Group 244. Out of this World - Mod. E.M.

[E.M.]

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 or check back another time.

The Amazon rules state that authors/publishers are not allowed to specifically supply published books in return for reviews on Amazon. To comply with this rule, we don’t insist members review on Amazon, but we do insist that every participant in the round has the capacity to leave a review on their local Amazon store, so we all start with the same options.

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 and do check back as the group fills to report any clashes. Usually places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

This is an 'Out of this World' round
Fiction books classified as sci-fi, fantasy, dystopian, paranormal.

Please note it is always possible that the books you are assigned may contain material you find upsetting or offensive.

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 12 weeks of 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 and Amazon.
Amazon allows only those people who have spent $50 in the last year to leave reviews in each of their stores. If you are unsure about your Amazon reviewer status, try posting a ‘test’ review before signing up. If you are unable to post reviews on Amazon, please do not sign up.

5. You can provide (and accept) at least PDF files.
You are not expected or required to buy the books you are allocated to review, but as this will give a ‘Verified Purchase’ review on Amazon, it is welcomed when you choose to do so. Many authors have books available via KU and others might provide smashwords coupons. Most authors can provide mobi and/or epub files directly by email. Please note: International Copyright laws apply. You cannot sell, or give away material you have received without the author’s express permission.

6. 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.

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

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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

Please note:
We all want reviews, it’s 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.

It is not necessary to leave any kind of disclaimer in your review, but ultimately, it is up to individuals. 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.

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

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.

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/...

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. E.A. Wicklund
2. E.M. Swift-Hook
3. Francis Mont
4. Darrell B. Nelson
5. D. Wallace Peach
6. Noor Al-Shanti
7. S.K. Wee
8. Ben Haskett
9. Jeremy L. Jones
10. Audrey Driscoll

Book Links
1. The Huralon Incident
2. Trust a Few
3. Saved in Time: An Escape Story
4. iROMANCE
5. Catling's Bane
6. Children of the Dead City
7. Absence of Color
8. All Around the Watchtower
9. Saturnius Mons
10. She Who Comes Forth

[E.A.]

I'm in:
E.A. Wicklund
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

The Huralon Incident
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...

[E.M.]

I'm in with Trust a Few :)

[E.M.]

Welcome E.A. and Francis.

[S.K.]

Would like to add my revised edition of Absence of Color. So far the only conflict is with E.M. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

[E.M.]

Welcome S.K.

[Alex]

Hi, I'd like to participate with The South Tower.

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

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...

Just finished my reviews for Round 240. I've reviewed 'Trust a Few' and have been reviewed by SK Wee.

[Noor]

I'd like to participate with: Children of the Dead City

Author page: Noor Al-Shanti

I've finished all my reviews for round 239.

[Darrell]

I'm in
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...

[E.M.]

Welcome Noor and Darrell.

Alex - as you have only one book and SK Wee has only one blind spot which I have to occupy, I regret I can't include you in this round. However, your book would fit in either the General or the 18+ rounds which are now forming if you wish to sign up for one of those.

Will everyone please note that it is very important to keep checking back to tell me of any new clashes that develop as the group fills. Thanks.

[Darrell]

The only two minor clashes I see, is I've reviewed two of Noor's books, not a problem for me to review more.
And you've reviewed most of mine, not this one. I thanked you in the Acknowledgement Page, but you review under a different name so that shouldn't be a problem.

[Peter]

I’ve got a question: my book isn’t technically on Amazon yet, but the manuscript itself is completely done, literally just waiting on the cover art to get back to me before I publish. Is that still s problem?

[E.M.]

I'm sorry, Peter, but a book does have to be published before you can submit it to a round. You can, of course, sign up with another book and swap in the new one if it is published before the round actually starts.

[Alex]

E.M. wrote: "Welcome Noor and Darrell.

Alex - as you have only one book and SK Wee has only one blind spot which I have to occupy, I regret I can't include you in this round. However, your book would fit in ei..."

Thanks E.M.!

[Peter]

E.M. wrote: "I'm sorry, Peter, but a book does have to be published before you can submit it to a round. You can, of course, sign up with another book and swap in the new one if it is published before the round..."

Okay, thank you!

[Jeremy]

I'll jump in on this round with my book Saturnius Mons:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

The only possible conflict is with E.M. but I think there are still plenty of books in her library that I haven't gotten to yet.

[E.M.]

Welcome Jeremy - and yes, I have a few more for you yet ;)

[Audrey]

I would like to participate in this round.
My author profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...

[D.]

Hi E.M.
I can fit into slot 6 without any conflicts. I've read SK's Absence of Color, but I noticed she has other books. I'd like to join with my book: Catling's Bane
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Catlings-Bane-...
Goodreads author: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

[D.]

Oops. Forget my note. I can't fit into this round. I've reviewed Noor, so she can't review me.

D. wrote: "Hi E.M.
I can fit into slot 6 without any conflicts. I've read SK's Absence of Color, but I noticed she has other books. I'd like to join with my book: Catling's Bane
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com..."

[Ben]

I would like to join, but I see some possible clashes that might keep me out.

1. I've read both Jeremy L. Jones and E.M. Swifthook, so they can't review me. Further, I've read the books they have on offer. (I am more than happy, though, to read the sequels to Saturnius Mons and Trust a Few!!!)

2. D. has read me before, but not this particular book. I cannot review her.

3. I am *technically* still in a round. I've finished all four of my books, but am waiting on Amazon to post my review on a self-help book before I post it to Goodreads and formally exit the round.

If all these things are workable, then I would like to submit my short story, All Around the Watchtower.

The book:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

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

[S.D.]

Moving to YA, I think it would be easier on you; a too many blind spots.

[E.M.]

D. - I might be missing something but looks to me like you can fit in just fine. Welcome!

Ben - Happy to include you in the round as soon as you have been signed off on your last one.

S.D. - Sorry, but I can't actually see how to fit you in this round, so I'd suggest you sign up for the YA one.

[Darrell]

I've reviewed D's book.

[D.]

E.M. wrote: "D. - I might be missing something but looks to me like you can fit in just fine. Welcome!

Thanks, EM. This works!

[D.]

Darrell wrote: "I've reviewed D's book."

I have lots of books to choose from Darrell. I'd be happy with a review of Sunwielder or Soul Swallowers if you're up for it. :-)

[Ben]

All right, done! Amazon review for the last book still hasn't posted, :( but I'm sure it will soon enough...

To reiterate possible clashes:

1. I've read both Jeremy L. Jones and E.M. Swifthook, so they can't review me. Further, I've read the books they have on offer. (I am more than happy, though, to read the sequels to Saturnius Mons and Trust a Few!!!) If either of you are specifically looking for reviews on those two books, then that's totally fine -- I can sit this one out and join the next one.

2. D. Wallace Peach has read me before, but not this particular book. I cannot review her.

---

All Around the Watchtower:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

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

[Jeremy]

Ben wrote: "All right, done! Amazon review for the last book still hasn't posted, :( but I'm sure it will soon enough...

To reiterate possible clashes:

1. I've read both Jeremy L. Jones and E.M. Swifthook, ..."

Reading the second book works for me. It needs some reviews especially from somone continuing the series.

[Ben]

Sweet! I don't suppose you podcasted all the way through this one as well?!

[Jeremy]

Ben wrote: "Sweet! I don't suppose you podcasted all the way through this one as well?!"
Not all the way through, no. I just uploaded chapter 9 and they are going up one chapter a week. So you can listen to the early chapters, but not the entire book yet.

[Ben]

AWESOME.

[Audrey]

Im new to this group so may have missed something. Is this group full? What is the next step? Thanks!

[D.]

Francis wrote: "Hi Audrey, This group is not full - still two missing. Join by providing a link to your book you want reviewed."

Audrey did... message 19. Must have been missed, but hopefully EM will catch it now. :-)

[Audrey]

Francis wrote: "Hi Audrey, This group is not full - still two missing. Join by providing a link to your book you want reviewed."
I sent a comment with my links a couple of days ago; just wondering if I missed something. Thanks, Francis.

[Audrey]

D. wrote: "Francis wrote: "Hi Audrey, This group is not full - still two missing. Join by providing a link to your book you want reviewed."

Audrey did... message 19. Must have been missed, but hopefully EM w..."
Thanks, Diana! I'll wait for further developments.

[E.M.]

Welcome Audrey (sorry I missed you before :( ) and Ben!

Now comes the 'double check' phase.

I need everyone to check they have not reviewed the four people above them on the list ( the list wraps around so 10 is 'above 1). Please also check (by looking at their author page) that if you have already reviewed any of the four people 'below' you on the list they have more books available that you have not yet reviewed.

Any issues with these, please post to say so. If both these things check out please post to say you are good to go.

When enough have said they are good, we can start the reading phase.

[Darrell]

I'm good, the two that I have reviewed, D. & Noor have multiple books.

[S.K.]

Looks good to me, E.M.

[Ben]

All good here!

[D.]

I'm good - no conflicts.
SK and Noor, I'll need a different book from you both. Let me know which you'd like me to read. Thanks!

[Audrey]

No conflicts here. I am good to go

[Jeremy]

Looks good

[Ben]

BTW, E.M., you okay with me reading Edge of Doom for this round?

[Noor]

I'm all good.

And since they've already read this book and my other fantasy shorts, Darrell and D. can read one of my sci-fi short stories instead (either Always the Same or Earth 2.0, I don't care which)

:)

[Darrell]

Earth 2.0 sounds good

[E.M.]

Ben - since you were not really a big fan of Fortune's Fools I was going to suggest you try the alt hist Dai and Julia Mysteries, whodunits set in a world where the Roman Empire still rules. The Second Dai and Julia Omnibus could really do with some reviews and might be more your cup of tea :)

Looks like we're good to go so unless someone posts a clash tonight I'll set the reading phase rolling tomorrow :)

[Ben]

"whodunits set in a world where the Roman Empire still rules"

UH, YEAH. Sign me up for that one!

[E.M.]

I think we are ready to roll!

START DATE: 07-Feb-20

END DATE: 01-May-20

Round 1 – post your review by 28-Feb-20
Round 2 – post your review by 20 -March-20
Round 3– post your review by 10-April-20
Round 4 – post your review by 01-May-20

As AUTHORS you SEND your book file to:

241-01__E.A. Wicklund
Audrey Driscoll for round 1
Jeremy L. Jones for round 2
Ben Haskett for round 3
S.K. Wee for round 4

241-02__E.M. Swift-Hook
E.A. Wicklund for round 1
Audrey Driscoll for round 2
Jeremy L. Jones for round 3
Ben Haskett for round 4

241-03__Francis Mont
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 1
E.A. Wicklund for round 2
Audrey Driscoll for round 3
Jeremy L. Jones for round 4

241-04__ Darrell B. Nelson
Francis Mont for round 1
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 2
E.A. Wicklund for round 3
Audrey Driscoll for round 4

241-05__ D. Wallace Peach
Darrell B. Nelson for round 1
Francis Mont for round 2
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 3
E.A. Wicklund for round 4

241-06__ Noor Al-Shanti
D. Wallace Peach for round 1
Darrell B. Nelson for round 2
Francis Mont for round 3
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 4

241-07__ S.K. Wee
Noor Al-Shanti for round 1
D. Wallace Peach for round 2
Darrell B. Nelson for round 3
Francis Mont for round 4

241-08__ Ben Haskett
S.K. Wee for round 1
Noor Al-Shanti for round 2
D. Wallace Peach for round 3
Darrell B. Nelson for round 4

241-09__ Jeremy L. Jones
Ben Haskett for round 1
S.K. Wee for round 2
Noor Al-Shanti for round 3
D. Wallace Peach for round 4

241-10__ Audrey Driscoll
Jeremy L. Jones for round 1
Ben Haskett for round 2
S.K. Wee for round 3
Noor Al-Shanti for round 4

As REVIEWERS you will receive books for review from:

241-01__E.A. Wicklund
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 1
Francis Mont for round 2
Darrell B. Nelson for round 3
D. Wallace Peach for round 4

241-02__E.M. Swift-Hook
Francis Mont for round 1
Darrell B. Nelson for round 2
D. Wallace Peach for round 3
Noor Al-Shanti for round 4

241-03__Francis Mont
Darrell B. Nelson for round 1
D. Wallace Peach for round 2
Noor Al-Shanti for round 3
S.K. Wee for round 4

241-04__ Darrell B. Nelson
D. Wallace Peach for round 1
Noor Al-Shanti for round 2
S.K. Wee for round 3
Ben Haskett for round 4

241-05__ D. Wallace Peach
Noor Al-Shanti for round 1
S.K. Wee for round 2
Ben Haskett for round 3
Jeremy L. Jones for round 4

241-06__ Noor Al-Shanti
S.K. Wee for round 1
Ben Haskett for round 2
Jeremy L. Jones for round 3
Audrey Driscoll for round 4

241-07__ S.K. Wee
Ben Haskett for round 1
Jeremy L. Jones for round 2
Audrey Driscoll for round 3
E.A. Wicklund for round 4

241-08__ Ben Haskett
Jeremy L. Jones for round 1
Audrey Driscoll for round 2
E.A. Wicklund for round 3
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 4

241-09__ Jeremy L. Jones
Audrey Driscoll for round 1
E.A. Wicklund for round 2
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 3
Francis Mont for round 4

241-10__ Audrey Driscoll
E.A. Wicklund for round 1
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 2
Francis Mont for round 3
Darrell B. Nelson 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. When you have posted your reviews, please post the links to each of your reviews, not the book page in this thread.
The mod of each round will record whether members have posted reviews on Amazon and for the good of all, members who persistently fail to post reviews or DNF reviews to Amazon, will find mods 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).

Setting up and modding these rounds is a labour of love, with a lot of emphasis on the ‘labour’. If you want to show appreciation for all the hard work we admins put in for the group, you could download one of our books as a ‘thank you’.

Happy reviewing, everyone :)

[E.M.]

Please read this especially if you are new to these review rounds.

Quick 'start-up' summary for anyone new who might be scratching their heads. You are reviewing the four books 'below' you on the list.

You can, of course, choose to buy any or all of the books or read the books on KU, if you are a subscriber and the books are available there. If you can buy it adds weight to your review as it gives the 'Verified Purchase' stamp on Amazon.

However, as not everyone can buy, you should PM the four people who will be reviewing you (the four above you on the original list of names) 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 them.

Ask what kind of file they would like or say you can only offer PDF, though unless a publisher uploaded it for you, you can always download a .mobi of your own book from Amazon.

Don't forget to ask where to send it so they can give you their email.

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

Please make sure you have exchanged ALL FOUR books - or have been assured by your reviewers they will buy your book or read it through KU - as soon as possible. Some people read fast and it can be very frustrating to have to wait a long time to get hold of a book you are committed to review.
Don't forget to post the links to your reviews here so you can be signed off for them.

Please post your review to Goodreads, your own Amazon store and any other Amazon stores you might have access to as well.

I shall be modding this round so PM me with any issues please, or post them to this thread.

[Ben]

Bought and ready! Happy reading everyone!