Obviously it is gratifying to see my books being appreciated by reviewers on Amazon and in other places where they are sold. However, I get a similar, arguably masochistic pleasure from bad reviews. In that spirit, here are excerpts from my favourite good, bad, and ugly reader reviews on my most popular novel, Children of the Folded Valley.

Good (I’m pleased to report the overwhelming majority of reviews are positive)

“I don’t usually leave reviews but I felt so strongly about encouraging people to read this fantastic book. It had me captured from start to finish. At one stage in the book I actually thought it was a true story.” – Paul, Amazon.

“The use of re-written religious doctrine to control, govern and frighten is particularly chilling… Full marks to Simon Dillon for this creative and highly readable novel.” – Around Robin, Amazon.

“Really well written, well thought through, compassionate… Full of empathy.” – Over, Amazon.

“So well written, you could believe it was a memoir.” – Shelley, Amazon.

“A perturbing and very original story… The ending is magnificent.” – Joan, Goodreads.

Bad (Ouch…)

“I nearly gave up several times but skimmed the last few chapters so I could find out how it ended, which in retrospect was not worth it. Although there were a few plot holes, it could have been a good story if someone more talented had written it. Disappointing.” – Amazon Customer.

“The basic idea is great, with huge potential that is not fulfilled. The writing is anodyne, the characterisation and narrative unconvincing. Shame – it could have been really intriguing.” – Hard-marker, Amazon.

“An idea that could have been extremely interesting deep-sixed by incredibly dull writing… Sorry, but just being able to put sentences together grammatically isn’t enough for a novel.” – Catana, Amazon.

Ugly (I actually rather like these)

“Saying I enjoyed this book would be wrong. I found it disturbing, distasteful and fascinating all at the same time. This is the first book I have read about cults such as this and although it is a work of fiction the content is all too real. Read it if you will but to me there is enough sickness in the world without reading fictional tales of it.” – Valueformoney, Amazon.

“I generally review only the books that I really love or hate passionately. I neither hate nor love the book, it has its flaws, but the story has stuck with me. This is a good, original story. The concept and characters are engaging and appealing. There are places where the writing gets a little thin, but I hope to see many more books by this author. It has a happy ending, of sorts, and yet left me profoundly depressed. I think it was that the author hit it right on the head; even in a perfect paradise, people are going to be perfect s***s to each other, given half a chance. Even so I recommend it.” – David MacGuire, Amazon.

Check out Children of the Folded Valley for yourself here. And don’t forget to leave me a review – good, bad or ugly.