Story: The Gunner and The Florist
Author: CrystalCallistral

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Reviewer: cyanxiety-

ꗃ﹕❜Title: 5/5

For a remake of a classic like Romeo and Juliet, the title is just the perfect one— simple and ambiguous. A title is what usually the readers use to find a book and the simpler and unique it is, the easier it is to remember.

ꗃ﹕❜Cover: 4.5/5

The cover is very elegant and classy. The font style complements with the aura of the dystopian London as well as the personalities of the respective characters, same goes with the colours and the elements like the blue flowers and the snake. I would’ve personally loved if the author could edit Komainu on Ren’s side, but that’s simply a fleeting suggestion. However, I do suggest flipping the background image to align with the title, as one usually looks from left to right. Anyhow, the cover has done an amazing job to convey the gist of the story, the vignettes adding to the effect.

  ꗃ﹕❜Blurb: 4/5

A perfect blurb that gives away just enough to catch a reader's interest and raises questions in one’s mind. It is descriptive and organised just like the story itself. Although, I suggest using a more illustrative vocabulary as the author has shown an immense knowledge of it throughout the story.

ꗃ﹕❜Characters: 5/10

As much of a fan I am of the plot, the opening did not meet my expectations. For a story so interesting, it surely was lacking the hook. Although I do find it unique-- a peculiar and bittersweet calm before addressing the catastrophe beyond. There's surely room for improvement.

ꗃ﹕❜Plot and Word Building:  7/10

A twisted version of Darwin's 'Survival of the Fittest' garnished with forbidden rendezvous, this story really does delve into the struggles of a war-ridden city and how, over the time, people get used to the violence. The ratio of mystery thriller and romance throughout is balanced with minimal disruptions. There were a few loopholes here and there but nothing that massive, and as the story is still in progress, nothing much can be said about it.

ꗃ﹕❜Character Building: 10/10

One thing I can identify as the author's biggest strength is their ability to make diverse characters. Each of them is a contrast of the other. While Lennox cares about money, Emily is the one to spend it away like a river; while Ren is a sadistic narcissist, Mitsan stays cool headed and is excellent in manipulation skills. Even the character of Trixcia does not cease to impress me with a personality which would make you want to adore her and, at the same time, give her a slap across her face (she deserved the bullet to her leg, just saying).

<A limo? Seriously? That's a month's worth of food!>

ꗃ﹕❜Pace and Length: 6/10
T

he pace of the story is slow, although it manages to not be boring despite a few flaws. It reveals something from the past at every corner with an uncertain future-- a complex yet intriguing take if you'd ask me.

ꗃ﹕❜Vocabulary and Grammar: 9/10

P

erfection. That is the only word that can define the immaculate vocabulary knowledge the author possesses. Although there are a few words that may seem displaced, nothing a few hours editing cannot solve.

ꗃ﹕❜Writing Style: 7/10

Author has a very descriptive and intriguing writing style which does not miss upon immersing the reader into the text thoroughly. Symbolism is a very prominent element through and through. However I do suggest making it ambiguous at times. Show, don't tell. Not everything shall be worded out to the reader, let them figure it out themselves. Sometimes they just need to decide it through simple actions like a smirk, rubbing of the arms, etc. Other than that, I am absolutely in love with the writing style.

<Lennox watched the star-studded sky as he rode past in the back of the limousine. Lights glittered like flickers of sad spirits, forever stuck in a material world.>

ꗃ﹕❜Overall:  84/100

All in all, the story manages to present freshness and originality amongst all the dystopian settings I've read so far and sets the bar quite high. As of recently, I have found myself addicted to this and would love to read further down the secrets rooting deep beneath the war between Verita Aser and the Syndicate.

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