Review of *What Lies Within* by Rick

[Taima Matsumushi]

What Lies Within

http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/highschool/what-lies-within/

by Rick

 

Rusty is a "badass" skater-punk hiding a dangerous secret and a pain that threatens to consume him. Ian is the new kid at school; nerdy, a shutterbug, and hopelessly awkward socially. When they meet, they find that taking an honest look inside themselves might be just what they need to realize their destinies and take control of their lives... Together.

 

Overall Quality: 9

Eroticism: 5

Character Development: 9

Strength of Story: 8

 

Starting off, What Lies Within is, in my opinion, one of the best original works I've read online. Although I don't normally associate nifty.org with quality writing, What Lies Within proves that an interesting plot, believable characters, and powerful writing can be found almost anywhere.

 

On the subject of eroticism, I have to preface this by saying that I don't really like using explicit sex scenes between characters if it can be helped (implying sexual activity is the way I tend to lean). Mostly this is because many stories I've read (that contain explicit sex scenes) tend to eventually degrade into a series of weak plot points leading to the next sex scene.

 

I liked the way Rick dealt with the problem of balancing between a story devoid of sex (or at the very least, exclusively implied) and a story that might end up becoming a well-written porno. There is only one actual instance of sex in the story, and it ends up mostly implied; however, there are several sexual fantasies played out through the two main characters' dreams. I thought this was an appropriate compromise, and it works out very well in terms of the flow of the story. I gave the category a "5", because I'm not entirely certain how to translate this into the traditional interpretation of the Eroticism category.

 

Character development is where Rick shines in What Lies Within. The two main characters, Ian and Rusty, are extremely well-rounded characters for the most part, each with their flaws and merits. The only criticism I'd have is that after the first half of the story, Ian slowly begins to turn into a character type I'd describe as a "perfect little cutie-pie". Not that he isn't flawed at that point, but Ian ceases to be as oddly selfish and shallow as he was earlier in the story. Instead, his foibles are passed off as side-effects of his upbringing and rarely mentioned in detail again. This is partly due to an event in the plot that I won't spoil for you, but I just can't shake the feeling that Ian is treated somewhat as a saint later in the story.

 

The strength of this story is almost impossible for me to describe. This story touched me very close to my heart; it brought back many memories from my own days in High School. In a lot of ways, this story reminds me of an alternate version of my own experience (I can see a lot of myself in Rusty, and Ian is frighteningly similar to my best friend in HS). The plot is for the most part quite realistic, and it's no challenge to find yourself feeling for the characters Rick paints in this story. A masterpiece, in my opinion. I encourage everyone reading this review to click on the link above and give What Lies Within a read.

 

You won't regret it.

[Myr]

wow... Thanks Taima! I'll have to move this up on my "To read" list.

 

Thanks for writing such a comprehensive review!

[TheDaniel]

I need to affirm Taima. This story is a absolute gem.

 

It also can be found at dabeagle's doghouse. I read it there.

 

This story is still one of my favorites. I even recommended it on an adequate german board.

 

If you haven't read it yet, try it! I would be surprised if it won't capture you after the first few chapters.

 

Daniel

Edited May 21, 2004 by TheDaniel