The Axioms of Officialdom by Niall Gilbride

Word Count: 5000 words | Critique type preference: In Person

Content warnings:

Shaming, Self-harming Behaviors

Author Notes:

These are the opening chapters of my Celtic inspired, low fantasy novel. There’s no trigger warning for office politics, but please accept forewarning as this is central to the plot and setting. I’ve no idea if there’s a market for this type of story, but I’d like to submit it to agents/publishers later this year.

Were the Irish names and words too unfamiliar and/or difficult to pronounce?
Does the conflict between the characters seem genuine and/or interesting to you?
Based on novel openings you enjoyed previously, where do you see most room for improvement here?

Any and all other thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Submitted: 20 May 2024

Last updated: 10 June 2026 at 18:00

Author Email: ni***********@***il.com