Reviewer: birdie (Signed) · Date: 12/01/08 08:49 AM · On: Chapter 1
This is just wonderful, I really like the snapshots of their lives to illustrate a mood, thought, emotion as it gives such richness to the narrative. “Fucking son of a bitch,” Dean was yelling, a grunt of pain following the phrase. Love this line! So earthy and defiant and very 'Dean'! Really liked you having Dean sing for Sam. Well isn't that just what a (surrogate) father would do to comfort Sam in pain! And yup (ok I know I should get therapy!) loved the pain! Bev xx
Author's Response: Aw, Bev, thanks! So happy to see you reading this! I'm working on its "sequel" now, and it's helpful to see that people still actually enjoy what I write... sometimes I wonder if it's all the same. Thanks again and hope you enjoy the rest. :) GS
Reviewer: bulletbabe (Signed) · Date: 08/01/08 01:07 PM · On: Epilogue
And now i'm sitting here a little sad and a little empty, not because there was anything wrong with the epilogue, but because there is no more. There is just so much I could say about this story but as I've read it once again (up to at least 11 now, wehey) I think I've started to gain more of an understanding as to why I love it so much. What you've done is document the existing relationship between these two brothers but in a way that lays bare their unconditional love for each other. Dean is so willing to sacrifice everything for his baby brother who in return would give him the world. I'ts such a rare and fragile thing and deep down I think it's the relationship every one of us is searching for...and will probably never find. That coupled with the very spot on rendition of John and his relationship with his boys kind of set the stage for everything else. And the other characters, especially Abe who I love to bits are so real - Its about time that someone treated the Winchesters how they deserve to be treated. Roll on the sequel and roll on reading number 12... Thank you for a great day!
Author's Response: *Hugs Louy* I'm such a sap. You have me all teary-eyed. I am so glad you liked this story so much. I look back and see all these things that I should have done better, but at the time it poured from me and I just let it go. You have made me so ready to write the next one, Louy, you really have. In fact maybe I'll start now... oh, wait, right. I have to work. But as soon as that's done... :) Thanks again. I'm so very appreciative of these reviews. It's like I just got to eat a bag of chocolate without the calories. :) Gaelic
Reviewer: bulletbabe (Signed) · Date: 08/01/08 12:53 PM · On: Chapter 8
What a finish - although I know theres still the epilogue. The account as told by Running Horse is beautifully written and in a completely new voice...and for it to be Dean who questions why he couldn't kill his brother as he had turned evil...? thats a real turn around. The line 'one day he will destroy himself to save you' is so prophetic, I'm almost sure you know Kripke personally and chat on a regular basis... ...on to the last part.
Author's Response: In my mind, Running Horse was One Stab from Legends of the Fall. I can't seem to create a character without an actor in my head... I've had others comment on Running Horse's prediction. I never really thought about it being prophectic, honestly. It's just how I see Dean. He'd rather die than allow anything to happen to Sam (as we all know now...) Man, I wish I could chat with Kripke -- what a trip that would be, yeah? Thanks again for reading -- and I look forward to your comments on the epilogue. GS
Reviewer: bulletbabe (Signed) · Date: 08/01/08 12:31 PM · On: Chapter 7
There are just so many beautiful parts to this chapter but I CAN pinpoint two that reduce me a blubbering wreck almost every time I read them. The account of when John gives Dean the Impala is, I think, one of the best imagined scenes I've read on this site... ...and... 'You can stand down now son.' Gets me every time...I don't think I can even think of this scene without feeling the tears at the back of my eyes. Fantastic job!
Author's Response: You made me blush. Thank you for this. I'm so glad those two flashbacks worked for you. *grins* Still blushing. GS
Reviewer: bulletbabe (Signed) · Date: 08/01/08 12:13 PM · On: Chapter 6
Always thought it was very cruel of you to start this chapter with Sam's POV as I was desperately worried about Dean...you cruel thing, you! Loved the flashback to the play...it may even be my favourite one, Dean standing up to John and John respecting him for it...YES! And most Staind tracks are most definatly a Winchester soundtrack. 'Outside' was written for Dean. And...'Get your coat, Sammy, you've got some angst to project'...hah!! Even mid one of the most harrowing chapters - you made me laugh out loud!!!
Reviewer: bulletbabe (Signed) · Date: 08/01/08 11:49 AM · On: Chapter 5
When I read Abe, I always pictured Graham Greene, (Kicking Bird from Dances with wolves) in the role, he is such a real character to me. And all those little clues to the boys lives that you've scattered throughout the chapter make it even more so. As the reader I'm right there with him thinking ' What kind of lives thave these boys been subject to?' The small flashbacks from existing episodes serve to show just how befuddled Dean really is, mistaking Abe for his dad aside. And his unwavering self-sacrifice for his brother... I love this chapter with a passion - Heartwrenching.
Author's Response: Ha! One of the stories I wrote for the VS Season 2, Unseen Heros, had an Native American character and we used Graham Greene as the "actor" for him. *grin* I think he'd also be perfect for Abe... I'll have to think about that when I ask, or, um, *cough* beg *cough* someone to make a banner for me for In the Light... I'd originally pictured him as Wes Studi (from Last of the Mohicans) but I think Graham works much better. :) This was a hard chapter for me -- not to write. The words felt like they poured out of me, but to feel. Taking Dean to such a place and having him need John so badly just tore at me. Does that sound weird? I mean I did it to him... anyway. Thanks for your continued reviews. You are making my day. :) GS
Reviewer: bulletbabe (Signed) · Date: 08/01/08 11:11 AM · On: Chapter 4
Rock on Abe, I do love him! Although this chapter starts with some fantastic action, I've always seen it as a very personal piece of writing...the boys reminiscences prepares them both for the inevitable. And it's so rare to see them both in this position, ending up relying on a perfect stranger. And the other high point for me was the continuation of the Shtriga incident. Extreemly real, both in how Jim would try to cope with the wounds he sees in front of him, and how Dean would assume he'd failed. Always wondered just how much that one incident went to form Dean's adult character?
Author's Response: I'm so glad you called out the flashback with Jim after the shtriga -- I really liked writing that part, having never really written any other person in their past before. I thought a lot about how that incident shaped Dean, how he might have reacted then and now... thanks for calling that out. :) I'm glad, too, that the end of the chapter worked for you because entering Abe into the picture was a chance I took and was so very pleased that it worked out okay. GS
Reviewer: bulletbabe (Signed) · Date: 08/01/08 10:42 AM · On: Chapter 3
And so..you get comfy, put your feet up and get ready for a mammoth reading session...and the RW decides to invade. But back now!! The flashbacks in this chapter are second to none, I've always thought they would hold their own as posted one shots. And the dialogue concerning the boys relationship with John is so touching and makes later on when Dean thinks his dad has finally come for them so much more poignant...but I'm jumping the gun... I particularly liked the link to 'Asylum', one of my favourit episodes...
Author's Response: Darn that RW anyway! Doesn't it realize you need reading time?! You know what's funny is that you're making me want to go back and read my own story... I planned on doing so anyway so that I could make sure to keep Abe true to form since it had been awhile since I wrote him, but your comments are so... well, I thank you for them. And Asylum was one of my favorites also.:) Thanks again for reading! GS
Reviewer: bulletbabe (Signed) · Date: 08/01/08 08:17 AM · On: Chapter 2
Beautiful flashbacks and fleshing out of the characters. It always makes me slightly cringe when John tells Sammy that both boys could be taken away and put in different homes...'nice parenting John'...but so true to the situation and his character and focus. 'Wendigo Jones' made me laugh out loud!
Author's Response: Writing John at this time wasn't really easy for me -- I transfered a lot of my own parent issue onto him, but I'm glad you found it true to his character. :) Oh, and I'm probably late to the ballgame with this, but I just saw that there's going to be a 4th Indiana Jones released this May! Thanks again for reading... now I'm going to be watching my inbox... ;) Gaelic
Reviewer: bulletbabe (Signed) · Date: 08/01/08 07:56 AM · On: Chapter 1
There are one or two stories on this site I come back to time and time again, especially when I'm down or frustrated and they are such a great read, they manage to transport me away. This is one of them. I must have read it at least 10 times and know exactly what's going to happen, but I just dont care...I feel like I'm watching one of my all time favourite movies. I knew I was going to love this as soon as I heard Dean's password was 'Zepplin rules' and that he got most of his survival skills training from MacGyver...and it just got better from there. So now I am finally reviewing, something I should have done a long time ago, and this reading is as good as the first...
Author's Response: Ah, Louy, you warm my heart. You have no idea what it means to me to know that you've re-read this story so many times -- and that you're taking time to not only review, but to review each chapter. I am honored and I thank you. :) I'm anxious to get some things in my life in order so that I can start on the next story Abe is in... not really a "sequel" to this one because it deals with a different evil, but, well, it had a lot of the same players... I hope you enjoy it. I'm preparing with great anticipation to read your stories starting with Bearer of All Light. :) Slainte, Gaelic
Reviewer: Silvertayl (Signed) · Date: 03/01/08 06:00 PM · On: Epilogue
Hi GS I have just read Ramble On from beginning to end, for the first time, wow, I do love your style, I wish I had a quarter of the writing talent you have. Thanks for another great read. Silvertayl.
Author's Response: Wow -- thank you! I really appreciate you taking time to read this story and I am grateful for the compliments to my writing style. I hope that if you choose to read more, you enjoy those as well. Hope all is well! Slainte, GS
Reviewer: baumgartner (Signed) · Date: 01/01/08 03:19 PM · On: Epilogue
A really wonderful story!! I couldn't help reading from chapter 1 to the end without stopping. Good Work!! Looking forward the next story!
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I'm thrilled that you had to read it all. :) The next story I have planned, which will be called "In the Light" after the Zeppelin song, is going to bring back Abe from this story. If you read, I hope you enjoy. Thanks again for spending time with me! Gaelic
Reviewer: demonhunters08 (Signed) · Date: 31/12/07 08:25 PM · On: Chapter 2
love it keep it comin
Author's Response: Glad you're liking it -- it's finished, so if you continue to read, I hope you continue to enjoy. More stories on their way. Best, GS
Reviewer: demonhunters08 (Signed) · Date: 31/12/07 05:45 PM · On: Chapter 1
this is very thrilling to read! i gotta thank you for writing this
Author's Response: Hey! Thank YOU for reading. I could write my heart out and it would mean nothing were it not for readers, so thanks. :) I'm glad you're enjoying it. Gaelic
Reviewer: Kumaproogey (Signed) · Date: 29/12/07 02:27 PM · On: Epilogue
Great job interspersing past with the present. Great scenes! Great writing, you always say so much with so little. Your descriptions are incredible! You really nailed the relationship between the brothers – it's spot on!. Great angst – for both our boys – you definitely shared the angst. I loved loopy Dean & thinking Abe was John. Great addition w/ John going there & talking to Abe. It was a perfect ending! Genius!
Author's Response: Hi! Thanks so much for this! I was so pleased to see your review, and I appreciate your comments -- especially that I can say so much with so little. That's truly a compliment because I want you (readers) to "feel" and "see" what I feel and see when I write the story. I'm glad you enjoyed this and I hope you enjoy any others that you read. Thanks again! Gaelic
Reviewer: jane (Signed) · Date: 24/10/07 07:23 AM · On: Epilogue
Oh that was a lovely ending. Nothing like tying up the ends neatly and at the same time making you feel gutted to hell that John had missed the boys!! I totally adored the fist to john's stomach, that told heaps about his feelings for each of his sons and the sacrifice he knows they and he make. That he understands their relationship they have together, but its even more poignant when its highlighted by someone else. This chapter was like dark chocolate bitter and sweet. This was grand, and now I think i've read it all, so hurry hurry what else is in the pipeline?? Feed your reader she's hungry again. Thanks for sharing. Jane :)
Author's Response: This was the first time I wrote John in the present, and I chickened out of posting this when I first put this story up on ff.net, but I thought that here I'd give it a go. I'm so glad you liked this. I'm glad you liked the story! I really enjoyed writing it and it is such a rewarding experience to see that the telling of the story captivated you -- even if it was just for the moment you read. As I said a few reviews down, I am bringing Abe back in a story called "In the Light" -- I'll start that as soon as SJ and I finish "Sunday Bloody Sunday" (which, if all goes well, the next chapter will post by Friday of this week). "In the Light" will be set immediately after BUABS, and is being written for Nana56, who "bought" a story from me at the 2007 Kazcon Author's Auction. I thank you so much for your time and your comments, Jane. They are better than chocolate. Gaelic
Reviewer: jane (Signed) · Date: 24/10/07 07:05 AM · On: Chapter 8
Okay, that was was tight, close one. Icky green pus hmm so not good to have inside you. And so typically Dean hanging on for dear god to the pain he's suffering. Running Horse's sad recounting of his brother's life. And Dean, so unable to understand why RH didn't kill his brother when he knew it was going around killing his people. Hmm, he's yet to experience that little beauty. And funnily, he can't do it either when it comes down to it. Loved the pink impala comment, so indicative that Dean is back to being, Dean! Lots of open wounds prodded about there and definitely a better understanding of what makes them both tick, though Dean, as always has to pull down that cover when it gets to the emotional stuff. I love it when he's hurting and more unwittingly open about his feelings. Sam so touchy feely and yet when Dean does his emotional stuff, boy it knocks the absolute socks off of you. Ah, I see an epilogue, off to investigate... Jane :)
Author's Response: I totally agree. Dean emotion guts you while Sam emotion makes you rub your heart. At least, that's how it effects me. Can't keep it chick flicky for too long, y'know. :) GS
Reviewer: jane (Signed) · Date: 24/10/07 05:24 AM · On: Chapter 7
Oh boy don't rattle Sam's cage, he really is making his point in this chapter. Not taking anything from Dean at all and really letting him know how he felt about his dad not coming for them, but still not quite realising how much Dean needed his dad there. And letting, more importantly, Dean know that he needs him. I could cry for Dean. He puts so much on his own shoulders and berates himself, even when at deaths door, for not saving Sam and for breaking down and not realising that Abe was not his dad. Seeing that as a failure, its hard, he needed to think it was his dad, it got him through but he can't even give himself that one thing. God he needs a hug, and yes, I know, he wouldn't really want it, at least not on the surface. Interesting to see what they make of the Shaman and vice versa. Time for a cuppa methinks and a buttered hotcross bun. Yum! Jane :)
Author's Response: MMM... buttered hotcross buns... ::Gaelic wanders to the kitchen:: I told a friend as I was writing this part that I did so with a lump in my throat because I almost didn't want to have to show Dean the truth. But he'd find out eventually of course. It's just... sometimes you want something to be true so badly that you simpy make it so. I'm glad you enjoyed this as well. GS
Reviewer: jane (Signed) · Date: 24/10/07 04:42 AM · On: Chapter 6
I don't know where to start with this chapter, so darn much going on here. Okay, first off, stroppy Sam. He don't do it often but he's not to be tangled with when he does. The jovial boy was gone and the need-to-see his bro was firmly set in place. Hell or high water wasn't going to stop this pussycat. And then the memories. God, choked, hell that was a very powerful memory for Sam. His dad, smiling, joining them in something other than a hunt. Its really sad as well though, isn't it? That kind of stuff should be what a childhood is made of, not a one-off special moment, the demon sure took away more than these boys mom. Dean definitely is the glue that binds the family together. He's always trying to save the family but without him they'd be nothing. The flashbacks are good as they really build up a picture of Sam/Dean's relationship with their father, at least from Sam's pov. I'm really feeling anger from Sam in respect of his dad in this story. And then you go and whallop another flat liner on us!!! Arrgg! I'd say more but there is this pressing need to go onto the next chapter and see how corybantic poor Sam is and what the heck is going to happen to Dean. You just gotta save him. Jane :)
Author's Response: I was thinking when I wrote this chapter how sometimes it's hard to remember much of the good when there's so much bad in the past, but that there are times when light shines through on one moment and the moment is so much a part of you that you can close your eyes and go there in an instant. That's what that empty lot and basketball hoop in Philly was for me -- for these boys. I am glad you enjoyed the flashbacks. I wanted to try to show why they saw John the way that they did -- why they saw each other the way that they did, and fill in some holes for myself as well. Yeah, that was a bit of a mean ending, eh? Well, at least you read on! GS
Reviewer: jane (Signed) · Date: 23/10/07 06:26 PM · On: Chapter 5
That was a very emotional chapter. Abe has learnt so much about these boys in a very short time, from Dean's inferences and his tone more than any definite things he's said about his dad. I'm interested to find out what Staind sound like now as this has obviously inspired you with the story and now I'm dead curious. Then I'll head over to the next chapter. I feel sure there's going to be a lot of tlc and bandages needed in that one. Fixing up time I hope! jane :)
Author's Response: Staind is one of my favorites -- their lyrics get inside of you. If you check them out, I recommend all the songs in this story, of course, but also "Devil"... I think you might find that one appealing. I really enjoyed creating and writing Abe. I'm bringing him back in another story later. I enjoyed how he watched Dean and how he observed the brothers. How he wanted to tell the truth but knew what was needed for Dean to survive. Thanks for this review. Sniff. GS
Reviewer: jane (Signed) · Date: 23/10/07 05:50 PM · On: Chapter 4
GUH!! Dad!! You know how to twist the heart strings m'dear. Poor Dean, such a broken state to be in and worse still thinking that he hadn't got Sam out. And now, way too gone to know that a rescue :hopes:: is to hand. Lots of details about their respective relationships with Dad played out in the flashbacks. I'm still with Sam! So, 'brother' and 'leave' the two Wendingo's were brothers? You'd half think if thats the case that he'd have a little empathy for the two boys there on the ground. Nah, I know, he just did what Dean and Sam would do, fight back for one of his own lost. I feel quite sad for it now especially as it was still holding some of its human form. It must have been feeling pain too from the loss. Three lots of hurts going on there in that forest. Righto, it's late, but hells bells its the school hols so lets rock the boat and stay up late and read the next part; I can always lie-in tomorrow! Jane :)
Author's Response: This was one of my favorite chapters to write because of Dean's fight, Sam's rescueing of him, and the end moment when they just kinda... stopped. And you are seriously the first person to have suggested that the Wendigo may have empathy for the Winchesters as he/it still retained a bit of its humanity. Wow. That's just fantastic that you would go there. *SMILE* Thank you for your fantastic mind. GS
Reviewer: jane (Signed) · Date: 23/10/07 03:42 PM · On: Chapter 3
More love than he knew what to do with ::sigh:: such a declaration the kind that fills ya up. Sammy, so angry with his dad and Dean so forgiving. And whilst I understand both sides of these boys, I think I'm more on Sammy's side of thinking than Dean's. Sam definitely did open a box he didn't know how to deal with, but Dean was quick to close it back down again. But dad's training of them has kept them both alive, for now, though that Wendigo is starting to lick his lips and I'm not much sure what Dean is going to do, I doubt his aim is going to be on target in his current condition and short of standing on the barvois with Sam... its not looking very promising. Dying to know how they get out of this little predicament. More to read, but a cuppa tea needed first. Jane :)
Author's Response: *is giddy* Look at these reviews!! Wouldya look?! Did you stay up all night to read? It's so funny how you sided with Sam. I go back and forth all the time when I think about John. In life, I'm not sure who I would ultimately side with... I kinda suspect Dean as that is my nature, but I totally sympathize with Sam's view. At least... his view through my eyes. :) GS
Reviewer: Midge (Signed) · Date: 23/10/07 05:54 AM · On: Epilogue
Just wanted to tell you, that I love this story so much, I've printed it out (got it down to 86 pages with a bit of juggling of the formating!) so that I can keep it and reread it again and again curled up in bed. I am soooooo looking forward to meeting Abe and co again somewhere down the line.
Author's Response: Aw, Midge! Thanks so much! What a pleasant surprise first thing in the morning to get this comment. I love knowing that you re-read it. That put a huge smile on my face. Abe will be back soon. I have a few other writing committments to complete, but the story he's returning in is outlined, and as soon as I can, I'm going to start it. It will be called "In the Light" -- keeping with the Led Zeppelin tradition, dontcha know. ;) Thanks again and take care. Slainte, Gaelic
Reviewer: jane (Signed) · Date: 22/10/07 04:22 PM · On: Chapter 2
Ah soooo, the indian markings did mean something, I definitely didn't think along those lines though. So, if one piece was missing that means at some point it was complete and someone, or something, must have taken it off and allowed the two wendigos to roam freely and, as they boys reason for being there, eating up the population! Love retrospective Sam desperate to put some reasons behind his dad's behaviour and work out the relationship his brother appears to have had with dad. :shivering: to think that the wendigo is just waiting outside for the boys to leave, I can see him grabbing for the mayo already! And Dean, desperately trying to push back the darkness, as it beckons slowly, but surely. Jane ;)
Author's Response: *cough* mayo! *cough* Too funny. Since I "met" these boys and their father, I've tried to see the virtue in John... see him through his boys' eyes. And each time I tried, he was a different person for Sam then he was for Dean. So, rather than fight it, I decided to use it. I hope it comes across okay throughout this story. John is pivotal to their survival, in a way. The darkness is always waiting for Dean, isn't it? One way or another. *pets him* Thanks so much for reading and I look forward to the rest of your thoughts. Gaelic
Reviewer: jane (Signed) · Date: 22/10/07 03:07 PM · On: Chapter 1
Oh sh** indeed, what a place to leave it, but that has become second nature comment for me when reading your stories. Tease!! Cliffy Queen! At last I've gotten to this story, RL week/end motherinlaw broken hip all now sorted but phew, reading this with Sam and his broken bones was rather wincing there you know! All too real, too close to home, had my skin goosebumping, I hate broken bones at best of time, yak. This is pretty dire, Dean's not doing so good, and he needs to somehow conjure up enough energy to not only get Sammy out but without Big Bro/or Sis Wendigo getting to them first. The indian markings are interesting, I have a feeling that these will related even further in the story. I've foresaken the chocolate tonight for red wine, large glass of Merlot was order of the day. And it's just perfect to this fic as there appears to be a lot of the red stuff dripping from Dean, not that he in his concussed state has noticed - even more worrying - I just hope that Sam can get him cleaned up or they'll be two for an infection and also wake him up, very important that one or I suspect it will be a Winchester Sandwich for our Wendigo!! Heavens, I have to go read more, loving it! Jane ;)
Author's Response: Yay! It's you! I'm so happy to see you. I have to tell you that this is my favorite of the stories I've written. It's meant a lot to me (not that that means you have to like it or anything... *grin*). Red wine... mmm. Do not forsake the chocolate -- blend, woman, blend! Sorry to hear about the broken hip - I hope the mom-in-law is resting comfortably now. I've never actually broken a bone, but my husband, a eight-year goalie veteran, has. So, I had to ask him about how certain things might feel as Sam continues this journey with such a break. And our Dean... well, Sam is threatened. His arm could be off and he'd still try to protect. Hope you like the rest! Gaelic
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