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❄ Hero - Book 1 - Journey to the East Book | John ❄

Reviewed by: HuntedAcolyte

Book title: Hero – Book 1 – Journey to the East Book

Author's name: Thewbs

This will be a spoiler-free review.

Title: 6/10

Given the book's post-apocalyptic setting and overall plot, I feel the title doesn't quite align. It doesn't evoke the sense of an adventure through the wasteland. Instead, it suggests more of a hero's journey set in ancient times.

Cover: 10/10

The cover is absolutely stunning, vibrant, eye-catching, and perfectly suited to the setting. The colors beautifully capture the post-apocalyptic theme, with the blacks and reds creating a striking contrast that demands attention. The attention to detail is remarkable, making the design truly stand out. This is a cover to be proud of for it is genuinely exceptional.

Blurb: 8/10

The description is well-crafted and intriguing, effectively drawing readers in and showcasing the story's appeal. However, it would benefit from including how the world fell, as learning about the collapse is often one of the most compelling aspects of a post-apocalyptic narrative. Even so, it does a great job of capturing interest and conveying the essence of the story.

Overall Plot: 6/10

The overall plot is intriguing and straightforward. The protagonist's journey to find Eden—a place rumored to be free of conflict, abundant with greenery, and where water is plentiful—is simple yet compelling. This goal provides a clear driving force for the story. Along the way, the protagonist faces the ever-present danger of the Freaks, a group of cannibalistic, mutated humans who seem to appear wherever they go. The protagonist must carefully navigate around them to avoid becoming their next meal—or worse.

However, the execution of this plot raises some issues. Eden is introduced as a mere rumor, and while it serves as the protagonist's primary goal, it lacks depth. Multiple instances of peril arise along the way, but these are often brushed aside, and the story quickly returns to the quest for Eden. At one point, the protagonist even halts their pursuit of this goal, only to resume it later with little motivation aside from a certain event. This unwavering determination feels hollow, as the protagonist never truly questions whether Eden exists or why they should go there. Similarly, the characters who share this goal blindly believe in Eden's existence and never challenge the protagonist about its plausibility.

To enhance the story, the protagonist should grapple with doubts about Eden. There should be moments where they reconsider whether pursuing Eden is worth the risk or even possible. Their desire to reach Eden should also feel personally driven—whether it's to escape their current reality, find redemption, or fulfill a deeply rooted emotional need and not because another character wants them to find it. Currently, this motivation feels underdeveloped. The protagonist never seems to weigh the risks of chasing Eden or consider where it might actually be; instead, they blindly head in one direction.

A stronger approach would be to plant clues that hint at Eden's existence while also introducing reasons to doubt it. These conflicting elements could create tension and force the protagonist to confront their choices. Perhaps they encounter someone who claims to have been there, fueling their determination to press on when they might otherwise have chosen a different path. By giving the protagonist a deeper connection to their goal and challenging their belief in Eden, the narrative would become more dynamic, engaging, and emotionally resonant.