Christian Speculative Fiction discussion

Hi all,

This is the place to sign up for the next review session. First come, first served, and all participants are expected to review the two books they will be assigned within the two months period. The rules are the same as last time, so check pervious threads for details.
If we get enough response, I'll see what I can do about splitting into genres (it'll have to be fairly broad, but I'll do my best with what I have IF we get enough participants for that to work). With that in mind, I'll need the following information from you:
-reader or author/reader
-genre preference (science fiction/fantasy/suspense)
-name and genre of novel (for author/readers)
Sign-up will be open until the end of the month or we fill all the slots, whichever happens first. If you have any questions, please feel free to message me.

Re: Suspense as a genre option
I've read books that are predominantly suspense but with speculative elements - thrillers/procedurals with a magical/mystical item, parallel dimensions, tech that doesn't quite exist yet but reads as contemporary, spiritual gifts/powers, angels and/or demons/time travel not revealed until the very end, etc. They are speculative but don't easily fit the two main genres.
I also find it useful for those books that are fully speculative but extremely tense or difficult (mainly spec horror) so that they can be separated from the lighter fare. A lot of spec fic readers don't want to be scared. :-)
I don't anticipate there being many of these within the group, but I wanted to add it as an option, just in case, as I've seen it work well in other spec fic groups. If in doubt, stick with sci fi or fantasy.
The expectation is that all books submitted will contain speculative elements, regardless of the genre.


Looking forward to another great session,
Lauren

REVIEW PAIRINGS for Round 1 (June 5th - June 30th)

A. Who reviews What:
1. Sean Elliot Russell reviews Cortez Law III’s Arc, Evil Realms
2. Cortez Law III reviews Ken Hansen's The Light of Our Yesterdays
3. Ken Hansen reviews Andrew Partington’s The Adamantine Disclosure
4. Andrew Partington reviews Glen Robinson's Infinity’s Reach
5. Glen Robinson reviews Tony Breeden’s Soulbright
6. Tony Breeden reviews Jes Drew’s Agents Adam and Eve
7. Jes Drew reviews Reggi Broach’s Mission Abandoned
8. M.H. Elrich reviews Steve Pillinger's The Restorers
9. C. S. Watcher reviews Joanne Rolston’s The Kingdom, Here Be Dragons, Here Be Dreams
10. Steve Pillinger reviews Nicole Adamz’s Claimed: (The Land of Schism Book 1)
11. Joanne Rolston reviews Sean Elliot Russell’s The Jesus Boy
12. Nicole Adamz reviews Lauren H. Salisbury’s Strength
13. Reggi Broach reviews M.H. Elrich's Etania’s Worth
14. Lauren H. Salisbury reviews C. S. Watcher's The Sorcerer’s Bane
15. Marie reviews Ken Hansen's The Light of Our Yesterdays
16. Anna reviews Glen Robinson's Infinity’s Reach
17. Rose reviews Joanne Rolston’s The Kingdom, Here Be Dragons, Here Be Dreams
18. Ann reviews Sean Elliot Russell’s The Jesus Boy
19. Gordon reviews Cortez Law III’s Arc, Evil Realms
20. Marion reviews Andrew Partington’s The Adamantine Disclosure
21. Chris reviews Tony Breeden’s Soulbright

B. Who is reviewed by Whom (for exchanging review copies):
1. Sean Elliot Russell is reviewed by Joanne Rolston and Ann
2. Cortez Law III is reviewed by Sean Elliot Russell and Gordon
3. Ken Hansen is reviewed by Cortez Law III and Marie
4. Andrew Partington is reviewed by Ken Hansen and Marion
5. Glen Robinson is reviewed by Andrew Partington and Anna
6. Tony Breeden is reviewed by Glen Robinson and Chris
7. Jes Drew is reviewed by Tony Breeden Steve Pillinger
8. M.H. Elrich is reviewed by Reggi Broach
9. C. S. Watcher is reviewed by Lauren H. Salisbury Joanne Rolston
10. Steve Pillinger is reviewed by M.H. Elrich
11. Joanne Rolston is reviewed by C. S. Watcher and Rose
12. Nicole Adamz is reviewed by Steve Pillinger
13. Reggi Broach is reviewed by Jes Drew
14. Lauren H. Salisbury is reviewed by Nicole Adamz


REVIEW PAIRINGS for Round 2 (July 1st – July 25th)

A. Who reviews What:
1. Sean Elliot Russell reviews Andrew Partington’s The Adamantine Disclosure
2. Cortez Law III reviews Glen Robinson's Infinity’s Reach
3. Ken Hansen reviews Tony Breeden’s Soulbright
4. Andrew Partington reviews Jes Drew’s Agents Adam and Eve
5. Glen Robinson reviews Joanne Rolston’s The Kingdom, Here Be Dragons, Here Be Dreams
6. Tony Breeden reviews Cortez Law III’s Arc, Evil Realms
7. Jes Drew reviews Ken Hansen's The Light of Our Yesterdays
8. M.H. Elrich reviews Sean Elliot Russell’s The Jesus Boy
9. C. S. Watcher reviews Nicole Adamz’s Claimed: (The Land of Schism Book 1)
10. Steve Pillinger reviews Reggi Broach’s Mission Abandoned
11. Joanne Rolston reviews Lauren H. Salisbury’s Strength
12. Nicole Adamz reviews M.H. Elrich's Etania’s Worth
13. Reggi Broach reviews C. S. Watcher's The Sorcerer’s Bane
14. Lauren H. Salisbury reviews Steve Pillinger's The Restorers
15. Marie reviews Reggi Broach’s Mission Abandoned
16. Anna reviews M.H. Elrich's Etania’s Worth
17. Rose reviews Nicole Adamz’s Claimed: (The Land of Schism Book 1)
18. Ann reviews C. S. Watcher's The Sorcerer’s Bane
19. Gordon reviews Steve Pillinger's The Restorers
20. Marion reviews Jes Drew’s Agents Adam and Eve
21. Chris reviews Lauren H. Salisbury’s Strength

B. Who is reviewed by Whom (for exchanging review copies):
1. Sean Elliot Russell is reviewed by M.H. Elrich
2. Cortez Law III is reviewed by Tony Breeden
3. Ken Hansen is reviewed by Jes Drew
4. Andrew Partington is reviewed by Sean Elliot Russell
5. Glen Robinson is reviewed by Cortez Law III
6. Tony Breeden is reviewed by Ken Hansen
7. Jes Drew is reviewed by Andrew Partington and Marion
8. M.H. Elrich is reviewed by Nicole Adamz and Anna
9. C. S. Watcher is reviewed by Reggi Broach and Ann
10. Steve Pillinger is reviewed by Lauren H. Salisbury and Gordon
11. Joanne Rolston is reviewed by Glen Robinson
12. Nicole Adamz is reviewed by C. S. Watcher and Rose
13. Reggi Broach is reviewed by Steve Pillinger and Marie
14. Lauren H. Salisbury is reviewed by Joanne Rolston and Chris

I would like sign up to be an author/reader.
My preferred genre preference is either science fiction or suspense.
My novel is "The Light of Our Yesterdays," multi-genre speculative fiction thriller with strong religious (including Christian) themes.
If you need anything more, please let me know.

Hello, again. I would like to sign up as an author/reader. My genre preference is suspense and science fiction, but I'm fine with fantas also. My novel I'd like reviewed is Agents Adam and Eve, a light science fiction espionage novel with parallel worlds and a Paradise Lost motif.

Karen,
I am a reader. My favorite genres are sci fi and fantasy. I reviewed a book in the last review session. You had to help me a lot because it was my first time. I think I’ve got it now!

Marie Bowen Taylor

I’m sorry I didn’t mean to call you Karen. I know your name is Lauren. It was the auto-correct. It gets me every time.

Marie Bowen Taylor

thanks for the heads up! I would to sign up as a reader! how soon do you expect to start?

Hey gang:

Glad to be back. I have a new Christian suspense book that just came out that I'm eager to get some reviews on. Since this group is called "Christian Speculative Fiction," I wasn't sure if it would be allowed. If it's out of our permitted area, I have a sci-fi book that's older that I can submit.

In any case, put me down as author.

I would like to participate as an author/reader with my YA fantasy, Etania's Worth :)
I am willing to read any genre.

I'd like to take part with my Christian sci-fi/fantasy book, The Restorers. (I find it impossible to allocate it to only one of those genres, but it's definitely not hard sci-fi.)

I should maybe add that it's the second book in a series, though it can be read on its own.

My preferred genres are… wait for it… sci-fi and fantasy!

Would the 2 months time mean within June/July? If yes, 2 books sounds reasonable and I can be a reader. I prefer fantasy, sci-fi ok.

I would like to participate and thank you for starting this again. :)

-Author/Reader
-Genre Preference: Sci-Fi and Fantasy. Don't like any horror/thriller genres.
- My novel: Claimed: (The Land of Schism Book 1) is a YA/NA epic fantasy book.

I would like to participate as an author/reader.

I write Christian Epic fantasy: The Seven Words is my four-book series. The Sorcerer's Bane is book 1 and that would be the book I would like to add here. But if anyone has already read that, I can offer the other three books.

Though I prefer reading fantasy, I'll read across the board.

Thanks for signing up all, I've added you to the list. If we keep getting this kind of response, I think I'll be able to pull off the genre splits. So, with that in mind, feel free to promote/recommend our group to others. The more people we get, the better the outcome for us all. :-)

Marie - lol. It's fine. I get the frustration of autocorrect.
Glen - I added the suspense category because some speculative books contain more of that genre than either fantasy or science fiction, which makes them harder to categorise without that option. There should, however, be at least some speculative element for the books read in this group.
Anna - Yes, we're looking at June/July for this round.

I've added clarification re. the suspense category to my original post.

And another from me... I forgot to say I'm signing up with my science fiction book, Strength. Bizarrely, I prefer reading fantasy.

David Sokol author, "
Noah Returns; Journey into the Unknown" A spec fiction adult picture book I would like reviewed.
I would like to read fantasy or suspense

This is the place to sign up for the next review session. First come, first served, and all participants are expected to review the two books they will be assigned within the two months pe..."

I'll get back into the fray as an author and reader. Science Fiction and Suspense reviewing for me.

Thank you, Lauren, for adding the Suspense category and the variants of it. I have a supernatural thriller ARC, EVIL REALMS, I'd like reviewed.

Appreciate it group.

Jumping ahead a little, you should know that C.S. has reviewed my book "The Restorers"; I have reviewed her book "The Sorcerer's Bane"; and I have also reviewed M.H.'s book "Etania's Worth".

(It's not that I'm trying to make trouble for you, Lauren!)

Oh! Following Steve's example I should let you know the books I've read also. In addition to "The Restorers", I've read M.H.'s "Etania's Worth".

Hi, I'd like to participate again as an author/reader.
I've read "Supraphysica," "Spark," "Mind of Darkness," and "The Sorcerer's Bane."
My Book is "The Kingom, Here Be Dragons, Here Be Dreams."
Thanks Lauren.

So then I need to add that I've already reviewed Joanne's book.

Lauren wrote: "Thanks for signing up all, I've added you to the list. If we keep getting this kind of response, I think I'll be able to pull off the genre splits. So, with that in mind, feel free to promote/recom..."

Okay, with that in mind, I will submit my re-envisioning of Pilgrim's Progress set in post-apocalyptic America called "Infinity's Reach."

Also, let it be known that I have already reviewed Ruhanna's Flight, Supraphysica, Shadow of the Gryphon, Invasion, and Kingdom Come.

Thanks, Glen

Hello,
Thank you for this group. I would like to be part of this session as an author/reader.

Genre preference: Any. But would be nice to read a suspense, horror, or supernatural story. But any will be welcome.

Name & genre of novel: "The Jesus Boy" Contemporary/Supernatural/Spiritual Warfare

Thank you.

Previous sessions, I've read Steve Pilinger's 2 Restorers' novels; MH's Etania's Worth; CS's Sorcerer's Bane; Joanne's "The Kingom, Here Be Dragons, Here Be Dreams."

Glad to be a part of this session!
Sean

WRITER"S CORNER is now open for business. Sorry for the delay.

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...

This is for anyone who is creative, not just writers. Please consider giving 5-10 minutes to the exercise. It's for fun, to facilitate our creative juices, and to stretch/grow as writers.

Thanks for your interest. Be brave. Give it a try. And let's see what we come up with!

--Sean

I'd like to participate as a reader. My favorite genre is fantasy, especially high fantasy.

I wanted to add that I have read C.S. Wachter's books and Jes Drew's Mind of Darkness and "Here be Dragons, Here be Dreams."

Thanks all, I've added you to the list.

And thanks for the info on past reads - saves me from trawling through the past session notes. ;-)

I'd like to join as a reader. I'd lean towards fantasy, but open to anything else as well. This would be my first session here.

To those of you new to the group, welcome! It's good to have a few new faces here. Can I please refer you to previous review session threads for details on the requirements and procedures for the sessions. If you have any questions or concerns after that, feel free to message me.
I'm going to give it another week to see if there's any more interest, and then I'll get the pairings sorted, hopefully for a June 1 start.
Looking forward to it!

Hi Lauren, I've read 'Here be Dragons, Here be Dreams', 'The Poison Tree Trilogy ' 'The Choice of the Mighty' & 'The Trials of the Mighty', 'Akrad's Children ' and 'Keeper of the Shadows'

Hi I'd love to submit my book "The Adamantine Disclosure" a techno-thriller with paleontological/archaeological elements as a book for people to review. Thanks a lot.

Quite happy to join as a reader also...

Andrew P Partington

Andrew wrote: "Hi I'd love to submit my book "The Adamantine Disclosure" a techno-thriller with paleontological/archaeological elements as a book for people to review. Thanks a lot.

Quite happy to join as a rea..."

PS as a reader any genre under the speculative fiction umbrella is ok. I'd probably prefer something closer to the sci-fi end of the spectrum but my reading tastes are pretty broad

I would like to read your book.
David Sokol. Cabn u send file?
[email protected]

Okay, if it isn't too late, I'd like to join as an author/reader. My preferred genre is Sci-Fi/fantasy. The book I would like to submit is my 5th Sci-Fi novel "Mission Abandoned."
Thanks,
Reggi Broach

Lauren wrote: "To those of you new to the group, welcome! It's good to have a few new faces here. Can I please refer you to previous review session threads for details on the requirements and procedures for the s..."
Thanks a lot for organising this, Lauren ! I'm sure authors in particular really appreciate it.

I second what Andrew's said, thank you Lauren, I appreciate all your hard work in organising this.

David wrote: "I would like to read your book.
David Sokol. Cabn u send file?
[email protected]"

David, this is a thread for a review circle where you are assigned two books over two months to read and review. If you would like to join as a reader, we'd love to have you. If you're looking to review just one book, you will have to contact the author directly, I'm afraid.

Thanks guys. It's always nice to know your work is appreciated, but I'm more than happy to do it. This is a great group with a super, Christian attitude to reviewing and sharing our love of books.

I'm working on the pairings, but we still need a few more readers if I'm going to be able to include every author properly. If anyone knows a reader who'd be interested, please feel free to give them a nudge. ;-)

Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum - if it's not too late, I would like to sign up as a reader. I like both fantasy and sci-fi.

Chris wrote: "Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum - if it's not too late, I would like to sign up as a reader. I like both fantasy and sci-fi."

Nice to have you here, Chris. If you want the run down on how the sessions work, all the details are in the previous threads, so you can pop in and scroll through at your leisure.

Basically, I will assign you two books, one to read per month with a deadline for completion. Arrange with the authors to get a copy, read, and review here and on Amazon (if possible, there have been issues in recent months for some people).

We only post reviews of three stars or above in the group. Anything lower can be sent straight to the author via private message or directed to me to deal with. Please post on time for the enjoyment and benefit of everyone involved. And have fun!

OK, all. Sign up is closed. Between those of you here and the private messages I've received, we have 21 participants - the largest group to date!

I've wrangled the pairings so everyone (I hope) gets at least one book to review in their preferred genre. Let me know as soon as possible if there are any major issues. There's not a lot of wiggle room in some of the genres due to previous reviews, but I'll do the best I can to resolve problems.

Pairings and dates are on the second post at the top of the thread, but please be aware of the following:
deadline for round 1: June 30th
deadline for round 2: July 25th
All reviews should be posted on Goodreads and Amazon (where possible) with the links posted here by those dates.

Thanks, and happy reading!
Lauren

Terrific! For those who were assigned my book, here is the link on Goodreads:
Infinity's Reach

and on Kindle:
https://www.amazon.com/Infinitys-Reac...

Oops, forgot.

Authors, it's your responsibility to get copies of your books to your reviewers. Please do so before review round 1 starts so people have plenty of time to read and review.

Thanks,
Lauren

Lauren wrote: "REVIEW PAIRINGS for Round 1 (June 5th - June 30th)

A. Who reviews What:
1. Sean Elliot Russell reviews Cortez Law III’s Arc, Evil Realms
2. Cortez Law III reviews Ken Hansen's The Light of Our Ye..."

I forgot to mention, but I already read and reviewed Jesus Boy the last round.

Hi Lauren,
Thanks for all your work and effort for Review Session 5! Just for your info, Marie and Jes both reviewed "The Jesus Boy" last round.

Just thought to let you know while it's at the beginning.

Thanks. God's blessings on you, Lauren!
Sean

Sorry guys, not sure how that slipped through my fool proof net, but I think I've sorted it. Let me know if there are any other issues. This one was tough to arrange, especially split into genres, because of all the 'previously reviewed' complications.

Lauren, for some reason I'm not seeing a list of who is reading what. Sean has already contacted me so it really isn't a big deal, but I was curious about what I'll be reading second round also.

Hi Ann!
If you scroll up to the top of this thread, the list is there with everything needed for Review Session 5. Hope you can find it, Ann.

Sean wrote: "Hi Ann!
If you scroll up to the top of this thread, the list is there with everything needed for Review Session 5. Hope you can find it, Ann."

Thanks, Sean. You beat me to it. ;-)

Let me know if you still can't find it, Ann.