rate_review Reviews

I would love to see if Ed gets off or not. Personally I think it would be best if Ed stayed in prison but hey, whatever. But you probably won't write an epologue or a sequel, which is probably why you ended where you did.

Even though it's horrible to say, I'm glad it's over too. I don't think I could have taken much more. I'm sorry for the delayed reviews. As I've said before, my internet use is limited. So, with that said...

I really enjoyed the outlook on the new Al, especially with Ed's actions. I understand that Ed's mind has been fucked up and the last bewilderment scene could'nt have been better. I hated that Mustang was going to try something with Al too and Al only seem slightly embarassed. Was Al ONLY embarassed, or was he scared? Was he not scared because his brother had touched him before? I'd hate to think so. Maybe I'm overanalyzing, but I hope that Al is okay as time passes. What horrible things my brain thinks of! I really hope Ed is courageous enough and in my mind he will be. So, yey, happy ending for me!! I hate that's it over the same time that I'm happy it is. If that makes sense. I love your descriptions of Ed during his tale and Riza's reaction, it made the story all the better.

I love you. I really, really do. Not only for your outstanding courage and conviction, but your truthfulness and will to move on. You're SO talented and I hope that you recognize this. You had me hooked from the first chapter and in every chapter you had me either A) crying or B)sick to my stomach. One time I actually threw up. Just so you know, I am so proud to have followed this whole story and see what happened from beginning to end. I'm so glad that Riza was there for Ed at the end, that you were so descriptive, and that you ended it the way you did. It gives others hope. If I could nominate you for an award, I would. I haven't yet the courage or anything to write something like this, but I hope to follow this example one day with a story similar to help even more people know about the abuse going on in the world. It probably won't be in the same category, might not even be a yaoi, maybe it will be. I would just like to write about this as well one day.

Anyshoes, I just want you to know that you've inspired a lot and that I'm thankful for your dedication in finishing this.

lovelovelovelovelove,
stupefied-narutard

It's a good epilogue, hopeful but not unrealistic. I was actually kind of incredulous when Riza was outraged at the beginning of Ed's story, kind of incredulous at the whole idea that such awful abuse could be happening and someone like Riza, close to both the victim and the abuser could be so unaware. Somehow, I thought that when a person claimed to have been abused and displayed any possible outward signs of it such as agression or fear towards a particular person, they'd automatically be believed but I really admire how your story as always sticks to reality.

I'd listened to the song "The Sound of Silence" before but I'd never really listened to the lyrics properly so I hadn't realised how atmospheric and meaningful they were especially in an abuse context. Thank you for including them and thank you so much for writing such a wonderful story even though it was hard for you.

reading this story definately rattled some skeletons in my closet and brought to mind memories i would rather have stayed forgotten. in fact, this, and a conversation with a friend, inspired me to write a (poorly written) blog about my childhood, but it doesn't cover it all... my blog was just what i could type in a blind rush. i wrote a fic similar to this to help myself heal. it worked. unlike ed, i tried to adults. i had a hard time reading this fic, yet i was hard pressed to turn away. i applaud you.

This story is so powerful because it comes from the heart. I'm glad you wrote it, and i'm glad you posted it. It's a beautiful ending full of hope for Ed and Al, and know that Ed will make right the decision, for himself... and for Al. Because it's for Al, and Ed will always do what he feels he needs to for Al.

btw, Hawkeye's "I believe you" is such a strong line, cutting thru the tears and the ending of Ed's tale. It's so right and so perfect at that moment. I think that if i had sat down and read this story cold in one sitting i would have cried at that point, hell, i was teary reading it tonight.

Thank you for writing this story. *hug*

review chp 14

first, i want to both thank and praise you for being brave enough to write this story. abuse is a hard topic, especially when its close to home. my own abuse wasn't sexual, nor was it by a trusted "mentor" or authority figure in my life, but it was by someone i loved dearly and it damaged me more than anyone knew at the time. even our own roommate didn't see what my husband was doing to me until it was too late, or if he did, he never said anything about it. like you, though, i put it down on paper (or on digital, if you will) and i found some measure of release. i hope you did as well.

second, your handling of the whole story was masterful. the whole was appropriately descriptive without going overboard and you characterized so very well. even as dark, depressing and disheartening as this story was, it was still wonderful to read. (i think that was a bit of an oxymoron, though) this epilogue chapter also rounded out things very very well. riza's reactions were, i belive, perfect. this is one of the best pieces of writing that it has ever been my honor to read.

thank you so much for the experience.

Almost feels that this is not an end but a type of beginning. It was one interesting sad well written and plotted ride. Glad I got to take it with you but some days I had to make myself read the updates. I almost seemed to know what was coming. I think people who have never known abuse need at times to read or see what abuse can be to try to understand it. Unless you understand it it can be hard to have empathy. Sorry abuse touched your life. Hope you are alright. It has touched my life also. At least Riza now has an understanding and Ed has an important ally. Ed is so famous that I think most people will know that something really awful must have happened for Ed to have killed Roy. Roy did not always have the best reputation. There has to be other children (possibly now adults/teens) who were victimized by Roy. You did a good job on a story with a difficult subject. You kept it from being salacious (spelling?). That is why I think you are one of my favorite writers. Hopefully people in the FMA world will understand. Hope people out here have more of an understanding also. Well done.

u did it. u finished the story and im proud of you. thanks for posting it, you definitly put somethin different out there.

That was really, really amazing. Hard to make myself read all the way through, but amazing.

Thank you for sharing this with us.
The story has touched me deeply and I wish you only the very best on your road to rise above the shadows of abuse.