Gift Horse

Primary Genre: Gothic fiction

Word Count: 63,316

Description and Details:

“Gift Horse” is a techno-gothic novel set in a fictionalized present day. The 1st person narrative is told from the perspective of a video game designer who undergoes an invasive procedure that allows him to interface directly with the technology systems needed for him to produce his work.

Did the story grab your attention from the beginning? If not, where did your interest wane or pick up?
What emotions did the story evoke in you? Were there any parts where you felt particularly engaged, confused, or bored?
Did you feel compelled to keep reading? If so, what kept you going? If not, what made you want to put it down?
Did the characters' motivations and actions feel believable and consistent?
Was the protagonist (Hephy) someone you could root for, even with their flaws?
What are your thoughts on Dolores and her role in the story? Did she feel like a fully developed character?
Was the plot easy to follow?
Did the story's pace feel right? Were there any sections that felt too fast or too slow?
Did the shifts between Hephy's "real" life and the "DevBuilds" feel clear and purposeful?
Did the ending feel satisfying? Why or why not?
Were there any phrases, descriptions, or metaphors that particularly resonated with you or stood out as jarring?
Were there any parts that you felt could be cut or expanded upon?
Were there any specific scenes or passages that particularly confused you, pulled you out of the story, or needed more clarity? Please note the page numbers or general location if possible.
What did you think of the various email/text snippets throughout the novel? Did they enhance the narrative or distract from it?
If you were to recommend this novel to a friend, what would you say it's about, and who would you recommend it to?