In my thoughts, a review should talk about the merits of that book and not compare it to other works unless they are directly connected (e.g. a sequel or set the same series/universe). It may be me but I get really tired of people saying this book isn't up with the authors best, or a near return to form or blah blah blah.
Books, like say, the Shining or IT take on a life of their own after publication - they enter the popular imagination. Is Mr. King ever going to release a book that has the same cultural impact of some of his earlier work? Possibly not, books are sometimes of a time and a place. Does he produce some excellent work? Yes, and that is all I want to know. I want a reviewer to tell me whether, in their opinion, the work merits a read and to make a decision on whether I should read it.
Comparing a great book with a modern classic is unfair. You might as well write rubbish books in the hope that you can only do better.
Grumble grumble grumble.
Books, like say, the Shining or IT take on a life of their own after publication - they enter the popular imagination. Is Mr. King ever going to release a book that has the same cultural impact of some of his earlier work? Possibly not, books are sometimes of a time and a place. Does he produce some excellent work? Yes, and that is all I want to know. I want a reviewer to tell me whether, in their opinion, the work merits a read and to make a decision on whether I should read it.
Comparing a great book with a modern classic is unfair. You might as well write rubbish books in the hope that you can only do better.
Grumble grumble grumble.