Book: Reflections Of Deception
Author: akdwav
Username: akdwav

• First Impression.

The title aligns well with the story as a whole, but it feels slightly redundant and overly long. A shorter, more impactful title like Deceptive Reflections might have been a better fit, Sanaya's clearly not what she lets on as a simple teenager, though that's just a suggestion. The book would also benefit from a proper cover design—right now, it feels incomplete with just an image and no text. On the other hand, the blurb was captivating and well-written; it immediately drew me in and made me want to read the book.

• Characters & Emotions.

The characters are good and intriguing, drawing readers in with their mysterious aura and complex personalities. What was Sanaya hiding? Why was Maya so suspicious of her friend talking to the school's golden boy? And what made Tushar so magnetic that he commanded attention everywhere he went? These questions lingered in my mind, almost hitting a nerve as I read through the first part of the book. While some aspects of Sanaya's past are revealed, the tension only builds as Tushar's role in this web of lies remains unclear. How did Maya sense that something was off about Sanaya's behavior? What were Sanaya's motives? Perhaps the answers lie in the book's final chapters, but for now, it's a whirlwind of confusion and intrigue.

The emotions of the characters are palpable. I could feel the irritation crawling under Sanaya's skin as Maya probed too deeply into matters best left alone. Similarly, I could sense Tushar's confusion and vulnerability, unaware of how he was being manipulated into becoming a pawn in a much larger game—though the ultimate purpose of it all remains a mystery.

• Plot.

The story has potential, with a sense of mystery that is intriguing but remains surface-level. Upon closer examination, there are notable flaws, primarily due to unanswered questions. These aren't just the major plot points but also foundational details that underpin the characters' motivations and actions. A few of these issues have been highlighted earlier.

Additionally, world-building feels underdeveloped. Beyond the main characters, the supporting cast is limited to mere name mentions, lacking depth or significance. This absence of background and a solid foundation leaves the narrative feeling incomplete. As it stands, the story requires substantial work to fully realize its potential.

• Vocabulary & Grammar.

I didn't find a single grammatical mistake, which is quite exceptional—especially considering that even some of the best stories I've read on Wattpad often have a few minor errors. In your case, I couldn't spot even a single typo. Your word choice and sense of writing are commendable as well.

That said, be mindful of your use of the em dash (—). Wattpad has a tendency to convert them into hyphens (-), so double-check to ensure they appear as intended.

• Writing Style & Creativity.

One major issue I found in the book was its writing style. While the author demonstrates strong writing skills, as the story progresses, the narrative shifts into a straightforward recounting of events rather than true storytelling. The element of immersive storytelling is noticeably missing.

Instead of merely outlining the obvious and focusing solely on the three central characters and their actions, the narrative would benefit from exploring the broader world they inhabit. Providing intricate details about their environment, the atmosphere, and the world-building would add depth and dimension to the story. Currently, the flat, one-dimensional portrayal of the setting makes the story feel incomplete.

For instance, the murder mentioned in the first chapter remains unresolved—there's no follow-up on whether the victim was identified or if it tied back to Sanaya. Considering the story later reveals her involvement in multiple murders, it would have been compelling to show a pattern in these events, making her a more plausible suspect.

Secrets have a way of permeating every aspect of a story. Instead of sticking strictly to the main plot, weave in scenes that show what's happening in the characters' lives and how they interact with their surroundings. For example, if Maya is suspicious of Sanaya's growing closeness with Tushar, delve into how Sanaya behaved before, what her personality was like, and how her actions changed over time. Don't just tell the reader-show it through her actions, thoughts, and interactions.

I hope this feedback helps clarify how adding layers of detail and atmosphere can transform the story into a more engaging and dynamic narrative.

• Execution.

The book had a strong start in the first few chapters, but as the story progressed, the pacing felt rushed. Instead of using natural transitions, the narrative relied on abrupt headlines like "Later That Night" and "Sanaya's Counterattack." These shortcuts disrupted the flow and gave the impression of skipping over important details.

By investing more time in exploring the characters' thoughts and building up the story's events, the narrative could have been more immersive and engaging. Delving deeper into these aspects would enhance the overall impact and provide a richer reading experience.

• My Opinion.

The book needs more attention to detail and character development. These aspects not only increase the word count but also enrich the story. Including small details—such as the characters' appearances, their settings, and glimpses into their daily lives—can add depth and make the narrative more engaging.

It's easy for authors to get consumed by their passion while writing; I experience it often myself. To stay grounded, keep track of the storyline, revisit the beginning if something feels off, and ask yourself whether the characters' actions align with their established traits. Additionally, always proofread and review each chapter from a reader's perspective. This can help you understand how the story's progression might resonate with your audience.

You have a strong narrative foundation. With more focus on character development and storytelling, Reflections of Deception has the potential to become a masterpiece. Your writing is already impressive—just give a bit more attention to descriptive elements, and you'll be on the right track.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Number of Stars:

I'd rather this book 3 out of 5 stars.

End Note:

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you for applying to the shop!