ColumbusGuy

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!