Judge: Nams

For: Desi Lihaaz 2019

Cover and Title: How will the combination of the two reflect upon the plot of your story?

I loved the title. Yes, it's not very unique but i guess, it will always be likable! The title is beautiful. The cover edit too, it's gorgeous. It's cute!

Summary/Prologue and Chapter 1

I love the way the author has written the summary! it leaves us wanting to know more and the plot sounds so interesting already!

The prologue is really good! It builds a nice base for the plot to unfold. A drunken night, VEGAS, a one night stand and of course a wedding! Such a cliche. Yet sounds so different at the same time, maybe because this time, its an Indian version of it! Anyway, I love it.

A great start to the story! I am so into it. I can't wait to read more. Author has really good command over the language and knows how to build a plot with a smooth start!

Writing level: How proficient are you with your language and grammar?

Author has great command over the language and I have not spotted a single error so far. The narrative is really good and can easily be understood. The story has a smooth flow making it easy for the readers to get hooked!

Indian Culture: Whether it is old-school, contemporary or 500 years in future, how well does your story spread the theme: Being Indian.

Author blends the Indian culture so beautifully in this story! I love the references and how strong headed the female protagonist is. She defies all odds in our culture and also makes sure to uphold the roots of our values. It's so contrasting and so enchanting at the same time! I love it.

Chapters 2/3/4

I have loved the story so far, apart from the fact that I find chapters long (which is actually a good thing as well), there is nothing I can suggest for improvements. The story has a great narration and the plot is really interesting!

Plot Delivery: How well do you balance the genre and element you are trying to address?

Author has done an amazing job in balancing the genre and element into her story. It's a perfect for NRI rules. I love how progressive the female protagonist is and how the male protagonist personality is. The plot delivery for Silver Linings is very neat and awesomely written!

Element: How well does your story reflect the element of your choosing, no matter the overall genre?

Silver Lining reflects perfectly on the element. Being Desi even in Videsh is what i could think of while reading this. The relationships between the characters, the conversations, the culture aspect, all of it very neatly blended in! I absolutely love it.

Chapters 5/6

The story is great! I love Esha's character and how strong she is given any situations. She is someone who has embraced a progressive mind while not forgetting her roots. She is real and she is confident! I have no suggestions to give as this is the best!

Overall

The story is awesome. The spunky female character and the sweetheart male character is lit! Not to forget how the female protagonist is mix of everything! Definitely matches with element criteria and the plot delivery so far has been great! I am able to connect with each character, I am so into every chapter that I can't wait to read more! This is an awesome book filled with moments, questions, doubts and unfavourable situations. But that spark that binds the two characters together is mind blowing! I am in love with this.

My suggestion to author would be, why don't you try publishing it? Trust me it will be hit with the Indian audience for SURE!