Bleu

Hartley? Hartley! Now where have I seen this name before?

Fantastic end to this story. Sulin and Dagen finally reunited through their current avatar, and yet this is just the start of a new phase, with more fighting and adventures to come. It has been three years indeed. But as I've said before, each of your chapters is worth the wait

Thanks, that was quite interesting. Good luck with your political endeavours.

I think this was the most stimulating philosophical discussion so far or maybe I'm just more receptive to this one. In any case, looking forward to see how Adam is going to resolve all his inner conflicts and what his relationships with Seth and Codey will become.

This chapter was such a pleasure to read. I fell like I've been watching a movie. You have quite a cinematographic way of showing the characters move, interact, etc. I even get a picture in my mind's eye of all the weird alien creatures which inhabit this story I also love how you weave the webs of politics into this. Konstantin has shown in the past that he can be balanced and steadfast in his decisions, but with the sometimes limited information he is given, he is bound to make mistakes at times. The next chapter promises to be full of decisive moments. With Lucas' lucky escape with Nyx, Konstantin's strategic decisions, Yugan's survival, Shay's efforts to prevent the worst scenario from happening, etc. we will measure how much your story is about fate and the world of possibilities that may occur, and how thin the thread that binds all this is.

Words fail when such terrible news strike out of nowhere. I wish you strength and serenity.

Fantastic story. I almost didn't read it because I was afraid it would be another rich boy meets poor boy story but I'm glad I trusted your writing based on your other great stories.

Graeme, many thanks for such a fantastic story. I'm a bit late in reviewing, so it seems that everything has already been said. It's been an utter pleasure to read the Leopards' adventure, and to follow Jim, Neil, Ross and all the other characters through their trials and tribulations. There are so many qualities to this story that it hardly seems possible to list them all. I will just mention a few: first, the fact that you managed to intertwine fiction and reality in an area (semi-pro sports) rarely explored by gay fiction; second, the depth of the characters you created; third, the general tone of the story, with its delicate balance of difficult issues, diverse personalities,... ; and finally the role models that you offer to the readers, a recurring token of your stories. Bleu

I'm not being overly modest here. I can proofread, because I easily catch grammatical errors and typos. I have done it for a couple of authors here in the past. However, I am not generally very good at being a beta because when I read I immerse myself completely in the story and I don't tend to question the writer's intent and method. You need a critical eye to be a beta, and I don't think I am suited for that role. You had mentioned a third book in the past, but this time it seems to be a more affirmative statement. Also, I might have worried unnecessarily about an earlier "this story will be the death of me" comment

Not applying for the role because I don't think I am qualified... But "Third book"!! Of course there is some interest!

I agree with Emi: a very good chapter. It reminded me of the early meetings between Codey and Adam/Matt in the park or at his home. Everything is rather subtle and many things are unsaid. Now what next? Is Adam really going to leave on his trip after this? He is starting to feel like a liar. Those lies are getting more and more difficult to justify. And then there is Seth as well...

Excellent chapter. Tim said it all already. I only disagree with him on one point: I don't think Paddy sweated it at all. “Sure, lad. It might take me a couple of weeks, though. Can you remind me again after the draft in case I’ve forgotten? I’ll make a note of it, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.” Smooth, very smooth. I did laugh out loud at that and people looked at me funny on the bus

Happy birthday Stannie !

I just left a review for chapter 16, but most of what I said there could have been said here because it was related to the whole story rather than one chapter in particular. Anyway, one thing I forgot to mention is the quality of your writing and the vocabulary you use. Granted, some of that vocabulary is explained by the fact that this is an SF story, but you also use common words in a slightly different sense as usual (at least as far as my understanding of English allows) and clearly you also use words that we rarely see. As I was reading I was trying to translate parts of it in French and I realised that it would be quite a challenge.

Thanks for another great chapter, Stellar. It gives us essential information about what/who Shay and Mira are, and Yugan and Shay seem to me closer than ever from meeting. Mikom's ultimate sacrifice felt very much "in character". I almost expected it. One of the things I love with this story is that every time I think I understand all the parameters, you open up yet more avenues, causes and consequences... Everything keeps getting greater than it seems at first. It has the right balance of character development and interpersonal relationships, politics, ethics, spirituality almost. To some extent it reminds me of Peter Hamilton's The Reality Dysfunction series. Is it an inspiration to you?

Happy birthday ! !

Just discovered this story yesterday and had to read the whole thing almost in one go. It is very good. You move things along slowly enough that we forget the 'Prince and Pauper' premise and focus on the character development. Well done and can't wait to read the rest !

Happy belated birthday Riley!!

I actually just watched it last week. It was quite nice.

Take care of yourself Wayne and don't spread yourself too thin. There are only so many battles one man can face at once. *hugs*

Happy birthday from Jian and I !!

Thank you. I enjoyed Electric Blue very much. Will check out your new stories

Happy birthday Graeme!!

Thanks

I love your sense of detail