Reviews from

The Eleventh Hour

At the Heart of It

21 total reviews 
Comment from Ginda Simpson
Excellent
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You have written a super spiritual with a twist at the end, which is kind of "twisted". On the other hand, your demon paved the way for this addict's salvation. Well done.

 Comment Written 27-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 27-Jul-2024
    Thank you very much for your appreciative review, Ginda!
Comment from Liz O'Neill
Excellent
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I was glad to see this last line. At first I thought the addict was going to just be a wasted life and go nowhere: "
Amid cheers, the angel returned to Heaven with a soul."
i worked as a mental health worker for 11 years among them were addicts, The stories of addicts are tragic and they are struggling human beings I'm so glad you had this one just go to heaven.

 Comment Written 27-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 27-Jul-2024
    God bless you for your social service, Liz! Thank you very much for your appreciative review here!
reply by Liz O'Neill on 28-Jul-2024
    Well thought out
Comment from nomi338
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Obviously, the difference between an angel and a demon is the acceptance of remorse. The last thing a demon wants to hear is I'm sorry. He only wants to hear blame and accusations against everyone, swearing all along that it is not his fault.

 Comment Written 27-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 27-Jul-2024
    Thank you very much for your cogent comments and appreciative review.
reply by nomi338 on 27-Jul-2024
    I have had my awareness disciplined by life experience over 80+ years of living.
Comment from tfawcus
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The classic battle between good and evil. Last-minute repentance, although it may not save your life, may save your soul, as is the case here. I wish you good fortune with your contest entry.

 Comment Written 27-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 27-Jul-2024
    Thank you very much!
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Excellent
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Those two words, "I'm sorry," redeemed this drug addict, and the Devil lost the man's soul. What a wonderful flash fiction story, I really enjoyed reading it. Well done and good luck! :)) Sandra xx

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 26-Jul-2024
    Thank you very much, Sandra!
Comment from Begin Again
Excellent
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He repented...and he might have lost a life that was filled with pain and anguish, but he gained the hereafter and the blessed love of our LOrd. Nice flash!
Smiles, Carol

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 26-Jul-2024
    Thank you very much, Carol!
Comment from SimianSavant
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An intriguing short story. I am a little confused what is going on, more from the reaction of the cheers than from the outcome. If the goal of the angel was to save the man's life, and this did not happen, why are there cheers? If that was a victory, then why bother saving the junkie's life? I suppose my questions may run counter to the regular evangelical narrative, but I am an ape, so that's why.

One small detail:

=> the angel said <= there should be a period here.

Thanks for the read,

SS

 Comment Written 24-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 24-Jul-2024
    Hey Simian, thanks for the read, punctuation error catch, and kind review--much appreciated!
    The demon was offered a return to Heaven if he showed compassion to the junkie by not taking his life. Being a demon, he couldn't even show such care/pity, and took the addict's life. However, before his death, the junkie expressed true remorse/contrition in his heart, perceived by the angel, and his soul was claimed by God, though he died physically. Kinda similar to the thief crucified alongside Jesus in the Bible. The cheers in Heaven were for the redeemed 'soul' of the junkie, not his physical life, which was all messed up/near forfeit and in the hands, metaphorically, of the demon. Here, life and soul are not quite the same. Sorry for rambling, but hope that helped clarify things a bit. Thanks again!
reply by SimianSavant on 24-Jul-2024
    Thanks! Yes, that does make it a lot clearer.

    🦍
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
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You told a complete story and used only a few words. You have all the necessary ingredients for a story, character, plot, setting, and solution. I enjoyed reading. Good luck with the contest.

 Comment Written 24-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 24-Jul-2024
    Hey, Barbara, thank you very much!
Comment from Ric Myworld
Excellent
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Well, I must say that I didn't exactly see what coming, but take them how ever you can get them, I guess. :-) I've become a big fan of short flash fiction. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 24-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 24-Jul-2024
    Thanks for your appreciative review, Ric!
Comment from Cindy Decker 3
Excellent
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Author,
In your work, you demonstrate that every person on earth is loved by God.
This hopeless drug addict was contrite, and he was taken to Heaven by his guardian angel. I like the symbolism of the demon being his drugs.
Excellent writing,
Best wishes,
Cindy

 Comment Written 24-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 24-Jul-2024
    Thank you very much, Cindy!