December 2025 Rule One Book Reviews Selection

WHY IT WAS SELECTED
The novel's opening and dialogue are excellent. The author's ability to write dialect is noteworthy. The characters are instantly real.  I have a suspicion this author knows what he is doing. I don't think it's going to waste my time. ​I'm excited to read this one. 

READER CHALLENGE 
Like I say every time I announce a review selection, pick up the this book and read it. Do we have any readers out there, or just indie authors hawking their wares? Read other people's books. Take a chance on an unknown author. Highlight good storytelling. Learn more about your craft. Break out of your own genre. Tell me I'm wrong about a book. Tell me I'm right about a book. Just do something already. 

 When I review it before Christmas, come back here and compare notes with me. 

Of note, this author has one of the lowest social media footprints of any author I've reviewed. I originally thought he might be a bot, but he contacted me and confirmed he was, in fact, real.  Show him a little love and follow him on X and let's see if we can get his followers above 5 and get this novel a little exposure. 

​TITLE: This Burdened Clay
PUBLISHER: Independently published
AUTHOR: Thomas Norford
GENRE(S): Horror (multiple sub-genres)
PUBLICATION DATE: February 24, 2025
AMAZON REVIEWS/RATINGS AT DISCOVERY: 10/4.7 Star Average
AMAZON KINDLE RANKING AT DISCOVERY: #1,158,163
WHY IT GOT MY ATTENTION:
It was late, and I have no memory of how I found this book (alcohol was not involved). It must have made an impression, because I bought it (maybe it was free, I can't remember). It had a fantastic and original blurb, and the sample pulled me in. The writing, so far at least, is good. My subconscious must know what was is doing. 
This author (it's a pen name) had two followers on X.  I had to make sure his account wasn't a bot (and I'm still not convinced.) I love finding indie authors like this, relatively unknown and with such promise! 
DATE PLACED ON CANDIDATE LIST: 14 August 2025
​STATUS: Selected for December 2025 Review

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