Science Fiction Review Group 2 (Jan 2016) Closed

[G.J.]

This is the Science Fiction Review Group 2 (January 2016) Sign-up. It will include all types of novels classified as Science Fiction for adults/YA. As with other review groups, you will be expected to read and give an honest review of each book assigned to you. Assignments will be made after the group sign-up has filled.

Participants are expected to post reviews to Goodreads. If the review is positive (three stars or higher on Amazon), the review should be posted to Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk as well, if the book is available there. This makes having accounts with both Goodreads and Amazon a requirement. The author and reviewer can discuss other sites to post reviews as well - Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, etc.

This topic will be updated with the list of 6 authors as they sign up with their names and Goodreads links to their books and author sites. First come; first served. This is an authors only peer review group and is not a reciprocal group. Please indicate in your submission if you have been reviewed before by another author listed to give me chance to change the final listing.

If a reviewer and the author agree that the review should not be posted to Goodreads due to quality issues, the reviewer is relieved of the requirement of posting the review. If this occurs in the first round, the second reviewer is relieved of the requirement to read and review the book. This is entirely at the discretion of the reviewer and is not intended in any way to manipulate the rating of any book.

Please post to this topic, both when you receive review copies and when you post the reviews.

If you are going to be late with your review, either post to this topic as soon as possible or message the author and the moderator.

If your book has not been reviewed by the deadline for either round, contact the review group moderator. This is necessary to make certain that the review process is fair for everyone.

**Sign-ups are open until December 31st or until all six spots are filled**
**Please note that if you have joined an earlier group but did not fulfil your commitment you will not be accepted into new review groups.**

Authors:
1. D. Miller: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
2. Emma Jaye: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
3. James Corkill: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
4. Chance Maree: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
5. Lex Allen: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
6. Ian Williams: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
7. Robby Charters: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Their Books:
1. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
2. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
3. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
4. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
5. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
6. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
7. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

[[deleted user]]

Hello I'd like to sign up, my book is Robbie the Dysfunctional Robot

Robbie the Dysfunctional Robot
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Thanks.

[Ian]

Hi, I'd like to join please. My book is called The Sentient Collector.

[Emma]

I'd like to join.

[James]

I'd like to add my novel, 'Gravity' to the list to be reviewed.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011...

[G.J.]

James wrote: "I'd like to add my novel, 'Gravity' to the list to be reviewed.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011..."

Ian wrote: "Hi, I'd like to join please. My book is called The Sentient Collector."

Hi Ian, James,

Please post your GR book link here. Thanks,
G.J.

[James]

Sorry about that. Here it is.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

[Meg]

I'd love to sign up.

Nexus Tear (Laments of Angels & Dark Chemistry #2)

Nexus Tear

[G.J.]

Ian wrote: "Hi, I'd like to join please. My book is called The Sentient Collector."

Ian, I'm still waiting for your book link to GR - thanks.
G.J.

[G.J.]

Meg wrote: "I'd love to sign up.

Nexus Tear (Laments of Angels & Dark Chemistry #2)

Nexus Tear
"

Hi Meg,
Are you sure this book/series is not more Fantasy(plus Romance) genre than Sci-Fi? The blurb and reviews tend to read that way and I have seen some pretty harsh reviews for books that don't quite fit the genre they were submitted to. Just saying - it could turn out that way...
G.J.

[Lex]

Greetings, G.J.

Finally got the link that worked...thanks. My book is here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

It's been awhile since I've updated my work on Goodreads. I just added the latest edition, but it's still missing the new cover. No Heaven can be picked up from Smashwords for free.

Thanks again, for the help and the opportunity to join this group...;o)

[G.J.]

Lex wrote: "Greetings, G.J.

Finally got the link that worked...thanks. My book is here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

It's been awhile since I've updated my work on Goodreads. I jus..."

You're welcome :)

[Ian]

Hi, sorry for the late post. Here is my author profile link and my book link.

Ian Williams - Ian Williams

My book - The Sentient Collector

Thanks,

Ian

[G.J.]

Wow! Well that didn't take long to fill up all 6 slots. Before I post a schedule of review assignments, for you to make a (very!) early start on, I would be grateful if everyone could check that there is no-one in the list of authors who has reviewed them previously. Let me know as reciprocal reviewing is not permitted. Thanks, G.J.

[Emma]

No clashes for me Graham.

[[deleted user]]

I've not reviewed anyone in the group, or been reviewed by anyone.

[Ian]

No clashes for me either, thanks.

[Lex]

No conflicts for me either.

[James]

Only Amanda Lyons has reviewed my book

[Lex]

Good morning, G.J.-

As you work the review schedule and assignments, would it be possible to change the book I put up for review?

I've listed No Heaven, the first book of my trilogy. I have, however, just completed a new title "Eloah" that combines the entire trilogy. I plan to list Eloah for pre-sale beginning 12 Dec and publish 22 Dec.

I can provide the reader/reviewer with a pdf if that's okay?

Thanks for your consideration!

[Emma]

Not sure I'm prepared to read a trilogy of nearly 800 pages in return for reviews of my 235 page book.
I can produce a combined edition too...

[G.J.]

Lex wrote: "Good morning, G.J.-

As you work the review schedule and assignments, would it be possible to change the book I put up for review?

I've listed No Heaven, the first book of my trilogy. I have, howe..."

Hi Lex,
The main requirements here are for the book to be offered to be Sci-fi and to be available on Amazon US and UK at the point of posting the review. From what you say it looks as though your publication date will be after 22 Dec 2015, which could be OK even for very fast readers! However, it could be that the author/reviewer concerned may object to reviewing an "epic" or "blockbuster" as they did not think that was what they signed up for - because of their own time constraints etc. So I suggest that we leave things as they are with No Heaven listed but that you put your request directly to the reader/reviewer when arranging to send your book to them. Therefore, I ask that you respect their option to refuse if they prefer to stick to reading No Heaven.

You may be interested to hear that there is currently a Review Group concerned with "epics" of a certain large word count. Emma Jaye above is the Moderator/Administrator for that group and can tell you more about it. I hope that's OK with you, Emma?
G.J.

[Emma]

Definitely fine with me.

This is the group
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
but there is only a novella round currently open for members.
None of our groups are genre specific, which is why we work really well alongside this one.
The categories we work with are;
General - All genres in epic, novella and 'normal' lengths
Clean - no graphic sex or violence.
18+ - you must be happy to read graphic sex and violence, but you can enter any book.

[Lex]

G.J. wrote: "Lex wrote: "Good morning, G.J.-

As you work the review schedule and assignments, would it be possible to change the book I put up for review?

I've listed No Heaven, the first book of my trilogy. ..."

I hadn't considered the size, but understand what you're saying. I agree. I'll leave it at No Heaven and discuss the epic volume with whomever gets No Heaven.

Thanks!
PS...I'll also contact Emma...;o)

[G.J.]

Update:

OK, everyone, it looks as if we've got enough authors for me to post a review assignment schedule. With the loss of James it is now the usual 6 authors. It should work if Robby reviews Chance's alternative title! The new scheduling should only affect Lex and Ian, hopefully. Here goes:

Here is the Schedule of Review Assignments.

Review Assignments will: Start on 12 December and End 12 February 2016

Round One:
runs from 12 December to 12 January 2016

1. Emma reviews Robby
2. Robby reviews D. Miller
3. D. Miller reviews Chance
4. Chance reviews Lex
5. Lex reviews Ian
6. Ian reviews Emma

Round Two:
runs from 12 January to 12 February 2016

1. Emma reviews D. Miller
2. Robby reviews Chance
3. D. Miller reviews Lex
4. Chance reviews Ian
5. Lex reviews Emma
6. Ian reviews Robby

NOTES: Contact the authors you are scheduled to review (Links above in message 1) to arrange to receive a review copy of their work. I strongly suggest that you do not exchange email addresses through this topic stream but use the GR direct message system, to avoid scammers and co.

If you are all OK with this (and cannot see a conflict) then Let the Reviewing commence!
Please post to this topic, both when you receive review copies and when you post the reviews. If you are going to be late with your review, either post to this topic as soon as possible or message the author and the moderator directly.

A polite “Thank you, Reviewer name” from the author is a pleasant way of acknowledging a review and all that is expected. I hope we all agree that it is not seemly or very professional to publicly engage in unpleasant banter or rant about one’s review.

Your moderator is G.J. Griffiths
Thank you.

[A.J.]

Hi GJ, I have a sci-fi short story that I'd love to get reviewed. Is this the only group suitable, or is there a short reads group? If this is it, then I'll join. Thanks, AJ

[G.J.]

AJ wrote: "Hi GJ, I have a sci-fi short story that I'd love to get reviewed. Is this the only group suitable, or is there a short reads group? If this is it, then I'll join. Thanks, AJ"

Hello AJ, I assume we are talking about Raft 9 (28 pages) and if you joined this group you would have to accept that you could well be assigned to read/review a book of 480+ pages long. Secondly, you need to be fully registered as a Goodreads Author which at present you are not. So, unfortunately, I do not think you will qualify to join us, although it may be very acceptable to some here as they could gain a review in exchange for a very quick read of Raft 9.

Maybe try a novella or short story group?
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

G.J.

[G.J.]

Emma wrote: "Definitely fine with me.

This is the group
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
but there is only a novella round currently open for members.
None of our groups are genre spe..."

Emma, I directed AJ to the same link you gave. Hope that's OK?

[Robby]

Okay, I'll do it with Pepe...https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

[Lisa]

I'd like to join if Undazzled can be worked in.

I have reviewed Emma before, but not the work she is submitting. Robby has reviewed Undazzled.

Robby has not reviewed Dark Matter Tiding, which I offer as an alternative.

[G.J.]

Hi Folks,

The Schedule of Review Assignments has been posted in Message 25. Please check for conflicts before commencing. Thanks, G.J.

[James]

Hi GJ. I might have to withdraw. I noticed that Emma's book has a lot of sexual situations, and I'm not comfortable with reading it.

[Lex]

Hi Ian Williams -

I tried to send you a message through GR, but apparently, you don't exist...lol. Don't ask, I've not a clue.

Please contact me at info.lexallen@gmail.com and we can arrange for receipt and review of 'The Sentient Collector'. Looks to be a great read!

[G.J.]

James wrote: "Hi GJ. I might have to withdraw. I noticed that Emma's book has a lot of sexual situations, and I'm not comfortable with reading it."

James,
Of course it has to be your decision but it seems to me to be an opportunity lost for you to gain a couple of incisive and objective reviews. So long as you are not personal in your own reviews then your feelings may come through anyway.
G.J.

[James]

I'm sorry, but I know my review would be biased due to the sexual content, so I must withdraw. Thank you anyway.
James

[G.J.]

James wrote: "I'm sorry, but I know my review would be biased due to the sexual content, so I must withdraw. Thank you anyway.
James"

Thank you, James.

Please note the new arrangements above, everyone. This should work so you may start your reviewing.
G.J.

[Robby]

I've received both of my review copies:

Robbie the Dysfunctional Robot, by D. Miller

and

Dark Matter Tidings, by Chance Maree

[Ian]

Hi, I now have both of my review copies.

Discovery, by Emma Jaye

and

Pepe, by Robby Charters

[Lisa]

I have my review copies:

No Heaven (Imagine Trilogy, #1)
by Lex Allen

and

The Sentient Collector (The Sentient Trilogy Book 1)
by Ian Williams

[Lex]

Emma Jaye -

Neither the Force, nor the Goodreads Gods are inclined to smile upon this humble creature, and as such have banned me from sending personal messages. Each attempt to contact a Goodreads Author results in a red block that contains the words "1 error prohibited this record from being saved: To user was not found."

It happened with Ian, as well. Please send your book "Hybrid 1 - Discovery" in mobi or pdf to this address info.lexallen@gmail.com

I'm looking forward to reading/reviewing your book in the second round. Thanks!

[Emma]

All done Lex.

[G.J.]

Emma wrote: "All done Lex."

Phew!
Thanks for the rapid responses so far. It helps put my mind at rest about whether this group is going to function after the couple of false starts. So, although I can't quite say, "My work is done here!" it does look good. It might even be safe to say:

Happy Reviewing and Seasons Greetings,
Graham :-)

[Lex]

Thanks, Emma...got it. I've got both assigned books now and a confirmation by one of my reviewers, waiting for D. Miller to confirm and I'll be all set.

I have a lull in my Reader's Favorite review list at the moment, so I started off with 'The Sentient Collector'. I can already report that the book kicks off with an excellent hook! ;o)

[[deleted user]]

I have both my review copies, Undazzled by Chance Maree and No Heaven by Lex Allen

[Lex]

And...thanks, D. I now have both of my review copies and both reviewers have my book.

[Robby]

On a lighter note (or maybe a sadder note -- whatever) here's something I just found on http://gawker.com/british-writer-trac....

“Brittain, incensed at the one-star review, apparently tracked down Rolland’s Facebook page, discovering that she lived in Scotland and worked at an Asda supermarket. He allegedly traveled 500 miles from London and found her at the store, crouching to stock a low shelf of cereal boxes. He hit her from behind with a full bottle of wine, leaving her unconscious and with a gash on her head.”

I'm sure none of us would ever do that -- give one star reviews, I mean... LOL

At least I'm safe, I'm in Ireland and most of you are in U.S. (I think)

[Lisa]

My Round 1
No Heaven (Imagine Trilogy, #1)
by Lex Allen

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

https://www.amazon.com/review/R323H5Y...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R245A...

[Lex]

Chance wrote: "My Round 1
No Heaven (Imagine Trilogy, #1)
by Lex Allen

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

https://www.amazon.com/review/R323H5Y......"


This is a thoughtful and well written review. Thank you, Chance! ;o)

[Ian]

Here is my review for my round 1 book, Discovery: Hybrid #1.

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

http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R10NJ3...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-rev...

On Amazon UK and US my review will appear with the name Starman as this is the name of my reviewer profile.

Thanks,

Ian

[Lisa]

My round 2
The Sentient Collector, by Ian Williams

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.amazon.com/review/R3QLOF3...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/RB284...