Reviewer: Naoru Signed
Date: December 12 2021
Title: Chapter 1: The Beginning
I have to say that this is all very moving and it hit close to home to me. Anabelle's journey through her trauma, all the abuse she has gone through, and all the coping mechanisms she has to deal with that pain and trauma are what truly sets this apart from other GTS stories out there and I'm happy to have a chapter dedicated to it. It opens a way to heal for her, and possible endings for this. Maybe one where she doesn't imprints buts ends up staying with one of the girls?I mean, Leah would love this since she has shown signs she likes Anabelle more when she is either unwilling or just...challenging perhaps?then again, I think instead of "choose one and imprint" the better advice should have been "Pretend to imprint" which would make things easier for Anabelle indeed.
I like the relationship Steven has with Riley. Of course Anabelle doesn't, but just like Steven can't understand her situation, she can't understand his. He hasn't been abused and Riley doesn't uses him to pleasure herself, she seems legit nice, so I'm okay with them being wholesome.
I think this chapter gave us a lot of insight on Anabelle too, like, she is scared of being close to people because she is scared of losing them probably after her sister and mother's deaths, she has trust issues, and she doesn't think she deserves love, which I think is VERY important as to why even when the FF clearly do love and care for her, she still thinks of every excuse as to why they don't love her and just want to use her, other than the having her kidnapped and stuff.
As a last bit I think Steven lied to her about hearing a voice. He is a good actor, clearly, so is no surprise he deceived Anabelle. I think Poppy is like...the voice of her...species??Like in elfen lied, where Lucy had the voice of her instincts to kill humanity. Idk I may be wrong on this one, but I think Poppy is not a normal shrinkie thing like Anabelle thinks. I'll be looking forward to the next chapter but this was great
Thanks for the birthday wishes!
Author's Response: No problem Naoru, I hope you had a great birthday!
I will say that there will be a chapter where Annabelle's backstory is revealed (I hope that's not a spoiler--I wouldn't just foreshadow it and then never address it lol) and it is pretty heavy, so I'll try to put a disclaimer in the author's notes.
Steven and Annabelle's conversations are so cool to write. I like Annabelle having an actual person to bounce her thoughts off of.
I also loved all of the things you picked up on Annabelle's characterization. The contrast between Annabelle's refusal to believe she is worthy of love vs. the FF's love bombing is always interesting to write.
I can't speak to your predictions without spoiling anything, but I like hearing your thoughts.
I look forward to seeing what you think of the upcoming chapters.