Book Reviews

Review 1 ➣ @angiexvi

The Plan - entire novel

Title: It seems to be very telling on the focus point of the plot. What it lacks in novelty, it conquers in accuracy.

Cover: I'd give this a 7/10. The author's name can be seen clearly even on a phone screen. The title font, however, can stand out more. It's not downright incomprehensible, but a thicker brown border might do the trick. The background adds to the atmosphere of the genre: Historical fiction. The color scheme is aesthetic and easy on the eyes.

Blurb: You've given the readers a perfect view of the antagonist forces and fatality of the protagonist's plan. The era of the novel is revealed quickly, which indirectly points at the genre as well!

I found grammar errors that can be easily fixed in the second line.

Although there's an effort to paint the dangers that await the protagonist, Anastasia, there's no mention of the stakes. Essentially, readers understand Anastasia's opponents but have nothing(or a vague idea) on what exactly would befall the princess. What does she have to lose?

First chapter: The immediate introduction of the main characters and the stakes being implied are good. The ending of the first chapter has a boom effect, very effective.

The inciting incident needs more work. I'm assuming it's the suitors? Regardless, the conversation between the main character and the potential suitor should give away more than the man's name. You can try working the stakes in here instead of the start of the chapter.

The homoerotic relationship between Caspen and Lucas can be hinted at in The Breakfast too(readers feel too blindsided when Anastasia confronts them in the latter chapters.)

The phrase 'intrusive thoughts' is used in the last paragraph. Although the phrase's literal meaning is correct, that phrase is not usually used in this context. Intrusive thoughts are borne by mentally ill people, who never want these thoughts nor act upon them, both of which Anastasia does.

Other chapters: [chapter 2] Anastasia confides in Caspen that their father "placed his hands on me this morning." This connotes sexual implications, when in fact, she was talking about physical abuse.

[chapter 2 part 2] No need for a trigger warning in this chapter.

[chapter 3] Put the trigger warning closer to the actual triggering part of the chapter. 'Sexual implications, themes' is too vague. Specify the incident with one sentence.

[chapter 3 part 3] A tad too long.

[chapter 4 part 2] Damn, did not expect her to die.

[chapter 5] TOO sad.

[chapter 6] Trigger warnings need to be placed closer to the actual incident. Additionally, it needs to be much more specific. For example, 'Beheading- gore.' Similarly, create specific trigger warnings to warn your readers, a balance between not too vague and without too many details.

Ending: Grief was very poignant and the unfairness of it all was highlighted till the very end. I personally liked this ending; however, this may be unsatisfactory to some. I found it somewhat realistic, as most real stories don't have happy endings. Not everything ends in victory. This ending serviced that sentiment, I think.

Style: I appreciated the diction and careful attention to formality, reflecting the era the novel was placed in. Historical jargon and research is well done.

Characters: Anastasia was shown as headstrong and outspoken, even though she lived in a patriarchal society. But what really caught my eye was her stubbornness that was portrayed as both good and bad.

She went through her brother's things without permission, even when he specifically begged her not to. There's grayness in her character, making her greater than the victim role that'd been meted out to her.

There were some interesting points in Caspen as well. He was well educated and liberal, but he also smoked and drank alcohol excessively.

Your characters really shine when I see these small inverse characteristics in them.

Grammar: Can improve. A free grammar-check website/proofreader/editor would be enough.