[archived]Round_109 "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.

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

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. (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. Jane C.R. Reid ✓ | Mirror of Grace
2. Ann Birdgenaw ✓ | Black Hole Radio - Labyrinthia
3. Seth Hobbs ✓ | Servant of the Vestry
4. Gene Kendall ✓ | Dogteeth and Other Tales of the Paranormal
5. J.R. Gibson ✓ | The Tale of Krampus

(✓ 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)

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

May I join this round with ‘Everheld’?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Thank you!

Ela wrote: "May I join this round with ‘Everheld’?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Thank you!"

Hi Ela, is it a "speculative" novel? The criteria is in the first post. If not, I can't add you to this one, but you could join the mature or general rounds that are forming.

Oh, sorry.
I think I will have to remove myself from here and join the mature round.
Thank you!

If possible, I'd like to join with my paranormal collection "Dogteeth and Other Tales of the Paranormal".

I've read Linda, but not this book. (Linda, I've reviewed two of your books, but only see one of them listed on your author page. We'll have to note that the reviews for books like The Wolf's Feather are showing up on your co-author's page.)

Hi Gene, that is strange because when I go on your profile and search my name under your reviews, nothing pops up. Am I doing something wrong?

Linda wrote: "Hi Gene, that is strange because when I go on your profile and search my name under your reviews, nothing pops up. Am I doing something wrong?"

I just checked and couldn't find your name on my reviews, either. Even searching just your first name, nothing comes up. That is odd (and I'm not sure what we can do about it.) When I search book titles, and not the author names, I do see my previous reviews of your books, though.

That's okay. I'm going to step out of this round. I must have had too
much turkey food this weekend, I just realized I'm in another round.

Gene wrote: "If possible, I'd like to join with my paranormal collection "Dogteeth and Other Tales of the Paranormal"."

Hi Gene,

I still have you active in Round 108. At the moment we are only allowing authors to join one round at a time so I can't add you yet.

E.K. wrote: "Gene wrote: "If possible, I'd like to join with my paranormal collection "Dogteeth and Other Tales of the Paranormal"."

Hi Gene,

I still have you active in Round 108. At the mome..."


My links are up in Round 108 now. Thanks! :)

Hi, can I join with my paranornal novel, 'Mirror of Grace' please?

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

I have read Gene's Dogteeth and Tales of the Paranormal.

Gene wrote: "E.K. wrote: "Gene wrote: "If possible, I'd like to join with my paranormal collection "Dogteeth and Other Tales of the Paranormal"."

Hi Gene,

I still have you active in Round 108..."

Welcome, Gene :)

Are you comfortable providing an alternative to Jane?

Jane C.R. wrote: "Hi, can I join with my paranornal novel, 'Mirror of Grace' please?

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

I have read Gene's Dogteeth and Tales of the Paranormal."

Welcome, Jane.

Linda wrote: "Hello, I finished my other round would I be able to join with my book The Signal: A Conspiratorium Novel

Gene, you have read from me, but not this book, and I have not read any of..."

Linda, do you have any conflicts with Jane?

Sorry, I will have to skip this round.

Linda wrote: "Sorry, I will have to skip this round."

No problem :)

Hi EK
Can you fit me into slot #2 as Jane has read me and I have read Gene?
Black Hole Radio- Furilani

Ann wrote: "Hi EK
Can you fit me into slot #2 as Jane has read me and I have read Gene?
Black Hole Radio- Furilani"

Welcome to the round, Ann :)

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Powder-H...

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Can I join with Black Powder, Black Heart? I have been reviewed by Ann and Jane. I have reviewed Gene, but he has several books I have not read, if I remember correctly. Thanks.

Seth wrote: "https://www.amazon.com/Black-Powder-H...

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2......"

Welcome to the round, Seth. You'll need to offer an alternative book as Ann's already read the one you submitted.

I've read Ann's book, so would also need an alternative.

Jane C.R. wrote: "I've read Ann's book, so would also need an alternative."

Thanks, Jane. It looks like Ann has other books you can read.

Just to clarify -- we'll be reviewing only one book each in this round? (I've only done the three-person rounds here.) Just asking because if the list wraps, I can't review Jane.

Gene wrote: "Just to clarify -- we'll be reviewing only one book each in this round? (I've only done the three-person rounds here.) Just asking because if the list wraps, I can't review Jane."

Hi Gene, Yes, will just be reviewing one book each. We need to fill spot 5 so that you don't review Jane. If you see anything odd with the ordering please do let me know. Thanks

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C...?

Ann can read this one. I also have several others, but I don't think she has read this one. Thanks.

Seth wrote: "https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C...?

Ann can read this one. I also have se..."

Thanks, Seth. I've updated your book.

Hi, I would like to join this round with The Tale of Krampus:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

I've reviewed Jane, Gene, Seth and Anne have reviewed me before.

J.R. wrote: "Hi, I would like to join this round with The Tale of Krampus:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

I've reviewed Jane, Gene, Seth and Anne have reviewed me before."

Hi J.R., I think you fit in the last spot, but I'm not certain from what you wrote.

Have you reviewed Gene before?

I've reviewed J.R. He hasn't reviewed me.

Gene wrote: "I've reviewed J.R. He hasn't reviewed me."

Thanks!

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! :)

Good to go!

No conflicts.

Ann, I've read Furilani and the first book in the series. If you're happy to provide another, I'm good to go.

good to go

Jane you can read Labyrinthia instead. Good to go

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

You have three weeks to read and review.
Start date: December 17 2025
End date: January 8, 2026

Please post your review no later than January 8, 2026.

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

1.__Jane C.R. Reid
You're reviewing Black Hole Radio - Labyrinthia (Ann Birdgenaw).
J.R. Gibson is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

2.__Ann Birdgenaw
You're reviewing Servant of the Vestry (Seth Hobbs).
Jane C.R. Reid is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

3.__Seth Hobbs
You're reviewing Dogteeth and Other Tales of the Paranormal (Gene Kendall).
Ann Birdgenaw is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

3.__Gene Kendall
You're reviewing The Tale of Krampus (J.R. Gibson).
Seth Hobbs is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

3.__J.R. Gibson
You're reviewing Mirror of Grace (Jane C.R. Reid).
Gene Kendall 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! :)

Hi Seth. I already got your book on Kindle Unlimited.

Goodreads review for Mirror of Grace:

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

Amazon review for Mirror of Grace:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R3O0G...

J.R. wrote: "Amazon review for Mirror of Grace:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R3O0G..."

Many thanks, J.R!

J.R. wrote: "Amazon review for Mirror of Grace:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R3O0G..."

Thanks for those links, J.R. That completes your commitment to this round.

My reviews for The Tale of Krampus:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2SBPZA...

Gene wrote: "My reviews for The Tale of Krampus:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2SBPZA..."

Thanks for those links, Gene. That completes your commitment to this round.

Here's my review of Seth's book

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

Amazon
https://www.amazon.ca/review/R39T7EN2...

Ann wrote: "Here's my review of Seth's book

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

Amazon
https://www.amazon.ca/review/R39T7EN2..."

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

Please find my review for Black Hole Radio: Labyrinthia

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

https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R18TW...

Jane wrote: "Please find my review for Black Hole Radio: Labyrinthia

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

https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R18TW..."

Thanks for those links, Jane. That completes your commitment to this round.

Is anyone else having trouble with the goodreads site lately? I was on here trying to click on author or book pages, and none of them are working. Hoping it is a temporary issue. I will try again later today or tomorrow.