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A Guide to Book Ratings for Any Book or Genre
How do you rate a book—really?
Some readers break down every detail: plot, pacing, character arcs. Others go purely off vibes. And if you’ve ever been in a book club, you already know… everyone rates differently.
That’s why I created a simple, flexible book rating system you can use across any genre—whether you’re tracking reads solo or running a book club like mine, Double Booked.
Inspired by common BookTok trends and reader habits from favorite book influencers I’ve found, this guide gives you 3 easy rating scales you can mix and match depending on what you read.
1. Universal Book Rating System (Plot & Enjoyment)
Keep it simple. Many users strictly use a star rating for all genres regarding plotline, character development, and enjoyment of a novel. This is the go-to rating you give when asked about a book.
👉 Download your Free Printable Star Rating Guide to track your reads.
- 1 ⭐: Someone else may enjoy this, I am not a fan and it may be a DNF. Would like to get my time back.
- 2 ⭐⭐: I didn’t connect with or may never recommend. Just meh. I may have struggled to finish the book
- 3 ⭐⭐⭐: This book is enjoyable, may be a palate cleanser. Good times were had.
- 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐: Enjoyable from the start. Gave me all the feels and would recommend. Surpassed expectations.
- 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: The story and characters live rent free in my head long after I finished the book. Everyone needs to read this, would reread. Obsessed and highly recommend, book hangover guaranteed.
2. Romance & “Spicy” Book Rating Scale
Romance readers—especially in Romantasy—often want more detail than just stars. Popular series like A Court of Thorns and Roses & Fourth Wing helped bring spice ratings into the mainstream.
This scale helps readers understand exactly what to expect.
👉 Download your Free Printable Spice Rating Guide.
- 1 🌶️: Kisses and sweet things. Lots of tension, angst. Fade to black, closed door.
- 2 🌶️🌶️: Tasteful touches of intimate details, fairly vanilla. Door is ajar.
- 3 🌶️🌶️🌶️: Spice in all the right places. Enhances the plot and character arcs. Think Hallmark after dark.
- 4 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️: Lots of sexy time. Multiple detailed scenes throughout, a few kinks. Will come with trigger warnings. I clutched my pearls, do not want to read in public. Plot = spice.
- 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️: Things happened in here that I didn’t know existed. Pure smut, heavy and dark themes, loaded with kinks. Comes with trigger and heavy content warnings. Spice > Plot.
See the Book Club Book Tasting Party hosting post, and For Grits & Shins Events & Hosting, Book Club or Double Booked club pages for more information about book club events and activities!
3. Horror & Suspense Rating Scale
Horror hits differently for everyone.
What’s mildly creepy to one reader might be nightmare fuel for another—so a fear-based rating system helps set expectations.
👉 Download your Free Printable Horror Rating Guide.
- 1 🩸: Scary and creepy, dipping your toes into the horror realm with tension and may include supernatural content.
- 2 🩸🩸: Excellent atmosphere and horror elements that made me keep my nightlight on. Unexplained sounds and descriptions that made me jump.
- 3 🩸🩸🩸: I checked under the bed and may not be able to be in the house alone while reading.
- 4 🩸🩸🩸🩸: Full body chills. I left my bedroom light on. May be dark psychological and left me questioning my reality. Scenes will be graphic and detailed.
- 5 🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸: Frightening doesn’t just describe it. I felt it. Unsettling and disturbing. Generally includes extreme gore and violence, triggering content. Strong stomach suggested.
Find more party and event resources on the FG&S Digital Designs or Downloads & Printables page!
Get all 3 Book Rating System Scales in 1 Document HERE.
You don’t have to pick just one.
✔ Use stars for overall enjoyment
✔ Add spice ratings for romance
✔ Include horror scale for thrillers
This creates a multi-dimensional review system that’s:
- Perfect for tracking your reading habits
- More helpful for other readers
- More engaging for book clubs
Final Takeaway
There’s no single “right” way to rate a book—but having a clear system makes your reading experience more meaningful.
Whether you’re tracking your own reads or leading a book club, these rating scales help you go beyond “I liked it”…
…and actually explain why.
NOTE: If you download a resource from my For Grits & Shins website, they are for your PERSONAL use only. You may not resell any of my original documents or designs, even with modifications of my content. All SVG downloads are digital, no physical item is available.
