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Body of a Horse, Heart of a Man

Viewing comments for Chapter 19 "Conflict in the Woods"
A modern twist on Greek Mythology.

19 total reviews 
Comment from nomi338
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

The mistake that so many evil bullies make is to think that they are better, stronger and more determined than anyone else. They are not always proven wrong, but more times than not they are defeated by their mistaken, and misguided confidence.

 Comment Written 02-Apr-2025


reply by the author on 03-Apr-2025
    Hi Nolan,
    Thank you so much for the six stars, my friend!! Yes, Drakes overconfidence and hubris in thinking his use of terror and dominance would scare Diantha into submission was, as you said, misguided. She has grown as a character.
    Thanks so much for your insightful comments,
    Take care,
    Rhonda
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

As always, I enjoy the adventures of Diantha as she learns to be one of the people of Concorde Valley. She does seem so much more alive than she had been back in Tennessee. I hope Atrius's humanity isn't somehow used against him in the battle.

 Comment Written 02-Apr-2025


reply by the author on 03-Apr-2025
    Hi Carol, thank you so very much for the review and comments. Atrius' humanity isn't the weakness, but it does give him more tender thoughts. He is an immortal, but there is something and Atrius will not want to face it.
    Diantha is beginning to grow from the dowdy little girl to a woman with a voice.
    Take care,
    Rhonda
Comment from Cecilia A Heiskary
Excellent
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Rhonda,

What a wonderful story. Diantha had herself in a bit of a bind there for a minute. It's good that Georgiios came a long and saved her.

Well done

Cecilia

 Comment Written 02-Apr-2025


reply by the author on 03-Apr-2025
    Hi Cecilia,
    Yes, Diantha was in a bit of a pickle. She put up a valiant fight, but not sure she would have made it far without intervention!!

    Take care,
    Rhonda
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

The action is certainly being stepped up here. And Diantha's emerging confidence and bravery are very much coming to the fore. Thank Goodness for Georgios, the shepherd of the people, who appears just at the right time. While the connection and commune with nature is another contributory factor. Diantha is undoubtedly concerned about this threat against Atrius, about whom we learn more of his background and have further evidence of Diantha's growing feelings towards him.
Thank you so much, Rhonda, for this vividly expressed fantasy chapter, beautifully presented. The pace of the story is excellent and I'm enjoying Diantha's emergence from insecure and indecisive to resolute and battle-prepared, motivated by her increasing attachment to Concorde Valley and its people...and one in particular. Well done, Rhonda! Sadly, only a virtual six from me. Love Debbie
Some comments below:
"Our valley has been used up as far as resources (are concerned)"
I like the "Good then go sacrifice yourself" The euphemism of 'sacrifice' potentially for another ruder word made me smile:)
"She kicked him in the chin when he went down then hit him with the wooden table.." (Did she actually pick up the table?)
"dragged me down in(to) a cellar"
"He said Hades would be (ruling?) over both valleys then"

 Comment Written 02-Apr-2025


reply by the author on 03-Apr-2025
    Hi Debbie,
    Thank you so much for the virtual six!! I'll gladly take it.
    Yes, Diantha is progressing from her weak indecisive former self. She has something, and someone, to give her a reason to grow. Love the way you picked up on these themes.
    I try to put in nature and conservation digs upon occasion. It's one reason this valley has been so successful. Not so, Concorde.
    Yes, funny, I did replace the word sacrifice for another. Hehe.
    I'll make the changes you found. Good eye for them. I actually had meant to make the one about ruling the valleys.

    Much love,
    Rhonda
Comment from royowen
Excellent
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A long one this one, Diantha has been captured by what appears to be spectres serving Hades, and want to commit an act of sacrifice on Diantha, although wounded she managed to escape,and rescued, so this is a great episode episode Rhonda, action all the way through, well dine, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 02-Apr-2025


reply by the author on 02-Apr-2025
    Hi Roy,
    Yeah, this one was very long. I tried to find a way to break it down, but it just didn't flow as two chapters. Thanks for sticking it out!!

    Take care,
    Rhonda
reply by royowen on 02-Apr-2025
    My pleasure Rhonda
Comment from Michael Ludwinder
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I really enjoyed into your chapter. Georgios is such an interesting character! And I love his connection to the forest. The way he reassured Diantha felt so natural/ The twist about his father being a cursed god was just perfect. It added so much to the story. I'm completely hooked on what happens next!

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 Comment Written 02-Apr-2025


reply by the author on 02-Apr-2025
    Hi Michael,
    Thanks for the review and for making your way through such a long chapter.
    Georgios is one of my sleeper characters. He's a bit reclusive, but comes through in the clinch.
    Thank you, again, you've encouraged me!!
    Take care,
    Rhonda
Comment from Sally Law
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Rhonda dear,
Wowsers! This is fabulous, my friend. I'm glad you went with the long version. It flowed nicely with lots of action and showed the different characters powers and weaknesses. I wasn't expecting Georgious to come to Diantha's rescue. Nice twist to the story.

Wonderfully written and illustrated as always.
Love & Blessing across the bridge.
Sal XOs

 Comment Written 02-Apr-2025


reply by the author on 02-Apr-2025
    Hi Sally,
    Thank you for jumping in and reading so quickly. It was super long, but everything just had to go together or I'd have to embellish the basement thing, which was just too dark. I had to get her out of there.

    Yeah, I snuck Georgios in there. He's my sleeper character. He'll be back, lol.

    Love and hugs,
    Rhonda
reply by Sally Law on 03-Apr-2025
    My pleasure, dear. Your creativity is fun to read.
    Lotsa love,
    Sal XOs
Comment from Begin Again
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

so happy to see you posting another chapter and a very good one too. I am sorry I don't have a six to give you because it deserves it. You built the tension in the cellar so well. And now we must wonder what The weakness is and if he can fight against it. Well done.
Smiles, Carol

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 Comment Written 02-Apr-2025


reply by the author on 02-Apr-2025
    Hi Carol,
    This chapter took awhile because I had to try and trim it down or cut it off mid chapter. Now, I know you would have left Diantha in the cellar and written a right scary scene, but I'm a chicken and had to get her out.
    Thank you for the virtual six!!
    Hugs,
    Rhonda
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I am so happy Diantha is safe. I am wondering if Atrius's weakness might be his love for Diantha since he's half human. I am betting so. I can't wait to read more and find out. Please know you, your husband, and your family remain in my prayers.

 Comment Written 02-Apr-2025


reply by the author on 02-Apr-2025
    Hi Barbara,
    Thank you so much for the six star review, my friend!!
    That is definitely one of his weaknesses, but there's something more...
    Things will definitely pick up the pace now.
    Thanks for your prayers. Strokes take a long time to heal, for sure!!
    Hugs,
    Rhonda