Group 131. General. Mod Noorilhuda

[Emma]

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.
The new amazon rules state that authors/publishers are no longer allowed to specifically supply published books in return for reviews on amazon. To comply with this new rule, we no longer insist members review on amazon. However, we are all in the same situation, we want reviews.
When sorting out groups, I prioritise those members who have fully participated in previous groups and don’t have multiple review connections with the other participants.

This is a general round. Anything goes, from fiction to non-fiction, children's to adult, cosy to horror/erotic.
If you are only willing to review your own preferred genre, make sure you join a genre round. 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.
Let’s be honest here – we don’t all like the same things but we all want reviews. 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/...

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 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, amazon.com and amazon.uk. Amazon has recently changed their criteria for reviewers to allow only those people who have spent $50 on amazon. If you are unsure about your amazon reviewer status, try posting a ‘test’ review before signing up.

5. You can provide (and accept) at least PDF files. Many authors can also provide mobi and epub files. You are not expected or required to buy the books you are allocated to review. Some authors borrow books via KU and others provide smashwords coupons. This is their choice. International Copyright laws apply. You cannot sell, or give away material you have received without the author’s express permission.

6. It is up to individuals what disclaimers they place in a review concerning receiving a book in exchange for a review. Note: 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.

7. 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.

8. You have an author profile set up before you join.

9. Your goodreads profile allows people to message you, i.e. your profile is not set to private.

10. 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.

11. You agree 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.

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

13. The new amazon.com review guidelines do not allow for free books to be supplied in return for reviews. Therefore, you are not obliged to review on amazon, just on goodreads. We all want reviews, its 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.

14. Your goodreads details and the rounds you participate in will be recorded by the admin mod on a database. We do not retain details of email addresses etc.

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. Usually places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
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
Noorilhuda

Member Links
1.D.G. Speirs
2.Meriel Brooke
3.Chrys Cymri
4.Andrew Mowere
5.Kshitij
6.Melinda Brasher
7.E.M. Swift-Hook
8.A.A. Bavar
9.Robert Jones
10.Molly McHugh

Book Links
1.Triangle:Wildcard
2.An Undesirable Marriage
3.The Cult of Unicorns
4.Tales of Grimea
5.Until You Came Along
6.Far-Knowing
7.The Fated Sky
8.Az - Revenge of an Archangel
9.Mythology Unveiled: A Complete Guide From Greece To Egypt, From Creation to The World Beyond
10.Bipolar 1 Disorder - How to Survive and Thrive

[D.G.]

Good afternoon, Emma. I'd like to join this round:
My author page is: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

My book for consideration is my latest novel, Triangle: Wildcard
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

Thanks for the opportunity. Happy holidays.
DGS

[Alison]

Are we allowed to join this review group if we're taking part in another?

[Meriel]

I'd like to join this round please.

My author page is: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

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

[Emma]

One round at a time Alison. Let me know which round you'd like to join.

Welcome D G. and Meriel.

[Chrys]

Hi, I'd like to join this round. I don't have any reviews outstanding from any other rounds, and so far the two who have joined have not been reviewed by me, nor have I reviewed them.

My author link is: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

And the book is: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

[Andrew]

I'd like to join as well, with a book different from the one I have an x on in One on One. It's an anthology.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

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

No reviews from the others.

[Andrew]

Well, anthology is a loose term, since the common theme here is "explore Grimea's lore"

[Emma]

Welcome Chrys and Andrew.

For future reference Andrew, I also need to know if you've reviewed anyone else in the group too, so I can sort out non-reciprocal reviews.

[Andrew]

Oh, I'm sorry, Emma. I have not so far.

[Molly]

Hi, I am interested in joining.

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

Book on Amazon (I buy others if cheap, mine 99 cents) - https://www.amazon.com/Bipolar-Disord...

Look forward to your books, Molly

[Molly]

sorry - to add, I've read NONE of the above books!

[Chrys]

Hi Emma

Erm, you've added the wrong book. It's 'The Cult of Unicorns.' Here's the link again: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

Many thanks.

[Emma]

Welcome Molly. It one group at a time, but I'll add you to this one as your book isn't suitable for the 18+ fiction round.

[Chrys]

Just better mention that I have reviewed AA's book in a previous round.

[Emma]

Thanks Chrys, I'll keep you two apart.

Welcome A.A.

[Kshitij]

Hi Emma,
I'd like to join the group:
Author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Book page:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

[Robert]

Hi Emma,

Could I join this group?

Author page: Robert Jones

Book Page: Mythology Unveiled: A Complete Guide From Greece To Egypt, From Creation to The World Beyond

[D.G.]

Emma wrote: "One round at a time Alison. Let me know which round you'd like to join.

Welcome D G. and Meriel."

Thanks, Emma. Looking forward to it.
-DGS

[Melinda]

I would like to join:

Melinda Brasher
Far-Knowing

I have not reviewed or been reviewed by anyone in this group

[Heather]

Hi Emma

I'd very much like to join this group, but am having trouble identifying myself as the author of my book because there are at least 3 other people with the same author name. Have sent 2 messages to the Librarians, but so far no answer. Any suggestions?

[Emma]

The librarians over on the goodreads Librarian group are usually quite efficient.
Can you post the link for your book? I'll see if I have any suggestions.

[Heather]

Thanks, Emma.
This is the link for my book, Among Friends: Travels in Cuba

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

[Anthony]

I'd like to join.
My book - Notes From a Very Small Island (non-fiction) - can be sent on PDF

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

I'd like to read Heather Murray's Travels in Cuba

[Emma]

Heather, are all those books yours? If you only have one or two published, it might be easier if you added a middle initial (even if you make one up) to distinguish yourself from the other members.

Have you tried clicking 'this is me' on the author page where your book is listed and then have the librarians remove the books that aren't yours form the profile?

[Chrys]

And since I'm the one keeping an eye on this (!) I've reviewed Anthony's book. However, I believe he has another one which he could offer me?

[Emma]

Thanks for pointing that out Chrys, yes he has another book as far as I know, and by some stroke of fate, the position I put him in means you are due to review him anyway. How lucky is that?

[Heather]

Emma wrote: "Heather, are all those books yours? If you only have one or two published, it might be easier if you added a middle initial (even if you make one up) to distinguish yourself from the other members...."
Thanks for your suggestion, Emma, but I can't find 'this is me' on the page. When I clicked on my book among all those authored by a Heather Murray, I was taken to another author's page. Have written to the Librarians again, but doubt that I will hear from them soon, so may have to sit out this round.

[Emma]

Try this
https://www.goodreads.com/author/conf...

[Heather]

Thanks very much. I did that yesterday - just haven't heard back yet.

[Andrew]

I've reviewed Anthony's "Notes from a very small island" as well.

[Emma]

Have you reviewed his other book Andrew?

[Heather]

Heather wrote: "Thanks very much. I did that yesterday - just haven't heard back yet."
Got it now, Emma -
Name: Heather J. Murray
Author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Book: Among Friends: Travels in Cuba
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

Thanks so much!

[Andrew]

Andrew wrote: "I've reviewed Anthony's "Notes from a very small island" as well."
No, I have not.

[Emma]

Great Heather, I've added you.

Andrew., thanks for getting back to me. Hopefully Anthony won't object to having a couple of reviews on his other book.

One to go!

[E.M.]

I would like to snag the last spot if I may, please Emma - for The Fated Sky.

The only person who I have 'met' before in this round is Chrys Cymri and she still has a book of mine to review if need be :)

I am in total agreement with the rules etc.

[Emma]

E.M. Looking back on the list, I've failed to add two people who signed up. Kshitij and Robert Jones.
So I don't think I'll be able to fit you in.

Bear with me folks while I sort out this out.

[Emma]

I've rearranged the list, to include the two people I inexplicably by-passed.
Can everyone check if the have any review relationships with anyone else on the list and state if they they are 'clear' or if they are not (and what the clash is).
Sorry if anyone has already said this, but I'm setting up several groups at once at it'd make my life a lot easier.

Heather and E.M. I apologise, please see if you can sign up to another group.

[Chrys]

I've not been reviewed by anyone on this list. I have reviewed Anthony Stancomb and AA Bavar.

[Emma]

Whew, you're ok where you are on the list Chrys.

[Andrew]

I have also reviewed Anthony, but have not been reviewed by anyone.

[Emma]

You're ok too Andrew. I love it when a plan comes together (even if it hit a couple of speed bumps along the way!)

[Robert]

I am clear, I havent reviewed anyone in the list

[Andrew]

Is it A reviews BCDE and Reviews CDEF etc? I can't quite remember

[Emma]

Essentially yes. I try to set up the list in the correct order as I go along, but I will be posting a full list of who to send your book to, and who you will be reviewing.
It takes a little time to set up, which is why I was doing a final check of clashes before starting. Its a little annoying to spend the time setting it up to have some say 'oops I forgot' I reviewed/live next door to/ am married to' so and so.
And yep that did happen once.

[Andrew]

Oh wow.

[Emma]

Ready, Steady, Go!

START DATE: 20/12/16

END DATE: 14/03/17


Round 1 – post your review by 10/01/17
Round 2 – post your review by 31/01/17
Round 3 – post your review by 21/02/17
Round 4 – post your review by 14/03/17

As AUTHORS you send your book file to:

131-01__ D.G. Speirs
Molly McHugh for round 1
Robert Jones for round 2
A.A. Bavar for round 3
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 4

131-02__ Meriel Brooke
D.G. Speirs for round 1
Molly McHugh for round 2
Robert Jones for round 3
A.A. Bavar for round 4

131-03__ Chrys Cymri
Meriel Brooke for round 1
D.G. Speirs for round 2
Molly McHugh for round 3
Robert Jones for round 4

131-04__ Andrew Mowere
Chrys Cymri for round 1
Meriel Brooke for round 2
D.G. Speirs for round 3
Molly McHugh for round 4

131-05__ Kshitij
Andrew Mowere for round 1
Chrys Cymri for round 2
Meriel Brooke for round 3
D.G. Speirs for round 4

131-06__ Melinda Brasher
Kshitij for round 1
Andrew Mowere for round 2
Chrys Cymri for round 3
Meriel Brooke for round 4

131-07_ E.M. Swift-Hook
Melinda Brasher for round 1
Kshitij for round 2
Andrew Mowere for round 3
Chrys Cymri for round 4

131-08__ A.A. Bavar
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 1
Melinda Brasher for round 2
Kshitij for round 3
Andrew Mowere for round 4

131-09__ Robert Jones
A.A. Bavar for round 1
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 2
Melinda Brasher for round 3
Kshitij for round 4

131-10__ Molly McHugh
Robert Jones for round 1
A.A. Bavar for round 2
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 3
Melinda Brasher for round 4

As REVIEWERS you will receive books for review from:

131-01__ D.G. Speirs
Meriel Brooke for round 1
Chrys Cymri for round 2
Andrew Mowere for round 3
Kshitij for round 4

131-02__ Meriel Brooke
Chrys Cymri for round 1
Andrew Mowere for round 2
Kshitij for round 3
Melinda Brasher for round 4

131-03__ Chrys Cymri
Andrew Mowere for round 1
Kshitij for round 2
Melinda Brasher for round 3
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 4

131-04__ Andrew Mowere
Kshitij for round 1
Melinda Brasher for round 2
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 3
A.A. Bavar for round 4

131-05__ Kshitij
Melinda Brasher for round 1
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 2
A.A. Bavar for round 3
Robert Jones for round 4

131-06__ Melinda Brasher
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 1
A.A. Bavar for round 2
Robert Jones for round 3
Molly McHugh for round 4

131-07__ E.M. Swift-Hook
A.A. Bavar for round 1
Robert Jones for round 2
Molly McHugh for round 3
D.G. Speirs for round 4

131-08__ A.A. Bavar
Robert Jones for round 1
Molly McHugh for round 2
D.G. Speirs for round 3
Meriel Brooke for round 4

131-09__ Robert Jones
Molly McHugh for round 1
D.G. Speirs for round 2
Meriel Brooke for round 3
Chrys Cymri for round 4

131-10__ Molly McHugh
D.G. Speirs for round 1
Meriel Brooke for round 2
Chrys Cymri for round 3
Andrew Mowere for round 4


Please remember the commitment you are making to your fellow group members. If you pull out after the start date for any reason it is the other members who will be faced with the problem of finding a replacement, or missing out on reads/reviews, through no fault of their own. Please don’t ask the moderators to chase after replacements as we just don’t have the time.

It is the responsibility of the author to get their book to their readers in a format the reviewer can manage. Everyone must be able to provide and accept PDF. You may buy or borrow the books you are due to read if you wish, and I’m sure the author will appreciate the verified review, but IT IS NOT COMPULSORY. There are no set dates for the start of each round. You can each work at your own pace, within the limits of the round deadlines.

All reviews must be posted to GR. We also encourage members to post on amazon .com and .uk. When you have posted your reviews, please post the three links to your reviews, not the book page in this thread.
The mod of each round will record whether members have posted reviews on amazon. I set up all the groups, and for the good of all, members who persistently fail to post reviews or DNF reviews to amazon, will find me less than willing to add them to subsequent groups.

Postings to other sites are by agreement by both author and reviewer.

If I’ve missed something that results in you being asked to review someone who has already reviewed you, please let me know asap.

To exchange book files, my advice is to use PM to give email addresses to each other (save the chance of spammers getting your addies from this open forum). Happy reviewing, everyone :)

[Andrew]

Being overzealous, I've already contacted everyone. I will have so many good books to read!

[Molly]

I missed something before (he may have added his book after) but I have already review Anthony's "Notes from a Small Island".

Just noticed today, apologies.

[Molly]

Emma wrote: "Welcome Molly. It one group at a time, but I'll add you to this one as your book isn't suitable for the 18+ fiction round."

Ok and thank you.

And duh - I read that as 'non-fiction' somehow. Argh. Yes, definitely not suitable! Thanks for correcting...