Christian Speculative Fiction discussion

Hello,
The Seventh Review Session will launch Monday, July 27.

In summary, you can join this review session as

1. a reader only

or

2. an author/reader.

I am starting this thread now so we can hopefully reach 20-30 participants.

For info on how we conduct the review sessions, please read below:


Some Guidelines (Some parts from Steve Pillinger's Review Session One):

1. This is not a discussion thread. It is simply to organize and coordinate our review session together. (After the reviews have been done, consider opening a discussion thread, or threads, to talk about any of the books we’ve been reading)

2. The Aim:

a. NOT to pat one another’s backs! This is not a mutual admiration society. Yes, we hope that being reviewed by our fellow Christian spec. fic. fans will reduce the likelihood of low ratings due to the reviewer not being on the same wavelength.

b. But that does not mean that we avoid telling it like it is. We’re looking for sympathetic but honest reviews that will not only increase our review totals (and hopefully our average ratings), but will also help hone our writing skills by making us aware of areas for improvement.

c. But while being honest, we don’t want to go to the other extreme of only pointing out the faults in a book. Remember that for each author among us, their book is a much-loved act of sub-creation on which they have lavished days, weeks, months of painstaking care. A simple rule of thumb is: For every negative comment you make, include a positive one as well.

3. The Commitment:

a. Joining in this session involves a commitment to write two reviews within a two month period (one review per month). (If we get enough participants, we may change this accordingly.)

b. Failing to do so will not only let the authors down, but will also undermine what we as a group are trying to achieve. If you find yourself unable to complete one or other of your reviews, please be aware that it is your responsibility to find a replacement reviewer—and to inform us in this thread of the change, including the GR profile link of your replacement.

4. The Nuts & Bolts:

a. Our review sessions are usually 2 rounds with each round lasting 3 weeks. Each of us will complete one review per round.

**All reviews for Round One will be due (Date to be established)

**Round Two reviews should be submitted by (Date to be established)

b. Depending on the number of authors and non-author readers that commit to this review session, I will designate the review pairings (without any two people reviewing each other, which is prohibited by GR). If we can get enough interested people involved, it is my hope that the two-month session will allow for 3 reviews for each book presented.

5. How Participants Will Receive the Book to Read to Review:
Since there are wide discrepancies in cost between different books—and not everyone subscribes to KU—it will be the responsibility of the author to contact his or her reviewers and work out how to get them a free review copy. If the book is on KU and they can read it there, fine. Alternatively, the author can ask for the reviewer’s email address and send them a file (mobi, epub or pdf), or provide a link for them to obtain a free Kindle version.

6. Where to Post Reviews:

a. Once review completed, the reviewer will post it to Goodreads and to Amazon (preferably both the US and UK sites).

b. Reviewer will also post links to all 3 reviews in this thread to share with the author/group.

c. Only reviews of 3 stars or higher should be posted. If a book cannot reach that threshold, please complete a review and submit it directly to the author (and also a copy to myself so I have a record of your effort and response) giving truthful and constructive feedback on why the novel doesn’t meet your expectations.

7. Please note that the only acceptable response from an author to a reviewer is “Thank you.” Authors should never enter into a dispute with a reviewer about things they disagree with in their review. If they feel strongly that the review and rating are unfair, they should contact me as moderator, not the reviewer.

8. Authors Submitting Books for Review: Please Note:
Your copy should be either published or about to be published. The version you submit for review must be as if you were submitting to an agent or publisher—ready to go, free of errors as much as possible, and complete. It should not be an advance reader copy that is to be edited at a later time.

9. Notes About Pairings:

a. Authors are requested to let me know in the thread below if you are interested in your book being reviewed. I’ll give until last week of June to cut off new participants.

b. If you know of an author or author group (with leanings toward Speculative Christian Fiction), please do share and invite both authors and readers.

c. As authors come forward to submit their books for review, my request is that you let us know in the thread if you've read any of the books being offered. This will go a long way in helping me when the books are assigned.


How to Write a Review

For some of you this may be the first time you’ve written a review on Goodreads. Others may know the mechanics, but be unsure about what to write. Here are some tips:

One of our previous writers, Justin Coogle, posted a good outline elsewhere in this group. It’s repeated here for convenience:

1) General Impression - "How did you feel before reading it? How did you feel after? Lasting feelings? (Sad it's over, happy it's done, bittersweet, etc)."

2) Characters - "Favorite one, least favorite, most interesting, most unpredictable, etc."

3) Plot - "Favorite twists, was it generic? Was it unique? Did you enjoy where it went? What would you have done instead?"

4) Themes - "What themes were obvious? What themes did you THINK you felt the author was going for? Favorite themes? Least favorite?"

5) World Building - "Was the universe memorable? Forgettable? What was your favorite part of the world-building (weapons, architecture, people, races, societal structure, languages, etc). Would you want to see more? What more are you excited to see?"

6) Seek to Give a Fair Review – Highlight positives and what you liked at the beginning of your review. Share constructive feedback as well.

7) Avoid Spoilers! Consider Steve Pillinger’s words here:

"If you knew who the killer was on page 2, fine, say, 'I knew who the killer was by page two.' But do NOT say, 'I knew by page two that the butler was the killer.' If you feel your review will be seriously hampered if you can’t talk about the solution to certain mystery, or reveal an unexpected plot twist, then put a large notice at the beginning saying 'SPOILER ALERT'".

Above all, have fun! In writing these reviews we are really helping each other hopefully become better writers. Iron sharpening iron is good; iron piercing a heart, not so good. Be gracious, truthful, and helpful.

Interested?

Enter your author name, your book title, and please INBOX me with an email address. I ask for the email address because Goodreads sometimes makes it difficult to send a message.

If you have any questions, please let me know or post and I'll get back to you.

Thank you!
Sean Elliot Russell

I'd like to join as an author/reader. Thanks! Chris

I would also like to join REVIEW SESSION SEVEN as an author/reader. Thank you for organizing this session, Sean.

Author: Peter Kazmaier
Book title: THE BATTLE FOR HALCYON
email: [email protected]

SUMMARIES FOR ROUND ONE & TWO (for exchanging review copies):

TBD: To Be Determined. This means I need a reader for this book; this is indicated with ^^ beside author's name.

NOTE: Those with ^ beside their name are in line to receive a 3rd reader review should more readers come into the group.

ROUND ONE: Mon, 27 July – Sun, 23 August // ROUND TWO:
Mon, 24 August – Sun, 20 September.

^Steve Pillinger’s “The Strongholder” is reviewed by [Rd1] Kala, [Rd2] Mario.

Andrew M. Seddon’s “Wreaths of Empire” is reviewed by [Rd1] Sean, R.J. Gilbert, [Rd2] Steve.

Kory Queen’s “Ethereal” is reviewed by [Rd1] Steve, CS Wachter, [Rd2] Glen.

Mario Diana’s “Time Lies” is reviewed by [Rd1] Andrew, [Rd2] Robert Christian Reed, Sean.

J.R. Baude’s “Lazarus Chain” is reviewed by [Rd1] Glen, [Rd2] CS Wachter, Kyle.

R.J. Gilbert’s “Dungeon of Illusion” is reviewed by [Rd1] Kyle, [Rd2] Peter, Jes.

Jes Drew’s “At Summer’s End” is reviewed by [Rd1] Robert, [Rd2] Sue, Gordon.

^Glen Robinson’s “Soul Survivor” is reviewed by [Rd1] Kory, [Rd2] J.R. Baude.

^Sean Elliot Russell’s “The Jesus Boy” is reviewed by [Rd1] Sue, [Rd2] Kala.

^CS Wachter’s TBD Novel is reviewed by [Rd1] Gordon, [Rd2] R.J. Gilbert, Mario.

Robert Christian Reed’s "Revelation: Soulsight" is reviewed by [Rd1] Peter, [Rd2] Kory, & Sean.

Peter Kazmaier’s “Battle for Halcyon” is reviewed by [Rd1] Jes, J.R. Baude, [Rd2] Andrew.

^^Kyle Adam's "Devil Game" is reviewed by [Rd1] Sean. [Rd2] TBD.

****************************************

A name with ^ beside means I will prioritize 3rd readers should they come into the group. (I always give new authors in a review session priority when it comes to 3 reader reviews).

A name with ^^ beside name means I'm seeking a reader within our group to help read/give a review. However, if more readers come into the group, this will change. Please inbox me or leave a message if you're interested in reading a 3rd novel during this session.


Please contact your readers in the next few days. If you have any trouble getting a hold of the person, please let me know. Be prepared to offer a free copy of your book (ebook or epub, etc.).

Please contact myself or Steve Pillinger (Group Moderator) if you have any issues, concerns, feedback, or critique. Thank you for participating in this Seventh Review Session!

Remember regarding reviews that 3 stars in Amazon versus 3 stars in Goodreads does not mean the same thing. A 3-star rating in Amazon represents “average to mediocre” while 3-stars in Goodreads means “I liked it.” Please keep in mind when you post your reviews. Three stars in Goodreads may represent 4 stars in Amazon, etc.

If you read the book and you feel the review will be 3-stars or lower, please contact me to discuss. It may be better to give feedback to the author and avoid a lackluster review.

If you know of a reader/author who would like to take part, they are welcome to jump into this session over the next two months.

ROUND ONE PAIRINGS (Mon, 27 July – Sun, 23 August – REVIEW DUE ON SUN 23 AUGUST)
1. ^Steve Pillinger’s “The Strongholder” reviewed by Kala Burnett.
2. Andrew M. Seddon’s “Wreaths of Empire” reviewed by Sean & R.J. Gilbert.
3. Kory Queen’s “Ethereal” reviewed by Steve Pillinger & CS Wachter.
4. Mario Diana’s “Time Lies” reviewed by Andrew M. Seddon.
5. J.R. Baude’s “Lazarus Chain” reviewed by Glen Robinson.
6. R.J. Gilbert’s “Dungeon of Illusion” reviewed by Kyle Adams.
7. Jes Drew’s “At Summer’s End” reviewed by Robert Christian Reed.
8. ^Glen Robinson’s “Soul Survivor” reviewed by Kory Queen.
9. ^Sean Elliot Russell’s “The Jesus Boy” reviewed by Sue Marie St. Lee.
10. ^CS Wachter’s TBD Novel reviewed by Gordon & Mario Diana.
11. Robert Christian Reed’s "Revelation: Soulsight" reviewed by Peter Kazmaier.
12. Peter Kazmaier’s “Battle for Halcyon” reviewed by Jes Drew & J.R. Baude.
13. ^^Kyle Adam's "Devil Game" reviewed by Sean Russell.

ROUND TWO PAIRINGS (Mon, 24 August – Sun, 20 September – REVIEW DUE ON SUN 20 SEPTEMBER.
1. ^Steve Pillinger’s “The Strongholder” reviewed by Mario Diana.
2. Andrew M. Seddon’s “Wreaths of Empire” reviewed by Steve Pillinger.
3. Kory Queen’s “Ethereal” reviewed by Glen Robinson.
4. Mario Diana’s “Time Lies” reviewed by Robert Christian Reed & Sean.
5. J.R. Baude’s “Lazarus Chain” reviewed by CS Wachter, Kyle Adams.
6. R.J. Gilbert’s “Dungeon of Illusion” reviewed by Peter Kazmaier, Jes Drew.
7. Jes Drew’s “At Summer’s End” reviewed by Sue Marie St. Lee, Gordon.
8. ^Glen Robinson’s “Soul Survivor” reviewed by J.R. Baude.
9. ^Sean Elliot Russell’s “The Jesus Boy” reviewed by Kala Burnett.
10. ^CS Wachter’s TBD Novel reviewed by R.J. Gilbert.
11. Robert Christian Reed’s "Revelation: Soulsight" reviewed by Kory Queen & Sean.
12. Peter Kazmaier’s “Battle for Halcyon” reviewed by Andrew M. Seddon.
13. ^^Kyle Adam's "Devil Game" reviewed by NEED 2 READERS.

Happy reading!

Sean

Okay, I'm in again, Sean. If it's okay, I'd offer the reader a choice of any of my books to review.

Hi Sean;
I also will sign up again, with my novel WREATHS OF EMPIRE.

I will also be a reader/reviewer and submit "The Jesus Boy" for review.

Thsnk you for sharing your interest, friends. Look forward to more great books.

I can join as a reader.

Okay, overachievers, you had me at JOIN NOW.

Yep, I'm in. I will submit my book "Soul Survivor" for review:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...

I look forward to fun and good, practical criques!

Glen

I would like to join as an author/reviewer.

Author: Jes Drew
Book: At Summer's End

I've been on the fence about joining again but I think I should probably throw my hat in as an author/reader with one of my older books: Dungeon of Illusion

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeon-Illusi...

This is an older work of mine and book three of a series, so it might be good to read the first two but probably not necessary.
I wrote this for a middle-school and high-school audience.

Also, I should warn readers, there was a ton of spiritual warfare around this book when I first put it out. I did not understand at the time but I think I am beginning to, so...readers be prepared.

Thank you, guys. At the moment, we have nine reviewers. A good start and time to spare. Please message anyone who might be interested in being a reader. It would be great to get more readers. Kimd regards, Sean

My latest book The Strongholder will be released on 1st July. Would that still be in time to be included?

Hello Steve,
Sorry for my delay in replying to you.

The Seventh Session would start on Monday, 20 July, by my calculations. I gave an extra week to let people relax/rest. If it would help to start it Monday, 13 July, please let me know.

Alternatively, we could ask specific readers in our group if they'd be willing to read/review it between now and July 1? What do you think, Steve?

How many initial reviewers do you have lined up for "The Strongholder" at the moment, Steve?

May the Lord bless and enhance your novel's third release in every way, Steve!

Sean

Sean wrote: "Hello Steve,
Sorry for my delay in replying to you.

The Seventh Session would start on Monday, 20 July, by my calculations. I gave an extra week to let people relax/rest. If it would help to start..."

Thanks, Sean. No, Mon. 20th will be fine! I wasn't looking for an earlier start. I have a number of pre-publication reviews which I've included on a 'praise' page in the book, so that's not a problem. I don't have any other reviewers lined up as yet, but it'll be great to get some early reviews through the next session.

On the other hand, if anyone out there is rarin' to review my third book as soon as possible, I'll be only too happy to send a pre-publication .mobi or pdf!

Thanks for your support and encouragement!

Hi all,
Please reach out to prospective readers and authors for this Seventh Review Session. The more the merrier. Thabk you. -Sean

Hello, i am Author J.R. Baude and I would like to submit my latest novel, “The Lazarus Chain”. For review in this session. It is available on KU. If you need a different version please contact me here. Thank you.

Thank you, J.R.! Glad you are with us!

Guys, please put out your feelers so we can get more readers/authors for Review Session Seven. Appreciate the help.

Kind regards,
Sean

I volunteer as a reader.

Thank you, Gordon! I will be in touch nearer the start! Kind regards, Sean

Hello I can volunteer as a reader and I am also an author.

Thank you,.Mario!

If you want to submit your novel for the review session, too, you're welcome. Is it Christian speculative fiction? Please share the title if you'd like to include it in the Seventh Review Session.

Kind regards,
Sean

Hello Sean,
My novel is Time LIes: the Cognizant Awakens. Christian Speculative Fiction.

Here is the free download page: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085WGYW5W

Thanks!

Hello Friends,
We'll begin the Seventh Review Session on Monday, 27 July. We'll give an extra week to let people know about the session. I'll set up pairings by Sunday, 26 July.

Please let others in Goodreads and Twitter and elsewhere know about the session that we seek readers and authors with their speculative Christian novels. Thank you.

Kindly yours,
Sean

Thank you, Mario! Appreciate you joining with us.

Hello All,
I am interested in reviewing.

Thank you,
Sue Marie St. Lee

Thank you, Sue! Appreciate you joining us! Kind regards, Sean

I would like to join this review session!

My recent release is “Ethereal,” by K. R. Queen.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087ZRWSTD/...

Looking forward to reading and reviewing! Thanks for putting this together!

Thank you, Kory. Appreciate you joining us! Welcome!

If you still need a reader (only), I would like to be one. I understand I am committing to at least two reviews in two months.

Thank you, Kostas! Glad you are with us!

Friends, I will post within 24 hours the full list for the Seventh Review Session.

If you love reading books and can't get enough, please let me know and I will be able to give you more books to read. No one is under obligation to do this; just letting you guys know in case anyone wishes for such.

There is still time for last minute stragglers to join us. Please keep this in mind in case you have a friend or family member who might want to join our voyage (not a 3-hour tour).

Thank you!
Sean

PS-what TV show is "three-hour tour" found? I'm curious if anyone else's childhood was marked by this show.

Sean wrote: "Thank you, Kostas! Glad you are with us!

Friends, I will post within 24 hours the full list for the Seventh Review Session.

If you love reading books and can't get enough, please let me know and ..."

Of course, that was Mission Impossible...jk, it was Gilligan's Island. My whole adulthood was fashioned after Gilligan. :)

Yup Gilligan’s Island! I enjoyed watching the TVLand reruns as a kid.

Once you mentioned Gilligan's Island, I just had to look up the lyrics to the theme song. I remembered them all, even the fact that originally the song did not say, "the professor and Mary Ann." It just said, "and the rest." Just a little trivia. I can't believe how much I remember from back then!

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale,
A tale of a fateful trip
That started from this tropic port
Aboard this tiny ship.

The mate was a mighty sailing man,
The skipper brave and sure.
Five passengers set sail that day
For a three hour tour, a three hour tour.

The weather started getting rough,
The tiny ship was tossed,
If not for the courage of the fearless crew
The Minnow would be lost, the Minnow would be lost.

The ship set ground on the shore of this uncharted desert isle
With Gilligan
The Skipper too,
A millionaire and his wife,
A movie star
The Professor and Mary Ann,*
Here on Gilligan's Isle.

source: https://www.lyricsondemand.com/tvthem...

Just realized they missed the last verse: So join us here each week my friend, I'm sure you'll get a smile, from seven stranded castaways here on Gilligan's Isle.

You guys made me smile with your responses RE: Gilligan. As an elementary student who had to be at school and seated in my classroom desk by 8 a.m., it was always a challenge for me because the Three Stooges would come on at 7:30 a.m. which meant I'd always have to cut and run halfway through it. Always annoying. And before that was always an episode of Gilligan's Island. I love the nostalgic feeling I get when I think back to Gilligan and other TV shows.

For a long time as a kid, I'd hold up my bulky tape recorder to record the theme song openings. Little House on the Prairie, Air Wolf, Knightrider, A-Team, and many more.

The pairings for the Seventh Review Session (Round One & Round Two) are now posted at the top of this thread. Any issues or problems or delights, please let me know. Thank you.

Sean

Hi Sean,
I'm excited to participate and am looking forward to reading Sean Elliot Russell’s “The Jesus Boy”.

Thank you again,
Sue

Looks like I'm a couple days too late. I'll jump into the next one!

hello Sean, I am excited to participate and waiting to be contacted regarding "Revelation: Soulsight" :)

Kyle, you can take mine. I just found out I've been called out of country and am going to be unable to participate. Sorry.

Does anyone know who left that last message? I only see "Goodreads Member."

Kyle, I'll get you set up in the next 24 hours within the group.

Mario, I'll find out what is happening and come back to you within 24 hours.

-Sean

Mario wrote: "hello Sean, I am excited to participate and waiting to be contacted regarding "Revelation: Soulsight" :)"

Sorry I missed your contact info - I'll be pleased to send you a copy, just let me know how to reach you.

Thanks,

Robert

Hello Robert,
you can reach me via email at [email protected].
Thanks !!

Hi Everyone,
With the departure of Kostas, I have had to make a few adjustments.

Welcome to Kyle Adams who will be replacing Kostas.

BTW, if you are interested in reading a 3rd novel this session, please let us know (or inbox me directly). Kyle will need a reader for Round Two.

If you know of anyone who would love to read some of the work presented here, please do invite them. Altogether, I need 2 readers for Kyle, and readers for veteran writers' novels in this group. Appreciate any help, guys.

Happy reading!
Sean

K. R.
I finished Ethereal. Here are the links.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2WI6AZ...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I commented on the review, but I’ll say it here too—thank you for such a thoughtful and gracious review!

K.R. wrote: "I commented on the review, but I’ll say it here too—thank you for such a thoughtful and gracious review!"

You are most welcome. I enjoyed the book.

Here is my Goodreads review for Andrew Seddon's "Wreaths of Empire"

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...

Here's my review of The Lazarus Chain by J.R. Baude. Great story.

https://glenchen.com/2020/08/09/revie...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

https://www.amazon.com/review/R90VDI0...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

My review of Dungeon of Illusion by R.J. Gilbert. Amazon review should be up soon! I apparently don't meet requirements to post an Amazon UK review.

Sean I have a question, trying to message you but can't figure out how.