[archived]Round_142 "Speculative" - Done! > 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.

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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.

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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 (tentative order)
1. S. Lynn Helton ✓ (also Lynn Helton) | Crystalborne Sigils
2. Ela Sharp ✓ | Embers of Unwritten Union
3. K Balamurugan ✓ | Angelo Sapiens and the Serpent's Stone
4. Kimberly Tashner Shyu ✓ | Dusk
5. Amber Daulton ✓ | Timeless Beginnings
6. Linda A. Sanchez ✓ | Acceptable Loss: A Conspiratorium Novel
7. J.R. Gibson ✓ | Wizard Bamzooki's Controversies
8. Andreas Brooks ✓ | The Forgotten Children

(✓ 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)

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

I've filled out the contact info form.
I don't use generative AI in the creation of my books.

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 would like to join with my book Acceptable Loss: A Conspiratorium Novel

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

I have been reviewed by Lynn, but have not reviewed her.

Filled out the form and I do not use AI for my books

Linda, Lynn, welcome to the round.

If it is possible, I would like to 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.

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

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

Thank you!

Ela wrote: "If it is possible, I would like to join this round with Embers of Unwritten Union.

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

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

Welcome to the round, Ela. Please keep checking back for any conflicts.

Hello, If possible, I would like to join this round with my book, Angelo Sapiens and the Serpent's Stone.
No genAI used in the writing. GenAI was used for two images in the book.

I have reviewed Linda's book. But no conflicts with the rest.

K wrote: "Hello, If possible, I would like to join this round with my book, Angelo Sapiens and the Serpent's Stone.
No genAI used in the writing. GenAI was used for two images in the book.
..."

Welcome to the round, K.

Thanks, E.K. Just to clarify, I have already reviewed this particular book of Linda's.
And I would be more than happy to review any other book she wants me to.

Hi all - once Lynn confirms my obligations in round 140 (general) are met, I'd like to join this round with DUSK.

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

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

Conflicts: I have reviewed S. Lynn Helton (Crystalborne Sigils) and
Linda A. Sanchez (The Signal: A Conspiratorium Novel). They have not reviewed me.

I have no conflicts with Ela or K.

I don't use generative AI in the creation of my books. I've completed the form.

Kimberly wrote: "Hi all - once Lynn confirms my obligations in round 140 (general) are met, I'd like to join this round with DUSK.

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

https://www..."

Welcome to the round, Kimberly.

I'd like to join with Timeless Beginnings, my time travel romance.

Conflicts:
I've read from Lynn and Linda before.
-- I've read Lynn's chosen book but will happily read another.
-- I haven't yet read Linda's chosen book.

Ela and K have read from me before, but not my chosen book.

No conflicts with Kimberly.

I've filled out the form.

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

No AI used in book.

Thanks,
Amber

Amber wrote: "I'd like to join with Timeless Beginnings, my time travel romance.

Conflicts:
I've read from Lynn and Linda before.
-- I've read Lynn's chosen book but will happily read another.
..."

Welcome to the round, Amber.

Hi, I would like to join this round with Wizard Bamzooki's Controversies:

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

Linda has reviewed me before, so has K. I've reviewed Lynn and Amber. No conflicts with Kimblerly and Ela. I've read Crystalborne Sigils so could read another story instead.

Hi-

If there is still room, I would like to join with The Forgotten Children:

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

I have been reviewed by K Balamurugan.

I have no other conflicts.

No use of AI.

Thank you for considering! I have filled out the form.

J.R. wrote: "Hi, I would like to join this round with Wizard Bamzooki's Controversies:

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

Linda has reviewed me before, so has K. I've reviewed Lynn and Amber. No c..."

Please can you fill in the form: https://forms.gle/KjqB9uuHuYbPwpfG8

Did you use AI when creating your book?

Andreas wrote: "Hi-

If there is still room, I would like to join with The Forgotten Children:

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

I have been reviewed by K Balamurugan.

I have ..."

Assuming you've completed all other commitments, I can fit you in.

No I haven't used AI.

I've filled in the form

J.R. and Andreas, welcome to the round.

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

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 review conflicts here. Ready to start. :)

ready to go

Ready to start!

Ready to start!

Ready to start!

Ready to start

Ready to start!

Just waiting for Kimberly to confirm.

Good to go

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

You have four weeks to read and review.
Start date: Sep 19, 2026
End date: October 18, 2026

Please post your review no later than October 18, 2026.

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

1.__S. Lynn Helton
You're reviewing Embers of Unwritten Union (Ela Sharp).
Andreas Brooks is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

2.__Ela Sharp
You're reviewing Angelo Sapiens and the Serpent's Stone (K Balamurugan).
S. Lynn Helton is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

3.__K Balamurugan
You're reviewing Dusk (Kimberly Tashner Shyu).
Ela Sharp is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

4.__Kimberly Tashner Shyu
You're reviewing Timeless Beginnings (Amber Daulton).
K Balamurugan is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

5.__Amber Daulton
You're reviewing Acceptable Loss: A Conspiratorium Novel (Linda A. Sanchez).
Kimberly Tashner Shyu is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

6.__Linda A. Sanchez
You're reviewing Wizard Bamzooki's Controversies (J.R. Gibson).
Amber Daulton is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

7.__J.R. Gibson
You're reviewing The Forgotten Children (Andreas Brooks).
Linda A. Sanchez is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

8.__Andreas Brooks
You're reviewing Crystalborne Sigils (S. Lynn Helton).
J.R. 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 — 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! :)

Hi J.R.-

My book, The Forgotten Children is available on KU, or I can send you a .pdf. Let me know. Thanks!

-Andreas

Hi Kimberly, I can download your book through KU.
And Ela, my book is available on KU, or if you want, I can send you a pdf copy.

Thanks!

Amber, I've got your book on KU.

K, you can find Dusk on KU but feel free to contact me (via the moderator, Lynn) if you need a PDF instead.

I've gotten a copy via KU of the book I'm to read and review (Ela Sharp's Embers of Unwritten Union).

Andreas, my book is available through Kindle Unlimited, if you have that. However, if you need a PDF review copy, please say so. Thanks!

Kimberly wrote: "...K, you can find Dusk on KU but feel free to contact me (via the moderator, Lynn)..."

Please note that I'm not moderating this round. E.K. is. :)

K wrote: "Hi Kimberly, I can download your book through KU.
And Ela, my book is available on KU, or if you want, I can send you a pdf copy.

Thanks!"

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

Lynn wrote: "I've gotten a copy via KU of the book I'm to read and review (Ela Sharp's Embers of Unwritten Union).

Andreas, my book is available through Kindle Unlimited, if you have that. However, if you need..."

Thank you, Lynn.

Ela wrote: "K wrote: "Hi Kimberly, I can download your book through KU.
And Ela, my book is available on KU, or if you want, I can send you a pdf copy.

Thanks!"

Hi K,
I would like to request a PDF copy of y..."

Sure. Will share the copy once E.K. shares the contact info. Thanks!

Kimberly wrote: "Amber, I've got your book on KU.

Hi, Kimberly.

My book, Timeless Beginnings, isn't in KU. Do you mean you bought a copy from Amazon?

Please let me know if you need me to send you a copy.

Thanks.
Amber

I've reached out to Linda for a copy of her book.

Thanks!

Ela, K, I've sent you an email.

Thanks E.K. I have shared the pdf to Ela.
Thanks!

K wrote: "Thanks E.K. I have shared the pdf to Ela.
Thanks!"

Received. Thank you, K!

Just touched base with Linda. I got her book.

Thank you all.

J.R., Andreas, Linda - have you got copies of the books you are due to read?

I got S. Lynn Helton's book on KU. I haven't heard from J.R. if they have mine on KU or if they want a .pdf.

Hi Andreas, could I have a PDF copy?

Kind regards
JR Gibson

Yes, JR. I will email the PDF when I get your contact info from the Mod.
-A

Andreas wrote: "I got S. Lynn Helton's book on KU..."

Thank you!