Comment from RGstar

Exceptional

Bev. I have no words. I find no words to tell you how much I'm awed. Not just because of the chapter, but joy of knowing I have you as friend , for, my friend, I am proud and overjoyed to read such with the knowledge that I am a friend of the person that wrote this superb piece, as well as able to write this way.

Let this be a lesson to all who would attempt horror, thriller,suspense, all rolled into one. I pray this is read. Simply stunning.

Every heartbeat, with no exaggeration, was felt as you narrated through the darkness. Your control is impeccable.
Fine is the art of suspense and when it is delivered in one chapter as so to feel every sense to the fore, it takes a formidable writer indeed. You are such.

The imagination, fear, the solitude and the aura surrounding this is unmeasured, for how can one measure when it is not known what or how much is around the corner.

I am so happy for this gift could not belong to a nicer person. You are home within this genre. For me, even before the fireworks start(and I know they will) I safely say, with all things considered and what you have eked out of this chapter,it is, by far, with the exception of the 'Devil Dog, one of your best.
Fantastic writing, my friend...so proud of you. Who wouldn't be joyous of reading something this good?

This has to be a nominee for an award, after which there can be little to stop it.
Bravo.

Have a wonderful day. You are the complete writer.
Best wishes,
RGstar

 Comment Written 18-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 19-Jan-2016

What a beautiful review, RG. I am deeply honored by what you've expressed here. Thank you so very much for being willing to travel with me along this journey. It's so gratifying to be called a complete writer. And, coming from such an accomplished poet, high honor indeed.

Your support and generosity are so very much appreciated, my friend. I'll be smiling the rest of the day.

:) Bev

Comment from Selina Stambi

Excellent

Feeling emboldened like a mouse beyond the reach of the wolf, I wondered: If death stalked me, what face would it wear? ... fabulous concluding line.

Hello dear Bev,

Whenever I read one of your 'supernatural' writes, I find myself curious to know how much of it comes from your personal experience.

A fascinating read, my friend. Awaiting the next instalment!

Belated happy New Year. Here's to being published!

xxx

Love,

Sonali xx


back to town. But the old man waylaid my plans ... suggest: ...back to town(,) (b)ut the old man waylaid my plans ... OR ...back to town(.) (T)he old man waylaid my

"What part of me birthed these thoughts(?)" I wondered

 Comment Written 18-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 18-Jan-2016

Dear Sonali. Thank you for your wonderfully encouraging review. I can say that there are techniques I've picked over the years that have shows to me, without a doubt, there are other realms of existence. Other than that, you'll have to keep reading LoL.

Thanks, too, for the spag corrections. I really appreciate it all.

Hugs, Bev

reply by Selina Stambi on 18-Jan-2016

I'll keep reading. Hugs xx and smiles xx

Comment from Joan E.

Exceptional

The Elder's quote is a wonderful way to introduce this chapter! I liked the image of Senor Pasquale "floating rather than walking" and "slightly more active than pond scum" plus the "demonic Ferris wheel" were quite visual as well. Pasquale's transformation to a warrior was totally unexpected and breathtaking. Eagerly to be continued...

 Comment Written 18-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 18-Jan-2016

Hi, Joan. Thank you for this most gracious review. I am quite fascinated by the reputed ability of shamans to change form at will. The more I explore the world of particle physics, the more I think anything is possible!

I really appreciate your continued support and generosity.

Hugs, Bev

Comment from Mastery

Exceptional

Hi, Bev. Wow! Just Wow! I love your opening hook:

"Senor Pasquale moved like a hot knife through cold butter, and I was forced to set a faster pace."

Also the realistic images throughout, like these:

"My scream was reduced to a whoosh of expelled air as the creature grabbed my midsection, lifted me off my feet and flung me several feet further down the path. I stayed pinned to the ground for some minutes unable to escape what felt like a demonic Ferris wheel."

And: "Around me was a pregnant silence and, within, the steady thumping of my heart. I felt the sun on my skin, comprehending how its dual essence was both blessing and curse. Yet, it held the key to my existence. "What part of me birthed these thoughts," I wondered."

Simply Great! Bob

 Comment Written 18-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 18-Jan-2016

Hi, Bob. Thank you so much for this gracious review. I appreciate you sticking with this story given the time between posts. Honestly, this particular story seems to need more space than usual for the ideas to blossom. I don't plan too much in advance, and that makes the process a bit more erratic. Anyway, your insights and most kind words make it all worth the while.

XX Bev

reply by Mastery on 18-Jan-2016

And part of the reason it seems longer is whether you know it or not you are spending more time on detail and images. That is a GOOD THING! Bob

Comment from Adri7enne

Exceptional

I loved your quote from the Blackfoot Tribal Elder. There's a great truth in those words. Is it really a Blackfoot quote?

I am so impressed, I'm almost speachless. This is great stuff! Brilliant, even! If it continues in this vein, so full of wisdom and deep imagery, well, Bev. It's the best thing I've read in a long time! The messages are timeless, the writing style fascinates me, and the characters are memorable. Brilliant! Congratulations!

 Comment Written 18-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 18-Jan-2016

Hi, Adrienne. Thank you, my friend, for this so-gracious review. I really appreciate you hanging in there with me. I know the posts are erratic, but this story requires a more organic process than usual for me. Plus, I never plan much ahead LoL.

I pulled that quote from a wonderful book I bought several decades ago called Touch the Earth. The quote is attributed to Crowfoot who is a Blackfoot Indian. I thought it would be easier if I just said it was from a tribal elder, which that particular gentleman was. I've been fascinated by indigenous peoples for most of my adult life. Though I have a great-grandmother who was full-blood Indian, I think it has more to do with a past lifetime.

Thanks again, Adrienne!

:) Bev

reply by Adri7enne on 18-Jan-2016

This book has such a deep flavor. You do a male POV like a pro. It reminds me a bit of the Celestine prophecy, but only because of the Spanish American characters, and because of the wisdom I read in the story. It's totally original and kind of mind-blowing. And it flows like warm honey. I love it. I understand it might take a bit of time to put together a chapter of this quality. I'm in awe of this work!

reply by the author on 18-Jan-2016

I remember reading the Celestine prophecy. Boy that takes me back, Adrienne. And I can see the parallels.

You're words are music to my ears. Thanks so much!

:) Bev

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

Your left a great and eerie hook . I am wondering my self about the old Indian. I used up my last six a minute ago on Ben's post. His was good, but so is your's. DARN! I need more sixes.

 Comment Written 18-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 18-Jan-2016

Thanks so much, Barbara. I know how fast those sixes go! Great to hear from you.

:) Bev

Comment from judiverse

Exceptional

This is excellent, with so much atmosphere. Pasquale definitely has the upper hand. Although Morales is younger, he finds it difficult to keep up with the Shaman. Morales fears he will become lost, and he hears strange sounds and sees things (such as the jaguars). Pasquale also seems able to change his shape and his voice. His intention seems to be to instill fear. It will be interesting to see if Morales is able to rise above his own fears and not be manipulated by Pasquale. Excellent characterization. judi

 Comment Written 18-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 18-Jan-2016

Judi, thank you very much for this gracious review. Yes, we will see how Doctor Morales' fears play out on a stage
not of his own making.

:) Bev

reply by judiverse on 18-Jan-2016

You're welcome. Pasquale is really keeping Morales off-balance. It should be quite a struggle. judi

Comment from boxergirl

Exceptional

Glad I had a six for this, Bev. You are so good at captivating your readers and putting us right there in the dry river bed...so intense...and then Pasquale comes to the rescue and we are beginning to appreciate his role in this story. Moralis is going to learn a lot from him, I hope. 8-)

 Comment Written 18-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 18-Jan-2016

Thanks so very much, BG. I really appreciate you giving me one of those precious sixes for this post. I'm honored by both your generosity and encouragement.

The good doctor is a very stubborn man. It's really up in the air if he will stick with his ingrained notions.

:) Bev

Comment from Ulla

Exceptional

Hi Bev, this is just so beautifully written and the impact on the reader is immense. At least it was on me. You are a very talented writer being able to convey the imagery to your reader and actually make the reader believe in the characters you portray. An applause. Ulla:))

 Comment Written 18-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 18-Jan-2016

Hi, Ulla. Thank you for this really gracious review. I so appreciate your kind comments and encouragement. I feel a kinship with Doctor Morales. I'm a very stubborn person when it comes to accepting change. Especially when it's done in a questionable manner. So, we'll see if the good doctor will find his way through the Shaman's maze.

:) Bev

Comment from William Ross

Excellent

This is great, I'm jumping in here on the story, but i find the write very good. the story of what i read is great, i hope to continue reading more. great job on this.

 Comment Written 18-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 18-Jan-2016

Hi, William. Thank you for choosing to read my post. I appreciate the support and encouragement of your insights very much!

:) Bev