Isabelle Reviews (CLOSED FOR NOW)

SEVEN-ELEVEN (Sci-Fi, Fantasy)

Review date: January 13, 2023

Author: Summer_SKY_9

FIRST IMPRESSION: 3/5

COVER: 3/5

TITLE: 3/5

I think anyone who knows what seven-eleven is would remember the convenience store when they come across this title, including me. In a way, it's actually an interesting thing since I've never heard of a book with a similar title with two different numbers. It didn't turn me off or make me lose my interest, and I take that as an 'okay' impression as well. I had no problem with it. The only thing I can think of is the ability of the story itself to compensate for the title.

The theme of the cover is dark, and I expected a dark story as well since the cover must also speak for the story. The subject of the cover, which is half of a face, is placed on the left side.

I found nothing wrong with the subject, really. But I captured the mark on the face and was also captivated by the gray eyes. I found that eye-catching, especially with the glowing objects. But I also felt that the text wasn't that remarkable. It really doesn't have to be necessarily big and bright, but it could be better. The font could be changed too, but the effects are good just the way they are. Following the subtext of the cover on top:

"How do we keep getting into these situations?"

"Eleven years of friendship and I still don't know."

The font looks a little too ordinary and basic. A different font that will complement the font of the title will do. It looks very out of place, but that's just an honest opinion.

BLURB: 10/10

So the blurb starts off with the dialogue from the cover, preceded by the final blurb which has three sentences.

It's the year 0327.

And Earth is no longer the peaceful planet surrounded by water and land.

Till now, nothing has gone wrong for the people of New World after the Explosion. But can anyone ever know what great surprises the future is cooking for us, till we are served right on the table?

I like how it scares me a little, as this gives me the idea of Earth blown into apocalyptic proportions. I can't imagine a year 0327 and I'd be afraid to live in that setting. But don't worry about it since I instantly like the concept. I'd keep reading and wanting more because of this 'year 0327' in this book. However, the biggest challenge is writing it in a way that readers are given the same feeling I got when I thought about this year. It also states in the blurb that Earth is no longer a peaceful planet surrounded by water and land. It gives a clearer glimpse of what this year looks like and I liked the concept more.

Usually, I'd like to know every word by definition by searching on the net. But in this case, I didn't feel the need to search for the 'New World' said in the blurb. I was rather curious about why it's called that way, what it is and what happened in this period.

I really love short blurbs.

PLOT: 20/20

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 20/20

DESCRIPTIONS: 12/15

WRITING STYLE: 10/10

The book begins with a description of how the earth used to be and its hidden treasures, which is good. It's essential to describe the earth before anything else if the goal is to show the huge difference between the earth in the past and the earth in the present. I can't recall any missing detail, since the author has seemed to place everything readers have to know about the downfall of the earth–from the abundance of water forms to pollution and contamination.

The flow of thoughts is good, especially the introduction of the most intelligent living kind, also known as humans. I was blown away and suddenly, my weird and somehow disinclination towards the title "Seven-Eleven" has gone.

It's written well and nicely, even as it provided a backstory that's also written well. And that's just the part before the prologue, which makes the book even better.

Even without the aesthetic boards (keep them!) I appreciate each character and the action and excitement they bring. It's easy to process and it's outlined perfectly. I had no worries with pacing, even in the prologue where Hsiao wakes up and the story slowly advances. I also read the titles of the chapters.

GRAMMAR/PUNCTUATION: 8/10

However, I spotted grammatical errors.

"'Til now, nothing that bad that worth a mention here has happened..."

It must be replaced with, "'Til now, nothing that's worth a mention here has happened..." or "'Til now, nothing that bad that's worth mentioning here has happened..."

There's also an error in the prologue. "...of the Sky's city floating not so high above his head, and wait...was that disturbing smell was burning tar?"

It should be, "...of the Sky's city floating not so high above his head, and wait...was that disturbing smell burning tar?"

The author must be careful and avoid grammatical errors. They'll distract readers and throw them off.

But with the minor errors aside, such as the details of the cover and sentence construction, I'd really give this book a thumbs up.

OVERALL: 89/100

I find this book so attention-worthy and so fascinating. The first parts made a good impact on me already. And you know what they say, "First impressions last." And in this case, I can honestly say that I'll remember this book.

Thank you for trusting me in reviewing your book! <3, Isabelle