Black Cat

Even though, I'm not all that interested in thinking about the sweet smell of a man's after shave, I will have to admit that it was a good opening sequence to your book. You seem to get us right to point fast with the impending plot to murder. Some of your descriptions although nice did seem a bit over polished. I didn't like the "Eternal Sign". Mainly because I feel it a little of out of context. It seemed to be stretching a little bit to me, but it was alright. Your book sounds really good, but it may be a bit over polished for my taste. But I'd probably still buy a copy and read it. And because of that I'm backing your book.

Extra comment. I would buy and read your book solely based on the the cover. I love your cover. Excellent job.

got to chap five, but i have no complaints. The chapters are short and detailed, drawing a person in and making them want to keep going. =]
~Zero

your use of metaphors is admirable, your paint a very vivid picture with your words. You're backed, and I'm going to the next chapter =]
~Zero, No Title Needed

I wondered if your narrative was drowning in imagery and this almost philosophical, numinous tone at times, but . . . I like it. This has potential. I like the way you've "drawn" the assassin in the opening and feel compelled to read on because of it, to find out if she really can kill Jackson Pence (nice name) and what the consequences are of either doing so or not. Backed!

M J
Requiem

Only read a little, but there are so many descriptive elements that I keep losing the plot. Good writing, nice and tight - but maybe too much too soon?

See the potential, tho - backed.

cookingskewl,
friend of 'Sons of Apollyon'

I only read the first chapter so far, but I was really drawn in, the description of the venom of her soul was brilliant and quite scary.

Backed, Vicky x

My niece will absolutely love this. I did and I am 45. Will show it to her in a couple of weeks. Well done.

What a great pitch, LA. For the YA market I'm sure that an author has to grab the book by its spine and throw in action, suspense, believable characters and a cliff hanger at the end of the first page to induce us to read further. You have done this with Black Cat. Backed. Scott.

I was drawn to this for purely visual reasons - another black cat on reading lists I was hitting - but so glad I did. Brilliant pitch, original and as someone says below no stereotypes. Taught atmospheric writing that I look forward to seeing in on a real bookshelf soon, from what I've read it deserves to be.

All the best, Ben
How To Keep Your Tail (and other true-life survival strategies from the Tower of London)

Great pitch. Mr and Mrs Smith soaked in the supernatural. Razielle's entrance was so primal, you couldn't fail to visualise her and feel her conflict. Although we know from the pitch she has a disease, you immediately are pulled in as to why she is so torn by her mission. God strong narrative, nice to see a jock is more than a stereotype, he is multi layered. very god indeed.

Well there's no doubt that you know how to start a book. It's right on the mark from the word ' GO'. I found the pitch to be the reason to start reading and I liked it.
BACKED
Mark
ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE

Greetings, LA!

Kudos on your manuscript, Black Cat! Your storyline is chock-full of vivid imagery: The smells that fill Razielle's nostrils, the mist decaying inside of her, the little girl dying in Jack's arms- with the tacky-red hair and blue lips, Jack violently throwing up in the toilet after feeling his pulse pounding in his eye... all brilliant imagery! You also set the stage wonderfully for the ensuing drama and suspense: Razielle is bent on doing one thing: killing her mark- Jackson Pence! The thrill of the hunt! Backed.

Teric Darken

(K - I - L - L FM 100 / U-TURN KiLLuR)

This has an intense creepiness and I loved every moment of it. You have a very strong opening, I found it easy to get into it, and it maintained my interest throughout. You have developed a very interesting story and the diabolical tone added tension, and it pushed the story forward.
I wish you the best
Scott
The Esrevinu Chronicles/Secrets of the Elephant Rocks

Brilliant short pitch. Think you can redo the longer pitch, break it up. One monolithic block is not enticing. But the writing is good so I will SHELVE!

I can your comments on my book when you get a chance. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key
Authonomy's #1 rated commentator

A great opening line, and the first few paragraphs were faultless, for me.
The whole first chapter worked well, creating the world for me to dive into.
Even though the scenario was nothing like my ‘real life’, I was drawn into the story and found it believable.
I felt badly for Jack and his load to bear, but at the same time wanted to know what will happen to him.
Your character’s names are really cool - Razielle, Shekinah, Sebastian Nox... they evoke another reality.
Only one niggle - words like ‘evanescent’ stand out, because they aren’t used regularly in day to day speech. A variant on this word appears in chapter one and early on in chapter 2, and I noticed it the second time.
Best of luck - backed.
Cheers, Kit Matthews (Insight)

I am very intrigued by this book, and as such I am backing it. Just a quick heads-up...there's a difference between the old smell of books, which implies the smell itself is aged, and the smell of old books, which implies the books are aged. I don't know which one you wanted, but I thought I'd point that out just in case. Anyway, backed. Best of luck to you.

actually, I didn't really think about that. Thank you for pointing that out. See, it's things like that, that make me post here. I can tell you guys are paying serious attention to me and I LOVE it!

Thank you.

Have read to ch3. The change of tone after the poetic opening is skillfully done with naturalistic dialogue and a good narrative pace. The opening is really wonderful - excellent writing. The pitch, too, is enticing and sells the book well. Backed. Lynn

You have a wonderful writers voice, the tension is full on in all 3 chapters that i have read and yet you have maneged to give us great visulaizations og the characters...Razielle an assasin in search of a boy named Jackson, she perceives his scent, his aura with wings bleeding but still attached lingers in her mind as she searches...he is close.

This will be different this doesn't feel the same...Razielle...seeks him.

Jackson is a man/boy who is haunted by visions of the newly dead, whilst they are still alive. His mind is troubled and drinking and medication only give him momentary relief from his torturous gift.

This is beautifully crafted, and the characters will hold great appeal for the Y/A market...they need the instant gratification of a fast and thrilling read...This is most certainly that.
backe with pleasure
Suzannah Burke

Welcome to Authonomy, LA Knight. BLACK CAT has a lot going for it. Good luck on your journey up through the rankings.

Eileen Schuh Canadian Author FIREWALLS

Hi -- I agree, this has good potential for the YA market. It needs a small edit., but this is a great start. Backed with pleasure,
Barry,
(Little Krisna and the Bihar Boys)

This is a good young adult novel because you've made Jackson a highschool jock: such an unlikely person to have secret powers. Razielle is a good contrast to him. II'm betting this will have a wide young adult audience. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

This is so good- I was compelled to keep reading even though I am at work - even printed pages to read on the train! My only complaint is I want more! YA will devour this original and well written book!

Backed with pleasure.

Liz
The Cheech Room

I enjoyed this. You write well, managing to capture tension immediately. I love your front cover too - it adds to the mystery perfectly.
I am more than happy to back it.

Best Wishes

Anna
'Always the Bridesmaid'

wow, that;'s a really complex scent

A few typo's, nothing a quick edit won't cure. The premise is slick, I like it. I would trim down your long pitch just because it has some repetitious wording, but this should do well!

Shelved.
Dan
Demons and Other Inconveniences.