Top Prompts to Write Book Reviews & Book Summaries with ChatGPT, Claude & Gemini (Goodreads, Amazon, Blog, 2026)

Top Prompts to Write Book Reviews & Book Summaries with ChatGPT, Claude & Gemini (Goodreads, Amazon, Blog, 2026)

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Top Prompts to Write Book Reviews & Book Summaries with ChatGPT, Claude & Gemini (Goodreads, Amazon, Blog, 2026)

November 25, 2025

Most people struggle to write book reviews. They stare at blank screens, can't articulate thoughts, or write generic "loved it!" reviews that help no one. Their reviews get ignored. Top book reviewers use AI to craft compelling, helpful reviews that get thousands of likes, influence readers, and build authority. They become trusted voices.

Writing book reviews without structure wastes time. You forget key points, ramble about plot, or miss what made the book special (or terrible).

With the right AI prompts, you can write insightful book reviews and summaries for Goodreads, Amazon, personal blogs, and social media that engage readers and build your reputation.

In this guide, you'll get the top free prompts for writing book reviews using ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Grok, or Perplexity. Just copy and paste these prompts with book details.

These are the best book review prompts for 2026, optimized for reader engagement, platform algorithms, and building your reading authority.

Quick Start Guide

  1. Open ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Grok, or Perplexity

  2. Gather book details (title, author, genre, your thoughts)

  3. Paste the appropriate review prompt

  4. Get well-structured review instantly

  5. Publish on Goodreads, Amazon, blog, or social media

Top AI Prompts to Write Book Reviews & Summaries

Below are the most effective, copy-and-paste book review prompts for 2026.

1. The Complete Book Review Prompt

Write comprehensive book review.
Book: [title]
Author: [name]
Genre: [category]
My rating: [1-5 stars]
Platform: [Goodreads/Amazon/blog]
Review length: [short/medium/long]

Include:
- Opening hook (grab attention)
- Brief plot summary (no spoilers)
- What worked well (strengths)
- What didn't work (weaknesses)
- Writing style analysis
- Character development (if fiction)
- Themes explored
- Who should read this
- Who shouldn't
- Final recommendation

Honest and helpful review.

Book details: [paste your notes]

Why this works: Comprehensive reviews help readers decide. Balanced analysis builds reviewer credibility.

2. The Goodreads Review Prompt

Write Goodreads book review.
Book: [title]
Author: [author]
Stars: [rating]
Reading experience: [when/why read]
Community: [Goodreads audience]

Goodreads-style review:
- Personal opening (your connection)
- Emotional reaction (how it made you feel)
- Plot overview (spoiler-free)
- Standout moments (memorable parts)
- Character thoughts (if applicable)
- Comparison to similar books
- Reading experience (pacing)
- Buddy read mentions (if applicable)
- Rating explanation (why stars given)
- Recommendation + shelf tags

Engaging Goodreads format.

Book: [paste details]

Why this works: Goodreads reviews are conversational. Personal connection resonates with community.

3. The Amazon Book Review Prompt

Create Amazon book review.
Book: [title purchased]
Stars: [1-5 rating]
Verified purchase: [yes]
Review goal: [help other buyers]

Amazon-optimized review:
- Helpful headline (summarizes opinion)
- Purchase context (why you bought)
- Expectations vs. reality
- Content quality assessment
- Value for money
- Comparison to description
- Pros (bullet points)
- Cons (bullet points)
- Who it's perfect for
- Who should skip it
- Verified purchase confirmation

Buyer-focused, helpful format.

Purchase: [paste details]

Why this works: Amazon reviews influence purchases. Helpful, detailed reviews get "helpful" votes and visibility.

4. The Blog Book Review Post Prompt

Write blog post book review.
Book: [title]
Author: [author]
Blog audience: [your readers]
Post length: [800-1500 words]
SEO keywords: [book title, author, genre]

Blog review structure:
- SEO-optimized title
- Engaging introduction (hook readers)
- Book overview section
- Deep dive analysis
- Personal insights/reflections
- Quotes from book (2-3)
- Comparison to other books
- Discussion questions
- Rating + recommendation
- Call to action (discussion prompt)
- Related reading suggestions

Long-form review article.

Book: [paste details]

Why this works: Blog reviews allow depth. SEO optimization attracts readers searching for book opinions.

5. The Spoiler-Free Review Prompt

Write spoiler-free book review.
Book: [title]
Genre: [category]
Audience: [readers who haven't read]
Rating: [stars]

Spoiler-free structure:
- Premise (setup only)
- Atmosphere/tone (vibe)
- Writing style (how it reads)
- Emotional impact (feelings evoked)
- Themes (what it's about)
- Pacing (reading experience)
- What makes it unique
- Comparable titles (if you liked X)
- Content warnings (if needed)
- Clear recommendation

Zero spoilers, full insight.

Book: [paste details]

Why this works: Spoiler-free reviews respect readers. Insight without revelation builds trust.

6. The Spoiler-Heavy Discussion Review Prompt

Create spoiler-filled book discussion.
Book: [title]
Intended audience: [those who've read it]
Discussion focus: [specific aspects]

⚠️ SPOILERS AHEAD warning

Spoiler discussion:
- Spoiler warning (clear at top)
- Plot deep dive (full story)
- Twist analysis (surprises)
- Character arc examination
- Ending discussion (satisfied?)
- Symbolism/themes (deeper meaning)
- Unanswered questions
- Author's craft (how achieved effects)
- Series implications (if applicable)
- Book club discussion prompts

Deep analytical review.

Book: [paste details]

Why this works: Spoiler reviews enable deep discussion. Readers who finished need space to analyze fully.

7. The Quick Mini-Review Prompt

Write mini book review.
Book: [title]
Platform: [social media/Goodreads/Amazon]
Length: [50-150 words]
Rating: [stars]

Mini review with:
- One-sentence hook
- Core opinion (loved/liked/disliked/hated)
- Best aspect (what shined)
- Main flaw (if any)
- One-sentence recommendation
- Mood/genre tags

Concise but complete.

Book: [paste details]

Why this works: Quick reviews fit busy schedules. Brief insights still provide value.

8. The Comparative Book Review Prompt

Write comparative book review.
Books comparing: [list 2-5 titles]
Common element: [same genre/author/theme]
Audience: [readers deciding between them]

Comparison review:
- Introduction (books being compared)
- Individual overviews (each book)
- Strengths comparison (where each excels)
- Weaknesses comparison (where each falls short)
- Writing style differences
- Audience fit (who prefers which)
- Ranking (if applicable)
- Clear recommendation (which to read when)

Help readers choose.

Books: [paste titles]

Why this works: Comparative reviews help decisions. Side-by-side analysis guides reader choices.

9. The Book Summary-Only Prompt

Create comprehensive book summary.
Book: [title and author]
Summary purpose: [why needed]
Length: [brief/detailed]
Audience: [who reads this]

Summary including:
- Genre and publication info
- Setting (time/place)
- Main characters
- Central conflict/premise
- Plot progression (spoiler level specified)
- Key themes
- Resolution (if including ending)
- Author background (if relevant)
- Critical reception

Factual, objective summary.

Book: [paste details]

Why this works: Pure summaries serve different needs. Objective overview helps readers determine interest.

10. The Fiction Deep-Dive Review Prompt

Write in-depth fiction review.
Book: [novel title]
Genre: [specific category]
Elements analyzing: [plot/character/prose/themes]

Fiction analysis:
- Premise and hook
- Plot structure assessment
- Character development (protagonist)
- Supporting characters
- Dialogue quality
- Prose and writing style
- World-building (if applicable)
- Pacing analysis
- Emotional resonance
- Thematic depth
- Ending effectiveness

Literary fiction analysis.

Novel: [paste details]

Why this works: Fiction reviews need craft analysis. Literary examination helps serious readers.

11. The Non-Fiction Book Review Prompt

Write non-fiction book review.
Book: [title]
Topic: [subject covered]
Author credentials: [expertise]
Intended audience: [target readers]

Non-fiction review:
- Thesis/main argument
- Author credibility
- Research quality
- Evidence strength
- Organization/structure
- Clarity and accessibility
- Practical applications
- Bias detection
- Comparison to similar books
- Actionable takeaways
- Who needs this book

Evaluate substance and utility.

Book: [paste details]

Why this works: Non-fiction needs different criteria. Utility and accuracy matter more than entertainment.

12. The Self-Help/Business Book Review Prompt

Create self-help/business book review.
Book: [title]
Category: [self-help/business/productivity]
Promised benefit: [what book claims]
Rating: [stars]

Practical review:
- Core promise (what it claims)
- Main concepts (frameworks taught)
- Actionability (can you implement?)
- Originality (new ideas vs. rehashed)
- Evidence provided (research/anecdotes)
- Writing accessibility (easy to understand?)
- Length vs. content (padded or concise?)
- Real-world application (does it work?)
- Who it's for (ideal reader)
- Better alternatives (if any)

Results-focused assessment.

Book: [paste details]

Why this works: Self-help reviews need implementation focus. Readers want to know if advice works.

13. The Romance Novel Review Prompt

Write romance book review.
Book: [romance title]
Subgenre: [contemporary/historical/paranormal/etc]
Tropes: [enemies-to-lovers/fake dating/etc]
Heat level: [clean/steamy]

Romance-specific review:
- Trope identification
- Chemistry assessment (believable?)
- Character likability
- Conflict quality (compelling?)
- Emotional journey
- Steam level (appropriate warning)
- Pacing (romance development)
- HEA/HFN (ending type)
- Representation (if applicable)
- Trigger warnings (if needed)

Romance community format.

Book: [paste details]

Why this works: Romance has specific evaluation criteria. Genre conventions guide useful reviews.

14. The Mystery/Thriller Review Prompt

Create mystery/thriller book review.
Book: [title]
Subgenre: [cozy/police procedural/psychological]
Spoiler level: [none/mild/full]

Mystery review (spoiler-controlled):
- Setup/hook (no spoilers)
- Atmosphere and tension
- Mystery complexity (too obvious/perfect/confusing?)
- Red herrings (effective?)
- Pacing and suspense
- Character depth
- Plot twists (satisfying?)
- Resolution (if discussing ending)
- Clues fairness (could reader solve?)
- Series potential (standalone vs. ongoing)

Spoiler-sensitive mystery review.

Book: [paste details]

Why this works: Mystery reviews require spoiler care. Tension discussion without revelation is key.

15. The Fantasy/Sci-Fi Review Prompt

Write fantasy/sci-fi book review.
Book: [title]
Genre: [fantasy/sci-fi subgenre]
Series: [standalone/book # in series]

Speculative fiction review:
- World-building depth
- Magic/tech system (well-explained?)
- Originality (unique or derivative?)
- Character development
- Plot complexity
- Prose quality
- Pacing (fantasy can drag)
- Info-dumping issues (if any)
- Series setup (if applicable)
- Comparable books (fans of X will like)

Genre-specific analysis.

Book: [paste details]

Why this works: Fantasy/sci-fi needs world-building assessment. Genre expectations guide evaluation.

16. The Literary Fiction Review Prompt

Create literary fiction review.
Book: [title]
Author: [name]
Literary context: [themes/movements]

Literary analysis:
- Prose quality (language mastery)
- Thematic exploration
- Character complexity
- Narrative structure (experimental?)
- Symbolism and metaphor
- Cultural/social commentary
- Emotional depth
- Intellectual engagement
- Comparative literature (similar works)
- Literary merit assessment

High-brow analysis.

Book: [paste details]

Why this works: Literary fiction rewards craft analysis. Intellectual examination suits audience expectations.

17. The Young Adult (YA) Review Prompt

Write YA book review.
Book: [title]
Age range: [target audience]
Themes: [coming-of-age elements]

YA-specific review:
- Age appropriateness
- Teen voice authenticity
- Relatable struggles
- Representation (diversity)
- Message/themes (handled well?)
- Romance (if present)
- Pacing (keeps teens engaged?)
- Content warnings (important for YA)
- Appeal to adults (crossover?)
- Comparison to popular YA

Youth literature focus.

Book: [paste details]

Why this works: YA reviews need age consideration. Parents and teens both need guidance.

18. The Memoir/Biography Review Prompt

Create memoir/biography review.
Book: [title]
Subject: [person's story]
Author: [if different from subject]

Life story review:
- Subject's significance (why this story matters)
- Narrative approach (chronological/thematic?)
- Honesty and vulnerability
- Writing quality (engaging?)
- Research depth (if biography)
- Insights gained (what you learned)
- Emotional impact
- Objectivity (bias present?)
- Inspirational value
- Recommended for whom

Personal story assessment.

Book: [paste details]

Why this works: Life stories need different evaluation. Truth and insight matter most.

19. The Book Club Discussion Review Prompt

Write book club-focused review.
Book: [title selected]
Discussion potential: [controversial/layered]
Club context: [your group]

Book club review:
- Discussion-worthy themes
- Character debate opportunities
- Moral questions raised
- Multiple interpretation possibilities
- Controversial elements
- Historical/cultural context
- Author background relevance
- Discussion questions (5-10)
- Activities/pairings (food, movie, etc.)
- Group appeal assessment

Facilitate great discussions.

Book: [paste details]

Why this works: Book clubs need discussion fuel. Reviews highlighting debate potential guide selections.

20. The Re-Read Review Prompt

Create re-read book review.
Book: [title]
First read: [when/age]
Re-read: [current reading]
Time between: [gap]

Re-read perspective:
- Why re-reading (motivation)
- First impressions (original thoughts)
- Current impressions (how changed)
- New insights discovered
- Aged well or poorly?
- Life stage impact (how you changed)
- Missed details (what you caught now)
- Updated rating (if different)
- Re-read value (worth revisiting?)

Evolution of perspective.

Book: [paste details]

Why this works: Re-read reviews show evolution. Changed perspectives reveal book's depth.

21. The Negative Review Prompt

Write constructive negative review.
Book: [title]
Issues: [why it didn't work]
Rating: [low stars]
Tone: [critical but fair]

Negative review:
- What you expected (why you picked it)
- What went wrong (specific issues)
- Writing problems (if applicable)
- Plot/content issues
- Character problems
- What could have fixed it
- Who might still enjoy it (despite flaws)
- Author's other work (better options?)
- Not recommended for [audience]

Helpful criticism, not cruelty.

Book: [paste details]

Why this works: Negative reviews need fairness. Constructive criticism helps readers and authors.

22. The DNF (Did Not Finish) Review Prompt

Write DNF book review.
Book: [title]
Stopped at: [page/percentage]
Reason: [why quit]

DNF review:
- How far you got (specific)
- Why you started (initial interest)
- When you lost interest (turning point)
- Specific issues (what turned you off)
- Attempts to continue (gave it chances?)
- Not for you vs. objectively bad
- Who might finish it (different tastes)
- Will you try again? (maybe/no)

Honest DNF assessment.

Book: [paste details]

Why this works: DNF reviews prevent others' wasted time. Honesty about quitting helps decision-making.

23. The Book Series Review Prompt

Write book series review.
Series: [name]
Books: [list all]
Overall rating: [series average]

Series review:
- Series overview (premise)
- Book-by-book breakdown (brief)
- Series arc (overall story)
- Character development (across books)
- Consistency quality (peaks/valleys)
- Pacing (does it drag?)
- Ending satisfaction (series conclusion)
- Standalone vs. must read all
- Reading order importance
- Who series is for

Complete series assessment.

Series: [paste details]

Why this works: Series reviews help commitment decisions. Multi-book investment needs full picture.

24. The Genre-Bending Book Review Prompt

Create review for genre-bending book.
Book: [title]
Genres mixing: [list genres combined]
Reader expectations: [what they might expect]

Genre-blend review:
- Genre elements present (what it combines)
- How blend works (successful mixing?)
- Dominant genre (primary category)
- Audience confusion (clear or misleading?)
- Innovation (fresh or confusing?)
- Who it appeals to (which genre fans?)
- Who it disappoints (wrong expectations)
- Comparable titles (similar blends)
- Shelving/categorization (where it fits)

Multi-genre navigation.

Book: [paste details]

Why this works: Genre-bending needs clarity. Readers need accurate expectations for hybrid books.

25. The Social Media Book Post Prompt

Create social media book post.
Book: [title]
Platform: [Instagram/Twitter/TikTok/Facebook]
Format: [caption/thread/video script]
Audience: [your followers]

Social post:
- Attention-grabbing opening
- Book quick pitch (1 sentence)
- Your rating (clear)
- Emoji mood indicator
- Hook (why they should care)
- Who it's for (target reader)
- Trigger warnings (if needed)
- Link to full review (if exists)
- Hashtags (discoverability)
- Engagement question (spark comments)

Shareable book content.

Book: [paste details]

Why this works: Social posts drive discovery. Engaging content shares book love with community.

AI Tool Comparison (Quick Guide)

AI Tool

Strengths

Best For

ChatGPT

Conversational tone, creative analysis, multiple review styles

General reviews, Goodreads posts, blog articles

Gemini

Fact-checking, author research, publication context

Non-fiction reviews, accuracy verification, detailed summaries

Claude

Literary analysis, nuanced critique, long-form reviews

Literary fiction, deep analysis, academic reviews

Grok

Trending books, viral reviews, social media posts

Popular releases, social content, buzz-worthy reviews

Perplexity

Source verification, author background, book context

Research-heavy reviews, non-fiction, biographical context

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Plot summary = entire review (readers need analysis, not just summary)

  • No rating explanation (why that number of stars?)

  • Generic praise ("loved it!" tells readers nothing)

  • Spoilers without warnings (ruins experience for future readers)

  • Only negative or only positive (balanced reviews build trust)

  • Forgetting target audience (not every book is for everyone)

  • Too long or too short (match length to platform)

  • No recommendation guidance (who should/shouldn't read this?)

FAQ

How long should a book review be?
Depends on platform: Goodreads/Amazon (200-500 words), Blog posts (800-1500 words), Social media (50-150 words). Value beats arbitrary length.

Should I include spoilers?
Only with clear warnings. Spoiler-free reviews help undecided readers. Spoiler discussions serve those who've finished.

What if I didn't finish the book?
DNF reviews are valid. Be honest about where you stopped and why. Helps readers with similar tastes.

How do I review books I didn't like?
Be constructive, not mean. Explain what didn't work and why. Note who might still enjoy it.

Can I review books I got for free?
Yes, but disclose it. FTC requires transparency for review copies, ARCs, or affiliate links.

What makes a review helpful?
Specific details, balanced perspective, clear recommendation, and consideration of target audience.

Should I give star ratings?
Yes on platforms that use them. Explain your rating so readers understand your criteria.

Conclusion

Most people struggle to write book reviews. They write generic praise, forget key details, or provide no useful guidance. Their reviews get ignored. Top book reviewers use AI to craft compelling, insightful reviews that influence thousands of readers and build authority in literary communities.

With these 25 prompts, you can write engaging book reviews using ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Grok, or Perplexity for any genre or platform.

Stop staring at blank review boxes. Copy these prompts, share your reading insights, and become a trusted voice in the book community.

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