Timothy M.

Now I may have nightmares. I should know better than to read these horror stories. Jerry should have listened to his brother, who knew evil when he saw it.

But what about Stephen's girlfriend ? Or family members of the three people ? Surely they would miss them and ask questions. But I can see why the disappearances may not have been connected by anyone, with so many years between the first two and Adrigal having only just been killed. The professor was getting crazier and more careless, since he didn't even wait to find out whether Dwight wanted to stop working for him, and also did the murder attempt during the party. It certainly was a story to send chills down our spines.

It's nice to see Simon blossom and open up in the company of nice people. And while he may not have the courage to stand up to bigots, at least he stays with his friends and doesn't cringe at the idea of being associated with 'the queer group'. The first step towards being out and proud at college.

Yikes that was a close call. The police must be really embarrassed at not connecting the missing people with their jobs at the professor's office.

Freddie seems just the right person to help Simon navigate in the gay community and answer all his questions. Maybe Jeff is a potential boyfriend, but if not at least he's also a new friend.

Well done @Carlos Hazday & Co who guessed correctly.

I'll have to take a deep breath and read the story at the end of the month. In broad daylight and hoping to avoid nightmares. Great review @spikey582

I spent most of the story gripped by fear of the worst, anger at the villain, and holding on to a slim hope of deliverance. The two flashbacks brilliantly set the scene for the confrontation. Every part of the (for me) exotic setting and the behavior of the people in this short tale rang true.

@chris191070 I'm glad the Signature Author Special Review led you to this story, even if my recommendation was simply this: A prime example of the hunky bear / shy nerd combination, which is classic Rob Colton, but also a heartwarming love story I return to again and again.

I'm glad Simon finally did something daring and positive. I hope he's made three new friends.

Great interview. I haven't had time to read the story yet, but I'll get there eventually.

1) Perhaps not, but your initial reply dismissing the concerns of readers and saying Will's drug use isn't a problem comes close, in my opinion. And it's especially disappointing to have one of the most sensible characters in the story fall for the stupid idea that it's OK to occasionally use E or coke for recreational purposes. I'd love to hear JP or Wade's opinion on that (nobody else counts, and certainly not Brad). 2) That is a huge assumption, and quite insulting to those of us who have never felt the need to use drugs or get over-the-top drunk in order to have fun at parties. Plus, studies in Denmark have shown many teens feel under pressure to drink etc. from wrong assumption that most of their peers do this, whereas the reality is that only a small percentage frequently indulge in or experiment with alcohol, smoking, sex, or drugs. Your statement is more of the same kind of peer pressure, whether it's true or not. And in Denmark the pressure to drink alcohol continues all your life, which might explain our huge per capita alcohol consumption and the many related health problems. But it's your story and your reality to portray, and you're probably above reproach from the GA admin. So I'll shut up now, since I have the feeling our objections and arguments are more likely to produce the opposite effect.

If Will is going to be a poster model for the idea that it's OK to use hard drugs as long as it doesn't impact your ability to function, then he's no longer someone I can admire. And you might want to consider this quote from GA Guidelines (my highlights): Any stories with these themes are subject to further moderator review and may be rejected: rape or sexual abuse for titillation, glorifying suicide or drug use, bestiality or cannibalism. Containing any content such as drug use, abuse of any kind, incest, suicide, etc… allowed on the site MUST be properly rated, tagged, and include written warnings added to the story and/or chapter notes to warn readers of what will be included in the story so readers sensitive to these subjects will not be unaware of the story or chapter themes.

Sad to read that many wonders of the Realms were destroyed due to the necessary withdrawal of power to protect the High King. I wasn't surprised that the Border was no longer so bad to cross, it was completely logical since the Dead Realm was changing. I loved that Ranevargar was able to distract and defy the bad guy.

Nicki is hilarious but also very caring and clever. She totally managed Simon's mum, so she couldn't embarrass her son too much.

I feel very sorry for Duncan, he's so lost without Brad. It would probably have been easier for his husband, at least with the practical matters, if it had been the other way round. But it's early days yet after his loss, and you're giving us hope for his future.

I was just thinking the same thing. All the weed smoking was bad enough, and now he's started doing coke and E ! Patrick may be fun in bed, but otherwise he's not good for Will.

You weave a complex web, min ven, and we're all trying to find our way through the maze to get the answers. I'm not surprised the Gene enemies are trying to influence other fields of science too. Fortunately, the smart guys have a chance to escape, but only if they have the means, I guess.

Awesome photos, but I'm not sure they live up to GA rules about almost nudity. Maybe if you stuck them in spoiler boxes ?

Simon's musings are understandable and his conclusions and decisions rational. But he wanders in circles and everything is focused on being gay. I still wish he would find some other interests, which could brighten his life.

LOL, I have to admit we're probably all feeling a little exhausted right now. But the nice comments mean it was worth it.

Somehow, that calm statement from Jo to Sue was much more effective than anything else she could have done, including confronting Don. I've very happy someone finally spelled it out in a way not even Don and Sue can ignore.

It was OK, but long. I'll be off to bed soon, and hopefully I'll sleep well. Thankfully, I don't have any plans for the weekend.

Yay, I made it to page 1111 before we're past it. I'll have to leave for work soon. TGIF. Sleep well across the pond, good morning to other Europeans, and G'day to @Bucket1