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 to finish assigned books before leaving a review, 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. If you DNF (DO NOT FINISH) an assigned book, you run the risk of not being allowed into review rounds in the future.

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 pressuring other members WILL NOT BE TOLERATED and will result in you being blacklisted.

12. You declare all Goodreads accounts when signing up for rounds, including all pen names and additional user accounts, so that these can be checked by moderators and other group members to ensure that there are not previous review conflicts.

13. Books which include AI-generated writing are not permitted. Reviews may not be written by AI.

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:
Jeff

Member Links | Book Links
1. Jeff Chapman | The Breath of the Sea
2. P. Pherson Green | The Eye of Ebon
3. Mehmet Çalışkan | Children of Jotunheim
4. J.A. Freely | A Quick Spin Around the Galaxy
5. S. Lynn Helton | Crystalborne Sigils
6. Vanessa MacLellan | Reluctant Hero: Book One of the Seeded Saga
7. Linda A. Sanchez | Truth: A Conspiratorium Novel
8. Sebastian Black | Ridge Stryker in the 23rd Century
9. Laura Koerber | Wild Hare
10. Sotto Voce | A Scarred Drifter

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 would like to join this group with my book Truth: A Conspiratorium Novel

Linda A. Sanchez

Welcome, Linda. Thanks for joining.

Hi I'd like to join, and I have no conflicts!!!

A Quick Spin Around the Galaxy is my one and only book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

I want in with any of my fantasy books or dystopia books--which ever suits this group best.

I reviewed JA's book.

No conflicts except with JA who I have reviewed. I have several books that could work, but for starters please consider this one: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

I'd like to join with my fantasy book Crystalborne Sigils.

My GR book link: www.goodreads.com/book/show/60585890-...
My GR author link: www.goodreads.com/slynnhelton
(I also write as Lynn Helton)

I've previously reviewed Linda, but not this book.

I've previously reviewed Laura, but not this book.

Jeff has previously reviewed me, and this book, but I have others he can read.

J.A. has previously reviewed me, and this book, but I have others he can read.

I'd like to join with my middle grade book,
Saving Bigfoot Valley
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...

I write under SD Brown and Spike Brown

Jeff has reviewed this book.
I have reviewed Linda

Hello, Jeff. I hope you don't mind my helping a bit.

Here are the constraints with the people who have asked to join.
1. Jeff signed on first.
2. Linda asked to join second. She has not reviewed or been reviewed by Jeff.
3. J.A. signed on third, and has not reviewed or been reviewed by Jeff or Linda. He also has just one book.
4. Laura asked to join 4th. Laura has reviewed J.A., and has also reviewed Jeff.
5. Lynn asked to join 5th, and has reviewed Linda and Laura, and been reviewed by Jeff and J.A.
6. S.D. asked to join 6th and has reviewed J.A. and Linda, and has been reviewed by Jeff, Lynn, and Laura.

Unfortunately, because J.A. has only the one book, you won't be able to fit, S.D. I'm sorry about that.


Jeff, everyone else should be able to fit. Laura and J.A. need to stay in each others' blind spots.

Anyone else after Laura who wishes to join but has reviewed J.A. will not be able to fit.

Jeff, here is a suggested list that should work, assuming I found all the conflicts:

1. Jeff
2.
3.
4. J.A.
5. Lynn
6. Linda
7.
8.
9. Laura
10.

J.A. and Laura have to stay in each others' blind spots (with 4 spots between them on both sides) Lynn has to review Laura.
Laura will need to review Jeff. J.A. will need to review Lynn. Lynn can't move much; between 5 and 6. Linda could fit in spots 6, 7, 8, or 10, but not beyond that since she can't review Lynn.

I would like to jump in.

I am a fantasy writer.

Author name: P. Pherson

Book: The Eye of Ebon


I dont recognize that have already signed up. So, no conflicts for me so far.

Linda has actually read and reviewed your book, The Eye of Ebon, which looks like your only book. Is that correct? You should still be able to fit.

Jeff, Linda could fit in spot 7 and P. Pherson could fit in spot 2 without reciprocal reviews. It would look like this:
1. Jeff
2. P. Pherson
3.
4. J.A.
5. Lynn
6.
7. Linda
8.
9. Laura
10.

They would have to remain in each others' blind spots like Laura and J.A. They could each move one spot down (to 3 and 8) if needed, keeping the 4 spots between them, but not more than that.

I am in awe of the ability of the moderators to sort this all out! Thank you!

I am to Laura, because I'm lost. Appreciate you all.

Thanks for your help, Loralee. This looks easy until you try to do it.

Welcome P. Pherson, J.A., Lynn, and Laura. Thanks for signing on.

To all, please don't purchase any books yet. The list may still undergo some shuffling.

I'd like to join with The Rise and Fall of Antocracy
Lynn has read all my books, Linda two and Jeff one. I have read Laura, but not this book.

Actually, Lynn hasn't reviewed my fourth book, although it is a French translation of my first. If she can do that, she won't need to be in my blind spot.

Terry wrote: "Actually, Lynn hasn't reviewed my fourth book, although it is a French translation of my first. If she can do that, she won't need to be in my blind spot."

My knowledge of French never went beyond high-school level classes, and that's been waaay too many years ago, so I wouldn't feel confident trying to do that, unfortunately

I'm sorry, Terry. I can't squeeze you in. If you had another book for Lynn to read, I could fit you in, but I cannot put Lynn in your blind spot without violating other people's restrictions.

Hi, I've lurked here for a bit and I'm ready to dive in. May I join your group? I have a trilogy, but I'm really looking for reviews for the third book.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
I have read none of the books listed so far, so at least I'm easy to fit in. :)
Here's my author profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

S.D. wrote: "I'd like to join with my middle grade book,
Saving Bigfoot Valley
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...

I write under SD Brown and Spike Brown

Jeff has reviewed this..."

no problem.... I'll try another group when one appears.

Welcome, Jennifer. Thanks for signing up. We like to see new people.

Jeff wrote: "Welcome, Jennifer. Thanks for signing up. We like to see new people."

Thank you, I figure it also makes the process a little easier too! It seems like some people NEED someone new to review!

Pas de problem, Lynn. Understood, Jeff.

Hi, I would like to join this round with Wizard Bamzooki's 100 Days

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

Linda has reviewed me before. I've reviewed Jeff (the Huckster's Tales, but not all his stories) Lynn (Crystalborne Sigils, although not all her stories) Laura (Alyse in Purgatory, not all her stories). I believe P Pherson has reviewed one of my stories. I've not reviewed/been reviewed by JA

Unfortunately, J.R., since both P Pherson and Linda have reviewed you, you won't be able to fit as they need to stay in each others' blind spots.
You could try Gene's round here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... since they need one more person.

Just make sure you tell Gene ALL your conflicts. For example, you have been reviewed in that group by Gene, TEW, Ann, and Shoshana. You have reviewed Jane CR Reid

To check your own conflicts, here is how to do it.
To see if you have reviewed someone, go to the menu across the top of your screen (if you're on a computer) and click My Books. Then in the box that says "Search and add books" type a person's name. That will show if you have reviewed that person.

To check and see if someone else has reviewed you, go to that person's profile. Click the middle link under the picture they have uploaded. It would say "[x] reviews" and when it takes you to the books they've reviewed, type your name into the box that says "Search and add books" and it will show if they have reviewed you before.

Can't fit into that one I'm afraid either, never mind I'll keep a look out for the next available one.

I would like to join with my book, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

I've been reviewed by Lynn Helton and Linda Sanchez.

Haven't reviewed anyone on this list yet.

May I join with The Memory of Lost Dreams? Jeff Chapman has read one of my other books.
I haven't read or been read by P. Pherson Green.
I haven't read or been read by Jennifer Abrahamsen.
I have read J.A. Freely | A Quick Spin Around the Galaxy.
I have read other books, but not S. Lynn Helton | Crystalborne Sigils.
I am reading one of Linda's books, and but not Linda A. Sanchez | Truth: A Conspiratorium Novel.
Laura Koerber has read one of my other books.

Sebastian, you should be able to fit in this round.
Joseph, unfortunately because you've reviewed J.A. and he has only the one book, we won't be able to fit you into this round. Might you consider seeing if this is a group you could join here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
They just need one more to get started.

Jeff, Sebastian should be able to fit into spots 8 or 10 as he's been reviewed by both Lynn and Linda, and putting him there will have him either be reviewed by both, or be reviewed by one and in the blind spot of the other.

Sounds good.

Welcome, Sebastian. Thanks for signing up.

Hi Jeff,
Loralee contacted me and asked if I would consider joining Gene's group so they can get up and running since they need one more persona and can't seem to find anyone right now. I apologize to you and the other group members, but I'm going to withdraw from this group to go help them out.

I'm sure I'll "see" you all again in another group.

-Jen

Okay, Jen. Sorry to see you go. Good luck.

Hi Jeff,
Can I join with my bookA Scarred Drifter

I should fit in number 10.
I have reviewed you, Merlis book#1 (but not this book or book #2)
I haven't reviewed or been reviewed by P.Pherson or J.A

I have reviewed Lynn (on number 10, she will be in my blind spot)

Linda has reviewed me (but I have other books for her)
Laura has reviewed me (but not this one)
Sebastian hasn't reviewed me.

Thanks in advance,
Sotto

Welcome, Sotto. Thank you for signing up and doing all that analysis.

Hello. I would like to sign up with my novel Reluctant Hero.
I have been reviewed by S Lynn Helton and JA Freely for my book Awaken. Unsure if I'll fit!

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

Welcome, Vanessa. Thanks for signing up.

Vanessa has also reviewed Laura Koeber, but should be fine where you have put her, Jeff, as she's set to review Laura again.

Thanks, Loralee, for finding that.

Thanks Loralee! I missed that.

Hi, I'd like to join with my scifi novel The Possession of Metal, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...?
Book 2 in the John Spark series. I don't have any conflicts with the books on the list, and mine hasn't been reviewed.

Hi ,
I’d like to join with my book Children of Jotunheim:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
It is a philosophical, epic science fiction novel.
I can provide my book as a PDF and can only read books in PDF format as well.
Thank you!

I've previously reviewed K.A. (a different book).

No clashes with Mehmet.

K.A had reviewed me.
No clashes with Mehmet.

Sorry, K.A., but I cannot fit you in with your conflicts with Lynn and Sotto.

Try Group 384. It has 5 open slots.

Welcome, Mehmet. Thanks for signing up.

WooHoo! All ten slots are filled.

Member Links | Book Links
1. Jeff Chapman | The Breath of the Sea
2. P. Pherson Green | The Eye of Ebon
3. Mehmet Çalışkan | Children of Jotunheim
4. J.A. Freely | A Quick Spin Around the Galaxy
5. S. Lynn Helton | Crystalborne Sigils
6. Vanessa MacLellan | Reluctant Hero: Book One of the Seeded Saga
7. Linda A. Sanchez | Truth: A Conspiratorium Novel
8. Sebastian Black | Ridge Stryker in the 23rd Century
9. Laura Koerber | Wild Hare
10. Sotto Voce | A Scarred Drifter

Everyone - please post to tell me if you have reviewed any of the four people above you on the list (the list wraps around so (10) is 'above' (1) ). Please also check that if you have already reviewed any of the four people 'below' you on the list they have more books available that you have not yet reviewed and post to tell me if they have not.

If you write under a pen name or have additional Goodreads profiles, then you'll have to follow these instructions for every pen name or additional Goodreads profile.

Remember that you can check if you have reviewed anyone before by going to your reviews through your profile (the link is under your portrait), and searching their name. You can check if someone has reviewed you in the same way through their profile and searching for your name.
Please check all those who are the 4 above and 4 below you.
If you have no review clashes - or if you are scheduled to review someone who you have reviewed before but can see they have another book available just post 'Good to go :)' or words to that effect.
If you spot a clash or someone in the four below you who has no book you can review, please say.

When everyone has posted 'Good to go' we will be :)

If you are new to these rounds do not worry, full instructions will be provided at every stage.

Good to go.

Okay, maybe next time!