[archived]Round_97 "Speculative" (reviews on GR & Amz)-Done! > Likes and Comments

This is a "Speculative, Goodreads & Amazon" round

Any and all fiction books (stories) primarily classified as fantasy, sci-fi, steampunk, alternate history, apocalyptic / post-apocalyptic, dystopian, magical realism, paranormal, superhero, supernatural, utopian, etc. are accepted, as long as they are published, finished works and available on Amazon.

In Goodreads+Amazon rounds, every participant must be able to leave a review on their local Amazon store, so everyone’s starting with the same options. Participants post reviews to Goodreads, and please also post on your own Amazon store and any other Amazon stores you might have access to.

Before you sign up, please make sure:

1. You’ve thoroughly read and understand How Read/Review Rounds Work (The Rules). Participating in the round indicates your understanding and acceptance of the rules and compliance with them.

2. You’ve claimed your Goodreads author page.
If you’re on a regular Goodreads user account, rather than an author account, you’ll need to do this before joining a round. You’ll find the directions for claiming your author profile page here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/program.

3. Your Goodreads account setting "Who Can Send Me Private Messages" allows people to message you, i.e. it’s set to "anyone".
(See Private Messaging Settings for how to check/change this.)

4. You’ve completed your review commitment if you’re currently in another read/review round in this group. (You can’t sign up to a new round until after you’ve completed that review commitment (posted both review links) in the other round in this Goodreads group.)

5. Your book is fit and ready to be reviewed.
If it’s not, due to editing or other issues, you risk poor reviews. For GR+Amz rounds, your book must be currently available for sale or free download at Amazon and other online booksellers (not pre-order).

6. You have enough time to read and review a book within the round timeframe of three weeks.

7. Your book fits the round theme.

8. You can provide — and accept — at least PDF files.
You’re not expected or required to buy the books you’re scheduled to read, although that’s a nice gesture. And doing so for GR+Amz rounds will give a "Verified Purchase" review on Amazon, which is a nice thing for the author. Each participant is responsible for getting a review copy of their book to their reader in the round and must be able to provide — and accept — at least PDF files. Many provide and accept other formats as well. Please ask your reader’s preference if you can provide files in a variety of formats. And many authors have books available via KU and others might provide Smashwords coupons.

Note that International Copyright laws apply: you cannot sell or give away material you’ve received, without the author’s express permission.

9. You are able to submit reviews to Amazon.

(On Amazon, only people who have spent $50 in the last year can leave reviews in each of their stores. If you’re uncertain about your Amazon reviewer status, try to post a "test" review before you sign up for the round. If you’re unable to post reviews on Amazon, please don’t sign up for GR+Amz rounds. Instead, look for rounds that say “reviews on GR+ (NOT Amz)”.)

To sign up for this read/review round, please reply to this thread with these details:

1. Your Goodreads Profile link

Please also include any additional names/profiles under which you publish, to help the other participants check for and avoid reciprocal reviewing.

2. Your Goodreads Book info link for your book that you want to have reviewed

3. Specify which of the other authors in the round have previously reviewed any of your books (if none, please specifically say so), and also which of the other authors in the round you have previously reviewed (if none, please specifically say so), to help everyone avoid reciprocal reviews. Also, state any relationship you have with other members in the round.

It’s a more-professional practice to avoid reviews from the same household on a book from that same household, or if you are an editor, relative, or close friend of the author. And Amazon doesn’t allow this anyway.

How to check for reciprocal reviews:
Go to your reviews through your profile (the link is under your portrait), and search for the other author’s name. Check if someone has reviewed you in the same way… through their profile, searching for your name.

Please check back as the round fills to report any new conflicts.

And be sure to check back periodically, so you don't miss out on anything in the round (note that Goodreads notifications aren't reliable).

By joining this round, you agree to accept for reading and reviewing whatever book you are scheduled for. Please note that it’s possible that the book you’re scheduled to read may contain material you find upsetting or offensive. You are expected to finish the book — that’s only fair. If you can't commit to this, please don’t sign up.

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Round Parameters:

-Three weeks to complete reading the book and post your review.

Read the entire book and write your unbiased and honest review of the book, making every attempt to avoid spoilers if possible, and post it. For what constitutes a book review for this group (and for reviewing tips), please see Book Reviewing.

-After your review is posted, add the link(s) to it to this reading-round thread so the mod can "sign you off" for the round.

When you add your link(s) to this thread, make sure the links are to your own review not the book page. Please shorten the links (always a good practice for any social media). See GROUP TIPS: Finding review links to post them in the group for specific tips.

Additional Notes:

Reviews that state you received a copy "in return" or "in exchange" for a review will probably be removed/disallowed by some retailers. If you wish to add a disclaimer, the following would be more acceptable: "I received a free copy from the author without an obligation to review".

Your Goodreads details and the rounds you participate in may be recorded by moderators on a database. We don’t retain details of email addresses, etc.

If you have questions, please first review How Read/Review Rounds Work (The Rules) and check Questions about Review Rounds for an answer. If you still have questions, please ask before signing up.

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Each author will review one other book in this reading round.

(Person 1 reviews 2. Person 2 reviews 3. Person 3 reviews 1. (And if the round expands to a 4-way or 5-way round, reviewing follows the same pattern, just expanded for the additional participants.))

Please don’t get books or begin reading/reviewing until the moderator has posted that the round has started.

Participants & Book Links (tentative order)
1. Eric Gibson ✓ | In the Company of Flies
2. Sotto Voce ✓ | A Scarred Drifter
3. Mrs. Kimberly Tashner Shyu ✓ | DUSK
4. Ann Birdgenaw ✓ | Black Hole Radio - Furilani
5. E.K. Frances ✓ | The Hunted

(✓ means the participant is done with their review commitment, ✍︎ means the participant has provided one review link but hasn't yet posted the other link)

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Can I join with my fantasy short? In the Company of Flies
My profile Eric Gibson

Eric wrote: "Can I join with my fantasy short? In the Company of Flies
My profile Eric Gibson"

Welcome to the round, Eric. Please keep checking back for any review conflicts.

Hi E.K, can I join with my book A Scarred Drifter
My profile

Thanks in advance!

Sotto wrote: "Hi E.K, can I join with my book A Scarred Drifter
My profile

Thanks in advance!"

Hi Sotto, happy to add you, but do you have any conflicts with Eric?

Sorry, I forgot about that. Eric has reviewed me, but not this book.

Hi can I join this round with Black Hole Radio - Ka'Azula
Eric has read 3 of my books (but not this one)
Ka'Azula

Welcome, Ann and Sotto. (And I've also joined).

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Before the round can get underway, everyone please double-check for reciprocal and other review conflicts. You can’t be listed to review someone who reviewed you before and vice versa. It’s all about who has already read whom, when positioning the readers in the slots.

Please check these things:

1. Have you previously reviewed the person directly above you on the list in message 1 (the list wraps around so the last number is "above" 1.)?

If you have, please post a reply that says so. That way we can fix the list so as to avoid a reciprocal review, which isn’t allowed here.

2. Have you already reviewed the book listed for the person directly below you on the list (the list wraps around so "1." is "below" the last number)?

If you have, post a reply that says so. That way we can fix the list so it shows the correct book for reviewing.

3. Are you an editor, relative, close friend, or from the same household of either the person whose book you'll be reviewing or the person who'll be reviewing your book?

If so, please state any relationship you have with those other members. It’s a more-professional practice to avoid reviews from people in those relationships to the author. And Amazon doesn’t allow this anyway.

Reminder of how to check for reciprocal reviews:
Go to your reviews through your profile (the link is under your portrait), and search for the other author’s name. Check if someone has reviewed you in the same way… through their profile, searching for your name.

If you have no review conflicts, please post a reply with "Ready to start" or similar words.

After everyone has posted that they’re ready, I'll post the official "start the round" message to get the round rolling! :)

I'm good to go.

I notice I'll be reviewing Ann but I have read all Ann's books.

Sotto wrote: "I notice I'll be reviewing Ann but I have read all Ann's books."

Ah, thank you for pointing that out. I'll fix it.

I've reviewed both Ann and Sotto, but neither of these books.

Hi EK. Can you change my book to Furilani? I put in Ka'Azula because Eric hadn't read it. :-) thanks

Ann wrote: "Hi EK. Can you change my book to Furilani? I put in Ka'Azula because Eric hadn't read it. :-) thanks"

No problem. Just updated that for you :)

Hi all - can I please join with my book DUSK?
DUSK

I just updated my Goodreads email address to be my author address and submitted the claim for my author profile: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1... Mrs. Kimberly Tashner Shyu

Kimberly wrote: "Hi all - can I please join with my book DUSK?
DUSK

I just updated my Goodreads email address to be my author address and submitted the claim for my author profile: https://www.go..."

Hi Kimberly, I'll be happy to add you once your profile has been combined. Have you reviewed anyone who is listed in message 1 or been reviewed by anyone?

Thank you! I have no reciprocal review conflicts with anyone on the list.

Mrs. wrote: "Thank you! I have no reciprocal review conflicts with anyone on the list."

Your profile has now merged so I've added you :)

Before the round can get underway, everyone please double-check for reciprocal and other review conflicts. You can’t be listed to review someone who reviewed you before and vice versa. It’s all about who has already read whom, when positioning the readers in the slots.

Please check these things:

1. Have you previously reviewed the person directly above you on the list in message 1 (the list wraps around so the last number is "above" 1.)?

If you have, please post a reply that says so. That way we can fix the list so as to avoid a reciprocal review, which isn’t allowed here.

2. Have you already reviewed the book listed for the person directly below you on the list (the list wraps around so "1." is "below" the last number)?

If you have, post a reply that says so. That way we can fix the list so it shows the correct book for reviewing.

3. Are you an editor, relative, close friend, or from the same household of either the person whose book you'll be reviewing or the person who'll be reviewing your book?

If so, please state any relationship you have with those other members. It’s a more-professional practice to avoid reviews from people in those relationships to the author. And Amazon doesn’t allow this anyway.

Reminder of how to check for reciprocal reviews:
Go to your reviews through your profile (the link is under your portrait), and search for the other author’s name. Check if someone has reviewed you in the same way… through their profile, searching for your name.

If you have no review conflicts, please post a reply with "Ready to start" or similar words.

After everyone has posted that they’re ready, I'll post the official "start the round" message to get the round rolling! :)

I'm ready to start.

Good to go.

I'm ready to start.

I"m ready to start

Good to go. Sorry for the delay.

Thank you all - let’s get this round going!

You have three weeks to read and review.
Start date: September 28, 2025
End date: October 20, 2025

Please post your review no later than October 20, 2025.

As AUTHORS, you’ll send your book file to your reviewer, and as REVIEWERS, you’ll receive a book file to read.

1.__Eric Gibson
You're reviewing A Scarred Drifter (Sotto Voce).
E.K. Frances is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

2.__Sotto Voce
You're reviewing DUSK (Mrs. Kimberly Tashner Shyu ).
Eric Gibson is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

3.__Mrs. Kimberly Tashner Shyu
You're reviewing Black Hole Radio - Furilani (Ann Birdgenaw).
Sotto Voce is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

4.__Ann Birdgenaw
You're reviewing The Hunted (E.K. Frances).
Mrs. Kimberly Tashner Shyu is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

5.__E.K. Frances
You're reviewing In the Company of Flies (Eric Gibson).
Ann Birdgenaw is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

It's the responsibility of each author to get their book to their reader in a format the reader can manage. Everyone must be able to provide and accept PDF. You may buy or borrow the book you are due to read, if you want, but it’s not required.

Please honor the commitment you’re making to your fellow group members to give an honest review.

Quick "start-up" summary:

-You’re reviewing the book "below" you on the list.

You can choose to buy the book, but you don’t have to. If you do buy, certainly the author will appreciate the verified review on Amazon.

You can choose to read the book through KU, if you’re a subscriber and the book’s available there.

-You need to PM the person who will be reviewing you (the person above you on the original list of names) through their Goodreads author page to ask what kind of file they would like or say you can only offer PDF. Don't forget to ask where to send it so they can give you their email.

(Using PM is recommended for exchanging email addresses to avoid the chance of spammers getting your email addresses from this open forum).

To PM someone, click on the down arrow beside the "Follow Author" button under their picture and it opens a menu which should give you the option to "Send message".

The person who you’re reviewing should be in touch with you in a similar way or post on the thread to say they are getting your book directly from a retailer. If you - as a reviewer - haven't heard from the book's author about a review copy, feel free to PM them. You don't have to wait for them to contact you.

-Please make sure you have sent your book - or have been assured by your reviewer they will buy your book or read it through KU - as soon as possible so your reader can start reading.

-For this round, you’re requested to please post your review to Goodreads, and on your own Amazon store and any other Amazon stores you might have access to. Posting a review to other sites is by agreement between both author and reviewer.

-After you’ve posted your reviews, please reply to this thread with the links to your reviews (not the book page) so you can be "signed off" for reviewing.

You can post your Goodreads review link before the Amazon one has been approved. Just please—when the Amazon one comes in—post a separate message. Notifications don’t pop up for edits, so the moderator won't know to go hunting for it.

For GR+Amz Rounds:
The moderator will note whether participants have posted reviews on Amazon. Members who persistently fail to post to Amazon will find mods less than willing to add them to subsequent GR+Amz rounds, as joining these rounds indicates both a capability and a willingness to review on Amazon.

For the good of all, participants in any type of round who persistently fail to post reviews, or DNF reviews, will find mods less than willing to add them to subsequent rounds.

Please let me know ASAP if I missed something that results in you being asked to review someone who’s already reviewed you.

Feel free to ask questions if you need to, either here or via PM.

Happy reading & reviewing! :)

Sotto, I picked up a copy of Scarred Drifter. Have a good round everyone!

Thanks, Eric! Much appreciated.

This is my review of Dusk (Mrs. Kimberly Tashner)
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R2IVEQO...

Thank you all, and thank you E.K for moderating this.

Sotto wrote: "This is my review of Dusk (Mrs. Kimberly Tashner)
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R2IVEQO...

Thank you all, and thank you E.K ..."

Thanks for those links, Sotto. That concludes your commitment to this round.

And you're welcome :)

Thank you, Sotto! I really appreciate that feedback and am glad you largely enjoyed it. 😄

My review of E K.s book
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Amazon
https://www.amazon.ca/review/RI8PC3LF...

Ann wrote: "My review of E K.s book
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Amazon
https://www.amazon.ca/review/RI8PC3LF..."

Thanks for those links, Ann. That concludes your commitment to this round.

Thanks also for the review of my book 😁

E.K. wrote: "Ann wrote: "My review of E K.s book
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Amazon
https://www.amazon.ca/review/RI8PC3LF..."

Thanks for those links, Ann. That concludes your commitme..."

NP E.K. I also posted to BookBub, twitter and BlueSky :-)

Ann wrote: "E.K. wrote: "Ann wrote: "My review of E K.s book
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Amazon
https://www.amazon.ca/review/RI8PC3LF..."

Thanks for those links, Ann. That concludes ..."

Wow!!! Thanks so much! 😁😁😁

My GR review of A Scarred Drifter https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Eric wrote: "My GR review of A Scarred Drifter https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

Thanks for that link, Eric. Please post the Zon link in a new message when it comes through.

Here it is https://www.amazon.com/review/R3JR709...

Hi all - here is my GR review for Black Hole Radio Furilani: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I posted the Amazon review a few days ago but it still hasn't appeared. If it's not live by Friday, I will post under our normal household AMZ account instead of my author account (I verified I spent $50 so it should be accepted... not sure why the delay). Will post here when it comes through.

Eric wrote: "Here it is https://www.amazon.com/review/R3JR709..."

Thanks for that link, Eric. That completes your commitment to this round.

Mrs. wrote: "Hi all - here is my GR review for Black Hole Radio Furilani: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I posted the Amazon review a few days ago but it still hasn't appeared. If it's not li..."

Thanks for that link. Please post the Zon link in a new message when it comes through. It sometimes takes a while, so don't worry if it's a few more days.

Here's the Amazon link for Black Hole Radio Furilani: https://www.amazon.com/review/R242OKS...

Mrs. wrote: "Here's the Amazon link for Black Hole Radio Furilani: https://www.amazon.com/review/R242OKS..."

Thanks for that link. That completes your commitment to this round. Just a reminder... please shorten the Amazon link when you post it (remove "ref" and everything after it to give you a clean link that doesn't include any personal information).

Goodreads link for Eric's book: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Zon is taking a while to come through. Will post once it comes in.

Zon link came through: https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/RR3H0...

That concludes the round. Thank you all for participating.