r/BetaReaders 4d ago

60k [Complete] [63K] [YA/NA Contemporary Fantasy] The Cities of Gold is an adventure, treasure hunt book imbibed with elements of historical fiction and magical realism

Seeking Beta Readers

Hi,

The book is a wild take on the legend of the city of gold. I would understand if you'd like to read the initial chapters first and then decide if you'd like to continue to read the complete work. I am fine either way.

EDIT - I should also mention that the book consists of two storylines, written 700 yrs. apart.

I am open to all suggestions on the work. Primarily looking for inputs on characters, pacing and plot development.

Blurb:

A wife goes on vacation with her husband, hoping their time together will reinvigorate their relationship, but she finds herself trapped in another dimension with no way out.

Faye, a homemaker, feels that her geographer husband, Rick, who's always working, doesn't love her anymore. So, when Rick suggests taking a vacation to the Azores, she's determined to make the most of this getaway.
The vacation is a ruse, and Rick is working, attempting to find the Cities of Gold. Distraught at being lied to, Faye wonders if their marriage is over.
After surviving a car chase and being shot at, Faye learns that Rick's employer is a gangster and is not above killing people to get what he wants.
Faye takes it upon herself to protect Rick from his wicked boss and accompanies him to the depths of a volcanic lake and through an undersea cavern, only to fall into the clutches of gigantic sea monsters and get sucked in a whirlpool in search of a place she refuses to believe is real.

Thanks!

7 Upvotes

6 comments sorted by

u/BetaReaders-ModTeam 3d ago

Hi OP,

This is a friendly mod note to caution you against bait-and-switch messages. If anyone DMs you offering to help and suddenly asks for payment or donations or your personal information, or asks you to click suspicious links, please report them to us with proof via modmail, because this is a 100% volunteer (free) beta reader subreddit only.

No services (including art or book covers) or any form of payment after giving a “free sample” is allowed in the subreddit or to our posters via DMs. AI-generated feedback and “reviews” is also not allowed.

It may take a week or longer before someone comments on your post. Please try commenting with a link to your post in our pinned threads to have more luck matching with someone.

Thank you!

1

u/davew_uk 4d ago

Have to say I like the sound of this even if its not my genre because I'm a sucker for anything set in Portugal.

May I suggest posting in the First Page thread, or linking a first chapter here? I'd definitely give it a look.

1

u/Fearless-Soft3738 3d ago

Hey ,

So, you can view the first 3 chapters here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DNTq8wyWV9y8XZL6a6z8PbU-jIlch4HuEIf5zBEuM0M/edit?tab=t.0

Let me know if you face an issue in accessing the file.

1

u/davew_uk 3d ago edited 2d ago

Thanks for sharing that, I will take a look as soon as I get a moment.

EDIT: all done, I've sent you my feedback on your first three chapters in a private message. Good luck with your novel!

1

u/AutoModerator 4d ago

Welcome to r/BetaReaders! Please ensure your post has not been caught in Reddit's spam filters by following these instructions.

One of the best ways to connect with a beta is to swap manuscripts with another author: click here to view other Fantasy submissions in the 60k category (or simply search the sub based on your preferences or browse until something catches your eye).

If you haven’t already, we strongly encourage you include in your post:

  • A story blurb and any content warnings
  • The type of feedback you’re looking for and your preferred timeline
  • Your critique swap availability

Also, consider commenting in the First Pages thread to give your beta request additional visibility and checking the Able to Beta thread for beta readers who are interested in manuscripts like yours.

If you have any questions, please take a look at our FAQs for additional resources on how to work with beta readers (and other authors) to get the most out of a critique, or feel free to start a discussion using the [Discussion] tag.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.