Creative Reviews discussion

Jason J. Berg

I would like to request honest reviews from any smart, opinionated reviewers, that may enjoy a fresh style in the fantasy genre.

Alright, my initial post didn't garner any attention, (which is surprising since this is a reviewer's group) so I thought to try again with a more detailed approach.

The story that is up for review is the initial entry to the Carbon Series, entitled Carbon: Session 01 - Alignment. You could try to pin down the genre somewhere between dark and epic fantasy, but it is done in an episodic format; much like a graphic novel or comic book. (Each episode was originally released on the CarbonLegends website, one every other week, leading up to the completion of the first session.)

I am reluctant to post any plot details in this request, for fear of ruining the read, but I am more than willing to hand out free (no strings attached) copies to anyone interested in reviewing. However, if you would like to purchase your own, the best deal is on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Carbon-Session-...

If you have any questions at all regarding Carbon, you have only but to ask, and I will promptly reply.
I truly hope this will spark a bit more enthusiasm within this group of reviewers, and I am looking forward to hearing from all of you.


Jason J. Berg
Carbon: Session 01 - Alignment

I saw you posted the prologue for the description, is that kind of the idea of the story - older races in this realm trying to survive and adapt to what is becoming an entirely new world?

I like to read a blurb, general idea of the story which usually ends with intriguing questions about what the character will do when faced with the massive adversity inside the story that I'll have to read the story to be able to answer before I offer to read and review a work. No offense to you but I think it's better for both parties because then the reader knows in advance if it's a story that peeks their interest.

I don't know about anyone else but I've been in the shoes of being sent a book to review that was just not good and then being torn about giving my honest opinion after the author generously gave me a copy of his book free of charge. Writing bad things about a gift feels all sorts of wrong. I mean I never go into a review expecting to give a five stars because I almost never give a 5 stars, but when you're honest opinion doesn't include the word star at all I'm the type of person who feels bad about that. I'm guessing that I'm probably not alone which is probably why you didn't have a lot of initial interest when you didn't give a general idea of plot.

I might be interested if you can give me a better idea of what the story is about, but I don't want to offer and be back where I was a few year ago when I stopped reviewing for a while because I felt so horrible about wanting to write a bad review about a free book. That might make me a bad reviewer because I certainly don't have the stones of Siskel and Ebert, but most of the reviewers on goodreads don't do this professionally so many are probably as careful as I am about wanting to make sure the book has the potential to engage them before agreeing to offer an opinion on it. IE if you describe like King when you write you wouldn't want me within a hundred miles of reading it because that writing style irritates me enough to slash it pieces and I wouldn't want to be in the shoes of slashing it to pieces when you offered a free copy to read and review. I'm sure there are other members much more professional than I am about reviewing, but you might have a lot more volunteers if you offered a bit more of a summary.

Shane wrote: "dude is it available on smashwords because that's the only e-book site I use?"

Sorry, it is not on smashwords yet. Check back after memorial day weekend, and it may be available. Thanks for your interest.

I also forgot to mention, that you can read up to half of the story with your web browser right here on goodreads. Just check out the link in the top post to begin reading.

Jenn wrote: "I saw you posted the prologue for the description, is that kind of the idea of the story - older races in this realm trying to survive and adapt to what is becoming an entirely new world?

I like..."

Jenn, when authors solicit reviews, they are going to know that not everyone is going to love what they put out there. Some people will adore the book, while others will find it simply ok. As long as you are constructive with your criticism, there is no need to fear not giving even a free gift a glowing review.

All reviews, as long as they are done professionally, (not saying not to be creative with your review because that is important too), but if you don't like a book, just be sure to state why you don't like it. Being an author is a learning process, they do gain valuable insight about their work through well written and insightful reviews. What we do is important to them whether it be a review about loving the book or a review about not loving it as much!

Amy wrote: "Jenn wrote: "I saw you posted the prologue for the description, is that kind of the idea of the story - older races in this realm trying to survive and adapt to what is becoming an entirely new wor..."

Agreed Amy. All I ask for is honesty, and I value all opinions equally. One who cannot accept criticism, is one who cannot grow.

I wish there was a LIKE button to all of peoples comments. I LIKE your comment Amy and I agree. Criticism can be very helpful as long as it is said professionally and respectfully.
@Jason- I like the cover of your book!

@Jason, I would be willing to review your book, but you should know there are about 13 others on my read/review list, so it could be a little while. The next month is going to be nuts for me--kids at home, lots of time out of town, etc. I just can't promise when I will have it done.

Cassie wrote: "@Jason, I would be willing to review your book, but you should know there are about 13 others on my read/review list, so it could be a little while. The next month is going to be nuts for me--kids..."

That sounds great Cassie. I am not one to rush a person. I just want you to enjoy and take your time. Thanks for your consideration, and have a nice holiday weekend!

Shane Carbon is now up on smashwords. It took a bit of time to get my formatting to their specs, but it turned out nicely. Enjoy! http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...

A quick message for all reviewers: if you are a smashwords affiliate you can earn a 20% commission for the sale of Carbon: Session 01. So don't forget to post the link on your blogs and websites.

Thanks for telling us Jason! That is great news!

Wow, Jason! Thank you, that is very generous to share with the whole group!

I have re uploaded the smashwords edition of Carbon: Session 01 in order to fix TOC errors that were occurring. I apologize if anyone has a faulty copy.

I only just joined the group last evening. If you still want/need reviews, let me know - I'll be happy to do so. I can read .pdf and .epub versions. Thanks!

Thanks Katy. I am always open for new reviews. You can download an .epub or .pdf from smashwords.com. Here is the link- http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/.... Use coupon code FS58C.
Thanks again

Thanks!

If there are any reviewers interested in receiving a copy of Carbon: Session 02 - "Forsaken Fates" before it releases in the Kindle Store, drop me a line right here-->

Oooh, yeah, I'd love to see the next book in the series.

Jason J. Berg

I am currently looking for reviewers to check out the second iteration of the Carbon Series, which was just released on Amazon and Goodreads on the 17th of September. I do have free review copies ready in .epub format, and I am looking forward to sending out as many as possible.
Also, if you have not experienced Session 01 yet, I still have a few review copies left for that as well.

Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from the group.

Hey, Jason - you might start a new thread about the new volume, just to make sure no one misses it! IIRC they aren't too long, so I'll try to get to it ASAP; probably a couple weeks, though.

Congrats on release of the 2nd in the series!!

Amy wrote: "Congrats on release of the 2nd in the series!!"

Thank you