I caught up with Bec, one half of the two-blogger team behind Readers in Wonderland, to learn a little more about the site, how she reviews and what she loves to read. Here’s what Bec had to say:

Can you tell us a bit about your site: how long have you been reviewing and why did you start?

Readers in Wonderland has been around since 2012, and I’ve been there since 2013. I started reviewing (on a blog that no longer exists in 2011) because my high school friends got sick of me talking about books all the time.

What kind of books do you review?

Young Adult! Mostly. Any genre that catches my eye, which tends to be mostly fantasy haha

What’s your reviewing process?

I don’t think I have a set process. I read the book, am supposed to take notes but never do, then when I finish I try to put a few dot points in a draft post until I have time to write the review. Usually I try to do it as close as possible to finishing the book so emotions and thoughts are still fresh.

How do you share your reviews and connect with other bloggers?

Alise normally takes care of all the social media sharing, but I do a little bit when I have time. We utilise Twitter mainly, and I also share posts on Tumblr and Pinterest. To connect with other bloggers we fangirl and talk to them wherever we can. In my experience on their blog is best, but any social media site works. Connecting with bloggers is also why we started “Bloggers Commenting Back”.

Do you post anything other than reviews on your blog?

We do indeed! Every now and then we post some interesting discussions on various book and blogging related topics. We also have Tutorial posts which aren’t actually helpful and filled with sarcastic instructions and a feature called “When I’m not reading”.

How do you decide what to read next?

I’m a mood reader so I generally try to figure out what book I most feel like reading at the time. Sometimes though I do have to prioritise review copies. Ideally I alternate between review and my purchased books to keep it in balance.

What are three key things you look for in a good story?

An emotional connection is a must. Also good, well-rounded characters and good writing or plot or something that keeps me stuck in the pages.

What do you love most about reading, and why is it important?

I love reading, particularly fantasy, mainly because it’s an escape. The worlds contained in books are so different to my own life and my own problems that it provides a wonderful break. Books can also help you experience new things, learn about new people and cultures, and open up a whole new world to you.

Why are book reviews are important?

For me, book reviews are important for introducing me to new books I otherwise may have missed and also to help me judge whether or not a book/series I haven’t read before is worth starting. Reviews can highlight the elements of stories I know I love/hate and so help me make better reading choices.

What’s been your favourite read so far this year?

I have to say Queen of Shadows by Sarah J Maas because I finished it a few days ago and still haven’t fully recovered.

What five books should everyone reading this add to their TBR pile?

You’re asking the hard questions haha. There are so many I want to recommend but I’ll restrain myself.

1. Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

2. All the Truth That’s in Me by Julie Berry

3. Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier

4. Vicious by V.E. Schwab

5. The Scorpio Races by Maria V. Snyder

If you could live inside a book, which one would you pick?

Oh man, there are so many amazing worlds out there, but I’d probably get unlucky and die in all of them. For now I’ll just say Throne of Glass because it’s recent and all the countries in those books sound absolutely gorgeous, especially Wendlyn and Terrasen.

Which three fictional characters would you most like to meet and why?

Dorian Havilliard from the Throne of Glass books because he’s precious.

Cath from Fangirl because I can relate to her a lot.

Gideon from Their Fractured Light (my current read) so we could sarcasm together.

Who is the one character you’d never want to run into in real life?

So many creepy villains I could list here! Let’s go with the Valg from the Throne of Glass books. They’re terrifying.

What advice would you give to new and aspiring reviewers?

Don’t let the pressure overwhelm you. The number of books you read and/or review is not the most important thing about blogging. Your passion and joy in the hobby is.

What advice would you give to emerging writers?

Never give up! You all have amazing stories inside you the world is waiting to hear.

Read more reviews from Bec (@bectineus) and Alise (@riwreviews) at Readers in Wonderland and talk books with them via Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest and Twitter.

Like what you see? Keep in touch:

And get the latest from Lectito delivered to your inbox.