Group 138 - Out of this World: Mod E.M.

[Neil]

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 an Out of this World round. This round is for adult fiction classified as scifi, fantasy, dystopian and paranormal/supernatural on amazon

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
E.M. Swift-Hook

Member Links
1. K.W. Benton
2. Natalie J. Case
3. Felix Long
4. Eric Johannsen
5. Gloria Piper
6. Chrys Cymri
7. Scott Spotson
8. E.M. Swift-Hook
9. Bruce M. Perrin
10. Kathryn Sommerlot

Book Links
1. Over Shadowed
2. Through Shade and Shadow
3. To Conquer Heaven
4. The Gods We Make
5. Grounded: A Dragon's Tale
6. The Temptation of Dragons
7. The Strange Life of Brandon Chambers
8. Trust A Few: Haruspex Trilogy: Part One
9. In the Space of an Atom
10. The Life Siphon

[Neil]

As you sign up please confirm you have read the rules in message #1 and also then take a look at this thread https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

As more authors sign up please check back regularly and let me know of any review clashes.

[K.W.]

Please add Over Shadowed by K.W. Benton https://www.amazon.com/Over-Shadowed-...
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33...

[K.W.]

I have read the rules.

[Bruce]

Please sign me up with
In the Space of an Atom

I've reviewed the rules.

Thanks

[Scott]

I have read the rules, and would like to sign up with

The Strange Life of Brandon Chambers

Thanks!

I have reviewed Overcast by K.W. Benton, but that was years ago... maybe three or four years ago? So hoping the passage of time dissolves the concern?

Don't recall Bruce.

Thanks again.

[Neil]

Welcome on board, Bruce and Scott.

There's no time limit on reciprocal reviews, if you've reviewed someone you've reviewed them and we need to know so it's good to raise it.

[Gloria]

Hi,
Please include me in this group with my science fantasy novel, Grounded, a Dragon's Tale.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

If someone prefers a different book, I do have other novels from which they can choose.

[Scott]

I've read and reviewed "That Other Kind" by Gloria but she has other books I haven't read yet.

[Chrys]

I'd like to join with 'The Temptation of Dragons.' I have read/reviewed Scott, and Gloria has reviewed me (I have other books I can offer her) but I'm pretty certain I have not come across either KW or Bruce before.

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

[Neil]

I've slotted everyone in, although in this case I can't keep people apart the way the previous reviews work but we can have everyone reviewing someone they've read previously without any problems

Can you all have a look through the list and check against names in your My Books so we don't have any sudden clash revelations when the list is complete.

[Bruce]

Neil wrote: "I've slotted everyone in, although in this case I can't keep people apart the way the previous reviews work but we can have everyone reviewing someone they've read previously without any problems

..."

No conflicts yet for me. I'll check back as names/books are added.

[Neil]

Thanks, Bruce

[E.M.]

I'll snag a spot with Trust A Few: Haruspex Trilogy: Part One if I can.

I'd need to fit in after Chrys and Scott as both have reviewed me before, but this is a new book. That said, if I do get a spot, Scott would probably do better reviewing the last book of my previous trilogy instead. He'll only have to go back later and read it out of order for a future round if not, I'm sure ;)

Oh - and yes, I've read and inwardly digested the rules and am willing and able to abide by them all.

[Neil]

Thanks, E.M.

[Chrys]

I could review EM's new book. And, sorry, forgot to agree to the rules...

[Scott]

Yes, having read the first two books of the Transgressor series, I'd rather read the third one, just so I can find out how it ends!

[Gloria]

I did review Tales of Wonder, by E.M. Swift-Hook.

[Neil]

Thanks, Gloria, as it stands I have you down to review E.M. again.

[Eric]

I read the rules and want to join.

I have not reviewed any of the books yet listed. My book is The Gods We Make https://www.amazon.com/Gods-We-Make-E... and https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... (my author profile claim is being processed).

[Neil]

Thanks, Eric, I have pencilled you in for now. If you can post a link when the profile is approved, if the group looks like filling before the approval comes through I may need to bump you off in favour of another author.

[Jennifer]

Hi there,

I'd like to add my book, The War Between, which is Sci-Fi/post-apocalyptic. I previously requested to join the general reading round, but Neil suggested this might be a better fit. I've read & understand the rules. Scott Spotson has previously reviewed this book of mine, & I've previously reviewed E.M. Swift-Hook, although not for this book she's submitted for the round.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

[Felix]

Hello again Neil. If I am not successful in the getting in to Group 137, will you please consider me here. This would be my second reviewing round.

My book is To Conquer Heaven. I describe it as 'Indiana Jones' meets 'Big Trouble in Little China'.

[Kathryn]

Hey, Neil. I was wondering if there were still open slots here. This would be my first time in a review group. I have read and understood all of the rules, and have no prior relationships with anyone signed up yet.

I have a fantasy novel that was just released last month called The Life Siphon. (GR: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...) and Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Life-Siphon-Kat...) All of my author profiles are set up. Let me know if there's still time to get in on this! (I've been waiting for a new Out of this World one to open up.)

[Natalie]

I would like to throw my hat...I mean book...into the proverbial ring.

This book is Through Shade and Shadow, and it is a paranormal thriller.

My author profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Through Shade and Shadow

[Bruce]

Neil wrote: "I've slotted everyone in, although in this case I can't keep people apart the way the previous reviews work but we can have everyone reviewing someone they've read previously without any problems

..."

FYI, I don't see any conflicts for me through the last input from Natalie. Guess I just live too sheltered of a reading life...

[Neil]

Natalie wrote: "I would like to throw my hat...I mean book...into the proverbial ring.

This book is Through Shade and Shadow, and it is a paranormal thriller.

My author profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/..."

Hi Natalie, I'm afraid the group filled up by the time you posted. Hang around though because I just need to be sure there are no reciprocal reviews I've missed.

[Neil]

I've posted what I hope will be the final order, as I prepare the reading allocation can everyone have one last look to see if there are any review clashes not spotted before. Each author will send their book to the four names "above" them and receive books from the four names "below"

So Author 1 sends to 10, 9, 8 & 7 and receives from 2,3,4 & 5

I will post the full list of names as soon as possible

[Chrys]

Looks fine to me.

[K.W.]

Other than Scott I am clear. And you have us separated already.

[Felix]

Thank you so much Neil. Just to complicate things a little, I have already reviewed for Chrys Cymri.

Edit: Which I can see poses no problem. Sorry. It's first thing over here in Australia.

[Chrys]

*Sigh* I'm going to have to start some list to remember who has reviewed me when. So sorry, Neil. I find it easier to remember whom I have reviewed!

[Felix]

Felix wrote: "Thank you so much Neil. Just to complicate things a little, I have already reviewed for Chrys Cymri.

Edit: Which I can see poses no problem. Sorry. It's first thing over here in Australia."

Actually, that's not a problem, Chrys. Last time I reviewed Cult of Unicorns. Glad to read the next in the series.

Is that okay with you Neil?

[Chrys]

Whew, you're right. It's also getting late here in the UK!

Yes, I can offer you another book.

[Kathryn]

I'm conflict-free, so the list works for me! Thanks, Neil!

[Bruce]

Neil wrote: "I've posted what I hope will be the final order, as I prepare the reading allocation can everyone have one last look to see if there are any review clashes not spotted before. Each author will send..."

I have no conflicts anywhere in the list, unless my memory's failing me. So, fit me in wherever it works.

[Neil]

Start Date 11-Apr-17
End Date 04-Jul-17

Round 1 End 02-May-17
Round 2 End 23-May-17
Round 3 End 13-Jun-17
Round 4 End 04-Jul-17

As AUTHORS you send your book file to:

138-01__ K. W. Benton
Kathryn Sommerlot for round 1
Bruce M. Perrin for round 2
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 3
Scott Spotson for round 4

138-02__ Natalie J. Case
K. W. Benton for round 1
Kathryn Sommerlot for round 2
Bruce M. Perrin for round 3
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 4

138-03__ Felix Long
Natalie J. Case for round 1
K. W. Benton for round 2
Kathryn Sommerlot for round 3
Bruce M. Perrin for round 4

138-04__ Eric Johannsen
Felix Long for round 1
Natalie J. Case for round 2
K. W. Benton for round 3
Kathryn Sommerlot for round 4

138-05__ Gloria Piper
Eric Johannsen for round 1
Felix Long for round 2
Natalie J. Case for round 3
K. W. Benton for round 4

138-06__ Chrys Cymri
Gloria Piper for round 1
Eric Johannsen for round 2
Felix Long for round 3
Natalie J. Case for round 4

138-07__ Scott Spotson
Chrys Cymri for round 1
Gloria Piper for round 2
Eric Johannsen for round 3
Felix Long for round 4

138-08__ E.M. Swift-Hook
Scott Spotson for round 1
Chrys Cymri for round 2
Gloria Piper for round 3
Eric Johannsen for round 4

138-09__ Bruce M. Perrin
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 1
Scott Spotson for round 2
Chrys Cymri for round 3
Gloria Piper for round 4

138-10__ Kathryn Sommerlot
Bruce M. Perrin for round 1
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 2
Scott Spotson for round 3
Chrys Cymri for round 4

As REVIEWERS you will receive books for review from:

138-01__ K. W. Benton
Natalie J. Case for round 1
Felix Long for round 2
Eric Johannsen for round 3
Gloria Piper for round 4

138-02__ Natalie J. Case
Felix Long for round 1
Eric Johannsen for round 2
Gloria Piper for round 3
Chrys Cymri for round 4

138-03__ Felix Long
Eric Johannsen for round 1
Gloria Piper for round 2
Chrys Cymri for round 3
Scott Spotson for round 4

138-04__ Eric Johannsen
Gloria Piper for round 1
Chrys Cymri for round 2
Scott Spotson for round 3
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 4

138-05__ Gloria Piper
Chrys Cymri for round 1
Scott Spotson for round 2
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 3
Bruce M. Perrin for round 4

138-06__ Chrys Cymri
Scott Spotson for round 1
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 2
Bruce M. Perrin for round 3
Kathryn Sommerlot for round 4

138-07__ Scott Spotson
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 1
Bruce M. Perrin for round 2
Kathryn Sommerlot for round 3
K. W. Benton for round 4

138-08__ E.M. Swift-Hook
Bruce M. Perrin for round 1
Kathryn Sommerlot for round 2
K. W. Benton for round 3
Natalie J. Case for round 4

138-09__ Bruce M. Perrin
Kathryn Sommerlot for round 1
K. W. Benton for round 2
Natalie J. Case for round 3
Felix Long for round 4

138-10__ Kathryn Sommerlot
K. W. Benton for round 1
Natalie J. Case for round 2
Felix Long for round 3
Eric Johannsen 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 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 would 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 new amazon policy means we can no longer insist members review on amazon as a condition of receiving a free book. Reviews with the disclaimer ‘I received a free copy of the book in return for a review’ will, at some point, be removed by amazon. It is up to the individual whether they review on amazon or not.

However moderators will still record whether members have posted reviewed on amazon and will let the Group Admin know. Members who persistently fail to post reviews to amazon, will find their chances of joining subsequent groups reduced.

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

To exchange book files please use PM to give email addresses to each other as this forum is public and both human and spambot eyes will spot it.

[E.M.]

Thanks for setting us up and running Neil. :)

Quick 'start-up' summary for any who are new here and scratching their heads - you should PM the four people who will be reviewing you through their Goodreads author pages. Click on the down arrow beside the 'Follow Author' button under their picture and it opens a menu which will allow you to message ;)

Ask what kind of file they would like (or say you can only offer PDF) and ask where to send it so they can give you their email. (unless a publisher uploaded it for you, you can always download a .mobi of your own book from Amazon).

The four people who you are reviewing should be in touch with you in a similar way.

You can, of course, choose to buy any or all of the books instead, or read the books on KU, if you are a subscriber and the books are available there.

Any problems you can post here or PM me :)

[Chrys]

Hi all

Just to let my four authors know that I've bought your books, so my reviews will come up as 'verified purchase.'

I do not expect my reviewers to do so the same, by the way.

Chrys Cymri

[Scott]

Wow! Thanks.

[Bruce]

I've also purchased each of the books I'm to review, and like Chrys, I don't expect my reviewers to do the same. Just thought everyone could use another verified purchase review from time to time.

Bruce

[Eric]

I'll buy a copy of the books I'm reviewing as well. No reciprocity expected.

- Eric J.

[E.M.]

Thank Chrys, Bruce and Eric, I am sure all those you are reviewing will be highly appreciative. I know I am! :)

[Chrys]

My reviews for 'Trust a Few' (yes, I'm reading slightly out of order):

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

Amazon USA: https://www.amazon.com/review/R3FWD42...

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R30BV...

[E.M.]

Thanks Chrys - and glad you enjoyed! :)

[E.M.]

My reviews for 'In The Space of an Atom' - fun read!


Goodreads
Zon UK
Zon USA

[Kathryn]

Here are my reviews for "Over Shadowed" - thanks for giving me the chance to read it, K.W.!

Goodreads

Amazon

[E.M.]

I'm only seeing a review on Amazon US from you Kathryn? Have you posted on one Amazon UK too? If not, here is the link to do so:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Over-Shadowe...

You'll note it is identical to the US link, just is .co.uk instead of .com ;)

[Kathryn]

It won't let me do it without a login, so I'll try and sign up. Let me see if I can get that through, it was acting weird and I've never used Amazon.co.uk before.

[Kathryn]

Okay, I made an account but am unable to make a purchase in order to verify my account because it won't take my Japan-based credit card (it keeps popping me over to Amazon.jp). Could I review it on Amazon.jp? Unfortunately, I have no other credit cards to activate the account with, and I'm being informed that I cannot write reviews without my credit card being used to make a purchase. Sorry, I didn't know I was going to get re-directed constantly back to the Japan site!