Alternate Book Reviews

Review #16: Ten

A sort of disclaimer for intolerant and butt hurt lads.

I recognize the time and effort of the writer and their dedication towards their work. I don't intend to insult or mock their work in any way. I just intend to give an honest review of how I feel and see the book. My review wouldn't be applicable after they've edited their book, so don't be the dumbass who wages a war about my review being stupid. Definitely contains spoilers.

TITLE: Ten

Author: @_Yoshi_

Title and Cover – {7.5/10}

The title holds impact in context and is relevant. The cover though relevant doesn't catch one's eye and can be improved.

Blurb/Summary – {5/10}

The blurb is concise and explains the conflict, but isn't impactful. It didn't draw my attention or made me want to read the book to find out. I would suggest working on the blurb to make it more attractive.

Grammar and Vocabulary – {9/10}

Flow and Pace of the Story – {9/10}

Detail/Description – {8/10}

Overall Story – {8/10}

Cliffhangers – {8/10}

Originality – {8/10}

The different perspectives add to the originality of the story.

Character Development – {8/10}

The characters are flawed and have room to grow and learn.

Overall Score: 70.5/90

General Feedback

The story develops in an interesting manner exploring emotions and conflicts of the character. It is very descriptive and creates beautiful imagery of the scene. Kate has been used as a device for exposition about the virus. I really like how the car scene was used to depict the virus. The story, however, does work strangely as the character in the prologue almost behaves like there is no virus existing in the world and is engaged in mundane things. It is understandable that he wouldn't worry about the virus all the time, but at least once it must cross his mind. It is also a little difficult to understand why the doctors aren't firstly approaching patients with concerns of a virus or testing them for the same, given it is so widespread and an endemic. Apart from that, the story has an interesting arc and perspectives and I am intrigued to know more.

SPECIFIC THINGS

Chapter 1

I have some feedback on some of the creative choices. Of course, I am in no position to comment on what is right or not, but it does help in setting a particular tone to the story. The butler coming in to greet a princess does seem rather forward as it usually would start with a maid rather than the butler himself, especially when waking up a royal. Butlers usually have more status than that. In addition to that, the butler would abide by etiquette such as bowing his head while entering and leaving and wouldn't call her milady when she is a princess and not a lady and thus address her as her royal highness. So, just little tweaks would make it more authentic in terms of it being a stuffy royal household and increasing it when they abandon protocol in disgust. Similarly, when the princess meets Prince Joseph given that he is the heir, she will have to curtsy and they both have to curtsy to the monarch when they enter the study.

I find it hard to believe that given the existence of mobile phones, the internet and the news, Kate has no idea of how the virus looks and what it is. But, I imagine they do not exist in this world.

The plight of the people outside the castle and the shooting could have elaborated and described in a better way. The reaction of the servants or staff in the event of an attack could have been explored.