Results

Warning this genre wasn't fully judged by two judges.

𝟙𝟘. Underthal by cathryn3kalaitzaki 

Judge -inxoka- 

Engagement 3/20

Concept 3/10

Cover 5/10

The book description 3/10

Technicalities 11/50

Total 25/100

Judge MikeMacColin

Engagement 2/20

The characters lacked depth and leave no room for emotional investment. Everything is described in an uninterested, matter-of-fact way like "And then this happened, and then that happened."

Concept 2/10

There are hints of some sort of dystopian society, but right now this could as well be living in modern-day slums or anything and doesn't feel like the book in the right genre. The only thing hinting at something out of the ordinary is the female stranger suddenly throwing fireballs at the mini-market.

Cover 4/10

The color scheme might indicate some sort of cyberpunk environment, but that is not the case here. The person on the cover does match the impression of the main protagonist given in the first chapters.

The book description 4/10

Lacks any distinctive sci-fi elements. The description is kind of vague, questions are not intriguing.

Technicalities 10/50

Some spelling mistakes. The author warned about them since she is not a native speaker. I have no sense of direction or location in this entire story. Locations change without proper intercourse, and within the short paragraphs of one chapter, there are several switches in location and one in the date that seems so "by the way" that it might even go unnoticed. The narration lacks structure and pacing.

Total 22/100

Total from both judges 47/200

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𝟡. The Reneged by RhiiDaniel

Judge MikeMacColin  

Engagement 5/20

The story drags at times, hard to follow due to the inserts of the protagonist's psyche. In chapter 5 the story picks up the pace a bit.

Concept 4/10

A mix of apocalyptic and dystopian scenarios. Setting it in London is a nice touch. The tags however state already that this is greatly inspired by Hunger Games and Divergent stories, so it feels really familiar.

Cover 5/10

It lacks the title. Apart from that, it does catch the eye. The composition of the two characters and the background could as well be used for a movie poster.

The book description 5/10

The second paragraph in the description already raises an unnecessary question: Is You the name of a character, or does the writer address me as a reader? But maybe it fits the idea of the barely described main character, that this should be the one the reader identifies with.

Technicalities 30/50

Solid grammar and spelling. A few spots where spelling or grammar mistakes interrupt the flow of the read, but they are few and far between. The style is a totally different issue here. The main character is barely described; I am still wondering if it is a male or female character, and what the relationship between the MC and Zach really is. Maybe this was the idea behind the writing, cause every reader should be able to find him/herself or themselves in this person. But this cannot work when at the same time this character has his own background and history (the grandfather, just to name one example) and has a certain way of acting and expressing emotions. I don't find myself in this main character; in fact, I know too little about him or her to care.

Total 49/100

Total from judgment 98/200

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𝟠. Homones Chronicles by Babalah 

Judge MikeMacColin  

Engagement 6/20

At first, it seemed like a philosophical essay, consisting of observations and reflections on human life by the alien protagonist. And felt difficult to follow.

Concept 10/10

This is what I would see as the quintessential science fiction: a look at our perception of the universe in our everyday lives through literally alien eyes. It is a challenging read, as it is supposed to be since it is also supposed to challenge the reader to question his own knowledge and perception of things he takes for granted.

Cover 7/10

It fits the theme of the book, and it gives a good enough sci-fi vibe.

The book description 8/10

Also a kind of vague description, but this works to the story's advantage, due to the "alien" nature of its protagonist. Gives the impression that there is more to this book. Gets my attention.

Technicalities 25/50

No apparent mistakes in grammar or spelling. The paragraphs are very long and complex, which fits the overall style and purpose of the story, but makes it harder to read and process. Good thing that this does not go for the chapters themselves. During those early chapters, I seem to stumble upon logical errors however that undermine the entire purpose of the book - they might be a good cause for a philosophical debate, but apart from that, it makes you wonder: Sergei talks about how humans believe in one god, which is a completely new concept for him and all the other people in the universe but then talks about gods in his world, and how they are seen. In later chapters he starts preaching about human faith, and that it leads to wisdom to guide them through life, which is in contrast to what we know about Sergei's world. So the alien is saying that despite his much longer life span and experience, that the faith of humans who are in his opinion underdeveloped as the youngest species of the universe, is superior to his?

Total 56/100

Total from judgment 112/200

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𝟟. Gemini by rithabilelunga 

Judge -inxoka-

Engagement 17/20

Concept 8/10

Cover 7/10

The book description 4/10

Technicalities 48/50

Total 84/100

Judge MikeMacColin 

Engagement 5/20

A lot of things are happening in short succession, with hardly any time given to establish the characters or build an emotional relationship with them. The time jumps and flashbacks thrown in there don't make it easier to follow the plot, and there are also very sudden changes in the narration when the point of view switches to another character without warning.

Concept 5/10

There is not much story in those early chapters to really tell. There are things happening, like in a Michael Bay movie, without much context. So far the principle of gifted young people with strange, but very powerful abilities being experimented on by a sinister scientist seems promising.

Cover 3/10

The cover might have a deeper meaning once we dwell more into the story, but in the context of the first chapters, you have to wonder where the relation to the story is here. The frame with the leaves doesn't do it any favors either.

The book description 6/10

The description is very short, and tells a bit about the protagonists, but not about the events that are going to happen. It does however fit the style of the story so far.

Technicalities 28/50

Some mistakes, like switching tenses in mid-sentence. But nothing so grave that it would interrupt the flow. Pacing is all over the place. Characters are hardly described, and they are referred to by pronouns more than it does the story good. Also, there are a lot of jumps in between times, with flashbacks and switching points of view, and they are not handled well, so the reader is disorientated and constantly wondering what is actually going on.

Total 47/100

Total from both judges 131

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𝟞. King Eden by RowanCarver 

Judge -inxoka- 

Engagement 18/20

Concept 9/10

Cover 7/10

The book description 8/10

Technicalities 32/50

Total 74/100

Judge MikeMacColin 

Engagement 14/20

Plot-wise the story is engaging and develops really fast in the first few chapters. Since we discover the abilities and nature of the main characters "on the fly", it is sometimes hard to understand what is going on and who has the upper hand in a fight. Despite the comment of the author at the beginning that the main character is overpowered on purpose, she doesn't leave that impression. Instead, the beginning chapters show her endless injuries and suffering, only that she doesn't die of that.

Concept 8/10

The fact that in this world there are no real heroes to speak of is refreshing. Although little is known by this point about the Ancients, as King Eden is one of them, it is a struggle of superhuman mutants (with very gory side effects) against a futuristic, faceless army. Both sides apply questionable motives and means. It is a dark and gritty, yet still interesting world.

Cover 5/10

Even with the explanation from the author, I hardly can make out what this cover is supposed to be - a symbol of the Corruption that features greatly in the story, and it does give the impression of some horrifying mutation like it takes place in the story itself. It may fit the theme, but eye-catching only because of its hideousness - if that was the purpose, then congrats.

The book description 9/10

Apart from the baffling question of why the King is female, and why is it not a Queen, the description is short and to the point, introduces the world, but also the character and her motivation. Yes, it does make me curious.

Technicalities 26/50

Only one major criticism when it comes to "grammar": the deliberate miscasting of gender names with certain characters. Making a statement towards classical gender roles is one thing, but if it is supposed to work for world-building, then why have genders in the first place? That device is gadgety at best, and it sacrifices a lot of immersion since the characters are hardly described past their names. The rest of the style is supposed to lean towards a graphic novel, and it takes the "graphic" aspect quite literally, painting scenes of violence and gore with powerful colours, dwelling in cruelty and brutality. Not that I mind that kind of stuff, but it is style overshadowing the substance, especially in fight scenes where the power level of the opponents is unclear, and the overview of what is actually going on is lost pretty quickly. I can't get invested in this when I have no idea what is really going on.

Total 62/100

Total from both judges 136 

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Books which going to round two!

𝟝. Subjective Justice by NgoziGardenia 

Judge MikeMacColin 

Engagement 14/20

The story is dark, gritty, and intentionally painful to read, in a sense that you feel with the protagonist and her struggle. The story drives toward a more action-oriented plot, but so far it is mostly the introduction of characters.

The action scene in chapter five is unfortunately the point where the narration falls flat on its face. It is always hinted that Six is a living weapon, especially shortly before the fight, but once it starts, it is dealt with in a short sentence that she took out five opponents. There is no impact, no visualization, no real involvement in the action that can be felt. I think it's not handled very well. Quite a letdown after all this build-up.

Concept 8/10

The alien world is built up great, walking the thin line between introducing the alien characters into the story and making them appear as normal in the context of the story. However, the concept of the government assassin with a conscience is not exactly fresh and new, but it is still engaging due to the strange nature of this world. It also has a good space opera vibe.

Cover 8/10

It gives a good impression of the alien nature of the protagonist. It could have used a few more characters from the book that way since there are a lot of different species that play a part.

The book description 8/10

Description builds up the character and gives a good idea of what the character will do during the course of this book, and that is what it's supposed to do.

Technicalities 35/50

No grave mistakes found. There was one spelling mistake I noticed during the read, but it is neglectable. Could as well have been a typo. The characters in the book are very well described, especially Akio whose tentacles and emotional reactions play a huge part in the story. Although, there is one character that is barely described in a way that would really matter: Daria. I was really surprised to learn that she is supposed to be human, unlike all the other characters around. This is a detail that should have been mentioned very early on, especially since she plays such a huge role in Akio's life. Descriptions of the world are quite good, but as mentioned before, the action scenes are not. I know that action is hard to write in an engaging way, but the whole character of Akio is built up as a super-assassin, so she was bound to get into fights at some point in the story. After her emotions defined her actions at the beginning of the story, her first real fight is unfortunately a big letdown, dealt with in a few minor sentences.

Total 73/100

Total from judgment 146/200

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𝟜. All the Stars by mirrormybook 

Judge MikeMacColin

Engagement 16/20

It manages to get me hooked although not much is happening in the first five chapters. But it tells enough about the protagonist to feel with her, and the description of events and places makes the readers feel like they are with the protagonist on this journey. Even a chapter that is purely description of the premises does not have one single boring moment.

Concept 5/10

So far it feels like a typical high school/college story with an unusual protagonist (vastly intelligent, cold, calculating, and not the least bit humble). Also up to this part, I am missing any distinctive science fiction features, apart from the world being pretty modern even to the standards of this world.

Cover 4/10

So far it fits the overall feel of a college / high school story, but it doesn't hint at anything besides character relations. It neither tells about possible sci-fi elements in the story nor about the conspiracy that is hinted at in the book description. Sci-fi fans would have no reason to pick up this book based on the cover.

The book description 8/10

The first two paragraphs sound like a romance plot, before the other ones unravel the conspiracy story, just keeping me interested enough for the moment. Nicely played!

Technicalities 45/50

No big issues with grammar or spelling, at least none that would hamper the flow of reading.

The protagonist is 1st person narrator, hence little description is given about her which is only logical. Other characters lack in the description of physical appearance, apart from the colour schemes they are wearing, but this also fits the mood of the narrator. The writing style is engaging and heartfelt, displays the difficult emotional stakes of the protagonist in this situation, and keeps me reading.

Total 78/100

Total from judgment 156/200

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𝟛. Cheap Cigarettes by electricblue85 

Judge MikeMacColin 

Engagement 18/20

The pacing is brilliant. The reader can sense the urgency of the situation, even when there is no imminent danger, and the story takes the reader on a ride with still enough information about the world and the circumstances to come along with it. Chapter 5 is an early highlight when the powers the story hinted at are fully displayed.

Concept 8/10

The story deals with problems that still play a part in our everyday lives (segregation, persecution, racism), but in its own way. It also has an unusually tough protagonist for what appears to be a survival story in a dystopian future. The powers and their side effects that play a huge part in the story give it an entirely new dimension. Still, this might be inspired by some X-Men movies, but in a good way.

Cover 5/10

The way both the title and the cover downplay the gravity of the entire story could be seen as outright criminal. Judging by this cover, no reader would know upfront what they are getting into. But since the revelation of chapter 5, I can see that the cover picture has a deeper meaning that cannot be seen at first glance.

The book description 4/10

The description is terribly vague - it references powers and aliases without establishing anything about this world, apart from it being a dystopian near future. Readers won't know what they are getting into, just like with the cover. Also, the addition of a text quote, in the beginning, does not help the book.

Technicalities 45/50

No grave spelling or grammar mistakes. The writing style is to the point, fitting the main character's mood who also is the 1st person narrator. Character descriptions give the right amount of information. Also: The bisexuality of the main character is hinted at and adds to his character without totally defining it or shoving it down the reader's throat, so that is a plus, too. The use of strong language, but it is appropriate.

Total 80/100

 Total from judgment 160/200

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𝟚. Her Brother's Keeper: A Story of Alpha Centauri by arkham71 

Judge -inxoka- 

Engagement 18/20

Concept 5/10

Cover 6/10

The book description 4/10

Technicalities 47/50

Total 80/100

Judge MikeMacColin 

Engagement 16/20

It is a long story and full of detailed descriptions, but this is a staple of the genre, and it wouldn't work otherwise. This is some serious thought of science fiction, and you can tell from the attention to detail in even minor situations. As such, the pace of the story is pretty slow, since the first chapters serve the purpose of world-building.

Concept 9/10

It has great world-building, just like good sci-fi should be. The story allows us to learn about the challenges of a colonized world with references to the old earth while also displaying the everyday routine of the young protagonist. The strange female-centered society is something to get used to, but the story gives enough incentive to do so.

Cover 8/10

I might have picked another font for the main title, to make it look more like science fiction, but otherwise, it does fit the story as far as I read it. It also hints at the two suns, which is an important factor in this strange world.

The book description 5/10

The description is long, convoluted, and vague. Loses my interest halfway through. It might fit with the overall style of the story, but as a blurp it needs work.

Technicalities 46/50

Minor mistakes, if any. Some of them might as well be caused by the new and strange terminology, so they might not even be mistakes. The author's notes at the beginning might be a bit intimidating, since the reader is asked to pay attention to the graphics and videos at the beginning of each chapter, and is also pointed towards the glossary at the end. Me as a reader, I intend to enjoy reading a sci-fi novel, not making it a study project. The good thing however is that the style of the narration does not make it necessary to look up every new term you come across (I guess Europeans do have a slight advantage when it comes to understanding the distance measurements). At first, the description of the main protagonist was a bit confusing, since she is referred to as a child without stating her real age (it turns out that she is twelve years old). Sometimes it seems like she is acting a lot older, but that can also have its reasoning in this society. The fact that males are treated and seen differently in this society is hinted at but described more openly in the blurp than in the actual story. This is something that might come into play later, but to me, it seems like an important aspect of world-building that should be addressed earlier.

Total 84/100

Total from both judges 164/200

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𝟙. The First Gift by AziaElga 

Judge -inxoka-

Engagement 16/20

Concept 8/10

Cover 9/10

The book description 7/10

Technicalities 47/50

Total 87/100

Judge MikeMacColin 

Engagement 17/20

Even though the introduction warns about this being a tragedy, and the prologue setting the tone for the following story really well, it is still a captivating story, and I still want to learn and read more about Lara, her gift, and her journey. Also the amount of twists within the first few chapters is astonishing, granting an emotional or plot-wise turn at every other minute.

Concept 7/10

Since the overall plot unfolds over the course of the story and does not give everything away just in the beginning, there is still a lot of uncovered ground when it comes to world-building. The concept of super-powerful beings being sent as operatives might not be that new, and it has this "chosen one" vibe that is very popular in fantasy and sci-fi stories. Still, the concept of different realms which we as readers learn about bit by bit is implemented quite well.

Cover 8/10

In the context of the story, the cover is fitting. Although the image of the woman on the cover does not exactly fit how I image Lara to look like... but that would be nitpicking.

The book description 7/10

The main character and main issue of the story are described, leaving enough mystery to be tempted to open the book.

Technicalities 46/50

I noticed no flaws in grammar or spelling. The reading flow is unhampered. The pacing of the story does help to overlook any eventual mistakes, however.

In the beginning, there might be a little too much focus on the hair of the characters, and their features are repeated even though we have met them before. Also, the character of Ryan does seem to be a bit inconsistent, his change to support Lara because of her inheritance appears to be very abrupt, even under those circumstances.

Total 85/100

Total from both judges 172/200

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