The Mad Hatter's Lair

Reviewer: dhaatk
Review for: gaksitalGaksital

Requested on: 06/19/2015
Finished On: 06/29/2015

NOTE: 7 Chapters (Spoiler Alert)

(10/10) Title: The title is well-chosen. It is original and it would be hard to find a story with same title. Also, it is accurate and fits the story perfectly. The storyline is always connected to the Mad Hatter and the happens in the Mad Hatter's lair. It should also be noted that the title fits the genre perfectly and just by seeing it, the reader can imagine what kind of story they are about to read.

(9/10) Character: The characters are relatively great. It can be seen that there was effort put into making each character with its own persona, therefore all of them are unique in some way. Only after finishing the whole story, the reader can confidently say which characters are main and which are minor, because the attention to characters is given with different amount in every chapter. For example, the 3rd chapter can be seen as dedicated to Siwon. It is hard to know which character is the protagonist and that might make some readers feel uncomfortable because they are not sure who is supposed to gain most of their attention. It would also be good to focus on only one or two kpop groups, just because its always easier for the audience. If it was not a fan fiction story, the names would not matter, but now they have certain labels and associations to readers.

(10/10) Originality: Alice in the Wonderland concept might have been used many times before, but the reader gets a feeling that this concept belongs in this particular story to its core. The chosen time for this story is also rather original. Writers usually choose to write about modern times as in the 21st century or supernatural future or ancient times. To write about period after the war was really wise.

(39/40) Storyline/Plot: The plot seems to be made-up in detail, so that every event has its after-effect, which is one of the most important things in any story. The only bad thing in this storyline is the lack of forshadowing and explaining at the right moment. For example, it is not very clear what Seokjin is doing back in town after five years. Only much later the reader is able to understand that the guy is back from bloody war. Also, the reader is left completely lost when Jieun disappears. Only children are being abducted and suddenly a grown-up woman is missing. Of course, in the end it is revealed that Jieun plays the role of Alice in Heechul's little game, but some speculating in the narration after the girl is kidnapped would be appreciated. Just one or two sentences would be enough. For example, “But why did he take Jieun? She was not a child... Maybe she had a bigger role in all these disappearances?”

(25/25) Grammar/Errors: The grammar skills are absolutely excellent. Choice of words is also fantastic and the vocabulary in general is impressive. Thus, writing style can be only praised, because it is basically flawless. Only a keen English reader would be able to latch onto text and find any failures.

(5/5) Overall Enjoyment: Personally speaking, I really enjoyed this story. It was too confusing for me at first, to the point that I did not feel like finishing it at all. However, the twist in the end with Heechul being the murderer was what bought me the most. I have only one small notice: why is Hoseok from BTS in the poster?

(98/100) Points Total

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