Brendan

Hi drpaladin, I'm sure Geron will be interested in seeing this opinion. Before publishing the story he was contemplating breaking it up into chapters, but I recommended he not do that. Granted, the story is a bit long, but I reasoned that if people needed to take a break from it then they were free to do that at their own pace and leisure. There are some die-hard fans out there (me included) who love having a long story published all at once so we can immerse ourselves in the experience of it and not have to wait for new chapters to be posted. I know this topic has been debated many, many times by many, many people; fans and authors alike. I don't believe there is a right or wrong answer. I think it just comes down to personal preference. I appreciate you sharing your opinion. I just wanted to offer an opinion that expresses the other side of the coin. It would be great to hear from other readers/fans, what their thoughts are on this topic. I know that Geron does read the comments and appreciates the feedback.

I have a different opinion than bubby1234. I think it is part of the very nature of a teenager to explore the world around him, that includes sex and sexuality as well as feelings and boundaries. I also disagree with the view that any of the characters in chapter five are "cheating". In terms of a relationship, I believe cheating implies acting without the knowledge and/or consent of your partner. Neither knowledge or consent were missing in the scene described in chapter five. Further, I disagree that, "it Never works". Here in the States we tend to take a more conservative, even Puritanical view of sex and sexuality. In other places in the world (and even at other times in our own history) the norms are more relaxed, up to, and including, polygamy. Finally, I think the primary reason we read fiction is for entertainment. And, the primary reason we read erotic fiction is so that our "entertainment" can lead us to explore other ways of thinking and seeing our human sexuality. I think Geron is doing a great job of giving us a story that is a bit unconventional. I think that is a big part of what makes this story such a good one. I think it is a bit harsh to say that the introduction of an unconventional element into a fictional story will "spoil" it. Still, this space is for reviews of the story. And, just because I don't agree with bubby1234's opinion does not mean I don't respect and appreciate that he took the time to express his opinion.

As a retired educator (college level) I am doubly disturbed. In the promotional video Mr. Bright states that he is doing this project as, "my thesis film for the University of Central Florida." All reputable colleges and universities take plagiarism and intellectual property rights very, very seriously. Since the University of Central Florida is a reputable university, I am quite certain they will fight this battle for you if you decide you need to take further action. No University wants to be publicly associated with plagiarism or a public violation of intellectual property rights. And, Mr. Bright made the issue public for the University of Central Florida by mentioning their name in the video. Good luck Comsie.

As Geron's beta reader, I have shied away from reviewing or commenting on the stories he posts here. However, I find myself more than a little surprised by the number of reviewers who mention being troubled by the age of the characters in this story. Consequently, I feel compelled to add a comment of my own. Professionally, I am a retired teacher. I taught psychology at the university level. In addition to teaching I also practiced psychotherapy and specialized in marriage and family therapy. Even though some readers may be disturbed by or squeamish about the age of the characters in the Charm story series, I think it is naive of adults to believe that children are not sexualized at that age, and very often much younger. Yes, Geron has been clear in his responses to the reviews that this story is fiction, if loosely based on some of his own experiences. But, in order for fiction to be readable, the events portrayed in the story have to be at least somewhat believable or possible. And, from a clearly proven, psychosexual point of view, the characters in this story are engaging in behaviors that are quite common, even normal, for their age despite the fact that the accounts themselves are fictionalized.

This is Jobey0819's review sent to me in a PM. Hi Brendan, Thankyou for letting me know. (The review didn't show up) Absolutely loving it, I keep checking for new chapters. Total car girl myself (mustangs, camero's, chevelles love all muscle cars and they are far and few between here in Australia) and am almost crying at the end of each chapter because there isn't anymore. Reminds me of my teen and early twenties I had a '72 Holden LC Torana I was doing up slowly with my Dad, then Mum reminded him I was a girl and that put pay to that. I hope you keep the story going plus I like your writing style you keep the story moving without losing any. Congrats on a great slice of entertainment, probably the most I've enjoyed any story so far. Regards Jobey

A fitting end to an awesome story, David. Nice touch with Tobor becoming Tommy. Thanks for all the long hours and hard work you put into this story. You're the best! Brendan

David, I have enjoyed all of your stories, you are a very talented writer. Thank you for this wonderful and touching story. This chapter brings, "Arthur in Eblis" to a satisfying conclusion. I really liked how you gave the quest a magical life of its own, that was a unique and insightful twist. I look forward the next story that springs from your gifted imagination!

I agree with BrianM, very well done! It's great to see Seth finally come into his own. As always, thanks for sharing your gift with us.

Although I really like what you are doing with the new 0300 story, and I have been hooked on the Refuge series for some time now, I am thrilled more than ever to see you return to your World universe with this new story. Thank you so much for coming back to World. I look forward to seeing where this adventure will lead. You're the best!

Mr. McLeod may choose to defend himself (or not) regarding Stanollie's review. Either way, I wanted to add my thoughts. I disagree with many of the political views expressed in the story. Still, I disagree even more with Stanollie's "humble" opinion that they have no place in the story. Mr. McLeod is always careful to disclaim to his readers that he is writing from the perspective of an Earth analogue and not to make the assumption that Stanollie seems to have made in his review. And yet, even if the story reflects Mr. McLeod's personal political views, I still think that's okay. A writer should write from what he knows and/or believes because that is what gives the writing passion and makes a story interesting. I don't have to agree with or subscribe to Mr. McLeod's "personal, biased" views on politics or religion, or any other thing to acknowledge that he is a great writer with an amazing imagination. I remain grateful that he continues to share his talent as a writer with this community.