Falling Leaf

Julie, I love the interaction between parents and daughter in that first chapter. Effective true-to-life dialogue. Nothing to nitpick in that section.

Happy to back your novel.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

Hi Julie, I read chapter one and two and enjoyed them.
'that walked' -- who walked.
there is over-writing in that you say, she walked 'with her father', then tell us she is 'his daughter' and then she followed in her 'beloved father's footsteps'.
Good stuff - more please.
Backed with pleasure,
Barry
LITTLE KRISNA AND THE BIHAR BOYS

Your narrative is deceptive - It is clear and concise but also hides deeper meanings in places. I also very much like the premise of your story.

Tracy Buchanan
The Candyfloss Room

This is handled very well and I am happy to se that you have not elected to go for events over language. Your writing is closer to literary fiction than the usual fantasy fare.

backed

Hi Julie, Druidism is a curiosity and I think you’ve handled the mysterious concepts well – especially when Naria leaves her body as spirit and sees the auras. Her being female and going through this initiation before her engagement makes for a good plot in that alone. This is constructed well, the larger plot developing and the father’s visions having such impact. I enjoyed it! Shelved with pleasure – Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

Hi Julie, I'm backing this because it has such promise. Perhaps you could just reduce the lenght of your pitch though, and I did find the sudden appearance of Naria's thoughts in italic rather intrusive, but other than that it's a good read with a hook which drew me in and made me want to find out what happens.
Would you be able to have a look at mine/
Best wishes,
Adelina,
A Distant Family

I don't normally read fantasy, but having recently read Barbara Erskine's Time's Legacy, I have become interested in Druids. You have created a fine atmosphere in this opening chapter and laid the foundations for a magical story.
Katy Christie
No Man No Cry

For fantasy you have managed to write in a sophisticated literary style that I would more expect to find in a serious narrative. You have characters that use dialogue that is entirely believable and ensures that the story is something I would want to read more of.

BACKED

Magic....... Absolutely hauntingly beautiful and just sheer magic.
Backed with utmost pleasure
Helen
The Last Dream

You have created a beautiful world to set your story in and I enjoyed losing myself in the adventure. I loved the traditions for Naria's coming of age and the fast pace of the story. Well done and good luck, Ive happily backed this.
Rachel
"Fauna"

Jules: I jumped in at Chapter 4 and you have your genre handled well. Nothing I can complain about. My only niggle is that long pitch. Could you end it in a question and hook your casual reader? You have a winner here. BACKED!

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

JC
The Obergemau Key

This is written beautifully! You've got such a magical feeling in your writing. I really like Naria (beautiful name too), she's a strong and well developed character. The scene at the end of chapter 1 is very sweet. The chapters that follow are just as impressive as that first one. I love that scene with her and her father at the beginning, discussing the growing. It's so simple but it tells us a lot about their life and their relationship. Well done!

Missy

Dear Julie
Just wanted to say done.
first time around and then the second as well. Yes i have commented and backed your book, however cannot find the backing so will do it again, because it is WORTH IT
the VERY best of luck
If you have not already , please comment on my book and BACK it if not that is OK also
Denise
The Letter

FALLING LEAF
This is an interesting story. Naria is a good main character; she’s likable and certainly becomes sympathetic when her entire village is wiped out. I like the way you’ve written this about Druids rather than make up a fantasy world; makes this feel so much more real than most of your competition. I think you’ll find an audience for this among young adults who have outgrown Harry Potter and want to read something more mature. I’m adding it to my shelf. If you have a moment, would you look at mine (Grain of Salt)? I’m in 3th place but only holding on by my teeth. Burgio

I couldn't stop reading. Great job and well written. Nice refreshing easy to follow pace and smooth flowing tone

backed

This is just a cool story :) There is no other way to describe it. It's well-written, and apparently well thought out. It makes you want to know where it is leading. Of course I ahve always been a bit partial to druidry, but I am thinking it should do very well in it's genre..

Best of luck with it.

R.G.

This is a lovely unique premise, and it seems that you have done your research into the lifestyle, lending this an edge of realism that makes it all the more engaging.

Backed with pleasure,
Abi xxx

Dear Julie
I just love book s like this. You have created a wonderful world for me and I feel sure for many readers. Your characters play in my head like they are part of my family and I just want them to stay, yes I do.......I will carry on reading and comment further on as I would like to get this book of yours backed to assist it on the climb to the top.
Backed for sure my me. ..I would really appreciate it if your would look at my book, COMMENT , and back it. If not that is OK also
The VERY best of luck with your book

Denise
The Letter

this is interesting. it flows well and engages the reader instantly.

the only minor nitpick is maybe hyphenating larger than life. in my opinion i think it would help, or maybe rewording the sentence.

very good beginning

me

This is such a unique and interesting story line. Your novel is compelling and I will return later with more comments but BACKED for now as I see you're a talented writer based on just the first two chapters.

Liz
The Cheech Room

I really like what I have read so far. You have crafted a most unique and interesting storyline and your character development of Naria is well done. Your imaginative writing makes your fantasy a pleasure to read. Backed.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

There is an awful lot of fantasy on here but you show the potential to stand out, well done. Paula Barrett (Cuthbert-how mean is my valley)

I'm not presuming to rewrite anything here, but the first sentence confused me with its phrasing. Do you think something like: "Just beyond the highest southern peak of the Brown Rock Mountains, in an idylic valley, lies a village...' reads any more clearly?

Because apart from this opening, I loved it. I loved the images, the introduction of the father and daughter, and the way he talks to her of the natural world. Their conversation is so natural and shows how - whatever age we live in, our concerns and relationships don't change. You pace it well, you avoid over -describing, you take us straight into the story and the characters, setting everything up in your first chapter. I'm not someone who backs any and every new author for the sake of my talent spotter rating - I only ever back those who I think are worth while. I loved this story and wish you luck with it. Backed.
Polly
STONES.

Dear Julie, I love that they are all working together for a common cause - would that this was found all the world over. :) Great story - hope you write a lot of books. :) Your pitch is excellent, so set the hook for me to read your book. :) When you use short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, it makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm backing your book. :) Could you please take a moment to back my 2 memoir books? Thanks. :) Love, Susie :)

This is information from authonomy (so beware of any other untrue information you may receive that is spam & not quotes of authonomy):
"When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved"
"Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs."