It’s time to share the winners of the Paranormal Genre! Congratulations to our winners!

I’m so sorry that it has taken me so long to get these results out. With all of my kids being out of school for summer break, it’s been crazy around my house. There has been a lot going on in my world, for sure. Mostly good mixed with a couple of bad things. But that’s life. Just gotta embrace the chaos right.

Our first place winners will receive a shout-out on my personal message board and I will place them in my first place winners’ library. All winners will receive a winning sticker. Make sure you all reach out to me either on Discord or Instagram. If you don’t have either, then I will need your email. So I can send your winning sticker your way. 

Discord: sapphirianj

Instagram: sapphirian_j

Now for our first place winners! Anito Anarchy by enyeenjee and Slate Gray by alpaljames!

Anito Anarchy (The Chaos of the Spirits)

Written by: @enyeenjee

Overall Score 1-100 score 100

Title/BookCover: 1-10 score 10

That eye is freaky for sure and fits the plot as the character who owns this eye randomly appears. At first I was like, ‘wow, this is ominous for sure, and quite intriguing.’ The book cover leaves readers wanting to know where that red eye comes into play. It’s extremely eye-catching ::WINK::. The font stands out perfectly and does not get overshadowed by the background. It is also benefiting from the Paranormal genre.

The title fits the plot to perfection and is one of a kind. Which isn’t easy here on Wattpad. Take it from someone who knows firsthand. I had to give all my books’ new titles here on Wattpad.

Blurb: 1-10 score 10

I love how the author has given some background on the meaning of the title Anito and how Anarchy came into play for the title of the book. The synopsis has just the right amount of information to hook readers and have them wanting to dive right into their reading. It definitely intrigued me. There were also no issues with grammar and the blurb coincides perfectly with the overall plot of the book.

Plot/Creativity/Originality: 1-10 score 10

The plot unfolds smoothly from the very beginning. I must say that the author is amazing with leaving readers wanting more, by writing these amazing cliffhangers; that leave readers in awe and wanting more. I’ve never read a paranormal book like this one and was excited to keep reading once I’ve reached the end of each chapter. It’s original and highly creative. A must read for sure.

Fits the Paranormal Genre: 1-10 score 10

Anito Anarchy definitely fits the paranormal genre

Character Development: 1-10 score 10

The character development for the main male lead Maki is smooth. He basically goes from being extremely introverted and not really having a care in the world; to helping his brother by fighting off demons. It was absolutely amazing to see him coming out of his shell.

Story Flow: 1-10 score 10

The story flow was perfect; neither slow nor fast paced.

Grammar: 1-10 score 10

There were no issues with grammar or punctuation. That’s not something I see often. Especially here on Wattpad. Kudos to the author.

Writing Style: 1-10 score 10

I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s writing style. I know I’m always talking about descriptive text. So just bear with me please hahaha! But the descriptive text was absolutely phenomenal. That, coupled with having no grammar issues, made the story so much more intriguing. The descriptive text in this book, as far as the characters’ actions and dialogue, is beyond words and had me on the edge of my seat. I felt as if I were there experiencing everything the characters were experiencing. It was wonderful for sure.

Overall Engagement: 1-20 score 20

I’m not normally into giving perfect scores, but there were literally no issues that I could see throughout my reading. The story flow was perfect, as well as the amazing descriptive text. The action throughout the chapters was beyond intriguing. I had a difficult time putting the book down. And I loved how the author put images up, portraying the characters and what they were going through. Every image caught each scene to perfection. Anito Anarchy is ominous and filled with the perfect amount of action to keep readers wanting more. This book is a must read for sure.

Slate Gray

Written by: @alpaljames

Overall Score: 1-100 score 100

Book Cover/Title: 1-10 score 10

The new book cover, I must say, brings me joy. I’ve judged Slate Gray before in the fantasy awards and I can’t remember exactly what I said, but the book cover was the only issue. I think I knocked off like three or four points for it and gave a long review why. Now, there are no issues whatsoever. It’s nice to see both of the female leads on the book cover now for sure. The images are also better pixelated, making them stand out and makes the book cover more eye-catching. I love the bold font as well. 

The title fits the plot to perfection and coincides with the plot. It’s also not overly used on Wattpad.

Blurb: 1-10 score 10

The blurb coincides with the plot to perfection and has no grammar issues. It has just the right amount of information to hook readers and have them wanting more. It’s highly intriguing and has a phenomenal hook factor for sure.

Plot/Creativity/Originality: 1-10 score 10

The plot takes hold and unfolds straight from the first chapter. In a way, I would call it a fanfiction with a twist. As it reads a lot like that television show ‘Supernatural.’ Let’s just say that the author had me hooked just by reading the blurb and seeing ‘demon hunter.’ I knew right off the bat I was going to love this book. The creative spin with the main characters being teenage girls instead of adult guys, makes the book even more intriguing. These girls are fierce, let me tell ya, and I love it. 

Fits the Genre:

Well, they are demon hunters. So yes, this book definitely fits the paranormal genre hahaha.

Character Development: 1-10 score 10

The character development was smooth for both Perin and Ace. It warmed my heart at how close these two girls were and what they would do for one another. Of course, sometimes things aren’t all that great, but what else could you expect from two teenage girls who spent most of their lives confined together in a motor home? Since their brother’s death ten years ago, Perin has taken it upon herself to play the mother role in Ace’s life. But Ace shows from the beginning that she can take care of herself. She should take it down a notch, though. But how can she when she’s trying to prove herself?

Story Flow:

The story’s flow was smooth, neither slow nor fast paced.

Grammar: 1-10 score 10

There were absolutely no grammar issues that stood out to me.

Writing Style: 1-10 score 10

Here I go again with blabbing on and on about the descriptive text. The book includes a good portion of gory chapters, but the author does a good job of describing the scenes so well. So well that you feel as though you are there. It’s easy to picture everything that’s happening. There is never a dull moment as you are reading. The author also writes the text in a clear and understandable way for readers. It also helps a great deal that there are no grammar issues.

Overall Engagement: 1-20 score 20

When these girls are slaying demons, they are fierce and take no prisoners. They eradicate those suckers, giving no room for them to escape. My husband and I are currently watching ‘Supernatural’ all the way through again for the fourth time. So this book really hits home for me. One of these days when I have more time, I hope to sit and read all the way through to the end. ‘Slate Gray’ is a must read for sure. 

Now for our Second Place Winner!

The Gathering Dark

By: @Aravis-Brightspell

Overall Score: 1-100 score 98

Title and Book Cover: 1-10 score 10

The book cover for ‘The Gathering Dark’ is ominously perfect for the paranormal genre and is eye-catching. I love the towering mansion in the background, which perfectly suits the scene and overall plot of the story. It also looks professional, like a book that you would buy from a bookstore. I love the font being used, as it is bold and fitting for a paranormal book. Also, the font stands out and isn’t being overshadowed by the background. The title is one of a kind and corresponds perfectly with the overall plot of the book.

Blurb: 1-10 score 10

The blurb is short, sweet and to the point. It’s intriguing and has an epic hook factor that catches a reader’s attention, making them want to dive right into their reading. It has no grammatical errors and has just the right amount of information to catch a reader’s attention. Also, it corresponds perfectly with the overall plot.

Plot/Creativity/Originality: 1-10 score 10

The plot unfolds smoothly right from the beginning and is highly intriguing. It gets you hooked right from the start. The book is unlike anything that I have read before, making it highly creative.

Fits the Genre: 1-10 score 10

Well, it has a reporter who sees and talks to ghosts so…

This book definitely fits the paranormal genre.

Character Development: 1-10 score 9 

The character development of both Claude and Jessica is both smooth and consistent from the very beginning. Claude’s power to rid himself of his anxiety of playing the piano in order to save him and Jessica thoroughly impressed me. It’s hard to say much more, because I don’t want to spoil the story for others. Jessica overcomes her fear of going into the home and progresses smoothly into being stuck in a massive mansion inhabited by a century old ghost and wraiths. I thoroughly enjoyed watching these two interact with one another.

Story Flow: 1-10 score 10

The story’s flow unfolded smoothly, neither slow nor fast, and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.

Grammar: 1-10 score 9

There were only a few issues here and there, and I pointed them out as I was reading.

Writing Style: 1-10 score 10

As far as the descriptive text given throughout, I was thoroughly engaged and loved every minute of my reading. That there were minimal grammatical errors also enhanced my reading pleasure. Also, the plot started unfolding from the very beginning. I loved the ominous feelings I received throughout, making this book an enjoyable read for sure. The author also writes the text in a way that anyone, even a non-native English speaker, can easily read.

Overall Engagement: 1-20 score 20

It’s always hard writing out a review that doesn’t give spoilers. But I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed my reading. I’m always a sucker for haunted mansions. That Claude is obviously dead, and has been for a hundred years, but seems so real as if he were still alive is highly intriguing for sure. With all the plot twists as the story unfolded, I was on the edge of my seat, wondering what could happen next. I honestly can’t wait for more, and I’m looking forward to more chapters as they come along. ‘The Gathering Dark’ is a must read for sure.

Now for our third place winner!

Willow Island

Written by: @TheAnimalHouse

Overall Score: 1-100 score 96

Book Cover/Title: 1-10 score 7

Anyone who has had me as a judge can let you know how particular I am with book covers. It’s the first thing a reader sees before anything else. It must be eye-catching, or they will scroll right on. 

I must apologize first for what I’m about to say. I am not trying to cut you down. Only trying to help. 

I have gone on Pinterest and found some images that could fit the plot better and be more eye-catching. I don’t mind helping you by creating a few mockups.

To be honest, there isn’t a presence of an island, or even willows being presented on the book cover. There is more sky than anything else. I would like the image to portray an island at least. The font could also use some work. Something that leans more towards the fact that this book is a paranormal book. It also has that fantasy vibe. I can’t comment on why it has that fantasy vibe, because I don’t want to give any of the plot away. But the font being used at present has more of a romance vibe. From what I have read so far, there isn’t a romance vibe at all. 

The title is one of a kind and coincides perfectly with the overall plot of the book.

Blurb: 1-10 score 10

The blurb for ‘Willow Island’ has an amazing hook factor that sucks readers in making them want to dive right into their reading to find answers. It’s highly intriguing with the right amount of information. It also has grammatical errors.

Plot/Originality/Creativity: 1-10 score 10

This one is hard to give a review for without giving much away. However, the Island reveals incredibly intriguing aspects. The longer the girls are there, the more information they find on her mother and then Luna sees random things that she can’t pinpoint as dreams or figments of her imagination. It’s highly creative and unlike anything I’ve read before. The plot also unfolds perfectly right from the first chapter.

Fits the genre: 1-10 score 9

The book takes a bit before getting that paranormal vibe. But once it does, it’s like wow!

Character Development: 1-10 score 10

To be honest, I could relate to Luna; as in losing a parent and gaining land. I can understand her lack of wanting to visit the Island. Several years ago, I was in the same position. But I’m glad she heeds her best friend’s wishes and goes, anyway. Because she soon discovers several things about her mother that she had no clue of before. Luna’s character development is smooth.

Story Flow: 1-10 score 10

The story flow for ‘Willow Island’ was perfect. Neither slow nor fast.

Grammar: 1-10 score 10

It was nice to read yet another book in this genre that had no grammatical errors whatsoever.

Writing Style: 1-10 score 10

As far as the characters’ emotions, actions and surroundings, the descriptive text was wonderful. It was so easy to visualize exactly what was going on and where. The Island sounds beautiful and I wish I could visit some place like that. With this book, I can. With no grammatical errors, it made my reading smooth and enjoyable.

Overall Engagement: 1-20 score 20

On an emotional aspect, I could relate to the characters in many ways. It was such a wonderful read. I ended my reading on a cliffhanger that had me wanting to read more. But, I stuck to my guns and read only five chapters. I can’t wait to get to a point where I can sit down and read more. I experienced surprise at times, had moments when I wanted to cry, and then felt overjoyed and left in awe. It was such a wonderful read and I recommend that you all check it out. My only issue was the book cover. It needs to portray and coincide with the overall plot of the book. I can help the author with this if needed. I’m not a professional graphic person, but I do a halfway decent job.