecessarily. Out of Bateman’s 11 reviews examined, only Dragon Haven was notably negative. Luke Bateman’s TikTok reviews illustrate how contemporary book reviewing has evolved through social media platforms. In the digital era, readers increasingly seek critics who appear human, passionate, and personally invested in the books they recommend.

The nature of reader-generated reviews

Both Goodreads and BookTok reviews are driven by subjective reading experience and are increasingly participatory in nature with its peer-driven content. The following features highlight the nature of reader-generated reviews:

• Flexible formats: Reader-generated reviews appear in different forms, including star ratings, comments, short written reviews and short-form videos, making them quick and easy to access

• Direct and expressive opinions: Readers often express explicit and direct opinions about books. This is evident through short and informal comments on Goodreads, as well as Luke Bateman’s emotive language

• Personal responses: Reviews are often shaped by readers’ individual experiences, emotions and preferences, allowing them to share how a book made them feel and whether they enjoyed it. Consequently, it creates a sense of trust and authenticity among the readers, even though they can also be biased and unreliable

• Dynamic responses: Goodreads users can edit or update their reviews as their opinions change or discussions develop. On TikTok, captions can also be edited for up to seven days after posting

• Open participation: Reviews on Goodreads and BookTok are free for the world to participate in and read, while many traditional platforms in Australia often require paid subscriptions. As Kloth notes, traditional publications such as The Sydney Morning Herald, Overland and Australian Book Review require paid subscriptions, which reinforces the institutional gatekeeping

Overall, there has been a shift away from institutional authority in book reviewing for everyday readers, as traditional critical authority is increasingly challenged by participatory reader-generated forms of evaluation. These reviews also have varying impacts on readers and the publishing industry, influencing purchasing decisions and book sales.

Book review engagement survey

The following survey provides insight into how Australian student readers aged 18–30 engage with and respond to contemporary book reviews. Although the survey had a relatively small sample of 35 respondents, the findings provide useful insight into the preferences and behaviours of young readers.

• Book reviews have a moderate influence on purchasing decisions. Although book reviews are generally considered influential, they are not the major deciding factor