The BookLife Prize Report for HELLEBORE FIELDS Has Arrived

Ahhhhh! The BookLife Prize Critic’s Report is in for Hellebore Fields! I’ve been waiting for this forever; at least it feels like it. I’m very happy with the report. Huzzah! Have a look…

Riv xo

Plot/Idea: 8 out of 10

Originality: 10 out of 10

Prose: 8 out of 10

Character/Execution: 8 out of 10

Overall: 8.50 out of 10

Assessment:

Plot/Idea: Hellebore Fields boasts a plot that immediately entrances, with a dangerous romance centered on Tesni—on academic scholarship at UC Wisteria—and the dark, brooding hockey star Branwen Atthill. Their arc taps into themes of manipulation, power, and redemption, and Plume quickly draws readers into their tangled, intricate web.

Prose: Plume’s prose is clear, well-balanced, and easy to read. The story unfolds through alternating narrators, allowing readers to gain deeper insight into both sides of this star-crossed match, and the scenes of passion between Tesni and Branwen absolutely smolder.

Originality: What makes Hellebore Fields unique is an ending that, rather than tying everything up nicely, chooses to leave Tesni and Branwen’s ultimate fate ambiguous. For readers who want the best for Tesni, that choice may feel like settling—when the world is her oyster—but it fits well within the story’s grim atmosphere.

Character/Execution: Plume renders both Tesni and Branwen with bold, unflinching strokes. Branwen is every bit the tortured, mysterious—and sometimes violent—lover, and, despite Plume’s best efforts, redemption still seems like a long shot for him. Tesni responds to his controlling, damaged self in ways that can feel bewildering at times, but their attraction—often devolving into obsession—sizzles.

Date Submitted: April 01, 2026

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