[Report This]Date: January 31 2018 7:07 AM Title: Affection
Stop just a moment. Do you feel that?
That happy, warm feeling you’re feeling right now...Imagin8 gave that too you. You have invested your time and attention in his story of Jack and Penny (and others) and he has rewarded you awesomely.
So, just a take a moment to enjoy it, how you feel right now. It is a brilliant artist’s gift to you. You’ve earned it.
This story has been made up of such contrasts and yet such subtle details. It is a pure pleasure to read. While we’ve shared Jack’s journey into extreme darkness, we also get to see him approaching the heights of joy.
I love that Penny was able to open her heart. She’s been so terrified of herself that I think helping Jack has allowed her to see her own potential as a wonderful human being and not some over sized...thing.
Jack is also showing us such courage, still. He’s able to take risks with his heart, even now, when he is so fragile and so dependant. Yes, Penny has encouraged and motivated him, but still, he’s so courageous in a heartfelt way.
Of course, there’s more to come. While we are so happy to see Jack and Penny begin on the path of romance, she is also really committing to Jack’s side, they are on a path of real danger. When you view this scene in terms of the whole story there’s an element of suspense. How are they going to be able to actually be romantic and enjoy each other with the creature looming around every corner?
But enough about ...it.
This is one of those moments. I can see all the fans of this story, as we read chapter after chapter, referring to this moment as “the kiss.” We’ve waited for it and wished for it and it’s beautiful. Jack and Penny have the kind of chemistry that mixes to create a romantic explosion that reverberates through our imaginations. Those of us who are writers and those of us who just enjoy the reading have a new standard of excellence.
I, for one, will always remember this.
Peace
pix
Author's Response:
Are you trying to win an award for best review, Pix? :P
I might have to review your review.
Oh my days. Did your heart just burst? That's right. Pix just shot you in the chest with an EMOTION BULLET from her FEELS GUN. She wrote a beautiful review that Imagin8 didn't truly know how to respond to so he resorted to CHEAP PARODY and LOLZ to try and cover up how much it meant to him to read a review that called a chapter of his silly wannabe erotica novel 'a new standard of excellence' with a straight fuggin' face.
Seriously though, it's humbling to read things like this. I almost want you to stop, because if you don't, I'll literally turn in chapters that say 'PENNY LOVE JACK WOO' and expect universal acclaim. That is, of course, if I haven't already reached that stage. You'll have to read Ch.34 to double check.
Thank you, Pix, you always dedicate time to reviewing this story, and I could not be more humbled that you do.
Date: January 30 2018 10:01 AM Title: Introduction
Finally Jack is connected with Penny good chapter!
Author's Response:
Cheers!
Date: January 30 2018 8:02 AM Title: Introduction
Now THIS is podracing!
Author's Response:
Don't get cocky.
(This is my favourite review)
[Report This]Date: January 30 2018 7:36 AM Title: Affection
Next chapter: "Houston? We Have Lip-lock!"
Author's Response:
34. Separation
Jack is stuck to Penny's face...
[Report This]Date: January 30 2018 1:56 AM Title: Affection
Wow sir.
It only took me around an hour to read through this beautiful, gripping tale. I have so many thoughts going through my head. I don't blame your update schedule (As you noted in some of your chapter end notes) for being so spastic, every single chapter of this story is quality.
Normally, I really dislike regular giantess stories, adaption and growth is more of my forte, but this one provides the kind of adaption that I truly enjoy. Jack, Penny, Delon, Alex, Caitlin, all of them are great characters that make me feel different things. There are so few of them that provide meaningful roles but all of them feel so impactful. The shock that half of the story is Jack's traumatic experience is insanity to me, the fact that he could also live through it is mortifying.
Caitlin is a titan, a bully, of course you've hinted there is more to her character from Jack's asking about her hand holding and his probing. I have to wonder what it is.
All of the scenes with Jack and Penny just felt so incredible. They felt so special, so wonderful to hear how they confide in one another, trust each other, and how it all culminates in that kiss that readers have waited in real time for years for. It''s truly magical to feel that kind of emotional connection to two characters, ESPECIALLY ones like Penny and Jack, whom compliment each other's negative sides flawlessly.
Needless to say good sir, this story is unreal. I haven't been so gripped by a piece of giantess fiction is so long, and I'm eagerly awaiting more. It gives me hope that my own story, Puberty, will evolve into a tale as gripping as this one, because you tell so much with so little, and I love that about GH-X2.
Can't wait for the next chapter. Enjoy your perfect score sir, and welcome to my favorites list
Author's Response:
Thank you for a... mega review, it is hugely appreciated. I am really pleased you enjoyed the Penny and Jack scenes, the story is so divided between the Caitlin-centric parts and the Penny-centric parts it sometimes feels to me like two halves that don't match... but reviews like yours reassure me that they add up to a whole that juxtaposes and draws from both sides.
[Report This]Date: January 30 2018 1:34 AM Title: Affection
Wow, things are progressing quite well between Penny and Jack. I'm really glad to see them both growing as characters like that. I really feel that a girlfriend who truly loves and cares about him will do wonder for our little Beta's main character, especially when she has basically told him that she loves him the way he is and wouldn't want him to be an Alpha ! In the meantime, I would really like to see Penny talking with her newly found boyfriend's parents, I think she could help them realize that their son doesn't live in the same world they grew up. Now, the question is, will we have a battle of the century between Mama Bear Penny and Feral Wolf Caitlinn ? I suspect that the answer is a yes, but I can't wait to read it anyway ;)
Speaking of the resident red-haired Queen of the school, I can't help but feel that you present her overwhelming presence so well. Just the sight of her sneakers terrified Jack, and Delon got afraid just seeing her face hovering above the rest of the Alphas. It really gives her an aura of intimidation which makes her so much more than simply a bully. For Jack and even Delon, she seems to be more of a mythological threat than anything normal, and I find it awesome. I also can't help but notice how, when something physically bad happened to Jack when he was abducted, Caitlinn face was almost always obscured.
I really does wonder to add layer to this character. I'm thinking especially about the pool scene (which sent Alex over her friendship to help rescue Jack). For the Beta, Caitlinn was cold and emotionless, not caring at all about his suffering, and we assume it is the case, because he couldn't see her face and we follow his point of view. But we don't know how she reacted truly, and it adds this veneer of mystery, at least for me. Basically, it boil down to two simple questions :
-Does Jack knew Caitlinn as a child but forgot about her like he did Penny ? It was implied in their first encounter that Caitlinn may know him before hand, at least it was my impression reading it again recently.
-Is she in love with him but unable to express it in a healthier way ? There is several indications that it could be the case in the story, and considering their world, the very little tidbits we know about her parents and what she told about men and how she feel about them... It wouldn't surprise me that she felt sick harbouring feelings for a Beta, that she has been abused or at least used by men when she was younger and that her pouncing on Jack is both her way to express her love and her pain. She needs to sort out her feelings anyway, that's for sure.
I think I must also comment on Delon. That guy is basically the best friend everyone would love to have. He's calm, collected, cool under pressure, caring about his buddy and always willing to help as best he could. I really think that him being a solid rock for Jack will help our main character as much as Penny's love.
Author's Response:
The fact she made a point of saying she categorically liked him as a human being is a huge one. There have also been hints that she perhaps is quite fond of Betas or Beta-sized things anyway, but it's yet to be explored... might be a red herring (I've thrown in a few)!
Caitlin is, as you say, practically a supernatural force from the perspective of the Betas. It's not just that she's bigger and stronger than the other Alphas (who are in their own right supernatural-seeming) - but it's her capacity to 'go there', inflict pain, not give a damn about the consquences. Her social standing, aggressive behaviour and connections just make her this perfect storm-like package if she decides to train her sights on you.
Your point about her face is semi-deliberate, but you've definitely given me food for thought. I've tried to portray Caitlin as someone who presents herself off as terrifying, but has glimpses of humanity, which you've speculated on. Your ideas are ones I have explored in my notes.
As for Delon, he's an amalgamation of several traits that make him solid 'best friend' material without being a particularly well-rounded or pivotal character. Compared to Penny, he simply hasn't been explored in the same detail, as the plot hasn't required it. In addition, it has to be said that in some respects, Delon and Jack's friendship is a marriage of convenience - two Betas mostly in the same classes - they were bound to be friends even though they're not terribly alike. He's not completely sure how to help, or how to support his friend other than to try and do what's right, but he is a likeable and conscientious fella and gives 100%. He'll never let you down, and that's worth a lot.
[Report This]Date: January 29 2018 9:14 PM Title: Affection
B00M drops the mic! What a chapter, wow. Edge of my seat the entire time. This evolution can bring so many new dynamics and conflict - I wonder if a little mama bear is gonna pop out of Penny the next time Caitlin barks up that tree!
Author's Response:
Review #250 - woo!
[Report This]Date: January 29 2018 7:15 PM Title: Introduction
I read the recent chapter since I saw the review count, now pouring over it. This story is beautiful, I'll provide a more up to date review when I complete my reading of this wonderful tale
Author's Response:
Please do! I would love to hear your thoughts on it, and thank you for your kind words on what you've read so far.
[Report This]Date: January 29 2018 7:00 PM Title: Affection
Beautiful and well worth the wait!
The question is - where do you go from here? As a writer, I struggle once a point of tension disappears. However, as a reader, I sincerely do hope there are more chapters, even if they're just going on picnics and stuff. :)
Author's Response:
Caitlin.
[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.