[Report This]Date: January 29 2018 3:40 PM Title: Introduction
Waited years for this moment.
thank you
Author's Response:
I hope it's worth the wait...
[Report This]Date: January 28 2018 11:31 PM Title: Introduction
As a testament to how much I like this story, it’s currently 3:30 am.
Author's Response:
I know that feel, and I'll take that as a massive compliment, thank you.
[Report This]Date: January 28 2018 11:29 PM Title: Introduction
Really loving this story. I like what you’re doing with the chapter nanes. There better be one called “Defenestration” by the end of the story.
Author's Response:
Don't tempt me.
Date: January 28 2018 3:18 PM Title: Attention
So pleased this one is coming back (I hope!). I can't wait to see Jack and Penny evolve and how Caitlin re-enters the narrative. I do hope the PTSD arc begins it's upward swing shortly, Jack being a terrified rabbit is certainly understandable and realistic but he needs to evolve into something else.
Author's Response:
If you've managed to read up to the end of Ch.34 - I'd say there's been a bit of an upward swing. Many bumps in the road to come, though.
[Report This]Date: January 28 2018 11:22 AM Title: Introduction
I agree with pixl8ed about the romantic tension; it's that gee, I hope those crazy kids get together vibe that is such a pleasure to read, and root for.
Seems like readers (and maybe the characters) are a bit wary of Alex. I don't know. I want to give her the benefit of the doubt. I think she's become troubled about her place in Caitlin's Mean Girls Clique, but is not quite sure if she wants to leave it just yet; it's what she knows, after all. Still, I think that day at the pool opened her eyes about the kind of person Caitlin really is. I think Alex may be in a transitional period, trying to decide who she really is.
Then again, maybe Alex is a sort of 'double agent', appearing to help out our heroes, as part of Caitlin's nefarious plan.
Tomato, Tomahto, really. :)
Author's Response:
This is essentially my position with Alex as things stand i.e. this is how I see it, if I were a reader who doesn't know the way it will all pan out yet. She's a de facto mean girl who never thought about it until now. Is she nice? Maybe. Does she care deeply? Maybe. Is she just trying to appease her conscience for a bit before reverting to type?
Maybe...
Date: January 28 2018 10:36 AM Title: Introduction
Glad to see this story updated, It's nice to Penny to get close with Jack. Delon support as well. But I'm not so sure about Alex. I hope to see few more chapters soon.
Author's Response:
Your wish... granted! (34 will be the last update for a bit)
[Report This]Date: January 28 2018 9:44 AM Title: Attention
This so good!
Penny has been so nice from the beginning, but she keeps finding ways to be sweeter and sweeter.
What’s amazing is the way this moment of the those who support Jack coming together feels so realistic and human. We are hooked by the care and affection we see Penny giving jack. There is a palatable goodness that comes off her and sometimes it seems like a two edge sword. It feels like Jack feels unworthy of her sometimes.
The awkwardness between the two of them provides a tension that really enriches the storytelling. It’s so romantic and it really brings their gentle, subtle intimacies into focus, making their interactions meaningful and sweet.
Delon being there is a story element I really welcome. He’s proving to be a courageous and interesting character, but he also (being someone who is in a relationship) has the potential to offer Jack some advice on when he’s with Penny. Maybe help him stop seeing every bump in the road as a wall. “Hey Jack, girls are complicated.”
The creature’s implied appearance was a brilliant piece of writing. Really, you describe her shoes and all the horror she carries with her is suddenly there in the scene. A great payoff to intese character creation delivered with simple, realistic language.
And, no, Alex hasn’t earned a break from me yet. So she gave someone their property back. So? Those are his glasses. I still remember the pen. She owes Jack a his-size pen. Stupid biggies...I’m watching you.
Great to see you hard at it again Imagin8. It was totally worth the wait. (Hey! That kinda’ rhymes!)
Peace
pix
Author's Response:
Thank you for yet another glorious review, Pix.
Alex did something nice, you know. She didn't have to do it either, assuming she's not up to anything untoward herself. You're such a tough cookie to please.
Date: January 28 2018 12:40 AM Title: Introduction
Yes ! GH-X2 has returned ! I can't tell you how happy I am to read a new chapter of your awesome story. Concerning the situation... I must say that Jack was very, very lucky that Caitlinn didn't notice him. If I were here, I would probably look very closely each and every Beta around to find my prey back... but perhaps that she did it the morning and grew bored or that she herself is too agitated to to do right now.
In any case, I expect something big in the library. Probably Penny, but who knows ? A certain redhead could barge in...
Author's Response:
I suspect Caitlin may have been a lot more observant on Monday, or even during Tuesday day, but by Tuesday afternoon, with school over, she could have reached the conclusion Jack's not coming back or is herself preoccupied or tired.
Then again, who's to say she didn't actually spot him, even more than once, but is simply biding her time... *mic drop*
Date: January 28 2018 12:27 AM Title: Introduction
Ah! I just read the story in one big, 32 chapter gulp (yeah, I need to get out more).
I'm tired, a bit fuzzy around the edges, so I don't think I'll come up with a coherent critique here. I'll just say that I love, love, love this story! The contrast between the Caitlin and Penny parts of the story is striking, indeed (I liked that hug, too).
I'm even feeling a little warm and fuzzy toward Alex now.
Incredible story.
Thanks.
Author's Response:
Woah, that's a commitment and a half. Even I haven't read the whole thing in one sitting since it got beyond 20-odd chapters, I just have to hope it feels consistent across theboard, from recent chapters back to the stuff I wrote a few years ago - fingers crossed it does!
Date: January 27 2018 8:16 PM Title: Attention
Loved it! Penny doting on him is cute too, hes a ball of fear and nervousness right now.
[Report This]Date: January 27 2018 6:10 PM Title: Attention
I, for one, think that ice-breaking embrace is way overdue. So, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! For both finally depicting it...and finally updating in general. :-)
Author's Response:
Never underestimate the power of a good hug.
Date: January 27 2018 6:08 PM Title: Attention
Once upon a time there was a story that pretty much everyone loved. Even to this day it's mentioned as a benchmark in the comments of other stories. This is the standard other stories try to meet.
It had deep compelling characters, insightful writing, and a general mastery of the tropes of the genre!
Then it disappeared. Only updating once in a blue moon.
Now it's back and it's still just as good.
GH-X2......Don't be gone so long next time. But don't listen to me. I'm just some hapless chump. Trying and failing down at the bottom of this site that is the home for people large and small.
Anyways. I just have to say you have a talent for writing emotions. You spent three paragraphs describing two people walking by eath other! I don't think I could do that.
Rating this storyis pointless. Just I don't know. Thank you I guess?
Author's Response:
Thank you back. I'm totes emosh, I could write three paras about a spoon sitting on a window. Probably.
But, in all honesty, thank you. I do my best. I've no idea why people regard this story so highly, but I'll take it, and keep writing as best I can, when I can.
Date: December 11 2017 10:39 AM Title: Introduction
Any hope for a new chapter before the 31st of December ? It would be a great way to end the year :) !
[Report This]Date: May 11 2017 4:46 PM Title: Reintegration
I waited to review the last chapter and now I’m super glad I did. They really need to be talked about together.
What we are seeing is Jack overcoming, stage by stage, fear. All three of the women in his crisis are here, representing his emotional state. At first we see the creature, in a nightmare (where she belongs) representing his terror. Once he awakens he settles into a cold dread. He knows he has to face the real thing.
Once he is in the crucible of school he encounters Alex. The swaying, unreliable thing. She represents a sort of uncertainty. At the end, she shows a small glimmer of kindness. Jack begins to actually shed some of his dread.
At the end of the chapter we again encouter Penny. Jack is not completely free from dread, just as Penny is not free from doubt, but he begins to maybe even hope. To see the light at the end of the fear tunnel.
The creature is never even, really, there, and Penny is there for like, a second, but the chemistry between the characters is palpable. You can feel their presence and their influence on Jack. Just as he gets "further away" from his nightmare, he is getting closer to his dream. This is great writing with deep emotional layers and thoughtful literary complexity. I am so satisfied as a reader. Imagine8 has not pandered to us, but treated us like the intelligent, thoughtful audience we are. This genre can be truly amazing and attracts some amazing talent, that is clearly on display here.
Imagine8, thank you for your efforts and for your generosity in sharing this with us.
Peace
pix
Author's Response:
Thank you, Pix, for a beautiful review. I don't think it's half as clever as you're making out (!), but I'm definitely exploring some semi-autobiographical musings on fragility, insecurity, love, lust and fear for the future - albeit within a GIANT LADY setting of my own... perverse imagining.
Date: May 11 2017 4:01 PM Title: Reintegration
As a person who suffers anxiety, I feel like you've really captured the feeling well - the constant edginess, the crying for no apparent reason, the trembling etc. Well done!
Author's Response:
Thank you - I hope it's true to life for the most part. I myself don't suffer with anxiety (though I am fundamentally quite insecure and sensitive around aspects of this fetish) but there are many people close to me who do. As a supportive kind of person, there is definitely some catharsis at play here with the characterisation of Penny, and whilst my intention at the start wasn't to be writing about a neurotic, terrified teen, the 'realism' I crave, and the abusive scenario with Caitlin, have steered the narrative in this direction.
Date: May 10 2017 6:52 PM Title: Introduction
This is a great story. Keep int going and thanks for getting the latest chapters up.
I didn't expect Jack to find his glasses. And from Alex, no less. It's great to hear about these good things, even if they are seemingly inconsequential, pop up amongst all the horrible things that have happened. Something to help cheer Jack up; and boy does he need the cheer.
Author's Response:
Bittersweet innit. Life's weird sometimes. Breaks your heart a bit.
Thank you for the kind words about the story, it means a lot.
[Report This]Date: May 10 2017 4:04 PM Title: Introduction
Love it! Please don't stop writing it, this story is fantastic... Definitely one of my top favorites!!
Author's Response:
I will try to keep writing it until it is done! Thank you for your review!
Date: May 10 2017 1:29 AM Title: Reintegration
Another good chapter. thanks for 3 quick chapter updates.
About Alex, I'm sorry for my messy post where I did forget words. What I was trying to say was that Alex was like "ok, I gonna help you to make Jack escape but after that I don't want nothing to do with you".
You said yourself: just because she found out that abusing/torture wasn't her thing doesn't mind she's "beta-friendly" now. but if she got a change of heart, 'I'm fine with it.
Author's Response:
I think, at the risk of straight up telling you how she feels, it's essentially that she's had her preconceptions challenged, at least in Jack's case, so whilst she might be pretty much as indifferent to Betas as before, she's very aware of his suffering in particular. She's not going to go around being nice in public, especially as she has to maintain things with Caitlin, but privately she will look out for him in her own way, even it's a little gruff, like 'get going out of this classroom so I can help you' rather than 'take all the time you need'.
[Report This]Date: May 09 2017 6:11 PM Title: Reintegration
Penny admires Jack's bravery. She's said so on multiple occassions. 'Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.' Jack demonstrates this resistance by returning to school, where everyone dwarfs him and at least one wants to harm him.
I suppose he can't just go sit at Cait's table during lunch, but he's lurking around school like a secret agent, constantly on edge, unable to relax. He's got to do *something*, otherwise the tension itself will hurt him.
Of course, I say those things as a reader cheering for Jack. From a more objective viewpoint, the tension you instill keeps the reader's attention and makes us crave the next chapter. So it's a good technique, so long as there is an occassional release to the intense pressure-cooker like situations.
I'm just waiting for Cait to finally appear. I'm *wanting* her to appear at this point. It's like when the guy goes into the dark basement at night to check on creepy sounds. At some point you just want freddy krueger to *appear*, even if the protag takes a few slashes to the face. :)
[Report This]Date: May 09 2017 6:08 PM Title: Reintegration
Oh, yeah! He's definitely going to be baby-stepping for at least a year.