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495 Public Reviews Given
497 Total Reviews Given
Public Reviews
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76
76
Review of Earning It All  Open in new Window.
In affiliation with The Rockin' Reviewers  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (4.5)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for Joy Author Icon of House Florent.

What I like here:
First and foremost for keeping me hooked over its length this story deserves special brownie points. I am really numb with the amount of reviewing which I have done over the last few days but still from head to toe this story had a strong core of suspense which kept my eyes scanning one sentence after another searching for clues which would lead me faster to the climax of the story; but it didn’t help and the climax only appeared when you wanted it to. Brilliant storytelling again, throwing in curious events which seemed totally unrelated at first only for them to assume significance by truck loads by the end of the story. Amazing! *Thumbsup*

I also liked the portrayal of Janice, the main character of the story, and her principles and morals surely shine through to me. I could imagine a fierce willed, grounded and honest lady who had what it took to achieve her goals without compromising on her morals.

Question:
This question is much more for my benefit than yours – sorry for that selfishness *Laugh* – but I wanted to ask you that when you named the lawyer in the story “Sorkins” was it well thought out or just a plain co-incidence that it had a good recall value. For example, a common sounding name might not have stuck with Janice and hence might have felt like unconvincing if she were to remember that name. So, did you consider this point before naming the character or am I reading too much between the lines?

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
The last line of the story shines out to me because it so perfectly envelops the story along with the title. Also, the message of morals which you manage to pass on in this story without actually preaching them is something I liked. It is not easy doing that, after all.

*Star* Thanks for sharing your work, dear.

Thanks,
Nishank
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77
77
Review of For Baby’s Sake  Open in new Window.
In affiliation with The Rockin' Reviewers  Open in new Window.
Rated: ASR | N/A (Review only item.)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for Joy Author Icon of House Florent.

What I like here:
The title and the description of the story were like an enigma to me; they said so much more to me without saying in comparison to what it did in words. I wanted to know the angle of the baby in ghost paying visits to someone. When the story started, it seemed really harmless with someone playing with the baby rattle for someone. It rang bells but nothing in comparison to the jolt I received in the fourth paragraph. It was SOME sensation when I wrapped my head around what was actually happening in the story and I must say, I was really spooked out with the way in which the lady floated around the house. The biggest factor which I liked in this story was that there was a sense of randomness in what was happening but there was also a curiosity to know what would she do next.

Then, the next thing which hit me was the biting sarcasm and pain in the tone of the protagonist, as she planned her one move after the another telling the story of her life in parallel. I could really empathize with her because the way she had been treated by her kid and husband. The emotion in the story was powerful, to say the least.

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
It was the moment I realized that what had been happening with the baby rattle. I hurriedly reread the first 3 paragraphs not to grasp the extent of those acts but to re-feel the sensation I had felt just then. It was crazy and creepy!

*Star* Thanks for sharing your work, dear. I really enjoyed reading this story with a twist. Very well written!

Thanks,
Nishank
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78
78
Review of Mirrored  Open in new Window.
In affiliation with The Rockin' Reviewers  Open in new Window.
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for Andrew Author Icon.

What I like here:
I like the theme of the story here; the mirrors reflecting the life events, state of mind of the one who gazes into it. The way you took the story forward via the reflections on the mirror was plain unique and it was the presentation of the story which clicked with me.

Comments/Questions:
Well, I should probably warn you that this comment may be because of my own inability to grasp the meaning of the story but I had a little trouble tracing the path of the story in the latter part of the story. Right from where, the following lines appeared – “And then my reflection shattered ” I couldn’t fully understand what was happening. What I mean to say that I could see that something bad was happening to Mara and probably she had inflicted that upon her, but I would need you to confirm that. Was it that their son had died battling cancer, and in that trauma she had committed a suicide?

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
The first time when the protagonist saw Mara’s reflection in the mirror and the accompanying expression was something which would stay with me. The following lines in particular –
“ The wavy mirror in front of her showed her in a bright floral dress..”
Brilliantly done that *Smile*

*Star* Thanks for sharing your work.

Thanks,
Nishank
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79
79
Review of Late to School  Open in new Window.
In affiliation with The Rockin' Reviewers  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (4.5)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for Andrew Author Icon.

What I like here:
This cute little story took me straight to my school time when I hated going to school, each and every single day *Laugh* I didn’t get late that often though mainly because Mamma would persistently be in my ear till I got up and then see off my royal transport – the rickshaw *Laugh*- , herself. But yes, there was always this heightened fear of getting late on the exam days which almost made me go for loo repeatedly in the mornings *Laugh*

I like the way the story ended on a positive note which is the way it should be for such light- heart-ed tales. It would have been a shame if John had gotten late for his school after all this effort, wouldn’t it *Smile* That little twist in the end made me smile. Yeah that is exactly the way all those events in the childhood ended somehow – via one or another narrow escape!

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
The story had all those little things in it which had “childhood” written all over it. The jumping over the puddle, the school bell and the morning agony(though I still have face that agony part still *Laugh*) to name a few. They transported me to the magical times *Smile*

*Star* Thanks for sharing your work, dear. I really liked it.

Thanks,
Nishank
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80
80
In affiliation with The Rockin' Reviewers  Open in new Window.
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for Andrew Author Icon.

The only wish I had after reading the story was that only if I could get to hear that it wasn’t all true. It was heartbreaking to know about it, but kind of love affirming too. So much love between that couple and it brimmed over in their actions. SO much time spent together caring for each other, living for and with each other and then one day suddenly they go away :(

The powerful emotions were throughout to be the seen and felt and I wanted to comfort Mrs Ambrose at the end. So sorry she had to go through this.

Though it wouldn’t be right to judge a biographical account, but I would want to comment upon interlacing of events which you did here. It made me see two sides of life at the same time and that is what truly touched me. The events running side by side contrast the 2 differing emotions perfectly. How quickly life changes – how time flies! Wish I could get you to say that it was all not true.

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
It will be those two lines in the piece which start the exact same way “”John!” she screamed,” and “John, they cried..” It touched me as I imagines the scenes going on in Mrs Amrbose’s mind.

Thanks,
Nishank
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81
81
In affiliation with The Rockin' Reviewers  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for Nixie 🦊 out sick Author Icon.

Initial impressions:
A look at that chaotic time that precedes the party and what all goes “behind the scenes” as mom and dad try to hold on to their nerves (mom especially. every house – same story *Laugh*) For good measure there is a new pet in the house – a kitten – who is hell bent on stripping things to its last bits. Would they be able to enjoy the party amidst the pending chaos? The answer to this question forms the theme of the story.

What I like here:
The humor is my favorite genre when I read but writing is far from favorite because for some reason I cant conjure a scene into words even if it is woodyallen-esque comic. But when I read this story, I felt no strain, no melodrama and such subtle comic things happening throughout the story that it made me go jealous with envy of your writing skills. This was a laugh riot, with the kitten wreaking havoc and the momma going mad. What could be more happening than that *Laugh*

I like the fact that you never really go over the top in this story and it is as close to real life as possible. Any of these events could have happened easily and I didn’t have to stretch my imagination to visualize them. That to me was the beauty of the story *Smile*

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
It had so many tickling moments that it would be tough to pick one but I would go with the one where the doc seemingly neuters Dr. Zhivago (and what a brilliant name that! Full points to Mommy for the creativity *Laugh*)

*Star* Thanks for sharing your work, dear. I enjoyed reading it very much *Smile*

Thanks,
Nishank
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82
82
In affiliation with The Rockin' Reviewers  Open in new Window.
Rated: 18+ | (5.0)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for kiyasama.

Initial Impression:
It is a surreal tale about the imminent struggle between life and death; the constant tug of war between the two. It is from the sufferer’s point of view who feels the pull of death even as he tries to wriggle out of the its clasp and into the arms of the life itself but how death wins in the end, anyway.

Story Strengths:
Wow, I really do not have many words to describe the brilliance of what I just read here. The representation of death as someone who is inviting, charming yet ghastly in its own way is very believable. The kind of spell its brings upon the sufferer where its shows its dominance not by force by show of pure control on the soul of him, slowly enticing him to itself is something which could be felt by the reader. I am imagining the kind of imagination must have gone on your part to create this character and trust me my head is spinning. To have such a clear mind about something which doesn’t exist in reality and bring it out on paper with such clarity is mind blowing. Truly impressive *Thumbsup*

What works wonderfully well is the first point of view which you used here which pushes the reader onto the front of the story, feeling all the suffering, restlessness and the numbness along with the narrator. I think that was a masterstroke on your part.

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
The point of the story wherein Death stands face to face in the narrator’s face just after he says that life must be somewhere near. The below lines made me feel the full thrust of the Dwath’s presence,
“He seems to loom over me, a dark figure sucking the very air that I now long to breathe” It creeped me a little since I was kind of feeling that restlessness and the narrator said it too. Goosebumps *Smile*

*Star* Thanks for sharing your work.
Thanks,
Nishank
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83
83
Review of The Broken Goose  Open in new Window.
In affiliation with The Rockin' Reviewers  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for Fyn Author Icon.

Initial Impression:
Angel was one of those persons who was blessed with everything which life could offer that is monetary terms. Her life was no less than perfect, full of all the things which money could buy. Goose and Geese used to come to near that place which Angel befriended. She liked to feed them and formed a connect with them. Angel reminisces about her life which doesn’t plan out as she always did with broken marriages and all. She looks back and wonders whether she was able to live her life as she always wanted to and was she happy with it all. And how she was able to connect the childhood memories of the goose to what she did presently in her life forms the climax and the most beautiful part of the story.

Story Strengths:
The depth of the story is what moves me. There is so much happening in this piece which is not plain expressed by the author but is instead felt by the reader as he connects the dot himself. Despite all the riches how Angel feels a longing for something tangible is something which could be felt by me. I especially like the fact that there is so much positivity and hope in this story despite the heartbreaks which surrounded Emily’s life. The fact that she is still able to move on, live happily, without much regrets is the message of hope which this story manages to pass on to me. Liked it *Smile*

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
Without a doubt, the last lines of the story where the booking is done for a couple and they reveal what the name of the hotel is. It was so heartwarming and life affirming! Wow!

*Star* Thanks for sharing your work. It was as beautiful as poetry.
Thanks,
Nishank
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84
84
Review of Rendering  Open in new Window.
In affiliation with The Rockin' Reviewers  Open in new Window.
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for Fyn Author Icon.

Initial Impression:
Emily, an artist, arrives in a little known to get away from the hustle bustle and closer to the real nature. She buys an apartment settled in thick of nature and paints away using the inspiration of the beauty around that place. How she manages to assimilate in the town and with the town people while using the beauty of the nature for her artistic benefits is what forms the latter part of the story.

Story Strengths:
We all want to that quaint little town, away from all the world we live in; a place where we would be able to pursue our own calling and seek to satiate the artistic soul in us who we seek to remain truthful to. I always wonder about those little stations we get to see where our train doesn’t stop but our train chugs along. How does life go on in that town; Are people happy there or are as sad as we are in our super busy lives? This story makes me live that part of my fantasy. What a perfect town you painted here! A set of windows overlooking the pond, the serenity which surrounds such a place and the feeling of satisfaction and completeness such a place might bring. I get to feel all of these in this story and I am truly grateful to you for it.

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
The paragraph which told about Emily getting ready to go outside the house to paint, is what I will take through with this story.
“Outside, she settled herself on a slight rise overlooking a front garden and …”
This is the line I am talking about and of course the lines following it. They are marvelous, truly exceptional because of the scenes which it creates in the mind.

*Star* Thanks for sharing your work. I enjoyed being there in that town. *Smile*
Thanks,
Nishank
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85
85
In affiliation with The Rockin' Reviewers  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (4.0)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for Fyn Author Icon.

Initial Impression:
The story revolves around a girl with blue eyes who comes into a new town, supposedly. She is soon the center of everybody’s attention – women included – since her eyes displayed a kind of mystery in them which people just couldn’t fathom. How people react to this intrigue over the period of the time is the central theme of the story.

Story Strengths:
The descriptions of the small town and all the idiosyncrasies of people in that place it is what forms the solid foundation in the story. Despite the theme, in my opinion it is as much about the people’s everyday lives as it is about Sara – the girl with the blue eyes. You manage to catch that everybody slice of life pretty well. The conversations, the looks and the mannerisms all look authentic and life-like. Pretty good job, there. I felt like I was sitting in the cafe and seeing all it happen.

Comments/Suggestions:
The only thing I would like to say is that the story seems to be on a longer side considering the action part of the story. To me, as I was reading I was surely wondering about the cobalt blue eyed girl, I was enjoying the conversation but somehow it wasn’t building up towards the common central theme of the story. It seems like this piece is well appreciated by a lot of other readers and hence this might be something which only I have felt but I had to let you know what I thought about it – after all, that is what a review is *Smile*

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
The description of the blue eyes especially cobalt blue is going to stay with me. The mystery and the attraction of these eyes did deserve a description such as this!
*Star* Thanks for sharing your work. I especially liked the sensory feel this story had.*Smile*

Thanks,
Nishank
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86
86
In affiliation with The Rockin' Reviewers  Open in new Window.
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for smeedyr of House Targaryen.

What I like here:
The inherent cuteness of the story is what tickles me. It is a classical Wodehouse trick in play – somebody set into a corner where there hardly seems to be any squiggle room and just when the reader also thinks the same way and feels true empathy for the poor soul, somehow that person is rescued either by luck or happenstances. I loved it because its resemblance to the story which I have loved so much over the last few years.
The way you build dialogues especially when the subordinates dialogues are completed by Master’s and so on they induce a peculiar humor – the naughty, that winking kind. If you know what I mean. I liked the way you brought that effect in this story *Smile*

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
There are quite a funny things I would remember from this tale especially considering the short length of the story but the first and foremost would be the place where the subordinate utters “the scales”. In my mind, I saw the subordinate fidgeting with something in his hand , sweating and uttering those words. What relief must have washed through his body once he uttered these words *Laugh*. I wonder if he remembers what he brought for lunch that fateful day. I do really hope. Amen *Laugh*

*Star* Thanks for sharing your work. This was the best piece that I read from you!

Thanks,
Nishank
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87
87
In affiliation with The Rockin' Reviewers  Open in new Window.
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for Smee Author Icon of House Targaryen.

What I like here:
Oh, that was so cruel...and richly deserved by Simon*Laugh* Elder brother can be total bullies sometimes (okay, most of the times) and you used this universal fact to paint out a very believable little story. Simon wanted to swing and he swung alright *Laugh*

Also, despite the brevity of the story you narrated the story pretty well and it felt as if I was reliving my childhood days. The tone was very causal and non-intrusive and it made me glide into the story as if my friend was telling a childhood tale of his own.
I am an elder brother too and I too bullied my younger unfortunate brother; maybe not so much for swings but while playing Cricket for sure. I would take my batting hit which could go on till my luck ran away and once I would get Out I run away with the bat, too *Laugh*

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
Oh, without a doubt the last part. And I think I particularly liked the line at the end. Sarcasm laced words, though. Could have been of his brother too and I bet he was thinking the exact same thing in his mind and holding his belly as he laughed. Oh man, that must have been embarsassing for poor Little Simon *Laugh*

*Star* Thanks for sharing your work. Very enjoyable, indeed!
Thanks,
Nishank
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88
88
In affiliation with The Rockin' Reviewers  Open in new Window.
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for Smee Author Icon of House Targaryen.

I am a huge fan of Sir PG Wodehouse and hence expected some kind of relation with that grand name in your stories. Then I dig deeper into the challenge to realize that the participants had to churn out a story in 5 plain minutes! Awesome, right away for the effort itself!

What I like here:
The punch of the last line is the obvious winner here. I sure did not see that coming *Laugh* Nicely done. I was kind of thinking that maybe he had his fly undone, or wrong ticket of his family member or something but that ending surely caught me unaware and tickled me *Laugh*

When I reached the punch line I realized that that was the reason you kind of foreshadowed about the glasses before. That was a neat job, friend and again to think of it all in such little time is commendable.

I am a big fan of UK English and the way the characters talked in PG Wodehouse’s books. I sure saw some of it in this work too. For example, that phrase “hazard a guess” is Wodehous-ian *Smile*. I absolutely loved it

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
I was imagining the redness of the blushing face of Mr. Thomas once the storekeeper let out the secret. Now, that must have been some scene *Laugh*

*Star* Thanks for sharing your work. I liked it!
Thanks,
Nishank
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89
89
In affiliation with The Rockin' Reviewers  Open in new Window.
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for Smee Author Icon of House Targaryen.

Initial Impression:
A writer badly suffering from Writer’s block pushes himself to the limit only to discover a strange light from an ink blob blinking at him. Drowned in alcohol, he wonders whether he has died or lost consciousness but soon figures out that it is not the end of him but rather a totally new beginning.

What I like here:
The feeling of desperation and hopelessness which you were able to build up gradually, right from the beginning of the story is what pleased me. It was not just a fact thrown at me but instead the writing let me see his desperation. Nice work *Thumbsup*
I particularly liked the ending which kept my mind ticking as to what to expect in the next part. It was unusual and engaging. Well done for that too *thuymbsup*

Suggestions:
See, I am might be suggesting something which doesn’t make sense at all but to me it felt that the story was a tad too long when compared against the action and activity which take place in the story. For example, in my opinion, if you could trim down the paragraph soon after the “Glint” then you could have a swifter, more active version of the story.(the paragraph starting with “The darkness shrouded him instantly”)

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
For a particular reason, I particularly enjoyed the following lines:
“He inched his fingers slightly apart and felt the light assault his eyes again through the thin membrane of his eyelids. ”
That reason is the accurate portrayal of the action which lets nothing to imagination of the reader. It is as if I am seeing it happen from y own eyes. This is just one of the places in which you have done it but this act is sprinkled around the whole story. Impressive *Smile*

*Star* Thanks for sharing your work.
Thanks,
Nishank
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90
90
Review of Moving On  Open in new Window.
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Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for Sum1 Author Icon.

Story Strengths:
The philosophical and spiritual level of this story is the one element which impressed me the most. I am a committed lifelong learner - bot of the outside world and the world inside me. I try to understand things, of how cosmic energy works, I try to be regular at meditation, do think of how that calmness can be achieved, that peacefulness when nothing else matters. In this piece I saw some of my own thinking being reflected. Naturally, I was drawn into it. It made me wonder how at a certain level we all have a similar mental image of how the other world looks like. It kind of soothed and comforted me.

Apart from the central theme of the story, the clarity of the portrayal was what held my attention. I was literally swimming and gliding with Jim as he wondered along with numerous other souls.

Also, I think if you would have written this story as a monologue probably it wont have hit this much but the fact that it was well woven in a story form made it easy to digest and connect.

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
The beauty with which you put forward the concept of oneness was what touched me. It was profound to say the least. The below lines were my favorite part of the story -
“We are whole; we are separate. We exist as individuals, but we’re one entity”

Wow, that is so much wisdom bundled in one little sentence.
*Star* Thanks for sharing your work *Smile*
Thanks,
Nishank
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91
91
Review of Dan's Magic  Open in new Window.
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Rated: E | (5.0)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for Sum1 Author Icon.

Story Strengths:
A story having the main character as Magician always – well generally – manages to catch the attention of a reader so having the word “magic” in the title was one master stroke. The description caught my attention even more because it told me right there that this was going to be a very different plot. A interview with a magician, wow, you had all of my attention then and there.

My expectations of this piece were real high and thus, I am even more impressed with the fact that how beautifully you were able to meet them. To state that so and so is your plot is one thing but then to spellbind a reader for the whole story and leave him with a smile on this face at the end is quite something another. You did pull of a magic trick right in front of my eyes, friend and I was thrilled and amazed at this experience.

The only point I would say is that if you had thrown maybe two or three lines explaining the motive of Detective when Dan was thrashing him then it would have been an ever better story to me. But I as a reader is prepared to take that leap of faith and ignore such nitpicks considering the brilliant reading experience you offered me.

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
The point in the story, when the reporter tries to be too smart and drops a card in his lap and Dan catches his “little trick”, then and there. Wow, I wanted to clap *Smile*

*Star* Thanks for sharing your work. You have enthralled me whole day *Smile*
Thanks,
Nishank
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92
92
Review of It's Too Late  Open in new Window.
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Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for Sum1 Author Icon.

Story Strengths:
I had reviewed this piece before, somewhere around 3 years back, but when I read my review I don’t think I understand I did justice to the depth of this story since I probably didn’t understand the nuances and the struggle to create those special effects in story. So I thought to set the record straight.

The dialogues are surely the high point of the story. The expertness with which you reveal something and hold back a lot of things but still keep the story moving for this many words tells me that you have a devoured a lot of detective stories in your lifetime and are now living your dream by building the settings and plot with the same kind of precision. Loved it *Thumbsup*
Honestly speaking, the kind of mannerisms you built for Professor Matthews needs some kind of expert work. It is as real as it comes in the land of character depiction. As soon as I got to know about the crime and Mathews profession, I wanted to read more about him, know him and get to know the reason behind his odd motives. And lo, before I could realize I was immersed in this superbly written tale.

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
The very last word of the story is what would stick with me apart from the brilliant storytelling and dialogue weaving.

*Star* Thanks for sharing your work. I think I learned something from it *Smile*
Thanks,
Nishank
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93
93
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Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for Sum1 Author Icon of House Stark.

Initial Impression:
Alex finds a lamp which not just ha a resemblance with the magical lamp but has a Genie in it too – a genie who could grant wishes. There is a catch though – it only grants a single wish in a day. Also, the Genie reminds Alex every time he talks to him to be careful about what he wishes for. Soon Alex starts to realize what Genie actually meant.

What I like here:
To me, this is not just a children’s story with some Genie magic just thrown for fun but rather it is a story with a lesson and a soul to it. I had fun reading this story on Alex’s expense *Laugh*, but I also appreciated the message you were trying to put across. Nicely done.

The comical part of the story never seemed force and felt natural. I liked it because sometimes dealing with paranormal, I do tend to go overboard and come across as silly, I think. But in this story, there was a balance which shone through.

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
The favorite part of the story to me was the where Alex sings that song and turns into “that” (I am not revealing the secret here, now *Smile* Though I haven’t heard that song here in India, but it brought a smile to my face.
(Question : Was this line which was the inspiration behind your story? Just curious *Laugh*)

*Star* Thanks for sharing your work.
Thanks,
Nishank
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94
94
In affiliation with The Rockin' Reviewers  Open in new Window.
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for Sum1 Author Icon of House Stark.

Initial Impression:
A retelling of a story wherein two set of families, complete stranger to each other, kind of interact at the restaurant. Soon, the kids start to mingle and they have fun. As the first family starts to leave, the mother of the family does a special act which forms the climax of the story.

What I like here:
The raw emotion on display in this story is what catches my attention. The “feel good” factor is hard to miss and you have managed to show it rather craftily rather than just plainly retelling the story. I liked the way you built the scene of bonhomie at that place; one where the adults and kids play together. And of course the bill payment part is the soul of the story and it acts as kind of affirmation to the fact that there are plenty of good people doing random acts of kindness all over the globe. This is what I have always believed in, after all *Smile*

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
That feeling of incredulity in the later parts of the story is what I will remember. How uplifted they would have felt, how gracious and how humble! Superb!
I also like the last sentence of this story. It must have touched your heart a good deal *Smile*

*Star* Thanks for sharing your work. Since this piece was essentially non-fictional account it made me feel really good in those warmest of corners of my heart :)

Thanks,
Nishank
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95
95
Review of Irene  Open in new Window.
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Rated: E | (5.0)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for Sum1 Author Icon of House Stark.

Initial Impression:
Two women, named Katrina and Irene, discuss about Irene’s upcoming assignment. Irene is particularly unsure of it and seeks Katrina’s help because she has been a legend of sorts. As Irene lays bare her mental blockages, Katrina shoos away her problems as she tells her golden mantra to her. What the assignment is and what it would do forms the climax of the story.

What I like here:
The brilliant dash of creativity is unmistakably the best part of this story. I thought of them as to be spies at best and was readying myself for their “spy” act but man you tripped me and for once I enjoyed it wholeheartedly. How you managed to conceal the real motive and identities despite some eight hundred words is what impressed me the most.

The second most impressive part was the conversation you were able to put across in this story. Nowhere, does the conversation feel artificial or jarring and it just flows, as if two friends were just talking sitting on a porch giving no inkling of what was to come. Nice work, friend!

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
The last-ish part in the story wherein Katrina watches her sister cum friend Irene doing what she had just promised. Man, it was a real shock because that was the point I realized what it was all about! *Smile*

*Star* Thanks for sharing your work.
Thanks,
Nishank
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96
96
Review of George Loses It  Open in new Window.
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Rated: E | (4.5)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for Sum1 Author Icon of House Stark.

Initial Impression:
George liked hunting and had been doing it for years. One fine day when he moved to the forest in the hope of a ten point buck he started hearing weird voices. These voices felt like coming from someone who was watching him and someone who knew that George was a regular hunter. Shocked but yet ignoring them, he kept on moving forward in search of his prized shoot. Now, the voices had grown considerably clearer, louder and more earnest. Somehow ignoring them still, he kept on moving until realizing what the source of voice was. Having learned it, he couldn’t believe what was happening. What actually happened there in the forest forms the climax of the story.

What I like here:
The sense of tension, the self-doubting and the pace of the story is what I like here. Anything longer, it well might have felt like a moral lesson more than a story, a little shorter than it might have appeared to short a duration to feel delusional. The fact that you effectively balance the length is what made this story work for me.
Another winner to me is kind of scenes that you paint right at the end. It gradually builds up to that scene and then exploding with mayhem. The shift of “other” voices from hushed to empathetic to stern to attacking was very neatly done. I liked that!

A big thumbs up for the Title and description, too. It pulled me into the story.
The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
The point where George pulls the trigger broke my heart because of the tension preceding those lines. I mean, I was literally hoping he doesn’t do it but when he did, I was a wee bit scared for him, too.

*Star* Thanks for sharing your work. I really enjoyed it.
Thanks,
Nishank
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97
97
Review of The Steps  Open in new Window.
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Rated: E | (5.0)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for Sum1 Author Icon of House Stark.

Initial Impression:
A group of steps to a yard discuss about their perceptions, feelings and their opinions. They have been in place for near fifty years now and they have seen a lot of changes and accumulated a lot of emotions. The conversation is not limited to the steps only but the wall and the arch also jumps into the discussion, every now and then.

What I like here:
I am a big fan of personification, hearing things which come from a non-human point of view. Doing this makes a piece come alive but only if done right and I was so happy to find that this tick was ticked in the most rocking way possible. The kind of characters which you gave to the steps was so brilliant an act that I had no trouble whatsoever imagining the steps talking to each other because if they could this would be the way they would do it. The best part was no dialogue seemed to be there just for the sake of it. It rather felt that there was a discussion going on and all of the steps were pitching in wholeheartedly. The plot kept on moving forward and most importantly, it had a unifying theme from which the story doesn’t move away ever.

Another thing I equally liked was the scene you painted in my mind regarding where the step were and what all surrounded it. I was literally in that surrounding, enjoying the beauty around me and overhearing the step’s discussion. Fascinating and top notch work *Thumbsup*

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
Oh, I am so confused. There were so many memorable points in the story but one which especially stays with me is the place where you described the setting around the steps, especially the below line which soothed me with its descriptiveness-
“Beyond the arch lay a meadow, a duck pond centered in the middle of it. The walls on either side of the steps sheltered them from blowing winds and weather”
Wow, absolute wow!

*Star* Thanks for sharing your work. I feel honored to have read it.
Thanks,
Nishank
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98
98
Review of Just $29.95  Open in new Window.
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Rated: 18+ | (4.5)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for Angus Author Icon of Night’s Watch.

Initial Impression:
A man named Rick Johnson, unable to sleep, gets up from of his bed in the middle of the night and reaches for his living room. To kill time he switches on the TV as he moans about the sleepless nights which have gone to nearly seven straight days now. While sitting there he sees a TV commercial of a guy who is selling the sharpest of knives. We learn then that Rick placed a bet with his friends as for who would be able to be awake for the longest. He had won some three days ago but still after that he was unable to get sleep.

While still fighting with himself over the sleep he notices that the man in the commercial calls out his name and started to talk to him. Rick, nervy at first, then talks back too and does whatever that man in the commercial suggested to him, as he was indebted to the man because he put him to sleep. The story finishes with Rick finally going to sleep.

What I liked:
Wow, that is downright creepy. I mean, for me, it’s not about the act itself but the setting that you created here – a man who hasn’t slept in days. Most of us have experiences sleeplessness at some point of life – maybe not as bad as Rick suffered- but we all have a certain idea of the anxiety, irritation and the hopelessness it encircles us with. It was out and out numbing to see that idea getting stretched and applied to someone. I think the fact that it is so close to reality is what makes it nerve wrecking.

I am not a fan of gore and brutality but I really liked the way you made it a part of the story without placing the spotlight on it. Sure the story ended with one of those savage acts but it didn’t feel forced in this story Or being done just for the sake of it. It was kind of seamless and very believable again.

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
It would be the place where the salesman in the tube tells Rick that he would have to the first of many savage acts. I reread it to be sure of this was what was written. Also, the effortless charm with the salesman managed to convince Rick that he was asleep and hence to do what he said made me believe that Rick was indeed hallucinating. This upped the chill factor.

*Star* Thank you for sharing your work! It was a real spooky treat.

Thanks,
Nishank

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99
99
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Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for Amalie Cantor - We Got This! Author Icon of my Dear House Stark.

Story Strengths:
It doesn’t happen too often with me that I come to a certain piece of writing with a certain level of expectation because I understand that the quality can often dwindle from one written item to another – sometimes because of lack of clarity or lack of application and other times because of lack of expertise in that form. But when I landed in your port, I had a clear vision of things I was to expect and a feeling that that expectation would be met – and how perfectly did that happen!
The story was beautiful, vivid and full of such imagery that it was effortless for me to “see” what was happening. Whether it was the indecision on part of Binda in the initial stages of the story or whether it was the beautiful world you built for the story – one in where Binda would appear in Skie’s dreams because she appreciated the beauty and the attraction in Skie.

You seem to follow the clichéd but thoroughly correct advice of “Show don’t tell” to the hilt. What lovely way to describe the surroundings of Skie (in the second paragraph) using the following words:

“…the verdant green of the grass on the banks near the bottom of the cliff, the lush prismatic clarity of the water as it dipped over the fall. “ The visual cues, the tactile feel adds to the sense of being there, right between Binda and Skie, and seeing it unfold with our own eyes. You are a master at it. No second thoughts there.

Other impressive thing to me was that you were able to keep the story moving forward with each sentence and word. There was not one sentence which I could pinpoint which didn’t do so which means that the story doesn’t stagnate at any point. A must for any story – especially a piece as short as this one which has to be brought to a fitting end in limited words. Thumbs up for word economy, too!

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
The last line of the first paragraph made me fall in love with the story, right there. The way you described the surroundings – the wind, the haze, the determination – would stay with me.

I knew you were a master of poetry form but my guess about your writing in general is confirmed now. You are a complete master of the written form, in general.

*Star* Thanks for sharing your work. There is so much to learn from it, dear.*Smile*

Thanks,
Nishank

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100
100
Review of A Choice  Open in new Window.
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Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
A House Stark review for "Game of Thrones", for Amalie Cantor - We Got This! Author Icon of Dear House Stark.

Story Strengths:
Generally, when we think of a story we think it from perspective of different characters and their own different and unique voices. It is very hard, for me at least, to tell a well written, meaningful and engaging tale which has the only one single point of view. I once tried doing it and freaked out as it almost felt claustrophobic, for the lack of a better word. But having read this story and seen how experts tackle this challenge I think I have learned a few tricks *Smile*

I was amazed and impressed beyond bounds to see and learn how much could be added to a story even when seeing things from one view only. Generally first person point of view is chosen by me when I have to add detailing to the scenes, the setting and the emotions because it is tough to add the same depth when writing in third person POV. The fact that you could do it, and so effortlessly at that, speaks a lot about your expertise with storytelling.

I really liked the rich display of emotions in this story. When Skie fumbles for words when trying to wrap her head around the unearthly beauty of the other lady, I too shared that awe with Skie. The way you built it up was very real and almost magical. The excellent choice of words and the embedded beauty in your sentences make them so beautiful to read and hear. An excellent example could be “You can die here, never knowing what might be, or you can let me show you things you never imagined”. Awesome, absolutely surreal.

And then is your way of describing the surroundings and environment around the characters which transports the reader to that wonderful magical land created by Lady Amalie! How do you do that every single time, ma’m! I am spellbound *Smile*

The lasting memory of this piece in my mind:
It has got to be the point in the third paragraph where you describe the richness of the surrounding around Skie. The midnight sky, the deep red mountains. Wow! Absolutely marvelous.

*Star* Thanks for sharing your work. It was an absolute pleasure visiting your magical port. *Smile*

Thanks,
Nishank
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