Round_147 "Speculative" -Full & Underway- (reviews due Nov 12) > Likes and Comments

This is a "Speculative" 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.

Books can be published, finished works, available at Amazon & other online booksellers; or not-yet-published, i.e. ARC files & pre-order books. If the book is not yet published, you must be able to provide an ARC file and the book must be able to be reviewed in at least one other place in addition to Goodreads.

Participants post reviews to Goodreads and at least one place elsewhere. Amazon is the preferred second location.

If you can review on Amazon, please do so. And give it time to show up – about 2 weeks – before reviewing in another location as a backup.

However, if it's not feasible for you to review on Amazon (either the book's in pre-order or you cannot review on Amazon), that second location can be BookBub, LibraryThing, TheStoryGraph, Readers' Favorite, Smashwords, Kobo, Audible, B&N, IG, X/Twitter, or FB, etc.

When posting your review to places like IG, X/Twitter, etc., please create a new post, on your own account, in which you review the book. Don't go to the author's account and paste your review as a comment on one of their posts - that comment is too easily lost in all the activity on the platform.

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. 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.)

4. Your book is fit and ready to be reviewed.
If it's not, due to editing or other issues, you risk poor reviews.

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

6. Your book fits the round theme.

7. 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. 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.

8. You agree to provide a contact email address when you sign up (see below).

This is necessary to allow for sending/receiving a review copy, if needed, as well as to allow the Mod to contact you about the round or your reviewing commitment, if needed. Emails must not be used for marketing purposes or sold.

To sign up for this read/review round:

1. Please provide your contact information via this form - https://forms.gle/KjqB9uuHuYbPwpfG8

If you want to create a new email account only for use for this review group, see Getting a review copy for a list of the supposedly best free email providers.

2. And please reply to this topic with these details:

a. 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.

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

c. A disclosure statement regarding your use or non-use of generative AI for your book's interior content. Some example statements:

"I used {AI-based tool name} to generate content for my book."
OR
"I used {AI-based tool name} to generate interior artwork for my book."
OR
"I used {AI-based tool name} to generate the English translation of my book's text.
OR
"I didn't use generative AI in the creation of this book. I created all content myself."

d. Which of the other authors have previously reviewed any of your books; of the authors already in the round’s list and those signing up but not yet listed. If none, please specifically say so. This helps avoid reciprocal reviews.

e. Which of the other authors you’ve previously reviewed; of the authors already in the round’s list and those signing up but not yet listed. If none, please specifically say so. This helps avoid reciprocal reviews.

f. 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.

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 be sure to check back periodically as the round fills, to report any new conflicts and 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:

-Four 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 topic so the Mod can "sign you off" for the round.

When you add your link(s) to this topic, 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 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 Mods 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 Mod has posted that the round has started.

Participants & Book Links
1. Ed Morawski - Smosaythia (NO gen-AI used)
2. Archer Cook - Swamp-pocalypse (NO gen-AI used)
3. Joseph Minart - The Tale of the Young Witch (minuscule use of gen-AI)
4. Ela Sharp✓ - Embers of Unwritten Union (NO gen-AI used)
5. Sotto Voce✓ - Atlas (NO gen-AI used)

(✓ 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)

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

I'd like to join with my book Smosaythia

No A.I. of any type was used.

Ed wrote: "
I'd like to join with my book Smosaythia
No A.I. of any type was used."

Ed, as part of your sign-up, you need to please provide contact information. See #1 under "To sign up for this read/review round" in message 1.

Thanks!

I'd like to join with my book Swamp-pocalypse.

No A.I. of any type was used.

Form filled out.



(this is not the actual cover...please go to book page on amazon to see actual cover.)

Archer wrote: "I'd like to join with my book Swamp-pocalypse.
No A.I. of any type was used.
Form filled out..."

Archer, I'm happy to add you to the round, but for me to be able to do so, I need a complete sign-up please that includes (as listed in message 1):

Which of the other authors have previously reviewed any of your books; of the authors already in the round’s list and those signing up but not yet listed. If none, please specifically say so.

And

Which of the other authors you’ve previously reviewed; of the authors already in the round’s list and those signing up but not yet listed. If none, please specifically say so.

Thanks!

I would like to join with "The Tale of the Young Witch."

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXHW2FK3

I have read other books by Ed, but not this one. I have not been read or read books from Archer.

I filled out the form.

2% of my book uses Google Gemini and DeepAI, starting in late 2024 and becoming more involved in early 2026, along with my 2023 human writing (6 human editors helped me write the manuscript in 2023), which I heavily edited into my own words. This edition of the book has been improved through feedback from previous readers (perhaps a reader can see their reading spirit being interwoven into the book because of the crowdsourcing). Some reviews may reflect earlier versions, but the current edition offers the latest content. This book has undergone multiple scans through Grammarly, starting in late 2025. Please see the author's website on Goodreads for the differences between the editions.

Lynn wrote: "Archer wrote: "I'd like to join with my book Swamp-pocalypse.
No A.I. of any type was used.
Form filled out..."

Archer, I'm happy to add you to the round, but for me to be able to do so, I need a..."

I haven't reviewed either Joseph or Ed and neither have reviewed my book.

Archer wrote: ""I'd like to join with my book Swamp-pocalypse.
No A.I. of any type was used.
Form filled out...
...I haven't reviewed either Joseph or Ed and neither have reviewed my book..."


Thank you for that information and welcome to the round, Archer.

Since Goodreads notifications aren't reliable, please be sure to check back from time to time (at least once every seven days is recommended) to report any new conflicts and avoid missing out on anything posted in the round.

Joseph wrote: "I would like to join with "The Tale of the Young Witch."
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
...I have read other books b..."

Joseph, once you've been signed off as done with your previous round, then I can add you here.

Hi Lynn,
Can I join this round with my book 'A Scarred Drifter.'
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

I have reviewed Ed, but not this book.
Archer has not reviewed me.

No gen-AI is used for my books.

I have filled up the form.

Thanks in advance.

I filled out he contact form
I have no history with Archer
Sotto has read me before
I have reviewed Joseph

Ed wrote: "I filled out he contact form
I have no history with Archer
Sotto has read me before
I have reviewed Joseph"

Thank you for that information Ed and welcome to the round.

Since Goodreads notifications aren't reliable, please be sure to check back periodically (at least once every seven days is recommended) to report any new conflicts and avoid missing out on anything posted in the round.

Lynn wrote: "Joseph wrote: "I would like to join with "The Tale of the Young Witch...""

...once you've been signed off as done with your previous round, then I can add you..."

I see that you're now signed off in that other round. Welcome to this round, Joseph.

Since Goodreads notifications aren't reliable, please be sure to check back from time to time (at least once every seven days is recommended) to report any new conflicts and avoid missing out on anything posted in the round.

Sotto wrote: "Hi Lynn,
Can I join this round with my book 'A Scarred Drifter.'
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
I have reviewed Ed, but not this book.
Archer has not reviewed me...."

Sotto, I'm happy to add you to the round but to be able to determine how/whether you can fit, I need to know about your reviewing conflicts with all of the other participants, please. So:

Please post whether you have previously reviewed Joseph Minart, and/or whether he's previously reviewed you. And if neither, please post that.

Thank you!

Hello Lynn,

If it’s not too late and there are no conflicts, may I join this round with Embers of Unwritten Union?

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

No Gen AI used. I have filled out the form.

Ed has reviewed all of my books. I have not reviewed Ed’s books.

Archer has not reviewed my books. I have not reviewed Archer’s books.

Joseph has reviewed my books, but not this one. I have not reviewed Joseph’s books.

I have reviewed Sotto’s book (this one). If it’s okay with Sotto, there are other books I am able to review. Sotto has not reviewed my books.

Thank you!

Oh sorry, I thought your earlier msg informed that he hasn’t cleared to join yet. My bad.

I have reviewed both Joseph's books.

Ela has reviewed me, but I'd be happy for her to review other books.

Sotto wrote: "Oh sorry, I thought your earlier msg informed that he hasn’t cleared to join yet..."

It had, but in message 1 the sign-up rules include "those signing up but not yet listed" which would also include someone not yet cleared to join as he was at least in the process of signing up.

Thanks for that information. I'll be back later to work through both your sign-up and Ela's.

Sotto and Ela, welcome to the round.

Since Goodreads notifications aren't reliable, please be sure to check back periodically (at least once every seven days is recommended) to report any new conflicts and avoid missing out on anything posted in the round.

--------------
Final Check
--------------
Hi everyone and welcome to this Read/Review Round!

I think we're good on having no one set for a reciprocal review, but before the round can get underway, everyone please do one last 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 (please don't rely on memory):

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.

No conflict. Ready to start.

Ready to start.

No conflict.

Ready to start.

Ela, both In Ora
and ATLAS fit to the theme. Feel free to choose which one you prefer.

Both are on KU, but do let me know should you need a digital copy.

Thank you.

Good to go.
I will be obtaining Archer's book from Amazon.

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

You have four weeks to read and review.
Start date: Oct 14, 2026
End date: Nov 12, 2026

Please post your review no later than NOVEMBER 12, 2026.

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

1.__Ed Morawski
You're reviewing Swamp-pocalypse (Archer Cook).
Sotto Voce is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

2.__Archer Cook
You're reviewing The Tale of the Young Witch (Joseph Minart).
Ed Morawski is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

3.__Joseph Minart
You're reviewing Embers of Unwritten Union (Ela Sharp).
Archer Cook is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

4.__Ela Sharp
You're reviewing In Ora: The Land of the Superior OR Atlas (Sotto Voce). Please let me know which book, so I can update the list in message 1 - thanks.
Joseph Minart is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

5.__Sotto Voce
You're reviewing Smosaythia (Ed Morawski).
Ela Sharp 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 — at least PDF files. 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:

-Get a copy of the book you're reviewing as soon as possible. You’re reviewing the book "below" you on the list. There are several methods for getting a copy of the book to read and review:

1. You can choose to buy the book, but you don’t have to.

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

3. You can request a review copy from the author.

If you need to get a review copy of the book you are to read & review, post in the round requesting a review copy from the author of the book you're to review. Then the Mod will email both of you (using the contact information you provided in the form during the "Final Check" phase) to pass along contact information so you can send/receive the review copy. (See Getting a review copy for more details.) Don't post your email in the round - it’s an open forum from which scammers can glean information.

When the author has sent the review copy, they need to post in this topic that they have done so.

Everyone, when you have gotten a copy of the book you are to review (through whatever method), post in this topic that you have a copy.

-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.

-Please post your review to Goodreads and also on your own Amazon store and any other Amazon stores you might have access to.

If you can't post a review on Amazon, please post your review at least one place elsewhere, such as BookBub, LibraryThing, TheStoryGraph, Readers' Favorite, Smashwords, Kobo, Audible, B&N, IG, X/Twitter, FB etc.

We understand that outside world commitments can sometimes make it difficult to complete a review on schedule. If you're going to be late getting your review in, you need to post to the round topic about the delay. Failure to post or complete reviews can result in repercussions, as detailed in How Read/Review Rounds Work (The Rules).

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

Be sure to shorten your links to remove possibly personal information and give you a clean link to post (remove the "?" or "ref" and everything after it).

If your second review is on Amazon, you can post your Goodreads review link before the Amazon one has been approved, but since Amazon can take days to post the review, it might be better to wait. Once the Amazon review appears, then review the book on Goodreads, and then post both links together in one message in this topic. If you don't have the Goodreads and Amazon links on the same date, please don't edit your original post to add the second link as it's unlikely the Mod will see that. Create a new post with the link.

For the good of all, participants 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.

Happy reading & reviewing! :)

Sotto wrote: "Ready to start.

Ela, both In Ora
and ATLAS fit to the theme. Feel free to choose which one you prefer.

Both are on KU, but do let me know should you need a digital copy.

Thank you."

Sotto,
I would like to request a PDF copy of your book ATLAS, please. Thank you.

Joseph,

Embers of Unwritten Union is available in KU. If you need a copy of my book, please let me know.
Thank you.

Ela wrote: "Sotto,
I would like to request a PDF copy of your book ATLAS, please. Thank you..."

Ela and Sotto, I'll email you both each other's contact info in a bit.

Ela wrote: "Joseph,

Embers of Unwritten Union is available in KU. If you need a copy of my book, please let me know.
Thank you."

Hi Ela,

I have downloaded your book through KU.

I am waiting for Archer's email via Lynn, or he can borrow my book, "The Tale of the Young Witch" through KU.

Thanks.

Joseph wrote: "I am waiting for Archer's email via Lynn, or he can borrow my book, "The Tale of the Young Witch" through KU..."

To help keep contact information exposure to a minimum, I don't share that unless the reviewer says that they need a review copy. So we'll see what Archer says.

Ela wrote: "Sotto,
I would like to request a PDF copy of your book ATLAS, please. Thank you..."

Sotto and Ela, I've emailed you both each other's contact info to facilitate getting that review copy to Ela.

Hi! Excited to start the round and review The tale of the young witch! I have KU, so if it's available, I'll download tonight.
Ed, my book is also available on KU. If you need a copy emailed, just send me a message on GR with your contact info.

Joseph wrote: "Ela wrote: "Joseph,

Embers of Unwritten Union is available in KU. If you need a copy of my book, please let me know.
Thank you."

Hi Ela,

I have downloaded your book through KU.

I am waiting f..."

Thank you, Joseph!

Lynn wrote: "Ela wrote: "Sotto,
I would like to request a PDF copy of your book ATLAS, please. Thank you..."

Sotto and Ela, I've emailed you both each other's contact info to facilitate getting that review cop..."

I have received Sotto's book. Thank you!

Ela wrote: "I have received Sotto's book..."

Thank you for that update, Ela.

Archer wrote: "Ed, my book is also available on KU. If you need a copy emailed..."

Archer, Ed posted in message 24 "I will be obtaining Archer's book from Amazon."

Ed, could you please confirm that you have a copy. Thanks!

I have a copy

Ed wrote: "I have a copy"

Great, thanks for the update.

Sotto has emailed me requesting a PDF review copy of Ed's book.

Ed and Sotto, I'll email you both each other's contact info in a bit.

Hi Ed,

When I tried to purchase your book it said 'this title is not available for purchase in your country,' eventhough it's Kindle edition. Not sure why but I did have the same problem before. KU is also not available here. It would be great if you can send me a Pdf. I won’t be able to respond for a while as I am traveling.

Thank you, and thank you Lynn.

Ed and Sotto, I've emailed you both each other's contact info to facilitate getting that review copy to Sotto.

Hello Lynn,

Below are the review links for Sotto’s ATLAS!

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

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/41431...

Thank you for a captivating story, Sotto!

And, thank you, Lynn!

Ela wrote: "...Below are the review links for Sotto’s ATLAS!
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/41431...
Thank you for a capti..."

Ela, thank you for those review links. You're done with your reviewing commitment for the round.

Please delete any email contact information that you might have received for use for that review for this round. Thank you!

And you're very welcome!

Thank you so much for the awesome review, Ela!

Unless someone tells me otherwise, it looks like everyone's got a copy to read, right? :)

Right for me :)

Here is my review of Smosaythia
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/54651...

Thank you as always, Lynn!

Sotto wrote: "Right for me :)
Here is my review of Smosaythia
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/54651...
Thank you as always, Lynn!"

You're very welcome Sotto, and thank you for those review links. You're all done with your reviewing commitment for the round.

Please delete any email contact information that you might have received for use for that review for this round. Thank you!