E K Stokes

It is a compliment. It's a great story and very, very, well written.

Well, the answers are nearly all in this chapter, how Giancarlo is immortal for as long as the soul tree stands. I could say this chapter was a little overindulgent, except it fits with the story, but one in a genre that is not proclaimed. This is clearly a paranormal story, or fantasy, or demonic mystery, it may have romance, but is not primarily a romantic drama in the real world or the real world with a little mystery, and for that reason it crashes my expectations because it isn't the story I wanted to read. No offence, it's very well written, but it's a different genre to that announced, and for that reason disappointing, especially so because I've discovered the fantasy, mystical, paranormal after many long chapters and a certain attachment to the main characters. This express journey chapter through the centuries and endless reincarnation ends it for me.

The impression given that more was revealed is true only to the point of the question which revolves around immortality. Interesting point that the inner light is consumed in a ritual which appears the same spanning centuries: His mouth found Theron’s ear. “Turn over.” ...Theron turned. He felt Kyros’s hands spread him,... Theron’s fingers dug into the mattress... Kyros fucked him slowly.

The dining room scene, the consummation of Devin, which Giancarlo forced Luka to witness was imbued with a diabolic eroticism which reminded me of Pasolini, Salò o le 120 giornate di Sodoma. It was crafted with exquisite skill, leading the reader deeper into the unfolding story without truly understanding where things are leading. More questions than answers, except for the feeling Luka is the inevitable major prize. If Giancarlo succeeds in dominating Luka the triumph will be so much greater.

An excellent second chapter that was not only erotic, it was powerful, even Machiavellian. Giancarlo is the maestro, the master of ceremonies who knows that he will subjugate Luka to his will, he will not force him, he will not need to, Luka will beg him, and some truths will get revealed.

I think @Luca E you ask a very interesting question. I've never thought about it, so I simply followed my search process and noted it down: Looked at recent stories list you always get presented with. Looking for stories just started or with only a few chapters. Ignored the only two on the list because they were both book 2 of a series. Clicked STORIES and worked down the list. Hunger & Habit, didn't understand the summary. Lost in the Sand, good summary, possible read. The Cockney Canuck, on hold, ignored. Shooting Stars, also on hold, ignored. Monstrum, good summary, possible read. Strife, fan fiction, not my thing. Futile Devices, good summary, possible read. So there you have my process, I will open chapter one of one of those three possible reads and if it grabs me, I'll read that story. Which will I open first, it could be either Monstrum or Futile Devices looking at tags and genre. I opened Monstrum first, it didn't grab me, I opened Futile Devices next and it hooked me completely. Why? Because it was showing me a scene not telling me a story. So now I'm going to read that story and take the risk it gets updated frequently and finished. And it is a risk!

You all, @Luca E, @Gary L, @Ivor Slipper, @drsawzall, @chris191070, deserve a mention for your nice, supportive comments, plus other readers who have commented along the way. If I get inspired with a good plot, good enough to make another 40k story with these characters, then I'll write it, but I have a few other projects I'm also working on, so I make no promises which I might not keep.

I recognise there are conventions with publishing novels and one such convention is the author has a name, nom de plume, or real, and the format is either initials or first and last name. Online publishing is essentially the same as printed, ebook publishing, but does not always follow this convention. It's a mix of traditional and current mode, where traditional is a proper name, current mode copies influencers, YouTubers, bloggers. Its like the site itself, a mixture of novels, stories, blogs, and forum. Back to the topic, do author names influence me? Yes, but not too much. Just the same as a cover image, the title, but very much less of an influence than a good summary by the author or a proper review. I think these last two have much more influence on my choice than what the author chooses to call him or herself, but that said, an author's choice of name does say something about them, although I'm not always sure what, except for the obvious like the horsey writers and Mikiesboy.

The noise and hectic chaos of the afternoon shift at the pub had given way to the quiet sanctuary of the flat. Harry and Callum sat in the living room, outside the sun was shining and the light spread across the floorboards as they unwound with a cold beer. "So," Harry started, a subtle smirk playing across his lips as he nudged Callum’s foot with his own. "Are we going to talk about Matt, or are you just going to keep smiling at your phone?" Callum let out a soft, rueful sigh, setting

The following week Harry was working behind the bar of The Red Lion when one of the customers, not anyone he knew, leant over to make a request, not to order a drink. The guy was probably twenty something, fit, well built, close cropped hair and smelt of eau savage which wafted over the counter. "Can you get me that guy's number?" he asked, indicating Callum who was serving at the other end of the bar. Harry was surprised, it was the first time anyone had made that kind of advance. "

Yeah, I think everyone needs a Noah in their life!

I am very pleased you are enjoying the story, thank you, and everyone else, for your comments. I kind of think it is the characters that make this story, the drama of Aled's family, the support he has found in Harry and other new friends. Or perhaps you are all suckers for a romantic story of young love?

The second week after the accident brought a heavy, damp mist that rolled off the peaks and swallowed the valley whole, cloaking the landscape in a somber grey. It was the day of the funeral. The little hillside chapel, built of dark Welsh slate and weathered stone, had stood against the elements for over a century. Today, it was completely overwhelmed. The news of the sudden, tragic death had reverberated through the tight-knit rural community, and everyone came to pay their respects. Rela

The train journey back to Chester on Monday morning was peaceful, wrapped in the cozy afterglow of the perfect weekend. Aled sat with his head resting on Harry’s shoulder, watching the English countryside blur past the window. For the first time since leaving the valley, the knot of anxiety in his stomach was completely gone. He felt secure. He had a family who accepted him, a boyfriend who loved him fiercely, and a safe, stable life waiting for him in Chester. They arrived back at the flat

Two completely different reactions to the relationship between Aled and Harry, you have to ask why, but I think the answer is difficult to find. Do parents and family usually accept a gay relationship or does such a relationship more often result in rejection? As a side note, @Tris you said you were enraptured, I'm blown away, and very pleased you and a lot of other readers are engaged with and enjoying this story.