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A Beautiful Story

I read this in one sitting, then went back in to reread because I thoroughly enjoyed it, the ending most of all. I loved Archy's humor in the beginning, and for such a short appearance, his remark to Lilah about 'the dogs won't bite either, useless creatures, was so good, and it stuck.

From the moment Rhys came into the picture, I fell in love with him. I loved how he and Lilah had this easy connection that just happened, you know. The type that you don't realize has blossomed into something more until, well, I'm no spoiler.

Gosh, I couldn't get enough of it, it's such a fantastic short read, and I marvel at how the author's able to tell such a refined tale in only 9 chapters! I loved the writing style, the progression of the plot, the mix-up with her intended and the amazing twist in the end. The setting was well done, descriptive and lighthearted with the humor. And that ending, with the couple's sizzling 'let's put a pin in this for now' entanglement, just excellent writing.

Great story, and fantastic writing.

Unforgettable Love

I am a sucker for a good mafia story, and an epic mix up story, and this one's right up that alleyway. It's a good story, and a good premise, and I think it has promise. It’s got that organic friendship that is to die for, and is so relatable, and I really enjoyed the dynamic between Ximena and Lucia.

What I did find strange was that Ximena didn't put up a fight when Grace and Thalia were leading her off to only God knows where. Who blindly goes along like that, after being mistaken for a whore? I think that was out of character for Mercado, especially with how tough she is portrayed.

Another thing I would suggest is making it clear who is speaking and keeping the laughs unwritten. A simple, ‘she laughed’ instead of 'haha' would work.

I suggest splitting chapters 5 and 6. It jumbles everything up with Capo’s POV in chapter 5. Also, the scenes that repeat in POV switches, only share what we didn't learn from the previous POV, so it doesn’t become repetitive. I don't want to come off too nitpicky, so that's all I'll say in terms of mechanics.

In regard to the story and the plot, I enjoyed it. I liked that we were able to see things from their different POVs.

Interesting Story

I love the pun in the title; restoring the art restorer. It gives the story the perfect connection to Lauren that runs skin deep. And reading further, it's even more interesting to find out that Jay suggested this to Lauren as a way of covering up her scars. That moment tied the entire story premise together, and I loved every minute of it.

It's one of those stories that starts off slow and then picks up and reels you in right in the middle; when Jay come into the picture. From the moment they met, I was eager to know what would come of it. I love their slow budding romance, and the tension packed build up, it kept me curious to find out more. Their progression from the first kiss was explosive, and I like that the story still focused on Lauren’s project in Australia while all the ‘drama’ with Jay happened.

My main critic would be that the author could rework the opening chapters, so they're clearer and hook better. Look into establishing a stronger setting that fosters a sense of place for the story. The opening chapter is currently a bit rough to follow, but right after Lauren meets up with Kim it clears up.

Overall, it is an interesting love story with great promise.

A Great Love Story

This reminds me of the novel Message from Nam, of love and war. It's a story of how war ruins everything. The anguish and depression, and this is one of the few times I've read a character who understands that going to war to fight and die does not prove you're strong, or that you are a man. It's a very grounded perspective and I loved every minute of it. My favourite part were the letters, that started off good, then just went downhill. It really depicted how the war affected Milos mentally. I enjoyed how I learnt about Bohdan's really serene personality through Milos' introspection, and how Milos was willing to go to war in his stead, so he would not be tainted, or possibly killed. It's an evergreen story, with an unexpected ending.

Masterful Storytelling

Alright here's the deal, this is one of those stories you read and keep on reading, and have no words to leave in a review, because all I want to do right now is reminisce the story with someone who already read it. And that's how spoilers happen.

The opening with Grey's predicament was gripping as was the very vivid depiction of his ordeal and response to the gnome's actions and vices. The pacing was smooth, walking us through the story carefully, slowly and weaving in history, backstories, setting and world building in a way that leaves you elated... and did I mention the subtle humour? I never would have guessed that Reggie was a roaster, or that Alieda in a fit would enter him into the competition.

I like the author's take on a woman as a blacksmith and defying society's image of the female paragon. I mean as much as I adore the portrayal of Alieda, I was left curious about Sera, I surely would kill for a POV from hers or Grey's., and Thomas too. They were all great characters. I love Thomas's audacity to say things others wouldn't necessarily say, it was so fun to read.

Overall, the author put a lot of work into this, and it shows in the delivery. The politics of the town, Alieda's background and her relationship with her father's and her friends. It all comes together to create a picturesque town I wanted to be a part of.

THE EYE OF YOL

The Eye of Yol is an effigy of a voyage to new horizons. The imagery, the descriptions, the words, so beautiful it flows like a waterfall that just keeps falling.

The premise of this story's unique and it reminds me of this thing I do where I address letters to a stranger, in a journal form recounting my ordeals and whatnot. The story follows a mother's journaling of her voyage on the Eye of Yol to her child, and it is truly exceptional. The world building, as excepted was very well done.

It does carry on as though the readers know exactly what Xantha speaks of when she rambles about her transoceanic journey, using words and naming places and phenomena we know nothing of. Of course that comes from the particular style of writing, but it gets a bit confusing to keep up with all the information. I mean she's writing to a 12 years old Shae, is she able to understand all of this?

Still I loved her voice, her narration, especially of the encounter with the octopod creature and her dream about Shae. It was kind of symbolic of how she felt, being away from Shae for so long, pursuing her own interest instead of putting Shae's first. That's what I got from that scene.

Amazing Story!

Luminous is storytelling as its best. The writer's use of exposition and dialogue to push the story was exceptional.

Meya is a beautifully written character, so well written I felt the hurt she felt, especially with being the black sheep and all. The tale's got a bitter-sweet feeling, 5 chapters in and I'm wiping my eyes, especially that scene with her father. The hurt she felt when he said those things, I felt it and that is an amazing skill.

There's a curiosity to know why Meya is green-eyed and what the future holds for her, and what her new life at the Hadden castle will amount to. As upset as I got with Mirram Hild, I loved his POV, it was sarcastic and very enjoyable to read. There's a lot I want to say, but I'd rather go to the comment sections in the story to dish 🥰

There's a symbolism I really liked and that's the categories with Marin topping it and Meya at the very bottom, and how te Hilds' names start with an 'M'.

The setting and premise are so well done, down to the vivid relationship Meya had with all her siblings and her parents. A masterpiece, this one.

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Why Haven't You Read This Yet?

I love this tale Karin, you did an amazing job weaving all these different characters into a world outside their own worlds. The friendship, comradery, battle and the love, oh 'twas incredible to read.

It's my second time reading this all over. It's got action, romance, and fantastic dialogue and world building. Amazing writing Karin. I don't mean to be biased but Sapphire and Death's love story is my favourite! So beautiful.

Interesting Story

The story's got an interesting premise. Intrigue, suspense and wonder. It's a promising read and quite difficult to predict where exactly the plot's headed. The blurb's got me sold on what the secret to heaven is, who wouldn't want to know that? 😄

A Must Read!

I can’t wait to re-read this here! I love it, my favourite part is how they met❤️❤️❤️, such beautiful writing Karin.

The Green Exchange Awards

This is a very compelling story about a young fire welder, at a very pivotal moment in her life and a very defining one too.

The Spirit of Fire is a thrilling fantasy that follows Saf's journey as she takes on the new spirit of fire position following the tragic death of her predecessor. It's an engaging and well-crafted tale of elemental wielders fighting the shadow realm and trying to keep the balance.

One of the strengths of 'Spirit of Fire' is its world-building. The author has created a vivid and detailed world, complete with its own history, myths, and cultures. There is also a solid sense of character development, and Saf's journey is both compelling and moving. The intricate relationships among the characters were one of my favourite aspects of the book. The characters each had their own unique personalities, and the interactions between them added depth to the story.

The pacing is well-managed, with enough action and suspense to keep the reader engaged throughout. The underlying themes of destiny, self-discovery, and the battle between light and dark are explored very effectively. The prologue was particularly exciting for me as a pantheon fan. I enjoyed learning about the Kera elementals and how their powers came to be.

I remember reading this a while back, right after Soren, and I have to say that there has been a significant improvement. It is clear that the author put a great deal of effort into refining this story, and it truly shows in the end result!

Breathe

This is a fantastic story that gripped me right from the start. I loved how we get to see where things were headed with the prologue before we're immersed in the story of how it all came to be. I enjoyed the discovery of how Caleb realized, with the bombing, just how wrong he'd been about Eric and the others. How his oblivion to the dystopian state of things was ignorant. How he changed from the Caleb Mina knew to join Susan's crusade and even take things further, considering where we now see him in the future.

I mean, there are a lot of themes explored in this short story and they were very well done. Gosh, the depth of Mina's character and how the author was able to depict the ludicrous society without the usual overdone jargon or dwelling too long on it that it got underwhelming was exceptional.

Looking forward to the second book. I want to know how things escalated to that point in the prologue, I want Mina's feelings for Caleb explored and I want to know what she'd been up to between high school and her catching up with Caleb again.

His Kitten

Interesting story premise. I enjoyed how Vincent just pops into the story unexpectedly (while I was expecting Daniel to be her knight in shining armour), and has me guessing and wondering if he's a good guy or not. The progression is great, the conflicts are resolved gradually as the story continued; my questions are answered, and I get comfortable with Vincent being with Rosie. I do however still find the age difference unsettling, especially with both Daniel and Vincent, but that’s the premise of it, so I’ll move on from that. There’s also Vincent’s history with her mother, and the loose premise of Stockholm syndrome.

Overall, it was an interesting read with good twists. It would be even more interesting if the author were to establish the setting more concretely with a bit more world building, so we get an actual sense of place, and we’re able to picture their surroundings more clearly.

The Willow Rise Six

Oh! The unique characterization of each of the six and how there's this feeling of sinners and saints, yet the supposed saint has his own skeletons that are eating him whole—just brilliant! I enjoyed the masterful storytelling, it created an insatiable need to learn about each character and see how the entire team functions on this quest.

I love Bill's character, so poised, stoic and calculating, it was so thrilling to watch this play out like a movie. Such an unusual lot, and learning about their past and how in a way they're indebted to Bill, and seeing them from another character's POV was so genius. It created this flow and pace in the storytelling that reminded me a lot of the Magnificent Seven film.

The most rousing moment for me still is the scene with Mr Banks, I did not see that twist with Mr. King coming, how I fell in love with the scums and sinners of Willow Rise there.

This is a suspenseful and beautifully written story, makes me want to be a part of this team. Each has a story, a past they're seeking to atone for, and it's just so relatable in an indescribable way. Alan's a maestro storyteller.

The Unnamed

This was so goooood. It kept me glued till the end, horrified too and more than ever terrified of camping. Such a gripping tale that leaves you guessing and agitated and the suspense—phenomenal!

The dialogue and the entire reality show concept shows how much detail and work the author put into this, and so did the pacing and the addictive storyline.

Kerri is such a fantastic character, loved her right from the onset, especially with her reservations about Darren being a 'freelance survivalist' from the beginning, almost as if she sensed things would take this turn on some level.

This story should, if it isn't already, be in your reading list. It's a fantastic story that's well written and just pumps you up! If there were more stars, I'd add them.

Great Story

I love the pacing of the story, it flows so well and compels you to keep flipping until you lose yourself in the story. The writing style's clean, minimalist and very easy to follow, I mean the writer does a great job of getting the tale across without jargon, and it's bodes well for everyone!

I love the characters. I love how from patching her up, Dillon is pulled into her chaotic life and the slow budding romance that sets in. As I said before, everything flows smoothly; the setting, their backstories and the dialogue. The portrayal of how they are from two different worlds but not so far apart literally is an interesting premise.

Just like Dillon, I am curious about El, how did things get to that point for her? What does she really want? It's fantastic how the MC is someone we're able to relate to right off the bat, and is literally the girl next door. Then there are the shadow men who compound my questions, I'm yet to finish the story, so I look forward to learning all about that. In a way I am glad she's not going through it alone anymore, even though it means Dillon sharing in the torture.

Great Story

I love the mysterious aura of the story, and at this point I don't know what to expect. It's a new premise that leaves me with a lot of questions. Horror? Mystery/Thriller? Fantasy? And what's going on with Grayson and Eleanor? I am so eager to find that out, and the author has done a fine job of hooking the reader with the need to learn what happens.

The opening with Grayson's dream was vivid and well done; I felt the air shift with him. I felt sorry for Eleanor, having to clean up after Grayson every darn time must be exhausting, especially with her health.

Eilif is an interesting character, I'm curious about his intentions and interest in Eleanor. And if what Avice said about Eilif's aura is true, then damn! What does he want with Eleanor, and how does Grayson's dreams tie into all of this? You're unable to guess the outcome of the story and that's a fascinating nip.

There's a lot of questions that push you to continue reading. A great story with a compelling premise, and I believe once the author takes the time to clean up the mechanics of the story, it'll be even more fantastic.

A Wicked Heritage

I am a fan of Mayaserana from reading The Untold Forest, and honestly, I didn’t think I’d love another book as much as I love the Untold Forest, or another character as much as Maeve.

I was wrong. This blew me away! Beautiful writing, setting and worldbuilding and the characters! She has a flair for characterization.

I love the characters, love the dialogue and I enjoy the subtle humour that doesn’t distract from the story; it fuels it. We’re able to experience two characters and their struggles with difficult parents, and I believe that commonality they have is highlighted beautifully.

This will keep you glued until the end, so yes, I strongly recommend this; this is one book you HAVE TO read.

Good story

It’s a promising tale. I believe it’s the first draft so I look forward to seeing how it turns out after the writer polishes it up and fixes the mechanics.

Story wise, it is quite interesting especially with the entire intergalactic battles and quest for answers, which I believe is also a quest to discover and find oneself. I would have loved more vivid world building, there isn’t a sense of time in regards to how long their intergalactic travels take or getting from one point to the other. It appears the major chuck of world-building went into the prologue and then everything else doesn’t follow.

Character wise, I liked Selene’s determination and audaciousness, especially with Lotus. But then it quickly became irksome because she thought she could say whatever she wanted to whoever cos she is Selene, a Tenno of the first team and a badass.

One drawback for me was a chunk of the dialogue. They need to be restructured and reword to be more propelling.

My personal opinion is this: given how the team is propped up as the first team and all; losing one of their best fighters like that didn’t add up. I still can’t digest the entire death scene. Another troubling issue is that as the first team, such a case shouldn’t be so hard to crack. They kept dwelling on a no brainer even though they knew it was a no brainer. It just seemed to drag on with the team idling around for nothing.

Selene’s character and sense of entitlement made this hard to read. I still don’t understand her conviction in stating her team failed her, that’s not the case, not from what I read.

If they had expressly told her to stop digging or something along those lines I’d be more inclined to believe that they had in fact failed her. She fails to be logical in seeing things from their perspective, perhaps that’s where her character arc occurs further down the road.

Still I have to commend the writer for creating a character that I feel very strongly about. It’s very good characterization.

THE ARTIFACT

I loved this story. I enjoyed how it started off first in both Wahya and Morgan's original worlds and time and then from running for his life he crash lands on Morgan, in the future. Her response to him was enjoyable to read, as was his reaction to the time jump and his 'artifact'.

I would say it was quite endearing how they're able to trust each other without understanding what the other was saying. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed Wahya's POV. The author does a great job of building the characters and their interests through switching between their POV.

I'm curious about how they'll make things work, and why Wahya jumped to 2023. We understand how both parties came to be in possession of the gorget, but why Wahya? Why jump then? What are the stakes? I'm eager to learn those as their slow budding romance forms.

I HEAR YOU

The story's plot is new and unique. I was thrown with the prologue [by the way, the name David Keen completely reminded me of Tom and Elizabeth Keen from the Blacklist, but I digress], wondering how he'd hear the music if he went through with the surgery and the relationship between David, Ryker and Porter.

I love how the chapters are rotated between Ryker and Porter. Porter's silent entry into Ryker's life and Ryker's reaction to his genuine interest in both him and his music was so sweet to read. The author did a great job portraying Ryker's dilemma with being different and the consequences of such in school. Not to mention his acceptance of his place in the social hierarchy and how he tries to push Porter away to spare him.

In terms of mechanics, this needs a good round of editing. There's a tense issue with switching between past and present as well as hard to follow dialogue, with almost no exposition in certain chapters. However, the plot's solid and this is set to be a fantastic read once it's polished and properly edited.

Good Story

Mcota is a good story, quite expected and not at all unusual compared with other fantasy stories. It’s got the usual ‘new school’ ‘new life’ ‘hot guy’ plot which is a bit overdone, but it’s a good story, and I look forward to seeing the author's twist on this.

What I love most about this tale is Khaliah. I love her characterization and how relatable she is as a person I would actually want to meet. She's portrayed as strong and quite philosophical, and not in the usual 'bratty' way. I love that she's confident and sure of herself. I believe more heroines need to be written like this.

Ethan fits well into his 'Mr mysterious' role, which keeps the suspense and edge to the story, and his POV is where the eerie goodness is. The exposition sometimes strayed into some sort of ideological broodings and I loved it.

In terms of mechanics, there was more telling as opposed to showing, and I would have preferred far more superior grammar to really paint a more vivid picture.

Overall, it's a very promising tale.

Fantastic Story!

Spolier alert; you will end up binging this goodness at a go. It's a very fascinating tale that has a native 'tales by moonlight' feeling to it. I loved the narration and how unique each character’s voice was.

It gave me chills, at first it started off mellow, like perfect family and all, then Finn happens and everything else booms, along with the forest. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, Finn shows up again with the most amazing personality, and oh the slow budding romance between Maeve and Hakken, or is it the friendship with Regn? Or the appearance of the ancients? I can’t really bask in how much I thoroughly enjoyed this without spoilers so I’ll put a pin in it.

This was a beautiful story, it engaged all of my emotions and I couldn’t put it down until I finished. Well done!

In terms of mechanics, there were a few errors, they did not distract from the story, of course. Nothing a round of editing wouldn’t fix. I did notice that you tend to write it like this ‘how I would’ instead of ‘how would I’ it happened a handful of times.

Binged In One Sitting

I thoroughly enjoyed how you took us into his journey of friendship and brothers in arm. So well done and unexpected. I really want to see what becomes of the duo and Berenike as well.