『 RowanCarver 』

✰ cover
I think this cover is brilliant. The idea of Corruption itself is captured so well in this picture, just how I always imagined it.

✰ title
The title is unique because you would expect that 'King' refers to a male leader, but when you read the blurb, you find that King isn't a male at all--they're a woman.

✰ blurb
Great blurb. It really gives you an insight into what's in store.

✰ characters
This is a random tangent but I love love love that you gave King Eden this name. Like, I hate the fact that you have to tell people that she's a woman and people find it odd that has the title of 'King.' Screw social norms, if a woman considers herself to be a king then so be it! It makes them more bad*ss because it's unconventional. King is the absolute definition of bad*ss.

King isn't a hero. No, she definitely is not, but I wouldn't expect her to be given her circumstances. She would never risk her life for something unnecessary and she definitely wouldn't hesitate to kill anyone who got in her way. That's what makes her so unique. We often see these protagonists who would risk their lives saving others, so it's sort of a breath of fresh air to finally see a protagonist who doesn't give a f*ck about rescuing people.

That being said, it's interesting how you added a bit more depth to her character when it came to her son, Eli. Before, she had seemed like a somewhat negligent mother who didn't seem all that close with him. Now, she's remorseful for having been such a terrible parent. It's very sweet to see this side of King--it was not expected. I like to believe that she has this hard exterior in front of others, but in reality, she just wants to protect her son.

Fix can suck it.

Not gonna lie, Eli is a little bad*ss. He takes after his mother I presume, hehe. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you gave Eli more dialogue and appearance? Because if I remember correctly, he was originally taken away from King in an instant? I might be wrong, as it's been a while since I've reread it, but if it is the case, I think it was a good choice to have us learn a little more about Eli and even about King.

✰ plot
I think the author has made this story entirely their own. The plot is completely fresh and it's something I have never read before. I can totally see how you took inspiration from anime such as Cowboy Bebop.

You can tell just from the prologue that you've put so much thought into this world. It's so creative and interesting, although the whole dystopian trope is seen often, I think you took a different route with it.

✰ pacing
The flow and pacing of the story are just right. It doesn't feel rushed, but it doesn't feel slow-paced either. The action scenes are my favorite part! I think you've nearly perfected it.

✰ grammar/language
Your imagery, to say the least, is haunting. It's always had this kind of icky vibe to it--which is not a bad thing! It's just the way you describe the scenes where King is going through Corruption or when she mutilated Fix seems straight out of a video game. It's awesome.

If I had to be honest, this novel is probably one of the best ones I've read on this website so far. The world-building is immaculate and the descriptions are to die for. It reads as though it is already a published novel.

✰ overall thoughts
I'm proud to say that I have seen your growth as an author. From behind the scenes, I could see just how much time and effort you've been putting into this story. From taking it apart and reconstructing it, it's absolutely admirable to me--a small author growing myself--to watch your novel reach its full potential. I can wholeheartedly say that I can't wait to see King Eden on my bookshelf one day.

✎ . . . .

Happy writing!