ColumbusGuy

I loved the entire chapter, Mark--the dialogues and interactions fit each character perfectly. I am especially glad to see JJ opening up a bit, and I see he is learning to trust people a bit more after what he has been through. Although he had therapy after his abuse, I'm not really surprised that it has taken this long for him to start letting anyone in except Matt and Will. Much as he seems to get along with Stef, I don't think he has let any adult in yet--that was the age group which hurt him so badly. Speculation about Cam and Matt is too early--I think Cam feels as he did before, but Matt needs to find out what actually constitutes love in a relatioinship--it is more than sex, and he is just getting an inkling of that now. In the long run, I don't know if it will be Cam--it would be nice--but I don't actually think it will be Wade either. Will and Devon? Not going to happen--Will will flirt and tease a bit, but his loyalty is to Zach until Zach breaks it.

A very nice surprise when I checked in--early and fun! I can't wait for the trip to Chicago to see what's going on...and see what JJ thinks about it. Hawaii is going to be an entirely different event from what Will had initially planned, and I hope Zach and Will get some time to themselves. No surprise at all that Brenda hasn't changed--bigots and zealots never will. It is because of people like that, that I want nothing to do with any of the organized religions. I am not overly spiritual, but when I think there might be a deity of some sort, it is not one who is going to micromanage things for everyone. Our brains are enough to show us how we ought to behave toward others and our surroundings, and if we discarded the trappings and dogmas of the big religions, we would all get along better. I hold an Enlightenment attitude--science and the concept of a deity are not mutually exclusive--the universe and it's complexity challenge us to unravel it and to wonder at how awesome it is...without being trapped by the limiting human concepts of a seven day creation and a god who is essentially the same flawed human form which the Ancients followed. Moral codes are entirely based on human ideas, not dictates from a supreme being--many are designed for the time they were written down, such as those regarding adultery and homosexuality when such things threatened the existence of the small tribes of humans. Others I consider to be universal: not killing, not stealing--these are the basic precepts which encourage growth and peaceful coexistence and are based in the good of the species. Those are the only ones which are relevant to today's world, the rest are just so much historical baggage. Perhaps the worst thing our species ever did was to create the concept of religion....it leads to wars, discrimination and people like Brenda Hayes who would drag us all back to illiteracy and intolerance.

Nice chapter! Interesting DNA result--guess Earth must be a lost colony or something? Or were some Daglons slumming with the local natives?

A great chapter Mark! I loved the dinner's theme of both retrospection and anticipation of the future to come. As the title declares, the future is not going to be what we expect...change is inevitable. No Cody/Brad for now with the reappearance of Alex Danvers, and though they will remain friends, there is no Matt/Wade that I can see. A while back, you reminded us that Wade was 'out' when I said that he might settle with Tiffany, so there was no need for a cover; I think, for the same reason that holds for Zach, Wade will have to do something similar--no gay politician has had more than local success, and certainly not on a national scale as Wade hopes to attain. I don't see Wade willing to sacrifice a career for his lover...unless this is going to be part of the Flux the title infers. Wade is just too concerned with social appearances to have an openly gay lover at this point. Matt...I am anxious to see who he will become involved with in future chapters...I don't think it will be Cam since he has already said that he didn't love him when they were younger--it would be nice if that could change, but I can't see him giving anyone a chance as long as Wade keeps stepping in to 'take the edge off'. The 'friends with benefits' idea is a crutch which will only hold him back...and that is sad to see when he is otherwise making such good progress. Okay, now Wally and Clara: it is great that Brad finally took enough notice to not include them at the dinner, but had they not been rude to JP I doubt he would have bothered. Just how much hurt do they have to do to Will and Zach before his protective instincts come into play? With the power his family wields in Claremont, why doesn't he take some action to put Wally in his place? Get him fired or suspended unless he keeps out of Zach and Will's relationship...it doesn't seem like Brad to let someone screw over one of his sons and get away with it. Keep the chapters and plot twists coming, Mark! Your witing is the highlight of my day when I see a new entry!

C James, I've read everything here except Jake, and loved all of it--however, I am put off by the comment above about 'squished baby kittens'. I don't want to read a story where the protagonist can be that cruel and thoughtless, much less have to pay for it. Out of curiosity, which is this particular story Premium Content, when your others aren't? Several of my favorite authors here have vanished, and I ran across your stories through a link I've now forgotten...things on GA are so hard to sorth through that I pretty much depend on chance to find anything decent, like your writings and Dom Luka's. The awkwardness of finding things here makes the idea of Premium Content at over $8 per month a bit ridiculous. If I had more details on Jake I would consider paying it once for the privilege, but the image of kittens leaves me cold. I'd appreciate if someone could clarify the kittens reference and tell me if such things are common in the story. This just seems so different from your other stuff. The only thing similar here was one of Dom Luka's stories, and while it was well-written, I'm still not sure I enjoyed it's thene of mental and physical abuse.

Just finished Circumnavigation and loved it! I confess to many anxious moments during the telling, wondering if all my favorite characters would survive--it is not often done, but a major character does die sometimes--I am glad that they all made it. I must now read Ben, which is a stand-alone part of this work, then I am done with all your stories here--they gave me many hours of pleasant distraction. In a forum, I saw a comment on Jake regarding squashed kittens--can someone tell me if that really happens? I don't want to pay for content only to find episodes like that, however relevant or good the work is; the short story about Jake me as having him be on the bad side, but not blatantly cruel...so cuold someone help me with the premium version of Jake? It has taken several months to read all your stuff, C James, and I was engrossed in all of it, and hope there will be more stories added to your collection in time! Thanks for the great enjoyment and excellent craftsmanship you allow us in your work.

Thanks for another great entry! I am at a loss for commentary here, which is odd for me. Not every chapter needs a cliffhanger, or even drama to be entertaining--this isn't a '30's serial after all, but this one seems to have side-stepped every scene which could have been emotionally raw. I was particularly surprised by Will's quiet acceptance of Matt's decision to do nothing regarding Cam's situation--where is his indignation when he is likely thinking that Matt owes some sort of loyalty to Cam, if only to warn him to be safe during sex with Josh since he seems blissfully unaware that the man is a cheating scuzzball. The comment that the buyers of Anders-Hayes overpaid bodes ill for the future of the company, but Brad is being his usual disengaged self and seeing numbers rather than people; I see this as a bad move considering the great things the company had planned to do, Perhaps Brad is going to the extreme of cutting out everything which reminds him of Robbie? When does the house in Malibu go on the block? It would be nice to see Cody and Brad together as a couple because I think Cody will be good for him, while Wade's sniffing after Matt I consider bad for both of them. Matt needs to keep his resolution that he actually doesn't love Wade anymore, and needs to find out who he is before he can enter into another relationship. Wade says he has moved on, but apparently not; without Brad to play the dominant partner, Wade is falling back into his comfort zone, being once again concerned only with himself and what he needs. What is right for Wade is what he wants at the moment, damn the consequences to anyone else. More and more, the viewpoint of the politician is taking over Wade--a Danfield through and through despite his lifestyle. With all this lovey-dovey aura around the family, I have to wonder: Mark, have you succumbed to Cupid's arrows? Always figured he used a regular bow, since there are obviously no 'quarrels' here for a cross-bow. I'm happy for you if this is so--and wish you well....I also snaughed when I read your comment on my last review, seeing things in black and white as Will does, but I am a product of evolution, despite my college education and wide-ranging curiosity. Damn bilateral symmetry anyhow--if we were creatures such as starfish it would be easier to be multi-faceted!

A cliffhanger? Only an Everest-sized one. One thing I found humourous at the time, but thinking about now, has me a bit disturbed: Stef's reference to those 'gray areas' he had talked to Will about. Yes Will should realize that there are times when there are more than two angles to a situation...but if something is wrong, it is wrong--and what Josh is doing is cheating on his boyfriend no matter how you look at it. Will is true to himself and others, but if he is encouraged to start making exceptions, what have we? A person whose center will no longer be people, but the situational advantage--in other words, Brad. Will has the makings of a fine partner for someone, but if he follows Stef's guidance too often, then he may as well just become his father. So many possible avenues for the story just opened up with Cam's arrival! I somehow don't think they will leave right now, perhaps stay another day or so. I can't picture the 'new Matt' allowing Cam to be treated so badly by Josh if he can help it...and have these two ever resolved their feelings for one another? I could see Cam as a strong candidate (sorry) for the s.o. of Matt, unless Josh has thoroughly screwed up his mental image of himself. On tenterhooks here, write quickly!

A great chapter Mark, I was late in reading it being in the hospital this past week. It was a nice present to find when I got home! Just a few concerns for our cast: I don't think Matt living above the bar is a great idea, but he can handle it except for one thing--Josh. At the moment, I don't like Josh, and don't beliee Matt should go out with him, but it is your and Matt's call. Secondly: I feel bad for Will and Zach, and can't help but feel a premonitory cast to your last paragraph; I hope I am wrong. A comment on centex's remark about Matt and Will regarding the proceeds from the sale of Anders-Hayes: I think it is more than the amount of money which strikes Matt causing him to think in mainly financial terms; Matt's family had money, but he views situations more in figures of profit and loss, while Will, having been around large amounts of money all his life, sees that it isn't the amount of money but rather what you can do with it for others. Money is a tool to improve things, not to hoard to oneself. I am reminded of Will in Hawaii--yes it took money for him to run there, but while he was there, he was content to do his surfing, make friends with other beach people...and he was happiest when he could fix up Kai's parents house for them, though he got nothing in return except satisfaction--he already had their friendship. For Will, everything is about people and right...for Matt, it is not entirely about profit and loss, so maybe there is hope for him before he turns into a younger version of 'Brad the Calculator'.

A great chapter, Mark, bringing closure to several sore spots in the family. I was sure the Texas camp was going to cause problems, but so far, so good. With the clarity between Will, Brad and Zach, I do hope Zach has heard the message Brad is trying to convey--namely, that he will have to decide if happiness is as important as a career. I think Brad is finding out that answer anew. Can we have a groan for yet another visit to Claremont? Nothing but trouble stems from there since the town no longer has any redeeming Hayes boys. JP, stop inflicting the town on your family--let it go--you've bought it a future, so since there are no good members of any families left, let it pass into history...unless you can find another Hayes boy to redeem. Want to lay odds that Matt ends up living in the condo near Northwestern? Stef always manages to make it appealing to potential tenants. As for any goings-on with Will, Stef and Matt--not gonna happen; Will won't due to Stef and Zach, and Matt won't while he is bonding with Will--the time for him will be when he starts school there.

Flux ia about change, naturally, so I hardly think it is winding down just because the most traumatic episodes are seemingly past us--a good author such as Mark is giving us a bit of breathing space before the deeper levels are reached. It is good to see everyone bonding, and I know, Mark, that you think I am totally anti-Wade (), but I really don't see Matt and Wade as a viable couple anymore: friends, yes, but life partners, no. Despite their vows, I can see Brad and Wade together, at least in the short-medium term...who else do either of them have? A restorer or accountant for Brad? I don't quite see either of them happening. In the spirit of this book, it fits that B/M/W can be friends while B/W see how they work out. When the book gets Matt to Chicago, I think he will find a new prospect, at least I hope. For that matter, we are forgetting that for his future, Wade will need a cover, which is where Tiffany has always fit in--and we have seen them being closer at times. Maybe it's because of May Day, I'm not sure, but I am imagining several possible avenues for the remainder of this book based on some comments and instinct--I hope they are just passing fancies on my part! First: Zach and Will find themselves separating over time--this seems the most likely due to the times and Zach's chosen path--and it brings me much pain because they are so good for each other; second: I see something happening with JP/Stef--whether it is a health issue or an accident, I fear that JP will be heading for a less active role in the family--again, I hope this is wrong! Though we did not speak the last thirteen years of his life (many factors, not least my preferences in partners), my father was active until he died in '01 at 83, I know JP isn't quite that old but I sense a change coming soon. Not a part of the series I will be looking forward to. Families need to be closer, if they can...and it is nice to see this one holding together. It is good to see Brad and the rest dealing with their grief right away--delaying it does not make it easier, trust me. My 'outing' to my father happened just before we moved to separate homes in '87, and that was essentially the last I ever talked to him--although I tried a few times, his girl friend put herself in the way then they moved out of state. When he died in '01, I didn't feel much because I had been rejected by him, and it was only last year when talking about the death of my favorite aunt with a sister, that I found the courage to ask my sister if my father ever mentioned me--I had never asked before because I figured there was no point, and I had dealt with his rejection years before--but she told me that she saw him several times a year when they went to Florida to fish, and that he had asked about me...and told me that he said he loved me--it had been his now unlamented girlfriend who had stood between all us kids and him until she died. Grief is not something that will disappear if ignored over time, as I found out that day...so I am glad our characters are getting the solace and healing they need now. Sorry. I can't remember if a character or a reviewer said it, or maybe it was in another story I read--that we often feel more loss at the death of a pet than a loved one--some may think this is a callous attitude, but I can understand and sympathise with it; so often, we hold bits of ourselves back from people for fear of being hurt or rejected or ridiculed, a training which sadly starts in schools or at home even earlier...while a pet we know will listen to us without any form of judgment, and love us for ourselves. There is seldom a day which passes that I don't think of a lost pet, beginning with my first memory of a shepherd puppy at age 3, and losing her the summer I graduated high school...I am not ashamed to say that I cried for her as much or more than I had for my grandfather when I was eight--but then, he had been sick for years, and perhaps I was too young to understand? Not sure why I'm bringing this up...unless it is to chide you for not letting any of your characters have pets? Is it part of the lifestyles of the rich that they can't make the bonds with animals--who would not be had except to enhance their status? Or are pets more of a 'country' thing? What's up with that, Mark? Oh, and as always, a fantastic chapter leaving me hungry for more!

Mark, wow. A thoroughly dramatic chapter, as always...you showed us more background to the scenarios running and gave us further insight into the characters and their motivations--always a sign of well-written fiction in my book. I enjoy this series so much that I truly hate it when I can't fully endorse a chapter, and this one has two points which I just can't buy into: first, and foremost, the scene with Barry; I felt let down by Brad's reaction and Barry's entire 'Rules'. Yes, I know Zach can't come out, even in fiction, but that Brad let the whole issue of who is paying him slide strikes me as totally un-Bradlike. Unless this is another sign of his self-absorption which I see as his major flaw as being a future head of the family? Had it been his own advisor, he would not have sat still for that at all. I also see some of Barry's rules as a recipe to break up Will and Zach, and I think Barry should have been given his walking papers. Second, the Matt/Brad scene: very striking, very moving, and perhaps cathartic for them both, but I still don't buy it as the easy fix it appears to be to their situation. I would lay money on the fact that Brad/Wade are not ended...and I feel that the 'pat' explanation of the affair being a way to get at Robbie through Matt a bit too convenient. For a long while Matt was not a favorite character of mine, but to see him willing to sweep Wade's hypocrisy under the rug is just galling. Like Brad, Wade has always been more concerned with iimage than anything else...and I just think that the idea of Matt/Wade being together again is doing Matt a disservice--even at his worst, he was honest with Wade, and as Trust is so central to Will's universe, so is Honesty to Matt's--to let him ignore Wade's actions for whatever reason is no basis for a relationship to flourish. A while back you mentioned that Claremont was based on Zanesville--funny thing, that! I have been there several times, and have friends who live there. A nice town, bigger than the one I grew up in. My friends lived in a house which was a mansion of a previous governor, huge with lots of two-storey bay windows and a walk-in clothes dryer...they now live in a more modern home in the steep hills outside of town! Very tough getting to in winter, I can tell you

Anyone who trusts Barry is a fool, and I hope Brad puts him in his place--Afghanistan. I had a bizarre thought reading his about-face: is Barry gay himself? What a twist that would be...but I still don't trust him. Wade and Brad permanently over? I doubt it. All I will say is again, that Matt needs to find someone in Chicago who is more suited to him; I see Wade as primarily out for himself--he was fine as long as things went his way, but turned his back on Matt when he had said he'd try to work things out with him. The Danfield politician comes out. Matt was honest with him, and deserves someone who can be the same, and it isn't Wade. Zach and Will: that was a shock! I never thought Zach would say those words and be so open. Many have said they are young to settle down, but that isn't what they are doing--they are merely saying that they think they are right for each other, and the future will be theirs together; easy courtships are not part of this saga (!), but these two are not typical: Will has had experience so can have a better grasp of what his feelings are...and I think while Zach might have seen Will first as a step away from his parents, he now knows that it is far deeper than that. Of all the people in this narrative, please let Will and Zach end up together, however rocky the road might be. Unlike so many others previously, they know the obstacles they face, and are willing to risk it. As this is fiction, please consider that if Zach is eventually outed, he could be a player still, if not as stellar as he might have been otherwise. I believe you can find your soulmate at any age...some are lucky to find them, others not. Some of us always hope

Nice chapter Mark, as always. I'm sure this lull in the drama is only temporary, and I can't wait for the meeting with Barry--I just hope Zach can really stick to his guns with everyone pulling for him. He really needs to let them work on his self-esteem. Wade and Brad? Not over by a long shot, in my opinion. Reconciling with Brad will seem like a green light to continue. Matt--wise up and realize that 'friends with benefits' is not the way to get over freedom. It just prolongs the agony, and I think you deserve someone better than Wade, who I can already see turning into the consummate politician out for his own gain. I think that perhaps JP is seeing that Will is going to be the head of the family in the end, and a better one that Brad could be. Brad's has the analytical sense but no feel for people's best interests, while Will has the analytical side coupled with a sense of what people need; Brad's moral compass points wherever expediency demands for appearance, Will's points to what will maintain the best balance for all concerned to achieve their best. Some see his past actions as tantrums about not getting his own way...but in fact, his aim has always been to see the right course of action prevail. Will just needs some of the finesse he can learn from Grand. Anyway, lets ambush Barry, and Matt...take the final step and move on--the 'benefits' from Wade are an anchor you no longer need.

Another great chapter Mark! All the interactions fit nicely, and set the stage for an interesting summer. It will be nice to see the guys in their European vacation--especially what Zach gains from it. My big problem is still the way Zach deals with his parents; he needs to find his inenr strength and tell them his preferences so that they know the basis for his and Will's relationship. Wally said he has no problem with gays, and while that might be true, Zach should use it to his advantage to get them off his back. I hardly think his parents are going to out him and ruin his career, It isn't as if being gay is a surprising thing in the Hayes family. He is also living with Frank and Isidore in California, so it isn't like he has no refuge from Claremont's narrow-minded citizens. In addition, I think he needs to get a new advisor, depending on how his visit with this one goes--he is clearly leaning toward Wally and Clara's side, which Zach doesn't need. It would be great if Zach did develop an interest in Grand's work--he isn't stupid as we know, but I can't recall if he's said what he wants to study in college. And regarding that, I thought Robbie left him a million dollars to go to school--and I hardly think the family will let him flounder financially if worse comes to worst? Coming out is hard, and I fully understand Zach's situation, but since his relationship with his family is already bad, what has he to lose in reality? Mine was complicated by divorced parents and me living at home wit hmy dad and his girlfriend: just before we moved to separate places in '87, he found out through finding a letter of mine...and we pretty much didn't talk for his last thirteen years. My mother who I weekly had once said that she had no problems if I was, but I didn't confirm it to her as she seemed to have a problem with my nephew. My three sisters--all older--knew, but I didn't find that out until about '97 when my nephew told me his preferences. I congratulated him on feeling okay with telling me, and he said 'well, I figured it was okay since you are too.' I asked how he knew that and he said all my sisters knew and his mom had told him--total surprise to me! But then, I wasn't out in my small town in highschool, and didn't have a relationship until my last year of college. I know it sounds odd today, but the world was different in the 70s when I was a teenager, and not being around other gay people caused me to develop other aspects of myself. To modern kids, it is likely hard for them to figure out, but my world even today doesn't revolve around being gay--I have gay friends, have dated when I felt the person was right, and attended Pride marches, but it is only one facet of me, not the one which rules my existence. I never lied about my preferences to anyone--if I felt they needed to know, I told them if they asked...if they didn't ask, then there was no need; I picked my friends well, all of them are tolerant and open people, who have been good friends for decades, whether gay or straight. I can imagine some of you saying I am ashamed or afraid of being gay...but you are wrong--it is only between me and who I might see--I am a person first, my private life is just that, private and not something others need to have control over. I think it is a product of my small town roots--be open with your neighbors, lend support where needed, and respect their privacy as you expect from them. The goal is to be a 'Good Man' and not 'King of The Heap'. I digress, sorry. I can understand Zach's dilemma, but for his own sanity, he needs to let Wally and Clara know what is going on before they destroy him emotionally. Surely Frank and Grand must see that?

I just have to say, this chapter is shorter than usual, and left me wanting more story--and we do see that some of our suspicions regarding the 'advisor' were correct. I realize that we have our favorite characters, but how shyboy can so misinterpret Will is beyond me; Will is seeking stability in his life, and only 'meddles' with others lives in an effort to keep his world from falling apart. He is also driven by a sense of justice which a lot of other characters seem to be lacking. I don't know about shyboy's life, but to me, there are still some values in life worth maintaining: honor, loyalty, truth and compassion. Today's concept of values are flexible to the point of worthlessness--do what you will so long as it benefits you, and screw everyone else. When I dated, I was true to those I was with, and made sure that their interests were on a par with my own. Despite JP's comments, I don't agree with him--it is rationalization which somewhat lessens my opinion of him now--his supposed allegiance to higher principles seems now tarnished...and I think we have seen before that where the family is concerned, he is willing to let some fairly flagrant issues slip by. I would have liked to see what his advice was to Will regarding Zach, and find it odd that he can't seem to grasp what Wally and Clara are doing.

Second attempt to review this chapter--the first one vanished into net space. Another wild ride, Mark. Some movement on my scale of favorite characters yet again: Will has gained a notch, Matt is hovering at the same mid-point, but would go up if he would dump Wade, who I see as a major hypocrite--at least Matt was honest when he wasn't ready to commit, whereas Wade wants to blame everyone but himself. I don't think Wade will have a stable relationship until he deals with all the issues of his child abuse--he thinks his role is to be dominated by his partner, and is mistaking that for love. Wade is still far down on my respect-o-meter. Brad has gained a bit, but his anger at Robbie is still no excuse for what he did--he is old enough to control himself as he so often claims; that he has strong feelings for Wade is still no justification for this--he should have been open and above-board, making sure Wade and Matt were truly finished before even thinking of going there. He gets the half-notch increase for facing his issues. Will and Zach--sigh. I never thought Will was being used, and still don't--I think Zach is being far too sensitive to what his sexuality would mean to his future. In high-school I could understand, and though pro sports is pretty conservative, he would not be the only openly gay or bi player--it might slow his advance, but if he is as good as people think, that would overshadow his sexuality, since he isn't one to flaunt it; talent will out. What I find sad is that he seems to be willing to sacrifice his happiness for a transitory gain. I wonder if his parents have gotten the Agent to go along with stopping Will being with Zach? If the vacation goes forward, without Zach, I can see you thinking that Matt and Will will connect...I am not sure what I think of that; the two are brothers only in a figurative sense, there is no blood tie, so that shouldn't enter into it--but whether it is a temporary solace, or a real relationship--that is the question. I think they have much in common beyond sucky boyfriends, and it could work on several levels. The strangeness would not be uncommon for this family saga. Write faster--I'm going crazy--crazier anyway--waiting to find out what comes next!

Another good chapter...just wish they were longer. Characters keep changing their positions in my rankings--Robbie would be up one time, and down the next...but I still cried when he died in the Tower. Brad and Matt were usually in the middle, Matt more often than Brad, who was often a bit lower because of his controlling nature. Now--Brad has dropped a lot more, and Matt has gone up at least in part; I feel no sympathy for Brad whatsoever, he was fully aware of what the consequences of his actions would be. As for Wade, he lost what respect I had for him earlier with his ploy to 'have his cake and eat it too'. Such a hypocrite--angry with Matt for not committing, and yet he thinks he can sleep with a friend's father?! Wade clearly needs some help dealing with his own issues of what a stable relationship entails. I can't wait to see what happens in Claremont. I realize that Will wants to try to mend fences with Wally and Clara, but I don't see them buying it--they are so typically small-town. (I can see that because I grew up in a small town east of Ohio's capital--all farms and no big businesses beyond the bank and grocery store). What saved me from their provincial attitudes was my love of reading and desire to learn--and it didn't hurt that I felt different due to my preferences. On a side note, I was browsing to see if I could find a town similar to Claremont, and there is an area with that name, but no town about fifty miles east of Columbus--rather ironic since my college town of Granville is about that distance from Columbus. I'd have loved Tonto's house--I grew up in a ranch built in '59, and now live in a two-storey house built in 1908, almost entirely intact, down to the woodwork, lighting and layout--I even built my kitchen cabinets to fit the original doors I found in the garage!

A great chapter Mark, and while Matt hasn't been one of my favorite characters, I think the impending scenario of him letting the affair between Brad and Wade go is wrong. It doesn't 'feel' like Matt. Much as I used to like Wade, I am seeing that he has dominance issues which he ought to see a psychiatrist about, and is unwilling to face his problems: he has serious issues which started with his abuse by his father--and despite his desire to be in charge of his life, he obviously wants someone else to take charge; I don't see him and Matt being a good mix and now we see that Matt isn't the only one with problems. It's nice to see Will reach an understanding with Matt, but it seems like you are planning on letting Brad and Wade somewhat lightly off the hook where he is concerned--they have seriously betrayed his trust, and I don't see him getting over that as easily as you seem to be hinting. Guess we'll find out. Will being more mature doesn't mean he will just let things slide or accept them. I'd also be very disappointed if Stef and Grand don't rip Brad apart for what he's doing...obviously his shrink isn't helping him much.

It's great to see another chapter! I need to remember who Gary is, but everything else fell into place. I hope you remain well and can satisfy our curiosity about the Collins family. On a side note, this story caught my eye at another site, and I have followed it here since I discovered GA. I wasn't sure how much I'd like it, but the location of Letcher County drew me in: my older sisters were born there, and mom's family came from there--a town called Crown. My grandfather worked in the mines before coming to Ohio to work for North American as an engineer, and I remember visiting aunts and uncles down there--it was my first experience using an outhouse--and my sisters' paternal grandmother still dressed in pioneer clothes and lived in a log cabin back in the hills--drawing her own water until she died in her 90s. Your characters have captured me, and I eagerly await the next installment! Best Wishes to you!

I had thought the next book was months off, what a nice surprise to find it begun! A bittersweet month for me: a new book, yay; my birthday on the 6th, again, yay; alas, my oldest sister passsed away around the 2nd, but we don't know yet exactly when as she lived alone, and I haven't heard any details of the autopsy...she had been unwell, but lived in a rural area of Georgia. Just anxious to see what happens next--I am one of the few who seems to like Will, and I was dismayed to see Matt doing the prologue..I hope he isn't going to be the main protagonist.

Mark, I apologize for not reviewing a chapter of yorus until now...you have given me many hours of pleasure and suspense with the saga of J.P. and his clan! It has been quite a roller-coaster for me with the various interactions of the characters. I really don't see the problem some have with Will--he is trying to find his way in a world which views him as an average teen, which he is not. With the family he has had to deal with, it would take a 'grand gesture' to get their attention, much less their respect. Will deserves a chance with Zach, and the obstacle of his wanting to be a football star is bad enough without the likes of Gathan and Wally and Clara interfering. I would like to see Gathan get his just desserts one day, preferably soon--he is not the person he tries to appear as we know, and I am surprised that Brad, J.P. or Stef can't see through him. Just my opinion, but I think Zach is the most honest and worthwhile member of the Hayes family. As for Matt, he--like Gathan--was never one of my favorite characters, and I am glad that Wade has finally made his decision. I always thought Wade could do better. I partied only occasionally in college--different times back in the late 70s--but I am not surprised by Matt's behavior as the setting is currently--just that he has managed to stay in school. I thank you for all your hard work and intense plotting and development, and am not ashamed to say that there are times in this journey that I have actually cried--particularly with the 9-11 attacks taking the toll they did on the family. There have also been times of anger (Aaron's false death in battle), and times of happiness (Stef and J.P. getting together). Keep up the excellent work, and I am eagerly and anxiously awaiting the next installment!

I only discovered Dom Luka's stories a few days ago, but I've already read most of them, and have to say that they are the best I've read in a long time. I sincerely hope that nothing has happened to the author and that we will get to find out the end of this gripping tale!