Quarter Finalist
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: The author has created an intricately detailed, complex world and an exciting and rich plot. The storyline carries the reader along as the plot progresses. In this kill-or-die world, weapons are critical, and the planting of multiple clues throughout the book helps track the worldbuilding.
Prose: The author is an extremely talented writer demonstrating deft skill with description, action, and dialogue.
Originality: Despite the strong "Walking Dead" flavor to this work, the author is able to make this story stand on its own, with a distinctive plot and characters.
Character Development/Execution: The author does a fine job with characterization, particularly with the 13-year-old Jesse, whose narrative informs the work.
Date Submitted: July 04, 2022
