[Report This]Date: August 12 2018 5:42 PM Title: Chapter 23
Wow, what a chapter! I wish it was easier to get online and type right now, but I'm still in the early stages of recovery, so my reviews will likely be late. But make no mistake, this story is a real highlight, and every passing chapter just gets better and better.
We have Gaelin, after refusing to kill innocents, forced to kill soldiers in order to protect the ones he cares about in an amazing fight. The irony of Thylara under siege by an enemy that they were trying to use for their own gains. An impossible escape from the palace and city itself. Lyal and Tull helping out. Nefferel coming back (yay! I loved that scene, how she hugged Gaelin at the end, and the reactions to it!) Annallya realizing that any undoing of Titan civilization would be because of the Titans themselves. And Annallya finally facing her mother, in a scene that was especially well written. As much anger, animosity, and different world views as there are between the two of them, they're still mother and daughter, with neither willing to kill the other. Annallya has come into her own, and for better or worse, Oragale will have to accept it. Plus some incredibly bravery from everyone, including Annallya, who turned the tables on Gaelin by herself facing an invading army to give her friends a chance of escape.
Thank you! A great chapter, all the way around!
Author's Response:
Whatever you can say, I'll appreciate it.
If I'm honest, this one was my favorite chapter. Both in terms of action and characters. Everything you listed was something I enjoyed writing about: pretty much the whole thing. And I'm glad that you also enjoyed every detail.
So you're welcome gtstory, and thank you for reading
Date: August 11 2018 11:13 AM Title: Chapter 23
very good!!!
[Report This]Date: August 10 2018 1:10 PM Title: Chapter 23
Wow, I didn't think they would actually make it out of the burning city. Props to both Annalya (I somehow still have a hard time remembering that name for some reason) and Gaelin.
Annalya claims Titans are basically all about war, but the clash she had with her mother shows that titans actuall Do care about more than that. Gaelin clearly has the more superior combat moves and fighting skills, while Rhaolin still doesn't want Anyalla to hang out with him because "pet." Rhaolin should at least recognzie this but decided to do the stupid thing again.
I'm curious to what their next move will be. Would they be able to do anything to fix the city? Will they go to Oalam? Or peacefully live in a human village?
As always, thanks for writing! I'm looking forward to the next chapter and I hope we will see it soon!
Date: August 10 2018 12:56 PM Title: Chapter 1
I've noticed lately that a lot of the best story-telling, in books or even in song, has a lot to do with what the author/lyricist doesn't put in. I think thats yet another seemingly ongoing sign of your skill as a wordsmith. You sure you don't do this professionally? If you don't its fine, I'm just saying you could make real $ with your skills.
Date: August 10 2018 9:50 AM Title: Chapter 1
That's a fair point, I guess I'm just curious because it hasn't been explicitedly stated that someone has performed a spell, or that there are other traditionally magic beings such as fae or witches/warlocks etc.
You've kept this story excellently realistic, considering the nature of macrophilia, which is quite an accomplishment IMHO, its been very believable. Your writing, realistic or fantastical, is quite a pleasure to read.
Author's Response:
that's true. As you've seen before, I like to keep a few things vague for when I want something to pop up later. Thank you very much for the compliment on my writing. I can't tell you what it means to know that my story has been a pleasure to read
Date: August 10 2018 6:50 AM Title: Chapter 23
I'd like to know more about Gaelin's sword, you've mentioned thats its embued with magics to make it indestructable, yet there has been no other mention of sorcerery in this story that I can recall. Is magic real in this universe or is it just spiritualism, mysticism and myth like in real life's medeival times?
Author's Response:
Magic in this world is real, as Gaelin's sword has cut through things that it shouldn't be able to. The reason you haven't seen more of it is because mages in this world are the only ones who can wield it. No one is sure if mages are still alive.
Then again, who says you haven't seen more magic in this story?
Date: August 09 2018 9:50 PM Title: Chapter 1
I feel like the story’s going to end soon, and that makes me sad...
so... sequel?
[Report This]Date: August 09 2018 8:02 PM Title: Chapter 23
Great excape chapter. I was really afraid that Annallya was going to sacrifice herself during the escape (Which I guess she still might, but with them out of the city, here's to hoping she lives!). I love these characters so much, and I'm hoping for a happy ending for the two of them. Whether that'll come to pass remains to be seen.
Enjoyed that Gaelin was saved by some of the prisoners he fought/taught. Especially the one he told his backstory too. That hug was a needed moment of levity for the chapter, and provided some nice fodder for Annallya to tease Gaelin with.
Annallya's fight with her mother is something I expected to be more difficult/longer. Not that it was bad, it just leaves me suspecting that there are more trials involing her to come since she is still alive. Wouldn't be surpised to see her come to the village for revenge with the queen and whatever remnant of soldiers they have. I guess that's my main fear now, haha.
But I just wnat to applaud you for building such an interesting world to telll this story in. You crafted it well. And the characters you created to live in it are fantastic in their own right. This really feels like a novel to me.
Can't wait for the next chapter, whenever it comes. You have me on the edge of my seat!
Author's Response:
I'm grateful that you've enjoyed it. I threw in the bit with the hug as an afterthought, I liked the idea. Glad to hear it helped balance out the mood. Plus, Gaelin was going to be teased for the completely unpresidented act of making friends.
The fight with Annallya's mother wasn't meant to be a boss battle kind of fight that was supposed to test her limits. It was meant to be a sort of final argument for the both of them, as well as closure for Annallya. That's why half of their fight was dialogue.
Thank you again for enjoying my story so much that it feels like a full novel to you. I'll get the next chapter out as soon as I can
Date: August 09 2018 5:23 PM Title: Chapter 23
Holy Crap! I consider myself straight but even I got a lil' wet for Gaelin there...
[Report This]Date: August 04 2018 10:23 AM Title: Chapter 22
Since I read Ch 21 & 22 at the same time, this will be my thoughts on both those chapters. First of all, as always, great job on both chapters!
Glad to see Lyal and Tull stepping up and joining in (musicians are always more than they appear!) Also nice to see more and more Titans respecting Gaelin and listening to him -- though it remains to be seen if Gaelin could also convince Titans who were free, and full-sized, as well.
The scene with Oragale and Phelonous: nicely done. They do care for Annallya. Sometimes things can manage to work themselves out, sometimes not. We'll have to see.
I was surprised to see Annallya kill, because of the kind of person she is. But in a way, it wasn't unlike Gaelin, in that he too had to kill at one point -- but after having done so, ever since, has apparently never done so again. Even when his opponents are trying to kill him, he'll go out of his way to wound, but not kill. Annallya wanted to always remember what she had done, and my gut tells me that, especially as she gets better with the sword, she'll follow that same path.
It seems like Titans aren't meant to live at human-size non-stop for long periods of time, but at the same time, it's pretty clear that Annallya wants to be with humans much more than her own kind. It's also clear that she and Gaelin both like each other more than just colleagues (I liked how Annallya didn't want to appear sweaty in front of Gaelin, and likewise, Gaelin wanting to appear majestic in front of her). Hopefully they can find some way to be together in the end, whether that means Annallya living mostly at human size and occasionally stretching herself when need be, or living mostly at full size with Gaelin and among humans that accept her, and shrinking as need be, or some other solution. To wind up being apart from each other would seem almost cruel; it was only Annallya that could get Gaelin to stop drinking, and likewise, Annallya is who she is now because of Gaelin. Like Gaelin in the past, Annallya had to kill, even though what she wants more than anything is to create. Perhaps finding some way to live together, the two of them will be able to create something, perhaps even the most beautiful thing in the world (which could balance the scales, with both having taken lives).
But we'll have to see. At the moment, we've got a battle starting, which will probably affect everything from the humans' planned journey to Oragale facing her daughter.
I've said it before, I'll say it again, this story keeps getting better and better, and has never disappointed. Keep up the great work!
Author's Response:
I'm happy to hear from you again gtstory. I'm glad to see that your opperation has gone well and you're recovering.
Thank you for the remark about Oragale and Phelonous. I really wanted to convey how they saw themselves as in the right, and were heartbroken over what they saw as betrayal from someone they love.
Yeah I had my qualms about Annallya killing as well. In the end, it made sense for the moment. She had never fought a serious fight, especially two on one before. In real life, with two people fighting you and possibly trying to seriously hurt you, it becomes a fight for survival. As you saw with Gaelin, even with all of his skill, it was a serious handicap to fight without killing his opponents. Annallya couldn't afford to hold back, so she had to go for the kill. Injuring them without killing them takes skill and precision that she doesn't have yet.
As for everything else, that's all speculation for the future, so I'll not remark on it. Thank you so much my friend for giving me such a comment despite your condition. It really means a lot. Enjoy the next chapter I just uploaded
[Report This]Date: August 04 2018 10:17 AM Title: Chapter 21
Great chapter! I will discuss my thoughts on it in my review for Ch 22, since I read both back-to-back.
Date: August 04 2018 6:08 AM Title: Chapter 1
Great! Reading this gave me such a clear image in my head that I could form a movie in my head! You also have a knack for writting fight scenes.
Author's Response:
Thank you. I also imagine fighting scenes portrayed like a movie in my head. I just do my best to describe it as clearly as I can. I'm happy to know that I pulled it off
Date: August 02 2018 12:35 AM Title: Chapter 22
I'm really not sure what else to say on this story beside perfection.
The fact that you added another layer of plot with the seige just makes it even better.
And now that Gaelin got his sword back i expect to see some badass swording soon ;)
Author's Response:
Thank you. I'm glad the siege plot came together nicely. I was laying the ground work for that as far back as chapter 13. I think some people figured it out eventually, so I hope I was still able to surprise a few others. And yeah, now that Gaelin's got his sword back, you'll see some definite top notch swording
Date: July 29 2018 6:42 AM Title: Chapter 21
Wow what a speech it was. Anallya has changed so much from the child she was at the beginning. Hope Gaelin will hold on till help is coming
Also i wonder if you know by now how this dtost is going to end or you just go chapter by chapter, since i feel we are moving twords the final act of the story (though i might be wrong).
Either way keep up the great work you are doing.
Author's Response:
Yeah, I'm proud of her myself. She's come a long way. As for the story, I'd have to say I'm doing a little of both. Yes, I had a good idea as to how I wanted this story structured, certain scenes I wanted included, and how it would end. But as I went chapter by chapter I thought up new developments or events that didn't occur to me at first. It's sort of like the story developed itself and I stumbled upon these ideas while writing them. So yeah, a little of both.
Thank you for the comment
[Report This]Date: July 28 2018 5:19 AM Title: Chapter 21
Super excited to see the prison break kick-off. I'm actually surprised Annallya was willing to kill those guards and not just incapacite them in some way. But it was probably what had to be done. But now that she's out and back with the villagers, I'm even more excited to see them all break Gaelin out of prison together.
Once Gaelin's out though, I do wonder what will be next for Annallya, as well as their relationship? I'm very curious to see what her decision will be.
Author's Response:
To address the killing part of the chapter, I personally have never been in a sword fight, however I can only imagine that it's much easier to kill an opponent using a lethal weapon than incapacitate them with a lethal weapon. It's kind of the same principles as using a gun, or I suppose a bow and arrow, since this is a fantasy story. You might be able to incapacitate your opponent by shooting them in the leg, but that's such a difficult feat to pull off in the middle of battle that you're much better off aiming for the torso, the broadest target, and accepting that they're likely going to die from such a wound.
As for the rest, all I can tell you is I can't wait either. Time to get back to work!
Date: July 28 2018 5:06 AM Title: Chapter 1
Amazing Chapter! Amazing Speech. Can't wait for next!
Author's Response:
Haha, thanks for liking the speech. I was afraid it would be a little too cliche as far as fantasy novels go. I'll get right to work on the next chapter
Date: July 28 2018 12:29 AM Title: Chapter 21
I have this mental image in my head that the story will end with Annallya allowing the humans to escape by holding off the Titans pursuit and dying, or is just never seen again, in the process. And then her story being told in song by the humans centuries later. That would be really sad, but also very powerful. Looking forward to how you decide to finish the story, however it ends I am sure the Whistler will sing about it.
Author's Response:
I like your style dude. I already know how mine is going to end, and I'm not going to spoil anything by telling you if you're right or wrong, but if it doesn't end like that, maybe save that idea for one of your own. I'd read the shit out of that
Date: July 27 2018 9:35 PM Title: Chapter 21
I stumbled across this story and want to pause and say this is the first story I've favorited in years. Keep up the great work.
Author's Response:
That means a lot my friend, it honestly does. Thank you for enjoying it
Date: July 27 2018 6:15 PM Title: Chapter 21
Really looking forward to where this story is going
Author's Response:
So am I dude. So am I. Thanks for reading
[Report This]Date: July 21 2018 12:43 AM Title: Chapter 20
Another amazing chapter to add to the story! Yay, Nefferel is back (great character!), genuinely moved by Gaelin's actions, both towards herself and others, and it was a really nice chapter with the two of them.
I wonder, when Gaelin said that she reminded him of someone, did he mean Annallya or the Titan from his past?
It's hopeful that Gaelin has slowly been managing to change the minds of at least some of the Titans.
As well, we now know the rest of the backstory for Gaelin. Compliments on the way you revealed some of it, too -- only after reading all of the gruesome details of his bloody fight with the Titans back in his village, did we find out that the attacking Titans were so young. It had an impact that it wouldn't have had, had you revealed that beforehand. Nicely done.
Gaelin had it right: children learn from their parents and society around them. I don't know if an answer can be found between the Titans' need of humans to reproduce and the hope of changing how they're treated, but if anyone can do it, it's these characters.
I also wanted to give a shout out about something one doesn't normally think of: the names of the characters. From the special names given to famous Titans in society ("Tiana Farstrider") to simply the names for all your characters (Annallya, Gaelin, Nefferel, etc) you've managed to find perfect names for your characters -- and that isn't easy (whoever said naming a cat was hard, never tried to come up with a dozen character names!)
Anyway, thank you for another great chapter! Looking forward to joining Annallya again!
PS: I sent you an email tonight, when you have a chance.
Author's Response:
Yeah, who knew an alcoholic could touch so many lives, and not in the home-wrecker kind of way
And Gaelin was talking about Annallya. The way they both acted sort of awkward around him, and everything.
Thank you, I was hoping there would be an impact after it was revealed that they were all young
It's funny you should mention the names. The names are a goddamned pain in the ass to come up with. Most of the time I just say a gibberish word out loud, and then twist letters until it resembles something similar to a name. Other times I start with an actual name, and then start twisting letters. It takes a couple of minutes of playing around until I actually get something. So thank you for appreciating that, it's not easy.
And as always gtstory, thank you for a well thought out comment