[Report This]Date: August 09 2023 5:05 PM Title: Antics at the Orchard
I really like how the opening dream sequence tied into the larger story here. It showed us just how naïve Theo is, failing to learn the lesson of her Uncle Thomas's tragic death and almost suffering the same fate near the story's end. She has that same overconfidence that her late uncle had, completely underestimating how much dangerous giants (especially Nekos) are to minis. Fortunately, it seems as though her mother's prayer was answered, whether it was the gods who listened or simply Tess's fortunate timing.
Also, rubbing your eyes to see if you're dreaming?! Pinches, Theo! Pinches!
It was also great to see this story focus more heavily on Theo. She showed some personality in the first story, but we got to know Tess a lot better in that one. Between the backstory offered by the dream sequence, her clear feelings for Tess (which she either doesn't understand or is denying), and just seeing more of her personality come out as she gets more comfortable with her giant companion, it was both enlightening and entertaining getting to know her a little better.
That's not to say that we didn't get a healthy dose of Tess, though. Seeing her take on a more protective role with her mini was really heartwarming. From reassuring her that she doesn't have to worry as much because "you've got me now" and her not even considering selling Theo to clear her debt to how remorseful she was that the mini was eaten (even though it wasn't her fault), it's obvious that Theo is really important to our red-headed giantess, and not just as the property she claims Theo to be. And that blush at the end seems to imply that maybe she's developing feelings for Theo as well.
Either way, these two have great chemistry and are fun to read about when they're together.
But maybe the most intriguing part of this story for me was Lynn. Seeing the contrast in her interactions with Tess and Theo was downright intriguing to me. With Tess, the Neko was friendly and outgoing, willing to help out a friend in need, even at her own expense (let's be honest, that tab's never going to get cleared). And that bit about inflation made her seem a lot like Tess herself. In short, she came off as the type of character readers usually find endearing.
Then there's her time with Theo.
Lynn came off as an absolute monster when she caught Theo. Making a game out of ending the mini's life, taking so long to eat her and even drawing blood for extra flavor (enjoying her "life force" was a nice touch), and even savoring the mini's tears as she's about to die, all with someone she can and did hold a conversation with, makes the Neko come off as pure evil. And then, even after seeming remorseful when apologizing to Tess (and even being unable to hold Theo's stare), in the end she still wants to eat the mini. Purely cold-blooded!
Overall, this story was great both as a standalone piece and in building on the previous story, not only character-wise but in terms of world-building as well. I look forward to seeing where you take this series next!
Oh, and as far as my name goes, I've heard of Jojo but I haven't watched it, bizarrely enough. Honestly, I spent about 30 seconds trying to decide on a clever name before I gave up and decided to go with a mildly confusing one instead. If anything, I may have been subconsciously motivated by the Reverse Flash.
Also, I forgot to mention this in my last review for In the Footsteps of Science, but I liked the additions you made to the first part of the first ending. It answered some of my questions, so thanks for that!
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for the ever in-depth review! You touched on a lot of important points I tried to convey, so it's nice to see it came across!