The Aster Awards 2023 [CLOSED]

: ̗̀➛ MYSTERY/THRILLER

1.  BerkVille by mssanadara

Title - 7/10

Cover - 5/10

Blurb - 8/10

Plot - 8 /15

Creativity  - 9/15

Grammar - 10/15

Characters - 4/5

Interaction with reader - 3.5/5

Overall - 8 /15

Total: 62.5/100

Review: Reading the blurb reminded me of 'Thirteen Reasons Why' and 'One of Us Are Lying', which is really intriguing. But after five chapters, I'm a bit let down (especially by the bits about the villain; it's puzzling to read that through the MC's POV). I understand there are five main characters and all their voices are equally important, but the events they speak of...I'm not sure how these are related to the big bang (DeeJay's murder). I expected the body to show up by Chapter 3, and the first set of challenges to appear before our characters. One of Us is Lying has four main protagonists...so I suggested reading that to improve pacing and narration.

2. The Whitby Dossier by BellOfSilence

Title - 9.5/10

Cover - 8/10

Blurb - 7.5/10

Plot - 13/15

Creativity - 12/15

Grammar - 13/15

Characters - 4.5/5

Interaction with reader - 3.5/5

Overall - 13/15

Total: 84/100

Review: Fantastic world-building and set-up. The pacing was a bit slow, but I liked the short length and the cliffhangers of each chapter. The main characters, especially Kyle, are brilliant, realistic and related.

3. "Trying" Normal by EvilMaybeWriter

Title - 8/10

Cover - 7/10

Blurb - 8.5/10

Plot - 14/15

Creativity - 13/15

Grammar - 10/15

Characters - 3/5

Interaction with reader - 4/5

Overall - 12/15

Total: 79/100

Review: Mystifying. Whimsical. Riveting. That's what I felt while reading the first five chapters of "Trying" Normal. There are some grammar issues (punctuation, sentence syntax) and I'm not sure of Vincent's age (there is a mention of him returning to school next fall - Chapter 1), but his brazen ego and voice compels me to stay for the ride. 

4. The Sleuth's Pursuit by Ardra06

Title: 6 /10

Cover: 6/10

Blurb: 6/10

Plot: 12/15

Creativity: 10/15