[archived]Round_108 "Novella" (reviews on GR & Amz)-Done! > Likes and Comments

This is a "Novella, Goodreads & Amazon" round
Any and all types of books, both fiction and non-fiction, are acceptable here. This means you might be reading anything from a book about tax returns to creative nonfiction to horror or erotica and anything in between. Books must be published, finished works and available on Amazon.

Books for this round must be of novella-length or shorter, i.e. under 45,000 words (which equates to around 180 pages, or fewer).

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.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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

(Person 1 reviews 2. Person 2 reviews 3. Person 3 reviews 1.)

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

Participants & Book Links
1. Gene Kendall✓ - Gutbuster
2. Eric Gibson✓ - In the Company of Flies
3. T.B. Johnson✓ - Sinner’s Descent: into the Depths of the Unreal

(✓ 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)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Eric Gibson requested this round and so has been added to it already (book pending).

Thanks! We'll go with this one:
In the Company of Flies

I've reviewed Eric in the past, but not this book. I'd like join with my novella Gutbuster.

Eric wrote: "Thanks! We'll go with this one:
In the Company of Flies"
Got it Eric, thanks!

-----
Gene wrote: "I've reviewed Eric in the past, but not this book. I'd like join with my novella Gutbuster."
Welcome to the round, Gene.

Both of you please be sure to check back from time to time to report any new conflicts and avoid missing out on anything posted in the round.

I'll join with my children’s picture book Min: the Cat Who Guards the Castle.

My GR book link: www.goodreads.com/book/show/208081707...
My Goodreads author link: www.goodreads.com/lynnhelton
(I also write as S. Lynn Helton)

Both Gene and Eric have reviewed me previously. (And Gene has already reviewed this book, but I do have another novella that he could review if needed to make the list work.)

Lynn wrote: "I'll join with my children’s picture book Min: the Cat Who Guards the Castle.
My GR book link: www.goodreads.com/book/show/208081707...
My Goodreads author link: www.goodreads.com/lynnhelton
(I a..."

I've added myself to the round (my other pen name). :)

It'd be cool if I could join with my novella:

Sinner’s Descent: into the Depths of the Unreal

I've reviewed a different book by Gene before.

Lynn wrote: "I'll join with my children’s picture book Min: the Cat Who Guards the Castle.
My GR book link: www.goodreads.com/book/show/208081707...
My Goodreads author link: www.goodreads.com/lynnhelton
(I a..."

Well, I miscalculated my time commitments. I'm not going to be able to do this at this time, so I'm withdrawing from the round.

T.B. wrote: "It'd be cool if I could join with my novella:
Sinner’s Descent: into the Depths of the Unreal
I've reviewed a..."
Welcome to the round, T.B.

And with T.B. joining, that brings us to the...
--------------
Final Check
--------------
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 double-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! :)

Please don’t get books or begin reading/reviewing until that official "start the round" message has been posted. The order can still change before then.

Ready to start.

Just to confirm:
1. I previously reviewed Gene's work (but have never been reviewed by Gene)
2. Nope!
3. Nope!

Like SpongeBob, I'm ready! :D

T.B. wrote: "Just to confirm:
1. I previously reviewed Gene's work (but have never been reviewed by Gene)
2. Nope!
3. Nope!
Like SpongeBob, I'm ready! :D"

And for #1, you haven't previously reviewed Eric, correct?

Nope! I have literally one review and it's someone named Dallas. lol

Update: sorry my dyslexia was acting up >_< The answer to your actual question is also nope!

T.B. wrote: "Nope! I have literally one review and it's someone named Dallas. lol
Update: sorry my dyslexia was acting up >_< The answer to your actual question is also nope!"

No worries - thank you!

Ready to start

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

You have three weeks to read and review.
Start date: Nov. 13, 2025
End date: Dec. 4, 2025

Please post your review no later than DECEMBER 4, 2025.

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

1.__Gene Kendall
You're reviewing In the Company of Flies (Eric Gibson).
T.B. Johnson is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

2.__Eric Gibson
You're reviewing Sinner’s Descent: into the Depths of the Unreal (T.B. Johnson).
Gene Kendall is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

3.__T.B. Johnson
You're reviewing Gutbuster (Gene Kendall).
Eric Gibson 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 message the person who will be reviewing you (the person above you on the original list of names) through their Goodreads author page (links provided above) 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 messaging is recommended for exchanging email addresses to avoid the chance of spammers getting your email addresses from this open forum).

To message someone: on their Goodreads author page, 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 message 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 messaging.

Happy reading & reviewing! :)

I've got KU so I'm good to go on Gutbuster!

Thanks, T.B.! Hope you enjoy.

Here's Gutbuster's reviews!

https://amazon.com/gp/customer-review...

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

T.B. wrote: "Here's Gutbuster's reviews!
https://amazon.com/gp/customer-review...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

Thank you for those review links, T.B. You're all done with your reviewing commitment for this round.

Review of Sinner's Descent https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
AMZ pending

Eric wrote: "Review of Sinner's Descent https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
AMZ pending"

Amazing. You've written one of my two favorite reviews ;)

One thing: the review contains major spoilers, especially about the climax. Can you add spoiler tags or just mark the whole thing as "contains spoilers?"

Thanks a bunch! :D

Done. You're welcome.

My links for In the Company of Flies:
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2P00CD...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Eric wrote: "Review of Sinner's Descent https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
AMZ pending"

Thank you for that review link, Eric.

Whenever the Amazon review shows up, please post its link in a new comment - thanks!

Gene wrote: "My links for In the Company of Flies:
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2P00CD...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

Thank you for those links, Gene. You're all done with your reviewing commitment for the round.

AMZ for Sinner's Descent https://www.amazon.com/review/RN6WE3V...

Eric wrote: "AMZ for Sinner's Descent https://www.amazon.com/review/RN6WE3V..."

Thank you, Eric. You're all done with your reviewing commitment for the round.

-------------
And that review link finishes this round. Thank you all!
(I'll file the round away in a bit.)