The main judge was uniqueread, who worked quickly and well although some of their reviews are a little short. Well done anyway, and also a special thanks for doing extra work in Round 1!

The backup judge was unknownfamousauthor, myself. It was great doing some judging and delving into these books - I was very impressed by this genre, and I think the scores achieved really reflect how tight the competition was!

GOLD WINNER

Colourless Monster by sherwritesbooks - 26/30 (original) / 27/30 (modified)

I think the cover fits the title. The cover just doesn't call out to a reader. I know I like a good cover on a book because it shows me a hint to the plot already. Maybe check out some graphic accounts so you can get a more eye catching one. I really enjoyed the writing style!

Each paragraph had this beautiful flow to it. Really good grammar as well. Not only was the writing great but so was the plot. I could feel the main characters different range of emotions. That is definitely so hard to do as an author. Through your writing I did grow to like Dorian even though I didn't even think he was going to be likable. Even if this book doesn't win I still loved it and will personally continue to read it.

Does the backup judge agree with this score : NO, should have scored 28/30!

Nice cover and well written introduction. However, your cover should be more of a hook as people need to open the book to see your writing (which by the way is excellent!). The story seems to develop nicely and I'm interested to learn more about Dorian and the guy in the car with him and Madison. Work on the cover, seriously - because your writing is excellent!

SILVER WINNER

Amethyst by missemilie942 - 25/30

Beautiful, attention grabbing cover! I mean I am still staring at it. When I noticed the cover I was excited to read it. One thing that really stuck out to me is that you made made your own language in this book. That is so unique and I give you such high praise for deciding to do that.

The characters were so likable in the story nit just that but I felt like they were very realistic. I'll be completely honest when I read the summary my thought was "oh, so it's going to be like all the other books. Nothing is going to be different." You did prove me wrong there were definitely twists I didn't expect.

Does the backup judge agree with this score : NO, should have scored 26/30!

The cover is okay but it didn't actually catch my eye that much... I think you should find a better font for the title or make it stand out more! I love the idea for the book, it's original and creative. Opening the book I find excellent writing and no prominent spelling or grammar mistakes. I am honestly very impressed with the quality of this book! However, I'm not sure if the cover is good enough for me to have opened it, and I feel like the description doesn't showcase your writing skills well enough. 

BRONZE WINNER

Fixing Isabelle by zelaughingqueen - 24/30 (original) / 25/30 (modified)

I think its a pretty cover. I love that her eyes match her name in the title. Given that the book is mystery/thriller I would consider getting a more wow worthy cover. I really loved the dialogue between the Parker and Isabelle it felt very entertaining and left me wanting to read more.

That said some more details to the scenes would really improve the book. The plot interested me right from the start! I haven't read anything quite like this. It felt like one of those movies that kept you in the edge of your seat except it was a book instead.

Does the backup judge agree with this score : NO, should have scored 26/30!

I absolutely loved the cover on this one! I'm not sure if it was meant to but the prologue made me laugh, and I found there were other little humorous lines woven into the dialogue and narrative. The plot seems interesting and leaves me anxious for more... I will definitely read this in my spare time!

OTHER ENTRIES

Turning Time by oodles_ - 23/30

On the cover there is an hourglass which I really liked! That said part of the title was upside down which really threw me off. I feel like that just makes the reader confused. I am still not sure if it was intentional. I liked that through the dialogue between the characters I got a sense of who they were.

The details were weak at first but did improve as the chapters went on. I found some grammar mistakes. Going forward just reread and edit before publishing. The plot did confuse me at times making me have to reread.

I do think you have an interesting plot I just wish I didn't have to reread to understand. The parts I mainly got confused were when the main character meets God. I couldn't understand exactly how they met or whether it was meant to be a dream.

Does the backup judge agree with this score : NO, should have scored 24/30!

The cover really confused me and made me feel kind of dizzy (I appreciate that it's original though!). Your summary is a little crudely written and could be crafted better... However, I think you have a solid story and I like that you're talking about an old-ish man instead of an eighteen-year old stud. Honestly I want to read further! I liked this a lot. I didn't get to the part where he meets God but that sounds wild af and I'm definitely going to read on to find out about that!

Double Vendetta by toyinade - 22/30 (original) / 23/30 (modified)

I really like the cover. I think it definitely grabs your attention right away. My only issue with it is I feel like it reads more fantasy than action. That said after reading it I do feel like its just strictly fantasy and not fantasy/action so maybe change the genre. (But that's just me). I really couldn't find any grammar mistakes at all nor any spelling mistakes.

It could have used more details. The descriptions were just so brief you never got a clear image of the scene. Also the characters needed substance. I didn't really know much about them. I wish there was some hints to who they are as people or some details about why they do the things they do. I really enjoyed the plot. Right away it was suspenseful. The author managed to keep the suspense going as well.

Does the backup judge agree with this score : NO, should have scored 24/30

Your prologue made me desperate to read more (but maybe put the prologue before the awards...?)! I like the cover but I find the font a little old-fashioned and hard to read. I think your writing is very decent overall and there were no obvious spelling or grammar mistakes. I'm not sure how the story progresses but Chapters 1 and 2 definitely sound interesting (although the whole "this is just the beginning" thing is a little overused!). I think you need to make sure you stay away from cliches, but apart from that it seems pretty good!

Audacious by burningbrightishly - 20/30 (original) / 22/30 (modified)

Cover could use some work. It's even mentioned in the story description. I suggest going to some graphic accounts or going to a multimedia account for a cover. Books need a great cover especially mystery books. I felt like it was all happening a bit too fast. 

I just wish there was something leading up to all of it. That said I enjoyed all the characters and how differently they reacted to Kelsey's death. The plot was good but I just kept waiting for that one part were I was like "oh my freakin' god!" When reading I just never had that moment.

Does the backup judge agree with this score :  NO, should have scored 24/30!

I actually found the cover fine (idk if it has changed recently...?). I have to say that I found the whole use of "audacious" within the story a bit unnecessary and forced... However I think the first chapter was well-written and had some style. I like that you start with the death - I hope that over the course of the book you develop the reasons etc. Just don't let it be another 13RW.