May 08, 2025
And thus, the story concludes. First off, congratulations on finishing. Regardless of how the novel fares with the judges, just the fact that you finished the story before the deadline is something worth patting yourself on the back for. With how many chapters you were uploading on the final few days of the competition, I was getting a bit worried things would be rushed, but I don't think that was the case at all. The finale with Midas felt natural despite the more cliched resolution. In fact, I think you foreshadowed Midas' survival perfectly with the mention of Romka sacrificing herself for him. I also liked the twist of Romka actually being Midas' mother.
If I had to name any critique I had with the novel, it's easily the romance. By itself, this isn't much of an issue, but in terms of the contest, it is a fair critique. I feel Soren and Katrina really were pushed a bit too much as the romantic quota early on in the story. Considering how much the latter half focuses on Midas, I think it might have been better to try and highlight his chemistry with Adella a bit more rather than focus on Katrina and Soren. To me, the romance between Soren and Katrina reminded me more of the relationship between Kobato and Nakamura from Shoushimin. But in regards to the love transcends boundaries theme, Romka's motherly love for her son, Midas, was a clever take on it. Adella's chemistry with Midas was also a net positive. I just wish it had been explored a bit more considering Midas is the main focus of the story. But if the contest prompt wasn't a factor, I'd say this is an easy 5/5 story. Congratulations once more on finishing, and good luck in the contest.
