Reviews from

Body of a Horse, Heart of a Man

Viewing comments for Chapter 8 "A Garden Journey"
A modern twist on Greek Mythology.

15 total reviews 
Comment from rspoet
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Rhonda,
Another marvelous chapter for the book. You've developed the character of Atrius/Phoebus very well, as we learn about his history and his feelings.
And also the character of Dianthe and a bit their relationship that is to come.
We even have Georgios in there for a brief moment.
A nice question posed to Dianthe, one she probably never thought of.
Well done on all counts.
Hope Wayne continues to improve as well.
Best wishes
Robert

 Comment Written 04-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 06-Dec-2024
    Hi Robert,
    Thank you for the lovely six stars, my friend!!
    I'm glad you can see more character from him in this book than the static one in Return to Concorde Valley.
    It's important he shows he's not just a helpless victim and can make the most of his situation. It will be good information for Diantha.
    Wayne is doing better every day. He's quite the trooper!!
    Take care,
    Rhonda
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

So Atrius doesn't remember the days when he was Phoebus? I can see a romance building. Diantha seems as mesmerized as when Anthos took Echo to see their family garden years later.
I think you can always re-size a picture, can't you? Anyway, these worked fine.

 Comment Written 04-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 06-Dec-2024
    No, Atrius has no early memories. He's got a few theories, and they will come out later, but nothing before he was found by humans.

    I can resize pictures, and have done so before, but I'm afraid they will be a bit overwhelming. I might try going up a bit.

    Thanks again, for your review and support.
    Hugs,
    Rhonda
Comment from nomi338
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

What an awesome next episodic write. The story picks up without a hitch. Even though it has been some time since the last episode, I am immediately caught up and able to go right on following the developments without pause. This is not that easy to pull off, yet you have done it seemingly with ease. Great job of storytelling.

 Comment Written 02-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 02-Dec-2024
    Nolan,
    Thank you so much for the six stars and especially for your comments. That was sweet and helpful. I'm glad I pulled off the continuity part. To be honest, I had to go back and reread the past few chapters to refresh my memory, lol.

    You're a sweetheart,
    Rhonda
Comment from Debi Pick Marquette
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Wow, this is so different than a thought it would be. I didn't realize that so much time had gone by and that he had been a centaur for so long. So he doesn't remember being a man and what Zeus did to him? It almost sounds like she will at some point want to be like him,, more than him be like her?

It is a remarkable story of this fantasy world living together as humans and centaurs. I don't want to tell you which way I am hoping for as your story will continue to amaze me either way. I love it so far and so glad to have you back writing it. Thank you for this Lovely tale of centaur and human. The garden sounds absolutely stunning. And now I have more of an idea what you were looking for.

So don't be surprised if I send you some a little smaller sized gardens. Loved the story and so good to have you back doing it. Thanks for mesmerizing us with this awesome tale. Love, Debi

 Comment Written 01-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 02-Dec-2024
    Sweet Debi,
    Thank you so much for the six stars and for the lovely review!! I'm glad you liked the chapter and can relate to the characters and setting.
    I wanted to show that Atrius/Phoebus didn't completely hate his form. Things will sway different directions, but for now he wants Diantha to know he's comfortable being him... for the present!!

    Thank you for the garden pictures. They are excellent!!! I will use them later, or my, actually, change this one or add to the pictures I have.

    It actually helped me to write the fantasy story. I've had a tad bit too much reality of late.

    Much love,
    Rhonda
Comment from forestport12
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hey Rhonda from Texas. You have some very descriptive paragraphs. What I mostly appreciated was how you used dialogue to advance the plot. It wasn't information dumping through dialogue. It felt right. It also helps someone like me learn more about the characters.

 Comment Written 01-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 02-Dec-2024
    Stan!!! Hi, thank you so much for reviewing this chapter. I know fantasy isn't your thing, but you were able to come out of your comfort zone to help me with your perspective, and it was most welcomed!!
Comment from royowen
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A very wise answer to Diantha, you've really woven a different web of intrigue in this episode, surprise answers to reasonable, in which, like me, threw up a heap of questions, but no answers. What a great post Rhonda, you are an ace writer, well done, blessings Roy
Typo : Trapped in a gull(e)y

 Comment Written 01-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2024
    Hi Roy,
    Thank you so much for the review. I appreciate your perspective on the chapter. Questions are good, lol, they help drive the story.
    Take care,
    Rhonda
reply by royowen on 03-Dec-2024
    Well done
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

So lovely to be reading your story again, Rhonda, and I particularly like the larger font you use and, of course, those wonderful images. There is definitely a spark of attraction here and you set the scene for possible romance ahead. In addition, we learn about Atrius' background, his deceased parents, wife and daughter, and adoptive parents who raised him. I'm a bit confused by the line: "If they were immortal, I'm guessing fire could kill us." it doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the paragraph.
He has one surviving son, Georgios, in whom he feels great pride.
I love the descriptive para: He reared up on hind legs... as well as the subsequent "legs pumping" and landing "with a thunderous rapport." Magnificent! This really brings your fantasy to life, demonstrating that he is indeed "the substance of legends." And Diantha is about to join him in the otherworldly existence.
Just one edit: ma(j)estic.
Bless you for sharing your thoroughly enjoyable story, Rhonda. I look forward to reading more. Take care Debbie xos

 Comment Written 01-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2024
    Debbie,
    Thank you so much for the six stars and for the review!!
    I did try to make the font a bit larger. It does help with the eyes, lol.
    The spark is there, but will take quite a beating as the book progresses.
    I do need to fix the line about the fire. I didn't really like it, either. Thanks for pointing it out.
    I'm glad the chapter resonated with you! I needed the fantasy, lol! Beat reality right now.

    Thanks for finding the typo, though to be honest, I just plain misspelled it!!

    Hugs,
    Rhonda
Comment from Jacob1395
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I could feel Diantha's excitement at seeing the garden and at smelling all the different flowers. I can sense something special growing between Diantha and Atrius and that's a very intriguing last line. I'm looking forward to the next post. An excellent piece, Rhonda, I really enjoyed reading it.

 Comment Written 01-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2024
    Hi Jacob,
    Thanks so very much for the review. I appreciate your time and comments. I've got to get caught up with your story, too!!
    Take care,
    Rhonda
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I really like this story, and I can't wait to see what is going to happen next. I am still praying for your husband and you.

breaking the magnetic spell. "but if you look there by the waterfall, you'll see your namesake." (But)

This one is the grave of my mother Helen, and beside her is Bentley, my father." (mother,)

Finally, he took a deep breath and spoke. "Many generations have passed since they walked this earth. (spoke,)

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 01-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2024
    Hi Barbara,
    Thank you so much for the review and for catching the mistakes. That is so very helpful, especially done with kindness.

    Thank you so much for the prayers. They are invaluable!!!

    Hugs,
    Rhonda
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I really love your characters. Diantha has so much to learn and seems so willing. Atreus takes joy in what he is instead of wishing for what cannot be. I was mightily impressed by Phoebus when he had his turn in the story. Looking forward to reading more of their adventures.

 Comment Written 01-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2024
    Hi Carol,
    Thank you so much for the six stars!! How beautifully they shine!!
    I'm glad you noticed Phoebus/Atrius' attitude. He does make the best of what he's dealt. It will help Diantha do the same in her turn.

    Hugs,
    Rhonda