Shadowforged by Bex Clark
Word Count: 3800 words
Critique Date: 13 July 2026, In Person
Author Email: fe***********@***il.com
Content warnings:
Abuse, Blood, Death/Dying, Disregard for personal autonomy (kidnapping / enslavement / abduction), Shaming, Violence (gratuitous / extreme)
Author Notes:
This is the opening chapter of my fantasy novel, Shadowforged. Any feedback is welcome, but I would be particularly interested in your thoughts on the following points:
- The balance of world-building – do you feel like there was enough to allow you to understand what’s happening in the chapter? Alternatively, is there too much for a first chapter?
- Pendryc as a narrator – is he an interesting POV? How do you feel about his character?
- The King – does he feel like a genuine threat?
- Would you read on?
If you want it, there’s a short pronounciation guide and map on the last page!
Thanks,
Bex 🙂
Submitted: 14 June 2026
Last updated: 14 July 2026 at 18:11 by Kat Kourbeti