Vide Noir
by elina_ailinielCOMMENTS
FANTASY CATEGORY
Judge Exrineance- BOOKCOVER: 4 / 5
Out of respect for the phenomenal story it contained, I believe the green cover did not fully convey its excellence. The book turned out to be an intergalactic adventure, a concept that never would have occurred to me just by looking at the cover.
- DESCRIPTION: 7 / 7
The description truly speaks for itself. I appreciate the succinct and straightforward approach without unnecessary embellishments. The way it captures my interest in such a concise manner is remarkable. Elements such as Frankie, Wesley, Black Void, and the Emerald Star are all seamlessly integrated into the synopsis, maintaining their relevance without giving away any potential spoilers regarding their roles in the story.
- CHARACTERS: 23 / 23
Each character in the book felt incredibly genuine, and I found myself able to empathize with many of their perspectives. I truly connected with their emotions during various scenes, making them all very relatable. Despite their experiences in space being far beyond anything I will ever encounter in my lifetime, they were able to effectively convey their feelings to me. Usually, I don't become emotionally invested in characters from novels because I understand they are fictional and exist solely within the confines of the book. However, Halester's character evoked stronger negative emotions in me compared to Temoxandra.
- GRAMMATICAL/TYPOGRAPHICAL: 12 / 12
I must commend the author for delivering a solid punch with this story. It truly exemplifies their keen attention to detail and dedication to the craft of writing. Well done.
- PLOT: 23 / 25
An interesting observation is how the experience of Louisa in the drug Vide Noir mirrors the plight of the female lead character in the drama "Derailment". Both were abducted and coerced into taking drugs until their senses became clouded. The inclusion of science fiction elements in both plots adds a unique twist. What sets this story apart is the careful balance of sci-fi elements-only adding necessary components without overwhelming the storyline with unnecessary drama.
- NARRATIVE: 20 / 20
Another impressive aspect of this work deserves recognition. I am truly amazed by the author's attention to detail. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, the storytelling is exceptionally well-crafted. It flows effortlessly, resembling the smoothness of butter or the stealth of a criminal on a secret mission.
- GENRE: 8 / 8
The story is truly compelling, as I perceived it to be a narrative centered around space exploration using an enchanting old car of Wesley's father. However, the story proved to be more profound, delving into a profound quest for freedom.
- OVERALL NOTE
As this is a competition, I had to delve into the technical aspects. However, setting aside the technicalities, I genuinely found Vide Noir to be a captivating read. It truly drew me into the narrative and made me contemplate the characters' motivations.
FEEDBACK
- What was my first impression as a reader?
I initially believed that the story would mainly revolve around Wesley as he journeys in the old car towards the Emerald Star. However, I have come to realize that the narrative encompasses much more than a simple road trip or rather a space trip.
- Which character did I like out of everyone?
I have a strong preference for Britanny to secure this position. I truly believe she is deserving of it. However, it was Louise who truly won me over in the end, particularly when Wesley mentioned that Emeraldime resembles her in his eyes. As for who I disapprove of, it is unequivocally Halester. His actions led to Louisa's demise, yet he continues to show up until the very end. It is my firm belief that he is the one who should meet his end.
- Which unexpected scene left me emotional?
Rather than being emotional, I found myself becoming super excited once the story transitioned to being told by Louisa. I had been on the edge of my seat since chapter one, but when I reached her part, I couldn't resist any longer and had to stand up to contain my excitement.
- Which part of the book did I like?
I like the title because I believe it embodies the essence of the story. I appreciate how it began and concluded with the same theme, focusing on the black void. In some cases, titles may not directly relate to the content of the novel, but 'Vide Noir' certainly remains faithful to its central theme.
- What did I not like about the story?
Everything about the story was captivating to me. From start to finish, it held my interest, and I was so engrossed that I even found myself casting a curse on one of the fictional characters. How could anyone find fault with it?
- Advice
Other than the points mentioned earlier, I don't have any additional feedback. I genuinely loved reading the story.
BINABASA MO ANG
Feedback From Us (BYR)
RandomA part of Break Your Record 2024 activity. Here lies the feedback from our judges to our winners and some contestants.