Bluebell Review Chamber [CLOSED]

જ Binding Threads: A Short Story જ ☾ CC ☽

Book:  Binding Threads: A Short Story

Author: ravingblack

Reviewer: stargazer912

Title: 5/5

I think the title fits the story perfectly and yet isn't just a character's name or anything. I love how it references both the sewing that Ville and Idunn did together and the thread that connects them at the end. 

Blurb: 7/10

I think the first paragraph of the blurb was great - it introduced the characters and their world, and gave a brief intro into the plot. The second paragraph, though, I think you could have stressed the fact that Ville and Idunn's relationship would be a key part in the story; it's mentioned but not obvious enough. I don't think I would have guessed that it was a love story just from the blurb- I'd think the romance was a subplot, while the story mainly revolved around something magic. I do like rhetorical questions at the end though; they serve as a great hook.

Cover: 4/5

So I think the cover is relevant to the story (the threads). Also both the title and the author are very visible, which, of course, is important. I do think that it seems a little too cluttered around the middle, around the circle with the writing. I think this might be because of the font being elaborate in a way that slightly contrasts the style of the rest of the cover.

First Chapter: 8/10

This first chapter introduced the main characters well, and gave us an insight into the kind of vibe they give off during the story. It also sets them up perfectly for character development (especially Idunn - she seems kind of like a spoiled brat in the start!). The story also sets a mostly consistent tone for the rest of the story, though at the beginning it kind of feels like the story was going to take a darker turn than it did (until the end of the third chapter, I didn't realize it was a love story). I think it was because of the first section of that chapter, of when Ville was a child. I think that that section serves better as a prologue since there is a large time jump between then and the events of the rest of the book. The tone as well is slightly different, so it's better I think to keep that as a separate chapter. The first chapter also ended in a nice hook, with Ville telling Idunn that she was going to have to make the bunad herself - it really made me curious enough to read on.

Plot: 19/20

I should probably mention here in the review that I'm finding it very hard to find improvement points because this story seems to have had a lot of careful reflection and editing already. So in terms of plot...this story followed the three act structure perfectly and did well in balancing out each section. In terms of interesting-ness, I found this story wonderfully engaging. The conflict here was also very well done - we see Idunn and Ville at odds multiple times throughout the story. But in terms of the main conflict, could you have stressed the importance of the time limit more? It played a role, yes, when Ville freaked and threw her bunad in the fire, but I guess I was looking for more stress, more frantic-ness before the others volunteered to help. The pacing was also well done.

Character Development: 14/15

You really set up a band of unique characters, mainly Ville and Idunn. I love how at first they didn't like each other (what can I say? I'm a sucker for the enemies-to-lovers trope) but then as time wore on, they developed feelings! I especially love that they developed because of each other (like, Idunn realized that her life was her own and no one else's because of Ville). I do wish though, that I could see more development on Ville's part, both in terms of character and his feelings for Idunn. I feel like his character development was kind of subtle (maybe a little too subtle) and his feelings for Idunn kind abruptly mentioned, instead of a growing sense of attraction (as I said earlier, I only realized he felt for her in that way when he threw the bunad in the fire).

Writing Style: 15/15

I really enjoy your writing style - it's very sophisticated (and at times almost slightly antiquated in a way that fits the story well) and I think it complements the story beautifully. It's so nice to read! (especially since it's a style that I rarely find on Wattpad). I'm curious - do you base it on a specific author, or is it just the way the words come out? It's also organized very well; no erratic jumping around from subject to subject. It's also very consistent which obviously deserves merit.

Grammar/Vocabulary: 20/20

Your vocabulary was wonderfully varied and extended, which I really appreciated while reading. The tenses in this story were very well maintained in the past, which is not always easy to find on Wattpad. There were times though, when you slipped into the present tense, which I found slightly jarring at points. This was mainly in the first (maybe the second too) chapter. Just have a look, I'm sure they were typos. But seriously, good job, on the technical aspects. As a grammar nerd I can tell you that you did very well.

Overall Score: 92/100

This was a wonderful story and a very enjoyable read! I think the strongest points of your story were your writing style (very sophisticated and elegant) and your character development, as well as all the technical aspects. The only significant area of concern for me is the blurb as I feel that it does not represent the main plot of your story enough. If you have any questions or need any further clarifications, don't hesitate to contact me!