\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
Printed from https://writing.com/main/my_feedback/action/view/id/4795974
Review #4795974
Viewing a review of:
 Woven in the Dark Open in new Window. [13+]
Amidst the growing tension and looming threat of dark forces, one never knows who to trust
by C.W. Rickman Author Icon
Credit this reviewer
#4795974
Review of Woven in the Dark  Open in new Window.
Review by Jeff Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The Free Folk  Open in new Window.
Rated: 13+ | (3.0)
Access:  Public | Hide Review (?)
Hi C.W. Rickman

I discovered your item on Writing.com via random Read & Review and am sending the following feedback for your consideration.


Positives

The letter from Mirabelle to Eirwyn feels familiar and comfortable, as if written by two people very familiar with one another. I liked the informality and the sense of relationship, and it really helped anchor this piece.


Suggestions

As someone who's coming into this worldbuilding fresh, it felt a bit much all at once, and a little overly-expository. In the span of less than 1,000 words, we're introduced to seven named characters (Mirabelle, Eirwyn, Cassius, Belenus, Rowan, Gosse, Clementine), plus an additional five worldbuilding concepts (Enchanters, The Order, Laurentinus, Ariels, The True World) which aren't given a lot of explanation or context. And while those details do add an element of authenticity to the letter itself and it's point of view, it's a bit confusing for an outside reader who has no knowledge of these things. Presumably, they will be explained later in the story proper, but it made the prologue a little less engaging than it otherwise would have, not knowing anything about The Order, or whether the "protection of the Ariels" is significant or not, etc.


Overall

Overall, I think you've got a great starting point for a prologue (and a larger story) here. You clearly have an entire narrative backstory and setting laid out, which is really commendable. I would recommend focusing this prologue on a more digestible moment with less exposition for the benefit of the reader, and then letting some of those other elements and characters reveal themselves in time. But I think you're off to a great start!


I hope you've found this review helpful. If so, please consider paying it forward by reviewing the work of another Writing.com author! *Bigsmile*

Sincerely,

Jeff Author IconMail Icon
"Rating & Reviewing PhilosophyOpen in new Window.

*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!Open in new Window..
   *CheckG* You last responded to this review 01/20/2025 @ 1:45pm EST
Printed from https://writing.com/main/my_feedback/action/view/id/4795974