Hidden Gems Awards 2018 [CONCLUDED]

HORROR [CONCLUSION]

Guess what?

We've four winners for this category.

Yes, it pained me to say this, but Horror will ends with 4 winners, instead of 3.

I've take a look at all entries, in an attempt to see if we should have a second Semi-Final, but, reading these entries, my score agrees to the judge's.

For this round, I'll just go traditional and have the winners as the top 4 scores.

The finalists list is at the end of this chapter. Scroll through to see your book review, I've bolded the book title and total score for easier view.

Here we go.

The list is in no particular order.

1. Wind by @AmyMarieZ

Title: 3/5

Plot: 8/10

Characterization: 7/10

Cover: 3/5

Description: 4/5

Grammar: 9/10

Creativity: 8/10

Total: 42/55

Review: The somber and gloomy tune in the story really brings out the suspense element in the story. There are some subtle clues that foreshadow the horrors that are to come. The descriptions are well-written, though there are occasions where the writer went overboard by being too detail-oriented, which drags the story pace.

2. Solitary by @osbert_dw

Title: 4/5

Plot: 6/10

Characterization: 7/10

Cover: 2/5

Description: 2/5

Grammar: 7/10

Creativity: 7/10

Total: 35/55

Review: There is an element of intrigue as the main characters tries to figure out the mystery behind his unexpected confinement. What would have been good descriptions are marred by odd word choices and an overuse in adverbs. Sometimes it's okay to use simple words and sentences to express ideas in the story. Also, the writer may want to consider separating flashbacks and present scenes to avoid confusion on the timeline.

3. Death is only the beginning by @A_Sinful_Writer

Title: 4/5

Plot: 9/10

Characterization: 7/10

Cover: 4/5

Description: 2/5

Grammar: 5/10

Creativity: 6/10

Total: 37/55

Review: The plot is very action-packed, which helps keep things interesting in the story. The descriptions are very thorough and detailed, and paint a vivid picture of life in the zombie apocalypse. I see a lot of interaction between the characters, though more can be done on individual character development.

4. Battle of the Killers by @KozmicKookieDxD

Title: 3/5

Plot: 9/10

Characterization: 8/10

Cover: 4/5

Description: 3/5

Grammar: 8/10

Creativity: 6/10

Total: 41/55

Review: The concept isn't original, but the plot is interesting enough to keep readers engaged. The descriptions are quite graphic, which easily allows readers to visualize what is happening in the story. While the actions scenes are amazing, more exploration into Tini's (and other character's) psychological state would definitely help set this story apart from the typical 'killer game' stories.

5. The Sacrifice's Revenge by @joharateregeyor

Title: 4/5

Plot: 7/10

Characterization: 7/10

Cover: 4/5

Description: 3/5

Grammar: 6/10

Creativity: 6/10

Total: 37/55

Review: The back from the dead revenge plot is interesting, but the story pace feels rushed. There's very little description in the story, which makes it hard to visualize the setting and characters. There is a sense of satisfaction in reading about how Nicolette gets her revenge.

  Please, applaud for the winners:  

THE WINNER LIST

>> FIRST PLACE: Wind by @AmyMarieZ with 42/55

>> SECOND PLACE: Battle of the Killers by @KozmicKookieDxD with 41/55

>> THIRD PLACE: Death is only the beginning by @A_Sinful_Writer and The Sacrifice's Revenge by @joharateregeyor with 37/55

    Pray to luck and talents, thank you and congratulation to the winners. 

   

Sincerely sorry to @osbert_dw. You're so, so, so close, my friend. Enter next year. I'm sure you can win, now that you know your weak points.

Also, fun fact about Eva's Personal Life: She's branded a heartless creature (aka a hard marker) by her teammates, while they're collaborating on grading other groups' essay skeleton. Well, I wasn't buffing, right?