Isabelle Reviews (CLOSED FOR NOW)

The Other Side of the Call (Sci-fi, Thriller)

Review date: October 11, 2023

Author: Rosecherry2602

I'd like to sincerely apologize for the very long wait. There was no breathing room for me due to dealing with work and my health. I was also working on something big that I had to put Wattpad on hold. Now, I'll be active and this review shop will be open again. Okay, here it is! 

FIRST IMPRESSION: 5/5

TITLE: 5/5

Firstly, I applaud the author for crafting such a smart title. It's unique and not thinkable in one sitting. It gives that air of enigma—literally not knowing what really is on the other line of a call. The thrill is already there, though unpredictable and intriguing. So, it really gave me a great first impression that I know will last. It's one of the best titles I've come across, to be honest.

COVER: 4/5

I appreciate how the cover (though a photo of a celebrity) looks professionally finished. It isn't perceived as an ordinary fan poster with text. The shade on the photo is also giving a mysterious feel to it. But for the record, I like the cover the author put in the introduction more. It looks more visually pleasing by a tad, but I'll leave it to the author. Still, great job.

BLURB: 5/10

The blurb was quite stressful for me. Just a little, since there were too many questions posed at once. It's good to ask questions in the beginning to keep readers hooked but to overdo it is too much. It sort of leaves my mind wandering some other places instead of concentrating. And what bothers me to a slight extent as well is that there is only one statement. What else am I supposed to expect?

PLOT: 20/20

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 20/20

So this starts off with main character Taehyung and a concerned Jennie conversing regarding a case. The case is described as the toughest in the modern world, so it really sets my expectations high. Kim Chaeyong needs to step into the picture since there's pressure experienced because of the media.

I love how Taehyung is given a brief background and so was Chaeyong even in the beginning. That can be hard to pull off because it usually becomes an info dump that can turn me off.

I admire how realistic the terminology can get (how they carry their speech), giving credibility.

Anyway, the first chapter represented the premise well and I understood the intent of the author at once without me having to think twice if I'll have to read or not. Later on, there's a series of all the activities carried out for the investigation.The plot for me doesn't disappoint and is good as it is. The transition is smooth and I don't find any errors or flaws in continuity. What I can suggest though, is not to jump to a different point of view quickly while remaining in the same setting (the cave). But it'll be up to the author.

What surprises me already is that the thrill I was pertaining to caught my attention already. For readers with a short attention span, this would definitely work. All the drama, the hysteria, and the mystery was there, but not in such a way that gives everything already. And I'm not even on the last published chapter. So, hopefully readers will be able to keep up as well, for a story that just gets better and better.

DESCRIPTIONS: 13/15

WRITING STYLE: 9/10

The show-and-tell technique, in my opinion, was mastered even in the beginning. However, as I read, the skill was slowly fading. But one thing I would not really suggest is the use of photos just for the sole purpose of showing what the figures are (tattoo, falls). I believe it's best to describe them as they are instead of showing photos. References are okay, but I don't recommend doing them a lot.

GRAMMAR/PUNCTUATION: 6/10

I think the choice of words could be improved to make them more distinctive. Not exactly hifalutin or fancy, but just enough to fit a description. Also, just a tip, it's important to be mindful of the existence of words. The use of punctuations must also be considered and paid attention to because it can be distracting as well.

OVERALL: 87/100

This book is not an airy fanfiction. Its plot is nice and clean. I don't usually read thrillers but this makes me want more. I just recommend a few more cleanups to improve this book. Still, great job! 

Thanks for trusting me in reviewing your work! <3, Isabelle