9 / 20
Feb 2

I created a new series this week and I don't have any feedback save one good comment.
I really need feedback and reviews to know if my new novel is good and if I should continue.
I'm open to constructive criticism as well.
I'm also willing to review and comment on you guys works too
Thank you :grin::grin::grin::grin::grin::v::v::v::v::heart::heart::heart:

  • created

    Jan 31
  • last reply

    Feb 10
  • 19

    replies

  • 386

    views

  • 1

    user

  • 13

    likes

  • 10

    links

First, you should rely on strangers to tell whether or not to continue your story. If it's worth it to you, it's worth continuing on that merit alone. Also, because I'm a stranger you can take what I say with a grain of salt.

Second, don't worry about reviewing anything from me. You're open to read my comic if you want to, no pressure though.

Okay, let's start the review. I'll try to be as brief as possible. And I'll just go over the first episode and some of the second.

Overall, it's a pretty enjoyable read. The prophecy especially was nicely written. The story does sound like it could be an interesting read (at least from the first episode). You've got solid work here and personally think it's worth continuing. So, the rest of my comments my be a bit nitpicky.

I'll be upfront and honest with you, I am not partial to stories centered around a prophecy; I've had a bad experience in the past reading a prophecy story. Now, what I appreciate about the prophecy is that the outcome is inconclusive, all it really says is that the Scourges are coming back. That gives you far more room to write the story, than having a set prophecy with an established outcome.

You have an instance in the first episode of similar phrases used at different points in the narrative. Before the prophecy is read to Jack, he feels like the legends have never felt so immediate and real, but he really has no evidence to think this way after it's established he doesn't pay much mind to the stories. Then, after the ritual and the prophecy is read, he repeats the sentiment that it all seemed too distant and too ancient to matter. I understand that in the latter moment, Jack is realizing that Eamon is talking to him for a reason, but it's a little confusing for these two moments to be repeats of each other. I think you can take out the prior mention of Jack feeling like the legend felt real or immediate, because as we learn once the prophecy is read, we don't know when this will all happen. Obviously, it's going to take place over the course of the story, but Jack doesn't know that, at least not before he can get more detail from Eamon, or in general.

I like the opening paragraph, generally, but I do have an issue with the first sentence and the length of all the sentences. For the first sentence, an it's probably just me over thinking but, "...casting long shadows that swayed with the crackling wood," doesn't make sense to me. Like, is the crackling wood swaying, because that what the sentence sounds like it's saying. Or are the shadows swaying because of crackling wood? It that's the, case the sentence would be "...that swayed with the crackling of the wood." You know what, I am overthinking it. I understand what's being said. it just threw me off for a bit. And all the sentences are about the same length and are structure the same. You could take the time to break up your sentences a bit more. I struggle with this too. But, it's a whole thought, you can just cut it off there and start another sentence.

Last few things I want to talk about: descriptions and diction. Now, I am biased to descriptions; I do prefer for there to be a little more in describing a scene and/or a character. Your descriptions are limited, but I do see your trying explain things a little more, like in the opening paragraph of episode two. Keep going with that. You can give a little more detail about your characters in their introduction scenes other than hair and eye color. You could mention clothing, scars and marks, skin tone, skin texture, hair texture, clothing quality, etc. And you can spread out the details throughout the scene. Jack is blond haired and blue eyed; that's all I have. But he's a hunter, so you could describe his build, his clothing, and texture/tone of his skin. And also, does he have ash blond hair, dirty blond, platinum? There's just more to be said. For diction, I noticed a few words were repeated (distant and heaviness). Not overly so, but you know, open thesaurus.com and just look for some synonyms. I might inspire better and more interesting word choices in the future.

That's all I have. Like I said good stuff, just take a bit to look more at the details of things. Hope this helps!

Read all 4 chapters. It's alright so far. I like most of your descriptive writing, and I think you're good at setting tone/tension in some scenes.

I didn't see the point in making chapter 1 and 2 separate meetings. I would've preferred starting with chapter 2, starting your story clearly telling me who these two characters are and their relationship. Then have Eamon explain the Scourges and hint at Jack being the chosen one.

Seems too early to really judge much else. I assume you'll detail more about the town, then the journey Jack will be taking once he (I assume) is made the chosen one. Nothing about the premise really stands out yet from other fantasy stories like this, but the writing is decent enough that I'd wanna read a few more chapters to see where it goes. Please continue writing.

I really appreciate you taking the time to through all the chapters so far and leave very helpful feedback.
I guess you're right about chapter 1 and 2. I wanted chapter 1 be like an introduction to the story and by focusing on Eamon, the prophecy and tales of the scourge while chapter 2 would shed more light on Jack and the role he might play in everything. But I could have totally blended the two together in a way
I'll definitely check out your work as well

I'll take feedback
GLASSFLOWER
URSA AND THE SCARF SQUAD
Let me tell you a tale.

From the Dead Oceans, Kumamoto Setsune reawakens after thirty hundred years. Without a home, with who knows how much time left, and with her life the target of many an Aeternum, Disaster Beast, and more, she travels towards her old home. In the Great City of Rem, she seeks to find something for herself.

Welcome to the Recycling Theatre, enjoy your stay
Genres: Fantasy, Action, Drama
Sub genres: LGBTQ, Slow Burn, Sci Fi
Inspirations: Gintama, Symphogear, Castlevania

I'd like some feedback on my latest work. I'm worried I'm not explaining things well enough or if I'm rushing with this or that (or over-explaining and making things predictable/boring). I'm willing to return the gesture to anyone willing to help me out, just...uh, in a few days though :sweat_smile:

I read the first chapter of your story and here are my thoughts.
1: The first chapter seems to be an info dump except it's about nothing I don't know about. I find stories that start like this I don't continue reading. The discussion is between two people I don't know about and really don't care about (yet). Introducing your character in dialogue is a slow way to introduce them. I would have shown the sage being a sage.
2: The story is fine. It seems interesting. The timeline of every 500 years means the civilization is basically stagnate. A lot happens in 500 years, but that is fantasy so it matches the tropes. Nothing wrong in the fantasy genre
3: As for structure, the “description followed by dialogue” was making reading it tough. Every dialogue line doesn't need a descriptor. It slows the story.

I think you did a great job. It was very easy to understand In my opinion. I think it's quite interesting to start a story with cruelty and death and I think it's sad that Valerie died after being heartbroken 🥲🥲 but at least the title tells you that it's reincarnation so there's nothing to worry about :+1::+1::+1:

Thank you! I'm more concerned with everything after the prologue but I'm glad to hear your thoughts on that too :pray: I'll get to yours soon, just been having internet trouble for weeks so it's a bit...unreliable :sweat_smile:

I checked out your comic and the first thing that stood out for me was the art style. It kinda reminds me of old style of cartoons from my childhood and I see your putting a lot of mature themes with a comical tone that makes it more engaging.
The only critique I'll give is the boxes were nothing is written should be more clearly pictured or maybe it's just me though. But overall it's a nice comic

I'm thrilled to see so many enthusiastic readers enjoying Shirley Woo on the Loose! As the creator, it means the world to me to hear your thoughts and feedback.

If you have any suggestions, ideas, or criticisms, please don't hesitate to share! I'm always looking for ways to improve and make the series more engaging for you all.

Synopsis
Shirley Woo is a curious and creative artist who loves exploring new places and trying new things. Alongside her quirky group of friends, Cheerful Harmony, Daisy, Cottonella, Stanley, and Mei-Lee. Shirley discovers hidden gems and makes unforgettable memories.


I read through your first two chapters, and what stands out to me most is your descriptiveness. Your use of imagery definitely helps to convey the mystery-geared atmosphere and helps to set up the tone of the story surrounding a dire prophecy.

Now for a few critiques if you don't mind. I like that you set up your characters through dialogue at the beginning of the story, but I feel that it could be made a bit more significant through action. Although word of narration and characters is definitely important, I believe that having them do something regarding their introductions would make who they are more memorable and leave stronger impressions on the reader.

Additionally, although the descriptiveness makes the reading really vivid and interesting to imagine, it sometimes gets in the flow of reading. Sometimes, it just feels better to skip to the next line of dialogue or next bit of action, so placing bits of imagery or tone descriptions in more strategic places would likely help the pacing of simply reading.

Overall, I do like your work so far and am looking forward to what's to come in the future! Good luck with your writing endeavors!

Here's my novel if you'd like to give the first few chapters a read and critique it as well!

Alright, I read the first three chapters and this is what I have to say.

First, the 2 first chapters had me confused. Why are Jack and Eamon having what feels like the same conversation twice? Not to mention how it REALLY feels like Chapter 2 should have been the start and an altered version of Chapter 1 go right after.

This can dissuade readers from giving your story a chance, because the time they could spend understanding what's happening they could go and read other novels. Always try to make the beginning as understandable and clean as possible.

You also take until the second chapter to reveal something about Jack, who I assume is the protagonist. Another issue is that most that is revealed about him is through you telling it. You talk about his strength of character, but what does that mean? Does he has a strong will to resist tempations? Is he brave in the face of fear?

For example, in Eragon one of the first things we see him doing is hunting to help feed his family. Then when he sees a jewel-like rock he tries to use it to pay for meat at the butcher, instead of using said money for himself. That informs much about him without ever having to say he care for his uncle and cousin.

Another thing is the Scourge. While you did manage to pick my interest in it, it felt too vague and mysterious for me to care. As a general thought, you should try to make the threat the antagonistic force presents somewhat clear and why they should be stopped, by showing its effects.

In Mistborn, it begins showing how living under the Final Empire is for the lower classes. It makes very clear the reason why the Lord Ruler is a monster that has to be stopped.

Overall this wouldn't be a novel I would read on a normal day, but it has some elements that, if refinned, can lead to a great story and experience. Hope you don't get disheartened by my words and keep honing your skills.

And, if you aren't too angry and has the time to spare, I would appreciate if you could give some feedback on my own novel. I also want some good critique to keep improving.

Thanks for the honest criticism. I really appreciate the time you took to read it.
You made valid points and I better get to work on that first two chapters before it's too late.
I will also check your novel when I'm free