My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines. Thank you for entering Journey Through Genres.
THE GENRE
The Gothic genre got it’s start in the late 18th century and blends horror, romance, and the supernatural. What I like about the Gothic genre is how it explores the darker elements of human nature. I’m looking for the following in your story:
Setting: I’m looking for a decaying, old, haunted, isolated setting. This can be an old castle, mansion, or remote landscapes.
Atmosphere: I’m looking for a sense of dread and tension. The gothic genre usually build atmosphere through a reflection of the weather such as storms, mists, or darkness.
Unexplained events: Gothic hints at supernatural occurrences, but when revealed have a natural explanation.
Characters: The characters are usually young. Women tend to be naïve or painted as damsels in distress. The man is usually broody with anti-hero overtones.
Plot devices: These can include secret rooms, visions, dreams, old manuscripts which help build suspense and tension in the story.
Emotions: Emotions such as terror, awe, love, despair and obsessions are usually heightened, again to build suspense and tension.
THE STORY
Julian Thorne wants to save an old house that’s been in his family for years, but it was built on a ocean cliff and the ocean wants it back. He hires Maya Vance, a historical architect to assist in his project.
WHAT I LIKED
This story embodied modern day gothic to the “tee.”
GOTHIC ELEMENTS:
The house is hunched against the perpetual California fog, and damp with dew. Its also dark, as the wiring was salt-eaten. Julian and Maya are young – Julian is the owner, brooding and quiet, Maya is sharp and up to challenge of trying to save the house. She’s no damsel in distress, but confident in her abilities, giving this story a modern, gothic twist. The house itself is the plot device, with salt-worn rooms and a foundation that aches to go back to the sea. As Maya unlocks the secrets of the house, Julian is drawn to her. Their attraction is heightened by the dark ambience of the residence.
DESCRIPTIONS
The descriptions are succinct and to the point all while painting a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. For example:
“Its gardens were a graveyard of roses, their petals soft as a bruise, their stems armored in thorns and salt-scale.”
CHARACTERS
Julian and Maya. Julian is rich, yet he feels he must save the house his ancestors left him. Maya is practical and honest, yet knows that ultimately whatever decision Julian must make it must be his.
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling mistakes.
PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS
I have no suggestions for improvement. This story had me feeling like I was reading a Victoria Holt novel. Overall, a haunting gothic tale that will resonate with the reader long after they’ve finished it.
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