EC Fiction Awards '24 [Closed]

☃️ Scores: Mystery & Thriller

📌 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: Saramitra_
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Title: Clap - The Sound of Death
Author: Sadhana_2006

Total Score: 85/100

Strength:

The story effectively creates a sense of anxiety and suspense, particularly through Laila's character. The reader feels her fear and paranoia, which draws them into the narrative.

The mystery surrounding Laila's nightmares, the shadowy figure, and the murder she witnesses keeps the reader engaged. The constant tension and unanswered questions make the story a page-turner.

Laila's perspective is distinct and consistent, adding depth to her character and making her experiences more immersive. Her voice clearly drives the story forward.

The interactions between Laila and her friends, especially Sheeran, add complexity and keep the dialogue lively. These relationships enrich the narrative and offer insight into Laila's state of mind.

The author successfully uses a unique, innovative style to portray a grim and gloomy world through Laila's eyes, which sets the tone effectively.

What can be improved?:

The shift to the Mother's POV lacks clarity and distinct voice, which may confuse readers and disrupt the flow of the story. Developing a stronger, more identifiable voice for the Mother could improve these sections.

As the story progresses, the narrative becomes less smooth and harder to follow. This could be due to rushed pacing or unclear transitions between scenes. More attention to narrative flow would enhance the reading experience.

Integrating dialogue into paragraphs with descriptions sometimes makes it difficult to follow who is speaking or what is being said. Separating dialogue from descriptive passages could improve readability.

While the beginning is engaging, the middle sections could benefit from more hooks or cliffhangers to maintain the reader's interest. The shifts in POV may also dilute the suspense if not handled carefully.