Before I begin my post, I want to add a few disclaimers. It's okay that our opinions differ. Just because I share my thoughts does not invalidate your feelings, and I want to assure you that I am not attacking you as a person for my thoughts on this particular thing. You are a valid person, you matter, and that enjoyment you felt when reading is real, and you shouldn't let some internet rando take away the joy you experienced.

Disappointment over one-star reviews on a beloved book can be disheartening, but it’s important to remember that not everyone shares the same tastes or perspectives. What you love about the book—whether it’s the characters, the world-building, or the emotional impact—might resonate deeply with you, but those things can be highly subjective. Everyone brings their personal experiences and preferences into how they interpret stories. What may be a powerful, life-changing read for you might not connect with someone else, and that’s okay. It doesn’t diminish your connection to the book or its value in your life.

Negative reviews often say more about the reviewer’s expectations or biases than about the actual quality of the book. Sometimes people might rate a book poorly because it didn’t fit a particular genre they expected or because they didn’t agree with certain themes. But that doesn’t mean the book itself lacks merit. If you look at most well-loved books, many of them also have one-star reviews. Even timeless classics aren’t immune to criticism. Understanding this can help you see that the book’s worth isn’t defined by everyone liking it but by the experience it offers to those who do.

In dealing with the sting of negative reviews, focus on what the book meant to you. Revisit the passages or moments that made you fall in love with it in the first place. Books have the ability to create deep emotional connections, often speaking to us in ways that go beyond logic or consensus opinion. If this particular book brought you comfort, joy, or new perspectives, those are the things that matter most. Its impact on your life isn’t undone by someone else’s critique.

It might also help to seek out positive reviews and communities of fans who feel the same way you do about the book. Many books, even with polarizing reviews, have strong, supportive fan bases. Engaging with others who share your love for the book can reaffirm your feelings and remind you that you're not alone in your admiration. Sometimes, one-star reviews simply reflect a difference in perspective, not an actual flaw in the work itself.

Finally, learning to navigate negative reviews can actually help you grow as a reader. It can teach you that art and storytelling are inherently subjective and that there’s beauty in the fact that different books connect with different people. Instead of feeling disappointed, try to appreciate how diverse literary tastes are and how special it is when a book truly resonates with you. In the end, the relationship you have with the book is what truly matters—not the opinions of others.

Now that that disclaimer has been said.

I did not care for the Kingkiller Chronicles.