This is a House Stark "Game of Thrones" Anniversary Review for you, Christopher Roy Denton of White Walkers.
This story is a difficult one to review. It's a heartbreaking story, with good and bad on both sides of divide. But, I guess, that's how real life works. As I first read through, I found it to be an exciting story, and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, and then in the end, you took my breath away.
Jim is an interesting character. My opinion of him changed constantly throughout the story. At first, I thought he was going to be a jolly, donut-eating cop. Then, he referred to Muslims as ragheads, and I was taken aback. For a moment, I was like: Do I really want to read a story with language like that in it? But, it was the character using it, and it actually gave great insight into him and what he has been through. But, I found myself not liking Jim. That continued as he kept disrespecting the people he was there to save by using that word. Then, by saying, "Let's go save some Arabs." Again, I was shocked. It's so disrespectful. Of course, we learn that Jim has a reason to dislike Muslims, after his wife and baby daughter were killed in a terrorist attack. So, I had some sympathy for him.
When I got to the end, I had wondered if his daughter would be part of the terrorists, through her Christian group. But I didn't expect Jim to have to kill her. It brought a lump to my throat, as I imagined having to make that decision. In a way, that makes Jim a more sympathetic character because he killed his only remaining daughter to save people of a religion he seriously disliked. When you show him remembering her first steps, it's really emotional. I love your last line as well: "The recoil reverberated down into the very core of his being." Literally and figuratively. Nice touch.
Okay. I have to ask. Are those real call signs, or did you make them up? Either way, I'm impressed. It gave an extra authenticity to the story. I also like the coriander aroma in the air because of the Indian restaurants nearby. That was a nice touch, as well.
It's interesting how you show both sides of the terrorist activity. The Jihadis who killed Jim's wife and daughter, and Lauren, whose fragile mental state has been preyed on by white supremacists. It's such an emotive subject. I could completely see how Lauren would have been brainwashed. I could also see how her deeds were equally as evil as those which killed her family.
As I said, this is an emotive story. It's left me feeling quite sad at the end. Not just for Jim and Lauren, or the little boy's family, but sad that this is becoming increasingly frequent, with no hope of an end in sight. This, though, is a great story.
Lady Purple, House Stark
** Image ID #1988770 Unavailable **
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