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*** #7- Leeward, @empiresofwater

Here's your review, and I hope it helps!

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User- @empiresofwater

Book- Leeward

Genre- Historical Fiction

Link to the book --------------->

Cover-Your cover seems very tense, and we can see the ship tipping in the stormy seas. You build up the tension with the cover itself. We know where the story is set, what's happening, and I do think that it matches the title. 

It's a relatively simple cover, with tones of brown (I don't know why I'm saying this, you can obviously see the cover). If you don't mind, could I just say something? It doesn't stand OUT. Somebody might just scroll past it when looking through stories like yours in a list. It definitely reflects the story well, the title is visible, you chose a great cover! Maybe increase the brightness some? 

Title-Leeward means facing away from the wind. Does your story reflect this? Well, I think so, from what I know about the story right now. Facing away from the wind, hmm. On the cover, you gave a small subtitle, or an ominous quote. But when you stare at the title for some time, doesn't it seem lonely? Maybe you should add a smaller subtitle to it. 

 I'm terrible at naming things, and I don't know the story as well as you, but it's just a suggestion. Subtitles definitely draw the reader in more, as the subtitle sometimes reflects what happens in the story more in the title. But I still LOVE the title, honestly. It's so simple and quick, like a salty breeze at sea. "Leeward". 

 Blurb-Your blurb is really good. Only an over-criticizing person as I would find something even possible to improve upon it. I can see what's happening in the story. You set up the characters well, as well as the conflict. Your blurb-writing skills are superb! However, right when you say "He falls into a depression", and some other areas, just a quick suggestion, you might want to add some adjectives, like "spiraling" or "devastating", and in other areas too. Just a suggestion, your story is still amazing!

Characters-Okay, so since this is a first chapter review shop, we don't have too much character development, as it also was a relatively short chapter. But I can immediately tell that the main character is calm and experienced in times of danger. He didn't waver from his guise of just-calmness. Like, I can't describe it any other way. He seems like the calm in the storm. You describe him very well. I didn't get too much fo the other characters, so sadly, I can't elaborate much on this. 

Setting-Your first line is the time. Though many people don't realize this, time is a crucial part of the setting. Often, someone can imagine a place just by getting a year. You did that. In addition, you provide exceptional descriptions about where the ship is exactly, and its state. I think that you set up the area really well. One more thing I could add-literally the only thing I can add-is that maybe give more of a sense of the enemy ship as well? You already have given a lot of detail though.   

Plot-You come in rushing with a plot, and throw it into our faces, and the reader is immediately hooked in. They are on a ship that is steadily sinking, almost submerged and succumbing to the tempest of the murky seas. What description! I appreciate that part. 

 While your figurative language, description, and otherwise are all great, and your tension building is superb, a reader may get lost in the prose. You include a hefty amount of detail and vocabulary, and some of it (not all, most adds a nice charm, but some) draws away from the plot, draws away from the fact that they are currently on top of a sinking ship. Maybe try to shorten that just a little bit? It makes the story a bit lighter, and easier to read. I'm excited to continue! This story is on my (now rather long) Reading List! I hope to see what the general does next! 

One more thing-I don't know if you do this in later chapters as well, but maybe include a little more plot in each chapter. This one is strengthened by great description, figurative language, and setting set-up, but the readers REALLY want somma that juicy plot! 

 Other Notes-Grammar? Great! Dialogue? Great! Setting? Great! I obviously don't have your extensive vocabulary! Your descriptions are an anomaly, truly. They stand out amongst the crowd, the jewel in your magnificent crown. You use them to your advantage, but sometimes, you may overuse them. The reader will continue reading, of course, but he or she may skim past the parts where you put in the most effort! Maybe work a little on adding a little more plot in each chapter. Otherwise, the story has a great beginning and I look forward to reading more, which is how any reader should feel! Final Notes-The only places where you need to work on are the initial appearance and some lowering of description! Otherwise, you have woven a gripping story that has hooked me! 

 Sorry for the delay in reviewing! I suck, lol.  

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