I read this fic in one sitting and it is great. Serious stories don't seem to get as many reviews as funny ones - I guess it is harder to think up something to say that is more than just "this is so funny it's really good". I know I find it hard! Don't take this off the net! I would hate to lose fics like this!

I've just finished reading this and the Hecate Cycle and I'm amazed at how few reviews you've gotten. What you've done, it's the best stuff here! I mean, the most recent fics centering around Smith you can't make it thorugh the first few paragraphs without suffering huge blows to your dignity.

The way these things are written, the language, the imagery and the philosophical bent you give to everything...these are ACTUAL STORIES. They're involving, they're original...it's like the difference you'd expect between a jr. high writing level and a college graduate writing level. It's beautiful, it's meaningful...there's no Mary Sue...ANYWHERE.

I'm honestly sorry that your work, that is genuinely creative and GOOD, hasn't recieved more attention. If you're going to let these stories die, that's ok, you're the writer...but -I can't think of what to say- don't. Just please don't.

I'll say it again, these are the best examples of Smith fiction out there.

I like it. it really really like it. It gives a possible explanation as to what happened to smith after the first Matirx.

Wow...that was an amazing piece of fanfiction. You capture the smirkiness of Smith so well. And your writing had me feeling every word you said. I've read it only one time so I'm still a little confused on the plot. I think I'll go back and read it again =)

I know it means little to get a gushing, unhelpful review, but that's all I can offer after reading this story. ;] I especially loved your interpretation of Smith's recovering memories. This story truly does keep me at the edge of my seat--the pacing seems so perfect to keep fans strung along to find the next bit of info. Thanks for this story!

I know it means little to get a gushing, unhelpful review, but that's all I can offer after reading this story. ;] I especially loved your interpretation of Smith's recovering memories. This story truly does keep me at the edge of my seat--the pacing seems so perfect to keep fans strung along to find the next bit of info. Thanks for this story!

D*mn fine piece of writing. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed what little I’ve read and intend to read on. I cannot imagine why you don’t have 100 reviews, all praise, by now. Excellent work. I especially appreciate the way you have so effectively conveyed the pain and darkness within.

GUILTY! GUILTY! GUILTY! Of shamelessly and selfishly reading this great work and not leaving a review.
So - why so few reviews? I think a number of reasons. Firstly good writing can be its own worst enemy in this place, you read something thought provoking like this, and want to go away and muse over it for a while - and then of course don't get round to coming back and reviewing. Secondly, judging from the standard of much of the writing on here, this is just too sophisticated for many readers, and I don't just mean big words, but big concepts, and the requirement to hold several ideas and possibilities in one's head while reading the story. I consider myself to be a voracious and discerning reader, but still found myself having to read some parts over twice in order to understand what was going on. Not that that is a bad thing generally, but it is not likely to appeal to this audience. In addition I find that stories which capture the emotion of the reader, as opposed to stimulating the mind, tend to be more popular in here.
What did I personally think of it?
I love your writing style very much indeed. I particularly enjoy reading works where a writer is crafting something from her words, using them in surprising ways. eg: 'a cool wind galloped through the street' and 'the rearguard of the passing tempest'. Your story is extremely atmospheric, one feels the heat, the rain, the wind, the pain and the hurt. It is so professionally written that one does not even notice the quality of the dialogue because one is concentrating on what the characters are saying. The plot is suitably murky and disguised until the end, again the sign of a professional work, but perhaps not as popular in fanfic. So to summarise, don't fret over the lack of reviews here Oqi, it's because rather than writing a piece of popular fanfiction, you have produced a novel quality work of depth, substance and art.

Yeah ... um ... OK - holy ^&*$! Why isn't anyone reviewing this? It's one of the most artfully constructed and written fanfics in this category. I guess that Big Words are a problem sometime ...

If you're really pulling this (sob) and ever want to repost, you might want to consider doing one chapter at a time instead of the whole shebang. That way the donkey keeps running after the carrot and reviewing, reviewing, reviewing all the way. In an ideal situation, of course. One must take into account the intimidating effects of Big Words.

If you happen to be reading this fic. speak now or forever hold your peace. It's a bit of a kick in the teeth to have had 27.000 words sitting here since July with only one review. I'm going to be pulling this story quite soon and it will be accessible from my website www.geocities.com/oqidaun

Hooray for you for finally posting on fanfiction.net! You might wanna change your settings so you can accept anonymous reviews, but other than that, go you!!! You should get a lot more feedback here. This is such a wonderful story, you have such dark talent, and I'll be watching as you post the next chapters.