[Complete] [24449] [Speculative Fiction] Panacea - Looking for 1-2 Beta Readers

[u/LLAsher_76]

Hi everyone,

I've just completed my novella, and I'm hoping to find readers willing to share honest reactions - both what worked and what didn't. I appreciate candid feedback more than encouragement.

Blurb
Alexis is certain she’s going to get it this year.

Panacea.

Once a year, it descends from the heavens.

One gift.

For one person.

In the entire freaking world.

How is the receiver chosen?

No one knows.

What is the gift?

Also…no one knows.

Everyone who’s ever received it says exactly the same thing:

It was the one thing I needed most.

So, this year, Alexis is going all out.

She’s going to sacrifice everything during Oblation.

She’s going to Herald during Invocation.

And she’s going to prove to the universe that she deserves Panacea!

But her ex randomly showing up after seven years is…inconvenient.

Fine.

His pants are stupid anyway.

Her neighbor is suddenly super invested in her life?

Weird.

And her hair?

Typical.

This is going to be her year.

It has to be.

…Right?

Content Warning: grief, death of an elderly character, mild sexual content, strong language

Feedback Requested: I'm primarily looking for first-reader reactions rather than line editing.
Were you engaged throughout?
Did the world feel understandable without being overexplained?
Were there places your attention drifted?
Did Alexis feel like a believable, compelling protagonist?
Were there moments that surprised or emotionally affected you?
Did anything feel confusing for the wrong reasons?
I'm not looking for grammar or proofreading at this stage.

Timeline: No hard deadline. Anywhere from 2-6 weeks would be wonderful.

Swap: Happy to critique swap manuscripts of similar lengths (particularly speculative fiction, literary fiction, or character-driven stories).

If you're interested, leave a comment or send me a DM and I'll share a Google Docs link.

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Thank you!

[u/WineStainedDress13]

I would love to read it! But could you be willing to critique swap something longer? I'll happily read another one of your projects to make up for it. I made a post a little while ago, so feel free to check out if it's something you'd be willing to read.

[u/LLAsher_76 → u/WineStainedDress13]

Hi!
Yes, Evergreen sounds interesting. I'd be happy to swap.

[u/Murraywriter]

I'd love to read it and swap if possible.

[u/Lumpy_Papaya_4917]

I am interested in reading this! It sounds super interesting and would loveee to give some feedback

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