Review Policy

I’m currently accepting any review requests!

Please note: After an odd influx of emails, I can’t believe I have to say this but I will not accept or read any book that has generative AI content (within the content of the book and the marketing content – including the cover and promotional items) 

Also, if you add me to a mailing list that I did not agree to, you will be blocked! These emails flood my inbox and make it difficult to sort through requests!

Formats I accept

• digital (epub/mobi)

Genres

I accept the following genres for review:

• Contemporary
• Fairy tale/myth/ historical retellings
• Fantasy
• Science Fiction
• Horror
• Non-fiction (on any topic!)
• Graphic novels (manga, manhwa, manhua etc)

I’m actually not a picky person when it comes to reading books. My way of choosing books is basically: if it sounds good, then I’ll try it out.

However, I am NOT accepting books in the following genres:

• Biographies/memoirs
• Erotica

Accepting Books

If I accept a book for review, that will most likely guarantee a review. (I will usually reply to your email when I accept the request) I will make every effort to read and review in a good time and with regard to release dates. I prefer to receive a book 3-4 months prior to when you would like the review posted if you want it reviewed by a specific time. Otherwise, I’ll read it within the month and have a review posted in the next.

I especially encourage writers of diverse fiction to feel more than free to contact me. I want to make a better effort to read books with PoC/disabled and LGBTQ+ protagonists, as well as books by other #OwnVoices authors.

Reviews

I will write a review for almost every book I finish. All reviews are posted on Goodreads. By sending a review request to me, you are acknowledging that a review may be negative. Of course, I’m no professional, just a person who likes to write.

Personally, I don’t like to put a book down as ‘DNF’, especially when it’s an ARC. Only in extreme cases will I ever put a book down as DNF and will state why I did not finish the book, what page I read up to, and if I plan on finishing the book

Star Rating:

I use the Goodreads star rating. Goodreads uses a 5 star rating system however I’ve tweaked the definitions slightly:

1 star – I hated it

2 stars – I didn’t like it – may have 1 redeeming quality (writing style, a certain character, etc).

3 stars – I enjoyed it.

4 stars – really liked it, it has at least a couple interesting qualities.

5 stars – I loved it! Maybe a new favourite! Only a few, if any, minor limitations noted.

All reviews are cross-posted to multiple websites, these include Goodreads, and Amazon, and this blog.

Are you open for anything else?

I’m more than happy to host author interviews and other promotional events, but sometimes may have to decline due to lack of time.

• author interviews: typically I only interview authors that I’m familiar with.
• giveaways: I will only post a giveaway of a book I have read or am anticipating to read!
• blog tours: Like with giveaways, I have to have interest in the book being promoted.

CONTACT

I can be contacted for reviews or questions at requests@zaheerahkhalik.com

On Goodreads, I review under the name Zaheerah

I no longer actively use Twitter but you can also see me on Twitch where I stream in the evening (UK time) most days!

If you have followed my guidelines and you have NOT heard from me, I apologise but sometimes I don’t respond to every request. But I’m very honoured you want me to read your book. I’m not paid to blog or review books. I think anyone wishes they were, but I’m not. Just a girl who loves to talk about the books I’m passionate about.

THANK YOU!