John Bryan Hughes

I, too, am an octogenarian who is glad GA exists. Word of the day??? Where is that found on the home page??? I'm pretty well read, but once in a while an author pops in a new word that I have to look up. Fun! I wish there was a way to prod authors to post new chapters to "Works In Progress" within a reasonable time span. It's frustrating when there's months between chapters. I know - - creativity takes time, but COME ON - - . At least some works are flagged as "Long Term Hold". That's 'abandonment' in my lexicon. My best wishes to all for a healthy and prosperous 2026! JBH

I believed from your description of the story that it was a setup for a destructive love/hate triangle, with Rowan messing with both of the main characters. But the path that he took was inevitable, one way or the othergaiven the depth of his addictions and despair. I concur completely that you're an excellent writer! I'm glad to have 'discovered' you, and will check out your other works on GA. Please - finish what you've started! And then keep going with new works. Thanks a lot. - - JBH .

"Tightly written". For Sure! Hard to do consistently, but you did it throughout. The English Navy's codes and rituals, so stiff and unyielding, were portrayed realistically - and unflinchingly. What a wonderful first effort! Thank you! Like all the others, I hope you'll soon 'launch' another story, one that involves sailing ships and the men who serve them. But you can't be blamed if you take a little while to relax and refresh. JBH

Indeed, a beautifully written chapter AND story! I love the caustic repartee between the characters. I had to look back at the heading of this chapter to see when it was written. Just a few days ago, so there's probably more to come - hopefully. The Great Mother's 'greatest' reference has to be Jacob. Too many clues earlier - - his seeing the double edged scythe, the mysterious triplets, for example. He must be one of 'em! I think Q was taken into some protected custody so his power could be rejuvenated. Or he was returned to his mortal state? Hurry with the next chapter! Again - great writing!!!

I agree with the "Delightful Vocabulary" comment! "Deputed" ???

So Jeremy DID find another way out of that burning warehouse! And Carter knew from his interaction with the thug that bound him that it was Laura's bidding. So he used Laura's own hatred to trap her and got her talking, recording it all on videotape. WOW! What a wonderful chapter!

Previously Jeremy has showed some backbone, like when he firmly rejected Dexter's protestations of love, and he has barked back to him mother. Jeremy may slowly recall that Carter vowed to work tirelessly to prove his father is innocent, and decide to, himself, secretly hire some investigators. Or maybe that X-ray tech that poisoned Ethan's bones will be forced to confess to save his own ass on some other charge and Dexter is unmasked - and then he unmasks Laura. If the evidence is irrefutable, then Jeremy will have to seek repentance from Carter. And, hopefully, proving Leo innocent will indict crazy Laura and that empty suit Dexter. As Cane23 stated above, "--Jeremy and Carter's "Mutual future must be based on trust! " I hope love concurs all.

Or- - he'll go to the 'if I can't have him nobody can' mindset and go after Jerome.

I agree about the writing. The escalating insults are great!

Arghhh ! CLIFFHANGER ! Now I've got to go back and review the discussion Jeremy and Carter had, to try to figure out which phrase or thought is being misinterpreted by Jeremy. Or could it be that Jeremy's drinks at the bar were spiked causing his hallucinations??? Hurryup Vanalas with the next chapter! BTW - - GREAT writing!

Superb story so far! I HOPE this isn't the final chapter, although the way it's written, it could be. You've done a masterful job of setting up both the primary and secondary characters, ready for interactions and relationships going forward. I anticipate Jubal buying the land that abuts the current property, and the two men having a successful farm and orchard. May you and your fans have a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2024!

Yes, Mr. Arbour, I concur completely with all the accolades offered up to you! In my mind you're second only to Michener in storytelling and the accuracy and completness of your story settings. A standing ovation and shouts of 'Bravo' are in order! I was pretty sure that this story would end with George being names First Lord of the Admiralty. As the story will unfold in a future book (you Promised!) I can see George and Caroline achieving a rapprochement, to their mutual, in begrudged, benefit. She was, after all, quite the manipulator at court as well as in the business world. Lots of behind-the-scenes activities (some in bedrooms) would be necessary for such an appointment??? Thank you, thank you for your novelist's skills!

Having just completed reading "Endings", I amplify by a factor of 4 the comments about you being a very skilled, empathetic writer who draws the readers into the principals' feelings and mindsets! Thank you, Gary, for sharing your creativity with us! Am wondering - - now that the first three protagonists have been killed off, who or what's next? I'll bet it's hard to write in the 'old west' idiom. You must have to go back and 'adjust' the lingo???

Can't wait for the 'joust' between Rusty and Connor! That will be some great writing! Next chapter???

Am pleased to know these sub-genres even EXISTED! They will point me to new authors and their creative efforts. THANK YOU! A suggestion - - could you add to each title the status of it, Complete, Developing, On Hold - whatever? I'm glad to find a story that's ACTIVELY rolling out and, frustratingly, not stalled a lot of months go. Sso far, there seems to be a unanimous opinion that these sub-genre lists are valuable and welcomed, and that they should be routinely continued. I join in that opinion!