Is my web novel so far too edgy?

[TheHelpfulFawn]

The kind of story I’m trying to go for is bleak with a dash of hope. I don’t know if the atmosphere is too dark or if they pacing is too fast or too slow but I do hope it is enjoyable.

Flowers for a Grave

A village raid and only one young girl is lucky enough to survive the ordeal, though her family is ripped apart in the process. Her mother, long since dead. Her father, killed in the raid. Her brother, taken from her as they tried to escape to safety. Adversity stacks itself...

www.scribblehub.com

 

[Yorda]

You're making me philosophize.

Do you have to like your story for it to be good?
Would writing a story that you like make it meaningful?
Does your reader-base have to like your story for it to be good?
Does your story have to be enjoyable to be a success?

Is the dash of hope necessary? What about Stephen King? He has many stories that have oscillating bouts of hope and despair only to have his characters wind up complete screaming messes in the end.

 

[TheHelpfulFawn]

Yeah I feel the hope is necessary. Adds tension. Also gives one of my characters a goal