Isabelle Reviews (CLOSED FOR NOW)

I'm an Extra in a Tragedy Novel (Fantasy, Dark Romance)

Review date: January 9, 2023

Author: mikrokosmos96

First Impression: 5/5

Cover: 4/5

From afar, the cover of the book looks like a dark medieval portrait, considering the subject's green clothes and background of the subject. I haven't come across books with that theme, so it was my first time seeing something like this. I think "intriguing" is an overrated word, so I'd like to say I was drawn to it at once. It's something foreign to me, so I was immediately curious. Take it as a good impression, since I would be willing to get it from a bookshelf and read the blurb. I inspected it more, and it gives a fantasy feel with all the droplets of light dispersed. The color of the title complements the color palette used, especially when the intention is to create a dark vibe. But the font is difficult to read and the spacing between lines and letters is noticeably small. Without being told what the genre is, I could easily tell what it represents. It doesn't mislead or suggest a genre other than fantasy, so the author was able to accomplish the goal or get the point across. No worries here!

Title: 5/5

The title is literal and simple, but direct. It has no figurative speeches and no fancy words that intent to sound flowery, but the beauty of it is how clear it is. 

"I'm an Extra in a Tragedy Novel"

Which leads me to this one question–why exactly is the main perspective called the extra? In this case, the author chose to speak for the main character or the focal point of the story as the "extra." This was what I perceive to be a shift in perspective. What does the extra feel in a tragic story? The answer to my questions will only be given by reading the book. It's a good thing not only because of its individuation and clarity, but the fact that the people will finally take part as sure readers. That in itself deserves praise.

Blurb: 8/10

I'm strict with the blurb since it's the first part that will hook readers aside from the title itself. It's long, but not lengthy. It's long in the sense that is more meaningful and not tedious. The concept alone already takes my mind to places, considering the extreme contrast between settings from a majestic person to a music producer. The tragedy is put into the plot as it emphasized her role is in her world--an extra. It was for Empress Berenice AKA Park Hanbyeol to capture my sympathy and earn my concern. 

PLOT: 20/20

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 20/20

DESCRIPTION: 15/15

An author's note is written at the very beginning, stating the inspiration behind the story. Since the background is presented well, I started to have quite high expectations, taking note of the references with care. 

The persona solidly came off as determined, independent and fearless by showing and not telling the story. The wisdom and practicality setting the order and flow of the details is spot-on. There's so much validity and truth to the story, given that the descriptions justify the acts. In shorter terms, the author write enough about the persona to make the readers conclude how that the crowd was loyal to her. The author didn't just assume and presume that the readers will comprehend the story at the drop of a hat. Rather, the author understood what it meant to build characters, even in the very beginning. That's actually a strength. Good job.

It put a bittersweet energy how the author mentioned the nostalgic memory of her husband as he is held captive. It started off with a good memory of a man to a sad one. The persona also transforms from strong to soft and sentimental.

WRITING STYLE: 9/10

GRAMMAR/PUNCTUATION: 10/10

Even the placement of the history was perfect, and I could imagine them being narrated at the beginning of a film. Saying that I felt bad for the persona is an understatement, especially with the torture and r-pe. 

The dialogues are perfect and at the same time, realistic. I was, in all honesty, moved by the story. It was all coming together. Again, it's definitely not misleading. I felt the tragedy in the story even without scrutiny or deciphering too much. 

I didn't find anything off or odd. Even the thirty-year-old Park Hanbyeol took me to a different place. I wasn't stuck in one state of mind.

The pacing is also good. Neither was I rushed nor slowed down. The execution of the events was admirable, especially the part where the old story is introduced. 

I really noticed was that the stories were not just placed anywhere that can be thought of. The usage of italicized words was also a good idea. It conveyed thoughts even better than just using quotation marks to make it seem like the persona is talking to herself.

OVERALL: 96/100

Overall, it's smooth, neat, and beautiful. It appeals to the eyes and to the heart. Good job! I'll be glad to reread this.

Thank you for trusting me in reviewing your book! <3, Isabelle