We have two story reviews for you today! First, we have a review on Comicfan's story "Strange Life of Jonas Marks" and then we also bring you a review for Billy Brat's story "Trials and Tribulations". Thank you to the reviewers!!!

Reviewer: K.C.
Status: In Process

So many new authors want to write, yet they aren’t sure where to even start. It’s said that everyone has one great story spinning around in their head, but where do you begin? When is the right time to put pen to paper and let the words flow? The GA Anthologies are the perfect place to start. The Anthologies let authors dip their toes into the literary pool without jumping in head first.

Comicfan is one author that has produced amazing stories for the GA Anthologies. His 2011 entry for the Walk on the Wild Side, “Strange Family, Unusual Lovers and other Jobs” was my favorite story of all the Anthologies written last year. I was thrilled when Comic decided to turn this smaller piece into a full length story, under the title, “Strange Life of Jonas Marks.”

We already know from the Anthology piece that Jonas Marks is a young man who suddenly finds himself without a home, jobless and left with no place to turn after his homophobic father throws him out of their home when he admits that he’s gay. Jonas is an inspiration to any young man or woman facing the same pain of having their family or friends turn their back on them after coming out.

The best that Jonas hopes for is to find a mediocre job making enough money until he leaves for college at the end of summer. His best friend, Jenny gives him a place to crash while getting back on his feet.

Jonas’ life takes an unexpected turn when he answers a help wanted ad at Kroger’s Department store. He finds himself plunged in a strange new world of fantasy, fulfilling unusual request for Kroger’s exotic clientele which includes playing match maker for their incredible customers.

So far, Comicfan has posted 6 chapters to this new story and he’s estimating this story to be about 13 chapters once he is completed. Will the Jonas of ‘Strange Life of Jonas Marks’ take the same path he took in Comicfan’s Anthology piece or will he chose a completely new direction? What adventures will he have working at the fantasy office? What new creatures does Kroger’s store bring into Jonas’ world? So many questions…one thing I know for sure is I can’t wait for Comicfan to post the next chapter so I can find out more.

Reviewer: Kiltie69
Status: In Process

When asked to write some reviews of stories I read I was in a bit of a dilemma, where to start? The GA site is full of excellent stories by excellent writers. Ask anyone and they will tell you their favourite. Added onto this is the fact that I am a simplistic reviewer, or I review like a 10 year old.

Well, one of my favourites is by a lad called Billy Brat. The story, Trials and Tribulations, is about a young man living in a small town in Rural Kentucky and his coming of age experiences while at school.

I first started to read Trials after being asked, as a favour, to see what I thought of the first chapter, I was not disappointed and have gladly read each new chapter within a few hours of release.

The story follows Andy, a late teen school boy, through his first experiences of love, having a boyfriend, and the problems you can face being gay in a small town. The actual setting of the tale, for me, is also a good choice. It hints at what Small town America can be like. How things are done and handled. Which, for a Scot, is added meat, giving insight into a different way of life.

Billy handles the subject of Andy’s growing sexuality well. The story, from the beginning, shows Andy, due to family circumstances, as mature for his age and that he has, as the story unfolds, a surprising depth to his character for one so young. You learn the reasons for this quickly and see how his upbringing plays a part in this. This maturity and depth are used to great effect in how the young man deals with a number of situations and issues. Subjects covered in the story: abuse, bullying and bigotry to name one or two are all handled with a level maturity and understanding that leave the reader wanting to know more; each chapter leaving at least one or two questions to be answered. Billy shows a depth of understanding of the matters discussed that show in his characters.

So far there are ten chapters up but more to come. I find Billy’s writing style easy to read and flowing which makes it enjoyable. You easily fall for the characters and gladly follow them through their day to day life. He handles difficult issues well; leaving the reader, through his characters, with an understanding of the issue. My only issue I have with the story, is the age of the main characters. Putting that aside, the story is well written and enjoyable.

With this said, Trials and Tribulations is a read I heartily recommend. Billy has taken a slice of life from the Appalachians and brought it to GA. It’s a feel good story and you will fall in love with many of the characters.

If you haven't already gone and read these two stories, what are you waiting for?! As always: Read, Write, and Review!!!

If you are interested in writing a review for the blog, please contact either Trebs or Renee Stevens!