The Aster Awards 2022 [CLOSED]

SHORT STORY

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1. What's wrong with my fan? BY ViniShah2

Title: 10/10
Cover: 9/10
Blurb: 9/10
Plot: 14/15
Creativity: 13/15
Grammar: 14/15
Characters: 4.5/5
Interaction with the reader: 5/5
An overall review: 14/15

Total Score: 92.5/100

Review: This was such a fun story to read. I like how you don't even need to be in the BTS fandom to enjoy it ( like me for example), and it really succeeds at being simple and in the right way and humorous. I was honestly surprised how the premise, which isn't something entirely original, was still done in an enjoyable way and had its own vibe to it. I'm usually judgy on characters, but here they clearly had their own voices and personalities. I also like how it's mostly written in form of chats so it feels chill and natural, but at the same time so detailed! That is a skill, author, be proud

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2. First Date 1981 BY Spiceseeker

Title: 8/10
Cover: 8/10
Blurb: 10/10
Plot: 12/15
Creativity: 12/15
Grammar: 15/15
Characters: 3.5/5
Interaction with the reader: 4/5
An overall review: 12/15 

Total Score: 84.5/100 

Review: I quite liked the perspective of an awkward young adult, and the fact this book is a memoir. The title and cover do tell us right away something about the story. When it comes to creativity, with memoirs it's hard to say since it is real events, but I found creativity to be strong in the writing style. Would maybe be like if Julliane's character was explored more, but I understand it is kinda impossible since she is based on a real person. Also, this author included amazing character descriptions, from their features to their clothing and overall style. I really wish more authors did this. Very pleasant read! 

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3. Echo in the Wind BY strawberry1d

Title: 10/10
Cover: 9/10
Blurb: 8/10
Plot: 12/15
Creativity: 12/15
Grammar: 14/15
Characters: 3/5
Interaction with the reader: 4/5
An overall review: 12/15

Total Score: 84/100

Review: At first I didn't know which direction could this story go in, but quickly enough I found out and liked it very much. Just like with a fellow competitor who also writes BTS fanfiction, I didn't need knowledge of the fandom to enjoy it. I do get to say the beginning seems a little bit too fast-paced, even for me who usually prefers a fast pace. I didn't quite understand why would Jungkook immediately start liking Yoona, but seeing her perspective later made up for it. The story has a great hook and knows how to set the atmosphere, which is very important for earlier chapters. Well done!

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4. My Dear Moon BY _Navier_170

Title: 8/10
Cover: 8/10
Blurb: 10/10
Plot: 12/15
Creativity: 11/15
Grammar: 15/15
Characters: 4/5
Interaction with the reader: 4/5
An overall review: 12/15 

Total Score: 81/100 

Review: While the title doesn't make sense until you read the story, I found the technicalities to be pretty solid. It's an interesting choice to make characters' genders unknown (I don't usually encourage it, but in this poetic-letter form it works amazingly). While not the most original idea, it is well executed and didn't fail to intrigue me. I like the poetic feel to it despite it being prose.

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5. Cornucopia of Otherworldly Tales BY SuVida777

Title: 9/10
Cover: 10/10
Blurb: 6/10
Plot: 11/15
Creativity: 14/15
Characters: 2/5
Interaction with the reader: 4/5
An overall review: 10/15 

Total Score: 81 /100

Review: The title immediately intrigues the reader (coming from a creative long title enjoyer) and the cover is amazing. The blurb focuses too little on the stories themselves, even tho I at least appreciate author mentioned the genres. Vocabulary is very rich in this short story, but descriptions can get too complex even tho I think it does come down to preference. Personally, for me, it took away from the fluidity of the text. Originality is there and the plot twist was probably my favourite part. Characters felt the weakest in my opinion, but they still do serve the story. Definitely very plot-driven and I can see it will appeal to the right audience.

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6. Her Sapphire Eyes BY Moon_G0ddess

Title: 8/10
Cover: 9/10
Blurb: 10/10
Plot: 7/15
Creativity: 5.5/15
Grammar: 15/15
Characters: 1.5/5
Interaction with the reader: 3/5
An overall review: 7/15

Total Score: 66/100 

Review: The presentation of this book (cover, title) is simply beautiful, as shown by the scores above. Descriptions are detailed, but not too much, and I like how it does feel oldish as this is a medieval-type fantasy setting. However, my biggest issue was originality. Cliches in this book are too much and it influenced my reading experience. The trope of a broken man being fixed/healed by a gentle pretty woman has been done so many times that I just can't get over it. There wasn't really a twist on the trope and the characters themselves felt bland, especially Hilda. I would like it if we got to know some of her defining traits besides being beautiful, gentle and tolerant ( which are also cliche in terms of portraying women, these tropes can be twisted, but weren't really). The thing this book does have going for it is a recognisable writing style and choice of words.

══════・❃・WINNERS・❃・══════

First Position
What's wrong with my fan?
BY  ViniShah2

Second Position

First Date 1981BY  Spiceseeker

Third Position

Echo in the WindBY strawberry1d

══════・❃・CONGRATS・❃・══════

Thank you everyone for your cooperation and also a special thanks to Kathy_Marwin for judging this genre!

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