Hidden Gems Awards 2018 [CONCLUDED]

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Throwing this last happy-snappy celebration before I go to sleep. Happy morning/night to you, whenever the notification comes.

Congratulation to those who made it through Round 4.

Those who remains have their score equal or above 75% (meaning at least 41.25/55).

Those with their name and book title bolded means they made it.

The following list is in no particular order.

1. Things We Lost by @madisueb

Score: 34/60

Review: It didn't start off with a good bang, had a lot of grammar issues. Interesting plot, just wished that the author would proofread more because the grammar is not good.

2. Bullet by @KlaraSofe

Score: 49/60

Review: Good plot, cool descriptions. Grammar was good with a few bad sentences that don't make sense. Interesting and unique plot.

3. The Kingdoms of Shinsung - Book One - Sun and Shadow by @Elflover21

Score 55/60

Review: Its a really great book! The plot is so interesting and the grammar is so great! The descriptions are really thought out well, it's really good! The cover of the book could be much better, and the description is a bit too long and too extra.

4. The Third Alignment by @MichaelHoliday

SCORE: 50/55

Flawless Grammar, beautiful descriptions and some early intrigue. Very well written story. The characterization in particular stands out. The characters felt like real people and I love all the little details and movements you give them. If I had to nit pick, it'd be the description. It's solid and still really good but I feel like it would be stronger without the second and fourth paragraph. (Or use the second paragraph in place of the last paragraph?) Less is more. Packs more punch.

This was, for the most part, a really close race. Each of these stories was well thought out and entertaining, but in the end I had to give first place to The Third Alignment. The quality of writing and depth of editing is pro-level. Go forth and publish, man!

5. The Poisoned Tree by @CeliaPotter

SCORE: 44/55

I thought this story was I interesting and the character of Prometheus in particular intrigued and entertained. I found the introduction to Abby's companions a bit forced though. Don't feel rushed to describe them all at once. Maybe introduce them all a briefly and then use the following chapters to flesh them out a bit. Great start to what promises to be a compelling adventure story (and I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't already shipping Prometheus and Abby!)

6. Stormbringer: History of Brothers by @RainingStorms

SCORE: 39/55

I really liked this story for its humor and light hearted vibe, but I had a hard time getting behind the characters. I think, for me, it just didn't feel like they were really 5 and 8 (or 4 and 7) at the beginning and some of the antics seemed a bit over the top. (Actually, it struck me as an anime, and if that's the aim, then it's perfect!)