Title: THE WOMAN BEFORE
Reviewer: rinaXhazurina
Author: arrally

GENERAL QUALITIES: 48/50

*The key points of the review were done before the update of the story in case there were anything that seemed amiss here.

Title: 5/5

The title is amazing. It closes on the story about a woman who wants to take revenge on her former lover after what she had done with understandable reasons that bring with it the complexity of the characters and the feelings they have. Very powerful with a promising delivery of its uniqueness by the unique title alone.

Book Cover: 5/5

Fantastic. The presence of the mirror itself says so much about the character at a micro level–Isla's shift from being the kind person she was to the vengeful woman she is now in the main plot–and the macro level–the duality between Isla's thirst for revenge and negative thoughts in contrast to Rosina's kindness and positivity. The red lipstick and red nail paints highlight the feminine power and associate it with the story's strong theme of revenge, passion (not in a sexual way), love, danger, and danger. The subtitle is perfect as it scopes in on the character as well and shows that there will be significant characters to play the part of the offense, defense, and the person in between.

Blurb: 5/5

Excellent with how it immediately presents the elements of intrigue of the story and truly shows a unique storytelling proposal which is that of a hateful main protagonist who wants to take revenge on her former ex and his fiance, giving readers a reason why they should care about wanting to know what happens in the story. The emotion can already be felt by reading the blurb alone.

Characters: 9/10

The characters are all fleshed-out and believable. It's clear all of them inhibit an adequate presence of mind, even Evans knows what he did was wrong but like Isla, he was also driven by the strong feeling of love, which is a recurring theme in the story to be discussed later on. The characters take time to talk about the situation and think it through, allowing us to hear them out with understandable reasons despite the bad intention and outcome.

There is an impressive character introspection in the first scene in Chapter 1 where the writing makes Isla reinforce her rage to project it to the readers from the line 'After all, what do I have to lose? My life is pretty much shattered at this point. - strong motivation behind her rage.' Another thing to admire is the actions and experience of the characters reflect their background exemplified by Rosina's line 'Some I ended with a text message. Others I met them in person and told them straight to their face.' It shows her way of dealing things is not one way but instead depends on the difficulty of the subject, revealing her depth by her past actions. Isla's grief through her denial of being sick in the mind, as told by her friends, justifies her emotion to secure and push her actions.

I also appreciate the contradicting goals within the characters like where Isla loves Evans but wants to hurt him. She sacrificed so much and was motivated to go through prison for him in the end. There is empathy over sympathy for the other characters like how Isla justifies her actions and Parker is there, even Mr. Gresyon, for her, encourages her to get help, coming from a good place but he doesn't understand her pain that much so she shuts him down. It shows that Isla is not alone and has friends willing to help but rage overwhelms her. This is also shown by Evans shifting disposition and thinking he can relieve Isla by giving her half the company while he's with another woman. He cares for her but is inconsiderate and breaks a promise and snobs her, meritting her rightful anger directed at him. Even readers wonder why he suddenly felt that way.

The key characters are all driven by their strong emotions, clouding their judgement.Isla did everything for Evans because she loves him, but Evans sacrificed his promise to her because he's also in love but not with her. In her rage, Isla reveals her intentions to Parker, knowing he is also close with evans. To her, materialistic things and support do not matter, showing how much Evans meant to her and personally, I can't blamer her. People easily say move on and enjoy her rich life, but when you love someone, you love them with an almost non-existent boundary; there is no measurement of love. This will be discussed deeper in the Theme Section.

The character's depth is further emphasized by Isla's spiral to insanity shown by the constant image of Rosina. It is also by their goals and not just relationships that they are defined and distinguished from one another; you can tell they are believable people existing in a story because they also have priorities apart from playing a role in the key character's lives.

There is one thing I wondered about the Prologue. Isn't Isla scared of Evans overspeeding down the road? Do show her being nervous at least about his speedy driving to make the characters feel more like they are actually in the situation.

Worldbuilding: 10/10

There isn't much to say about the worldbuilding since it's set in a rather fictional story so the places are mostly based on the real world. I do commend the objects' positions relative to the importance of the depth of the characters and in pushing the plot forward like the picture of Rosalina in Evans' office. The fact that Isla's place is almost empty fortifies her focus which is more on planning to exact her revenge and less about caring for herself says a lot. The rain in the Prologue also conveys a heavy atmosphere relaying quietness between the tension of Isla and Evans, and the still anticipation going to happen that will set the story on course with the many wrong things that could happen under a pouring day. In a road where there is conflict between the characters, nonetheless.

I suggest writing more details about the weather to project the ambiance of the scene, the feelings of the character, and state of the plot. Though this is just a recommendation. It will only serve to highlight the mood of the story so it's not necessarily required.

Writing Mechanics and Style: 14/15

I like the short lines written. It reinforces the suspense and thrill of the moment like in the Prologue. There is a high high information rate in the first chapters, which is good in writing stories with suspense, revealing enough to the readers to hook them such as the background of the characters and the motivation behind their actions.

There are impressive expressions that really hits deep and interpets the whole theme of the story like 'Patience is bitter, but its fruit is delicious. I hope that's true. I can't wait to taste it.' There are also additions of objects that describe the background of the characte like the Gucci bag of Rosina, revealing that she lives a luxurious life with high quality possessions most likely.

It describes character emotions and actions before the reveal, focusing on Isla and hooking readers along instead of going straight to the point. This is also good in suspenseful moments because it gives us further reasons to root for the main protagonist when the chapter was about Isla who had returned from prison only for Evans to reveal that he has a fiance. The descriptions did well to describe Islas rage, making readers feel her and feel enraged at Evan.

There are, however, small repeated words errors like in the line in the Prologue, 'He knows he should slow down. Overspeeding in the rain isn't safe, but all all he wants

right now is to get home and drop off Isla.' There ate also minor spelling mistakes: 'Her breath is rapsy as she inhales.' I also suggest using more direct means of describing like in the line, 'Isla stares blankly at him, clasping her arms around her body which is trembling.' Instead, simply write 'trembling body' to reduce redundancies without changing the meaning of the line. If you want to further add dynamicity in your writing, I suggest changing the length of the lines at intervals to change the idle rhythm. Such as writing a long sentence, following a short sentence, then a long sentence, and short again.

SPECIFIC QUALITIES: 92/100Execution: 16/20

The moment of silence is spot on when Rosina and her friend were talking, stopping when a couple walked by without directly mentioning the purpose behind the action, so that they won't be heard. The story is also good in leaving the readers guessing in an appropriate balance, not leaving too much and not putting too much either. It makes us wonder what made Evans forget Isla depicted from Rosina's view. Why do so much for Rosina like buy her a real diamond necklace after meeting six days. It may be because he was that in love with her or there's a hidden scheme behind it. Anyway, it's a good balance in making readers guess.

The subtext is almost perfect in application to this story. When she got annoyed when her friend asks if she was sure of her and Evans' engagement, it shows Rosina had this conversation many times before about how he's marrying an older person. It shows she focuses on the good things. The setup with Rosina's view of Evans adds more to the suspense promised by Isla each time the perspective switches between them.

The execution of the characters' feeling, motivations, and actions adheres to the concept that hate is not the opposite of love, but corrupt version of it, as you're still driven to do extreme things because of the person. This is exemplified in the line, 'It's been ten years already behind bars for a crime I didn't commit. It's worth it because I love the man I took the blame for. What wouldn't you do for love?'

Showing Evans reflection in the window pane in front of Isla shows he was a mere reflection of the man he used to be in her eyes. He is there but it's not actually him. The writing is aware Isla needs help through her offering friend Parker and her own inner monologue.

It breaks the cliche wherein Rosina isn't the viewed spoiled, gold-digger. She minds others and shows consideration by hiding her luxury from her friend. She even offers Lauren's boyfriend a job. Makes readers second guess who to root for. Expected to root for the main character and we understand her pain but we also know what she's doing isn't right, and Rosina is innocent of these and is mature than we give her credit for.

The unexpected tragedy and suspense at the beginning sets the atmosphere of the story in the Prologue. The scene shifts unexpectedly with context changing from dismantling tension between conflicting characters and discussing the accident that brings them together

There is, however, a gap in the wonder and drive of the Isla's motivation which is what made Isla fall in love with Evans? I don't remember any memorable trait that Isla described about him that is the reason for her feeling for him. What makes him special personally for her? What did he have that others didn't for her to feel that much passion for him. Like when she was at her lowest point, was he the person who only offered help? A brief reason behind her reason for falling for him could be needed because readers need a reason that is personal for Isla that makes her see Isla deserving of her devotion for her to go to prison for him before she was fuelled with rage to take revenge on him.

Also, why would Isla tell her intention to Evans when the three of them were close? Knowing Peter, he was established to be a caring friend for Isla, and it didn't show him holding any bitter feelings to Evans. Knowing Isla, she is cautious with her plans, and that scene contradicts her character and goals.

Last, I feel like there's a need to show Isla actually struggling in prison. How was she treated there apart from suffering from the thought of being confined and away from Evans? I suggest adding moments where she experienced external oppression during her time in jail so her intense drive for revenge is further understood and fuelled.

Pacing: 15/15

The slow pacing is appropriate for important and emotional moments only and is fast paced through most of the story, as it's filled with suspense. The slow pacing before Evans reveals his engagement to another woman to Isla described character emotion and action well, focusing on her and hooking readers along instead of going straight to the point. Overall, the pacing was good, skipping over general details and focusing on the main subject that contributes to progressing the story and revealing the depth of a character or situation.

Story Elements Unity: 13/15

The story has a high coherence with the connection of the characters who are driven by love to the point it blinds them: Isla loved Evans so much she went to prison in his place, and Evans loved Rose so much he left the devoted Isla for her. Even Rosina is so in love with Evans she didn't mind about her and Evans' long age gap. It's all connected to this significant theme and its duality. However, I do feel that there is a need to expand more on the unity of the story's elements like example, the business Evans and Isla used to handle together before Evans soloed it, what's its state and how can it represent the character's feelings or condition of relationships of the plot? This was done well in the cover with the multiple symbolism that suggests the theme of the story already. Now in the actual story, it can be anything that represents these so the elements feel closer and more connected, telling a story through the subtle link of the elements for readers to piece together and make an interpretation for themselves, and not just by writing directly what is happening.

Dialogue: 14/15

The dialogues are natural and fit the tone of each character. Isla's pessimism is reflected through her words. Rosina's softness and security through hers during their conversation with her friend. Meanwhile, Evans' confusion is also stated well through his words admitting that he was also puzzled by his feelings when he fell in love with Rosalina and moved on from Isla.

The nonverbal accompaniment is also good in demonstrating their character though I feel like there should be more of these as the story is driven by the character's emotions and taps on the readers' thoughts, empathy, and sympathy.

Plot Hole Presences: 4/5

No plot holes in almost all areas of the story. However, there is something that I feel missing that needs to be filled at least, even if it's not the entire true reason: why didn't Evans tell Isla that he moved on from her and found a new woman when she was in prison? Not even a reason to give her for her to hang on and to the readers as well. I may have missed it or overlooked it, but considering that I don't remember it it may not be that enhanced enough or it's really on my part for forgetting or neglecting it. Do correct me on this. If I were wrong, then this section deserves a perfect score.

Overall Enjoyment: 5/5

I was completely engaged throughout the chapters. The writing does a good job in projecting the suspense it is based on. It left me wanting to know more while giving readers time to know more about the characters and feel for them. You can feel their emotions by their controversial actions and motivations. You can feel how much Isla wants to take vengeance for how much she sacrificed for Evans. Even Rosina's point of view is entertaining with her gut feeling that someone is watching her. A perfect score.

Theme: 25/25

The theme of the story is so strong and it's present in every scene of the story. Isla's grief through her denial of being sick in the mind justifies her emotion to want to take revenge. There are also contradicting goals wherein it's hinted that Isla still has some feelings for Evans but wants to hurt him. It represents the duality of passion, love and hate, and how each can cause the other. Its shows the situation of empathy over sympathy where Isla justifies her goals and emotions but Parker doesn't understand her so she shuts him down. It shows how emotions can strongly cloud judgement and change people completely to the opposite of their former selves.

Isla doesn't care about morals and doesn't see the down side of revenge on her part because she has nothing to lose. Even her friends reaching out to help her are distant voices from her mind blocked by the pain of betrayal and sacrifice. Isla's change showed that hate is the corrupt version of love; you still hold strong emotions toward the subject of your feelings, motivating you to do the extreme out of it. It's very good and coherent throughout the story, representing the events that may not happen often but has a high risk of it occurring when love goes wrong.