Reviewer: Star (Signed) · Date: 06/09/10 11:37 AM · On: Chapter 14
I am completely and utterly totally in love with this story. It’s a lot of emotion, a lot of mythology and the addition of Ben to the Winchester clan is epic. It really struck me how detailed you were in pointing out the changes that Ben has wrought on the Winchester’s routine. And Sam serving as another parent filling in where Dean cannot. It was really nice. I never thought that shooting a shotgun with one hand would break your wrists. There were many moments that had be saying awwwwwwwwww and a few choice words came out of my mouth when Amelia was cleansing Ben! The broken Dean when he thought Ben was dead was the most awful thing and I have to say you portrayed it well.Great read!
Author's Response: I'm glad you liked it. It was a fun story to write, the series was fun too. I set the length of this story as a challenge to myself, I wanted fine details. It took a long time and a lot of exhausting work. It was worth it though. A shot gun is actually nicnamed a wrist breaker. They can't be shot one handed without damaging the wrist, even for an adult. Gun enthusiasts generally laugh at TV shows where people fire shot guns one handed. Amelia was a fun character, one of my most evil. I liked the idea of an old woman being so powerful. Old people are almost as creepy as little kids. Thanks for the review, I really appreciate it. lostatc
Reviewer: jennie81 (Signed) · Date: 12/07/10 08:42 PM · On: Chapter 14
good story clap clap
Reviewer: Midge (Signed) · Date: 15/12/08 01:12 PM · On: Chapter 14
As expected this chapter was traumatic and dramatic. Dean being crucified - really not nice, Sam being demonic but saving everyone in the end - predicatable but quite right too. What was truly amazing about this chapter was Ellen and Jo being welcomed to Bobby's house and apparently forgiven just for being family. And finally hopefully this is your 100th review for Choice. Overall a great story.
Author's Response: Hmm, gotta read this again because Sam hadn't made his choice yet, must have messed up somewhere. I like to re-evaluate when someone says things that don't jive with my intentions. The crucifixtion has been a secret desire of my mine to write for a long time and I'd been waiting for the right time. It worked here. As for forgiveness for Ellen and Jo. I think of anyone Dean would understand what measures a child will go to for their parent and would understand that Ellen's judgement was clouded by that. He seems to have great capacity for forgiveness. One of the reasons I love the character so much - no matter what some do to him he forgives them (read Sam). And thank you for my 100th review! Felt great. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Reviewer: Midge (Signed) · Date: 15/12/08 12:01 PM · On: Chapter 13
All things considered a very gentle chapter, but I am determined to tip your reviews over into 3 figures before I reach the end. Interesting that Dean thought a pizza restaurant could be the gates of hell. It doesn't seem very far from the truth sometimes. But his concepts of normal are so far removed from the norm that it is amusing. No doubt the concluding chapter is going to be traumatic and dramatic for everyone. Off to read it very soon.
Author's Response: I think chuckie cheese is the gates to hell so maybe that's where that came from. I am so glad my kids have outgrown those things. Thank you.
Reviewer: Midge (Signed) · Date: 15/12/08 07:12 AM · On: Chapter 12
Finally all the good guys are back together and on the same page. Unfortunately I now have to go to work and will have to wait to read more. Boo Hoo.
Author's Response: Have to bring 'em together once in a while, right? Otherwise it's just depressing. Thank you!
Reviewer: Midge (Signed) · Date: 15/12/08 06:39 AM · On: Chapter 11
You had me seriously worried there, and I dropped into your angels stories late, and already know the outcome of Ben's change. But talk about leading me up the wrong path - I was hook line and sinkered into Ben being a Nep..thingy and couldn't believe that even after torture Ben would chose bad over good. Awesome story telling.
Author's Response: That makes me feel great, means I wrote it the way I wanted to! Thank you very much!
Reviewer: Midge (Signed) · Date: 15/12/08 02:27 AM · On: Chapter 9
Oh my word. As if torturing Ben isn't bad enough you have Bobby involved too - now that is a really wicked thing for a writer to do. You may have marginally redeemed yourself by having Bobby locked away whilst the torture was going on, and Jo doing what she can to help, but still I have to say you're one wicked writer. Thank heavens I don't have to wait days to read the next chapter. If I had the time I could read it right now.
Author's Response: More than a few people were a little mad at Bobby for making him doubt. Thing is, I don't see Bobby taking anything at face value and the information he had available to him was faulty at best. I can't wait to read your take on what follows. Thanks for reading and for the reviews! I really appreciate it. Kim
Reviewer: Midge (Signed) · Date: 14/12/08 08:45 AM · On: Chapter 5
Oh boy what a chapter. I'm on mental overload with all that information. I need to take a break to assimilate everything in this update before I can cope with more. Absolutely brilliant, by the way.
Author's Response: I hope it's good mental overload. I can dump a lot in one chapter, I know. Thanks for the review and the compliment. Making me smile!
Reviewer: Midge (Signed) · Date: 14/12/08 05:52 AM · On: Chapter 3
Loved Sam's method of relieving the tension, I remember plenty of toddlers that have made the same discovery. But you had me completely surprised that it was Randy and his Dad that were the werewolfs. I never saw that coming.
Author's Response: I have watched so many little ones in their discovery of themselves and it cracks me up every time. It's natural and what they do. It was fun embarrassing Dean with it though, I can't imagine him being comfortable with his toddler self being exposed in such a way. I was hoping Randy and his dad would be a surprise. I wanted it to be a surprise and a reality check for Ben too. He needed to really know what hunting was all about. Thanks for the review! So glad that you're reading my story.
Reviewer: TNT542 (Signed) · Date: 02/09/08 05:09 AM · On: Chapter 9
I have never reviewed before but; How could you not put a graghic nature warning on this capter. As a writer you must know that words can hurt and the discription of torturing a 10 year old boy should have a strong content warning attached to it. Other than that you write almost to well, as the picture in my mind of Bens' torure will be hard to shake.
Author's Response: I apologize. I thought the rating was higher. Most people who've read this story have read the others and have a general idea what they're in for when it comes to my stories. I will up the rating. Again, sorry.
Reviewer: TuckerCat (Signed) · Date: 31/08/08 11:32 AM · On: Chapter 14
I love the complexity of your stories. I really like that God has been involved and that you have brought it into being with your writing. I just love your stories. The characters are so real and I just have to keep reading. Thank you.
Author's Response: Thank you so much. I appreciate your reading my stories and for leaving a review. I am really glad that you enjoy reading them.
Reviewer: Cookie6 (Signed) · Date: 25/04/08 06:47 PM · On: Chapter 14
I have come back to this phenomenal story and spent a luxurious morning reading it in its entirity again. I just love everything about it - the bond between the three boys, the hunts and story plots, your awesome angels. You hammered home how vital choice is to us all through this exceptional fic. I love the bond you have established between Sam and Ben just as much as between Dean and his son, in fact I think you have made the brothers closer than ever. Your imaery throughout was spectactular - many, many scenes caught my breath or broke my heart. So many to cite...Being witness to Ben's whipping and Dean knowing it over the phone shattered my heart, I was so worried that Ben would be pushed into making the wrong choice, he is only a baby after all. Boy did you have us on the edge of our seats. Dean watching Ben asleep across Sam's chest in that chair with his wings relaxed was haunting - A child safe, an uncle who is blown away by a love he never expected to feel and a father/brother at peace. Just beautiful. And you got to me again with Sam curled protectively around Ben asleep waiting and watching for Dean to regain consiousness after such a horrific experience (and boy was your crucifiction graphic - I could hardly breath!) I could go on and on... Congrats on an awesome fic, I have loved every chapter, every twist, every emotion you wrung out of the boys, out of me. My humble apologies for 'lurking" for so long, but I have been with you all the way.
Author's Response: Lurking works for me. I love the reviews but those little numbers indicating how many have read are my little pieces of candy. Thank you so much for your review. It is awesome. To know you wanted to read it again....yea! That's the big compliment for me. I love this little character so much. Ben is such I joy to write. He's so easy because he started as an extension of my own son and now he's taken on a life of his own. I said when I started all of this that having a child would be a great way to show how Sam and Dean were raised and I stand by that. I tried very hard not to pull the guys too far from their actual characters. I think I may have succeeded. The crucifiction was a dirty little pleasure that I've wanted to write for a long time. I learned the details years ago and finally got to a story that it would work in. I enjoyed writing THAT way too much. Poor Dean I do like to hurt the boy. Anyway, thanks again. I really appreciate you reading my little story and the review.
Reviewer: impalamedean1 (Signed) · Date: 05/04/08 07:18 PM · On: Chapter 14
aww how cute! will there be a sequel??
Author's Response: Glad you liked. There will likely be a sequel, can't seem to get Ben out of my brain.
Reviewer: rbliss1969 (Signed) · Date: 25/03/08 11:34 PM · On: Chapter 14
OMG what an awesome ending!!!!!!!
not happy that Dean was crucified how terrible. Loved the conflict between Sam and Ben and Ben being the voice of reason. liked why Sam chose good over evil; not wanting to let down Dean. Favorite line "energizer bunny, my dad" how true is that.. in a way i am sad that this story is over i enjoyed the 3 of them so much i laughed and cried in so many chapters, hope you will be writing other great stories soon. Renee
Author's Response: The crucifixion has been pretty impactful for people. I'd like to think that's a good thing. I know its brutal but it seemed to fit. I loved the energizer bunny line too. I guess Timex would've worked too but way before Ben's time. You know - takes a licking and keeps on ticking? I've started another story already - plugging sorry - and I just may be writing another one with Ben in at a later date (dang thing is starting to eat at my brain already - never a good thing). Thank you for the review and for reading.
Reviewer: Shannondoah (Signed) · Date: 25/03/08 10:16 PM · On: Chapter 14
Another amazing story! How do you do it, girl?! I think it's wonderful that Dean, although reluctantly, is beginning to listen to Ben's ideas and see him as a colleague and not just a son. I also love the conversations in the hospital room between Sam and Ben and later between Sam and Dean, especially when Dean tells Sam he believes in him and always has. *sigh*
Author's Response: I use my fingers to push those little buttons on my keyboard. :o) Faith is an important thing especially in a family. Thank you so much for reading my story and for leaving a review. I really appreciate it.
Reviewer: bulletbabe (Signed) · Date: 25/03/08 06:03 PM · On: Chapter 14
Just beautiful, another great chapter, you really do weave a fantastic story. I loved the image od Ben crouching over his dad, wings outstretched, shielding him, that was just beautiful...and the whole dilema of choices to be made and cosequences to be lived with, has made this story one of the ones I've looked forward to the most. And I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with next as I do think you are a great talent on this site. Well done, great story and beautifully written...X Louy
Author's Response: Thank you so much. I'm so glad that you liked it. I had the image of the wings for protection in my mind for a long time. For a while it was going to be Dean actually manifesting as Michael but then I decided against that. I'm glad my theme worked for you and several other people that I've talked with. Choices are a major issue in life. Some people call it morality - I call it just trying to be the best person you can be and that involves making choices that are right for youself and for others. Thank you especially for the comment on my ability to write. You wouldn't believe how wonderful this site has been for me. Everyone is so kind and so talented that it humbles me just to be in the same presence of so many talented writers. Thanks again! Kim
Reviewer: Birdy (Signed) · Date: 25/03/08 06:11 AM · On: Chapter 14
What a perfect ending! As much as I don't want Sam to go darkside I do really enjoy it when he get's angry on Dean's behalf and starts kicking arse! I love that you had Ben talking Sam down. Hell I love Ben, period! When he threw himself over Dean and protected him with his wings just like Dean did for him when he was being whipped (but without the wings) it felt exactly right! And then his comments about nothing sounding stupid to him cos he's just 11 (going on 50!) and his explanation of why he made the choice but his belief that why doesn't matter so long as the decision is the right one. Kind of a simplified version of what Dean has been trying to say all along. You have written him so well that he is smart and funny and wise but still just an 11 year old boy with all the sarcasm and insecurities that come with that. And wings. Retractable wings. So Sam has to carry on making the right decision every day but now, at least, he has 2 angels on his side helping him keep things in perspective. I think he'll do ok. Now, your treatment of poor Dean - was your keyboard possessed when you wrote the crucifixion or were you trying to give the story an Easter feel? It was very well researched and described - the inability to breathe properly and the dislocation of his elbows and shoulders wouldn't have occurred to me (despite my first aid certificate!) And of course Raphael couldn't heal him, that would be far too easy. We all know that being on the 'right' side means constant pain and suffering. Think I might have chosen the darkside (baddies get the best lines, too!) Finally (cos I'm running the risk of the review being as long as the chapter) I love the way you ended on Mary's diary entry. Dean has always been, and will always remain, a big brother first and an angel second. He is also a bit of a love god (in my humble opinion!) This was a fantastic story from beginning to end: complex, witty and enthralling. I am so glad I read it as you posted rather than waiting for it to be complete first or my eye's would have been bleeding by the end (I can't stop once I'm hooked!) Hope I have gotten across just how much I kinda sorta liked it ... Kirsty x
Author's Response: Gads, this is a little intimidating to respond to. I was tempting to just say 'thanks' but that's just wrong. So, here goes. I love Sam angry and protective too but, like you, I want him to resist temptation. Sam has a long road ahead of him but I think he's got it in him to not give in - I hope. I did the juxtaposition with Dean and Ben on purpose as I'm sure you are aware. And it was important that Sam realize why Ben chose the way he did. Thank you so much for saying good things about Ben. That character has grabbed hold of me and just won't let go. I try very hard to not make him too much of anything. He's got to make mistakes that he and Sam can learn from or they aren't learning the necessary lessons. He's a tough little cookie but he's still just a little boy that lost his mother way too young - who does that remind us of? And I love his wings.....retractable - LOL! As far as the cruxificion. I learned the details of cruxificion a long time ago. Then I read a doctor's report of what would happen to the body it that was done to it. One of my pet peeves in fanfiction is writers who throw out torture without any research. Torture is torture for a reason and there is no way the body or mind can come out of it the same as they went in. Cruxficion is one of the most gruesome forms of torture and one that the Romans used expertly. The effects can be different depending on how things are done - the shoulders only dislocate vilolently if the body is dropped (as in the cross lifted with the body on it and the post dropped in a hole) otherwise the dislocation of the shoulders takes time as the weight of the body pulls them out of socket. The breathing is a fact, can breath in but not out.....that would be terrifying. And no instant healing - you're right good does require suffering and faith. Ending it was a challenge. I hate the spaghetti scene and the forgiveness of Ellen all along but there had to be something that just bound it up. So I went back to the beginning and remembered that it all started with Mary so it had to end there. Okay, now my reply is probably longer than your review. Thank you so much. It makes me beyond happy that you enjoyed this story so much. I also am glad that you didn't wait - I made this one so long on purpose and I wouldn't want your eyes bleeding, that's bad (don't need a first aid certificate to know that!). Hope you like what I've started next. Gads, poor Dean - I just can't leave that boy alone!
Author's Response: Just saw a major mistake. I wrote 'I hate the spaghetto scene" I meant 'I had the spaghetti scene' Sorry
Reviewer: jdsreignsupreme (Signed) · Date: 25/03/08 02:53 AM · On: Chapter 14
Hoooly SHIT!!!! What an absolutely fantastic chapter and a brilliant way to end the story.....I felt sick, forgot to breathe and generally felt extremely off while I read the beginning of the chapter. You are so cruel to Dean and I love how you make him bounce back and be stronger for it. So so good...thank you, thank you, thank you.... Can't wait to see what you come up with next..... WOW!!! Vicki
Author's Response: Poor Dean. Torturing him is such a pleasure and I know I should stop doing it but the temptation is just too great.....guess I wouldn't be a good one to put in Sam's shoes. Sorry about the sick feeling, I really am. I hope the ending brought together enough for you to feel better. Thank you so much for the kind words and the review. I really appreciate it.
Reviewer: lillelouis (Signed) · Date: 25/03/08 01:59 AM · On: Chapter 14
Great story... I loved the calm and happy ending, it felt very open and heartwarming... Felt a little dissapointed that the "Clash of the Ttans" only lasted a small part of this chapter. I would have liked to experience the roar of the mighty Sam...! But as i said... You got the stuff:D Great story!
Author's Response: Thank you so much. The clash is such a difficult thing to write especially when you are manipulating so many characters at one time. I tried, I really did. Personally I want Sam to not go darkside so in my opinion his confrontations have to be more intellectual and emotional. I'm glad the ending worked. I picutred that ending one day while I was making spaghetti. I could see clear as day Dean and Ben in the kitchen and Sam watching. I was listening to 'Fall Out Boy' and it all just fit. So everything was building toward that ending. Thank you so much for your compliments. They mean so much to me. I really appreciate the time it takes to read a story and write a review. Thank You!
Reviewer: Katric (Signed) · Date: 24/03/08 10:29 PM · On: Chapter 14
Well, you've done it again...you have everything in this chapter...seriously, everything...and I don't know what words to use that'll praise this chapter enough... Astounding
Author's Response: Thank you so much. This was going to be two chapters but it just worked this way. I am so happy that you liked it. Thanks again - for everything!
Reviewer: Katric (Signed) · Date: 24/03/08 10:08 PM · On: Chapter 13
"How is this normal?" "I'm pretty certain there is a gate to hell in this building." Ah, Dean, you've captured the sentiment perfectly again. The Winchester's lives have no end to great stress and hardship.
Author's Response: Okay, confession time. I kind of stole this from the one episode of 'Reaper' that I watched. In Reaper the gates to hell are at the DMV and now it's a joke in my family whenever we are miserable at a location there must be a gate to hell there. Then we start saying Cristo and laughing and pretty soon everyone is looking at us like we've been possessed. Thanks Katric! Laughing as always!
Reviewer: CricketBee (Signed) · Date: 22/03/08 04:21 PM · On: Chapter 13
First off, ditto everything that Birdy wrote in her review. wow, how to follow that! I simply love your writing style. Yes it's long, yes it's drawn out, but that really gives so much more insight into the boys and their motivations. It allows them to grow so far beyond the characters in the show. They're expanding and changing with the times just like people do in real life. Sam's getting so much more insight into the challenges his father faced while raising two boys while still hunting, not just one little seraphim! And Dean, well he just gets the whole enchilada -- he's got to be the decision-maker and not a wild and crazy guy anymore. I love the quiet one-on-one chats he has with Ben late at night. Oh, and the way you write dialogue -- it's a gift. sigh. *green with envy* Can't wait for next week (hopefully) to read the next installment. You've got me good and hooked! -- cricket
Author's Response: You guys keep praising me like this and I'm going to get a swelled head. I am so flattered and honored by what's said. Really kind of freaks me out because for me there just something I've written. Dialogue's always been easy for me, it's the rest that I struggle with. It's also so easy to write these characters because they are so well developed on the show. I'm just drawing from what's already there. Next (and last) chapter is well on it's way and should be finished very shortly - some time next week, I promise. Thank you so much. I am truly humbled and honored!
Reviewer: Birdy (Signed) · Date: 21/03/08 05:46 PM · On: Chapter 13
Oh wow! I've not had much free time recently and have missed being able to keep up with this story. But then, I get to read 5 chapters one after the other (bang goes my early night!) and it was bliss! I love your characters so much. I really enjoy the way you build them up into proper 3 dimensional beings that I can imagine acting it all out in my head (possibly that is me needing to up my meds, but I think you should take it as a compliment!) Ben is starting to notice girls - uh oh! But I guess it was inevitable with his fathers genes. And the poor boy has the Winchester luck too! I guess writing a story where he just gets to have a picnic and throw a ball around at the park wouldn't be so exciting for us to read, but the poor lad - being kidnapped twice! I hope he gets to go to Disneyland or something after this. And so finally Sam is beginning to see Johns POV and maybe understand how hard it must have been for Dean to play piggy in the middle for all those years. I know you said you wanted the 'Ben stories' to be a way of giving insights into Dean & Sam's childhoods without flashbacks and you have succeeded brilliantly. And, oh look, now I'm rambling again! But this is 5 chapters worth of reviewing... In case I haven't been clear before - I LOVE this! I have sat and read 30 pages, blocking out everything else going on around me, so now my hubby isn't speaking to me and my bum has gone numb but I couldn't be happier. This is really well written and I look forward to the next update and hope I can keep up this time. Thanks for so much entertainment. Kirsty x
Author's Response: Kristy, Please tell your husband that I am so sorry and you can tell your bum too. My husband has learned that his wife is a happier person if he just leaves her alone to write and read. I hate to tell you this but most of those chapters were about 20 pages each double spaced so you were closer to reading about 50 - 60 pages. It was my goal to really flesh this story out and I think I accomplished that. I love writing Ben so much and it's so easy because I draw from my son. They are similar but not the same (of course) but I know exactly how a kid his age acts. Thank you for letting me know that I have shown some insight into the Brother's Winchester. I think Dean is learning that being John (the father) with a wee bit of Sam isn't an easy task as well. He was in the middle before always wanting to mediate well now he's the decision maker....and Ben doesn't always like those decisions. Thank you so much for the compliments. They are always great but coming from someone who's stories I enjoy and follow is a real compliment and means the world to me. The next chapter should be up some next week. Kim
Reviewer: GotTheShining (Signed) · Date: 20/03/08 07:56 PM · On: Chapter 13
I love hearing all the local place names. Not many people know of Martinsville unless they like Nascar. I am so glad you have continued the Ben story line. There is a geat dynamic between the three boys:)
Author's Response: I live in Virginia and my son's name is Martin, it kind of stood out in my mind. I have never seen Nascar so that isn't a reference for me. I like to choose real places to write about, makes every thing seem real but I also like unusual place names. Thank you so much. I have been enjoying writing these three very much. I'm just so glad that there are people out there who enjoy it!
Reviewer: Shannondoah (Signed) · Date: 20/03/08 05:06 PM · On: Chapter 13
She didn't realize when she was dead she just finally let her eyes close---profoundly sad! Ben's muttering just loud enough for his dad and uncle to hear him is genius! Dean does it all the time. It's great to see you employ that technique to show how much he's becoming like his father! It's wonderful that no matter how angry the father and son get at one another they always manage to come together at night and resolve their issues.
Author's Response: My Beta really worked that paragraph over with me, she deserves a lot of credit for how it turned out. I really liked that little girl and hated to have to kill her. I'm glad that turned out to be a sad moment for you and not a gruesome moment. Hopefully these guys will always manage to come together in the end, I mean, who else have they got? Thanks for reading and for the review. I really appreciate it!
|
