Book Title : My beloved

Author: RuthHawthorne

Reviewer: _wordmist_addict_

1. Title

The title is a common one. Yet relevance could be seen with the story. Yet I think I a better and more unique title could be chosen. But taking your instructions, I am not yet commenting much on the title because of course, the book is still developing and so are the characters. 

2. Cover

The cover has a good color pallet and font usage. The background pictures are alluring and look great. But the name of the author is missing from the cover, so please incorporate that. 

3. Blurb

The blurb is good, but still lacks the exemplary writing style that you are gifted with. The chapters are written very very beautifully but it seems that the writer of the chapters and the blurb is different. You should modify it. The content of the blurb is good but not up to the mark. I highly highly recommend you to include an excerpt from the book because I am sure it will add more depth and beauty to it. You need to showcase your writing style in the blurb aptly because blurb will certainly decide whether readers will give your book a chance. 

The taglines or the one liners you have added, certainly add that dramatic and much needed effectiveness so good job on that!

4. Aesthetics/ banners/ covers/playlists used in the chapters

There are no as such aesthetics and banners but you should incorporate them to help the readers visualize the characters. The use of banners will further help in the visual appeal of the chapters and ensure that readers know which point of view they are reading. 

Use of songs in the chapters is seen and is a good decision to take. Why? Because music appeals a lot of readers. 

5. First impression ( made from the first few paragraphs, blurb, cover and title)

The first paragraph is honestly one of the best openings I have ever read in any books, on or off wattpad. It is so beautifully written that I was captivated by it. The first impression is very positive and compelled me to read further on( even though I don't read this genre, I was really finding it very interesting). Aptly used words have made sure that the vibes convey the grim situation around and set the background. 

The calm yet stormy thoughts of the protagonist was certainly stealing the show by hooking the readers. So good job !

6. First chapter

First chapter was good and gave a lot of insight about the situation and place the book is set in. The initial paragraphs were commendable, like really good. But somewhere along the line, when the chapter was halfway, I lost a little bit of interest. Maybe it was because of the unfamiliarity of the scenes but it got better near the end. I felt the descriptions were vivid but you need to work upon the delivery of dialogues. Make it interesting, especially because it is the first chapter. 

7. Characters development

The character development is something which takes time to surface. And as the story is in the initial phase only, I would not be able to correctly define and review the character development. But Elizabeth's character could be seen clearly changed from how she was in her childhood. The flashbacks provide a base for readers to measure how progressively the development of characters is taking place. So I think Elizabeth has been written with a commendable writing style. Kudos on that!

8. Plotline

The plot is still developing but traces of the past of the protagonist are highlighted as the story progresses. The way you introduced Elizabeth's past by connecting it with the present situation was remarkable and worth praising. The plotline is certainly grim yet interesting. Many things have already being revealed and some are yet to come but overall the storyline  is quite adventurous and enthralling. I, as a reader, could see how much effort you have put in the storyline. It is dark and certainly deals with a lot of deaths. I suggest you to add some dark humor or something if you want to, it will help in hooking the readers and keeping them entertained. 

9. Grammar

I think the grammar is fair enough but has a scope for improvement. You should proof read the story once again later to edit out the minute grammar errors. And yes, the use of capital letters to stress upon the dialogues or something is really very unprofessional. There were instances when this was seen, so work on this. This puts off the readers as we think that this is just another book on wattpad with loads of mistakes. So to avoid that, work upon the grammar and usage of words. 

10. Word count of chapters/ number of chapters

The approximate reading time is around eleven minutes per chapter, as wattpad says, so I think it is good and appropriate. Keep in mind to ensure that word count is between 2k -3k only. Long chapters may bore the readers. But till now, there is no problem as such in the word count and all.

11. Writing style and flow of the book

I would like to say that as I reader I fell in love with your writing. Especially the first chapter. It is so damn good! Even though your book is in first person point of view, I highly recommend you to try third point story sometime because apparently it seems that your third person point of view writing is much more vivid and flowy that the former. For instance, the second chapter is a flashback and is primarily in 3rd person point of view - and it is really good. 

The emotional turmoil described is very relatable and apt. It's not over did and that is what makes it one of the best things about this book.

Also, for the author's note, you should bold the letter or write it in italics  to separate it from the chapter. 

12. Interaction and socialization with readers

Interaction was good in the beginning chapters but seems to have faded by the time I reached the sixth and seventh chapter. You need to respond to their comments, a small thank you would suffice. Especially at this stage when you have less readers, you should value and respond at least once to every reader. This way they know you are appreciating their comments and responses. 

Socialization is evident through the author's notes and is fair enough. 

13. Hook/ overall enjoyment

The best thing about the book is the way how the readers can emotionally connect to the characters. The way you have made way for the characters to experience different kinds of emotions makes the readers actual feel that, which in turn adds a lot of depth to the characters. The overall enjoyment is there and your writing style certainly takes ninety nine percept of the credit for it. Good job!

14. Constructive criticism

I think the plot of the story is good, but it definitely needs some better narration. You writing style is perfect but still the way you are introducing things need to be worked upon. 

15. Suggestions

Work on the blurb. Write it in the same way you wrote the story. Use similar writing style because your writing is a masterpiece. Your way of writing will always outshine the plot and everything else so strengthen that and your story would definitely gain fame as readers actually connect and imagine every word you are writing. I really admire that talent of yours!

*Queries answered :

---> Any advise you can give me

     ~ I would just say that you need to target the correct audience to make sure this story reaches the correct set of people. Refine the tags of your story to make sure people get to know about it. Check out other stories of the same genre as your book and try to find readers!

Rating: 8/10

I have officially fallen in love with your writing style and I am sure other readers would love it! 

Also please note that I do not read fantasy (:except for Harry Potter ofc) so mostly my review is focused on the grammar, writing style and first impressions. I have not commented much on plotline because I don't have much experience in this genre and I didn't want you to take wrong advices. :)