Analysis of Where Magic Burns on Winter Seas by Andrew Volkov, by BrandMyBook

Cover

The image chosen suits the genre of the novel. The visual concept has a wonderful metaphor and strong reflection of the theme.

The font style and color is apt and goes well with the book 1 in the series which helps the readers understand that this is a novel series.

Manuscript

The starting map illustration and cast characters are helpful to understand the novel’s characters. Since the novel takes place in multiple places and time periods these notes are really helpful. The storyline is unique and presented in a practical relatable manner. The narration and writing style is reader friendly but at some places falls flat. Repetition of events can be shortened to enhance the plot. It will keep the readers hooked to the book till the end. The book is lengthy and takes time to complete reading.

Major Strengths

Core concept

Uniqueness and originality of the plot and storyline

Brings out the character originality

Character relatability and practicality

Excellent word and world building

Major drawbacks

Overextension of dialogues and monologues

Repetition of patterns and emotional sequences

Combination of information overload and tension in the same scene

The narration at some chapters are told and not felt

Suggestions for improvement

Narrative tightening would help the chapters be much more effective and efficient.

Shortening the length of the chapters would help the readers be invested throughout the book.

Dialogues can be refined and shortened.

In scenes with high tension the narrative can be crisp and the repetition can be reduced.

Overall

• Title - Intriguing and apt for the plot.

• Chapter titles - Apt and helps us understand the location and timeline of the story.

• Page Layout - Simple and easy to read.

• Plot and Storyline - Compelling plot with lots of potential but needs refining in expression and narrative.

• Core concept - Interesting with high market potential.

• Word Building - Word building is well done. The narrative at some places feels repetitive and monotonous. Needs polishing and refinement to have the desired effect on the readers. Word play with emotions of the characters can be implemented.

• Pacing and flow - The flow is smooth. Pacing is a combination of fast and slow in the chapters.

• Tension and turning points - There are notable turning points for characters and tension in the scene.

• Character Arc - Very strong and excellent.

Chapter-wise Analysis

Part 1

Chapter 1

This starts with a strong scene of conflict and interest. The protagonist’s introduction is well done with a strong atmospheric setting. The suspense, the mystery and the secret behind Elijah’s character pulls the readers in instantly. Zima’s jealousy because of her insecurities, inferiority complex are well presented. Especially when she is stubborn about venturing out during a blizzard shows how desperate she is to conceal Elijah’s memories and his identity. Her character is completely relatable and practical where each one could relate to the contradicting emotions she goes through because of her husband.

The relationship tension, community history, past history of each character are presented well. The sense of uneasiness, common spiritual superstition with the cat brings out Zima’s beliefs. With every scene, the recounting of past flashbacks is done well. Zima’s decision to turn back after numerous internal conflicts portrays how she trusts her instincts.

What feels off is the repetitive pattern of the narration. Along with it, the length also makes the chapter strained at one point of time. A scene description or illustration or shortening the length can make this chapter much more effective.

Chapter 2

This chapter feels a bit different from the start compared to the previous one. Starting with a dialogue feels like a fresh break. The introduction of the judge character shows the political scenario and how each one has their own motive. The differentiation and the explanation of good and bad is wonderful. The mixing of political and personal lives of each character strengthens the narrative. The writing style in this chapter is rather fast and interesting. It gives us the thrill to know what happens next. Zima’s indecisiveness to save her husband or follow the woman explains the contrasting nature of her possessiveness and jealousy. The temple scenes bring out the psychology of the people and the crowd. What one says adds fuel to the fire. The ending of this chapter is dramatic and makes us eager to move on to the next chapter

Chapter 3

With the introduction of many characters and the citizens of Bethany, the narrative feels realistic and historical. They create major tension. The scene setting, background depiction, description of conflicts, emotions and vulnerabilities are practical and believable even if the story is just fictional.

Joe’s and Jay’s long standing rivalry turning into a battlefield, the judge utilising the opportunity to control the crowd are all done well. Joe's talks show how from time beginning till present women were used as tools for men. The reactions of people, the main characters of the novel are done well.

However, the lengthy sermon, talks, and drama feels monotonous and too dramatic to bear. If it were cut down the desired effect would have been achieved. The religious portions here, although fictional, might not be accepted by all readers.

Chapter 4 and 5

The speech portions seem to be dragged. Just when we think the drama has ended another one begins. But then some parts feel like a repetition - the same theme and narrative being said from a different character. Elijah is shown to be a mage and zima a witch but the power is not yet shown.

Elijah’s revelations positions him as a good person but then the methods he pursued to do his good deeds seem to be contradictory. There are too many truths and revelations happening in these chapters. At times it feels like an information overload which is too much to handle.

If the narrative was tightened and restructured, this chapter would feel intriguing. The readers are told what is happening rather than shown. Especially the truel parts, zima’s confrontation, and the chaos portions can be brought out better. Many portions make us wonder ‘is this really happening’, ‘are they even in their right senses’ which brings out the strongest element of curiosity. The ending is wonderful and urges the readers to move to the next part.

Part 2

The chapters begin with a compelling start and high tension. Elijah doing exactly the opposite of what is expected of him shows how much human he is rather than being a monk. But the unwavering trust Zima has on him raises concern and hints that there is more to the characters than what meets the eye. The emotions, his vulnerabilities are expressed well. Elijah forgetting how his powers work and crumbling with guilt also shows the power of Zima's magic potions.

People's reactions to Joe's death and how they see him after, is a praiseworthy portrayal of how truly a human's psychology works. And once he is brought back from the dead people realise the stark contrast his behaviour has. The shock, the chaos, confusions and the impending tragedy makes this part an intriguing read.

Some portions feel too dramatic and over extended. The narrative would have been powerful if the portions were made to be felt by the reader through actions and magical elements. Too much is happening too fast at times. There are so many twists and turns that make this part cinematic and dramatic. Sometimes it gets too much to handle.

The introduction of Elijah’s lover - Lubanya makes an impact. From what is narrated from the beginning this mystery lover of Elijah creates curiosity among the readers. It makes us think of her highly as someone pure and innocent. But the stark contrast of her character reveals piques our curiosity. It makes us eager to know how the chapters will unfold further. The chapter moves from a steady pace to a dangerous one for Elijah.

Part 3

Kolya’s character introduction is done very well. It shows us the political scenario of Russia. The world building is praise worthy. It takes a different turn with the introduction of many new elements like spirituality and philosophical ideas. From this chapter we are made to see Elijah as Ilyusha. It takes numerous efforts to bring out such strong ideas and elements in the story, especially when it comes to a historical setting. I loved how the chapter moved. Although, as mentioned previously, the length can be crisp and tight.

The themes of healing and spirituality are well done. Kolya and Ilyusha’s confrontation shows how their characters are opposite and this creates tension in the story. The healing vision, the black light, the psychological unmaking, and the intervention of the state scenes add more depth and power to the storyline. The complex concepts are narrated in a simple and compelling manner in this chapter. I loved Kolya’s ending. It was completely unexpected.

Part 4 and 5

Grisha’s introduction is artfully done. It adds more strength to the core concept. The drama and tension portrayed well in these chapters. These parts balance setup, character movement, and climactic intrusion effectively. Kolya’s self-recognition as a man already dying, and his demand for healing, is one of his strongest moments in the book. As mentioned in the previous parts’ feedback, the length of the chapters is the only thorn in this book. All the chapters have a good balance of emotions, thrill, character arc and symbolism. Some parts make us think of what healing truly means too.

Every chapters’ opening is masterfully created. I loved part 5 compared to the other chapters. The triangle of Ilyusha, Kolya, and Lyubanya is definitely praise worthy. The ending too is interestingly well done.