Title: Through The Window

Author: Nafisa Tabassum Rida ( nafisa_tabby_rida )

Genre: Short, Horror, Paranormal, Awareness, Feminism

Chapters Reviewed: Through The Window

𝖗 𝖊 𝖛 𝖎 𝖊 𝖜 𝖊 𝖗 : thecloudedpages

Blurb Below:

* * * * * * *

I. Title: Through The Window

Easier title, easy to digest. What I like about this is that since it leaves a sort of questioning theme, it allows you to move anywhere with it. As I notice that the story is supposed to be made for a more horror element, I really think this title fits!

II. Cover

Uhmmm... I am not a fan of the cover. I really think it is the fonts in the cover that is throwing me off but it feels quite outdated. I like that the title and the author's name are clear to see, but the subtitle is so hard to see. Plus, I am not a huge fan of that font you were using with the cover. Overall, I just feel the cover is outdated and not fully able to capture the ideas you were going for. I do recommend if you want to expand the story, try to seek a graphic designer or remaking the cover yourself to get the right audience on board.

III. Blurb

Super short for a blurb. Does it get to the point? Surprisingly, yes. I felt that it is way too short but for a short story's blurb, I can let it slide. I like it though!

IV. First Sentences

Perfect. Not a lot to say with the first lines except that I like it. I don't love it, but I don't hate it. Not sure how I fully feel about it. For me, it works for a short story, so you are all good. 

* * * * * * *

Shall we begin? SO. You just requested for pretty much a general look at your story so here you go!

To start us off, I like the mystery you leave at the beginning of the story. It ties into your theme/genre of Horror, so it is a perfect fit. Though I will say, the art of building horror is driven from lurking mysteries and not fully explaining to let the reader to guess. A part I am concerned with is when after you describe a bit of the situation, you said: "Because the window was supposed to be closed, and so was the curtain." This felt like it halted the eeriness because it just explained what is happening which in my opinion, takes away from the action. Moving on, I like how the MC is in a constant fear and shocked state as it gives that realistic aspect of how a human would reach such an occurrence.

Okay, I will be honest, usually I write notes while reading but I just flat-out finished it hahahaha. I can say, I actually like it a lot! The concept can get a bit confusing, but I understood it and loved it. Already I see your author's note and I have a comment about that. I know it is a metaphor, which I absolutely love, and I feel that being reflected well. Though for the story's purpose so you don't have to explain that you could have built the figure of the monster within the piece. I am not a huge fan of information dumping at the end of stories since it leaves a less satisfying ending. I felt that the second to last paragraph would not be necessary as a whole paragraph and instead, you should sprinkle it into the story overall. The last paragraph is perfectly fine, I just have a bit more of a kick with that ending, you know? Like a bit more emotions developed (literally like the slightest bit more) and it would be a perfect ending. Moreover, you did a really good job at keeping this in the past tense since it really portrays the nightmare and works beautifully. I think that in the blurb, you really need to allow that metaphor to shine a bit and reflect the piece as a whole to get the right audience coming to you.

* * * * * * *

Now for my takeaway. I like to keep these short and sweet for you to be able to come back to and just quickly see what you might want to take from this review.

1. Improvements to help:

a. Fixing the cover as it is not the best to grab an audience (suggestion I left was to get it done with a graphic shop)

b. Sprinkle in the second to last paragraph throughout the story

c. Blurb feels a bit too short for my liking. It works, but I think at least 2-3 more sentences will help it out more

2. My personal opinions of the work:

a. I liked it! I can't say I was extremely drawn to it, but I surely was looking more into it. And for a short story, it really works perfectly as it feels complete enough to work for me!

And that is all I have to say. I really enjoyed my reading. If anything, you can message me through PM or through here (you will have to tag me for me to get the notification) for any additional coverage that you would like me to discuss. That is all from me for now!

Have a great day and hope you enjoy this little review of mine!