The Other Side of Nowhere

feels epic in nature, almost as if this is one facet of an entire hidden history that begs to be told. Cracking!

Hi Stephie, Great stuff. Most enjoyable and well-written. Kendil and Bali are great characters and I was reminded of Mad Max when carrot-topped Mart arrived in his vehicle. Chapter three (two) has a change of voice -- most effective.
Backed with pleasure, Barry
Little Krisna and the Bihar Boys

This is a fun beginning- it started dark and ominous, but then we learn of the friendship between Kendil and Bali, and the story turns lighter. I like your use of tone and atmosphere here to change the reader's perception and feeling. Backed.

Read up to chapter 9 so far, much further than i intended to but your story hooked me. Your descriptions are beautiful and unusual and your story telling is exciting and has a good pace for your target audience. As you said, it does need a bit of editing but to be honest this doesn't detract that much from the story. Backed with pleasure.
Rachel

- The Other Side of Nowhere -

(chapters 1-6)

This was a bit odd - I got wrapped up in the story and forgot to take notes. Most unusual, particularly when reading a children's book.

I really enjoyed the 'other side' fantasy sections and found myself wanting to get back to them during the more 'normal' sections, although I did think Kendil's grandmother an engaging character.

As I say, I forgot to take notes so I don't think I have anything in the way of constructive criticism. The characterisation was good, as was the dialogue and I really liked the font used for the fantasy parts. It added to the atmosphere for me.

The only thing I wondered at was whether the interweaving of the two sides and the allegorical nature would be difficult for the target reader to follow at all. But this is something I would have no knowledge of so I'm just putting it out there rather than saying it's something I'm convinced of.

Very entertaining indeed - it certainly made a child out of me.

All the best with it,

Ross

Very good! Very skillful handling of the dialogue and careful attention to mood. I think that this would be very interesting for young people. *I particularly enjoyed the discussion regarding their being "safer in the hands of the enemy" idea in chapter 4. I'm backing this cheerfully!

Christian reads revealing the truth through the gospel are always welcomed. Some suggest reason will take you away from the Word, whereas the Word will reveal God; it is his way of showing you who he really is. Will read.

It is hard for me to read for the 8 to 13s, but I believe they will snap this up. You have a good opening that will grab their interest, and the pace should hold their attention.
Good work.

A very interesting story and read. Well done and intriguing. Backed with pleasure.

I hope you will take a look at my novel, Earth Reaver. I would welcome any comments and your backing.

Herschel Shirley

Hi, Stephie, I am also a Christian and have written a book for young girls. It is an entertaining read for kids, and hopefully they would pass the book on to friends, helping to spread the good news.. Would you like to exchange reads and backings? Let me know. I have put your book on my watchlist for reading. Sincerely, Julie

Stephanie,
I have really enjoyed reading this, and am certain your target audience will as well. I like the current title. The Invitation is also good, but not as mysterious. I think the current title will appeal more to the audience you are after.
Best of luck with this!
Sharon Van Orman
Eve, an Eden's Exiles novel

Your beautiful book-cover drew me to this book, and the title seems apt and sufficiently mysterious. The dialogue is natural, your descriptions good. Twice, I noticed words misused, Ch 10, 'comprises' not correct in the context, and a more important error in the synopsis. (A common error, but you are likely to be judged on your synopsis when you submit to a publisher.) 'begs the question' - change to 'raise the question' or something similar. 'Begs the question' is different and hard to explain but does not mean leading to the next question. I liked your book, and am pleased to show that book-cover on my shelf. Marj.

thanks - very helpful, appreciate this!

Your beautiful book-cover drew me to this book, and the title seems apt and sufficiently mysterious. The dialogue is natural, your descriptions good. Twice, I noticed words misused, Ch 10, 'comprises' not correct in the context, and a more important error in the synopsis. (A common error, but you are likely to be judged on your synopsis when you submit to a publisher.) 'begs the question' - change to 'raise the question' or something similar. 'Begs the question' is different and hard to explain but does not mean leading to the next question. I liked your book, and am pleased to show that book-cover on my shelf. Marj.

I am completely hooked on this book! I am excited to be able to read more chapters. I have backed your book and added it to my bookshelf. Would you please take a look at my book and back it if you like it? It's called "Finding Home, Ellie's Story". Thanks, and I can't wait to read more.

Hi Stephie, sorry to be a bit negative, but I found the style in chapters 3.5.8 etc to be a bit off putting. It read more like stage directions. I suspect you were trying to give the scenes a different voice but I found it too complicated and mixed up to follow properly. A youngser might strugle with the concept so i would think writing it in a more simple way (and font) might help. I'll keep you on my bookshelf for now as I think it is a good story and i'm still reading it
all teh best :) geoff.

Hi Stephie, Great stuff. Most enjoyable and well-written. Kendil and Bali are great characters and I was reminded of Mad Max when carrot-topped Mart arrived in his vehicle. Chapter three (two) has a change of voice -- most effective.
Backed with pleasure, Barry
Little Krisna and the Bihar Boys

Love the poetry at the start. You do an excellent job with it, including the prose you use in your novel. It flows very well. On Chapter one, the 8th paragraph in the dialogue- "you're right, school holidays should be fun, and we've go a lot of..." Is that supposed to be "go" or is it "got" that might just be a difference in dialect. Characters are very lovable to from the get-go. If I notice anything else while I'm reading I'll send you message. Backed! Christian Rogue

Hello Stephie,

I love the title of the book and this is what caught my attention. I read your pitch but thought we could do a swap? So, Would you care to read and comment on 'The Sun and the Saber'? My first chapter is short, and hopefully entertaining! I would return the favour. Backing welcome.

Thanks

Craig

Great fantasy writing. Doubtless you will find a very large audience. Backed.

Kids will absolutely love this... and that's exactly what you want. It shouldn't be long until publishers aref knocking at your door.
Backed!
Best wishes
Suzy (Raven)

Stephie.
I found your book heart warming. And yes it makes you look/consider some things differently. Hope you finish the rest soon for people to read. Added to my list.
Jerry [paperbats] If you have time, would love you to assess paperbat adventures. Thanks.

Stephie,
Your descriptions are delightful in The Other Side of Nowhere. The synopsis and the beautiful cover drew me into this enchanting book. Backed with pleasure.

Great story so far (after reading ch 1). One suggestion: you might want to have someone who is good at grammar to proofread for typos. Can't wait to read more!

Just read a couple chapters...back later. Meanwhile, BACKED.

Read up to chapter 9 so far, much further than i intended to but your story hooked me. Your descriptions are beautiful and unusual and your story telling is exciting and has a good pace for your target audience. As you said, it does need a bit of editing but to be honest this doesn't detract that much from the story. Backed with pleasure.
Rachel

I do like what I have read so far. You have crafted a most interesting and compelling storyline and your character development of Kendil is well done. Your imaginative writing ensures that your fantasy will appeal to your intended audience. Backed.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

Stephie - Kendil told Mart that his flying was mundane - no, and your book is not mundane, either. It's just what I would guess youngsters would like to read. I like the way you describe Kendil's bird and the boy not wanting to fly with him at that moment. There's a great start to make readers turn the pages. I like the cover, too, incidentally.
Glad to back the book.
Backed,
Ann Mynard (Windshadow)

You asked for comments on your pitich. I think only that I might remove the first para of the long pitch, and start it at 'When 14 year old Kendil...' It is immediate, related to the story and hooks you in. The first para is interesting, but confused me a little. If you want to keep it, I'd rather it went at the end, but I think the last para is enough - read it if you dare .... what is truth...

BACKING this as I did your other book.

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

JC
The Obergemau Kay

OTHER SIDE OF NOWHERE
This is a good story: enough orientation to the real world to make it believable; enough fantasy to attract young readers. Kendell is a good main character; having a huge pet bird is intriguing. I think you’ll find an audience for this among the Harry Potter crowd. I’m adding it to my shelf. If you have a moment, would you look at mine (Grain of Salt)? I’m in 8th place but only holding on by my teeth. Burgio

Hi. After six days on this site I am (unbelievably) still running to catch up with the people who have been kind enough to back me. Every time I log on I have thirty people to thank and review in return before I even get a chance to read some that I have picked myself from the book list. So, and I do not mean to be unhelpful, I am BACKING this on the read because I think it is every bit good enough to be in print (I think that is the criteria I should be using) but, although I have made written comments, I have no time to type up my thoughts. If you want them just message me and I promise to get to them ASAP. Otherwise, BACKED.

You have a good story and it is well written. I'll be back for a few more chapters
Backed
Scorselo

Ooh. Great hook at the end of chapter 1 (2). We want to know now what happened the moment his life changed. You whip us straight into the world of this boy and his bird so naturally, as if we all go flying about on these creatures. Lovely light tone introducing him and his world. Watchilsted to read more.
Polly
STONES

Thoroughly enjoying this so far. Really strong writing ability and vivid imagination. Backed

Great character names... like the font...great story. All the best, Julia x

feels epic in nature, almost as if this is one facet of an entire hidden history that begs to be told. Cracking!

Dear Stephie,
What a captivating book cover for sure, and so is your book. I have not read it all but will continue and give more comments also when I have done so. for now I just want to assist your climb which is well deserved.BACKED BY ME FOR SURE
If you would take a look at my book and back it that would be soooo great. if not that is OK also
VERY best of luck
Denise
The Letter

This is a fun beginning- it started dark and ominous, but then we learn of the friendship between Kendil and Bali, and the story turns lighter. I like your use of tone and atmosphere here to change the reader's perception and feeling. Backed.

this a very well crafted piece of writing. the story is there, so too is narrative and characters good work...on watchlist...
read SEASONS...

Dear Stephanie, Well, here I am backing your 2nd bookd (I backed your 1st book 122 days ago/ :) but, you haven't backed my 2 memoir books). Yes, there is truths & values in the nursery rhymes & we are so blessed with them - thank you for making "choices" so important because they determine our fate. :) Your story is as well written as your 1st book - nice crisp paragraphs & dialogue. :) Love, Susie :) p.s. Could you please take a moment to back my 2 memoir books? :) Thanks so very much. :)

typo? last line & next to last line of pitch: did you want "a choice" duplicated?