The following is a personal guide for myself on how I will give reviews/star ratings on novels (I will primarily be reviewing Anthropomorphic fiction but may tweak for other genres)

⭐️ (1 star) — Fundamentally Flawed

Amateur or broken prose (clunky, hard to read, riddled with telling).
Anthro identity inconsistent or forgotten (reads like humans in animal masks).
Plot incoherent, no clear hook, characters flat.
Nothing redeeming in craft or execution.

⭐️⭐️ (2 stars) — Weak / Below Average

Some interesting ideas, but poorly executed.
Anthro elements superficial (occasional fur/tail mentions but no cultural depth).
Writing shows effort but feels draft-like (heavy exposition, awkward dialogue).
Plot muddled, hard to care about stakes or characters.
Might be enjoyable in parts, but more frustrating than rewarding.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars) — Competent but Limited

Readable, functional prose, but not memorable.
Anthro presence clear but mostly cosmetic (world still feels human-first).
Characters serviceable, plot fine, but little depth or originality.
Enjoyable enough but doesn’t stand out; often “safe” or shallow.
Leaves you wishing for more ambition and cultural integration.

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 stars) — Good but Held Back (Will rate either 3 star or 4 star based on what ever is closer to how I feel but will start review with star rating if given.

Polished writing, easy to read, above many peers.
Anthro signals consistent (whiskers, tails, claws) but cultural layer thin.
Strong hook or romance beats, but worldbuilding still feels human-centric.
Solid, enjoyable, but not groundbreaking.
“Better than most, but not pushing the genre forward.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars) — Strong / Above Average

Well-crafted, professional prose.
Anthro identity consistent and immersive, though not always fully cultural.
Engaging plot and characters, hooks you and holds attention.
Romance, mystery, or stakes resonate clearly.
Would recommend, but still room to elevate into something unforgettable.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars) — Exceptional / Defining

Masterfully written: prose flows, pacing sharp, immersive from start to finish.
Anthro world is fully realised — culture, instincts, society, and physiology inseparable from the story. Couldn’t exist as a “human story.”
Characters complex, relationships layered, emotions raw and resonant.
Plot ambitious and executed with clarity. Stakes matter on every level.
Redefines expectations for anthro literature — “this is the bar now.”