Reviewer: ashon13 (Signed) · Date: 30/01/09 08:19 PM · On: Saturday: Envy
Jeez! That part about Sam being slammed into the rake...was horrifying! I think I even gasped! That's just...brutal! ;P
Reviewer: 0kieD0kie (Signed) · Date: 21/11/08 10:22 PM · On: Monday: Pride
This story is absolutely AMAZING! I have had my eyes glued ever since I started reading. You guys are awsome writers!!!
Reviewer: rahne (Signed) · Date: 27/09/08 04:22 AM · On: Benediction
Wow! Just read the whole piece in one sitting. This is definitely your best. Not even many nits to pick (then and than are not interchangeable, and lien is the word you wanted, not lean). just trying to get my thoughts in some kind of order.
I can tell you really love these boys, but no question Dean is your real hero. Thank you for the insightful understanding of what makes him who and what he is. You help me put into words and actions my own beliefs about courage and "moral values", which have little to do with the rigid and anti- human rules and morality of the so called religious right. I'm afraid that many would read this and not see why the avenging angel was the villian of the piece!
I also love the truth behind Dean's absolute faith and belief in Sam, rather than in some culturally determined concept of "GOD". In his lectures Joseph Campbell often spoke of a Hindu friend who taught people to worship and believe in whatever they felt they could love most in their lives, and they would be able to touch the same transcendence that others called God. It is the selflessness of the love that opens the heart, not it's object.
What I most want to praise, however, is the way this story has helped me to clarify and organize my objections to the standard Sunday school idea of God and angels versus "The Devil" and demons. I have never understood how and why people cast the monotheist god as all good, all knowing, and all powerful, as well as providential. If you make that assumption, then you believe that God caused 150,000 innocent people to die in the Indian Ocean tsunamis, or at least allowed it purposefully. Why? Because He has mysterious ways? Because they weren't Christians and are doomed to Hell anyway? Or, what about the "righteous" who believe it their duty to kill the "heathen" and the unbelievers because God wouldn't ask anything that wasn't good and proper. How can anyone worship a "god" like that? To do so you must ignore your own innate moral sense, and obey out of fear, not love. (Of course, if we are all inherently fallen, we don't have a moral sense, according to this school of thought. Only revelation tells us right from wrong, and stoning sinners is our duty. Sigh
.) What makes us uniquely human is our ability to encompass both light and darkness, and see them as simply opposites, not intrinsically good or evil. Ethics, as the pagans knew, are a purely human concern. Power is neither all good or all evil. It simply is.
Is there a sacred, life affirming dimension to the universe? Yes. Can we tap into it on occasion? Maybe even make a "miracle?" Yes. Is the "god" of the Bible or the Koran, the creator of that universe? The petty, jealous little tyrant of the literalists? NO! And the idea of every little moment of every life being micro-managed by some all powerful being as part of the Master plan? How sick is that? If true, I'd be leading the resistance! Nature works on the level of species and eco-systems, not individuals. To expect the universe to tell you what to do, to protect you from every chance, to "save" you in return for the right behavior and sacrifices, is the thinking of a child, not a morally responsible adult. (I love how we have to be "saved" by the same religions that created the "fall" in the first place.) Sorry, this is getting to be as long as one of your chapters!
Once again, thank you for reaffirming my faith in a more enlightened definition of good and evil, courage and sacrifice, love and honor. That these characters embody that in all their human frailty is why I love them, and the Supernatural family. Keep writing, and I'll keep reading.
Author's Response: Thanks so much for taking time to read and offer us a review. It's flattering that you feel this is one of the best in the collection of stories I've posted her -- especially because I had the opportunity to write this with a good friend of mine, Sojourner84. We split each chapter into sections, so you see a bit of both of us throughout the whole story. As for people recognizing a fallen angel as the bad guy, we felt that would be a unique twist, but not wholly un-done. We envisioned a... Constantine meets Se7en, Supernatural-style. :) As women of faith, both SJ and I felt the impact of an angel, rather than a devil, having challenged the boys this time would be greater. I thank you for sharing your point-of-view with us. It's always great to know when your writing has resonated so greatly with a reader. I hope you continue to read more, however, I feel I must tell you that we're no longer posting new stories here -- what you see is what there is on this site; all newer stories are posted on fanfic.net or my LiveJournal. Thanks! Gaelic and SJ
Reviewer: Crash and Burn (Signed) · Date: 19/09/08 06:18 PM · On: Benediction
I loved this story, and it fit into the show so easily!!! I sooo got to read the next story you guys may or may not be planning... :)
Author's Response: Thanks, Crash!! :) I'm happy you felt that way. It was a great experience to write. SJ and I don't have another joint story on deck -- although (and I think you knew this) we did write an episode in the VS Season 3, called "Devil Inside." I have some more stories coming up, though I'm not posting here any longer, and I know SJ has a story she's planning that sounds fantastic. I can't wait to read it! Thanks again! Best to you, Gaelic
Reviewer: mtee (Signed) · Date: 04/04/08 02:39 PM · On: Monday: Pride
Well, I don't know how I missed this before. First off, you two writing together is a thing of beauty! re-write the phone book - I'm there! This was so intense. The Dean whump was fabulous. The angst was almost unbearable. I had to mentally shake myself to get out of the funk I was sliding in. I got so engrossed, I could feel the weight of Dean's deal/his burdens getting me down. You know that's great stuff when you can "feel" the emotion. Keep up the duet of words. Thank you thank you thank you. I'm glad there was light at the end -- something for the boys to grab onto.
Author's Response: Hey!! Welcome! And thank you!! We're thrilled you're reading. SO fantastic that you could feel the emotion we were giving to the characters. SJ really liked your "duet of words" comment. Thanks for that! Hope you continue to enjoy, and best to you! Gaelic (and SJ)
Reviewer: Gumnut (Signed) · Date: 31/03/08 03:05 AM · On: Benediction
Oh, crap, it is me again. I forgot to mention the bit I was amazed by most. I loved the concept of an evil angel. For all of SPN's discussion of Hell, they've made little reference to its opposing force and I thought you did great with your fallen one. That and I also loved the way you put the story together with all the victims linked and our boys failing just about every time. It's good to see the plot difficult and not so easy to solve...not that they don't have that happen quite often, but I felt this story had a particular difficulty for them. And so it should - how the hell do you euthanise an angel? So thanks for the ride and sorry I did this in two parts - it's been a couple days since I read it and this is the first quiet moment I've had to write a review. Oh, and I nearly forgot the video! Great stuff, Sojourner. I loved how you put together scenes that had just enough info to illustrate the story, but not distract by referring to the actual series and I loved the scenes you constructed from outside the show. Excellent work! And now I must go...the quiet moment has ended ::sigh:: Nutty
(off to be mum again)
Author's Response: Thanks for that -- we talked a lot about that when we plotted the story. We really wanted to try for a unique spin to the standard baddie. And the victims being tied together took some planning via notecards and bulletin boards. Hee. Virtually, of course. Wasn't SJ's vid AWESOME! I listened to "Evil Angel" over and over while writing this fic. Just so you know, Mysti at zines@agentswithstyle.com is going to be printing this story in a zine. I'll send out an email when I know more... just in case there are some who may want to have a printed version... Slainte.
Reviewer: Gumnut (Signed) · Date: 31/03/08 02:45 AM · On: Benediction
Far out! This story knocked my socks off. Here I was seeking to get back into SPN fanfic and it suddenly occurred to me that I had the perfect author to go and enjoy. So I wanders over to see what you've been writing, you prolific person you, and what do I find but this wonderfully long, plot filled, exciting story. You guys have done a fantastic job :D I enjoyed it from end to end and mourned it when I ran out of fic. Thanks so much for writing this. I enjoyed it thoroughly and now I just want more :D Nutty
(pottering around in SPN fandom again after being interrupted by pregnancy)
Author's Response: YAY!!! It's NUTTY!! I'm so happy to see you back. For two reasons -- because your reviews give me that warm glow I've come to crave and it means that you've gotten that rare pocket of peace sometimes granted to new moms. Thank you so much for reading and taking time to review. Both SJ and I are so glad you enjoyed it!! Best to you always, Gaelic
Reviewer: BElanna (Signed) · Date: 26/02/08 12:22 AM · On: Benediction
I just wanted to say that both the story and the video was fantastic.... you captured the essence behind supernatural (tho you both do so in many of your other stories). I like the exploration of faith and the idea/suggestion that god healed the boys because sometimes you wonder that if hell does exist then heaven must exist as well... the idea of heaven isn't really explored to well in the show. thank you for a good no great read :)
Author's Response: BElanna (love the name, by the way) -- thanks so much for this. You took from the story what we'd hoped readers would -- that there is hope for heaven even in the certainty of hell. Thanks so much for reading and taking time to review. We both appreciate it. Best, GS and SJ
Reviewer: Deanwinchesterfan1985 (Signed) · Date: 21/02/08 10:23 AM · On: Benediction
Really enjoyed this story it was a fun ride to take with the boys. The fallen angel thing really caught me off guard, I thought for sure it would be a demon. Just goes to show that sometimes even the good guys fall. I loved how Dean said Sam was his faith as well, and Sam knowing that he was the one who had pulled Dean back from the brink. Great story, I'll have to go back and read it again.
Author's Response: Hi! Thanks so much for reading and taking time to review. We're so pleased you enjoyed this. And you're right, we wanted to show that even angels fall -- but all can be redeemed if you have faith. Plus, we just love writing these boys. :) Best, GS and SJ
Reviewer: Sensue (Signed) · Date: 17/02/08 06:39 PM · On: Benediction
FYI - Your story has been nominated at Supernatural Fanfiction Awards - People's Choice Awards. Feel Free to Pick up a "vote for me" button and link back to the voting page to increase your votes. Congratulations.
Sensue http://sensue.net/snfa/
Author's Response: Thanks, Lady! We'll certainly do so. Appreciate the heads up. Best to you always, Gaelic and SJ
Reviewer: jane (Signed) · Date: 04/02/08 02:49 PM · On: Benediction
Ah yes, me too, thinking of you and yours when I saw the match was on the telly and what a good score you took them to the cleaners! I've found the new fic and am muchly happy, will be onto that one tonight. Another adventure to look forward to, can't wait. Jane :)
Reviewer: jane (Signed) · Date: 03/02/08 06:33 AM · On: Benediction
Oh I have just done the most contented sigh ever. What a grand ending, on the impala looking up at the stars and two positive young men, with, if not a game plan, but definitely with hope for the not so far off future. The end of the hunt was overwhelming to read, the relief that they were both still alive flowed over me through your words, leaving a vibrating warmth - like coming out of a cold room into the sunshine. And in the aftermath, Dean reconcilling all that had happened, that Sam had faith and their faith in each other it was all just so delicious. That hint of something up there actually giving a dam was very comforting. And you couldn't give them peace, nah, throw them back into another hunt, LOL. Great switch with the mother btw. Can they go see Uncle Bobby now and have a wee holibob?? Girls, I truly enjoyed this epic fic and thank you both for sharing. I've not looked at the video yet, it's taken me this long with RL to find a quiet moment to enjoy the end without any interruptions. RL sucks sometimes *g. But, hey, it's earmarked after the ironing! Cuppa tea, a slice of sticky toffee pudding (with cream, naturally) and the vid! Perfection, huh. Take care, Jane :)
Author's Response: Jane! I was just thinking about you today. Fulham played Aston Villa this morning (for us) and the hubby had to set the recorder. I know it wasn't your Chelsea, but it still made me think of you. Thanks so much for this lovely review and for sticking with us to the end. I agree -- RL does suck out loud often, but when we're gifted with pockets of time to indulge our guilty pleasures, it makes the hard stuff a little more bearable, yeah? Both SJ and I are pleased you felt the peace at the end -- and you're right, we couldn't let them get away with too easy of an end... only now I hope they do get some rest. No rest for us -- SJ is flowing right into writing for the VS Season 3 (she and I have one co-write before I bow out) and I have a new fic started. If we get to see you, we will be overjoyed. In the meantime, enjoy the toffee pudding (with cream). I'm sipping on a glass of red and watching some other boys run up and down the pitch. :) Slainte, Gaelic (and SJ)
Reviewer: downbythebay (Signed) · Date: 31/01/08 07:40 PM · On: Benediction
A wonderful story!
Author's Response: Thank you so much! We're really glad you liked it. *grin* GS and SJ
Reviewer: ciel4 (Signed) · Date: 24/01/08 12:28 AM · On: Benediction
You know, I love it when writers really get it... that the real story of Supernatural is not demonic power, but the power of the relationship between Sam and Dean. And you two wonderful ladies really, really GET it. This story had such intricate and detailed plotting, a fantastic job on "Bob", but your plotting on the emotional trials of the brothers is the real treasure of this tale. Fantastically done. I couldn't access the video for some unknown reason, but I really appreciate the thought. Thank you again for such quality entertainment ... and see you again soon??!
Author's Response: Ciel -- so good to hear from you!! You probably couldn't access the vid because I'm an idiot. I accidentally deleted a character when I posted it, and because the site currently won't let me in to edit, I can't fix it yet. Here's the link if you're still interested: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZYyRK77dPk Thank you for your kind words -- to know that you feel we "get it" is truly a high compliment. We greatly appreciate the time you've spent with us throughout this story and all of your fantastic reviews. :) You'll see us again soon -- together in a VS episode mid-March, and seperately as time allows. I should have another multi-chapter fic posting here in the next couple of weeks, depending on beta schedule. :) SJ will be continuing on to write for the VS this season. Thanks again! GS and SJ
Reviewer: POOKEE (Signed) · Date: 23/01/08 07:41 PM · On: Benediction
GAELIC & SOJOURNER, SIMPLY A MAJESTIC PIECE OF WORK! AGAIN, EVERY WORD IN THIS CHAPTER CHOSEN FOR A REASON. WHERE DO I BEGIN? JUST A SIMPLE PHRASE AS "DEAN STUMBLED" SPEAKS VOLUMES. WE ALL STUMBLE AT SOME POINT IN OUR LIVES AND GOD IS THERE (IF WE LISTEN) TO HELP US UP. THE LORD STUMBLED ON HIS WAY TO CALVERY AND WAS HELPED BY A BELIEVER. THE STORY SO SIMPLY YET INTENSLY EXAMINES THE GROWTH AND HEALING PROCESS OF DEAN'S FAITH: HIS NEED TO BE CLOSE TO HIS FAITH...SAM! HIS NEED TO PHYSICALLY FEEL HIS FAITH...SAM! HIS NEED TO HEAR THE SOUNDS OF HIS FAITH...SAM! AS ONE OF FAITH, I BELIEVE GOD WILL PROVIDE EVEN IN THE SMALLEST OF WAYS...THE SIMPLE UTTERANCE BY DEAN THAT THEY WOULD GET NEW WEAPONS....SOMEWHERE - IS THEN ANSWERED LATER WITH THE GIFT OF THE KATANA. SAM SEEMS TO BE SPIRITUALLY HEALING AS WELL AS DEAN THROUGHOUT THIS CHAPTER. HIS REFLECTION OF HIS OWN PRAYER GOING FROM DID TO DO. THE IMAGERY OF DEAN HAVING NO OPEN WOUNDS SO POIGNANTLY SUGGEST HIS SPIRITUAL HEALING AT WORK, HIS UTTERANCE OF "IT COULD HAVE BEEN GOD" "I ALWAYS WANTED TO BELIEVE"... HEALING. DEAN SEES SAM AS HIS SAVIOR AND THE HEALING PROCESS CONTINUES THRU SAM HIS ROCK OF FAITH. DEAN CAN BELIVE IN GOD WITHOUT SEEING GOD BUT HE SEES SAM. BOTH BROTHERS COME FULL CIRCLE REALIZING THEY ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS FIGHT, THERE IS A GUARDIAN FOR THEM, STANDING BY THEM ON A HIGHER PLAIN GIVING THEM HOPE AND THUS CLARITY OF FAITH. THROUGH THIS STORY DEAN HAS STUMBLED BUT HIS SOUL IS NOT LOST, HE CAN BEGIN TO REBUILD HIS OWN TRUE FAITH...TO BEGIN HIS ASCENT FROM HELL. A SECOND CHANCE, A GIFT FROM GOD...A BENEDICTION TO A GUARDIAN, A WARRIOR READY TO ALWAYS SACRIFICE. THE BROTHERS HAVE TRULY BE SHOWN MERCY AND ARE INDEED BLESSED. I GIVE TO BOTH OF YOU MY HEARTFELT THANKS. YOUR WORDS HAVE TRULY INSPIRED ME TO ASSESS MY OWN FAITH AND WALK FORWARD HOPEFULLY A BETTER PERSON. GOD BLESS AND KEEP BOTH OF YOU. POOK
Author's Response: Pook -- this is a phenominal review. You brought tears to my eyes. Than you for seeing the story through our eyes. When you got the connection with the katana I had chills. One verse from my childhood in Sunday School sticks to the flypaper in my brain: "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." To attempt to write a supernaturally-based story and imbue it with true faith was an undertaking SJ and I really wanted to attempt, but didn't know if we could pull off. We had no idea, either, how doing so would affect each of us along the way. To see that this story has touched you like this gives me the reassurance needed that we did something right. Thank you for spending time with us, for your reviews, for your words, and for having faith. :) Best always, Gaelic and SJ
Reviewer: star76 (Signed) · Date: 22/01/08 08:15 PM · On: Benediction
Hey Ladies!
Ok, so I've had time to read it again. I always read each chapter at least twice before I can get any coherent thoughts together for a review. The first time I read it I am always too full of the images and emotions of the story.
Having said that, I stil couldn't come up with too much to say this time. Apart from the fact that, as with the other seven before it, this chapter was amazing - as usual from you guys. But, here are a couple of the other coherent thoughts I came up with!!
- Butch & Sundance, I'm with Dean you never actually saw them die so maybe, just maybe, they made it out of there alive!
- "So, I've lost some blood. I'll make more." That is just typical Dean, as was Sammys reply, "Between here and Kansas Dean?". Loved it.
- "Maybe it's so someone sees me, even after I'm gone." Oh Dean. That definitely pulled at the heart strings.
Yay, Sam's strengthened resolve that he is going to save Dean. Go Sam, save Dean for us!
What a great conclusion to a fantastic story. It was a rollercoaster ride from beginning to end and I am sad it is over. Can I go back to the end of the queue to do it again please?!!
Thanks for your hard work, take care
Stella
Author's Response: Hey Stella!! Thanks so much for taking time for multiple reviews! That's so great of you. Thanks for calling out the lines that caught you. Always love to see that. I'm glad you liked the stars thing. I've always been fascinated by the idea that often times the light we see is from stars that died before we were born. Kind of a hopeful thought. Best to you always, GS and SJ
Reviewer: Oceane (Signed) · Date: 21/01/08 09:23 PM · On: Benediction
The finale blew me away. Only one week passed but for DEan and Sam it was a journey, knowing more about themselves and confronting their fears. Thank you Gaelicspirit and Sojourney for this amazing, riveting story, both of you're brilliant authors. Big thanks for the additional treats, the cover book is awesome and you did a terrific work with the video.
Author's Response: Oceane -- thanks so much for reading and for letting us know you enjoyed it! It was a long week for the boys, wasn't it? SO glad you liked the book cover (nods to Kira) and the vid (claps for SJ). Hope to see you again soon! GS and SJ
Reviewer: mymuseandi (Signed) · Date: 21/01/08 07:51 PM · On: Benediction
Oh, this story is finished!! It's bittersweet...on one hand i wanted the story to end, and the other i wanted the story to continue on! And i have to say you handled the ending really beautifully....just the right amout of "happy ending" but not too happy because it wouldn't really be believable to the whole storyline.... And i truly believe that Sam would save Dean...no matter what.... A suggestion though...maybe the previous chapter needs a kleenex warning...LOL
Author's Response: Awww... *hands muse a hankie* sorry about that!! :) Sorta. Thanks so much for reading and for this great review. I know what you mean -- endings are hard. They're heard to read, to watch, to write. Even when you know it has to close at some point... you just don't want it to go away. The great thing is that with fanfic we can continue on, right? Ditto on Sam saving Dean. :) And visa versa. Thanks again for spending time with us. GS and SJ
Reviewer: IrishTwilight (Signed) · Date: 21/01/08 05:37 PM · On: Benediction
there are no words to express how awesome this story is. I actually cried. You made all their emotions so real and the complex storyline was executed perfectly. You had it all: the jokes, allusions, music, anger, frustration, love, loyalty, . . . and faith. wow.
Author's Response: Thank you for this. To know that you cried is, as odd as it sounds, so rewarding to hear. Means we did something right. ;) Thank you for reading, for spending time with us, for letting us know how our words affected you. We're so glad you enjoyed this. Best always, GS and SJ
Reviewer: Soennelchen (Signed) · Date: 21/01/08 10:52 AM · On: Benediction
Outstanding! You two took us on an amazing journey! So many wonderful moments that I loved to read in these long and juicy chapters. It was an emotional ride all along. Thank you for sharing this with us and all your great work!
Author's Response: Thank YOU for reading! I'm glad you felt the ride was as emotional as we hoped for it to be. We're both so glad you enjoyed the journey. Hope to see you again sometime, until then, thanks for spending time with us! Best always, GS and SJ
Reviewer: darkhunter (Signed) · Date: 21/01/08 05:59 AM · On: Benediction
this has been a fantastic fic from start to finish. outstanding well done girls.
Author's Response: Thank you! We're thrilled you enjoyed it -- thanks for taking time to leave a review. Always enjoyed, always needed. Gaelic and SJ
Reviewer: Huntergal (Signed) · Date: 20/01/08 05:42 PM · On: Benediction
Benediction – what a perfect title with its dual meaning – a blessing and giving praise. Both boys’ discussion about what Dean’s healing was about – could it mean that there is a higher power, something that may save them both? Of course, Sam still has more faith than Dean, believes that Dean’s healing was a blessing. I just loved the “Butch and Sundance” reference – only Dean would think that because we didn’t see them die, that perhaps they didn’t die. Dean believes in what he can see – including the goodness of his brother – his faith, his hope. I like that Dean comes to believe that perhaps he does have a second chance, that there is hope that Sam will find a way to save him from his deal. Apparently there’s no rest for the wicked ;), because our boys are off to fight a demon before they’ve even had time to recover after “playing Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman” - love the shout out to “Se7en”. Poor Dean can never catch a break – the demon taunts and tortures him – but the boys win over evil once again. I liked that when Dean was looking at the stars’ light, he thought that perhaps the good he’s done will live after him like the light of long dead stars. And it renews his faith to keep on fighting the good fight for how ever long he has. Well, ladies, it was one helluva ride! This story was amazing – it had it all – angst, hurt, fear, brotherly love, banter, and some really deep discussions of faith and hope that give us more insight into the boys. You both have done a tremendous job with co-writing and putting this all together into one of the best stories I’ve read. I watched SJ’s video – very well done. Thank you for sharing this phenomenal story with us. I’ll be looking forward to future stories from both of you. Until next time…
Author's Response: Ach, Irish, there you are. I was so hoping we'd see you here at the end! Thank you so much for calling out the parts you enjoyed. That really makes us grin! Dean and his movies, the boys and their faith, and musing about the constancy of starlight... *claps* just love that you enjoyed all of that! SJ's video was fantastic.:) SO glad you enjoyed that. As I said below... somewhere... we're be co-writing a story for the VS Season 3 that will air mid-March and then SJ will be continuing on with that team while I will be off to explore some solo fanfic. :) If you read, we both truly hope you enjoy as we've enjoyed hearing from you. Your reviews are always so thoughtful and well-put. It's a true joy to receive them. Slainte, Gaelic and SJ
Reviewer: fredo (Signed) · Date: 20/01/08 11:51 AM · On: Benediction
thank you girls for this terrific story.
Author's Response: Thank YOU for reading. Writing would mean nothing if there weren't those like you out there reading and letting us know. Glad you enjoyed. :) Best always, GS and SJ
Reviewer: fredo (Signed) · Date: 20/01/08 11:22 AM · On: Sunday: Wrath
outstanding.
Author's Response: Thank you!
Reviewer: fredo (Signed) · Date: 20/01/08 08:40 AM · On: Saturday: Envy
and again, wow. Intense, clever, and, "wireless pirate whore", funny...
Author's Response: hee -- multiple wow's... *grin* And the wireless pirate whore was all SJ... seems she's had some *cough* experience there. *whistles innocently* Thanks again for reading! GS and SJ
|
