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1,954 Public Reviews Given
1,973 Total Reviews Given
Review Style
I tend to write in depth reviews, discussing all aspects I feel need addressing. I am always positive and encouraging, but I'm also honest. If I feel something needs looking at, I will mention it.
I'm good at...
I'm a grammar and punctuation fiend. It is always one of the first things that strikes me about a piece of writing. I'm also good at offering suggestions to back up any comments I make. I'm always happy to re-review once changes have been made.
Favorite Genres
Dark or emotional poetry. The same goes for short stories; I like writing that makes me feel something. I love to read mysteries, thrillers, romance. I'll give anything a go, though.
Least Favorite Genres
Steampunk, sci-fi, fantasy.
Favorite Item Types
Emotional or dark poetry. Heart warming short stories. Mysteries. Thrillers.
Least Favorite Item Types
Chapters from the middle of books.
Public Reviews
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76
76
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hi Averren

I am reviewing your short story, "John and Ann... A beginning, as one of the judges for August's official contest, "Short Shots: Official WDC Contest. Thanks for entering, and good luck!

This review is in affiliation with "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group. Please remember any views are purely my own, and any advice is given with the sole intention of being helpful.

My first thoughts: I enjoyed this prequel to your longer story. My first thought is you should definitely explore these two characters more fully. Although they have only just met in this story, there is already a special connection that makes me want to learn more about them. The other thing I thought as I was first going through it was, I wondered how you had included the contest prompt. But I had that question answered at the end and, actually, I think it works perfectly that way. It is a safe place (hopefully) for Ann to recover from the beast's attack.

Plot: John has robbed some kind of institution and is on the run from the people trying to catch him. Just what, or, who, those people are and what place he robbed, we don't know. I wondered whether it is the police or the bad guys who want to kill John and are chasing him. Whoever they are, they are managing to stay very close. I wonder if there is magic involved in keeping track of him? Meanwhile, Ann and her cousin Damian wait for a person to appear who they have been commissioned to kill. (Is this person John, I wonder?) However, an evil, massive beast appears and kills John and badly injures Ann. Along comes John who rescues Ann and takes her to the library. Again, I love that John carries her to this magical library.

Characters: I am completely intrigued by your characters. Ann seems as though she is a bit of an outcast among her own folk. She seems down on her luck, and I would love to know why. What has led up to her taking a job as a hitwoman? John is equally interesting. Who was he stealing from, and why? It seems as though he's done it before, so maybe he's a career criminal. I'm not sure. He clearly has a heart because, despite him realising Ann is Fae, he still rescues her.

Grammar: Just a few suggestions. I have put them in this dropnote:
Grammar/Spelling/Typos

What I liked: I loved how the story started right in the middle of the action. Right in the middle of John's robbery. I loved that some of the library books look completely untouched by nature. They look as though they have been "protected by magic." I suspect that may well be the case! I think you have set up your longer story really nicely with this short story.

Suggestions:Just one small niggle. Near the beginning, when John is trying to escape his pursuers, he has just jumped over the wall and ran into the woods. Then you write, "John woke with a start." This seemed like an odd thing to say. John is running for his life, and the first time he pauses, he falls asleep? It doesn't ring true to me.

I enjoyed reading your entry. Thanks, again, for entering.


Choconut

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*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
77
77
Review of Long After Humans  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (3.5)
Hi AmyJo- only 2 steps behind -

I am reviewing your short story, "Long After Humans, as one of the judges for August's official contest, "Short Shots: Official WDC Contest. Thanks for entering, and good luck!

This review is in affiliation with "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group. Please remember any views are purely my own, and any advice is given with the sole intention of being helpful.

My first thoughts: My first impression is how good your descriptive writing is. I enjoyed everything about the way you told us about the long-abandoned library and the way Mother Nature has reclaimed it for her own. That's a great way of reading this prompt.

Plot: If I'm honest, I didn't actually feel much of a plot here. It is more of a description of building that has been overtaken with verdant plants and weeds, and Mother Nature has moved in. Because you didn't really have characters, aside from Mother Nature and, possibly, the library itself, we didn't get any dialogue. You write as an omniscient narrator and tell us about this old library. You do give a few hints as to why it is abandoned — for example, the extinction of the human race. I would have loved to learn more about that. Like, what happened to humans? Did we fight and fight until all were dead? Or was it some kind of nature disaster? I know you say it is. mystery why humans have gone, but I think that could be an interesting avenue to explore. It would bring the story more to life. In my opinion.

Characters: The narrator is probably the main character, now I think of it. The narrator sounds a little scornful of humans, especially when she describes the effort humans took to make a structure devoid of Nature. Nature is the other living, breathing character. She is growing all over the old library, and she will soon have taken over completely. Maybe this is a lesson that Nature is something we can't underestimate.

What I liked: Your descriptions. You do a great job of placing your reader inside the library. I, for one, would never have taken this place for grated! I have to admit, I felt sad for the books who have waited patiently for humans to caress them, to drink in their knowledge. But they have been left alone. That's genuinely quite sad.

Suggestions: My only suggestion would be, if you were to expand on this story, you could introduce some characters. They don't have to be alien, per se. They could be plants, Mother Nature herself. Just a thought.

I enjoyed reading your entry. Thanks, again, for entering.


Choconut

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*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
78
78
Review of The Library  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hi J.R. PETE

I am reviewing your short story, "The Library, as one of the judges for August's official contest, "Short Shots: Official WDC Contest. Thanks for entering, and good luck!

This review is in affiliation with "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group. Please remember any views are purely my own, and any advice is given with the sole intention of being helpful.

My first thoughts: Well. This story was not what I first thought. It is a story about battles and a race of Merfolk who have been fighting with different factions, mainly the Sunners, for years. But it is so much more than that. It is a story about love and relationships and about courage and doing the right thing. I was utterly charmed by this story.

Plot: I can honestly say, I have never read a poem about Merfolk before. It's not something I would have ever chosen. But the relationship between Marisol and Oceana, her father, is beautifully written. And I was intrigued to learn how you would incorporate the contest prompt. You did this in a unique manner, and it fit really well within your story. Very creative! I also liked the way you included parallels between this world and our world. For example, having a Senate was a great touch. I do have a slight issue with the first two or three paragraphs. There is nothing catchy and in-your-face about them. If I hadn't been judging this contest and read those, I may not have continued. And that would have been a shame because it's a really great story.

Characters: Marisol and Oceana. I know I've already mentioned this, but they are wonderful characters. The whole scene where he tells her about her mother, and tells her she has to go to the library to live and won't be able to come back, is heartbreaking. I could feel the sadness Oceana felt in having to say goodbye to his daughter forever. It brought a lump to my throat. I believe the start of the story is a teacher telling her pupils about the wars of past times. But, then, you switch to Oceana speaking to Marisol, and also to Marisol and Jetta. I did lose the thread a little, particularly in the beginning. I'm not sure if the teacher is the best device to convey the history. You show the history through Oceana's words to his daughter. And it doesn't matter that we don't learn about this until the two characters meet up. This is everything we need to know. If it were a longer story, you could still incorporate the history as the story goes along. I want to check something. Is Marisol 75? If so, how long do Merfolk live? Are they immortal? But Marisol seemed a lot younger than 75. Finally, I noticed how upset Marisol was when she learned of her mother's fate. I found this odd because, I thought, she already believed her mother was dead. So I didn't get how this made her more unhappy or surprised.

Grammar: Just a few suggestions. I have put them in this dropnote:
Grammar/Spelling/Typos

What I liked: The names you give your characters are fab. Sea Taker is my favourite. I love the whole world of Merfolk and whales and the way they all relate together. The backstory of wars and unrest is interesting. Also, the connections to our own world. This society seems much like ours in many ways. I also have to give you kudos for the imaginative direction you took the prompt.

Suggestions: Near the end, there are a couple of places where you switch your narration from past tense to present tense. It brought me out of the story momentarily. I would go through and check them, if I were you.

I enjoyed reading your entry. Thanks, again, for entering.


Choconut

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*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
79
79
Review of Let It Grow  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
Hi Amethyst Angel (House Mormont)

I am reviewing your short story, "Let It Grow, as one of the judges for August's official contest, "Short Shots: Official WDC Contest. Thanks for entering, and good luck!

This review is in affiliation with "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group. Please remember any views are purely my own, and any advice is given with the sole intention of being helpful.

My first thoughts: I really enjoyed this story. The whole time I was reading, I found myself wanting to shake Fiona and make her see how much Joseph loved her. I was glad she did see, in the end. I only hope it wasn't too late.

Plot: This is a love story set in 1792. Joseph and Fiona were once lovers (I think), but then Joseph went away to sea, Fiona felt abandoned and heartbroken that he was gone, and so when he returned, she didn't want to forgive him. She couldn't allow herself to be heartbroken again. Joseph, however, is secretly building a tropical garden with butterflies (Fiona's passion) and birds and lots of sweet smelling plants. The story ends with Fiona finally seeing the garden, and how much Joseph loves her. But this only happens because Joseph has the plague, and she rushes to his side. I was glad she went to him. The thing I wasn't sure about was why he had to have the plague. Like, in terms of the story. He doesn't die of it. We don't know whether he lives or dies, because you don't tell us. But, he didn't need to be ill for Fiona to go to him, for her to see the garden. She was intrigued by whatever Joseph was building, and she was going to see it as soon as she could. So, I'm just not sure giving Joseph the plague added anything to the story. At the same time, I did gasp when I read that the plague was ravaging the land. I was caught up in Fiona and Joseph's love story, so I wasn't expecting a major illness to come along. In that respect, I liked the addition of the plague. I guess, maybe, it would have felt more significant if we were to learn Joseph's fate at the end.

Characters: Joseph is a great character. He loves Fiona, and all he wants is to make her happy and to make up for breaking her heart when he went to sea. I was somewhat frustrated with him for not letting Fiona see the garden before it was finished, therefore, pushing her further away. Fiona, it took me a while to like her. She comes across as impatient and self-absorbed. As the story moves along, we learn how unhappy she has been since Joseph went to sea. But, again, is this a little selfish of her? He didn't go specifically to hurt her. He didn't stop loving her. Although, he could have communicated better when he returned, and spent time with her while building this secret garden separately.

Grammar: Just one suggestion. I have put them in this dropnote:
Grammar/Spelling/Typos

What I liked: Your despriptions of the garden are wonderful. I felt I was actually in the middle of it as I read. The birds, plants and butterflies are all described vibrantly and colourfully. I could feel the warm and humid atmosphere, and it was like I was in a tropical house. I really enjoyed this. I also loved how Fiona came through for Joseph at the end. The book on the bedside table was a nice touch.

Suggestions: I did struggle a couple of ties with the long conversation between Fiona and Lovena. They spoke a lot of about the Royal Navy and things that happened before Joseph's deployment and after. This lost me a little because I didn't know anything about the events, and Fiona spoke as though I did. (If that makes sense.) Similarly, when Lovena first mentions Paul, I had no clue he was her husband. It kind of slotted into place when I did find this out. But, I did feel a bit like an outsider in their conversation.

I enjoyed reading your entry. Thanks, again, for entering.


Choconut

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*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
80
80
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (3.0)
Hi Anna Marie Carlson

I am reviewing your short story, "The Abandoned Desk, as one of the judges for August's official contest, "Short Shots: Official WDC Contest. Thanks for entering, and good luck!

This review is in affiliation with "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group. Please remember any views are purely my own, and any advice is given with the sole intention of being helpful.

My first thoughts: I like the values you show as being important in this story. Love, patience, and not judging other people. I like those values. I also really like the desk, and at the end, when it was being left alone, I actually felt really sad for it. But, it all turned out well in the end.

Plot: There are two main plots in this story: the story of the magical desk that is able to talk to people and to make good things happen for them, being the first. Secondly, the story of Harmony's and Melody's parents abandoning them and then coming back into their lives. I am glad that things worked out well for the girls eventually. If I'm honest, I found it a bit hard to follow at times. For example, Melody asks Cynthia to find out where Harmony's mother is now. She does this, and her circumstances are explained a little. Then, Melody is speaking as though it were her mother who was found. "She suffered from anxiety and depression. Being a teenager, Melody didn't understand why she had been abandoned." The first sentence is about Harmony; the second sentence is about Melody. They follow on from one another in the same paragraph. I would start a new paragraph for the second sentence because it's confusing. Another confusing plot point is when Harmony's parents are killed. At least, I assume they are killed, but you don't actually say that. One moment, Harmony and Melody are living with them and happy, then, "Being witnesses to a crime, Melody's parents were targeted." And, suddenly, both girls are living with Melody's parents. I had to re-read this part over and over to understand what was happening.

I also want to mention how surprised I was to meet Harmony's dad about half way through the story. He hadn't been mentioned before; it was always just Harmony's mum. Then, suddenly, she has a dad who is living with them and (presumably) always has done. He just kind of appears from nowhere, though.

Characters: I love the connection between Harmony and Melody. I liked the names you created. They made me smile. The desk is a great character. Very endearing. The story feels magical, with the desk that feels the pain of humans and helps them to feel better. One thing I wondered: Why did the desk not speak to Cynthia?

Grammar: Just a couple of suggestions. I have put them in this dropnote:
Grammar/Spelling/Typos

What I liked: The talking, feeling, breathing desk is a great idea. I loved how the girls restored it at the end. It must have been a very happy desk. I love how much you made me feel for a desk! I was keen to know what would happen to Harmony and Melody by the end of the story. I hoped they would end up okay. I thought, at first, they went to live with Melody's parents. But they are both dead, so I assume the girls were adopted together. Which is lovely.

Suggestions: I have three main suggestions. One: to write in a more direct, less passive voice. The whole story is told, stating facts and things that have happened. But we don't see the story as though we are there. A lot of things are glossed over, and you don't dig deeply, you don't give us any big feelings. Which can mean we feel somewhat detached from the story. Two: You have packed a lot in, and it all gets a little confusing because, I think, you're telling it as you see it in your head. But, your readers can't see inside your head. Which leaves us trying to catch up a lot. More descriptions and thoughts and feelings would help us to see what's happening. Three: Character names. It really bogs the reader down to call each character by their full name each time they are mentioned. And they all have three names. You don't need to do this. We know who they are after a couple of mentions.

One more thing I wasn't sure about: the narrator intrusion at the end. The penultimate paragraph sounds like your voice, Anna Marie Carlson , and it isn't quite in keeping with the rest of the story where an omniscient narrator tells the story. But, here, you speak directly to your readers, as you, not the narrator, and it threw me a little.

I enjoyed reading your entry. I like the way your imagination works. Thanks, again, for entering.


Choconut

Purple Panther sig. 2. Gifted by  [Link To User tblakely5] .


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
81
81
Review of The lost city  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
Hi Sumojo

I am reviewing your short story, "The lost city, as one of the judges for August's official contest, "Short Shots: Official WDC Contest. Thanks for entering, and good luck!

This review is in affiliation with "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group. Please remember any views are purely my own, and any advice is given with the sole intention of being helpful.

My first thoughts: Wow. This is a dark tale of what is happening to the world with the climate change problems that face us. That's a great direction to take this prompt. I really like it. What I liked most is that it feels so real. This really could happen. Maybe not for another 200 years, but it could happen. You describe the atmosphere and wonder that the two explorers feel very well. I could feel the excitement Aria feels when she sees the library and is able to pull an ancient book off the shelf. I would have been very tempted to take that book with me, if I were her.

Plot: Roughly 100 years on from the Great Climate Shift, people live far underground as the earth's surface is destroyed and unsafe for humans to breathe. Two intrepid explorers investigate an old library that suffered a fire in Melbourne some years ago. This story follows the pair as they experience things they have only ever seen through AI before now. Real life books, for example. I love how you show the contrast between the two worlds, and how you show us how much humans have lost to climate change. I love the description of the pair being transported 500 metres below ground, then via tunnels that link everyone there. It felt claustrophobic and hot.

Characters: Aria and Kai. Both sympathetic, likeable characters. Aria grabbed my heart, though. She seemed to appreciate just what the old library symbolised, and how much she and Kai had lost due to th Great Climate Shift. Kai did, too, but Aria was better at vocalising her feelings. I love Aria's awe when she finds the book that is still intact. I can only imagine how exciting that would have been.

Grammar: Just a couple of suggestions. I have put them in this dropnote:
Grammar/Spelling/Typos

What I liked: I have to say kudos for showing us when the story is set by saying right at the beginning, “Melbourne State Library 1854” he read. “'Wow,' he whispered in awe. 'That’s over 400 years ago.'” That made me smile. I also love this from near the beginning of the story. You say that when Aria spoke, she, "whispered, as if to raise her voice would have been disrespectful to those who used to inhabit the library." The image that springs to mind is of someone discovering books for the first time (which, I guess, it is). It is such a wondrous notion. I absolutely love it.

Suggestions: Just one thing I'm not sure about. Why are Aria and Kai making this journey? They seem to be exploring and investigating, and they take a photo of everything. But I'm not sure what their mission is. I would have loved to know a little about that.

I really enjoyed reading your entry. Thanks, again, for entering.


Choconut

Purple Panther sig. 2. Gifted by  [Link To User tblakely5] .


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
82
82
Review of The Verdant  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hi WriterRick

I am reviewing your short story, "The Verdant, as one of the judges for August's official contest, "Short Shots: Official WDC Contest. Thanks for entering, and good luck!

This review is in affiliation with "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group. Please remember any views are purely my own, and any advice is given with the sole intention of being helpful.

My first thoughts: I really enjoyed this short story. I found your descriptions of the overgrown library really immersive. I could picture, smell, almost touch Elara's surroundings. You do a beautiful job of showing us everything about this world that Elara has found herself in.

Plot: Elara steps through a portal to a world that is not well cared for. She finds an old library that is overgrown and rotting. The books are crumbling and falling apart. But Elara sees the potential for beauty, and she restores the library to its former beauty and infuses the books with wonderful words. The whole place has a feeling of magic. It's brilliant. I guess my one question with regards to the plot is, where is this alternate universe? And where does Elara come from, and why does she step through the portal and then stay to look after the library?

Characters: The only character in this story is Elara. I like her. I think I may have felt the same way as she did about restoring the library. I admire the dedication she shows. However, I don't feel like I really know her very well. What is her motivation? Not just for restoring the library, but for travelling through the portal and staying in another realm. Because we don't know any of her background, it makes it more difficult to understand her motivations. I know this is a short story, so you didn't have much space for expanding. That said, there are a few times near the end where you say similar kinds of sentences. For example, the sentence that begins, "The once-forsaken sanctuary now stood as a testament to the power of determination ..." is almost a repeat of a sentence written previously. If you took out the repeats, maybe you could tell us a bit more about Elara. However, I know this is a short. We don't need to know this background information. (I'm just curious.)

What I liked: The way I felt as though I was in the middle of the story, standing next to Elara, feeling the cool, damp air and smelling the rotting plants and wood. You really do a fantastic job with the description. Your opening paragraph, by the way ... sublime. Instantly, I was smiling and I was lost inside the story.

I enjoyed reading your entry very much. Thanks, again, for entering.


Choconut

Purple Panther sig. 2. Gifted by  [Link To User tblakely5] .


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
83
83
Review of The Final Journal  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
Hi Damon Nomad

I am reviewing your short story, "The Final Journal, as one of the judges for August's official contest, "Short Shots: Official WDC Contest. Thanks for entering, and good luck!

This review is in affiliation with "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group. Please remember any views are purely my own, and any advice is given with the sole intention of being helpful.

My first thoughts: I really enjoyed how imaginatively you used the picture prompt. The story appealed to me greatly, and I couldn't wait to see where the intrepid explorers would end up. To see Horatio Savoy at the end was brilliant!

Plot: A story of a couple of guys working on their doctorates. Nothing out of the ordinary there. Until, that is, Eli asks Parker about his family history. The pair set out on an adventure to find the place Parker's grandfather was last known to have been: a remote island in the South Pacific. Whereupon, they find his grandfather still living and researching cures for various diseases. As I said above, I like this story. I wasn't expecting the grandfather to still be alive, so it was great when he appeared. There were a few times, however, when I got confused by who was doing what. For example, when Parker its talking about his family, you wrote, "They launched from San Diego in 1965 when my father was five years old." I had to read it a few times to work out who launched when Parker's father was five. You go on to say the ship went down, which really confused me because, how did his father die aged five, but have Parker? Obviously, now I've read it a few times, I get that his dad wasn't on the ship. But it was confusing, and it pulled me out of the story for a minute or so. There were a few other times when I had to go back and check who was speaking.

Characters: Parker and Eli. They are sharing a house while studying for their doctorates. Eli wants to know how come Parker always has plenty of money (which I thought was very rude of him to ask) and this leads to a trip to where Parker's family were lost. Little hints at Parker's background made me warm to him. Like his having been, technically, and orphan for much of his childhood. But he had a grandmother who seemed lovely, though. And, of course, at the end we meet his grandfather. Aside from the many plant-based potions which have helped him to stay young, I wonder how he survived the fifty-plus years on his own. I would like to have learned more about him.

Grammar: Just a couple of suggestions. I have put them in this dropnote:
Grammar/Spelling/Typos

What I liked: The adventure and excitement of this story. It is such a clever premise, and the characters are created perfectly to tell this story. The ending is great, too. I really liked that.

Suggestions: I felt the ending was a little abrupt. It felt like a "and they all lived happily ever after" ending. I appreciate there was a word limit in the contest, so I assume that's why you ended the story there. Also, I have a question about the first paragraph. I wonder how necessary it really is? All it shows us is Eli starting to live with Parker. I don't think you needed to show us that happening. The story would have worked just as well with them already sharing a house. It would free up a few words also.

I enjoyed reading your entry. Thanks, again, for entering.


Choconut

Purple Panther sig. 2. Gifted by  [Link To User tblakely5] .


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
84
84
Review of Ill-Timed  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (3.5)
Hi AliceLvs2Write ,

I am reviewing your short story, "Ill-Timed, as one of the judges for April's official contest, "Journey Through Genres: Official Contest. Thanks for entering, and good luck!

This review is in affiliation with "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group. Please remember any views are purely my own, and any advice is given with the sole intention of being helpful.

My first thoughts: This story held my attention all the way through. I was hoping we would learn the identity of the mother, and we did. You didn't leave me hanging. I suspected it would be Olive, but I wasn't sure. I really enjoyed the mystery. I felt so sorry for Sheila. It sounds like she had the worst start to the day ever! I'm not surprised her nerves were frayed.

Plot: This is the story of one woman's horrendous morning. Everything has already gone wrong for her by the time she sees a woman with matted, blonde hair dropping a suspicious object into a garbage can. The woman leaves, and Sheila takes a peek. It is a baby! She phones the police, gives a statement, and goes on to work where she has a Zoom call with a prospective client. After the call, police arrive and inform Sheila the woman who dumped the baby was her client. But, why? Why did she do it? Only after the police leave is Sheila able to turn on her phone, where she finds a text from the woman, asking her to take care of her baby. (I love how you dropped in the little detail of her phone battery being dead early in the story.) The main thing that confused me is, if this woman was so concerned about the baby that she asked Sheila to look after it, why did she leave it in a Walmart bag in a dumpster? The two things don't fit together. Also, the question that never gets answered is, why did she dump the baby? I wonder. Another place I wasn't sure about is when Sheila was explaining why she was late, even as far as to mention not being able to shave her legs. I can't see why she would have said that. She had enough of an excuse with the baby being dumped. Just one more thing: In the middle of Sheila explaining to her boss why she is late, and telling her all about the baby, her boss says, "You're behind on a sale this month." Then, in the next breath, she is talking about the baby and checking on how Sheila is doing. I don't think you need the boss to mention her sales here. I would cut it. Sheila mentions being a sale behind shortly after, and that is enough.

Characters: Sheila is the main character, but Olive (you sometimes write Olivia, so I'm not sure which it is) is the one with all the mystery and intrigue. Sheila tells us a lot that she is nervous and freaked out, but I didn't really feel it. Her legs jittering and hands shaking was good. You tell us her heart is racing, but can you show us how it makes her feel? I would love to feel it more than I did. Olive is a great character. There is something slightly off about her on the Zoom call. I can't quite put my finger on it. But you do a great job of making her seem a little unstable.

Grammar: Just a couple of suggestions. I have put them in this dropnote:
Grammar/Spelling/Typos

What I liked: The element of surprise when we find out the woman has dumped a baby. I wasn't expecting that, and it made me gasp. I love the character of Olive. You paint her really nicely as this slightly unstable woman. I wonder what was really going on with her, why she dumped the baby. Also, why didn't she dump it at Sheila's door to make sure she could find it? But, if she is unhinged, maybe that is reason in itself.

Suggestions: My only suggestion is that I'm not sure about the title of this story. I wasn't sure how it related to it. Was it ill timed in that Sheila was late for work? Or that she was th one who found the baby (although, that would probably have been well timed)? Or does it refer to Olive's comment that the timing isn't right for children? It doesn't really do the story justice, in my opinion. Something about the Zoom call, or the dumpster, the baby. I'm not sure. It's just a thought.

I enjoyed reading your entry. Thanks, again, for entering.


Choconut

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Review of Seventeen Deaths  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: 18+ | (3.5)
Hi PureSciFi ,

I am reviewing your short story, "Seventeen Deaths, as one of the judges for April's official contest, "Journey Through Genres: Official Contest. Thanks for entering, and good luck!

This review is in affiliation with "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group. Please remember any views are purely my own, and any advice is given with the sole intention of being helpful.

My first thoughts: This story is unique and interesting. I like the premise of having a serial killer on board a spaceship. You kept me hooked and wanting to know who was the killer.

Plot: The story begins with a murder, and we learn that the Head of Security, Pavicca, is investigating sixteen murders aboard the spaceship. However, as she has not unravelled the mystery yet, another guy, Lemmock, has been brought in to take over. Understandably, Pavicca is not happy to have this replacement brought into the investigation. We see Lemmock and Pavicca together, with Lemmock saying he knows who is the guilty person, he just doesn't know how they have done it. I liked that Lemmock was attacked, but survived ... initially. At least, long enough to identify the killer. I wasn't sure why you added the part about him dying at the end. I didn't think you needed that.

Characters: I liked Lemmock. I love the idea of him speaking with the mist and slapping it, and it howling. That made me smile. A nice detail. Lemmock seemed to be an expert in his field. I trusted him. The other characters, we didn't really get to see much of. Except for Pavicca. But I didn't really feel like I got to know her at all. I liked that you told us her motive for what she did at the end. It gave me a slightly better understanding of her.

Grammar: Just a couple of suggestions. I have put them in this dropnote:
Grammar/Spelling/Typos

What I liked: The sense of danger, and not knowing who the murderer was. I felt like the killer could be around any corner, and the spaceship is clearly a confined space, making it harder to escape. I loved that feeling of suspense. I like Lemmock, too. He s a good character.

Suggestions: I wasn't sure about the logic of Pavicca. She wanted to prove she was still capable of being Head of Security. And the way she chose to do this was to keep killing people and prove unable to find the murderer. How does that make her seem capable? Also, I must confess to finding it hard to follow who was saying what. I'm not entirely sure why. I think it all feels a bit jumbled, close together. The beginning, in particular, I found confusing. Now that I've read the whole story, and I know the characters, it all makes sense. But, as a first-time reader, it was a bit confusing.

I enjoyed reading your entry. Thanks, again, for entering.


Choconut

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86
Review of The King's Man  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
Hi LightinMind ,

I am reviewing your short story, "The King's Man, as one of the judges for April's official contest, "Journey Through Genres: Official Contest. Thanks for entering, and good luck!

This review is in affiliation with "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group. Please remember any views are purely my own, and any advice is given with the sole intention of being helpful.

My first thoughts: Oh, my goodness. I loved the mystery in this story. You have nailed it. You've left me longing to know who this guy is and how he has been the same age for over 100 years. Brilliant!

Plot: This story resonates, firstly, because I just watched the King Charles' coronation yesterday, so he and Queen Camilla are a hot topic at the moment. (In this country, anyway.) If I'm honest, it took me a little while to get stuck into the story. I understand why you wrote it this way, but it felt like there was quite a lot of Peter and Joe standing around trying to identify people. Of course, I think that is a part of their job, so probably their area of interest. Once the man in the turban is mentioned, the story picked up a lot. At first, I thought maybe he was going to attack the King. When he whispered in the King's ear, I really wanted to know what he said. I love how the lads go back to work and run the man's face through facial recognition technology to discover his identity. Then, they find pictures of the exact-same man going to to Queen Victoria's jubilee in 1897. And, you tease your reader by not revealing his identity or purpose.

Characters: The man in the turban. What a fantastic character. Essentially, we know nothing about him. Yet, we are drawn to him. He is very much the star of this story. You have done a great job of writing this character.

Grammar: Just one typo. I have put it in this dropnote:
Grammar/Spelling/Typos

What I liked: The mystery. That enigmatic man in the turban. Who is he? You really piqued my interest in him. I love the ending, where the two guys are suspended for a week, and the reason is too dangerous for them to know. It had to end like that, really. But, still, I really want know who the man is!

Suggestions: I got a little confused in the paragraph that begins, "Peter noticed the foreign secretary, James Cleverly ..." I wasn't sure, at first, who was shouting and who was taking a picture. I had to read it a couple of times. I actually don't think you need this paragraph. I appreciate you are creating the story backdrop, but I don't think I gained anything by knowing that James Cleverly, an atheist, was there.

I enjoyed reading your entry. Thanks, again, for entering.


Choconut

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Review of Detectives  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
Hi THANKful Sonali LOVES DAD ,

I am reviewing your short story, "Detectives, as one of the judges for April's official contest, "Journey Through Genres: Official Contest. Thanks for entering, and good luck!

This review is in affiliation with "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group. Please remember any views are purely my own, and any advice is given with the sole intention of being helpful.

My first thoughts: I absolutely adored this story. I loved the gang of children you put together to solve this mystery. And I loved the answer to the mystery of what would give the mother the perfect birthday present. I smiled all the way through reading this.

Plot: A gang of children, led by fourteen-year-old Jim, have set up a detective agency. Jim is a little miffed because his younger sister Maryann is part of the agency. But he soon realises how much fun it is to be the oldest , and therefore, the person in charge. The detective agency faces its first mystery in the shape of Jim and Maryann's mum. Her birthday is fast approaching, and their father has no idea what to get her for the perfect present. So he tasks the children with finding out. He works with them to find an answer. He doesn't find out until his wife's birthday party that all she wanted was for him to spend more time with the children. Priceless! What a lovely ending to the story. The story had a great sense of love and happiness running all the way through it. I don't think I stopped smiling once.

Characters: Jim is my favourite. You have done a great job of creating a teenager who just wants to make a name for himself, on his own. Not with his little sister and friends in tow. I could sense his frustration. But he makes the best of every situation. I like that. You have featured each of the friends, giving them each the spotlight for a second. That's nicely written.

Grammar: Just a couple of suggestions. I have put them in this dropnote:
Grammar/Spelling/Typos

What I liked: So much! The whole story, really. I love the joy and fun you have written into this story. It reminded me a little of reading Enid Blyton's 'Famous Five' stories as a child with my mum. Happy memories, so I thank you for that. I laughed out loud at this: "all of them now had the words right and everyone except Robert had even mastered the tune." As soon as I read that, I knew I would love the story. I also love how you say the children fell on the cookies "like a pack of puppies." That's brilliant.

I enjoyed reading your entry. Thanks, again, for entering.


Choconut

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Review of Newbie's Delight  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hi AmyJo- only 2 steps behind -

Thank you for entering your poem into "A Newbie Poetry Contest. I am Choconut ~ House Targaryen, one of the contest judges for the October round.

I am reviewing your poem, "Newbie's Delight, in affiliation with "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group.

Please remember these views are purely my own and any advice given is with the sole intention of being helpful.

First Impressions: Oh, I love this poem. It put a huge smile on my face right at the beginning, and I kept smiling the whole way through. It looks fantastic, as well, with the addition of emoticons. Really eye-catching.

Voice/Tone: The tone is light and fun, while staying appreciative of this website and the people who participate in making it special. Your opening verse about dust bunnies on your computer really made me chuckle. I have a few of those, I'm not gonna lie. In fact the whole poem is relatable. I've had a few late nights because of things like auction watching and too many contests to enter.

Mechanics:I only have a couple of suggestions here. Firstly, I think the overall flow is good. It's easy to read and is mostly spot on. The only place I wasn't entirely sure is the rhyme scheme, specifically at the beginning. From the third verse on, the rhyme scheme is abcb. This works really nicely. However, the first two verses confused me a little. Your first verse is abac, and the second is abab. I know, it's not a big deal because you haven't stated any specific form or rhyme for the poem. But, for me, I launched into reading it in a different way to how I ended it. The only other place I would suggest you look at is the fourth verse. These two lines are a little bumpy in their meter: "Emoticons, Awardicons, / Merit Badges galore" I know, again, you haven't claimed this poem is any specific, set meter, but these stand out as being slightly different to the rest of the poem. (I understand why you included those words, though, because the items are important to WDC.)

My Favourite Part: I love the way the whole poem makes me feel. I still have that smile on my face. My favourite lines are the last two: "You'll never be in the dark / if writing is your sphere" That is clever. I really like it. I also think the verse about the community on here is lovely. It made me feel proud to be a part of it.

Thanks for your entry, AmyJo, and good luck in the contest!

Keep writing!

Choconut

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Review of DOMESTIC GODDESS  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (3.5)
Hi Penelope Moonbeam

Thank you for entering your poem into "A Newbie Poetry Contest. I am Choconut ~ House Targaryen, one of the contest judges for the October round.

I am reviewing your poem, " DOMESTIC GODDESS, in affiliation with "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group.

Please remember these views are purely my own and any advice given is with the sole intention of being helpful.

First Impressions: This is a lovely story of a loving relationship. The theme of your love for being a domestic goddess who takes good care of your husband is refreshing. I have to say, I'm a little envious because I am a long way from being a domestic goddess. My hubby would definitely agree!

Voice/Tone: The overwhelming feeling of this poem is one of love. This shines through in your words, like saying your husband's, "love and understanding / is always sweet and tender." I really like that.

Mechanics: This poem is not any specific form, I think, but it does have a pleasing abcb rhyme scheme. The rhyme works really nicely and helps give the poem a good flow. I did find the meter a little uneven, however. For example, "My dresses are not satin or lace." This has an extra beat, or perhaps, the stresses are different. Either way, it breaks up the flow a bit, makes it a little bumpy. There are a few places where the lines feel like they are missing a beat. My advice would be to just take a look at your meter. Just one point on punctuation: "my husbands not a king" There should be an apostrophe before the S because it is a contraction of "husband is."

My Favourite Part: The whole poem is a pleasure to read. My favourite verse is the third one. I love the flow of this verse, and also the imagery is spot-on. That picture of the golden wedding ring speaks volumes.

Suggestions: Just one further point. In the first verse, you use the word very twice, and it stands out. Can you think of another word that would work?

I enjoyed reading this poem.It sounds like you have a happy relationship!

Keep writing!

Choconut

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90
Review of Frontlines  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hi DestinyAwaitsDarling

Thank you for entering your poem into "A Newbie Poetry Contest. I am Choconut ~ House Targaryen, one of the contest judges for the October round.

I am reviewing your poem, "Frontlines, in affiliation with "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group.

Please remember these views are purely my own and any advice given is with the sole intention of being helpful.

First Impressions: This poem is packed with emotion. In some ways, the narrator sounds tired and sick of always being the person who suffers. But, also, they sound bitter and angry. From reading between the lines, these feelings are there with good reason.

Voice/Tone: As I mention above, there are a few emotions in the narrator's voice (I assume this is your voice. So I will say that from now on. I apologise if I've got it wrong.) The overriding feeling, though, is one of betrayal and anger towards those who have treated you badly. This is reflected in your choice of words. For example, "The only time I am first / is when there must be a sacrifice." The sense of injustice is keenly felt.

Mechanics: I really enjoy free verse poetry, of which this is a good example. I like how this form doesn't restrict you in your expression and the words you use to tell your story. One suggestion I do have, though, is to think about having a few extra line breaks. There are some lines which are so long, they stand out a bit. For example, "I suppose that when I really think about it though, to say that nobody puts me first would be a lie." If you put a line break after, "though" it would emphasise the second part of the sentence further. Actually, if it were my poem, I would also put a line break after "would be" and leave "a lie" on a line all of its own. In addition to this, I would go through the poem and take out all unnecessary words, like "that," "though." Words like this — filler words — make the poem a little less poetic.

My Favourite Part: I like your courage in writing this. It is very honest and personal, and it's not easy to write poetry like that. I really like this part: "The only time I am first / is when there must be a sacrifice." This make me so sad. It packs a punch, that's for sure. The whole poem does, to be honest. I could relate to much of what you have written. Your feelings are clear and well-expressed.

Suggestions: I wasn't sure about the ending. After all the difficulties expressed in the rest of the poem, when I read, "Because you see, / I am the only leader of the pack" I thought you were going to end on positive note. I thought you might say something about how you have survived because you have strength and resolve. It would have been nice to read something positive in the end. Because, reading this poem, I think those things are probably true of you.

Finally, I just want to say thanks again for entering the contest, and good luck!

Keep writing!

Choconut

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91
Review of An Angel Forlorn  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hi Demon of Tricks and Treats

Thank you for entering your poem into "A Newbie Poetry Contest. I am Choconut ~ House Targaryen, one of the contest judges for the October round.

I am reviewing your poem, "An Angel Forlorn, in affiliation with "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group.

Please remember these views are purely my own and any advice given is with the sole intention of being helpful.

First Impressions: This is a lovely poem that reminds me or reading romantic poetry. Someone like Shelley or Keats. It seems quite light at first, but it's actually quite sad by the time you reach the end. That's nicely done.

Voice/Tone: It would be easy to read this with lightness because the lines skip along at a great pace. However, as I mentioned, the poem takes on a sad tone as we learn that the angel has lost the love of his life (or, angelhood). This really reminds me of classic romantic poetry; the more I read it, the more I think this. The physical descriptions of the angel whose, "skin is forever fresh" are cherubic and innocent. Which makes the jolt of his raw grief even harder to take. But I like this, though. It is interesting and gives the poem more depth.

Mechanics: I love your use of an aabb rhyme scheme. It gives the poem a mostly good rhythm and a great, consistent pace. It reads easily and, mostly smoothly. If I'm honest, I think the first part of the poem flows better than from, "I've fallen in love with a maiden." The meter is slightly off, compared the the rest of the poem, here. I would just check your meter from this point to the end.

My Favourite Part: Your depictions of the angel, and the narrator, are really well-written. The angel, in particular, seems quite human and relatable in his grief. It is nice to read the angel having human emotions and struggling with mortal problems. I did wonder what happens to the lady he is mourning once she is dead. Does she get to be an angel? Or does she go somewhere else? And, if so, is it not somewhere the angel can also access?

Suggestions: My only suggestion is a reiteration of my above comments. I would just read the poem out loud, so you can hear how it sounds and how naturally it flows. If you feel it is slightly bumpy in places, there is always a way to fix it.

Thanks again for entering the contest, and good luck!

Keep writing!

Choconut

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92
Review of Homage to Heroes  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hi JoABuilder

Thank you for entering your poem into "A Newbie Poetry Contest. I am Choconut ~ House Targaryen, one of the contest judges for the October round.

I am reviewing your poem, "Homage to Heroes, in affiliation with "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group.

Please remember these views are purely my own and any advice given is with the sole intention of being helpful.

First Impressions: Well. I'm not sure where to start. This poem is beautifully written. It is incredibly emotive. It definitely hit me in the feels. I really like it.

Voice/Tone: The first example of genius in this poem is your decision to narrate it from the point of view of a statue on a plinth, a war memorial to the fallen service men and women. You could easily have written from a soldier's pint of view, but by doing it this way, you really got my attention. The tone is fairly somber, but not preachy. You are simply reminding people of the sacrifice that is made, and has been made for many years.

Mechanics: Forgive me, but I don't know whether this is a specific poetry form. It's not one I immediately recognise, but it is set out as though maybe it is a set form. If not, I really like the way you have created it. Overall, there is a good rhythm, a good pace also. There are some places, however, where the meter seems slightly off. For example, "Instead of erasing the past, look towards your tomorrow / Be kind, be nice and do all you can to prevent new sorrow." These lines stand out as having an extra beat or two. They just aren't quite as smooth as the rest of the poem.

My Favourite Part: I love the reminder at the end that these heroes could be anyone, from anyone's families. I particularly like this line: "We go when called with no questions asked." This line is a perfect demonstration of the message your poem holds. Also, "We grow and we learn and become better men / So these awful wars won’t happen again." This is an emotional statement. It makes me think of boys going to fight who come back as men. Great work!

Thanks again for entering this contest, and good luck!

Keep writing!

Choconut

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93
93
Review of New Beginnings  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hi debmiller1

I am reviewing your short story, "New Beginnings, as one of the judges for September's official contest, "Quotation Inspiration: Official Contest. Thanks for entering, and good luck!

This review is in affiliation with "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group. Please remember any views are purely my own, and any advice is given with the sole intention of being helpful.

My first thoughts: I read through this story, continually thinking how clever and unique it is. I love all the mentions of famous people and the things that take place in this Limbo. With each new person Rachel met, I was excited to see who she would meet next.

Plot: Rachel Grant finds herself on a mountain in an Evergreen forest with no idea how she came to be there when, moments ago, she was in Chicago. You keep your reader guessing for just the right amount of time. I couldn't work out what was happening. At first, I thought Rachel had gone back to the war in 1776. Then, Napoleon appeared, and I was very confused. But, as Rachel moves from place to place with no kind of seam joining the places, we learn she remembers being on a street corner in Chicago, and then a bang of some kind took place. So, we start to think maybe she's dead, run over by a vehicle. And, I think, that is what happened. Now, Rachel ends up speaking to Archimedes, we learn that the place she is in is like a waiting room before Heaven. The theory being people go there until nobody remembers them anymore. I love that idea! I found the ending very moving, where Rachel realises she could be with her Granda May again. It's the perfect ending to the story.

Characters: We meet a few, most of them fleetingly. I love the Elvis arena, by the way. I would definitely spend a while in that place. Rachel goes through stages. At first, she is confused, but thinks it's a bit of a hoot (I think), then she is confused and scared, running away. The thing that scares her the most is the way people keep blinking out, vanishing. She is scared she will be next. I would have been pretty scared, too, at this point. But when she has a philosophical talk with Archimedes, she gets things a little straighter in her mind. I love how her mind took her straight to aliens for the final destination. That made me chuckle as I've just been watching old re-runs of The X Files.

Grammar: Just a couple of suggestions. I have put them in this dropnote:
Grammar/Spelling/Typos

What I liked: The story. How unique it is. I really like the character of Rachel. I think she copes very well with the situation. I love this description of where Rachel first arrives: "Pine boughs danced to the music of a gentle breeze." It made me laugh out loud when Archimedes shouted Eureka! That's a nice touch. Mostly, though, I just love the intrigue of this tale. The wonder as to what has happened to Rachel, then the wonder as to where she will visit and who she will meet. It's a story that holds your attention and your imagination. It's sprinkled with a magical narrative, and I think it is top notch.

I enjoyed reading your entry. Thanks, again, for entering.


Choconut

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94
94
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
Hi Graham Muad'dib

I am reviewing your short story, "A Mouse for Spring, as one of the judges for September's official contest, "Quotation Inspiration: Official Contest. Thanks for entering, and good luck!

This review is in affiliation with "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group. Please remember any views are purely my own, and any advice is given with the sole intention of being helpful.

My first thoughts: Oh, my word. I absolutely adored this story! You had me falling for a little mouse. I was so moved by this character.

Plot: I love the setting of a school in Germany in World War II. Even more than that, I love the characters of Vesna and Iryna. There is danger running throughout this story. The soldiers and their artillery shells that are getting ever closer to the school. Then, there is Domovyk: the school cat. He is always prowling around the cellar, looking for little mice to eat. So, everything has danger around the corner. At the end, when the school is hit, I love how Iryna and Vesna started to dig and rescue people lost under rubble and debris.

Characters: Vesna is a mouse with a big heart. Her friendship with Iryna is so sweet. I love how both of these characters are different from their contemporaries. Iryna has the scar from her operation for a harelip, and Vesna has a patch of white hair over her eye. They are both teased because of their differences. But they both have kind, generous hearts. I also really liked the old man who stoked the furnace. He smiles at Vesna, rather than trying to bash her with his shovel.

Grammar: Just one thing. "The teacher continued calling out the student’s names." The apostrophe should be after the s because it is plural.

What I liked: Vesna twitching her nose in the old man's ear to revive him. That is too cut for words! But the thing that makes this story so good is your mastery of descriptive writing. You pull the reader deep inside the story world, and we see, smell, hear, feel everything from Vesna's point of view. And it's always like that. You never slip into telling us a story. From Vesna's paws on the snow, to the run-ins with Domovyk; everything made me feel like I was living it. The part where the cat finally pounces at Vesna, I actually exclaimed so loudly, my hubby asked if I was okay. Oh, I must also mention your opening paragraph because it is fantastic. As first paragraphs go, this is one that will have people reading on. You used all sense to create a real place that I felt I was standing in.

Suggestions: The only place I wasn't sure about was the end. That final sentence seems to change the pace of the story too quickly. I don't know it this was because of the word count limit? But, it kind of felt as though things weren't resolved fully.

I enjoyed reading your entry. Thanks, again, for entering.


Choconut

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95
95
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hi Sumojo

I am reviewing your short story, "Not for the first time, as one of the judges for September's official contest, "Quotation Inspiration: Official Contest. Thanks for entering, and good luck!

This review is in affiliation with "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group. Please remember any views are purely my own, and any advice is given with the sole intention of being helpful.

My first thoughts: This is a delightful story that is purely character driven, and that is the kind of story I love. As I first read it through, I went through wondering who Ryan was, and if he was really to be trusted. Even though Serena trusts him from the first touch, I still wondered if she was safe. I love how you have put the characters in a vulnerable position, and there is a moment where your readers will be unsure which way you will take it. Brilliant!

Plot: I love how this story is about lots of little things, like Serena's need to get away from home and spend time on her own, the shark attack (okay, not so little), the attraction between Serena and Ryan, and how she saves his life. Most importantly, though, at the end, you reveal the reason for the attraction. These two have known and loved each other in a previous life. That's a great twist.

Characters: There are only two characters, but the story is beautifully woven around them. Serena seems to be trying to escape something stressful at home. I was intrigued to know what. But, where does Ryan come from? It's almost like he dropped out of the sky, into the path of the woman he is meant to be with.

Grammar: Just a couple of suggestions. I have put them in this dropnote:
Grammar/Spelling/Typos

What I liked: The first paragraph is awesome! Your description of the beach and the ocean and the arrival of Serena; it all just comes together to make a wonderful opening. I had no choice but to read on (which I would have done, even if I wasn't one of the judges). Also, the description of the "whispering sand" is fab. It put a huge smile on my face. I also loved the last paragraph. It left me wondering how many lifetimes these two could potentially spend together.

This is so enjoyable. It's really got my mind buzzing.

Thanks, again, for entering.


Choconut

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96
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (3.5)
Hi Anna Marie Carlson

I am reviewing your short story, "Suzette Higgenbottom's First Days, as one of the judges for September's official contest, "Quotation Inspiration: Official Contest. Thanks for entering, and good luck!

This review is in affiliation with "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group. Please remember any views are purely my own, and any advice is given with the sole intention of being helpful.

My first thoughts: This is an interesting piece of writing. As I first read through, it seemed to be almost a recollection of your own school days, and what the end of school meant to you. The events certainly seemed to be based on real events. I like the advice you give through Mrs Whitmire. She sounds like an awesome teacher.

Plot: I found the plot a little weak. There didn't seem to be a specific story goal for Suzette, the main character. I also wasn't sure whether Suzette was narrating, or whether it was the narrator speaking directly to the readers. It left me a bit confused, if I'm honest. But, I was a little unsure about a beginning, middle, and end, and also with any kind of story or character arcs. This said, I think this would work really well as a personal essay. It felt like non-fiction, and I think that would make more sense.

Characters: Suzette is the main character. But so is the narrator, in a way. You broke out of character and spoke directly to your reader quite a lot, and this pulled me out of the story. I liked Suzette, however. She seemed to have an intelligent and creative head on her shoulders. It struck me that Suzette doesn't have (or, at least, doesn't mention having) a best friend. A girl of this age, surely, would have a group of friends, and probably one in particular. Okay, so it may not be absolutely necessary to the plot, but it would create the world in which the story is happening.

Grammar: Just a couple of suggestions. I have put them in this dropnote:
Grammar/Typos/Punctuation

What I liked: I liked the way you write with wisdom. This would be a good piece for a younger person to read as I think it would be quite comforting to know you aren't on your own with your problems and with your wonderings about what the future may hold.

Suggestions: Give Suzette a best friend. She is a likeable, well-adjusted girl, and I'm sure she would have a best friend. Also, create a setting for everything to take place. Describe that setting.These things would help you to flesh out more of the storyline. I would take out the phrase "In closing" near the end because this makes this sound like a document for study, not a fictional story. Or, you could turn this into a personal essay. That would be interesting.

I enjoyed reading your entry. Thanks, again, for entering.


Choconut

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97
97
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: 18+ | (5.0)
Hi Writer_Mike

I am reviewing your poem, "The gift of home [Week 10 entry], on behalf of "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group. This review is part of "Promptly Poetry Challenge (2023-2024).

Please remember these views are purely my own and any advice given is with the sole intention of being helpful.

First Impressions: I was intrigued to read your poem when I saw that it is in the form of a Huitain. I remember seeing the form a long time ago in The Poet's Place, but it seemed way to difficult to attempt. You, however, have made it look effortless.

Voice/Tone: The tone is light and happy, and the pride you feel in your home is clear. It is really lovely to read this. In particular, I love the feeling that any down sides to owning your own place, like hefty mortgage payments, are all worth it. It is, after all your place. And not everyone can say that.

Mechanics: A Huitain. This eight line, eight syllable per line, poem reads as a fairly complicated form. Especially, when you add in the set rhyme scheme. But, boy, you have written it faultlessly. I am in awe. The first time I read this poem, I read it to check it fits with all the parameters. Every syllable, every rhyme ... they are all perfect. (Am I enthusing too much?) After I had checked the technical aspect, I then read the poem for pure enjoyment of the words. And it gives me such a warm feeling. I love the "smile lights up my face" part.

My Favourite Part: I'm not sure I can name just one part that sends out because I love the way the whole poem makes me feel. It slots together. Your own happiness with your home shines through. I love your final thought: "'This is my place!'"

Suggestions: I have wracked my brains to say something helpful, some way to improve. But, I've got nothing. You have done an incredible job with this tricky, little form. Great stuff! I might have to give this form a try when I'm feeling brave. Watch this space ...

Keep writing!

Choconut

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98
98
Review of Even Prompter  
for entry "Saplings
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hi Beholden

I am reviewing this on behalf of "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group. This review is part of "Promptly Poetry Challenge (2023-2024).

Please remember these views are purely my own and any advice given is with the sole intention of being helpful.

First Impressions: This poem made me smile. That is my first impression. I love the language used, along with the picture it paints.

Voice/Tone: I wonder who the narrator is. At first, I though maybe it is God speaking to his creations. Which would make sense by the loving, fatherly voice he has. Also, the use of thou and thy is quite archaic, and that also gives the voice an older style. Whoever the narrator is, I very much like their voice. Their humour, too.

Mechanics: I really like rhymed couplets when written well. And these are written very well. The rhymes and rhythm work brilliantly. They give the poem a wonderful pace, making the lines zip along quickly and fluidly.

My Favourite Part: The end. My instinct was to laugh at this, and I did laugh when I first read it. But, after reading it a few times, I can see it really isn't very funny. It's quite a sad commentary on humans and how they mess things up for future generations. I like how easy it is to only read the lighter face-value meaning, though. If that makes sense.

This is a fantastic poem! I have to confess to being envious on this one because I really struggled with this prompt. But your poem is so descriptive, it's impossible not to get drawn in to the landscape, even without seeing the prompt. Love it! Great writing!

Keep writing!

Choconut

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99
99
Review of Illusion at Best  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hi starvingperson

Thank you for entering your poem into "A Newbie Poetry Contest. I am Choconut ~ House Targaryen, one of the contest judges for the July round.

I am reviewing your poem, "Illusion at Best, in affiliation with "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group.

Please remember these views are purely my own and any advice given is with the sole intention of being helpful.

First Impressions: This is an interesting concept. Your title and brief description really grabbed me. I think that politics today, celebrities today, those tings are definitely an illusion. Fake, plastic people doing fake, plastic things. I'm not sure one can say that events have been an illusion, though. JFK was definitely murdered. 911 definitely killed thousands of people. Perhaps, the truth surrounding history has been doctored. Reporting has been created by a certain few people. Maybe, that is what you are saying? These people have created the desired narratives for each event. I buy that.

Voice/Tone: I love the philosophical premise, and the way I could imagine you arguing this point in a court of law, or even at some kind of rally where you are getting to people to come together in a search for truth.

Mechanics: I like the free verse in this poem. It supports the theme of having free thought. A couple of simple things I would change, though: the capitalisation in the third stanza. I know the poem is free verse, but punctuation should still be uniform. Unless uniform is random. But it isn't random here. So, you don't need a capital R in Religion or A in And. Likewise, you don't need to capitalise Cities in the first verse. I would also add commas at the first two lines. This would keep it in line with the rest of the poem.

My Favourite Part: I love the premise. I love the way it makes me think about its message. My absolute favourite part, though, is in the final stanza: "and other social controls, / were yesterday’s dreams." I love that! It is perfect.

This is a really interesting poem. I like the message at its heart. Nicely written.

Keep writing!

Choconut

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100
100
Review of Didn't Matter  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
Hi Freebird

Thank you for entering your poem into "A Newbie Poetry Contest. I am Choconut ~ House Targaryen, one of the contest judges for the July round.

I am reviewing your poem, "Didn't Matter, in affiliation with "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group.

Please remember these views are purely my own and any advice given is with the sole intention of being helpful.

First Impressions: Wow. This is powerful stuff. It seems to be written from a very personal point of view. And, with that in mind, I just want to say you really do matter, and I hope you've reached a place in your life where you understand that.

My first impressions of this poem is that it is written from the heart and expressed eloquently and emotionally. I want to say I like it, but I mean in terms of its poeticism, and not in terms of the horror of the contents.

Voice/Tone: The voice speaks to the reader in a way that will make them want to place a protective arm around the young girl and look after her. And that is a testament to your writing. You have really pulled me in.

Mechanics: I like the end of line rhymes you have used. They help give the poem fluidity and a nice rhythm in general. The one thing I wasn't sure about was the randomness of the rhymes. I mean, you start out with a four line stanza with an abab rhyme scheme. But, then you have a three line stanza with aab. You have some rhyming couplets, and one verse has no rhyme at all. It makes it a little difficult to maintain a rhythm. That said, maybe you were using a haphazard rhyme scheme to reflect the chaotic life of the narrator? On a different note, you have a typo here: "Would anyone help me to pick then up?" It should be "them." Also, "Why? because I didn't matter." It should be a capital B.

My Favourite Part: The fourth verse is my favourite. I found it really sad that you say your life shattered, but it didn't matter. That brought a lump to my throat.

Suggestions: There is one place I would change: "But I couldn't help the thought of living or dying." I'm not sure thought is the right word. Because it is more of a question than a thought, I would say.

I like this poem. You have done a great job of creating an emotive piece of poetry.

Keep writing!

Choconut

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