Reviewer: BluewindFarm Signed
Date: 11 Jan 2013 08:01 am Title: Chapter 1
Another intriguing story within the Captain Cartwright series. I love how you’ve blended history within the folds of your creativity. I can’t wait to read what happens next. Just when I think I know what you might plan to have happen, you throw in a twist to keep me guessing. Your writings have left me craving more… Just like Oliver, “More Please?”
In all honesty, this is how it should have been within the television series, brief glimpses of Adam’s life away from the Ponderosa, a letter here or a letter there or maybe an episode or two. It just seems they forgot Adam existed, especially in the episode “The Grand Swing”, when only Hoss’ and Joe’s names were carved into the ‘witness tree’.
Author’s Response: I’m so glad you enjoyed this story, BluewindFarm, and the history is something I just so enjoy looking into, although this time it was a little bit difficult to wend it into the story, which is why I introduced the characters from The Fear Merchants into it. You know, I ‘accidently’ saw that bit in The Grand Slam at a friends house once, and waited for some mention to be made of Adam and there was just the two names and grrr I was so angry I swore not to watch any more eps that didn’t have PR in them, I thought that was so dismissive and unkind. I know there were a few references to him, but they were so few that people who didn’t know he had ever existed would never have realised who they were on about at all. So very pleased that you enjoy the series, there are two more already written which I shall post here next week. Thank you, BluewindFarm, you make me feel re-energised to get on with No. 9 now. Krystyna
The ending snuck up on me for this one! Was just reading along and all of a sudden ‘The End’ without expecting it … ?
I liked this story a lot. The major plot points were of course good, but I also liked the little ‘slice of life’ bits — just little paragraphs here and there — scattered throughout. Births, deaths, work, etc don’t stop for the larger dramas of life, and it was good to get a feel for that aspect of things as well as all the rest.
I found the China/pirate/politics bit quite interesting, and it flowed — a good read. I enjoyed seeing how several ships would work together (although that didn’t last long, did it?). It was a scary decision Adam made … but it did seem like that was the only real option … I also keep expecting to find the Little Bighorn in the papers at some point — it’s got to be coming soon …
What kind of craziness leads a person to bother the wife of a man the size of Hoss?? ? But I was glad to see his (Logan’s) shifting priorities toward the end, and that little glimpse of maybe why/how he became that way. You never know …
Ben is most in my thoughts here at the end. Of course he’s lonely. Of course he is. It’s amazing how easy it is to be lonely even surrounded by people who love you. He’s got no wife/close friend with whom to feel he has a steady, equal relationship, and he’s watching everyone else’s lives grow while his remains much the same. It’s not like he can even just pop into Roy’s office and have a cup of coffee — it’s a long way to go visiting. I hope he’s able to find some sense of peace and/or fulfillment in the coming stories.
As always, I very much enjoyed, and I look forward to the next tale. Thanks so much for writing!
Thank you, PSW. Sorry about the ending coming too soon but the next story picks up from this one right away….I am so glad you enjoyed it though. It has been quite fascinating to read up all the history of eventd that took place at this time involving China and America. Couldn’t see why our MIB couldn’t be involved in the mix…thank you for such an encouraging review.
Each of your stories brings a new adventure and a new facet to Adam. This one did not disappoint. The longing to be home, the marching on of time and life. The characters were all vibrant and kept one wondering what would happen next with them. Your descriptions of what different persons were doing at the same time was inspired writing; beautifully orchestrated. Adam did go through so much with Selkirk and Jiang Peng (a chilling portrayal of Peng, Adam handled him well). He had an angel in Hua Sheng, I’d love for them to meet again. Adam has a hard time seeing the good he does if it means a loss of even one life, but he’ll find the balance eventually, as he processes all he’s been through. I nearly wanted to cry from relief when Adam and Ben finally had their time together. I’m with Ben, Adam’s finally where he should be, and with Adam, he’s finally home with those he loves. Now what voice will he hear calling his name after he recovers? I know my choice.
So many thanks for such a heart warming review, AC1830. The next story finds Adam at home, not a boat in sight …so I do hope that you enjoy it and yes, I think you can guess whose voice he keeps hearing calling his name. I really am very touched by your continuing in reading the series, because the stories are so long and require some patience. But it really is thrilling for me, as the writer, to read such encouraging comments about them. Thank you so very much, AC1830.