Here is the moment you all have been waiting for!

First of all, a very big thank you to our valuable judges and

Thank you for helping us and making these awards possible. We couldn't have done it without you!

Now is the time for results but before that, thank you, everyone, for participating, and always remember that no matter what you scored, you all are amazing writers and you have the potential to make it to the top. Never give up!

Without further ado, let's get started! All your reviews along with your scores will be published in this chapter. If any of you have any questions or doubts regarding the scores, please contact your respective judges but remember, no misconduct with any of the judges will be tolerated. If anyone is found doing so, they'll be blacklisted from any further projects in the community.

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Well, it's a tie!

Title: 5/5

Blurb: 5/5

Cover: 4/5

Grammar: 8/10

Character Development: 9/10

Originality: 10/10

Writing Style: 10/10

Description: 9/10

Setting: 10/10

Plot: 14/15

Engagement: 10/10

The title is very creative, it suits the blurb, the book and the cover perfectly.

**After reading the book I like the title even more. Starsand is the name of the ship and the team is travelling to the moon to gather craters, star sand. I love this kind of plays in stories and titles.

The blurb covers everything a blurb should cover: the characters, the mission and the conflict and it is written in a very intriguing way, with no grammar errors. The whole concept is a very exciting one, I would definitely turn the page after reading the blurb.

The cover speaks the language of sci-fi genre. Though, the characters on the cover seem older than 20 years old. I am guessing they are Cass and Rayner. This is just my personal taste, and after reading the story I feel like I'm friends with the writer because of their amazing writing style, so I'm being candid when I say, I am not sure if the retro theme suits this futuristic book. Just something for the writer to think about.

I love the names the writer has chosen for their very vivid characters, Cassiopea, Astra, Ms. Nova... I had no problem imagining each and every one of them. I also liked their little back stories in chapter one. Although it was a lot of information to take in, it didn't throw me off in any way, only enhanced my reading experience.

Switching POV's between each character was very well done. I didn't have any problems following their dialogues or inner thoughts.

There are very few grammar mistakes and the writing style speaks to me. I love the writer's voice. The descriptions are on point, just enough to set the readers securely into the scene without dwelling on unnecessary details.

I loved loved loved reading about the struggles of having sex in space at the end of chapter 2! Thanks to the author, I will never be able to read Nasa's news without grinning to myself.

I loved how the writer described the character's changing into each other's appearances. (Reminded me of Harry Potter's polyjuice potion.) I imagine how difficult it must have been to write chapter 3 clearly, and hats off, the writer did a splendid job with clarity. I wasn't confused at all, and could follow each character and their doppelganger easily. Though the last thirds of that chapter might use a little polishing.

In chapter 4 and 5 readers already know who is in whose skin, so mentioning Cass wearing Fin's skin (for example) in character descriptions were a little too much. I'd advise the writer to take a second look at those chapters.

Stream of events that led up to chapter 5 flowed very organically at a very dynamic pace. The hooks and tension at the end of each chapter urged me to keep going.

And on that note, I will need to read the rest of the book.

Title: 5/5

It's a short title, easy to remember, and it really speaks for the story.

Blurb: 5/5

The blurb is very original. It's a good idea to start by addressing the readers; it would get anybody's intentions as you sort of value them. The first part described the MC very well, and the second part really focused on the danger of her research. The last paragraph really just makes you want to open the book. Well done.

Cover: 4/5

I like the picture. There is nothing stronger than the face of a woman showing her chin up to the world, and the black part is the shadow. That picture, on its own, speaks volumes. You know straight away that's Corrine and she is up against the shadows. My only concerns are with the font. The title is big enough to be seen, and on that black background, resting over the face of the MC, it is perfect. Personally, I would have removed the flower to make it even stronger and put the author's name somewhere other than on the character's face. That's just because it takes away the lady's posing power, and it can often only go on the top or bottom, and it shouldn't be as big as the title. This is for the sole purpose of distinguishing one from another.

Grammar: 8/10

I didn't spot any major mistakes, but more those made by inattention, such as missing periods and punctuation. There are transcriptions of text messages that I think will be better in italics or other formats that could highlight them. Watch out for abbreviations such as "yrs"; personally, I would have put all the numbers in words.

Character Development: 8/10

My only wish was that we could have a slower pace on Corrine's character. We were told that she drank due to a car crash that had caused her to have PTSD. I think it wasn't necessary to throw that much information, just a hint that she drank to forget something and give the opportunity for a more developed flashback chapter later on.

Originality: 10/10

I have never read a science fiction novel with this kind of unique writing style.

Writing Style: 9/10

The writing style is unusual, but I like the rawness of it. It is pretty unique to the genre. However, I would like to point out that I was quite disturbed by the prologue, which starts with other protagonists. There is also a flow issue from one chapter to another. Maybe a time reference or indicator could help.

Description: 10/10

The description was very well incorporated into the narrative. From Corrine's point of view, her loved one or when she saw Erik, Raphael.

Setting: 10

I can see all the settings as they happen. It was well woven with the dialogue. The world-building is fantastic. I love all the new technology, like a car with a key and password to unlock, but my favourite is the phone with a hologram. It reminds me so much of Star Wars.

Plot: 15/15

In this regard, I wasn't let down; I was kept on my toes. The tension and mystery were masterfully crafted.

Engagement: 10

Each chapter leaves you hungry for more. Well done on that.

Total: 94/100

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Title: 5/5

Blurb: 5/5

Cover: 5/5

Grammar: 10/10

Character Development: 10/10

Originality: 10/10

Writing Style: 9/10

Description: 10/10

Setting: 10/10

Plot: 15/15

Engagement: 9/10

Total:

Wow, this is the highest score I've ever given and by all means, the first five chapters of this story deserve all the credit.

The cover is beautiful, the desert refers to the dystopian world the writer mentions in the blurb. The font & placement of the title is perfect for a sci-fi novel.

The blurb is well written, and intriguing with the mentions of the main characters' goals and Sarah's call to action. I'd definitely start turning the pages if I came across this book in a store.

The grammar is flawless. The writing style & writer's voice is very powerful. We cruise alongside Sarah in the desert and dive into her world very easily.

The plot is weaved naturally. The show & tell weigh at a very healthy balance (which is extremely hard to achieve when you are setting the image of a dystopian world). Right information is given at the right time, establishing just the right amount of intrigue for the reader to keep going.

Sarah's character is very tough at first glance but her determination, and the image of an elderly badass woman revving around the remains of the world on a motorbike is very interesting. So, you keep reading to find out more about her. I personally liked her & found her relatable at chapter 3, in the flashback of the experiment. The experiment scene humanizes her and allows us to empathize, in my opinion.

I can't wait to read more about what happens next, because chapter 5 is where the real adventure begins.

***

Title: 5/5

Short title I don't know what it means, so that's a good start to attract my curiosity.

Blurb: 5/5

It's a very short blurb, but it does the job. Sometimes, you don't need more. I can't help but think of Terminator.

Cover: 4.5/5

The font is not right. Those fonts that are classic and that contain thin lines are not the best because they can be drowned in the background, in that case, the night sky. It could be enlarged, but it won't be well seen.

Grammar: 10/10

I didn't see anything that needed to be mentioned.

Character Development: 9.5/10

The main character has no physical description, but that doesn't matter as I guess it is done on purpose so anyone can identify themselves with her. I love how the story grows from her point of view, woven with her opinions and speculations. I think her character and the others were all very well built.

Originality: 10/10

I really enjoyed the story. It reminds me very much of Terminator with the resistance, but what I like most is that it really takes points from our own flaws in society. The use of the separation between the rich and the poor to cover bigger schemes.

Writing Style: 10/10

Excellent story telling, especially in terms of story flow. Very good use of metaphors and similes when needed. The first chapter was definitely the best, as it was very catchy. It is a shame this book is not known more. It truly deserves more.

Description: 10/10

Nothing to say, very vivid. Not once was I lost, left confused.

Setting: 10/10

It's amazing world building, especially the technology with the spydr and other devices. I enjoy the idea of the slums being a hiding place for the resistance.

Plot: 14.5/15

There is no subplot, only one plot, which is not a flaw in and of itself.

Engagement: 10/10

I would definitely read more and recommend it.

***

As for the rest of the participants, you all did great. A big round of applause for each one of you. Thank you for participating!

Title: 5/5

Blurb: 5/5

Cover: 5/5

Grammar: 6/10

Character Development: 5/10

Originality: 6/10

Writing Style: 5/10

Description: 6/10

Setting: 8/10

Plot: 10/15

Engagement: 5/10

Total: 66/100

The cover is very intriguing. Refers to travelling across the universe and maybe even through time.

The title suits the book and the blurb.

There are a couple of grammar errors in the blurb, but the concept of a living ship and its captain travelling across the universe is very intriguing. I'd definitely turn the page and start reading.

The opening is a little confusing as in the first paragraphs, I automatically thought that the narrator was telling the story. Then came a scene break, where suddenly we were introduced to the POV of another 'storyteller' in a whole different setting. We understand that this storyteller sits with another captain, and narrates the first few paragraphs that we've been reading. This POV shift & unclarity right at the beginning is a dangerous one. The writer can create confusion and lose readers.

I understand the need to use short sentences as paragraphs. The writer wants to make a strong point or an impact, but in the first chapter, they feel a bit over-used.

The dialogues need to be thoroughly edited to avoid cliches and repetitions, such as:

'What are you thinking?'

'I'm thinking...'

Canaisis and Captain Gareth make a good team, but their relationship & conversations lack emotion. There is too much telling, not enough showing to keep a strong reading engagement. I know there is a lot going on and the writer is trying to achieve this new setting, which is also a character. And this whole concept requires lots technology that the writer is compelled to share with the readers. But giving all the necessary information by showing is the hard part, and it would enhance the story immensely.

Throughout reading the five chapters, my experience has been quite mechanical, almost as if I had been reading the ship's daily reports about what's been going on. I just want to make sure that this is done intentionally, if not, the writer might want to consider improving this by diving into deeper emotion to have their readers feel empathy towards the characters.

As of chapter 5, we are still in the process of getting to know the characters and we are still navigating around the ship. I can't really evaluate character development at this point in the story. This also points out that the pacing is rather slow.

Overall, the writer has an interesting concept, I wish them all the best.

Title: 3/5

Blurb: 5/5

Cover: 5/5

Grammar: 9/10

Character Development: 9/10

Originality: 9/10

Writing Style: 8/10

Description: 8/10

Setting: 10/10

Plot: 14/15

Engagement: 7/10

I have to warn the writer about the title, just by looking at it on an ordinary day, I'd think that the story was written in another language and pass without reading.

The cover and the blurb go hand in hand. The cover is beautifully illustrated, cheers to the author for their drawing skills. It seems to be targeting a young adult & anime audience at first glance.

The blurb is beautifully written, covers everything a blurb should cover -character's goal, theme, genre and also hints at the writing style.

Starting from the very first paragraphs, I was immersed under water where I found myself staring at the sea-cow with Dea and her granny in their merworld, looking through their eyes. The settings were well constructed, placed me right into the scene.

The writing style and writer's carefully chosen forms of stronger words felt like the author was trying too hard to overachieve his skills sometimes.

Hooks at the end of each chapter were witty and clever. I laughed when Dea asked her granny where her cow was at the end of chapter 2.

Descriptions were very detailed, well-constructed. Though I have to say, they slowed down the pace sometimes. There were times when it felt like I was studying intricate the details of a painting, instead of following the story.

The plot was similar to A Little Mermaid (writer already points this out in the blurb) - so no plot holes, and we can guess what's going to happen next. However, this isn't a bad thing and it doesn't mean that the story wasn't original. The originality laid in the writer's way of reshaping the story.

I have to add that I really liked the drawings at the end of each chapter, and the ones they used for scene breaks. The photo ID and the map were also nice touches to the story.

Overall, it was a fun read. I wish the author all the best in their writing journey.

Title: 4/5

Blurb: 1/5

Cover: 3/5

Grammar: 6/10

Character Development: 7/10

Originality: 7/10

Writing Style: 7/10

Description: 8/10

Setting: 8/10

Plot: 9/15

Engagement: 6/10

Total: 66/100

My first guess by looking at the cover is that I'll be reading about a family drama, or get into the world of somebody's inner child (who is scared of someone or something). The carved texture and lighting in the image hint a horror theme.

**I came back to the cover after reading 6 parts, but I couldn't understand what the imagery refers to.

The blurb doesn't say much about the story. A brief description, a log-line or even some spoilers would create enthusiasm & make the readers want to dive into the book.

The title made sense to me after reading 4 chapters. I think it refers to the end of the world. I like the romanticism if I guessed correctly.

The grammar needs some work throughout the story. Some sentences can be shortened for a better flow. There are punctuation errors too.

I personally like the writing style. I love seeing cultural aspects through the use of language.

Personally, I'd prefer the second chapter as an opening. It addresses the technology, the difference between AI's and humans, racism and Betty's physical & emotional response to the AI attack. As a whole, second chapter shows just enough information with intriguing action to engage the readers and make them want to turn the page.

Jeremy's story was a very good introduction to his character and the world's setting.