Founded in 1933, Kirkus has been a trusted voice in book discovery for almost 80 years. Kirkus Reviews gives industry professionals a sneak peek at the most notable books being published weeks before they’re released. Kirkus also has a full suite of author services, including Kirkus Indie, a review service for self-publishers, Kirkus Editorial, book editing services for unpublished and self-published authors, and Kirkus Marketing, services that help authors get discovered by consumers as well as industry influencers, such as publishers, agents, and film executives.
Kirkus Reviews (kirkusreviews.com) has 162 customer reviews on Five Star Index, with an average rating of 4.0 out of 5.
Also known as
kirkusreviews.com
Website
kirkusreviews.com
Category
Books & Magazines
Location
New York
Listed on Five Star Index
2026
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Most recent review: September 2026.
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Kirkus Reviews is one of the most…Kirkus Reviews is one of the most recognized names in the book-review industry, with a history dating back to 1933.
Books have been an important part of my learning and personal growth. I enjoy exploring a wide variety of genres, including mystery, fiction, adventure, and real-life stories. Reading has helped me develop critical thinking skills, expand my vocabulary, and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures, perspectives, and experiences.
Over the years, I have read books from both well-known and emerging authors. I particularly enjoy stories that feature strong characters, engaging plots, and meaningful messages. Mystery and suspense books keep me interested because they challenge me to think ahead and solve problems alongside the characters.
Beyond entertainment, books have also been a valuable source of knowledge. They have helped me learn about history, science, personal development, and current events. Reading regularly has strengthened my ability to analyze information, recognize themes, and express my thoughts clearly.
HL
haris L.
Genuine Website
I just saw this website on insta and wanted to give it a try
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UMER I.
approximately 1 year
approximately 1 year
NY
Nikhil Y.
Average This
Average This
VS
Virat S.
Average.
Average.
Agar Work Kiya toh Mai Sb Read Krunga!!
SK
Soyeb K.
Kirkus Reviews has long held a distinct…
Kirkus Reviews has long held a distinct position in the literary world, recognized for its bold, uncompromising, and often influential book critiques. For authors—both traditionally published and independent—Kirkus can feel like a gatekeeper of credibility. Its reputation is built on honesty, expertise, and a willingness to deliver straightforward feedback, even when the truth is uncomfortable.
One of Kirkus’s greatest strengths is its editorial consistency. Every review follows a sharp, professional tone that blends literary analysis with market awareness. Unlike many modern book-promotion services, Kirkus does not sugar-coat. If a plot is weak, pacing is slow, or characterization falls flat, their reviewers say so clearly. This brutal honesty, while painful for some writers, is precisely what gives their reviews weight. Readers, librarians, and industry professionals trust that a Kirkus Star or positive blurb is genuinely earned and not influenced by paid promotion.
For self-published authors, the Kirkus Indie Review program is both an opportunity and a challenge. It provides access to the same level of editorial insight as major publishers, and a strong review can significantly enhance credibility in a crowded marketplace. However, it is not inexpensive, and even paid reviews may come back mixed or critical. This transparency is refreshing but also intimidating. Writers seeking only praise may find Kirkus discouraging, while those truly committed to craft will appreciate the honest appraisal.
The company’s website is well-organized and regularly updated with new reviews, feature articles, author interviews, and curated lists. Their voice remains distinct—professional, analytical, and grounded in decades of literary evaluation. For readers, Kirkus is a reliable place to discover books outside the mainstream buzz, especially in genres like literary fiction, memoir, and nonfiction.
The biggest criticism Kirkus faces is cost. Their services, particularly for indie authors, are priced at a premium that not everyone can afford. Still, the investment is often worth it for writers who want an objective evaluation from a respected authority.
Overall, Kirkus Reviews remains one of the most influential names in book criticism. Its combination of honesty, expertise, and editorial depth continues to make it a valuable resource for authors and readers who take literature seriously.
NK
Neha K.
Hello
Hello, my name is neha khatun
I'm 18+old and I'm student I need to help please can you please help me I really want to be money because my family is not that much arn money
SB
shafali B.
It's moderate
Got it 👍 — here’s a natural, human-sounding review you can post on Trustpilot for Kirkus Reviews.
I’ll give you a few tone options depending on what kind of experience you had:
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🌟 1. Positive Review (If you were happy with Kirkus)
> I had a great experience with Kirkus Reviews. Their team was professional and detailed in their approach — the review I received was fair, balanced, and genuinely insightful. I appreciated how they highlighted both the strengths and areas for improvement in my book without being harsh. It really helped me see my work from a reader’s perspective. I’d definitely recommend Kirkus to any indie author who wants honest and constructive feedback before publishing.
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😐 2. Neutral / Mixed Review (If it was okay but not perfect)
> My experience with Kirkus Reviews was decent overall. The process was smooth, and the review arrived on time. However, I felt that parts of the review were a bit generic and didn’t fully capture the depth of my story. That said, it was still useful to get a professional opinion and an outside perspective. I’d say it’s worth it if you know what to expect — a mix of critique and summary rather than a full literary analysis.
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😞 3. Negative Review (If you were disappointed)
> Honestly, I expected more from Kirkus Reviews. The review I received felt rushed and impersonal, almost like it could’ve been written by someone who didn’t finish the book. For the price, I hoped for deeper insights or at least a sense that the reviewer connected with the story. The process was smooth, but the final product didn’t feel worth it. I’d recommend looking for other review services if you want something more personalized.
Would you like me to tailor it to your personal experience (e.g., for a specific book you submitted)? I can rewrite it to sound more authentic to your situation.