Here are the scores and reviews for all the stages. Prior to that, do remember that everyone is talented in their own might, there is no such thing as best and worst – it's a variable perspective. You all did your best, and that's what matters the most. We hope you enjoyed this group challenge.

REVIEWS

1. Team Curative Wordsmiths [AprilJester & LORAINEJD]

Stage 1 score: 31/35
Review for Stage 1: The concept! – it's enthralling and quite beautifully executed. The backstory of Seraphina and Armaros, their present bond; mischief included; the smooth flow of events, these all are intriguing to read about. Especially the concepts of soul domination/attachment and reincarnation enhance the enjoyment. Grammar and writing style is smooth, hooking, and clean. So is the pacing. However, this is more about the building up of the sequence towards one main upcoming event. There is only a glimpse of the prompt in the beginning, rest of the scenes are either of before or after. A few more scenes around the core prompt would have added to the overall quality.

Stage 2 score: 24/30
Review for Stage 2: Major points to the team for excellent theme and presentation. Graphics are well made, especially that the banner and the cover showcase the story so well. Fonts could have been better, something which stands out on the bright cover. Character aesthetic is absolutely admirable. As for the character sketch, it feels more like a detailed summary of the story, rather than a one-character personality sketch. Writers are often advised to spend some time in their characters' shoes before starting a story, and detail out their traits, physical features, likes-dislikes, beliefs, behavior, thought process, mechanism, stress points, etc. This ultimately gives the characters a realistic touch and makes them much relatable –easier to visualize. Score has been cut down for this very issue; the lack of character’s specifics. If it was a summary or logline pitch, this entry would have topped without a doubt.

Stage 3 score: 33.5/35
Review for Stage 3: Well-written, well executed story. It's a great deal to present a whole story within a specified word limit, but this team did well. The prompt usage is done smartly. Present day Seraphina meeting the past life Seraphina, it adds a layer to the plotline. With word count flexibility this story would've shine even brighter. There are some aspects that can be removed or wrapped in one or two lines, and the space could be used in later parts where Armaros left Seraphina. Using less space for not so important information, and rather giving it to potentially hooking scenes is yet another thing a writer must know and do wisely. Overall, the storyline has great worth, it was a well planned journey. Seraphina and Armaros’ story will surely leave a charm on any reader.

2: Team Dazzling Dabbles [avian_Muslimah & julieorxeenie]

Stage 1 score: 30/35
Review for Stage 1: If I were to review this story via audio, I would've called Willow & Lance ‘cute’ every few minutes. Such a heartwarming and wholesome moment between the lovebirds. The wait, the thoughts, nervousness, potential conflicts, and ultimately the love, the togetherness – these are beautifully written. On the other hand, technicalities could be improved. Writing style has much space for improvement. Especially the contrast meaning words that make the readability slightly dim. For instance, if Lance is ‘ordering’ someone, the word ‘pleaded’ is not a right addition to show his action at that moment. There are a few more such instances. Overall, a sweet tale of magical romance!

Stage 2 score: 23/30
Review for Stage 2: Such a beautiful aesthetic! The banner is gorgeous as well. True to the aura of Willow, her aesthetic reflects the calm and soothing nature. Green tone suits mighty well. Reason for cutting down the score would be the lacking points in the character sketch. The main motive of this activity was to make the writers present one of their lead characters. In this case, Willow has been chosen. The character sketch could have improved multifold, had her appearance, traits, icks, inner thoughts, way to deal with certain situations, etc given priority. While writing a character sketch, the summary of the story is not given much space, rather the lead is shown in a way where the audience can't help but picturize them.

Stage 3 score: 29/35
Review for Stage 3: The story started off slightly confusing, especially that the narrator was unknown. However, by the middle the scenes took a humorous turn and the reading experience became better. Mishap around a small ring is certainly a nice twist to the storyline. I appreciate the continuation of the first stage entry to the last stage, a new perspective, new take on this sweet romance. Grammatically, it could be better. Punctuation, sentence structure can be improved. Otherwise, a fun read for sure.

3: Team League of Dreamers [XannaLurel & LyzDeWinter]

Stage 1 score: 32/35
Review for Stage 1: What a strong plotline and vivid imagery! Luke is the kind of character that the readers feel for. I couldn't help but cheer for him to remember his previous life, the truth, break the chain, and everything heroic. In fact, the post writing style creates such an immersive world where we can almost visualize all the events. Strong, to say the least. The ending felt slightly rushed. Such a key detail of escape should have been given more space. To manage the word limit, some tid-bits about surrounding, plants, etc could be cut off – which don't exactly serve any connection or purpose.

Stage 2 score: 26/30
Review for Stage 2: One of the best graphics, hands down! The cover, the banner, the character aesthetic – these are enigmatic to say the least. Character sketch is strong as well. Luke's strength, his morals, his weakness, hints of his bumpy journey, all the pointers are presented well enough. However, much space is yet to be explored, such as his persona, physical descriptions, background, etc. Remember: a character sketch is a stage that gives visual representation to the audience, don't lose this chance.

Stage 3 score: 33/35
Review for Stage 3: Näel, what a charming personality he has! The story is packed with a variety of elements – thoughtful, thematic, calming, descriptive, and the contrast between genuine living of Naël, the passion, and the richness of Amelia. Much appreciated is the way Amelia's character has been made relatable. Instead of showing her as a picture perfect woman, she possesses flaws, her vision is somewhat deluded. This exactly is what makes her more real and natural. Descriptions, especially of the characters, and the desert wilderness are beautifully done. Overall, a nice and intriguing read with good prompt execution.

4: Team WhizKid & BoiLuv [WhizKidIz & BoiLuvBL]

Stage 1 score: 29/35
Review for Stage 1: Thematic and mysterious, a good read overall. The insight presented by the couple is truly something to think about. Oftentimes habits are considered as love, and reading about it through the narrator's eyes is a refreshing take. Technical aspects could be improved. There are certain grammar and pronoun slips; nothing that a swift editing can't fix. Some points ended up being confusing. For instance, the purpose of adding information about the narrator's breakup, and the comment about philophobia. These instances can be improved more. Otherwise, thoughtful entry!

Stage 2 score: 19/30
Review for Stage 2: Troy is a conflicted character, as per the sketch. His background is messier than one can think of, and his decisions are more about keeping the people around him happy, rather than his own self. This trait makes him more natural, more humane. This is much appreciated. Adding the hints of his Norse bloodline is a nice addition. Piece of suggestion: explore the depths of Troy’s personality – preferably his true desires, wishes, ambition, regrets, his physical traits, etc. Due to the lack of graphics, the score has been cut down. All the best!

Stage 3 score: 20/35
Review for Stage 3: The entry seems incomplete. It doesn't follow any hint to the prompt, neither holds any coherent storyline. However, the character of Tabitha is interesting – her rushed and childish behavior, her acts of impatience, these make her a humane enough character. Overall, the storyline needs to be made clear, grammatical errors are persistent throughout, and a better descriptive writing could be implemented.

5: Team Time Transcenders [QuinceArchFortes & philouwrites]

Stage 1 score: 33/35
Review for Stage 1: “To feel is to live. To hurt is to soar.” – what an entry! What I love the most about this story is the clear presentation of Katie & Prometheus. Katie is grieving, cautious, conflicted. Prometheus is humorous, sharp, full of gossip, and dramatic. Their colorful personalities are fun to read about, and visualize. Plotline is unique as well. Although the concept of Djinn is nothing new in Literature, it's the portrayal that matters. Prometheus’ fondness for Agnes, his wish to not move to a new owner so soon, and his word scheming is intelligent. Overall, the entry surely is charming in all sense, it adheres to the spirit of the prompt quite well too.

Stage 2 score: 23/30
Review for Stage 2: Quirky, cunning, humorous – a few words that can fit well with the character sketch of Prometheus. Character aesthetic is eye-catching, the shade of blue does justice. As for the sketch, details have been shown wisely. Especially about the Djinn’s home, his thoughts about the past patrons, and his new companion. This entry would've topped for me, if the stage was complete. The lack of Cover & Banner are going to cost a few points. Add the appearance description as well for effects. Best of luck!

Stage 3 score: 33/35
Review for Stage 3: The plot, the characters, the visuals, writing style, narrative voice, everything is top-notch! Some stories are such that one keeps reading and relishing the feel it provides, this is one similar entry. Reading this sweet romantic comedy, involving a human girl and an otherworldly being, is nothing but a pleasant feeling. Execution, details, and the whole scene around the candles is warm and soothing. Marvelous job!

6: Team Brazen & Bees [GiselleJaneZee & VinFowler]

Stage 1 score: 32/35
Review for Stage 1: Some stories are created to weaken the human – this one broke my heart to pieces. While reading the entry, every sort of emotion could be felt; hope, warmth, adoration, love, sympathy, melancholy, terror, even shame. It was like a movie being played in front of your eyes. The writers have done justice to the emotional factor of the entry. Truly beautiful! There are some prominent spelling errors, and grammatical mistakes. Otherwise, a gripping, memorable read.

Stage 2 score: 22/30
Review for Stage 2: Graphics are pretty cool. Cover background looks interesting, so does the character aesthetic. Font placement on the cover is jarred, which cuts down the eye-catching factor… a good font – bold and with gradient – in the middle might have done the charm. Character sketch simply introduces the role of the character, but not his personality. A character sketch is supposed to detail out the particular lead’s lifestyle, past, background, likes-dislikes, physical appearance, flaws and ethics, etc. Due to these shortcomings, sadly the points have been deducted. Good luck!

Stage 3 score: 29/35
Review for Stage 3: Humorous, thoughtful, warm and fuzzy - the words for this entry. Jay’s dating experience is certainly fun to read, it creates a comfortable aura around the plot. Meeting Gis and their budding friendship is another nice turn. The theme of developing comfort and friendship before transitioning to love is executed well. There are some grammatical errors to be corrected, and potential for more descriptions between the main leads. Overall, a good read.

7: Team Fiction Fusion [@thegirlaturdoor & luvelleszzz]

Stage 1 score: 31/35
Review for Stage 1: The hero cannot succeed every time! I wish I could read a prolonged version of this tale. The ominous aura around town, the curse, cult, etc., these increase the temptation to dive deeper and learn more. Characters are natural and humane enough – their rushed decisions, actions make them relatable. Potentially under threat as well. Execution could have been better. Rather than telling everything from the diary, the details can also be scattered around in later parts while they are in the church. The visual factor is quite important. A nice storyline, it holds much much potential.

Stage 2 score: 26/30
Review for Stage 2: Amazing cover, amazing banner, amazing character aesthetic, and an amazingly portrayed character sketch. Natalie feels real, as if she's one of us only. Her curious nature, background, flaws like impulsive acts, overconfidence – these traits establish a strong picture of her. Just add a few pointers about her physical features, edit the technical issues (spell-check), and you're good to go. All the best!

Stage 3 score: 32/35
Review for Stage 3: Sassy, smitten female lead + charming, equally smitten male lead = a chemistry worth swooning for. I definitely need another chapter with Nikita and Sebastian… or even better, a book. This is a well executed plotline. Elements like run and chase in the beginning, memory loss, a loss of identity - these create a depth to the reading experience. There is a scope for improving the descriptions. Overall, good job.

8: Team Groundbreakers [stars_in_the_skies & Fantasy_Author3]

Stage 1 score: 30/35
Review for Stage 1: Fun, witty, laughter all around – ways to describe this entry. A family full of thieves is bound to be chaotic and intriguing. Reading about them through Angelica’s eyes feels fresh, her narrative style being the core plus point. The punchlines are pretty awesome, so is the prompt execution. Overall, breaking the fourth wall could've been avoided, and repetition about characters can also be removed. With more descriptions about their methods, lifestyle, values, or stretching out the Gala sequence, this entry would've evolved into a more funny and engaging read.

Stage 2 score: 27/30
Review for Stage 2: So far, the entry which is closest to the true meaning of showcasing character sketches. The cover gives classic vibes. The Banners and aesthetics are amazing. Character sketch is generally a cheat sheet that establishes the main character to the audience. It doesn't necessarily reveal the whole plot, the shifts and turns, or the conclusion. Rather, the character sketch makes the audience come closer to the lead and their personality. This is well done in this entry. The points have been detailed out, traits, likes, fears, family, background – everything has been mentioned smartly. The only reason to cut down the points is missing physical description, and a few technical errors. Focus on expanding the descriptions in each point as well. Best wishes!

Stage 3 score: 31/35
Review for Stage 3: Such harshness of life presented in a hooking manner. Similar to the first stage entry, there's something about the writing style that feels immersive. As if we are a part of the plot, or watching the story unfold as a live audience. Bloody snow, backstory of the dead mother, an extremely selfish and problematic father, the capture and the run, these all make the story worth investing time in. Especially the ending, dying in a meadow instead of tied up shows the rebel and courage of the narrator. It's a promising read. Breaking off the fourth wall decreased the enjoyment for me, or else the entry was beautiful.