Reviews from

The Executioner's Tale, Part I

Christmas is a terrible day for an execution

21 total reviews 
Comment from Iza Deleanu
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I'm going to say bribe the Excutioner so he is not doing a crap job. It's very painful to be in the imminent presence of the Death so close to Christmas. Thank you for sharing and good luck with your writings.

 Comment Written 05-Nov-2020


reply by the author on 05-Nov-2020
    Thank you, Iza. It will be several days before I have the conclusion out.
Comment from Mastery
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Hi Jay. I have no idea where you come up with your ideas for stories but they are definitely unusual, my friend. Who would conceive of an executioner in this era? Very good idea though.

You have some wonderful imagery throughout, Jay, like here for instance:
"He sighed, lifted his heavy shoulders up to his ears, and let them drop."

And here: "Suddenly she was onto her tiptoes, gripping his shoulders to pull her up, for he stood a foot taller. Her mouth lingering at his earlobe, she tugged playfully at the large gold ring hanging from it, sucked it into her mouth, let it slide out, nibbled at the flesh where it entered his earlobe. Then she put her lips full onto his ear. "Fuck. King. Gregory," she whispered, and the heat of her breath radiated to flush the entire side of his face. "Let's go. Let's leave."

Good job, myfriend. I will stay tuned. Bob


 Comment Written 05-Nov-2020


reply by the author on 05-Nov-2020
    Haha, I thought you'd like her ear-job. Wait'll you hear where he got that earring. I'll be pubbing the conclusion as soon as I earn enough shekels to make it worthwhile. Thanks, Bob, for your usual encouragement.
reply by Mastery on 05-Nov-2020
    :) Bob
Comment from Mary Kay Bonfante
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Superb scenario of events leading up to a prisoner's execution, which apparently took place sometime around the Middle Ages or shortly thereafter -- during the reign of King George, and well into the establishment of Christendom. I know that they often referred to Christmas as "Michaelmas" in those times in England, so you might want to check on that.

Some very minor spags:

"Apostacy brought you here.
-->
"Apostasy brought you here.

The peasants in the market place they'll bargain with.
-->
The peasants in the marketplace they'll bargain with. ["market place" is also correct, but "marketplace" is more universally accepted]

This is a riveting story, and I look forward to reading Part 2. I am following many people and can't possibly read all the material I get messages about. I am also very busy with personal responsibilities right now. I will follow you, but also, please feel free to send me a personal message when you post the next part(s), as there would be less of a chance that I would overlook it.
I wish I still had a six to give you. Maybe next time, I will! I love a good tale.
And the artwork you chose is perfect.

 Comment Written 05-Nov-2020


reply by the author on 05-Nov-2020
    Mary Kay, you are a dear for pointing out my misspell; also, marketplace does have a better feel to it. Don't worry about the 6. Your advice and kind words are better than a 6 any day.

    I've got something for you.
reply by Mary Kay Bonfante on 05-Nov-2020
    Thank you so much for that nomination! You're a dear, too. God bless you, Jay. - Mary Kay
reply by the author on 05-Nov-2020
    I edit my stories probably four times before I post them, and I'm an editor on my own publication, so when I come across someone with some valid feedback, I like to reward her. Or him. So thank YOU!
reply by Mary Kay Bonfante on 08-Nov-2020
    You're very welcome, Jay. What a pleasure :-)
Comment from Raffaelina Lowcock
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That is a very teasing story. The Executioner doesn't like his job, the victim doesn't want to die, the priest is hearing the gory news of past executions for the first time. What is next? We await the doom.
Very well done.

Ralf

 Comment Written 05-Nov-2020


reply by the author on 05-Nov-2020
    Many thanks, Ralf. This story was all of one cloth originally. I had to divide it into two parts to make it more palatable to the reader.
Comment from themundanegirl
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This is a very well written piece. You had my attention the whole way through! I love the artwork that was paired with it! Thank you for sharing, I look forward to reading more!

 Comment Written 05-Nov-2020


reply by the author on 05-Nov-2020
    Thank you for your kind words. I'm happy you found it entertaining.
Comment from Cynthia Adams1
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Your story kept my interest throughout and I look forward to the next chapter.
There are good images throughout.
You do much better with "earthy" images than I.
Good job describing the executioner, his wife, the prisoner and the priest...I am able to picture them.
The relationship between the executioner and his wife appears to be a good one. Makes me wonder what role she will play although she is likely a more minor character than he.
I already like the prisoner best and the priest least although I don't have that much to base it on.
Good work. I await the next installment.

 Comment Written 05-Nov-2020


reply by the author on 05-Nov-2020
    Cynthia, you are a marvel. Thank you for your kindness. I'm happy that you enjoyed this first chapter. There are only two. The next will be the conclusion. It should really have been only one chapter, but then readership would fall. Again, Cynthia, thanks.
reply by Cynthia Adams1 on 05-Nov-2020
    The only thing about the priest is that he seems like more of a stock character than the others.
    How many stories/movies have there been where priests of that time in history are not truly spiritual men but faith imposters (though many don't understand that about themselves.) Some, however, are outright scoundrels.

    Most think they are spiritual whereas they are merely religious.
    I believe in your skill and heart as a writer. Whatever you do with this slimy priest, it will surprise me :)
reply by the author on 05-Nov-2020
    The priest is only an incidental character, only their to intensify the character structure of the prisoner. I probably could have made him less "stock." You're absolutely right on the typical caricature of the priest of that period.
reply by Cynthia Adams1 on 05-Nov-2020
    Glad to hear it...he doesn't deserve much air time, :)
Comment from royowen
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What a fascinating literary journey you've commenced Jay. You've no spags that I can detect, but then, I'm an amateur, this is absorbingly good, I've missed both you and Margaret Snowden's writing, both as good as the best, I think being latched onto is an accident, like some great performers in entertainment. Well done, some fodder for the future with the executioner being off colour. Well done, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 05-Nov-2020


reply by the author on 05-Nov-2020
    Thank you for reading, Roy, and your usual kindness. Bless you. This piece is kinda edgy. Some will love it. Some hate it. I'm glad you're on the positive side.
reply by royowen on 05-Nov-2020
    Good writing
Comment from robyn corum
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Jay,

hahahaha -- sorry. Couldn't help myself. All's fair in love, horseshoes, and executioning, I suppose.... I mean, it may not have been a pretty deed, but it was a DONE deed, I guess one might say. *smile*

Nicely done - beautifully written. Can't wait for the rest!

 Comment Written 05-Nov-2020


reply by the author on 05-Nov-2020
    One more to come, Robyn. It was designed as a standalone, but then no one would have read it. I'm happy you enjoyed it. I remember Robyn's 18th century serial killer of a couple of years ago. So don't get all aloof! *giggle* *smile* *double-wink*
reply by robyn corum on 05-Nov-2020
    Oh, my. I hope I didn't sound aloof. hahaha No way. I love to kill people in my writings.
Comment from Earl Corp
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You have piqued my interest with this tale. I'm really curious whether the execution will happen or not. I can't wait to read the next installment.

 Comment Written 05-Nov-2020


reply by the author on 05-Nov-2020
    Thank you, Earl. I don't think the conclusion will disappoint you. I just need to earn some funny-bucks to give it a shot to shine!
Comment from lancellot
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Hmm, interesting scenes. Two people trap in what they must do and what must be done, and two people trying to console or bring a better understanding to them, both coming from a different POV.

Notes:

He shook his head and blew out a puff of air. "No, woman, it's a proclamation. Everyone must go.["]

-add

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 Comment Written 05-Nov-2020


reply by the author on 05-Nov-2020
    Oh my God! I check those things so closely. Thanks Lance. Glad you enjoyed it.