This is an extremely enjoyable work of fiction - I love your characterization of both Lois and Clark.

Aw, it's beautiful! I particularly liked the characterization.

I forgot to add, and certainly meant to, that the other remarkable aspect of your story is the Metropolis drama in which it is set, with a compelling mystery which focuses your action, placing the developing relationship in a solid context. It feels mostly like a backdrop, but it's a thorough and effective backdrop.

I have recently been immersing myself in Superman stories, and I must say, you are the most compelling author I have found thus far. This story is a fascinating work. As an avid Lois & Clark fan, it's been very interesting to see a scenario which develops more along those lines (no memory-warp kiss, five year absence, young child, etc.) yet with characterizations far more in line with the films. Your Lois is the most appealing characterization I have yet to see.

I love the way you opened chapters for this piece and how that set the tone. It gave the entire work a sense of depth and intensity. It built, but not simply through chronological plot-additions. You also developed a powerful romance, ever so much more substantive than the stories which flounce through thoughts of mush and lust. I appreciate it that even by the close of your story, the physical contact between Clark and Lois was only a matter of embracing. Your story made it such that anything more was not only unnecessary but actually might have been distracting from the intensity in that last conversation, and I admire your discernment in that.

Lois' reaction was also handled fabulously. The question of 'which are you' was both unexpected and surprisingly natural. She was mature and graceful throughout, though in an astoundingly legitimate, which adds to what I said earlier about the appeal of your Lois. She can be rash and indignant, but she's also deeply compassionate and steady.

Honestly, I'm adding Superman fics to my favorites list now just so I can have a few there to supplement the addition of this story to the list. Very, very well done.

Very nice. I like seeing this Clark and Lois treated with realism and logic. It was very intense and quick paced. Thanks.

I'm not sure if I've reviewed this story before or not, but what the hey. I read the first chapter, when that was all there was, a long time ago, then the whole thing recently once, and again.

This story stunned me, twisted and plucked at my heartstrings like no other. Lois-first blind to Clark then sacrificing her essential self without even knowing his secret; Clark-alien, as he should be, yet awe-inspiring and so very, very human; her *choice* to hear or not to hear the revelation; and the aftermath, the misunderstanding. I was terrified to think that Lois and Clark would never realize who they really were, together or apart.

I have no sufficient words for this story. It was a very powerfully emotional high and the best Superman story I can recall ever reading and you can be sure I'll be reading it again and again far into the future.

PS. Shatterfall is also an amazing story, and I'm very eager to read the rest of it.

I can't stop flailing. I'm going to be so fangirly you migt find cavities after reading this and for that I apologise in advance. I stayed up until 3 in the morning to finish reading this book, abandonning a lab report (that I'm now frantically trying to finish *L* We all know how well I set my priorities) for this wonderful, wonderful story.

Your Clark is just perfect. There's so much debate about who's real and who's the mask in the Clark/Kal-El/Superman identity and you've managed to blend it all in an understandable, believable manner. Not clearly- never really clearly 'cause I don't think CLARK is clear on it *L* but it hits all the right notes.

Your Lois is painted with a deft touch. Yes, she's brash but it's for a reason and I love the history you've given her, a history that explains her motivations, all the reasons she's such a respected reporter and her reactions to both Clark and Superman.

But best of all are all the Lois and Clark interactions. No matter who's POV it was, every word rang true from Lois taking the newbie under her wing in the first chapter(I'd never seen that done to my satisfaction, not even with the "Birthright" TPB) to Clark's alien coping mechanism in the last. Those interactions were the reason I devoured the fic. Their last scene together broke me. There's Clark bumbling his confession- in a very real way as opposed to the nebbish way- in fear of losing and Lois losing it not because she's afraid but because she thinks she's lost someone she loved as well.

At 3:05 AM I sat back, glutted with joy and promptly fell into bed, snoring but I swear I was smiling because this story was the last thing in my mind. This was so. Damned. Good. Thank you SO much for writing and sharing it.

/fangirl

You have left me speechless at the depth, tenderness and clarity of this story. It's truly amazing. Bravo.

I'm terrible at writing reviews, because I only leave them when I've been totally floored by a story, and then I'm too dazed to even think of constructive criticism, or even coherent praise. So this review isn't going to be useful. I just wanted to say that this is my fourth rereading of this story, and it's gotten better every time. I do hope you're still writing.

You couldn't have writen this more perfectly. I really hope you add more- I'd love to know what happens next! Your writing style is excellent- intelligent. It's great.

- mak:)

Sorry this review took so long.

"I gave you Clark because you were the one I could trust to protect him."

Sums it up in a sentence why no one guesses Clark is Supes - he appears vulnerable.

PS Love your writing style - imaginative and concise:)

Wow. This was incredibly brilliant. You made all the characters, but Lois and Clark especially, so very deep and alive. I think you've ruined me for other Superman stories. Thanks.

*favorites like a mad thing*

Wow. What an ending to such a story!

This has simply blown me away. I have had to read that final chapter twice already, and will probably read it again before the week is through. Somehow the ideas which are laced into this story are so much deeper than the story itself, if that makes sense - the truths about identity, confession... so spot on.

Sorry, I'm rambling. Reading this has made me feel poetic! I love this story, thankyou so much for sharing it with everyone on I feel almost ashamed to post my own rather meagre offering of a 'Clois' fic in comparison to your story. I cannot praise it enough!

Fantastic.

HoVis

Hi,

I have yet to read this chapter and those following it - I intend to savour the experience - but I felt that I had to pause here to thank you for the previous four chapters which I have enjoyed so much. This story - and your writing talent - is incredible. I have been reading fanfiction on this site for several years now and I do not think I have ever come across such good writing as is displayed here. You have a really wonderful style and grasp of the characters and their thoughts. Your knack for slipping in and out of a character's memory is very impressive - the fact that you have flashbacks within flashbacks almost reminds me of the way the Arabian Nights are written.

Well, you'll probably hear from me over the next few chapters, but for now, thankyou and well done!

HoVis

That was wonderful! But where's the rest! I wanna know what happens from here. I really liked this story. You did such a great job with the characters especially Clark. And you seemed to know your stuff about Superman. That's pretty cool. Please update eventually. :D