What is your opinion?
Gem - review
"What a truly delightful story! Once you start reading it you'll find it very hard to stop. The writing is so easy, unpretentious, smooth and plot driven, that you just want to know what happens in the next chapter, and then the next one and then another one... Written in first person, the MC is a lovely protagonist. Her inner voice is fun to read, she's sharp, witty, humorous and lovable. The love she has for her sister it's almost a bit obsessive, but this aligns with the plot well, and also makes the character more complex. The story starts with the best hook ever: "It wasn't until I got closer to him that I realized he was dead." and then goes back one year, being recounted by Elsea. This first line sets the tone - gives it an eerie supernatural vibe - making us speculate who and especially what the person she speaks about is. The way the plot unfolds is quite unexpected and original - it keeps you surprising and in suspense all the time. Also I found quite a few descriptions - such as 15 car pile up smile - which really had me laughing each time and I think such lines points to genius writing. The pace is just perfect, the chapters are of a good length. To add some constructive criticism: sometimes Elsea tends to stretch out her inner musings too much, they also at times repeat with what's happening and are thus superfluous. The dialogues could be trimmed a bit too, some things are clear from the context. In general, the writing style could be more polished, but despite there's room for improvement, I can't say it took anything from the story, while reading it - the plot, the characters make up for it. The world this author created will pull you in, and so will the characters. Just when you think you know what it is about, something different opens up....full of interesting surprises. If fantasy is your genre, read it, you won't be disappointed!"
A Gem
"What a Gem is a lovely and cute story. I think the characters are interesting, and the story is compelling. My only issue is that you do a lot of explanations in your writing. Instead of showing your characters' emotions, you are telling us how they feel, which prevents a better immersion in the story. "
An enjoyable fantasy read!
"I'm about halfway through but had to pause because I've been so excited to review - this story is compelling and I really appreciate that it's more than just a crush/romance story. The relationships around your main character are all compelling and add to the plot nicely to make it very well-rounded. The fantasy twist was not one that I was expecting, but I was so pleasantly surprised to reach that point. I love your descriptions of the other realm! Can't wait to continue reading, you've created something wonderful!"
What a gem
"I liked the book for only reading 2 chapters it was great and I will finish reading this book as of today I hope other people read and enjoy it because it’s good. "
A Gem indeed
"The story is very compelling and unique! It begins with background on the main character before it starts to flesh out. Branching into a whole new realm of possibilities. Although this is just the beginning, I can’t wait to see what happens next as the story progresses. Im super psyched to see the ‘hidden world.’ "
Fantastic Start
"This is a great start to the story! The characters are really intriguing and likable. I enjoyed their quirks and thought that it was a realistic approach to the characters' motivations. I can't wait to keep reading :)"
Love this!
"I love the witty descriptions that are creative but also not unintelligible, and the devotion to Gem. The family dynamic is so much fun to read about, too. I wish that there was more of that fluid, witty banter between Lindon and Elsea, unless Elsea is just awkward around boys. I feel that if she can handle being an entire mom at, what, sixteen (which is so mature and cool) that she could handle boys. I want to know why of more she's attracted to Lindon besides his looks. Overall, I really did enjoy what I read and admire the way you write. Keep writing, Diva-Fox"
Inviting and relaxing.
"Overall, this is a great story to grab and relax with after a hard day of work. Elsea comes off just as she's written: A teenage girl who has to be an adult for her child sister but the weight on her shoulders grows once she learns that she's from a mythical land. I enjoyed the sudden twist and the mild mystery in the beginning: I had thought this story would take a more psychological journey and that her crush would be some form of her imagination. However, the fantasy genre is more pleasurable and I am looking forward to more chapters. God bless."
Sunshine
"Really good to read interesting and keeps you wanting to keep on reading"
Very amuzing!
"The events of the book 'what a gem' are of a high interest to the readers to discover more of its cycle. Its beauty resides in the details and they are very well accentuated in every chapter of this book. 😍"
Realistic and Cute
"Every character in this story feels tangible, complex, and three dimensional. The narration and self-analysis have a great combination of emotions. Elsea's character is so intriguing and her relationship with Lindon is adorable. Gem is just a gem (pun intended). There are a few easily fixable mistakes and adjustments that need to be made. (^ o^)っ Love this so far! "
What a Gem
"What an intriguing plot! I really felt hooked on the premise, and the characters seem interesting. A few grammar issues here and there but nothing that can't be fixed with editing. Overall an intriguing read so far"
I love this so much!!! When first reading it, I didn’t expect to want to keep reading and reading, it’s so interesting. I love it!
"I love this so much!! It’s so interesting, I didn’t expect to want to keep reading and reading, El is such a relatable character at some points, I love that about her. Keep writing ♥️"
Really gripping
"This story is really great. I mean, the characters all have different sides to them, Gem is a gem, and we are left in suspense at the end which makes it really easy and fun to read this book. There were several grammatical errors, as well as mistakes in punctuation, but they got lesser as the story progressed, and would only take a minute to fix, so it's not a big of a deal. Overall, really loved this book thus far, and I can't wait for the next chapters."
Review of first few chapters
"So far I've only read the first five chapters of this work, but so far I love the meet-cute, the budding relationship, and the caring nature of the protagonist. Given the first line I'm curious to see how the story progresses to get there... I did notice some grammar/punctuation errors, but nothing that wouldn't be expected of an initial draft. Overall I'd say this author has real skill and once the story is finished and polished, I don't doubt it'll be a hit!"
Wholesome
"I’m all for responsible female leads and a handsome male lead. What makes this story wholesome is Gem, the protagonist’s little sister. This story has potential for lots of reader engagement. I think as a reader, I will be more hooked to the story if the narrator is more descriptive and shows more than tell (this is why I marked certain stars down). For example, if a character is described as “she looked sad”, the context can be much more believable and imaginative if instead it’s written as “her lower lip trembled as she clung to me, tears in her eyes”. This story would be loved by those who value family and thirst for the heart-skipping romance with a charming man. <3"
