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1,381 Public Reviews Given
2,447 Total Reviews Given
Review Style
I like to read novels and biographies, so if I can review them at the same time, why not. My ratings are usually at the high end because I think if someone has taken the time and effort to write a large piece, it is an achievement. The review will give the opportunity to flag up typographic errors. I do not mark down ratings for these errors because they are easily fixed.
Favorite Item Types
Rhyming Verse. Novels and short stories.
Least Favorite Item Types
Non-rhyming poetry.
I will not review...
Erotica, Vampire and Wolf stories. Their stories are all very samey to me.
Public Reviews
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Review of DOTD Chapter 13  Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
Why did I start at chapter 13? I looked at the start and found 95.60kb a bit daunting. I realise that others are not so picky as me. Although I missed what went before I could see what was going on as if this chapter stood alone. I found the writing to be of a high standard and of novel quality in the content. I say novel quality because this reads like you are a novelist opposed to my writing which is more suited to a story teller. If only I had the skills that you have. I flowed through this chapter and could not put it down. We have a good hook at the end. Well done with this.
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Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
We reach the ending of the epilogue, with the hope that it is not the end of the story. I have enjoyed the story following the trials and tribulations of the group of animal friends. For a rough draft it is well-written and very well presented. A fascinating tale and even though an obvious animal fantasy the factual thoughts of wildlife come over well. It says something when you finish reading a book and feel that you will miss your favourite characters. Thank you for sharing this.
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for entry "Chapter Thirty" Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
Plenty of action going on in this chapter. It is a sad loss to the group when Vincent is killed. I have no idea where this finishes but I look forward to finding out. I am pleased that Malaki survived the attack again. Will further precautions be taken as it seems that the ermines can sneak into the camp in the hours of darkness?
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for entry "Chapter Twenty Nine" Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
We start with Ruben going off to find feathers for his arrows. He is seen by a creature and I thought he was in trouble, but not so. It is just as good to guess wrong in a story as it is to guess right, so well done with that. It is revealed by the creature that the ermines have adopted a new tactic which adds another thread to the story. I wait to see if their plans work, or not.
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for entry "Chapter Twenty Eight" Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
A good chapter based on Malaki. It comes across how he struggles but copes with his injuries. I feel that he has had moments of fear in his life but is disturbed when he comes face to face with the horror of animals being mutilated and killed. This is balanced by the training that continues in the camp.
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for entry "Chapter Twenty Seven" Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
A calming down after the action as Malaki struggles with his injury.
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for entry "Chapter Twenty Six" Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
A brilliant action packed chapter. There was a thought at the end of the last chapter that Malaki was foolish and at risk which turns out to be true. The attack and rescue scenes are very visual and easy to imagine. There is a hint that the ermines will return. We will have to wait and see.
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for entry "Chapter Twenty Five" Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
Quite a homely chapter this one. As mentioned before, while the chapters remain part of the story they all have a sort of theme within the chapters as if they could almost stand alone. The dog catching foxes and rabbits for food gives us a brief insight away from the fantasy and into the real world of wildlife survival. These events add depth to the story, in my opinion.
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for entry "Chapter Twenty Four" Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
Just as we think things are getting settled, some of the old enemies turn up. Again this is well timed in the story and wakes us up again to the threats that the group face. Will the dogs play a major part when the ermines show up again? Every chapter so far has had actions of friendship or conflict this mix keeps me interested and wanting to find what happens next.
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for entry "Chapter Twenty Three" Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
This fascinating story continues with great interaction between the characters. I am getting to like Vincent the ermine despite him being an earlier enemy. His new role as an instructor in hunting with the youngsters is a good part of the chapter. The two dogs tolerate him but I wonder if that will last.
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for entry "Chapter Twenty Two" Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
Still enjoying this fascinating animal fantasy. I especially like the way that the characters interact with each other. Although a fantasy it still reflects some of the things that may go on in the wild regarding hunting for food. I noticed no errors in this rough draft.
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for entry "Chapter Twenty One" Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
A good chapter. I like to be surprised in stories and I was surprised to see Vincent the ermine turn up again. The suspense was good when we didn't know who had grabbed Malaki away from the dog. I am left wondering what part, if any, Vincent will have as we continue knowing he is at risk of being eaten by the dogs.
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for entry "Chapter Twenty" Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
Malaki takes a risk which makes for good reading. I thought something would happen to him, but I am glad it didn't. I've probably been watching too much predictable drama on the TV. Again this is like a story within a story making the main story all the more enjoyable. A good chapter.
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for entry "Chapter Nineteen" Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
A good chapter where we get to know the other dog a bit better. It comes over well that the friends are not sure about the new dog and the dog is not too happy to make friends with the other animals as advised by Niki. Very well done and atmospheric. After the hunting and gathering they all need to settle for the night.
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for entry "Chapter Eighteen" Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
Brilliant. New arrivals of the puppies starts the chapter on a happy theme. Another dog threatens and we have to remember that these are wild animals but the fantasy kicks in when Rubin realises who the new dog is. This dog looks to be a new friend who could have been a hungry predator.
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for entry "Chapter Seventeen" Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
Not much to say as the group set up their new homes and discuss their hunting plans. Nevertheless, it is still an enjoyable and well-written chapter for a rough draft. The interaction between the different animals is something that gives this animal fantasy a worthwhile read in my opinion and I look forward to the next chapter.
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for entry "Chapter Sixteen" Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
After a brief misunderstanding the group get along in this homely and peaceful chapter. Quinn going off for food adds interest at the right time. The young squirrels though still seem to be a bit jittery at times which is understandable. I look forward to seeing how things progress and wonder if the coyote show up again.
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for entry "Chapter Fifteen" Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
Another good chapter where we learn about the dog's history: the revelations reading like a story within a story. It sounds as if she is expecting puppies. I imagine that, rightly or wrongly, she will be playing a major role in the rest of the story.
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for entry "Chapter Fourteen" Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
A good chapter where we get to know the new characters. It is peaceful at just the right time following the action in the previous chapter. A question is asked about how the dog was in the pit which prompts the reader to wonder the same as well. The dog is discovered nearby at the end of the chapter. Wondering how the dog will react towards the group gives a good hook.
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for entry "Chapter Thirteen" Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
Another action packed chapter with a high level of suspense. The only bit I am not sure of is when they can't untie the young squirrel but then they take him away with no explanation. I am wondering where the story goes from here as the problem seems to have been solved, but there are a few more chapters so I look forward to finding out. How will the dog figure in the story from now, I wonder?
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for entry "Chapter Twelve" Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
I have enjoyed all the chapters but this is my favourite. I like the way that Ruben seems in mortal danger and we are left pondering as the story branches off to the rescue of Jacob, a new well-drawn character. Returning later to Ruben and the hungry dog creature is brilliant. The dog may want to eat Ruben or might help him. Time will tell.
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for entry "Chapter Eleven" Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
Not the first action packed chapter but another one that comes at just the right time following the travelling. Rubin takes a risk. A great hook at the end and we wonder if his friend is able to rescue him. A great chapter well-written as usual with spaced paragraphs making for easy reading.
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for entry "Chapter Ten" Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
We get a very good image of the small animals travelling through the treetops. At the end of the chapter they arrive at their destination. The suspense makes for a good hook and and great prompt to read the next chapter. It is a credit to the writer that I still can find no fault with this well-written rough draft.
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for entry "Chapter Nine" Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
It good to see two more chapters continuing this fascinating animal fantasy. The writing continues at a good standard and it is sometimes hard to imagine that this is a rough draft. On this particular chapter, however, it seems to me to be hurried which reminds me, of course, that this is a rough draft. Maybe there is scope for a bit more going on between the two river crossings. I look forward to the next chapter.
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for entry "Chapter Eight" Open in new Window.
Review by Bruce. Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
The story continues with good interaction between the characters including the ermine. I was wondering when the coyote would be turning up and here he is and very angry. A great hook at the end of the chapter prompting the reader to read on. Very well written for a rough draft and I noticed no errors.
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