Alora Factor, White Supremacy and Christianity

Trigger warning: This essay looks back at physical and emotional abuse that began when I was about three-years-old. The references to violence, religious indoctrination and transphobia may be too much for some. Please assess your mental state before reading.

In addition to all of the other hats I wear, I’m adding debut novelist as one of them later this month. As a part of the ramp up to my book release, I’ve been getting editorial reviews to use in my marketing materials. I’m pleased to say that my investments into developmental and copy editing have paid off - I’ve been getting stellar reviews including a five star from a Reader’s Favorite reviewer, for Alora Factor: Invasion of the Realm Jumpers.

So, I was a little apprehensive when I got an alert from Reader’s Favorite last week that number two of the three reviews I’d purchased had come in. It had been such a long delay since the first review, I’d resigned myself to just getting additional time on their website instead of two more reviews. I also had a premonition that it wasn’t going to be as good as the others. And I was right. It was three stars.

Now, I don’t need you to tell me that three out of five stars isn’t bad, especially for a new indie author. In fact, my interpretation of this rating has always been, not the best, but not the worst, either. I was already telling myself that when I scrolled down and started reading.

Now before I go any further, I will warn you that the review is thinly veiled transphobia and what I’m calling toxic religiosity that I’ve decided not to publish in full because I believe it could be harmful. You can download it from my website if you’re that curious.

You should also know that I’ve successfully lobbied Reader’s Favorite to investigate whether this person should be permitted to review marginalized writers because of an obvious bias that is unfortunately rooted in Christianity. Finally, Reader’s Favorite has removed the review from my queue and it will not go against the three I’ve ordered. I am satisfied with this response.

Ironically, what would have been review number three came in on the heels of all of this and it was four stars and the third and final review came in early this morning - five stars. So, my book is good. It’s not for everyone, but it’s good. And I hope that, once it’s published, you’ll consider reading it. But, that’s not the story I want to tell today.

Read the full story on Medium.