My system for rating books has been based on reread ability and whether I would want that book in my personal library. I'm not a collector so I wouldn't want to buy a book to put it on my shelf and never open it. This is the system I used to help me rate books. (This is literally how I journalled it so I am aware it isn't perfect, just thoughts on paper.) 1⭐will not read again/wish I never did, not a single good thing/only complaints 2⭐will not read again and complaints 3⭐enjoyed BUT...I won't read again 4⭐will read again BUT...complaints 5⭐will read again/wouldn't change anything This rating system worked fine but I've noticed, looking at my past reads, it might as well be 👍or 👎. I found myself giving 5 stars to books that I know for a fact I will never be picking up again and unsatisfied putting 5 stars next to a life changing book that I ponder on weekly. I journaled on 5 points that I find myself thinking about most often when I finish a soul book or a "6⭐ book." • World building/systems/consistency • Portrayal of Characters/experiences • Lingering effect/ponder/dreams • Retell ability/recall characters • Real World Parallels/deja vu I want to write better reviews for 2026, and I think either combining these systems or committing to the second can help me do that. How do you rate your books? What makes you ponder?

"This tea, for instance, poured over ice—a classic Fox drink, celebrating the mix of opposites. Warm and cool. Sweet and fresh. Each mouthful different from the last, reminding the drinker to savour every shifting, fleeting moment." I love that we are getting to know each of the Guardians through the trials. The foxes are probably my favourites so far, and I really appreciate the effort that went into creating this complex class system. I keep wondering what Guardian I would affiliate with, I guess it's too early to say. Who would you choose?