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I was wondering if there were any websites out there where professional critics post their opinions on books? I want to get back into reading epic fantasy novels like I did as a kid, but I would rather get a good idea on if what I am about to read is worth reading.
I was wondering if there were any websites out there where professional critics post their opinions on books? I want to get back into reading epic fantasy novels like I did as a kid, but I would rather get a good idea on if what I am about to read is worth reading.
Well, you could just ask us. Over many years of bookselling, I've found that no two people like the same types of books. All I can recommend is to try them.
Years ago, when my favorite authors were in a publishing lull, I found a list of all the Hugo and Nebula award winners. I started to work my way through those and found a lot of new (to me) authors. Some were still outstanding, some SF titles haven't stood the test-of-time well. But all still great reads.
Fantasy I've read in the last year or so, and some of my favorites, no particular order:
The Magicians by Lev Grossman
The Name of the Wind, A Wise Man's Fear - Patrick Rothfuss
The Curse of Chalion, Paladin of Souls, The Hallowed Hunt - Lois McMaster Bujold
The Blade Itself, Before They are Hanged, Last Argument of Kings - Joe Abercrombie
Game of Thrones (Song of Ice and Fire series) - George R.R. Martin
I don't know about professional critics - they're often paid off to write positive reviews. There are plenty of blogs out there with comprehensive, honest reviews though.
I was wondering if there were any websites out there where professional critics post their opinions on books? I want to get back into reading epic fantasy novels like I did as a kid, but I would rather get a good idea on if what I am about to read is worth reading.
Yeah, I love Rotten Tomatoes for movie reviews.
The closest thing to it I've found for books is Amazon.com. When you get to their start-up page just click on the "Books" section and then enter a book title. You will then get a page which will have critical reviews as well as "user reviews." The user reviews are much more plentiful on this site, and they work on a four-star type of rating, where readers can write their own review and then select how many stars to give a book. I have found this site to be very helpful in assisting me choosing a book I will enjoy. It's also fun to go to the site after you read the book and see how many people agree/disagree with you.
Not that I know of. It's a good idea. Unfortunately, there are mostly just sites where ordinary people post opinions, and I don't usually take book recommendations from strangers.
For a long time, I've been wanting to spend some time researching for a seriously dedicated book website. Maybe if one exists, it might collect links to major reviews.
You can also go to goodreads.com for reviews. I go there, as well as amazon.com
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Over many years of bookselling, I've found that no two people like the same types of books. All I can recommend is to try them. 
