Monthly Spotlight: April 2021

“Its Cruel Death” || AVB Score: 12

• memoir-structured perspective of a main character uploading his mind
• slow paced, brief story recounting the main character’s past
• psychological science fiction setting told in a slice of life style and pacing
• writing style centered on cerebral musings of the main character

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A Thief In the Night || AVB Score: 11

• quick-faced plot with clear transitions and pacing
• polyamorous, fantasy multi-racial relationships
• straightforward yet detailed writing style
• urban fantasy setting with normalized magic and creatures

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The Last Goddess || AVB Score: 12

• balanced, well-presented first person perspective
• smooth, descriptive yet easy to read writing style
• steady fantasy world building with little informative dumps
• varied cast of characters with consistent plot pacing

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Vanishing Acts || AVB Score: 14

• realistic, uncommonly told portrayal of parenthood
• mature, well-paced story of the struggle of divorce and cheating
• complex yet simply executed mix of forgiveness, understanding, and family bonds
• good handling and exploration of sensitive and unusual topics
• diverse, well-developed cast with strong character development and growth
• clear, compelling narrative style and transitions

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Gemini: A Fox Tale || AVB Score: 10

• pensive display of character thought and emotion
• arranged marriage with a historical-esque fantasy spin
• simple, easy to understand narrative writing style
• slice of life detail and pacing in a Japanese setting

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Wander West, in Shadow || AVB Score: 14

• highly descriptive writing style with diverse language and vocabulary
• languidly yet compelling paced adventure fantasy story
• uniquely recreated fantasy settings with developed tone and mood
• well-characterized cast with clear backstory and motivation

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Demetori || AVB Score: 11

• slow-paced, chronological development and clear pacing
• easy to read, consistent writing with varied structure, tone, and mood
• strongly defined fantasy world settings
• distinct cast of characters with steady progression in relationships

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Tales of Aeolus the Outrageous || AVB Score: 9

• straightforward writing style and quick pacing
• fast progression with clear detail and world building
• virtual reality MMO storyline mixed with reincarnation
• understandable, easy to follow classic game elements

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Bloodlines || AVB Score: 11

• strongly-characterized distinct cast
• mafia romance action story with consistent pacing
• clear writing style with descriptive elements and varied use of language
• well-presented first person perspective narrative with emotion and thought