Reviewer: MicroThaumaturge Signed
Date: September 09 2023
Title: Chapter 12: The Rescue
I have enjoyed this story immensely. Great premise, great setting, solid and developing shrinking mechanics, solid dynamic between the oppressive giants in the company and the oppressed residents. I enjoyed the first dozen chapters without reserve. I wish I had left comments on the other chapters singing this story's praises.
This last chapter, however, leaves a bad taste. I get that Claire's thought processes are unbalanced where Jazmin is concerned. I get that Justin is worried about Ally, and that could impair his thinking a bit. But between the three of them, two of whom are engineers /city planners, this 'plan' for rescue doesn't pass the smell check. It's very plot driven, which is a disservice to your well-written characters.
Don't get me wrong, the breakfast bit is great, the fetishy bits are cute and enjoyable, or speak well to those who enjoy cruelty, Rae's response to being found is solid, but I have some problems with how this went down.
1. They split the party. Yes, I know that saying "don't split the party" is kinda cliche, and is generally not such a bad thing, but splitting their group was literally the only thing that put them in more danger than just walking away. The only way Jazmin posed any real threat to them is if they confronted her in the exact manner they did - alone and letting her get the drop on them. I can ALMOST buy the fact that they had 2 objectives, one of which was pressing, being enough to decide the party could be split, but it still smells very fishy.
Again, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you shouldn't have split them - obviously that was the only way to make things go this way - but I woukd highly recommend presenting a more compelling reason for not just going to get Ally first.
2. Their plan was all or nothing. If they failed, that's it, they're playing from the back foot - quite possibly literally, as they would be small enough. There's no attempt to inform any sort of local authority, or an understanding friend, or an internet conspiracy theorist. If they screw up, they're toast. That seems like something Brooke at the least should have thought of. And I do apologize if I somehow missed this, but why are the local police not involved? They are clearly dealing with what is clearly abduction, kidnapping, and from what Jazmin has hinted at, sexual abuse, rape, and likely manslaughter/murder. Again, if I missed the explanation, that's on me and I apoligize for raising the point, but I don't see why the authorities were never brought in, under any pretense.
3. The lack of any sort of protection. They went into hostile territory, with their freedom, if not their lives on the line, and they brought nothing to defend themselves. Not an empty wine bottle, not a can of mace or pepper spray, nothing. Again, it seems poorly thought out.
4. Once the Taylor's returned, there was no attempt to call for help. Did Brooke not bring a cell phone?
Just to clarify, I am not trying to criticise the direction you took the story. I'm sure having all of the heroes tiny and in trouble will make for a thrilling next chapter. I can't wait to see what comes next!
I'm just... You have written such wonderful characters, I feel like the way this went down was a disservice to them. There needed to be additional factors. Perhaps they expect the Taylor's to bring Rae with them as a toy, but he's at a Meet & Greet with his wife RIGHT NOW and will be back tonight. Now there's a pressing need to go to the Taylor's eesidence, or Rae is in danger if Jazmin gets word back to them.
Regarding telling others, perhaps they are too scared to act, or the authorities won't believe them / they have been paid off. I feel like this is a wide avenue of approach that needed to be narrowed, if not closed.
Weapons can be left at the front door when it's clear no one is home, or while handling a tiny. This one stretches credulity a bit, but would be acceptable, and fitting for the characters.
Again, I'm sorry if this comes across as an attack against you or your writing, because it's not intended to be. You have a talent, and a great story in progress here. One in which I've been emotionally invested for some time now (again, sorry for not commenting sooner). I just saw several decisions here as a disservice to these great characters, and couldn't help but shout my frustration to the rooftops (sorry about the eardrums).
Again, thank you for bringing us these characters, I'm loving the story, I'm really looking forward to seeing where it goes next! I just had to get that off my chest.
Author's Response: I'm glad you've enjoyed the story so far! I'm also sorry that this chapter missed the mark.
I had hit a wall creatively--so I decided this was 'good enough' to move on to the fetish bits. I'm fairly new at writing this type of content, so I struggle with how to balance story and smut.
In regards to Brooke--she definitely had a cell phone. I had figured she was too panicked to make a phone call, but in hindsight she definitely would've shot a text to Claire at the very least. This was an oversight on my part.
I really appreciate this feedback as it helps me grow and develop as a writer! Please don't be shy to share your thoughts in the future as well.