Finally! After a long wait, we have calculated the results and finalized the ranking of our Mystical Findings category!

We want to thank the esteemed Bangtan Community and their judge patricia_s_fictions for their time and for lending us their expertise in adjudicating.

I am sure you all have been waiting with bated breath, and so... without further ado... here are the winners of the Mystical Findings Category!

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MYSTICAL FINDINGS {SHORT STORIES}

1. Review of Colette Auclair-Duelle by p1nk_tr4sh

Originality (21/25)

Uniqueness of Concept (9/10): The narrative is refreshingly unique, presenting an idea that feels innovative and stands out.

Inventiveness of Plot (9/10): The storyline is engaging and well-constructed, showcasing a high degree of creativity.

Inventive Use of Language (3/5): While the language was solid, it didn't take full advantage of stylistic possibilities, leaving room for more inventive expression.

Engagement (21/25)

Initial Hook (5/5): The opening, though unconventional and quirky, effectively caught the reader's attention. The humor added a delightful twist and set the tone.

Pacing (9/10): The fast pace complemented the story's energy, maintaining an engaging flow throughout.

Emotional Impact (2/5): Despite its humor, the story lacked significant emotional depth, which could have elevated its overall impact.

Tension and Suspense (5/5): The tension was well-maintained and balanced, keeping the reader intrigued.

Characterization (11/20)

Depth of Characterization (6/10): The characters were interesting but lacked depth, leaving some aspects of their personalities underexplored.

Character Development (3/5): Character growth was present but minimal, with limited evolution throughout the narrative.

Believability (2/5): The characters and their actions often felt exaggerated or unrealistic, which, while adding humor, detracted from relatability.

Plot Structure (19/20)

Coherence (5/5): The plot was clear and cohesive, with a logical flow that kept the reader engaged.

Conflict and Resolution (4/5): The conflicts were compelling, and their resolutions were satisfying, though some felt slightly rushed.

Narrative Structure (10/10): The structure was expertly crafted, with a seamless progression and a consistent, humorous tone that added to its charm.

Writing Style (18/20)

Language and Imagery (14/15): The language was vivid and descriptive, effectively creating a lively and humorous atmosphere.

Dialogue (4/5): The dialogues were sharp and witty, contributing significantly to the humor and character interactions.

Theme and Message (6/10)

Theme Exploration (3/5): While the theme was present, it was not deeply explored, leaving some philosophical or emotional layers untouched.

Relevance and Universality (3/5): The story's themes were appealing but lacked universal resonance, making them less impactful for a broader audience.

Total Points: 96/100
Feedback: A wonderfully humorous and engaging story that keeps readers smiling! This piece is a delightful read, brimming with humor and creative energy. The quirky opening and fast-paced narrative keep the reader entertained, while the witty dialogue adds significant charm. However, the story could benefit from deeper character development, greater emotional resonance, and a more universally relatable theme. These improvements would further enrich the already enjoyable narrative.

2. Timeless by Sxlly_Gxrl

Originality (17/25):

Uniqueness of Concept (7/10): The collection of prose and poetry delves into personal reflections on life, seasons, and emotions. The metaphorical use of winter and other elements provides a fresh and contemplative perspective, though the themes are familiar.

Inventiveness of Plot (6/10): The structure is non-linear, with each chapter exploring different facets of the narrator's thoughts and experiences. This inventive approach enhances the thematic depth but lacks traditional plot progression.

Inventive Use of Language (4/5): The language is rich and poetic, filled with metaphors and vivid descriptions. This enhances the originality and draws the reader into the narrator's world.

Engagement (19/25):

Initial Hook (4/5): The opening chapter "Mother" sets a contemplative and evocative tone, engaging the reader with its lyrical descriptions of winter and the narrator's relationship with it.

Pacing (7/10): The pacing is reflective and steady, appropriate for the introspective nature of the content. However, some sections could benefit from more dynamic shifts to maintain engagement.

Emotional Impact (5/5): The story effectively evokes a range of emotions, from melancholy to introspection. The emotional depth is consistent and resonates with the reader.

Tension and Suspense (3/5): While traditional suspense is absent, the emotional and philosophical tension keeps the reader engaged.

Characterization (15/20):

Depth of Characterization (7/10): The narrator's internal journey is deeply explored, revealing their thoughts, fears, and reflections. Secondary characters are mentioned but not deeply developed.

Character Development (4/5): The narrator's evolving understanding of winter and life is evident, though the progression is subtle and introspective.

Believability (4/5): The narrator's thoughts and emotions are authentic and relatable, though the poetic format sometimes distances the reader from a grounded reality.

Plot Structure (15/20):

Coherence (5/5): The narrative is coherent within each chapter and across the collection, with themes and reflections tying the chapters together.

Conflict and Resolution (3/5): The internal conflicts are well-developed, but resolutions in some chapters feel abrupt or underexplored.

Narrative Structure (7/10): The use of non-linear, thematic chapters works well for the reflective format, though some chapters lack a clear narrative arc.

Writing Style (16/20):

Language and Imagery (13/15): The writing is lyrical and evocative, with strong imagery that brings emotions and settings to life. The use of metaphors and vivid descriptions enhances the narrative.

Dialogue (3/5): The limited dialogue is effective and adds to the introspective tone, though more interaction could enhance character depth.

Theme and Message (9/10):

Theme Exploration (4/5): Themes of introspection, seasons, and emotional growth are explored with depth and subtlety, though some chapters are more impactful than others.

Relevance and Universality (5/5): The themes are universally relatable, dealing with human emotions and experiences that resonate broadly.

Total Points: 91 /100

Feedback

"Timeless" is a beautifully crafted collection of reflective prose and poetry that delves into themes of introspection, seasons, and emotional growth. The use of vivid imagery and metaphor enriches the narrative, making it a compelling and contemplative read. The non-linear, chapter-based structure adds a unique flow, though some chapters would benefit from more dynamic progression and deeper character interactions. The emotional depth and lyrical writing style make this collection a resonant and memorable experience. There's room for enhancement in narrative arc clarity and secondary character development. Overall, it is a thoughtful and engaging piece that speaks to universal human experiences.

3. His Selene by reader_SecretAgent

Originality (20/25):

Uniqueness of Concept (8/10): )The story revolves around a familiar theme of lost love and the supernatural, but the idea of the moon being outshone by a woman is a unique and refreshing take.

Inventiveness of Plot (7/10): The plot is fairly straightforward, with a tragic romance that is both heart-wrenching and poignant. However, the twist involving the dream and the final goodbye adds a layer of depth.

Inventive Use of Language (5/5): The language is poetic and evocative, with beautiful metaphors and descriptions that create a vivid and emotional atmosphere.

Engagement (20/25):

Initial Hook (4/5): The opening lines immediately draw the reader in with their vivid imagery and emotional weight, setting the tone for the rest of the story.

Pacing (8/10): The pacing is well-managed, gradually building tension and emotional impact without feeling rushed or dragging. The transitions between past and present are smooth.

Emotional Impact (4/5): The story successfully evokes a wide range of emotions, from wonder and nostalgia to heartbreak and loss. The emotional journey is powerful and resonant.

Tension and Suspense (4/5): The tension builds naturally through the story, especially as the protagonist's feelings and the impending tragedy become clear. The final reveal is both shocking and satisfying.

Characterization (14/20):

Depth of Characterization (6/10):The main characters are well-developed, with distinct personalities and motivations. The protagonist's deep love and the woman's ethereal presence are vividly portrayed.

Character Development (4/5): The protagonist undergoes significant emotional growth, from hopeful and loving to devastated and grieving, which is portrayed effectively.

Believability (4/5):The characters' actions and dialogue feel authentic and consistent with their established personalities. Their interactions are believable and emotionally charged.

Plot Structure (16/20):

Coherence (4/5): The plot is clear and logically structured, with each event contributing to the overall narrative arc. There are no noticeable inconsistencies.

Conflict and Resolution (4/5):The central conflict, involving the protagonist's love and loss, is well-developed and resolved in a heartbreaking yet satisfying manner.

Narrative Structure (8/10): The narrative structure, with its blend of past memories and present events, enhances the emotional depth and impact of the story. The dream sequence is used effectively to bridge the two timelines.

Writing Style (14/20):

Language and Imagery (10/15): The author's use of language is exquisite, with rich imagery that brings the scenes and emotions to life. Descriptions are vivid and evocative, creating a strong sense of atmosphere.

Dialogue (4/5): The dialogue is engaging and natural, revealing character traits and advancing the plot. It feels true to the characters and their emotions.

Theme and Message (6/10):

Theme Exploration (3/5): The story explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time in a meaningful and thought-provoking way. These themes are developed with depth and nuance.

Relevance and Universality (3/5): The themes are universal and resonate with a wide audience, provoking introspection about life, love, and the inevitability of loss.

Total Points: 90/100

Feedback: "His Selene" is a beautifully written and emotionally powerful story that excels in its use of language and imagery. The well-developed characters and their poignant journey are compelling and resonate deeply with the reader. The plot is engaging, with a well-managed pacing and a satisfying resolution. The themes of love and loss are explored with depth and sensitivity, making this story a memorable and thought-provoking read. Minor areas for improvement include adding even more innovative plot twists to enhance originality. Overall, it is a highly recommended read for fans of emotional and reflective narratives.

4. Review of 8:15 by Amerlin8608

Originality (20/25)

Uniqueness of Concept (9/10): The story stands out for its originality, tackling an important topic and raising awareness in a meaningful way.

Inventiveness of Plot (9/10): The plot was well-crafted, maintaining an engaging and unique storyline throughout.

Inventive Use of Language (2/5): While the narrative was effective, the vocabulary was simple and lacked sophistication, leaving room for improvement in stylistic expression.

Engagement (23/25)

Initial Hook (5/5): The opening was captivating and immediately drew the reader into the story.

Pacing (8/10): The fast pace suited the narrative's tone and style, maintaining momentum without feeling rushed.

Emotional Impact (5/5): The story delivered a profound emotional experience, resonating deeply with the reader.

Tension and Suspense (5/5): Tension and suspense were masterfully built, keeping the reader invested until the end.

Characterization (14/20)

Depth of Characterization (7/10): The characters were well-drawn and relatable, though some aspects of their personalities could have been explored further.

Character Development (2/5): The story lacked significant character growth, leaving the characters feeling static despite their depth.

Believability (5/5): The characters and their actions felt authentic and plausible, enhancing the story's impact.

Plot Structure (13/20)

Coherence (4/5): The plot flowed logically and was easy to follow.

Conflict and Resolution (2/5): While the conflicts were compelling, the resolutions felt somewhat rushed or underexplored.

Narrative Structure (7/10): The structure was solid overall, though there were areas where the transitions between scenes could have been smoother.

Writing Style (10/20)

Language and Imagery (8/15): The descriptions and imagery were effective but not particularly vivid or memorable.

Dialogue (2/5): The dialogue occasionally felt unrealistic or out of place, detracting from the overall immersion.

Theme and Message (9/10)

Theme Exploration (5/5): The story explored its theme with depth and nuance, effectively conveying its message.

Relevance and Universality (4/5): The themes were timely and broadly applicable, making the story impactful for a wide audience.

Total Points: 89/100

Feedback: 8:15 is a deeply moving story that excels in its emotional impact and unique premise. The strong pacing and suspense keep the reader engaged, while its exploration of an important theme adds significant value. However, there is room for improvement in character development, dialogue authenticity, and conflict resolution. Enhancing these elements would elevate the story to even greater heights.

5. Review of Flos by Eloeide

Originality (16/25)

Uniqueness of Concept (6/10): The concept showed potential but lacked a distinctive edge, feeling somewhat familiar.

Inventiveness of Plot (5/10): The plot was satisfactory but leaned on predictable elements, missing opportunities for unexpected twists.

Inventive Use of Language (5/5): The language stood out with creative and vivid descriptions that elevated the narrative.

Engagement (18/25)

Initial Hook (3/5): The opening was moderately engaging but didn't fully captivate the reader's attention.

Pacing (7/10): The pacing was well-balanced overall, though a few sections felt slightly sluggish.

Emotional Impact (4/5): The story evoked a notable emotional response, resonating with the audience in key moments.

Tension and Suspense (4/5): The tension and suspense were effectively maintained, adding to the reader's engagement.

Characterization (13/20)

Depth of Characterization (6/10): The characters had some depth but lacked complexity, making them somewhat difficult to fully connect with.

Character Development (3/5): Character arcs were present but underdeveloped, leaving room for greater growth.

Believability (4/5): The characters and their actions felt credible, enhancing the story's realism.

Plot Structure (14/20)

Coherence (3/5): While the plot was coherent, some transitions and connections between events felt abrupt or unclear.

Conflict and Resolution (4/5): The conflicts were compelling, and the resolutions were satisfying, albeit somewhat conventional.

Narrative Structure (7/10): The structure was solid, with a clear progression that kept the story organized.

Writing Style (14/20)

Language and Imagery (10/15): The use of imagery was strong, painting vivid scenes, but occasionally lacked refinement or consistency.

Dialogue (4/5): The dialogue was engaging and believable, effectively conveying character personalities.

Theme and Message (7/10)

Theme Exploration (4/5): The story addressed its themes with clarity, though deeper exploration would have made them more impactful.

Relevance and Universality (3/5): The themes had broad appeal but didn't fully resonate on a universal level.

Total Points: 82/100
Feedback: A strong effort with notable creativity, though it falls just short of its full potential. Flos is a solid story with strengths in its use of language and emotional impact. The plot and characters show promise but could benefit from further development and originality to stand out. Enhancing coherence and digging deeper into thematic elements would make the story even more compelling.

6. Review of Dangerous Wishes by Dark_Ghostie

Originality (17/25)

Uniqueness of Concept (7/10): The premise was intriguing, with a creative spin on a familiar concept, though it didn't break entirely new ground.

Inventiveness of Plot (6/10): The plot was engaging but somewhat predictable, with limited surprises or risks taken.

Inventive Use of Language (4/5): The language was effective and occasionally innovative, adding depth to the narrative.

Engagement (17/25)

Initial Hook (4/5): The opening was compelling, drawing readers in with a sense of intrigue and danger.

Pacing (5/10): The pacing was uneven, with some parts dragging while others felt rushed.

Emotional Impact (4/5): The story delivered moments of emotional resonance that connected with the reader.

Tension and Suspense (4/5): Tension was well-maintained, with suspenseful moments that kept readers invested.

Characterization (13/20)

Depth of Characterization (7/10): The characters were multidimensional, though not all were fully explored.

Character Development (3/5): Some characters showed growth, but overall development was limited.

Believability (3/5): The characters and their choices occasionally felt exaggerated, slightly detracting from the realism.

Plot Structure (14/20)

Coherence (3/5): The plot was mostly coherent, though some transitions between scenes felt abrupt or underexplained.

Conflict and Resolution (4/5): The conflicts were engaging, and the resolutions were satisfying, though not groundbreaking.

Narrative Structure (7/10): The structure was solid but lacked the polish and fluidity needed to make it truly exceptional.

Writing Style (15/20)

Language and Imagery (11/15): The imagery was vivid and descriptive, though it sometimes leaned on clichés or lacked originality.

Dialogue (4/5): The dialogue felt natural and effectively conveyed character relationships and emotions.

Theme and Message (8/10)

Theme Exploration (4/5): The story tackled its themes effectively, though deeper exploration could have added complexity.

Relevance and Universality (4/5): The themes were accessible and resonated well with a broad audience.

Total Points: 84/100
Feedback: A solid and captivating read, with the potential to shine even brighter with further development. Dangerous Wishes is an engaging story with a strong premise and moments of emotional depth. While the characters and plot are intriguing, there is room for improvement in pacing, coherence, and originality. A more refined narrative structure and deeper exploration of its themes could elevate the story significantly.

7.  Review of Percy Jackson and the River Star by MRArcher_writer

Originality (14/25)

Uniqueness of Concept (6/10): The story has elements of originality but leans heavily on familiar tropes from the Percy Jackson universe, making it less distinct.

Inventiveness of Plot (6/10): While enjoyable, the plot followed predictable patterns and lacked significant surprises or twists.

Inventive Use of Language (2/5): The language was functional but lacked creativity and stylistic depth.

Engagement (17/25)

Initial Hook (5/5): The opening was strong, immediately pulling readers into the story with intrigue and energy.

Pacing (6/10): The pacing was uneven, with some parts dragging while others felt rushed.

Emotional Impact (2/5): Despite the potential for emotional resonance, the story didn't evoke much sentiment.

Tension and Suspense (4/5): The tension was well-maintained, and moments of suspense kept readers engaged.

Characterization (12/20)

Depth of Characterization (7/10): The characters were relatable, but their personalities weren't deeply explored, limiting the reader's connection to them.

Character Development (2/5): There was minimal growth or transformation in the characters, which could have added depth to the story.

Believability (3/5): While consistent within the universe, some character actions felt exaggerated or forced.

Plot Structure (16/20)

Coherence (4/5): The plot was clear and easy to follow, with logical progression.

Conflict and Resolution (4/5): The conflicts were engaging, though their resolutions occasionally felt too convenient or rushed.

Narrative Structure (8/10): The structure was solid, with a clear beginning, middle, and end, though some transitions could have been smoother.

Writing Style (12/20)

Language and Imagery (7/15): The descriptions were adequate but lacked vividness, making it harder to fully immerse in the world.

Dialogue (5/5): The dialogue was sharp and reflective of the characters, adding authenticity to their interactions.

Theme and Message (8/10)

Theme Exploration (4/5): The story addressed its central themes effectively, though without much depth or nuance.

Relevance and Universality (4/5): The themes were broadly applicable, making the story accessible to a wide audience.

Total Points: 79/100
Feedback: A solid and enjoyable read, though it lacks the depth and creativity to make it truly memorable. Percy Jackson and the River Star is an entertaining addition to the beloved universe, with a strong opening and engaging moments of tension and suspense. However, it falls short in delivering a deep emotional impact and fully developing its characters. With more attention to inventive language, character growth, and pacing, this story could reach its full potential.

8. Review of Velvet by Fata_Viola

Originality (13/25)

Uniqueness of Concept (5/10): The narrative lacked a distinct or novel premise. It portrayed an ordinary day, offering little that set it apart from similar works.

Inventiveness of Plot (5/10): While the storyline was satisfactory, it did not showcase much creativity or innovation.

Inventive Use of Language (3/5): The vocabulary used was functional but leaned towards being basic, without much experimentation or flair.

Engagement (15/25)

Initial Hook (2/5): The opening was brief and failed to captivate the reader, reducing its overall impact.

Pacing (4/10): The pacing felt inconsistent, which affected the flow of the narrative.

Emotional Impact (5/5): Despite its flaws, the piece delivered a strong emotional resonance, striking a chord with the audience.

Tension and Suspense (4/5): The tension was palpable, though the lack of suspense left the story somewhat predictable.

Characterization (15/20)

Depth of Characterization (7/10): The characters were fairly well-developed, with enough depth to make them relatable.

Character Development (4/5): The growth of the characters throughout the story was noticeable, though not extraordinary.

Believability (4/5): The characters and their actions felt authentic and credible.

Plot Structure (16/20)

Coherence (5/5): The narrative was well-structured and easy to follow.

Conflict and Resolution (4/5): The conflicts presented were engaging, with resolutions that were satisfying.

Narrative Structure (7/10): The story maintained a strong structure overall, though some areas could benefit from refinement.

Writing Style (11/20)

Language and Imagery (7/15): While the language was clear, it lacked vivid imagery and descriptive depth, making the writing feel flat at times.

Dialogue (4/5): Although sparing, the dialogue was impactful and added to the narrative's emotional weight.

Theme and Message (8/10)

Theme Exploration (4/5): The theme was adequately explored, offering meaningful insights without being groundbreaking.

Relevance and Universality (4/5): The story addressed themes that were broadly relatable and applicable.

Total Points: 78/100

Feedback:

"Velvet" was a compelling read with its strengths lying in its emotional impact and coherence. However, the story could benefit from a stronger opening, more creative language use, and a unique premise to elevate its originality. Addressing these areas would greatly enhance its engagement and memorability.

9. The ink on the wall by SamMariLu

Originality (13/25):

Uniqueness of Concept (6/10): The story addresses a common yet powerful experience—anticipating and receiving rejection. The metaphor of the ink stain adds a creative layer, symbolizing the narrator's anxiety and internal messiness. While the premise is familiar, the execution is distinct.

Inventiveness of Plot (5/10): The story unfolds simply, with the tension building around a single moment—the news of the application result. The use of internal dialogue to convey the protagonist's emotional turmoil adds depth. However, the plot is straightforward and lacks unexpected twists.

Inventive Use of Language (3/5): The language is clear and effective, though not overly poetic or experimental. The metaphor of the ink is well-integrated and gives the piece a symbolic dimension.

Engagement (20/25):

Initial Hook (5/5): The story starts with a relatable situation—the nervous waiting for important news. The fidgeting and tapping immediately establish the tension.

Pacing (6/10): The pacing is steady, with the buildup of anxiety well-managed throughout the story. It captures the slow crawl of time when waiting for news, but some readers might feel that the tension takes too long to resolve.

Emotional Impact (5/5): The story effectively captures the dread of rejection and the inner conflict of wanting success but fearing it. The emotional resonance is strong, especially in the final moment of receiving the bad news.

Tension and Suspense (4/5): There is a good amount of tension as the reader awaits the outcome of the application, though the final reveal is expected. The metaphor of the ink stain adds a subtle layer of suspense.

Characterization (13/20):

Depth of Characterization (4/10):The protagonist's inner world is deeply explored. The combination of anxiety, self-doubt, and longing for success is portrayed authentically. However, the counselor remains a background figure with little development.

Character Development (4/5 ): The protagonist doesn't undergo significant external change, but there is an internal shift as they face the anticipated rejection. The story subtly captures their inner journey of grappling with their self-worth.

Believability (5/5): The plot is coherent, with the narrative flowing smoothly from the introduction of anxiety to the final moment of rejection.

Plot Structure (14/20):

Coherence(2/5): The narrative follows a clear arc, with rising tension leading to the moment of truth. However, there could be a stronger emotional release or reflection at the end to give the story more closure.

Conflict and Resolution (4/5): The writing is polished and clear, with effective use of imagery like the ink stain to symbolize the protagonist's internal state. The descriptions of anxiety are vivid and relatable.

Narrative Structure (8/10): The dialogue is minimal but serves its purpose. The counselor's words are a bit formal, and more natural dialogue could make the interactions feel more grounded.

Writing Style (14/20):

Language and Imagery (10/15): Themes of self-doubt, anxiety, and rejection are explored effectively, with the ink stain serving as a subtle metaphor for the protagonist's inner turmoil. However, the story stops short of fully exploring the aftermath of rejection.

Dialogue (4/5): The fear of failure and the anxiety of awaiting results is universally relatable, making the story resonate with a wide audience.

Theme and Message (10/10):

Theme Exploration (5/5):

Relevance and Universality (5//5):

Total Points: 70/100

Feedback"The Ink on the Wall" captures the quiet dread of waiting for life-changing news and the internal battle between hope and self-doubt. The ink stain metaphor is a thoughtful touch, symbolizing the protagonist's emotional state and adding depth to the narrative. The pacing is steady, and the story effectively conveys the emotional weight of rejection. With a bit more exploration of the protagonist's emotional aftermath and some refinement in dialogue, this piece could elevate its impact even further. A strong and relatable story overall.

🎩∘─Results of Short Stories─∘🎩

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🥇First Position

Colette Auclair-Duelle

by p1nk_tr4sh

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🥈Second Position

Timeless 

by Sxlly_Gxrl

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🥉Third Position

His Selene
 by reader_SecretAgent

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Congratulations 🎉 to all winners. Keep up the good work. And to those who didn't win, don't lose hope you will win the next time.

Prizes like certificates, stickers and all others will be given at the end. 

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We thank everyone who participated in the Visions of Grandeur Awards.
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Time for a tribute to the Judges.

leeminneho

Thanks for your great contribution, we couldn't find any words to describe your hard work and good service.
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