ACTION, WAR, FANTASY, DRAMA

Kazi Boku and his best friend Tsian lose everything but each other when raiders pillage their family's village. Kazi tries to start a new life, but the Temple of Kaal and the troubles they bring prevent him from happiness. The leaders of the Temple, the masterminds behind the attacks, ensure that Kazi does not learn of their plot by sending the very soldiers Kazi would need as witnesses as his next target practice.

GOOD

THIRD PERSON

Authors Writing Style: GOOD

Characterization: EXCELLENT

Commerciality: GOOD

Franchise Potential: EXCELLENT

Pace: GOOD

Premise: GOOD

Structure: GOOD

Theme: GOOD

Yes the book fairly reflects the profile; aside from that, Deborah seems to have a bigger antagonist role than Tyrus. Although he is the leader, she seems to be more present and influential as the narrative progresses.

The dynamic between the village families is very charming and relatable, and then suddenly almost all the beloved characters are taken away.

The women for the most part seem to be stuck in caretaker roles. While Deborah as the priestess seems to have a bit more to do, she too is still subservient to Tyrus. By giving women more central roles with greater variation in agency, the diversity of the cast will shine.

THE STORY RELIES HEAVILY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS

The hook is that Kazi Boku is just trying to lead a normal life and his dream is to be an innkeeper, but supernatural forces looking to take over the world keep trying to kill him and he keeps thwarting their plans.

This could have a medium fanbase for those who like the fantasy action genre as there is mostly action and the magic is simple to understand.

Fantasy genre films do not tend to win many awards. While similar to a historical piece the focus on action over emotional range is unlikely to garner acting notice, though the film might win for sound mixing or special effects of the battles.

LARGE BUDGET

THE GREAT WALL, THE LORD OF THE RINGS, THE WITCHER, ROBIN HOOD (BBC SERIES), AVATAR THE LAST AIRBENDER, XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS

What is original and unique is Kazi Boku's lack of supernatural powers, but his ability to fight the Temple through sheer skill. He is a reluctant fighter and fierce friend who uses creativity and heart to fight and only fights when he has to.

The friendship between Kazi and Tsian is very heartwarming and that they start a new life even through Tsian doesn't have hands and their town was massacred is credit to their strength and determination.

This could be a rare gem with a few tweaks. The world-building takes a while to be established which slows down the pacing of Kazi embarking on the hero's journey. Kazi does not face much loss until far into the first couple chapters which does not catalyst him to move about in the world as he is content beforehand. By speeding up when Kazi is forced to fight the Temple as revenge, the momentum of the dramatic narrative will be more suspenseful and intense.

Film - Indie, Film - Studio, Film - Streaming

CONSIDER

It has excellent action sequences especially involving bears a la The Revenant and the charming characters although pursued by evil are not hellbent on a revenge plot rather they are trying to escape the destruction of death and lead a normal life.