Date: September 11, 2020 10:31 pm Title: Everything is Eclipsed By the Shape of Destiny
I don’t even know where to begin with this, my god. It’s been building (and its still building) and this was so chapter and the previous one are so suspenseful and tense in the best ways. And then their reactions after the fact and the way you wrote Jim not hiding his emotions and Pam’s quick thinking and strength and just all of it, oh my god. Oh my god. So so so good. More than good, amazing, wonderful, incredible, every positive adjective in the world.
Author's Response: BT, I just love your reviews so much. I know I say that just about every time but it's the truth. <3
Date: September 11, 2020 07:04 pm Title: Everything is Eclipsed By the Shape of Destiny
Really good chapter. Great writing. Excuse me while I go burst into tears.
Author's Response: Thank you and I hope those are good emotional tears!
Date: September 11, 2020 06:06 pm Title: Everything is Eclipsed By the Shape of Destiny
Ok, I finally have time to sit and write this review. Holy crap! So a bit of backstory, I first read this chapter on my phone during some downtime during a training class I had to take for work. When I got done with this chapter, my hand was shaking and it was hard to hold my phone. I litterally found myself using some of the deep breathing exersizes I use after I get done with a particually stressful ambulance call. That's the effect this chapter had on me. Parly from the buildup for the cliffhanger for last chapter, but also everything involved in this one.
So, getting into this chapter. Huge emotions. I'm kinda glad we get told of what happened to Pam via her telling Jim what happened, rather than the actual narration of the events. I mean a situation like that is rough enough. Very glad you had Pam be able to fight back before things really got out of hand. Hell yeah Pam! I know she was scared out of her mind, but she also did what she had to in order to defend her family. Great moment. Huge scars that will be left, no doubt, but the fact that she is able to use that knife to defend herself and her family was a great piece of poetic justice.
Good bye and good riddence to Mac. I like that it's Pam that got rid of him.
Jim's feeling of rage and despiration ring so very true. Then to litterally run into her like that. BIG sigh of relief. And they do the smart thing too. Get out while they can. Get back to a position of strength and safety.
Good for Pam for telling Jim about everything right away. In this world they've proven they can share each others burdens and I'm very glad Pam unloads that one. That Jim is there to support her, to build her back up, and to just be there speaks volumes of him.
Though now it's no more mister nice Jim. Mac's men will be out for blood, but I don't really think they'll stand a chance. They nearly pushed Jim and Pam to their limit. I've got a feeling they're going to find out just exactly how foolish they were to think that might makes right.
Thanks for not leaving us hanging on the cliffhanger from last chapter to long.
Author's Response: Thank you Warrior! I was extremely nervous tackling this chapter and I am so glad it was well received. Thank you as always for your thoughtful reviews. :)
Date: September 11, 2020 01:05 pm Title: Everything is Eclipsed By the Shape of Destiny
Okay. Okay, okay. I was already nervous to read this chapter & the note has not helped...
“Her knife” YES. Thank god. Talk about payoff for a moment a few chapters ago.
“The anger turned to energy and pulsed through him, intense and furious, like the current in a live wire, making his vision clear.” I love this description. Stunningly vivid writing as always.
“She was precariously adrift, reaching blindly for the anchor of him.” Oh, this imagery. So damn beautiful.
Bored. This chapter is absolutely haunting. The subject matter alone was so very real and raw and you did it all kinds of justice.
Author's Response: Thank you, Jenna! I was sooooo nervous about this chapter and I'm relieved it came across with the tone I intended. Thanks for reviewing!
1 [Report This]Date: September 11, 2020 08:13 am Title: Everything is Eclipsed By the Shape of Destiny
I am so incredibly glad that Pam is okay. Mac is truly the lowest scum of the Earth. But he's dead, hallelujah, and hopefully the rest of the guys will be too soon.
Anyway, I loved how Jim and Pam treated one another once they got home. And how while they were at Mac's, their only goal was getting to the other one and making sure they're safe? Amazing.
I have seriously been thinking about this chapter ever since the last one came out so thank you thank you thank you for updating quickly! I know you hear this a lot (as you rightfully should) but this story is amazing and you write it so well. I can't wait for the next chapter to see what the trap is!
Author's Response: Thank you so very much, Aly!
1 [Report This]Date: September 11, 2020 04:32 am Title: Everything is Eclipsed By the Shape of Destiny
Good lord, Bored. Brava. The way you opened the chapter was an instant hook- as if we all aren't already drooling for updates. Beautifully written.
Author's Response: Thank you so very much, GreenyshEyed!
Date: September 09, 2020 05:45 pm Title: Nowhere Near
Ermergerd I got so excited to see this updated too. Honestly. And the ending this was FANTASTIC. I almost don't even know what I hope happens next. Complex feelings!! I want to feel bad for those kids but man, they really screwed everyone over and now put JAM in serious trouble. The end line of the chapter was so fantastic too. The whole scene of Pam being brought up and Jim seeing her, really really fantastic (not given what's happening but you know what I mean).
But I'm not sure what you mean by not making this go on forever, honestly I hope this doesn't end.
Author's Response: Complex feelings is exactly reaction I was hoping for! I am trying to portray the layers of complexity of a story like this and the ever-present question of the moral grey area. Thank you so much!
1 [Report This]Date: September 08, 2020 06:38 am Title: Nowhere Near
Jesus god. Pleas be quick with the update.
Author's Response: I hope it was quick enough! I hated to leave you hanging. :)
Date: September 08, 2020 04:25 am Title: Nowhere Near
“Dwight’s ring” Oh. I thought Pam’s pendant hit hard, but this is absolutely gutting.
Boy. Boy. Boy. Toby is the curse that just keeps on giving.
Pam. Oh Pam. This is coal walk Pam all over - determined and courageous no matter the outcome. As always, my heart is in my throat reading this and I’m so damn worried for them both.
“Sometimes bad decisions are the only decisions to make” I feel that.
“his entire life fell with a roaring crash and landed spectacularly in the pounded dirt in front of him.” This is not good.
Ohgodohgodohgodohgodohgod
Author's Response: I hope all of the strands are starting to tie together and makes sense. I wanted Dwight's ring to be the little push that drives him out there and Pam's courage, that we don't always get to see, be the little push that drives her to go out there as well. All will end well, even if the road is a bit bumpy. ;)
1 [Report This]Date: September 07, 2020 07:06 pm Title: Nowhere Near
no no no no no no no no no, please no. Bored, why. How. This is going to destroy me until the next chapter comes out. Im pretty sure I'm not even thinking straight right now. The thought of Mac wanting Pam is making me sick to my stomach. And the fact that Jim can't do anything about it? I'm going to die. How you thought this was okay is so beyond me. I hope you update soon!
Author's Response: I'm so sorry, Aly! I hope the wait wasn't too terrible. All will end well, I promise. :)
Date: September 07, 2020 06:45 pm Title: Nowhere Near
Oh sweet merciful crap. Like I said, last chapter was just the calm before the storm. I know we have your promise that nothing happens the the JAM family, but still that ending.
I see two very interesting reactions between Jim and Pam. Jim almost losing it. Understandable too. Pam nervous but walking into the vipers nest with courage and defiance.
Something else I just realized as well. There's a bit of a time jump in this chapter. Between the time Pam leaves the Farm and Jim getting dumped out of the truck at Mac's place, there could be several hours in between. Time enough for Pam to have seen what happened to Jim, form a plan, go back to the farm and get that plan set up maybe? I hope so. After all back Before Pam was just as quick on her feet as Jim was and at times more devious too.
Please don't make us wait to god-awful long for the resolution to all this. Phenominal writing as always.
Author's Response: The promise stands although they won't escape entirely unscathed. I hope the wait was manageable. :)
Date: September 07, 2020 06:27 pm Title: Nowhere Near
Bored!!! I’m scared :’c Mac is such a good villain but if something happens to Pam here I’m going to pass out, and that is a promise x.x
Author's Response: All will be well, I promise. ;)
Date: July 29, 2020 10:07 am Title: A Coward Might Call it a Conscience, a Liar Might Call it the Truth
This chapter was beautiful all over, but this line stood out to me. “ The frailty and ugliness of humanity on full display, retching among the ruins and emptiness of the planet.” So good! You turn phrases so beautifully. And I really loved seeing a bit of Brian’s world! Great job as always!
Author's Response: Thank you BT, as always! Your reviews mean so much. <3
Date: July 18, 2020 07:45 pm Title: A Coward Might Call it a Conscience, a Liar Might Call it the Truth
Excellent chapter and love all the little parts within it. This is such a dark fic in terms of the world around it and I absolutely love it because it feels real. The showdown coming with Mac is really gonna be good and probably sad at the same time with those who will be lost along the way. Hearing a bit of what happened day of and why Jim started being armed was a nice throwback and makes complete sense. So great. Can't wait for more.
Author's Response: Thank you so much!
Date: July 12, 2020 12:54 am Title: A Coward Might Call it a Conscience, a Liar Might Call it the Truth
“it was the woman and the baby, both she knew no longer existed” Umm... Yeah, that’s a hard nope from me. That does not bode well at all...
Oh I’m glad - if that’s the right word - that it’s no-one they know.
“Ask me how I know” How you still manage to make to laugh in this world of angst is a skill in itself.
Ah, the male ego. Sure, go into town without telling anyone, Mike. That seems like an excellent idea.
Interesting to see Mike’s convictions start to shift with the impending danger pressing closer.
“She turned her ear to his chest as if she was contemplating his very soul and he hoped she knew it was hers.” Well, that’s not the most romantic thing I’ve ever read or anything.
"Well, it's too late, he has one." Oh how I love protective brother Jim.
“I don't think I could breathe in a world without you in it." Cool. Cool, cool, cool, cool, cool.
“This was the farthest and longest he had been away from Pam since Before and he felt her absence like a dull ache in his bones.” The way they love each other is the stuff of legends. This is basically a soulmates AU and you can’t convince me otherwise.
“Love and fear come in equal measure, she realized with clarity. One cannot exist without the other.” That’s very profound for a Sunday afternoon. But like, you’re not wrong.
“feeling like a butterfly had landed” YES. Get it girl.
This story. Oh my god, this story. It’s the finest of wines, it just keeps improving and improving and with each chapter you pull us in deeper. I love it so.
Author's Response: Thank you so much, Jenna! I'm glad you are still enjoying it. I have a feeling my long-windedness and rambling might have lost some people along the way, so it thrills me that you still love it so. :) I'm so glad you picked up on the butterfly reference! I wasn't sure if anyone would. Thank you!
Date: July 11, 2020 12:08 pm Title: A Coward Might Call it a Conscience, a Liar Might Call it the Truth
Huzzah, no one died this chapter! I'll call that up as a win. I'm glad the farm is getting more security, seems especially prudent with the mystery thefts taking place, although I almost don't want the person caught and thrown out, because I'm pretty sure Mac is going to interrogate them and then... Y'know.
Great writing and story as always. I especially enjoyed the triumphant return and Brad's comparison to the Ark, that was a good chuckle.
Author's Response: Yes! Everyone survived. The person (or persons) responsible will start a chain reaction of events, for sure. I couldn't pass up the Ark comment, visualizing what that yard looked like when they got back. XD Thanks so much DG!
Date: July 11, 2020 11:00 am Title: A Coward Might Call it a Conscience, a Liar Might Call it the Truth
Please tell me that somewhere, somehow Phillip got a copy of "Fellowship of the Ring" Dwight had lying around and has determined he wants to be a Hobbit. Breakfast, second breakfast, brunch, elevensies, lunch, tea, supper, dinner, dessert, second dessert. I can so clearly envision Jim and Pam being equally proud and bemused at his antics. Great way to add a bit of levity there.
Always a bit of a hazard heading to Tent City. You're right, this time the trip seems just a tad more perilous. Lots of tension and I'm glad they made it back unscathed. Especially if there's someone in their midst up to no good.
Nice bit adding in Isabel coming to Brian. It's been a slow journey for them. Seems like a healing journey too. Lovely that they can continue that journey together.
Likewise lovely to evsion Pam and Jim coming back together. You write their connection so very well.
Kind of seems like the calm before the storm. I'm really glad has the vision to try and get reinforcements while he can. I've got a feeling the Farm will need them.
Author's Response: I hadn't thought of that scenario but that would be a really funny tie-in with Dwight. You are right, there are indeed some difficult times ahead. Thanks for reviewing!
1 [Report This]Date: July 11, 2020 01:28 am Title: A Coward Might Call it a Conscience, a Liar Might Call it the Truth
It is almost 3:30AM but I could not stop reading until I caught up on all the chapters. This is so beyond amazing I don't even know what to say. I adore Jim and Pam's relationship in this so, so, so much. It's everything I could have ever asked for in this type of universe. I'm also praying that Brad and his men are actually good. They seem like they are but so did Toby at first and look at what he did. Speaking of which, I am so glad that Toby is gone. Good riddance.
Anyway, this is amazing and my only criticism is to myself for not reading this much, much sooner.
Author's Response: I'm so thrilled you love it, Aly! I know what that's like. I've lost many a night's sleep because I couldn't put a fic down. I have always been drawn to this genre and it has been fun putting the two of them in all these situations and then writing them out it. :) Thanks!
1 [Report This]Date: July 10, 2020 11:01 pm Title: There's Nothing I'm Planning to Take
"A sound that reached the ears of another." I haven't finished reading the chapter yet but when I tell you that this sentence literally made my heart stop, I'm not joking. I really thought that Mac had gotten into the cellar somehow and I was terrified. I had to stop reading for a couple minutes to regain my composure, only to find out it was Toby being a creep lol. This story is every bit as good as everyone says it is and I can't wait to keep reading.
Author's Response: I'm so glad you liked that part. I wasn't sure how making Toby a villain would be received, but I knew he would fit perfectly in what I had planned for the betrayal. Thanks for letting me know your thoughts!
Date: June 20, 2020 08:34 pm Title: The Birth and Death of a Day
This was such a lovely chapter. Even though they’re in After and things are obviously less than ideal, it felt so lovely and normal and sweet and a great representation of how important it is to have people around you that you love. And Jim and Mike’s confrontation was excellently written. I have no trouble believing that Jim would absolutely do anything to protect his family and that’s his driving motivation. Great chapter, as always!
Author's Response: Thank you so much BT for your review, as always!
1 [Report This]Date: June 19, 2020 06:30 pm Title: The Birth and Death of a Day
This was such a lovely chapter. Even though they’re in After and things are obviously less than ideal, it felt so lovely and normal and sweet and a great representation of how important it is to have people around you that you love. And Jim and Mike’s confrontation was excellently written. I have no trouble believing that Jim would absolutely do anything to protect his family and that’s his driving motivation. Great chapter, as always!
Author's Response: Thank you so much BT for your review, as always!
1 [Report This]Date: June 18, 2020 06:01 am Title: The Birth and Death of a Day
Soooo good, as always! Love a good title drop ;)
Author's Response: Thank you, JJ! Explosions in the Sky is a fave and I just might have been listening to then while writing this. ;)
Date: June 18, 2020 02:53 am Title: The Birth and Death of a Day
“paperclip ornaments” - that hits right in the feels. It’s so very early JAM.
There’s already so much that’s amazing going on in this story, but now you’ve given me my new favorite slow burn. Isabel and Brian and the unresolved sexual tension coming in strong.
“You. Me. Dysfunctional paper company.” I hope this was the exact phrase Greg Daniels used when he pitched the show. Truly.
Oooh. Okay. I feel like this knife has a great deal of importance given its titular role...
I’m with Jim. What is ideology compared to protecting your loved ones... It kind of shows how lucky Mike has been in this universe to have not had to made that choice yet.
I feel like this chapter sets up the background for a whole lot of possible drama to come. That lingering ominous tone still waits in the wings...
Author's Response: Thank you as always, Jenna! Welcome to the Brisabelle club. I believe AG is in charge of snacks. ;)
Date: June 17, 2020 09:38 pm Title: The Birth and Death of a Day
Okay so. BrIsabelle first.
The "we." OKAY. I SEE YOU. Damn.
"She was beautiful and he was afraid to move." When I SAY I CRIED--
I just love that she feels comfortable enough to kind of open up around him, and that he is one-thousand-percent letting her take the lead. I just. Ugh.
(Also. I know you said that you'd like to do an entire chapter about them but you're holding back, and I'm just here to remind you that there's an *entire* Karen chapter in HMOH, so like. It's possible...winkwink).
"I just want you to be safe. I can't lose you." Wow MERRY CHRISTMAS I'M CRYING AGAIN.
Listen. Their little Christmas gifts? Jim saying that Jack is his present? This is Solid!Jam. Gah.
Oh. Wow. Angry-Big-Brother-Jim. Go off! I can see where they're both coming from. It's interesting to see Mike still not budging when Jim asks him what he would do if someone came after Larisa, which makes me a little scared for her future...
Author's Response:
You know, I just might add a bit more Brisabelle in the upcoming chapters, more than I had planned, because I just adore them so much.
Thanks for the review, AG, they always make me smile. ;)
1 [Report This]Date: June 17, 2020 07:08 pm Title: The Birth and Death of a Day
First, foremost, and of course most importantly, paperclip ornaments. Bit of nod to canon there in regards to Office Olympic medals? I though it was cute. Nice way of still decorating even though things are much more scares and practical.
Lovely Jim and Pam banter. Nice to see shades of the JAM we know and love from Before.
Love that Isabel and Brian are getting closer. That she's the one to move to him and rest her head on his shoulders is lovely to envision. She's starting to trust him. Great way to keep that going.
Oh Jim, there you go being just the perfect match for Pam. Seriously there's nothing better than having the woman you love just lunge at you after a gift like that. In my case it was ball room dancing lessons. That was a good Christmas. But seriously, it's just so absolutely perfect. Likewise Pam's gift to him. Things to remind them of the people they were Before and the things they loved. Nice way to stay sentimental and sweet.
I also really like Jim giving her the boot knife. Something tells me that knife is going to be very significant later in this story.
I get why Jim is the way he is with Mike. Jim's family is his world. As you so eloquently put it, he'll stop at nothing to make sure his world is defended. To think there would be a chance that something could happen, after everything that's happened After, yeah I get why Jim's back is up. Still Mike seems like a decent guy. Likewise Jim is also a decent guy and Larissa can probably more than hold her own against her brother. At the same time Jim has laid down the challenge if you will, so Mike will have to step up.
Fantastic writing as always.
Author's Response:
Thank you Warrior!
I'm glad you picked up on all the little inclusions and I'm glad, you too, seemed to have an enjoyable Christmas.
Thanks as always for your review!