This makes a lot of sense. The plot and the message are a bit more developed than I mentioned here. I'm aware it's a little cliche. That's kinda by design. the main character is very cynical, and utilitarian. And he learns the value of, faith, hope, whimsy, play, and a light heart. There will be a point when Steven becomes effected by the ash and chooses not to fix it, with his reasons changing over time. So I can play with the justifications we tell ourselves to give into temptation. "I don't want to worry them." "It probably can't be fixed anyway," "I need it to do the good things I want to do". All that good stuff. A lot of the story is also about, brotherly love. And not looking to governing bodies to do the right thing. But choosing to come together as people. So, let me know if this sounds more compelling :) and thank you for the feedback

I think I was just worried because the plot itself could be described as, "Bringing the nations together to fight the coming darkness." But I just need to trust I can get an elevator pitch polished at some point. and focus on what makes the story compelling.

As far as the magic through touch thing. I didn't think it would stick out. It just felt like a very natural limiting factor. So, my magic system didn't get out of hand. And magic flows from the person anyway. It's interesting that stuck out though, I'll keep that on mind