Title: The Claimed
Author: spelunkadunk
Status: Ongoing
Focus: Character and plot development

I did not include my usual marking system in your review, I hope you don't mind.

Writing Style

Well you are a force to be reckoned with! Your writing style is incredibly exciting to read. You took me on an epic journey that I did not want to leave!

A story giving off “Game of thrones” vibes I immediately got sucked into a world full of fearless warriors, passionate emotions and intriguing folklore. Your attention to detail is second to none! I felt every character's pain whether it was a main character going through insane suffering or a side character feeling the after effects of a wound. You managed to pull my heart strings in so many directions that I constantly changed my mind about who to root for.

One of the many things that I loved about your writing is how you referenced earlier chapters subtly through Toom having fleeting memories. You include these memories like flash in the pan thoughts. A tiny echo plays in his mind and its gone! It in no way interrupts the flow of the story you used this tool to drive the story forward. I found this so clever and I appreciated it so much because it helped me to connect the dots of your complex, epic storyline!

Characterisation

Your characterisation is in no way lacking! Every single character brings an individual energy and are on their own separate journeys, that progress so organically and are written so fluidly I felt I was on their separate journeys with them!

Toom – starting off as an incredibly innocent, empathetic and naive young man. You develop his character flawlessly! He goes through so many trials and tribulations, which he learns and grows from. I found myself always on his side for he kept his empathy even after the terrible things others put him through!

Niako- starts off as an obvious product of growing up witnessing abuse. His senses are dulled to cruelty and his behaviour towards Toom borders on psychopathic this being specifically showcased when talking about the treatment of those special case slaves – the claimed. His character develops really believably, keeping his tough exterior, that was there when he was first introduced, you managed to capture subtle changes in his demeanour where past abuse has effected his self confidence and instilled his difficulty to get close to others.

Toom and Niako's relationship is a journey in itself! They constantly dance around each other! Each interaction written with so much passion, whether it brings positive outcomes or negative! I loved any scene that had them two together!

You did not forget to add details within your other characters’ personalities and journeys! I loved the contrast between Toom's family and Niako's family. I fell in love with Toom's father and any weak moments he displayed caused me to be disappointed rather than angry. I couldn't be angry towards him despite how terrible his actions were in these moments. The Rakim tribe is a totally different story! What an awful bunch of heartless people! Their utter disregard to human life was appalling! Makash especially got me wild!
I adore Finny! She is a beacon of light within a dark world. Toom's relationship with her is just beautiful!

Plot

Your first chapter was mind blowing and by far the best opening to a story I have ever read! You explain what is meant by “The Claimed" in a clear and interesting way. Rather than just giving a pile of information for the reader to hurriedly digest, you share this much needed information through dialogue and not just any kind of dialogue but a passionate confrontation between two very different characters from very different backgrounds. I loved how you didn't just stop there! You gave your reader even more information through Toom's father teaching him a lesson as a king to a prince. A fantastically written introduction chapter that builds up a vivid picture of a very different world and gives insight into the character's individual personalities. Just brilliant!

Your story is beautifully paced going swiftly from one event to another. Each new chapter brings excitement, character development and world building. I loved reading about the Rakim household, they were terrifying, you really brought out my morbid fascination with how they treat the poor lost souls that they keep. Chilling!
I loved the time jump within your story. The first few chapters set up a strong foundation but then the story really gets going! With more world building events and relationship exploration.
Your story is unpredictable and such a wild ride! You clearly thought about absolutely everything; every detail you've included no matter how trivial it seems on the surface is deliberate and perfectly placed within the narrative. Incredibly impressive work!

Overall

Now, this review may come across as incredibly bias, but I genuinely could find nothing wrong with your story! I was mesmerised throughout and I found myself getting addicted! When I had breaks from reading I found I had talk about it! (My poor husband lol!) Seriously though you have a new fan and I plan to follow this story to the very end!
Thank you so much for asking me to review this masterpiece! I hope my feedback is helpful.