2nd Place Winner in the Blue Orchid Awards 2019 hosted by Flowerontheseaside and judged by me under the genre Short Story.

Book: The Countdown
Genre: Short Story/Action/Adventure/Science Fiction
Mature: No
LGBTQ: No

Author: zanthenewt

Book Title

The title seemed perfect to me as it brings the contents of the book.

Book Cover

The book cover consists of a clock and a boy which are the main elements of the book and seemed okay to me. I think the clock can be brought a little more into focus because most of it seems to get covered by the boy.

Book Description

For a short story as this, I think the book description was well planned.

Plot

The story revolves around our main character Jamie who is out on a mission to stop his clock, created by a scientist who creates such clock every time an individual is born, deciding their life cycle. This is a must because his clock holds the power to cease his life, as claimed by everyone around him.

Spelling, Punctuation, Grammar & Vocabulary

All of these sectors seemed good to me. The vocabulary used was quite rich.

Writing Style, Character Development, Setting Development & Flow

The author has an amazing writing style which is a combination of the descriptions and punches of humor they use. Every character could be read beautifully. The eagerness of Jamie to live and to do the 'impossible' was presented in an impressive way. The enthusiasm that Abigail showed for saving her friend's life was also appreciated. Even though the creator of the clock, Richard, had little significance in this book, (which has been saved so that it appears in the sequel) his might and wrath was presented in a way that made him the ideal villain. The setting was clear and the flow fell in place.

Creativity & Enjoyment

I must say that the idea of the clock was very unique. The inclusion of the letter was indeed a great start of the book to hook the readers in. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and people should give it a try.

The End