The fact that Alice got raped in Chapter 6 has made me depressed to the point where I can't continue reading the story.

But the first 5 chapters were fantastic! You're a very talented writer.

This is awesome!!

I was reading this after re-watching :P my 3:10 to Yuma DVD last week when I realized it was 4 am already! :D (very sleepy on the next day @ work but this is absolutely worth reading). To be honest, I read it twice; not in a row though.. LOL; because at my first reading, I read it too fast – yeah my curiosity got the better of me – so I needed to re-read it to enjoy it better and also because this is just that great.

I think everything is well put in here; the storyline, the language that matches to the period of the story, the characterizations, and of course the trivia!
And I like it that you wrote in one note that Alice should've been highly sought after because women were outnumbered by men at that time (I don't remember in what chapter), but then in Chapter 12 you set the suitable plot for it. Nice thing to do.

And 6 months waiting for a new chapter was ... ;) although I’ve found this when 12th Chapter was ready ... oh how very lucky! :D

Anyway I'll wait for more and thank you for writing this wonderful piece.

I am enjoying your story and your proper use of time period appropriate words and technologies. I am afraid so many of the stories on here use ridiculously modern terms when writing in a period setting. It is a pleasure to be able to read something that sounds "right". I look forward to your next update.

And now we continue with the previous review…

For yet, as I do love Will and Mark, I have to say that the romantic aspect of this story is the most riveting part for me. For very much indeed, I cannot help but love this soft, subtle approach of the slowly developing relationship between Alice and Joshua. It is apparent from the beginning that Alice, if only deemed as a mild irritation in seeing him, is undoubtedly attracted to the man who now goes by the name of Joshua Mason. I find it an interesting point that Alice’s eyes are continuously described as being green, and that Joshua takes great notice in them, as it duly reflects what had been expressed in the film. Apparently, he cannot take his eyes—or even thoughts—off of her. I also find his desire in helping Alice, even if it something as simple and irrelevant as chopping firewood, to be the better part of his character shining through. I honestly think Dan managed to rub off on Joshua a bit, in his doing good deeds, for he has certainly done quite a few whilst residing with the Evans family! The part where he feels a sense of contentment, when helping them, to be better than robbing trains and stagecoaches certainly expounds on his change of belief.

I cannot see him abandoning Alice and the boys. Nor can I see him wanting to, as he pretty much confesses as much to Alice, when remaining at her side as they met with the questioning faces of the townspeople of Bisbee. And he certainly did not take too kindly to the unwanted advances of Alice’s…ah…suitors! I think that the likes of Silas Brody had best set Alice Evans off the table for a potential wife; I daresay she has already been claimed, if in looks and actions alone! (Laughs.) I cannot wait to see how Joshua will pursue this newfound interest in Alice, as his regard for her trimming his hair—or rather, having anything to do with his hair in general—has both confused and inspired his ardour for her. And the kiss. Oh, the kiss! Wow! That was intense! I can imagine Alice being utterly taken by surprise, but then willingly giving in to it at the same time. In truth, I think she enjoyed it—immensely so! I mean, after everything that has happened to her, with Hollander and having to worry over the welfare of those dearest to her, a lot has been placed onto her narrow shoulders. I also find that, from her thoughts of Dan, their marriage seemed to have withered over the years. I assumed as much, when he tells her, before leaving, that he is tired of how his sons look at him and how she does not. It is quite obvious that their relationship was strained, as her feelings for Joshua appear to be quite different from those she felt toward Dan. I find it sad in a way, but I think she can find some semblance of happiness again, albeit perhaps in someone she would not ever have anticipated.

I hope so, anyway. As I do so believe that, as with Chapter Twelve’s ending, Joshua has much to consider—especially now that Will has given his semi-blessing on Joshua’s intent to make his mother happy. I hope he succeeds, honestly. But I suppose I shall have to wait and see on that count, as I am sure that there shall be more hilarity—on Mark’s part—and surprises along the way!

Again, I thank you for writing this wonderful piece of art. It shall certainly be added to my favourites! ;)

Anxiously awaiting your next chapter!

— Kittie

Oh. My. Word. This story is, allow me to say, absolutely, bloody fantastic! I have no other way in which to describe my intrigue, other than the simple fact that I love it! This is an addictive little piece of fiction; it has left me utterly captivated. Oh, certainly indeed! I have to confess that your story has kept me enthralled these last few days—ever since I watched the film over the weekend. And to confess it, I am so glad that my mother suggested in watching it, as I am not really one for Westerns, but found, to my surprise, how 3:10 to Yuma surpassed my expectations—and believe me, I had anticipated it being a film very similar to those of the Silver Screen days of old—but I was certainly wrong, and gladly so! For had I not watched it, I would never have found this charming little gem! And what a gem it is!

Truly, after watching the ending to 3:10, I found myself inexorably drawn to the ‘What happens next?’ question. I simply had to look online to sate my curiosity, and that was when I found your story, as its storyline ran parallel to my own thoughts, on what happened with Ben Wade and the Evans family after the 3:10 departed for Yuma. I had a feeling that there was some unfinished business between the outlaw and his ‘escort’s’ family, as the ending was, thank God, mercifully left wide open to interpretation. After all, it was quite evident that Ben Wade had no intention to ride all of the way to Yuma! And is it wicked of me, to admit that I was smiling when he whistled for his horse? ;)

But I am digressing. Truly, I have to admit that everything concerning this story is simply marvellous. The plot and pacing flow together perfectly and are well-placed together into a single, coherent piece of literature. It is almost as though I am looking at a tapestry, well-defined in its delicate threads of place and time. You set the background of the story against a painted Arizona sky; the setting a true visual moment in time; the characters well-rounded in their overall representations. You certainly nailed the Evans family, as well as Ben Wade—or rather, ah, Joshua Mason—quite perfectly!

Will and Mark are remarkable, and greatly remind me of their portrayals in the film, whilst Alice, as well as Joshua Mason, have an added depth to their characters—not overly seen in the film. It is sometimes a little difficult to know of what courses through a character’s thoughts when seeing it visually represented, whereas reading about them, and thus becoming privy to their innermost thoughts and feelings, allows us to have a closer look at the internal conflicts and struggles these said characters face. I absolutely love how you have portrayed everyone—most certainly our favourite antagonist/hero—as well as some of the lesser, likable characters.

Truth be told, I am delighted to see that Joshua—as that is what I shall call his present self; and only Ben Wade, when referring to his past self! (Winks.)—has decided to walk the ‘straight and narrow path’ as it were. His righteous indignation, combined with his vigilante-style tactics, against his former employer, Gardner, along with Glen Hollander and Tom Atkins was certainly cold justice delivered on a plate. Really, they had it coming to them. I cannot say the same, perhaps, for Lester Holmes, but it really was the coral snake! Though all jesting aside, I am truly glad that someone as wretched and cruel as Hollander met such a crude and pitiful end, not that I could ever pity a rapist. Oh, certainly indeed not, and I am quite glad that Joshua and Will felt the same. I think Alice did as well, as I am glad that Joshua told her not to blame herself. For although he himself is one of questionable morality, I doubt he would ever hurt Alice—or her family, for that matter. It is quite apparent that Joshua seems to genuinely care for the boys, as he certainly does for Alice.

As I consider it, I think there was a mild attraction—if only on his side—when he spoke to Alice in the film. Of course, Alice, in turn, confesses to Dan that their ‘guest’ was not what she had expected. Oh, and since I mentioned Dan Evans, I also believe that his death affected Ben Wade greatly—so much so that his present incarnation, Joshua, blamed himself for it. I mean, at the end, when Dan is dying on the railway platform, there appears to be tears in Ben Wade’s eyes, as he tries to rein in his emotions—particularly in front of his gang, and the likes of Charlie Prince—I shall not go into that man’s unyielding affection for his ‘boss’, albeit you so aptly pointed out what I and many have suspected—that Ben, if in some small measure, changes in that moment. For like much Will, I cannot see Joshua as completely bad, even if he has claimed himself rotten as hell. I truly believe that he formed some sort of friendship with Dan over the course of their journey together and, at the end, wanted to at least do the dead man a courtesy, and look in to see how the Evans family was faring. And he could have come no sooner.

Concerning Dan’s family, I believe that he would have wanted someone to look in on his family—even if that someone used to be Ben Wade. I do find Joshua’s coming into the Evans family’s lives again quite fitting, if not a little ironic. I simply loved how he, in Chapter Seven, attempted to dissuade Will, in killing Hollander, as he reminded the boy of what Dan had said of his son, of how Will was already well on the path of decency, and not to take the road that he had chosen so long ago. I think it greatly parallels with what had been said by Wade in the trailer and deleted scenes, of how Will was not protecting his father but following him. And lest I forget, I also found your comparing the slowing of Dan’s heartbeat to that of the train’s steam engine simply brilliant. After watching that particular scene again, it does match, that same synchronicity a representation of the choice—if not fate—of Dan Evans at the end.

And I so greatly admire your little historical tid bits at the end of each chapter! Really, I want to commend you on your desire to remain historically accurate. I cannot thank you enough for that, as many writers seem to only want to have some sort of wondrously, embellished anachronisms, which painfully border on the overly dramatic. Again, thank you for remaining true to the historical timeline, as I am learning quite a few things from this story, as my knowledge of history is not one of the old American Wild West. Sadly, I know more of the goings on with Merry Monarchs and Whitechapel Butchers than I do the Old West, although I could not help but nod at the anecdote of what almost happened to Joshua in Portland, Oregon, on his almost being shanghaied. That, I had heard of! (Grins.) Oh, and these long chapters are a gem! I love long chapters! I am rapt for hours with them! ;)

Also, the comedy in this story is quite refreshing, and is certainly heads and shoulders above some of the slapstick humour that is, more often than not, more annoying than funny. Mark really shines out in his rôle as the one made for comic relief. I love his endless stream of questions—particularly when directed at Joshua! Really, I believe he is the one Wade deemed ‘the one who won’t shut up,’ whilst Will is ‘the quiet one’ from the deleted scenes. I really wish the director had left that little segment in!

And it seems that I am, unfortunately, running out of space for this review, since I was abruptly cut off, when pasting the entirety of it in, so I shall add the rest in an accompanying review. Really, I fear that a ten thousand character limit simply not enough. But then, I am rambling on quite a lot! (Grins.) ;)

I just wanted to congratulate you on having the best 3:10 to Yuma fic on this site! I normally never, ever review until an author reaches the end of their story (been burned too many times by excellent, but dropped tales). All the characters remain faithful to their behaviors in the movie - especially Ben/Joshua. The story seems well plotted and I see no plot holes at all.

You are to be commended for adding the trivia at the end to let us (people who are clueless) know how you came up with the rich tapestry you have for the story. I myself am not an expert on this time period so I love the trivia!

I do have one quibble - a minor one - and that is the lengthy time between updates. I totally understand you've got a real life and a lot going on, but this last dry period made me think you were possibly dropping the story. It was a nice surprise to see your update!

I love your writing style and I think you ought to seriously consider writing a romance novel set in the old west. Please don't take my statement as an insult (some writers believe romance novels suck and take offense at the suggestion they try writing one)! I would pay for something this well written!

what a nice suprise.
I'm very glad you finally updated the story :-)
As always, very well written.
The prose and all its details bring me right back to the harsh living circumstances in the West at the end of the 19th century.
The blossoming romance is very believable.
Can't wait for your next chapter!

I've really enjoyed this story so far. I especially like the bits of trivia at the end.
It's really quite a fascinating story and I am pleased you're still updating it when you get the chance.
Best wishes,

Zackery Faelan

aw that final scene was absolutely adorable. I love how you're easing into the romance here (though it's gotta be driving Ben crazy lol) but both of them trading off on jealous fits was cracking me up lol.

Glad to see this continue finally hon!

Oh man, I was SO excited when I signed in and saw you had updated. And while waiting 6 months is kinda brutal, as long as you don't abandon this story I will wait HOWEVER long it takes for you to finish it, LOL. There are so many things I loved about this chapter, I don't even know where to start. Alize getting really ** about him going off and then him confronting her about it made me laugh, and I LOVED the whole conversation on the way home from town the first time. OH, and all those books for William? Totally awesome. Can't wait for the next part :)

This was definitely worth the wait! Their mutual jealousy was amusing-especially when she thought he'd gone "whoring." :)

The only thing I wonder at is that Mark cursed twice in this chapter ("**" and "hell") and Alice didn't reprimand him. She lectured Joshua for saying "**" a few chapters back and it seems odd that she wouldn't scold Mark. Anyway, just wondering.

Thanks for some more brilliant writing and I can't wait for the next chapter!

Wonderful chapter, wonderful story! I was very pleased to say the least when I saw you had updated this story. Keep up the great writing.

I can't even describe to you what I felt when I logged into my email and saw that you'd updated. You've made my day, possibly my week :) I loved this chapter, as usual, but I especially loved how you delved into the jealousy of both Joshua and Alice. I almost gave into the urge to fan-squeal (something I would never do) whenever Joshua turned away the suitors. I also loved the ending. The last conversation between William and Joshua was great, and the last line was simple, but somehow incredible. I hope you update very soon - sooner than 6 months at least. I want to see what happens! Keep updating!

it is a very good job that ure stories are so good, because i had to wait an awfully long time for this update. i was dead excited when i came in from work today and it was waiting in my inbox.

i loved the bit with the dimestore magazines to thank him for killing hollander, is it. lots of lovely touches, as i have come to expect. just please don't make me wait quite so long for chapter 13 as i did for chapter 12, is all.

Okay, so I check this story at least once a day to see if there's a new chapter, I love everything about it. Clearly you've gone to a lot of trouble to research the time period and it just makes the story that much more enjoyable to read. Please update soon!! I can't wait to read what happens next!