Xuewen's Review

Reviews

Reviewed by : Jessie

Disjointed Souls (A Novella) – By xuewen

Title = 9/10

First and foremost, the title is extremely fresh and it’s one title that can get readers asking lots of questions. The title is also eye-catching, if I scroll down Winglin, I would probably click on the story out of sheer curiosity.
The one mark off was because the n for novella should be capitalized. (I know I am mean)

Creativity of the story = 20/20

I can’t not give you full marks. I guess it’s because Chun and Ella were first featured in a school-like scene, so a lot of people cannot escape from the box. Some went on to business, but this is probably one of the 1st fics that I have read that featured them married. That was a very brave attempt, that succeeded super well.

Posters & background = 6/10

The poster is pretty I must say. But it doesn’t reflect the story. It lacks an emotional side which is what is very prominent in this story. A 1st look at the poster, I would expect Ella and Chun to be, arch rivals with other or something. But instead, although in the story did express some form of tension between Chun and Ella, there was a fair share of emotional scenes, like the ones where Ella was just totally shattered by the loss of the baby, which weren’t reflected. And I feel that the tension between Chun and Ella were not genuine hate, as they probably still have a place for each other in their hearts.
And I would prefer to have a background actually =)

Casts used = 4/5

I might be bias because I am a CE fan. But the fact remains that, I can so imagine Chun, being the one that is persisting for forgiveness while Ella, allowing getting so upset about the loss of a child. There was no awkward reaction against any of the characters, like "Huh, I don’t think so and so would have done that" but the casts fell perfectly into the characters.
The only problem, which is in fact very slight, is that would Hebe and Chun kiss and hug? It’s not impossible, but probably unlikely. Unless, Hebe has always been eying on Chun. But that would be quite strange for a plot too, because of the SHE connection, everyone would feel that Hebe and Ella and extremely good friends. But if we jump out of the whole SHE connection, then there is not much of a problem =)

Originality = 20/20

A miscarriage kicks the story into action. That was enough to warrant a 18. Suspected extramarital affair? That’s it, 20/20. This is the 1st time I read a fic that ventures into this arena. And putting Ella as a distraught mother who lost her unborn child is another breakthrough. If I were to list down even more, I would be typing the whole story, because this whole story is just so fresh.
Oh. I liked the one word titles. Esp Chap 1 and 2, Red and White. I can imagine the colours in my mind. And the best thing was, the colours suited the mood of the chapters.

Storyline/plotting= 20/20

This fic shouldn’t be sent for review. It’s far too perfect. I don’t deserve to review it. I was so personally drawn into the plot that for a moment I wanted to cry. It is heart wrenching and it is so real. And the best part was the complexity of the characters. The characters are not one dimensional, but rather, extremely real. Chun loves Ella, Ella loves Chun, but yet there is this big misunderstanding that makes Ella hates him. Maybe because I have been through something like this before in my life, so it’s exceptionally gripping for me.

Spelling/Grammar = 5/5

Basically, perfect grammar, perfect spelling and very comfortable with the language. The author has a special talent of making scenes and emotions come alive using words. Not only that, the words she used are beautiful. I haven’t read anyone in Winglin that can beat her writing. Not yet.

Overall enjoyment = 10/10

I am a xuewen fan, if that calls for biasness , then so be it! *sticks out tongue* But this is exceptionally good fic that captured me from chapter 1 to 8 (that’s where she updated till). It was as though I was brought through a roller coaster ride. I feel as though I am reading a novel picked up from the bookstore.
I have a soft spot for the part where Chun was drinking and his conscience was talking to him. And the chapter ends with Welcome to the rest of your life. My whole heart just broke. Like that. It’s exceptionally pretty, because it comes from a female author. It’s easy for a girl to pen a girl’s emotions but for a girl to pen a guy’s? Hard. And she was exceedingly well.
Oh and the part in Chapter 8, "I heard you haven’t been eating," My heart kind of died again. I had the scene in my head and I see the contrast and all I can say is.. Wow.
This story is magic.
Pure magic.

Total: 94/100

(Deducted only from poster/background and title so by right it’s a 100/100=) )

*Btw it’s my maiden review. =)*