Hi everyone! I’m looking for a few beta readers to give feedback on the first 2/3 chapters of my YA fantasy novel (working title). It’s an emotional, character-driven story with themes of identity, survival, and sacrifice, set in a world inspired by indigenous tribes and elemental magic.
Here’s the blurb:
When her jungle village is invaded by a brutal empire, sixteen-year-old Aelira barely escapes with her life. Hunted by soldiers, haunted by visions, and marked by a power she doesn’t understand, she flees into the wild with nothing but her bow, a bloodstained pendant, and a dying healer’s final warning.
But survival isn’t enough.
With her people scattered and many captured, Aelira is determined to fight back. To rescue those taken. To reclaim what was lost. Her only hope lies in a skilled tracker sent by the Emperor’s enemies to protect her, and a hidden tribe that may hold the key to unlocking the power buried in her blood.
As war spreads and the empire’s grip tightens, Aelira must decide who she is—and how far she’s willing to go to save the ones she loves.
If you like Shadow and Bone, Children of Blood and Bone, An Ember in the Ashes then this might be up your alley.
What to expect/themes:
* A fierce, determined heroine with a deep love for her people * A lush, untamed jungle setting filled with danger, spirit lore, and ancient secrets * A slow-burn discovery of hidden power and a lost legacy * Found family, tribal alliances, and culture-rich worldbuilding * A protective, brooding outsider with his own secrets * High-stakes survival, stealth missions, and rescue plans * Villains in metal, empires built on cruelty, and a prophecy shrouded in truth and lies * Themes of identity, sacrifice, rebellion, and rising to become more than what the world expects
What I’m looking for:
Honest constructive feedback about the pacing, character engagement, emotional impact, plot. It’s still a work in progress so I’m happy with any feedback you can give me. I may also ask you to beta read more chapters as I finish them. Please reach out to me on here if you’re interested.
Here’s the blurb:
When her jungle village is invaded by a brutal empire, sixteen-year-old Aelira barely escapes with her life. Hunted by soldiers, haunted by visions, and marked by a power she doesn’t understand, she flees into the wild with nothing but her bow, a bloodstained pendant, and a dying healer’s final warning.
But survival isn’t enough.
With her people scattered and many captured, Aelira is determined to fight back. To rescue those taken. To reclaim what was lost. Her only hope lies in a skilled tracker sent by the Emperor’s enemies to protect her, and a hidden tribe that may hold the key to unlocking the power buried in her blood.
As war spreads and the empire’s grip tightens, Aelira must decide who she is—and how far she’s willing to go to save the ones she loves.
If you like Shadow and Bone, Children of Blood and Bone, An Ember in the Ashes then this might be up your alley.
What to expect/themes:
* A fierce, determined heroine with a deep love for her people
* A lush, untamed jungle setting filled with danger, spirit lore, and ancient secrets
* A slow-burn discovery of hidden power and a lost legacy
* Found family, tribal alliances, and culture-rich worldbuilding
* A protective, brooding outsider with his own secrets
* High-stakes survival, stealth missions, and rescue plans
* Villains in metal, empires built on cruelty, and a prophecy shrouded in truth and lies
* Themes of identity, sacrifice, rebellion, and rising to become more than what the world expects
What I’m looking for:
Honest constructive feedback about the pacing, character engagement, emotional impact, plot. It’s still a work in progress so I’m happy with any feedback you can give me. I may also ask you to beta read more chapters as I finish them. Please reach out to me on here if you’re interested.