Hey there! You! Yes, you, silly!
Thanks for giving this story a chance. I really appreciate it. I do. This is a story I heartily believe should be read. It deserves to be read. Not because I wrote it, but because of the story it tells. So thank you for that. That said, I welcome any feedback with open arms! I plan on writing two books (a duology) and potentially a prequel.
In the following paragraphs, you will find (a) the disclaimer, (b) a short author's note, (c) awards this book has won, and finally, (d), praise for this book from readers like you!
DISCLAIMER:
This book contains the following issues, themes, etc:
-A Transgender Identifying Individual
-LGBTQ+ Relationships and Orientations (Including Bisexuality)
-An Individual Who Identifies as Polyamorous
-Sparse Mature/Suggestive/Inappropriate Language
-Heavy Gaslighting
-Gun Violence
-Mentions of Murder and Harming Others
-Character(s) with Sadistic Tendencies/Mentions of Sadism
-Mentions of Abuse
-Mentions/Depictions of Sexual Assault (Warnings Included)
-Mentions of Smoking/Smokers
This book is a work of fiction, therefore all mentions of preexisting names, places, and ideas are used fictitiously.
Therefore, this is an original work by yours truly, Crystallia Callistral. This story belongs to me, and I will not tolerate unauthorized translations, theft, or plagiarism. However, feel free to create fanart, I'd love to feature it in the book!
Speaking of Featuring, I've also been Featured by StoriesUndiscovered, FBWCBookClub, CroodsGirl, Project_Athena, KYCSupportGroup, newlywrittenbooks, WackyWriters, Mystery, NA, Freethelgbt, and Romance, and will hopefully be Featured by more profiles in the future!
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
This is NOT a mafia story. Just because there are guns involved with opposing factions does not mean it's automatically a mafia. Furthermore, this book is also not a historical or futuristic fiction piece. it's merely an alternate version of London, one that blends modernity and steampunk. However, this is a mxm (or bxb as some call it) that is very much a slow burn. So, apologies in advance. Suffering through two books of slow burn is a whole other kind of torture.
Anyway, let's move on to more joyful topics. Like awards!
AWARDS FOR TWSH:
1st Place, Action/Adventure Category in the Borderverse Awards
1st Place, Mystery/Thriller Category in the Glorious Awards
1st Place, Mystery/Thriller Category in the Sunset Mini Awards
1st Place, Best Blurb in the Winter Rose Mini Awards
1st Place, Best Blurb in the Grand Library Awards
1st Place, Best Blurb in the Twilight Mini Awards
1st Place, Best Writing Style in the Twilight Mini Awards
1st Place, Best Cover in the Twilight Mini Awards
2nd Place, Best Protagonist in the Winter Rose Mini Awards
2nd Place, Dark Romance Category in the Gloria Regali 2024 Awards
2nd Place, Sci-Fi Category in the Ōkami Awards
2nd Place, New Adult Category in the Lavender Awards
3rd Place, Sci-Fi Category in the Gloria Regali 2022 Awards
3rd Place, Mystery Category in the Jam Board 2022 Awards
3rd Place/Honorable Mention, Adventure Category in the Serendipity Awards
Judge's Special Choice, LGBTQ+ Category in the League of Littérateurs Awards
As you can see, the list isn't too long yet, as I've applied for more reviews than awards. Which brings us to...
PRAISE FOR TWSH:
"This story promises romance... transgender, gaslighting, betrayal all within a dystopian London steampunk visual that the author does deliver on. You make this fantasy, war-stricken world come to life. I hope the story you chose continues to display it in all its glory." CheshireVibes
"Your writing style is praiseworthy, with a vocabulary that's refined without feeling heavy, and perfectly fits the genres and universe it's set in. The descriptions are beautiful and original, the world-building is strong and immersive. I could see myself walking past the scenery of a post-apocalyptic London and I think this a book that would translate beautifully to something on screen... You perfectly weave in worldbuilding, so that explanations about its history, warring factions, and customs are seamlessly weaved in with the way the characters evolve and present their own personal struggles. It's hard to drag a reader into such a unique world, but you do so effortlessly, while the tension stays high and still keeps on growing." HappyCoati
"The story is written very eloquently, describing every detail with an air of importance that holds the reader's attention. The sentences are well structured, and the paragraphs flow into each other flawlessly... its contents are engrossing, and incredibly well written. Definitely worth reading." DylanRTownsend
"From the get-go I felt as though I was sucked into the story of being in London... The characters are all very interesting and I also like how the chapters are from different characters' perspectives... for me, at least, it tells a much more broader storyline." xFall3nang3lx
"The descriptions in the settings are done well, my engagement was high... If I could describe my reading experience with a few words, I felt like I was watching a thrilling James Bond movie. The mission, the dystopian world, war, action and thrill is the main plot, and Bond's attraction & romance felt secondary. The grammar and mechanics were one of the best I've read on Wattpad. The fluidity is great, the carefully planted easter eggs throughout the chapters and their reveals were working. The characters felt unique and alive, their dialogues felt natural." melissadyb
"...The premise attracts me. One of the best assassins in London is about to encounter a florist hoping to end a war and might spark a romance with him along the way... The smooth writing style and the plot promised in the blurb has me anticipating how you'll execute this story." RavingBlack
"I love how easy-going, yet feisty Lennox is, truly a well built character. And the mother, I hate her, but respect the character building you have done on her... With characters like Ren, Mitsan, & Trixcia who are completely different from the characters in the first chapter, yet written just as well amazes me. It's truly a writing talent that you have." ShortyWolf20
"The fact that you accurately described the dystopian, post-apocalyptic London is outstanding... you're a brilliant writer, I must say. I wasn't bored once while reading this book. You portrayed the effects of war on individuals, the environment and humanity in general. War and rage makes us monsters and devolves humanity... I'm completely hooked as it has my rapt attention." IamRegal
"...There's more to this book than perfect grammar. The imagery is fluid... But to create great imagery that appears effortless? As if the writer just flicked their wrist and it flowed out? That's skill. That's talent. That's art." RoryBaptiste
"For once, since I've been doing these reviews, I'm actually interested in seeing how this story unfolds, and as I'm not a fan of third person, that's saying something! You've created an interesting world here. Keep up the great work!" BrittaSwann
"The way that the author uses language and descriptive details make it seem as though you know everything about the character and then one word can change your whole opinion about him... The world that the author creates is a very memorable and very picturesque..." _mapl3
"Who doesn't love a semi-post-apocalyptic story with a strong-willed main lead? I loved the introduction of this book, the characters and their setting. From the first page this book hooked me in... This story is quite interesting and it stayed on my mind long after I finished the current chapters. Each chapter made me curious about what's coming next. Good job. I am looking forward to the rest of the book." unstablebibliophile
"Not only is the world-building amazing, but the descriptions throughout really add to the story and the contrast between the normal and the chaotic... There is no light-hearted fluff, or cute baking moments for these two characters, but that doesn't make them any less interesting or worthy of a read." Spruce_Goose
"...Your story is well-written with descriptions that jump off the page, nicely interwoven and rich worldbuilding that is readily accessible to the reader without the need to understand a bunch of made-up words or renaming of everyday items... With the worldbuilding in line with the speed of the plot, providing detail when we need it, and a main characters that are interesting and we empathize with, this is a story that should draw lots of reader interest." MGhicks_reloaded
"I really like the tone and plot of this story, and I appreciate the clear hard work that's gone into editing." tarishannon18
"You have a huge amount of talent, from your imagination with such a unique plot to your well-rounded characters and gorgeous descriptions. There are so many strengths that you show case in these first three chapters alone. I think you've done a fantastic job and should be really proud of this story." SamiCoops
"The flow, on its own, is excellent. I can tell that from the very first chapter, which you start off with brilliant characters and brilliant dialogue and some of the best pacing I've come across on Wattpad in a long time." LucyAnnWrites
"I love the scene you're setting and you seem to nail characters quickly and with hardly any words. Fantastic!" dtaylorbooks_
"From the gripping scenes to the out-of-the-box outfits, everything promised by the blurb splashes into the plot with a steampunk Romeo and Juliet vibe. I as the reader was instantly hit with the raging madness curated by the Veritas and the Syndicate... The way you piece together words to describe conflict with a flow of syntax and descriptive diction shows the time and effort you poured in to create this plot that had me diving into this novel." sodapopxtreme
"You've developed your two, main characters very nicely, especially Ren. I really enjoy the idea of a dystopian London, and I also enjoy how you're taking the LGBTQ+ approach with your two MCs." CroodsGirl
"I've never read anything like this before, and I'm in love... I can never get enough of your way with words. All I know is I want to flip the pages as quickly as possible. You are super talented. The emotions were described beautifully... Your characters are crafted to perfection. I was touched at each scene, their emotional development was seen and I felt each and every one of them." ItsBangtanBeaches
And that's that! If you weren't dying to read They Who Slaughtered Hope before, are you itching to get to the first chapter now?
Well, I won't keep you waiting any longer, TWSH awaits!╭ >