sorgbarn

What can I say, more than this is just in my taste for the moment! It's lovely to read something set in Europe as compared to what I read most of the time, which is anglo-american settings. This isn't even a British setting, and I just love it, it's not that often you come by stories set in other environments than those I mentioned, or at least I don't see them that often what I'm aware of. Once I got used to the somewhat German tone of voice the reading was easy and practically flew by. Normally I don't enjoy reading stories with multiple important characters and shifting POV:s, this is however an exception. In fact I think this and it's prequel, is an exception - normally those kind of stories have me longing for the story to return to the character I liked best - in these stories however I enjoy reading about them all, they all have interesting things happening with them and around them. The focus on relationships and yearning for true and lasting love is well combined with mystery ans suspense. And of course the setting with it's art and archaeology and historical theme is a huge plus - though it might require the reader to have some pre-knowledge or at least an interest in the subject because it's a fairly big part of the plot. To me it was just perfect, just perfect!

Yeah, maybe a little bit cheesy, but still wonderfully good and oh so sweet. Frank is back to his old evil. It's probably just me but this story and the first one as well has me thinking about The Da Vinci Code - I guess it's the treasure hunting that gives the connection, although these stories are so much better (imo), the characters more interesting and their relationships more intriguing.

This story has had a somewhat slower start than The Knife That Twists Within, but now its coming along nicely. I guess its necessary when its a sequel, but some of the background information is completely redundant for me who just finished the first book. Its nice to meet the characters I came to like and care for once again. I also like the new characters introduced. Or maybe like isn't the right word - I don't exactly like Rene, he's an annoying killjoy and I don't trust him, why is he still hanging around and what does Simon see in him? Maybe I'll find out later in the story. Daniel seems nice, definitely likable, though. And this far I'm even feeling a little sympathy for Frank - what he did to Nick and Ben was totally wrong, but what he's done with Walt's uncle seems to be completely consensual and Walt should stay out of it. I fear he might cause trouble in the future. I definitely like how the many characters are not black or white, but rather covers the whole scale of grey. And I'm looking forward to see what mysteries might evolve further from the events in this story.

I loved everything about this story, which is more like a 'real' novel than anything else. It's the characters, the main characters as well as the supporting and minor characters,, and there are many of them, so many at first I wanted a list of them so I could go back to see which role they played, but because of the way the story is built I soon learned to tell them apart. Even the villains are remarkable. It's the setting; Berlin, Rome and London. And the world of art and design. The art references are many and delightful, and even better it you actually know what they are about. It's the plot(s); Markus' hunt for the Edward Burne-Jone's screen, the search for Markus' ex-lover and of course the threat to Nicholas life. And then it's the contrasting themes; true love and trust versus temporary thrills or satisfactions, money versus poverty and finally and maybe most importantly the love of inanimate things versus real living people. So when considering its content one can easily overlook any grammatical or other language related errors.

Finally! Shakespeare in love premeried 1998, so this is set early 1999? Still I think their awareness of teh risks of unsafe sex and HIV is too low, they should take better care of themselves. As for this chapter - and it's really not a chapter whenit's 40 000+ words, it makes it diffucult to take a pause while reading, but then on the other hand I like it lengthy, so it's great.What struck most was teh devilish revenge on Frank. Sure he had it coming, but still this was so utterly cruel I can hardly think about it. (Unless he's extremely lucky and actually manage to escape without getting infected, but I assume that's not what the reader is mean to believe. Again I really like the many characters in this story - even Frank - it conributes to it's real novel feeling, and they all have important roles to play. Normally I don't care much for switching points of views (prefer limitied third POV) but this is beneficial for the story and no difficult at all to follow.

And now I’m going even more “oh” – despite your summary this has a romantic feel to it, at least this far. And the giant – Maraki – I like him, poor thing slave to his unfortunate nature, and your description of him, interesting eyes and kind of fun reading about creatures with not quite human behavior. The main character is equally sweet. I wonder what else his uncle has told him, and I wonder where he’s coming from. How has he become a thief, and why was he steeling what it was he was steeling in the first place? And why was Maraki wandering around in this land all by himself? Where are his kind? Was he looking for something, on a mission? And what exactly are their captivators planning to do to them, or maybe Maraki is only the means to get what they want from Elyran. I’d like to see how this is going to unfold, and how you are going to go about the fallen god you are mentioning in the story summary? OK, so I’ll read the next chapter too, when you’re posting it. Thanks for writing.

Oh, I could use a dictionary for the length and time measurements you are using, they are causing me quite some headache, but maybe it will become easier once the story develops further (and I get used to them). I’m not really a fantasy reader (I think all I’ve read in the genre is three Harry Potter books, the first and the last two – don’t ask - and as a kid I read the Narnia books.) so I’m not sure about this. But since I’ve read your two other stories here on GA, and liked tem, I'll give it a try. I like how the first chapter begins with the main character being imprisoned and how he ponders upon the events that brought him there in the first place. Of course I’m having trouble with the names and the titles, but I blame my lack of experience with this genre. I also like how the first chapter ends – and do I sense a friendly giant here? The introduction of the giant, what was his kind called again?, is entertaining the way the magician is trying to intimidate the main character. So, yeah, I’ll give it a try, maybe it’s healthy to read something besides romances?

I've meant to read this a couple of times before, but stopped after the first chapter not really giving it a proper chance - until last night. And I like it, quite a lot actually. It's interesting reading something written by someone who hasn't English as a mother tongue, and l like the tone of voice it creates in this text, if there are any disturbing grammatical errors I'm not aware of it since English isn't my mother tongue either. The setting is a huge plus. It's European, and non-English-speaking to that, and I don't come by that very often and it's delightful to read, especially when the setting is so detailed and interestingly described. The contrast between the world from which Nicholas comes and the world to which Markus belongs is obvious, the importance of art and design ... it requires a careful reading, at least from my part, I can't just skim through it. The characters are equally interesting, and develops slowly at the pace of my reading. Little leads are given every now and then, making me want to continue reading. Nicholas is a sweet main character and Markus is still somewhat of a mystery, not to mention Sebastian - I not sure where I have him yet. The amounts of characters gives this story the feel of a 'real' novel (sorry if the expression offends, not my intention), but it's also forces me to read more carefully than I otherwise might have, not to mix them up or completely miss who they are. I've been trying to look for leads while reading though, after something telling me when this story is set, but I can't find it. Maybe I've missed them, or just plainly havn't gotten them. They use computers, yet they seem somewhat ill-informed about the dangers of HIV (and they do seem to practice unsafe sex, even though Markus previous partner got infected and they just met?!). I just can't place it in time - I guess I'll have to keep looking for more leads ... tomorrow.

Well, maybe this story didn’t start like a fairy tale but it sure ended like one. I got my happy ending, and I won’t have to hunt you down, and you remembered to answer all the remaining questions. And if they don’t live happily ever after at least they live happily for now (which might be the more realistic choice these days, not that there is much realism in romance fiction in the first place, that's an other genre entirely, right?). It feels a bit sad now it’s over though. It has become a nice weekly event; reading a chapter and comment, then wait for the next chapter. Normally I try to stay away from works in progress; one never knows if and when the writer will post the next part, they’ll take a hiatus, or they get bored with their own story and just quit writing not even letting the readers know they’ve quit, and even if they are trustworthy and reliable real life can intervene (heck, a car can hit you tomorrow and the story never gets finished). You, , have been a most reliable writer, never once missed a weekly posting (only complaint I have – why do you have to post a new chapter in the middle of the night , on a week day when I can’t stay up and then I have to go working in the morning, and really, I can’t read this at work, right?). The reason I began and continued reading was the first chapter. I really, really liked how you started this story. The introduction of Percy and Mr. Too Close in the coffee place, Percy’s office, his worry about coming out etc. was very entertaining to read. And the way you described it casual, and very relatable, also with quite some humor, and not just in the first chapter but in most of the chapters that followed as well. It doesn’t matter that the reader suspects early on that Too Close and Max is the same. Expectations mean a lot when enjoying a story, and if surprises come from completely out of nowhere readers usually don’t like it. I’m glad Percy was forced out of his closet, and how well his mother took it. I think I said in the chapter with his mother visiting that he should talk to her or else he would never find out how she would react. Aren’t most parents concerned more about their children’s happiness than their sexual orientation? I’d like to think that is the general rule to most. I think Percy’s mother is happy she finally gets to see him with someone he cares for and who cares for him. About the villains of this story; they didn’t really have a big part, they served more as a catalyst to force Percy out but – ewww ! You really had to go there *shudders*. Thank you for a very nice read.

OK, I still really like your love couple, and I still like this story and I am looking forward to everything going as it does in the fairy tales – you know, where they live happily ever after, no tiring everyday lives, no midlife crisis, or annoying relatives/neighbors/coworkers, too little money; you get the picture. And that’s what I’m expecting. I am not going to be disappointed, am I? But – but this? No morning after talk? And how long have they been together for – even if it’s apparently only the nights? And all this time, neither of them have thought about the package (the one wrapped in paper!)? And what did Percy say to Rocket? I would have liked to eavesdrop on that conversation as well. Sure, the main rule for story-telling is to make a hasty retreat once the deal is sealed (or in this case once the love couple is united in flesh, and soul), but I believe there are speed limits, didn’t you see the signs? (I'm not being too harsh? It's not my intention. I know you've tried to make this story more slow paced, and you made a great job of it until now.) The bachelor auction, a new question arising, no, more than one: Will the twins with the icy blue eyes be bidding? Where did Max go? And what will Percy do about a threatening involuntary outing (is that even a word?)? And back at the office, who will get the position as vice president in Paradise? So many questions left to answer. No matter how you’ll wrap it up (and remember that includes unwrapping the fictional package too) I will definitely read the next and last chapter.

This wasn't the common high school story I expected when I started reading it - it was much better. The slow, tentative development of the boys relationship feels believable, after all they are what sixteen, was it. The way you're describing the parents, who are mostly concerned about appearance struck a cord with me. God, how I dislike people who are all about appearance. And I honestly thought this story would end badly for the boys. I'm glad it didn't, but it had an ominous feel to it from early on. I also enjoyed the calm and sensibility, as well as a strong commitment for his work found in Mr. Dickson, being a better adult than Aaron's father.

In everything you write you leave a little piece of yourself, but when it's actually autobiographical, as in this case it becomes more than so. It also makes it harder to comment on or review in any way. I don't know quite what kind of response is proper to give here, other than to let you know I've read it, and ... The first thing that struck is how you have manage to create images for the reader out of the few word you have written in this piece so far. Lying in bed , the hacky-sack (?) going up and down, the liquor, the sounds, the smells and the restraints. The language you're using is simple and suggestive at the same time. It works really well for me. Hugs to you and your strength.

You actually paired the main character off with the jock - and here you had me thinking it would turn out a little differently, you little tease! So I kept laughing all the way to the end, except for the rape part, which at the time felt a little far fetched. But as it turned out even the rape fit the story in the end. You really took all the slashy cliches and turned them into a humorous story with a high dose of sarcasm. Though some of the biting edge faded towards the end, still fun, but not as mean as it was in the beginning. And of course it was the guy with the mole, who was the bad guy. Evil is always visually detectable, that way you never have to worry about going home with strangers in the middle of the night when the clubs are closing, as long as they are good looking. Beautiful people just can't be bad, or have zits, or any other less flattering traits, right?

Oh no, you shouldn't have! Romanticizing rape is not a good thing, not even even in fiction. Also I believe you are not completely going by the book, the one saying an author must never surprise their reader (something about a contract, sounds familiar to you?) Also, I don't give much for Chad's explanation - you better come up with something a little more believable before this story ends. And what's with all the pain? A couple of, or three or four ... fingers up your arse, shouldn't he take it like a man (like women do, giving birth to 8 pound babies with no pain relief, then you can talk about pain )? Again, maybe we're not given the full explanation here. (Just to make it clear: I'm being sarcastic here, thought it would go well with the story. But sometimes sarcasm, as well as irony, goes awry when you can't here what tone of voice is being used.) You still make me laugh a lot.

Lucky me this story is already complete. Still I feel a bit reluctant commenting, if you are anything like your main character ... what if you think I'm this woman closer to forty than thirty, with absolutely no control over her many children, and only secretly reads gay/slash stories online and uses a weird screen name. Hmm, what if you do that? Since I read your text about writing slash fiction I recognize several of the traits mentioned there, and I began reading this story because sometimes I find it amusing to read fiction handling the subject of on-line writing and/or the fandom world. Now it can be done in different ways, yours is strongly cynical, but still entertaining. At times I laughed out loud, and for the rest of the time I'm smiling. I didn't even notice that you never let the reader know the characters' names in ch. 1, and totally agree with you how annoying it is when a 1 person POV starts thinking about themselves with name. Usually I just quit reading. So far in this story I must say I don't find the main character very sympathetic. He seems immature, self-centered and full of himself. Oh, I know, he sounds like a teenager. Any hope he will mature or at least grow up a little? Also for the jock/nerd bit - he won't fall for this jock type?(Chad -- is that a typical jock kind of name? see connotations sometimes go missing when you're reading in an other language than your own and it's hard to tell). And you had me confused about the football. Which is it, am. football or soccer they are playing in the story's fic? Since to me it seems like on-line writing is dominated by american writers I imagined am. football in the beginning, now I'm not sure. (sorgbarn is a minor sub character, a little boy, in a Swedish 19th century novel, and literally means child of sorrow)

I actually read this chapter last night, sometime past midnight, which considering its content was a good idea. It’s not really the right thing to read with your morning coffee. Not to mention how annoying it is being interrupted in the middle of a sexy scene, kind of ruins the mood. So what can I say? This scene was hot and sweet at the same time, and a little bit humorous at times too . It might not be a chapter bringing the plot line forward, but it did say a few things about Percy. Who would have thought Percy was going to be such a melting puddle of pent up desire? Max was definitely in charge here. I liked how you didn’t forget that Percy is still hurting from the injury, and how you made him a bit vulnerable in this situation; it makes it more believable, and more enjoyable to read. And thank god, no mentioning about size. Quite satisfying, Mr. Grim, quite so.

I keep thinking I'm going to take a break (I have some laundry that really needs some attention) but every time I get to the end of a chapter there is something new happening and I just have to continue (this way my laundry will never get inside the closets, and the stuff in the machine ... well). It's an entertaining story. The characters are definitely likable (except for Eric that is, and whoever he is doing his evil scheming with). I like how something is happening all the time, so there are no calm or boring periods, new questions arising that I want answered and I want to keep reading. Unfortunately I have to take that break now, though. I'll be back for more.

Since I’m on Christmas leave I have a lot more time to read than I would have had otherwise. And this series is really growing on me. George Granger is a total slut, but a charming slut as well as considerate and caring, not the least as a lover, as in this chapter with Shafte. It’s a bit remarkable how you make some of the sex scene short and efficient describing it in the same manner one would do eating or breathing or taking a leak and yet in others you make it sweet and lovely and quite emotional (despite the fact that Granger should only love Travers, I wonder if he will live up to that?). Variation is good, still I’m a little surprised by the latter, mostly because of what it says about Grangers’ character. Also your way of inserting important and interesting background information is interesting, as in this chapter with the trial and the sentences given, and punishment following. I was just asking myself how many ships were in a fleet when you gave that very information in the text (so I never had to look it up). It was also interesting to learn they actually interrupted the flogging only to take it up again when the men were strong enough. I feared they would keep going till the men died. Still the death rates must have been awful, I think– or not?

This was a fun piece to read and you had me really laughing. I normally don´t like reading fiction which exists of mainly dialogue, but you executed it well, and while reading their dialogue you had me guessing and making my own picture of what had happened and how their relationship is in addition to what is actually said. An other likable thing is the reference to the online writing world,and this anthology and its theme- cleverly done. And the main character's worry about giving himself away online feels genuine. A great short read, thank you. (I'm not stalking you, it just looks as if I am - promise.)

I have a thing for open endings, and this certainly fit that thing. Beautiful, the ending as well as the style in general. I liked the tine of voice you used, the repetition of 'according to my observations' and the statistics one in fifty, and how he had already used up the first fifty, I can feel his despair and how he is preparing for a loss, but still he has hopes, and I'm kind of glad I don't get to know whether he'll get disappointed or not.

Hehehe! I think you've nailed most of the worst and common inclinations in teenage slash fiction (and it might go for some older writers as well). You on the other hand have written a highly entertaining and amusing text, though I wouldn´t use it as a guide if I wanted to write anything. And I still haven´t run into any and one fic representing all of those trademarks you've mentioned in a single text, but that might be because I tend to stay away from too young writers. It would be kind of fun though -to read something so truly awful. But then again I doubt one would have the patience for it for more than a few lines, or the first paragraph, if one should be so lucky it comes with those.

So this turned out to be a worthy read after all. Don´t know why I stopped reading the first time I tried it, wrong time, wrong mood I guess. I was a little worried it would be too difficult with the terms connected to navy and military actions (military history has never been much of an interest for me, I´ve always preferred the economic and social aspects of history) but it was ok, and quite interesting at times. It must have been boring as h*ll though at times, all the waiting, and only exercises and drills to keep the men occupied. (And in this story - all the sex of course) Granger grew as a character as did the sub-characters I felt a little sorry for Wilcox, I know I probably shouldn´t but I still did, he was merely an instrument in the hands of his family. Bell, Winkler and the newer lad towards the end (oh, I can´t remember his name) were all lovable and enjoyable characters. And now there is what ... four more stories about Granger?

This only gets better and better. It's an interesting mix between historical fiction and erotic fiction/romance. The love between Granger and Travers is sweet and endearing, the troubles they go through in order to be together, at Grangers' parents house and at the ship when they return. It's also really interesting to learn about the laws concerning sodomy. I know that in my country no one was executed for sodomy after 1778, when the king demanded all death sentences should be authorized by him. the laws remained harsh of course, prison and hard labor at a minimum if caught. Still it's an interesting part of history that you often don´t know very much about. I think I've managed to understand most of the story despite the sometimes unknown vocabulary. At least I'm having a good time while reading it.

I´ve started reading this once before, but never got passed the first chapter. This time I thought I´d give a few more chapters before deciding whether to continue or not. And this, ch. 5 is the best, in my opinion, so far. And no sex. A lot of things are happening here though, all equally interesting: the punishment with the flogging as well as Wilcox's punishment (I had to look up the phrase kissing the gunner's daughter), the rescue of the french (I think I have to refresh my knowledge about the french revolution and the escalation of events following it), and the damage on the foot rope. Now I just have to keep reading. I'm also curious about the change in Travers' behavior. What´s up with him? Reading this story is something of a challenge for my English, all the time and specific nautical terms are unknown to me (but it should probably still be new to me even if it was in my native language). So maybe it´'s lucky they have so much sex, after all it's time and place insensitive (at least mostly, though there are differences between what sexual acts were common in different times). OK, I'll keep reading.

Squealing, definitely squealing! You did the only right thing to do – thank you! I liked how you solved the (non) meeting with Mr. Too Close in the cafeteria. An actual meeting probably would have been both awkward (because Max seems to be an honest kind of guy who hopefully only commits to one person at the time) and embarrassing (when Percy would have to explain his infatuation when he did meet Max). And Percy´s thought as he left the hospital – he obviously had his prioritizing right this time! (As did the writer.) But more hair on his back than on his head, really? Percy wouldn´t have mind? With all the stalling and anticipation you have been building along the course of this story, you pulled off the actual meeting really well. The scene in the restaurant was romantic, sexy and promising (in account of what is to come), and so are the following scene when they are kissing in the street. I had expected some more talking (for instance does Max remember their first bumping in at the coffee place?), but sure they can do that later. This chapter leaves the reader with high expectations, and if you want to be a real tease and quite annoying to that you´ll just begin the next chapter with ‘the morning after’. So I´m looking forward to the next chapter, and also I wonder whether you are going to close all the open ends: the expansion of his company, explaining things for Rocket, and what about his family? Oh, and A Happy New Year to you!