Quarter Finalist

Assessment:

Plot: The author does a fantastic job weaving an intricate and engrossing plot that holds the reader's interest from the first line to the last. An atmospheric setting and gritty details carry visceral impact. Cloutier is a gifted storyteller and writer, deserving of a wide readership.

Prose/Style: The story here flows effortlessly thanks to the author's seasoned skill with prose. Readers will have a hard time putting the book down even when life commitments demands they must. This is a gratifying story of trauma and vengeance, brilliantly told.

Originality: There are many aspects of this work that stand out, and originality is at the top of the list. The setting, characters, and immersive storytelling - all are refreshingly novel.

Character Development: Cloutier's characters are rustic, driven, and wholly distinct. The author is able to differentiate minor and major players in the story seemingly effortlessly, which helps the plot unfold smoothly for the reader.

Date Submitted: August 19, 2019