Timothy M.

I had Friday off, so I'm all done with reading and commenting. I enjoyed all the stories and did my best on the poems. Gary, I think you'll love Sasha's story, it has horses in it.

Yes, there are a few other male to male romances in the Valdemar books, but Vanyel's story is the main one. It was first published in 1989, and I've always admired the author for having the audacity to include gay heroes in her youth fantasy series. Granted, the readers are probably predominantly female and there is no explicit intimacy, but still, From some of the reviews I've seen on Amazon I have the feeling not all parents or adult reviewers approved at the time (and perhaps not now either?). I'm glad you enjoyed the story, and I agree it's quite a departure from my usual writings. But sometimes it's nice to indulge in a bit of fantasy, Thanks for reading and commenting, and I'm pleased you're considering giving the books a try.

I'm impressed, Parker. I liked the one where you showed the different fates of trees in the storm.

Interesting speculation about the twins' father. I want to comment, but I better keep Jacob is quite rational, even when his emotions run deep. He wants what is best for Russell, but he also knows they need to be practical. I have friends my age who started dating when they were sixteen and they're still married.

Yup, family is everywhere. I'm glad you thought Russ improved in this chapter, since his development into the man he's meant to be was an important goal of the story.

I'm not sure how I feel about Patrick. Is he selfish or stupid? He can't help being attracted to someone else, but he should have been honest with Oliver. That way he would have lost a boyfriend, but perhaps not a friend. I was pleased Oliver saw the possibility Dylan represented, and sometimes rebounds do work. At least he doesn't have to explain the drama of his ex. Kudos to him for confronting Patrick and it's better for Alyssa too, or she may be the next victim of Patrick's 'confusion.'

A fantastic story. I'm very partial to threesomes, whether for sex or for love, and their relationship is full of honesty and caring and trust. I think Gabe will be a good father figure for Coralie, and I hope they all end up living together.

As much as I hate the idea of school shootings, I can't help hoping Nick managed to get George, before he probably got killed by the SWAT team. Having been teased and ignored in school myself (but not to this level) I have no tolerance for bullies. But of course, no ordinary teens deserve to be shot. I'm glad Brian turned out to be a good friend to Brandon, and realizing both he and Casey needed to meet and talk about what really happened. Of course, it would be nice to think their old feelings could be resurrected, but I'm not sure this would be a good idea considering the probable bad reactions from Brandon's family and friends. The best I can hope for is Brandon deciding to do a TV interview and tell everyone he was shot by accident when Dave tackled Casey, who by the way didn't know the guns were real, before the first shot went off. And that Dave had been part of the group of bullies who tormented Nick and Casey. It would serve Dave right, since I bet he's been preening as the hero of the day.

I'm glad they stayed within the mentor-pupil friendship zone. It would have been easy to let the story slip into attraction and affection. But I'm still wondering whether Chris will be able to escape his father's clutches more permanently without Darin by his side.

Thanks, I'm glad you're still with me and that you find Russ' thoughts and behavior credible.

Maybe Elliot needs to realize something about himself - the real reason why he can't love a woman, apart from the innocent love for his high school girl friend. But I agree, love knows no age or gender or time.

I'm hoping Miguel will be more than a friend from now on. I think Tristan needs warm arms to hold him and keep him safe.

Lord of the Rings by Tolkien Yep. I know it's boring and traditional.

Nope, he'll have to ask Theliel for that. for letting me use you angels, for beta-reading and for saying I did well. And I'm glad you like the

Thanks, buddy, I'm flattered you're giving this story a try and you like my boys. I recommend slow reading, as I'm slow on the updating. Don't forget to check out the story topic for links and more explanations.

Yay! that's the greatest compliment I could get, that my fanfic made you want to read the Valdemar books. I can recommend all of them, although I prefer the ones with male protagonists, especially Alberich of Karse.

Thanks, buddy, I'm glad you enjoyed the story. I've been wondering what other Valdemar fans would think of it, so it's a relief to have you think it good. Yeah, we'd all love to find a Jonne of our own. But if we can't have him IRL at least we can indulge in some nice stories.

I had the feeling Faris was the red horse early on, but I was sure when he came walking with his brother the first time. It all made perfectly sense and I love that Ger told his best friend everything, and that the most important question for Dezi was 'Is it worth it?' Another of my favorite moments was when they repudiated the silly girls' thinking. Great story, Sasha, and I know Gary will love it. Kitt must have enjoyed editing this.

I was glad to see them united and victorious. I hope they enjoy eternity together.

Silly bard, you'd have thought he would know to follow his heart and not the muddled logic of his mind. But I do feel he deserved to be forgiven by the queen who had left him in such dire straits. That's no way to treat an employee.

I'm glad Jackson is ready to fight for Luke and that his mother backs them up.

I cannot help wondering what will happen next. Will Cyril go to the police with Stuarts help? Or will they both be satisfied with him having gotten away from Fred? How will Fred react? How can Stuart protect Cyril and will they perhaps find love? It was a great story, putting so many questions into my head, and letting us gradually see the truth about Cyril's behavior.

That real update is closer than you think, because it's ready to post and was only waiting for the anthology.

You're welcome, @Cynus I've been sitting on this review for a while now, and it was difficult to keep mum about it. I'm glad it cheered you up.

It's a good think Friday is a national holiday in Denmark, with all the new stories to read. I look forward to checking them all out.