EC Fiction Awards '24 [Closed]

☃️ Scores: ChicLit & General Fiction

📌 We have not exclusively tagged or highlighted the winners names, rather we are publishing the scores and reviews of all the entries at first. Further on, once we have all the genres up, a separate chapter with the list of winners will go up highlighting the names. However, it'd be quite evident by scores as to who is leading in a particular category!

📌 We will contact the winners regarding prizes after publishing the results of all the genres. Given that Wattpad DMs are no longer a way to communicate, we will reach out to the winners and establish a route through which the prizes can be delivered.

JUDGE: CrownedMadness
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TITLE:: Vision Quest
Author:: CFarley982
Review::

•• First impression: 7/10
The title is not what you would expect for a romance novel, but it fits the unconventional nature of the entire book and suggests a plot centered around a search, which makes sense after reading. The book cover fails to be attractive and to reflect the fun nature of the book and its genre (at best, it gives off sci-fi vibes). The blurb is amusing and hooking; however, the formatting makes some details nonsensical (maybe it's intended), such as "criminals are apprehended," and a bit confusing without reading the book, which defeats the purpose of a blurb. The chapters are in an accessible format. 

•• Concept/Plot: 14/15
The storyline is fresh, compelling and amusing with the coyote pov, the concept of a vision quest, and spirit animals represented in Indigenous culture—definitely an atypical romance fiction. Yet even as it is absurd, the portrayal is very grounded. 

•• Voice of author & characters: 14/15
I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style from the very first paragraph. It's humorous and engaging, with just the right description and detail. The characters, well-developed with distinct personalities, offered their own unique voice. However, I did feel that the coyote's narration could be more involved within the storyline rather than being an omniscient explanation. Nonetheless, the overall work is still wonderful and engaging.

•• Plot & Character Development: 13/15
The pacing of the story is well done. The first chapter introduces the plot and characters in an engaging manner without overwhelming the reader. By the sixth chapter, it felt natural to see Ritu and Roger go on a date, and the progression towards the end felt eventful. However, I did find the beginning chapters to be slightly repetitive. Although it was clarified that this was intentional within the narrative, I suggest going over the choppiness of the beginning chapters, which will improve the overall flow and engagement. I must also mention that the info-sprinkling was clever and done right. 

The characters' growth is visible, and getting to know them is almost like peeling the layers off—surprising yet believable. They seem tangible and well-developed overall in their thoughts, actions and reactions.