Cane23

Carter knows the truth! How sad it must have been, he spoke to Elena not knowing she was his mother... Readers knew this part of puzzle, but I'm confused with fathers! Are they all different guys - 1) Carter's father, Grace's (Elena's) best friend and first husband; 2) Carter and Ethan's biological father, mentioned in this chapter as Leo, in jail for alleged murder of Jeremy's father and youngest brother (I think Dexter has something with those murders) and 3) Dexter's father, Elenas husband?!?!?!?!?!?

This is a nightmare! There is not possibility to just switch off. There is no 'quick fall' so, when you touch the bottom, stand up and go on with your life... Nooo, this is slow and painful, exhausting and seems it will never end. Ugh, some alcohol might help... 🤪

There are pages missing! 🤪

Oh, poor John! Did he really become old and bittered? Therapy is, obviously, helping but, is there any hope for him?

I have a feeling that new revelations just deepen the mystery, there are no answers! Dexter and Laura's continuing sudden appearing in Carter's office, apartment... wherever, becomes extremely annoying! And always with same, stupid monologue - Jeremy is mine, get away from him...blah, blah, blah...

You did it again...THANK YOU! I know this is not detective story so, how did Nicholas collect the evidence is not essential for story itself! But I was so curious about it! I like the ending as it is. I imagine Brandon as Hannibal Lector behind safety glass. Jett is exactly where he should be now - close to his mother to comfort her. Nicholas is finally free. There is a long process of healing, but, at least, it started!

“Above all, don't lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love.” ― Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov It is not the first time I find analogies between @CasualWanderer82contemporary literature and everlasting classics. Taking us for a ride through the deepness of human mind, author builds this magnificent novel of disappointment, anger, domination, love and hate. Every character has his own mask and, till the very end of the story, reader, as the main protagonist himself, is wandering in fog, unable to distinguish the truth around him... Dark story, very rough occasionally, with powerful descriptions of dominance, desperation and anger... But not everything is dark - with his unique, poetic style @CasualWanderer82 paints some of the most beautiful and epic love scenes. This might not be story for everyone, but everyone should read it. It is not an easy joy; its serious deepness gets the proportions of Greek Tragedy and makes readers' brain work in high speed. As author himself call the ending not happy but hopeful, I'll conclude this Review quoting the great Dostoevsky once again: “You will burn and you will burn out; you will be healed and come back again.” ― Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov

Magnificent chapter! I really thought Nicholas would execute Brandon as his final sacrifice - bringing his own son to the altar of justice. But @CasualWanderer82, you've made a point - wouldn't that act prove Brandon's theory of genetic inheritance of his condition?! It would be so easy for Brandon - there is not his guilt, it's genetics! Nicholas' act of love and mercy makes him human, makes him everything his son is not. But justice must be done and threat to the society must be removed. The moment of the arrest might look dramatic, nevertheless it was necessary to be done public, at the moment of Brandon's rising fame. At the moment when potential future 'Hitler' gives his first political speech! My knowledge of sociopathy is limited, but I know how dangerous those people are. For a moment, Brandon's behavior looked like he is possessed. Towards the end of the story, I even had a theory that Nicholas and Brandon are two faces of the same person. Well, what can I say - you've made a great mystery @CasualWanderer82. Thank you for the trace of light at the end of the story, it is much needed!

I don't think two desperate souls finding solace after tragedy would be 'betrayal to the strength of this story', but I'll honestly admit, it is more about my personal need to see a trace of light at the end of the story than forcing @CasualWanderer82 to write anything but his own vision.

Then there is no question what to do. Nicholas must do the ultimate sacrifice. As a father he can love his son, he can even forgive him... but, exactly because Brandon is his son, Nicholas must do what is right. He is prosecutor, judge, jury and executor! Is Nicholas going to find a peace afterwards, is it possible at all...or he is going to end with his firstborn? I like the analogy with The Karamazov Brothers by Dostoevsky, my most favorite novel! 🤓

My question is how much is Brandon dangerous for the society?! That should be the main thing to determine his destiny. Nicholas can orchestrate a revenge, deliver justice...but the final verdict should be whether to end Brandon to prevent Brandon end the others. Btw, @Danners, man...I LOVE your comments! You magnificently enlighten the details of the story!

Do you have a crystal ball or you have some insider information from author?!

For a moment, I thought this is the final chapter but, seems there is one more! What is left to say - I'm afraid even to think about it! You've touched my heart and my soul once again @CasualWanderer82! I feel tension in my chests, and I've been crying a few times, mostly at the scene on the cliff! This story has the size and deepness of Greek Tragedy! I wanted to save this though for Review but couldn't resist to put it here. It'll find its place there too, anyway. I can't hardly wait to read insightful thoughts of other readers. They are always intelligent and give me other perspective to the story.

Guys, you've made such a great analyze of the chapter, story and series in general that I don't have much to add. It's interesting to know from the Thanksgiving story that, after so many years, John is still with the wife he hates and estranged from the children he loves. Hope that @empath is going to give John freedom from his golden cage in some of the spinoff stories. As for Rebecca, strange how two siblings can be so different. And I'm not talking just about sexuality or homophobia...but Rebecca's luck of any empathy and compassion. Really an awful human being! Is Mary going to look for Miach and comfort him? Is it a start of something Mary is going to be a part in 2024?

Poor, poor, boy!!! I'm so sorry I was right about that! Just when he has found happiness...just when he has felt loved! For the first time, Nicholas was living. He has cleared a little bit of heavy fog around Brandon's heart. Camaraderie he has made with Marcus, Dawson and Ledger brought some meaning in his life. Fighting scene has made their bonding as good as sex... If it was Tom, he should be raped mercilessly and repeatedly by Nicholas, Dawson and Ledger, before cutting him in pieces and serve to the fishes!

I would have done it, for sure...but I didn't hear the nocking... GODDAMMIT!!! 🤪

Oh yes! Plus, we lived in the same household with my grandparents. Grandfather was retired army colonel. It was military discipline. I was seventeen when he slapped me on my face for not opening the door of the house immediately after he knocked. I was showering!

Maybe...and maybe they just like sex! I don't know anymore! The most of my theories were wrong... More than these guys, I'm frustrated with myself wandering - am I stupid or what? 🤷‍♂️

Brandon!

A mercy for confused guy with poor English knowledge! 🙏😁

As much as Tom is annoying character (and I would very much enjoy reading all your scenarios 😉), the fact is that everything happening between any of those people, Tom and Bradly including, is consensual act of people at legal age of consent. They all did it at free will and, pretty much enjoyed it! The only real crime in this chapter is Nicholas whipping Bradley! I, honestly, don't know what to think about that... Ending marriage which is a farce is not disaster, but how are they going to handle Jett, that is the question!

I suppose we'll find out soon... Anyway, your and @Danners comments have made me think I didn't give enough credit to Brendon. He might be stronger and smarter than it seems. It looks to me now that it is not Marcus, but Brendon who is going to be his father's doom or salvation!

I have a feeling that Ralph is so good in helping others, very supportive and selfless... but rather insecure and withdrawn regarding his own needs - whether business or personal! It has roots in his upbringing, I think! With very dominant and unflexible parents, he has learnt to put other's needs and wishes priority comparing to his own. What I want to say, Ralph has to make plans to expand his own business. If it includes Nolan - good but giving Nolan 'a space' is really not a top priority. I understand that twins might be handful, living with somebody too, but he is not forced to this arrangement! Ralph should be a little bit more selfish!

John?! As Joshua's father John? Interesting but not impossible. In Kept Boy... Juan has just started living in their house...so, anything is possible. It could even explain Rebbeca's going from being homophobic to being extremely homophobic and John's, almost guilt like, obedience to his wife (even at the cost of declining relationship with his children).

No hate and certainly not judgment. I've already said I understand his feelings very, very well! If you refer to my comment to the previous chapter - when I wrote 'pathetic' I've been thinking of his lack of initiative, his submission to other's wishes and wills. I think he needs to 'man up' whatever he decides to do. But I have to admit - you've made it so intriguing that, whether we like or not some of the characters; I have NO idea how it is going to end! 🙂