2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award
Made it to the quarterfinals on the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. Curious what comments I received from the experts? Well, here they are. I have done mucho revising since submitting, so hopefully I’ve already addressed some of these issues. Sad that I didn’t win, but it sure is nice to get feedback. Enjoy.
ABNA Expert Reviewer
What is the strongest aspect of this excerpt?
The strongest aspect of this excerpt is the way the descriptions paint a picture in my mind. The author has done a great job of writing in a way that brings everything to life.
What aspect needs the most work?
There were at least two typos, where a word was missing. The two that stood out to me were, “His strides lengthened, claws kicking up clumps fertile black earth from the savannah” and “Her hands trembling, she slipped the bracelet off her mother;s wrist put it on her own”. These typos are the only things I have to criticize.
What is your overall opinion of this excerpt?
I thought it was well-written, intriguing, gory, and I would definitely keep reading if I was able to. It’s a very original plot and I enjoyed reading it.
ABNA Expert Reviewer
What is the strongest aspect of this excerpt?
The plot was the strongest aspect. The pitch hooked me and the following few chapters just sealed the deal. The author did a fabulous job of sucking me in to the story and want to know what happened to Nadia and Josh next.
What aspect needs the most work?
I couldn’t f ind a weak point. To me the story began much like other YA fantasy or sci-fi novels, I was hooked anad I wanted to read more.
What is your overall opinion of this excerpt?
Overall this was one of the stronger excerpts I’ve read. I was hooked, I loved that the girl saved the boy, and I loved that the pitch merely wet my appetite for what was to come next.