Review Group discussion

The review group is the most successful group for peer reviews on Goodreads. It hosts non-reciprocal reading/review rounds of ten authors with a variety of themes and genres, as well as ‘general’ rounds where any book is permitted, from non-fiction, to horror. When a round has ‘now forming’ in the title, there are places available, you can sign up. If it doesn’t, it’s full – look for another round or check back another time.

The Amazon rules state that authors/publishers are not allowed to specifically supply published books in return for reviews on Amazon. To comply with this rule, we don’t insist members review on Amazon, but we do insist that every participant in the round has the capacity to leave a review on their local Amazon store, so we all start with the same options.

The founding principle of the group is honest, non-reciprocal reviews, so please help maintain the integrity of the group by letting me know as you sign up if you have been reviewed by, or have reviewed another author in the group and do check back as the group fills to report any clashes. Usually places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

This is an Out of this World round
Fiction books classified as sci-fi, fantasy, dystopian, paranormal.

Please note it is always possible that the books you are assigned may contain material you find upsetting or offensive. If you can't commit to this, please do not sign up.

Now for the boring stuff, but please read it, it saves a lot of time if everyone is on the same wavelength.
Before signing up below with your Goodreads author and Goodreads book link in the thread below, please ensure that:

1. You have enough time to read and review 4 books within the 12 weeks of time allowed.

2. Your book is currently available for sale on Amazon (not pre-order) and it complies with the individual round theme, if there is one.

3. Your book is fit to be reviewed.
If it is not, due to editing or other issues, you risk poor reviews. This is your problem, not that of the reviewers or the groups. For a small fee, the group admin will look at the first few pages of your book to advise. The number one error new authors make is not having their book beta read and edited, by non-family members.

4. You can submit reviews to Goodreads and Amazon.
Amazon allows only those people who have spent $50 in the last year to leave reviews in each of their stores. If you are unsure about your Amazon reviewer status, try posting a ‘test’ review before signing up. If you are unable to post reviews on Amazon, please do not sign up.

5. You can provide (and accept) at least PDF files.
You are not expected or required to buy the books you are allocated to review, but as this will give a ‘Verified Purchase’ review on Amazon, it is welcomed when you choose to do so. Many authors have books available via KU and others might provide smashwords coupons. Most authors can provide mobi and/or epub files directly by email. Please note: International Copyright laws apply. You cannot sell, or give away material you have received without the author’s express permission.

6. You have completed your reading if you are currently in another review round in this group. You can be involved in the ‘one for one’ list whilst you are in a round.

7. You have an author profile set up before you join.

8. Your Goodreads profile allows people to message you, i.e. your profile is not set to private.

9. You declare any relationship you have with another member in the round.
Amazon will not allow reviews from the same household on the same book or if you are an editor, relative or close friend of another member.

10. You agree that your reviews will be unbiased and honest, whatever the star rating, and you will try to avoid ‘spoilers’. i.e. giving away the finale of a book. Please note the Review Group will back any reviewer's right to express their opinion about a book, but personal comments about a fellow author are against both Review Group and Goodreads policy.

11. You will not ask a fellow author to change a review of your book because you don’t agree with it.
If you think you have a legitimate concern, talk to the mod of your round, NOT the other author. Personal attacks, or pressurising other members WILL NOT BE TOLERATED and will result in you being blacklisted.

Please note:
We all want reviews, it’s why we joined the group. It is bad taste to expect other people to review your book and then not do the same for other people in the group. People that DNF and/or don’t post reviews will find it difficult to get into a subsequent group.

It is not necessary to leave any kind of disclaimer in your review, but ultimately, it is up to individuals. Reviews that state you received a copy ‘in return’ for a review will probably be removed/not allowed by amazon.com. ‘I received a free copy from the author without an obligation to review’ would be more acceptable if you feel the need to add a disclaimer.

Your Goodreads details and the rounds you participate in may be recorded by the admin mod on a database. We do not retain details of email addresses etc.

Allocation is entirely random and there will NOT be any rearranging of the listing to accommodate personal preference. The ONLY circumstance in which you may duck out of giving a review is if YOU provide a stand-in reviewer.

The only way this group can function is if we trust each other to behave honourably. And it IS perfectly possible to give a fair-minded review of a text that does not coincide with our normal choice of reading matter. If you need a few hints/tips, please see this thread:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I will do my best to fit everyone into the group they request, but occasionally, particularly in the case of our more prolific good standing members, I may have to decline a member request to fit the maximum number of people into a particular round. I will always endeavour to start another round as soon as possible with that member in mind.

It is permissible to review an author more than once if a different book is available.
If you need anything clarified please ask, either by goodreads personal message to me or on the thread below, before signing up. It’s a pain to have to keep rearranging the list because people haven’t read the above.

Your group moderator will be:
Gene


Member Links * Book Links
1. Tim Goff * Empire: Capital
2. Laura Koerber *Encounters with Old Coyote
3. Louise Lacaille *The Time Gene: Book One of The Immortal Cosmos series
4. Richard Houlden * The Cartographer's Vault: Book 1
5. Danielle Ste. Just * The Disk Mirror Solution
6. Maria Levato * The Islands of Rune
7. P.M.F. Johnson * Republic Of Magic
8. Florian Armas * The Game and the Board
9. Guy E. Estes * Khosa Nahk
10. Loralee Evans * Taigh~ A Flying Squirrel's Adventure


In order to participate in this round, your setting for 'Who Can Send Me Private Messages' needs to be 'anyone'.
Please follow this link to check - and if necessary change - your privacy setting.
https://www.goodreads.com/user/edit?t...

I'd like to take part with "The Shaman" due for publication 30 Sept. Should be out before the group goes live.
I have one more book to review for my current group. I'll be posting that review the end of this month, as well.

Joseph wrote: "I'd like to take part with "The Shaman" due for publication 30 Sept. Should be out before the group goes live.
I have one more book to review for my current group. I'll be posting that review the e..."

Hi Joseph! Remember that before signing up for a new group, you need to please finish all your reviews for the previous group first. I still need 2 Amz reviews and 1 GR review from you over in 339. :)

Could i add my novel, The Group?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXQL758G
Thriller/ horror. Generally in the right category.

I'd like to add my sword and sorcery fantasy Khosa Nahk.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7...

https://www.amazon.com/Khosa-Nahk-Sis...

Hello again,
Yep, my last book reviews will be up sometime next week. I've sent a request to Amazon re one of the review which hasn't shown up yet, no response.
What do I do if Amazon refuses to post that review?
(and happy to reapply once my last book is up)
Kat wrote: "Joseph wrote: "I'd like to take part with "The Shaman" due for publication 30 Sept. Should be out before the group goes live.
I have one more book to review for my current group. I'll be posting th..."

Hello,

I'm trying to keep up with the rules and regulations of this wonderful group. I'd like to add my book, "April's Fool." However, I'm not sure if I completed the last round correctly. I read a poetry book called timeless echoes, and I submitted my review to amazon. Am I supposed to read three more books from that list? If so, do I still have time? Someone please help....

The Islands of Rune

I'd like to take part as well.

A.T.E. wrote: "Hello,

I'm trying to keep up with the rules and regulations of this wonderful group. I'd like to add my book, "April's Fool." However, I'm not sure if I completed the last round correctly. I read ..."

ATE, what you are participating in is the one for one list. You can participate in both the one for one list and a reading round at the same time so long as your book is in the appropriate category. This round is for "out of this world" books (sci fi/fantasy.)

ok, thank you :)

Hello
I'd like to join with a collection of short stories (same cast).
I have a review due in another group - but it will be done this afternoon. My nook is Thrill Kings: Interdimensional Bleed Zones Volume 1
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

Hello, I am Louise, and I am new to Goodreads reviewing rounds.
I would like to participate with my novel "The Time Gene", a time-travel science fiction novel.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
I am looking forward to meeting and following other authors and to reading and reviewing some new books.

Everyone,
I've added the three authors who provided a Goodreads link and have books that fit the theme of "sci-fi, fantasy, dystopian, paranormal."

I can't add authors still in other rounds, even if reviews are pending on Amazon. Please repost when all four GR and Amazon reviews are up.

my GR review is posted for my commitment to
Indie & Self-Published Read / Write / Review Club discussion #11
(different group entirely). Amazon is pending but should be no problem - I'm clear of all ties

I would like to enter this group with my fantasy novel, Republic of Magic.
Goodreads link:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Amazon Link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CF6ZSW2C/

Hi, Gene. Can I hop on? My book is children's fantasy. I have not read or been read by any of the three currently on the list. Rik has reviewed me, and PMF has reviewed me.
Here is my book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

P.S. I am not currently in any other group, though I have participated in other rounds in the past.

I have previously reviewed Guy, but a different book. No other conflicts.

True that, Loralee. ;->

Hello -

I would like to add 'Empire: Capital,' second book of my dark fantasy 'Empire' series, to the current round.

To the best of my knowledge, I have not reviewed, nor been reviewed by anybody on the list.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...

Hi, I'd love to be part of this group with my SF novel The Disk Mirror Solution. It's my first time with this group, so I don't see any conflict.

Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096X1XRFC?
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

Hi, Danielle:
I looked on your profile and didn't seen an option to send you a message, which is a requirement before you can join a round.
In order to participate in this round, your setting for 'Who Can Send Me Private Messages' needs to be 'anyone'.
Please follow this link to check - and if necessary change - your privacy setting
https://www.goodreads.com/user/edit?t...

Gene wrote: "Hi, Danielle:
I looked on your profile and didn't seen an option to send you a message, which is a requirement before you can join a round.
In order to participate in this round, your setting for '..."

What's so funny is I was just going to check on that and then I saw this message. Thank you for letting me know! I have changed it now.

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

Hi Gene,

I'd like to add my collection of sci-fi / fantasy short stories The Cartographer's Vault: Book 1 for the review group, please.

Hi, Richard. Can you tell me if you've been reviewed by anyone in the first post, or if you've reviewed them?

Everyone, this is something I'll have to know from the people signing up until the round fills up. Who in this thread has reviewed you, and who have you reviewed?

Thanks!

I have no new conflicts beyond what has been stated above. Tim Goff does not have 'send a message' turned on either, I don't believe. I had this turned off recently, so it's worth rechecking even if you think it's on...

Gene wrote: "Hi, Richard. Can you tell me if you've been reviewed by anyone in the first post, or if you've reviewed them?

Everyone, this is something I'll have to know from the people signing up until the rou..."
Hi Gene,
I've been reviewed by Louise and yourself, and I haven't reviewed any author in the group so far. Do you need to know about current reads?

I'd like to join with https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

The only names I recognize are Tim and Loralee. Loralee has reviewed many but not all of my books. I will check about Tim and report shortly

I think Tim reviewed one of my books. Not this one.

I reviewed Taigh by Loralee. No connections with anyone else

I have only reviewed Richard out of the authors mentioned so far.

As of now, I haven't reviewed any of the authors listed and the only one to review me is P.D.F. Johnson, and it was not the book I have for this round.

P.M.F. wrote: "I have no new conflicts beyond what has been stated above. Tim Goff does not have 'send a message' turned on either, I don't believe. I had this turned off recently, so it's worth rechecking even i..."

Strange. The toggle in my settings claims I can receive PM's from anybody...maybe there is a glitch?

Laura wrote: "I think Tim reviewed one of my books. Not this one."

Yep. Rechecking the list, I did review two of you books - 'Murder in a Gated Community' and 'The Summer I went Crazy.'

Thank you, Tim. So you haven't done Encounters.

Amazon link for 'Empire: Capital' -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CF73MTLF

When I follow the link for Tim from the list above, I end up here:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

When I follow the link for Tim from his interactive comments, I end up here:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6...

The author link is the one that I cannot message. It is possible to message the interactive account.

"Interactive" meaning the account from which you are making your comments on this topic, I mean. ;->

P.M.F. wrote: "When I follow the link for Tim from the list above, I end up here:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

When I follow the link for Tim from his interactive comments, I end up her..."

That is...strange. Anybody have any ideas what might be causing this?

Hmm...I am most definitely not the author of 'Under Both Flags' or 'Our Main Streets Aroostook Issue.'

The 'Empire' books, yes. I had a story in the 'Iron Pen Anthology'

I would like to join with The Game and the Board or Errant

I've reviewed Loralee and received reviews from PMF.

I'm able to see a Message option for Tim if I click the "More" link on his profile. Some profiles have this layout; perhaps because it hasn't been "claimed?"

Gene wrote: "I'm able to see a Message option for Tim if I click the "More" link on his profile. Some profiles have this layout; perhaps because it hasn't been "claimed?""

I am trying to claim my author profile. Last time I did so there was an issue with the publisher link. I am wondering if my account isn't partly merged with the 'other Tim Goff.'

Hi, I'd like to join with The Strange Taste of Metal. I've reviewed Loralee's Taigh, but have no other conflicts.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8...

I would like to join with The Dream of the Forest

I read the book of P.M.F. and Loralee but not this one.

I've review Stjepan, but not this book. I am confused about why my book hasn't been added to the list. It fits since I have no conflicts with the majority of other authors. Is there a problem?

I posted a review on amazon this morning and it's up already, but the one I posted for a Goodreads commitment last week still hasn't posted. If you have to move past me, move past me. Aarggg

Rik, Amazon is becoming more and more ridiculous. We might have to move on without you this round, unfortunately.

Laura, were you able to list all potential conflicts with the list? I'll go through your conflicts and try to work you in. Thanks.

I looked only at the list at the top, and some new names just came in. I reviewed Laura in the past. Rick and Stepjan have reviewed me.

Hi Gene, I have no conflicts except that Tim has reviewed two of my books, but not Encounters, and Loralee has reviewed Encounters and a few others, but I still have books she could review.