Knowing what words really mean is an essential reading aid, especially when it comes to reviews or blurbs. So here's a guide (source unknown but I got it c/o a response to the Bluestocking article on book blurbs. Of course, it could also be an aid to writing reviews (etc) if you get stuck.
Please feel free to use shamelessly and do expand the list.
Glossary
Enchanting = there’s a dog in it
Heart-warming = a dog and a child
Moving = child dies
Heart-rending = dog dies
Thoughtful = mind-numbingly tedious
Haunting = set in the past
Exotic = set abroad
Audacious = set in the future
Award-winning = set in India
Perceptive = set in north London
Provocative = infuriating
Epic = editor cowed by author’s reputation
From the pen of a master = same old same old
In the tradition of = shamelessly derivative
Spare and taut = under researched
Richly detailed = over-researched
Disturbing author = bonkers
Stellar author = young and photogenic
Classic author = hanging in there
Vintage author = past it
Respond