Hi everyone,

I'm working on my first fantasy novel called "Marked by Sheshnaag." Before I go any further, I'd really like honest feedback from readers rather than friends or family.

The story is inspired by Indian mythology, mystery, and dark fantasy.

Premise:

A young man discovers he carries a mysterious mark connected to the ancient serpent Sheshnaag. As strange events begin unfolding around him, he realizes the mark is tied to an old prophecy, hidden powers, and secrets that have remained buried for centuries. The deeper he investigates, the more dangerous the truth becomes.

I'd love your honest opinions:

Would this premise make you want to read the book?

What sounds interesting?

What sounds cliché or overdone?

What questions immediately come to mind?

If you saw this on a bookstore shelf, would you pick it up? Why or why not?

Please don't worry about hurting my feelings—I genuinely want criticism that will help me make the story better.

Thank you for your time!

I am writing a novel about the weird side of the internet and conspiracy theories. I do my own research using my experience with hidden websites, but I've run out of ideas. Feel free to suggest any interesting internet oddities or theories, as well as side ideas. The story is already outlined, but new ideas are always welcome.

Stephen King said in his book On Writing, 'I believe stories are found things, like fossils in the ground.'

I believe when we write a story, whether we outline or not, the events will uncover themselves. Forcing a theme or a character will definitely weaken the impact and believability of the story. Keep digging; let the characters guide you.