Reviews from

The Conjurer, Part Six

Shaman and Scientist Meet

34 total reviews 
Comment from Pearl Edwards
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

The hawk keeping pace with the Cadillac and then the descriptions of the hill climb to Saltillo great opening to this chapter.
Love the line - our teacher does not indulge in meaningless gestures -
Well written, good pace as we ride the journey with Stefano. Really enjoyed this one.

 Comment Written 23-Nov-2015


reply by the author on 23-Nov-2015
    Hi, Pearl. Thank you so much for this really generous and encouraging review. Glad you are still finding the story interesting!
    Your insights are also appreciated.

    :) Bev
Comment from Lesley Collier
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

An intriguing part of a story of a doctor who travels up into the mountains of Mexico in order to interview a spiritual healer for a book he is writing. Strange events occur on his journey and when he meets the Sham on he finds out he is in for a longer stay than anticipated. Well written with a mysterious aura tothe unfolding story!

 Comment Written 23-Nov-2015


reply by the author on 23-Nov-2015
    Thanks for taking time to read and review, Lesley. I appreciate it.


    :)
Comment from Zue65
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Wow, this is really crazy eerie, the magic of the hawk, the invisible gate, the black cloud, the mind reading thing, the riddles that Don Pasquale seemed to be fond of muttering and Dr. Morales , trying hard to unravel the mystery of it all, gelled perfectly to make this chapter very interesting. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 23-Nov-2015


reply by the author on 23-Nov-2015
    Thanks for taking time to read and review, Nassus. I think you've summed all the six parts to date very well!

    :) Bev
Comment from judiverse
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is spine-tingling in a psychological sense. Interesting business with the hawk, as it follows the car as if by design. The shaman knows how to mess with the professor's mind. The scarf is a great detail, too. So far, the shaman has the upper hand in the situation. There is an element of uncertainty about his situation that keeps Morales off-balance. Morales is left in a very out of the way place, and it apparently a prisoner of the shaman. I love that the shaman adds when he tells Morales that he's to be his "guest" that there's no need to thank him. It's going to be a struggle of wills. As Morales is expected back in Texas, that should work in his favor if he doesn't return. Excellent, and great atmosphere. It definitely rates 6 stars. judi

 Comment Written 22-Nov-2015


reply by the author on 22-Nov-2015
    Thank you very much, Judi. I sure appreciate how encouraging you've been throughout this story. I also appreciate the shiny six stars. I was tickled that you and I liked that same line. I hope to leave the reader with the sense that the shaman can be playful. Super review, for which I'm grateful!

    :) Bev
Comment from Green Lake Girl
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Lots of wonderful surprises in this chapter, Bev. The good doctor is being toyed with by the very skillful shaman. You do a superb job with his emotions and his struggle to remain in control. He seems to be losing that fight, but I suspect Pasquale knows that and is relishing helping pave the way for Morales to "see the light."

The nature imagery adds to the layers of complexity in this chapter. The red tail hawk as an escort, the hint of predators lurking in the brush, and the resident jaguars.

The scarf scene was brilliant. Shows how fragile Morales is. I suspect he's on the journey of a lifetime, both literally and figuratively. He vacillates between feeling frightened, feeling peaceful and feeling defiant. A conflicted man to be sure. Flawed, yes, and also very believable.

Can't wait to get to know Pasquale a bit better. Amazing chapter, Bev!

 Comment Written 22-Nov-2015


reply by the author on 22-Nov-2015
    OMG, Marietta. This is such an awesome review. You absolutely understand the very heart of this story! Even being its author, I don't know that I could have summed it up so succinctly :) Yes, Stefano is being groomed, in a sense, because Pasquale sees something of himself in the man. As you said so well, he IS on the journey of a lifetime. I'm glad you're along for the ride.

    I can't nominate you for this review because there's a limit on them for the month. Just know that I truly appreciate your generosity and encouragement.

    Looking forward to our lunch tomorrow.

    Bev
reply by Green Lake Girl on 22-Nov-2015
    You're welcome, Bev. Your writing always speaks to me. See you manana!
Comment from Aussie
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Wow! Loved the illustration to compliment your chapter. One cannot take control of the situation when in the hands of a Shaman. "Fear, the only way out is through." Being left alone at the non-existent gate would be enough to make the hairs stand up on your head! Interesting, long time ago I used creosote to stop white-ants eating the pylons holding up the house. Loads of fun (or not, for Morales) seeing things, shape-shifters, the whole bag and dice. I think I would have sprouted wings and taken off! One cannot fight our destiny, we buck at it and then go mad or accept our path in life. Being a psychic myself, wish it would go away, it never has...meditate! Excellent my friend. XX K.

 Comment Written 22-Nov-2015


reply by the author on 22-Nov-2015
    Kay, it's so cool that you get the underlying premise of this story. I understand about those 'special' gifts that don't always feel like gifts. I love what you said: "Fear, the only way out is through." Those other dimensions can be absolutely terrifying if one is unprepared.

    Thanks for the grand review, my friend, and for the generous rating.

    Hugs, Bev

    P.S. I'd love a print of the accompanying. I should probably inquire into how much it costs.
reply by Aussie on 22-Nov-2015
    Er, what would you like a print of??
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2015
    The artwork I used for the post. Lots of the artists have them for sale on the ArtFanReview site. :)
reply by Aussie on 23-Nov-2015
    Gotcha! I only use Bing, it's free! :-)XX
reply by the author on 23-Nov-2015
    Well, the ArtReview option is free, too. It's when you go into the author's site, that you'll see the print purchase fee. There's a very large variety that are offered free for our use with posts. Lots of people use Angelheart, and she's a very gracious lady.
reply by Aussie on 24-Nov-2015
    Does she give out free donuts and soda as well? Just kidding. 100F here today. :-{ XX
reply by the author on 24-Nov-2015
    Not nearly that warm here, Kay. :))
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

You did a wonderful job with descriptions of emotion and scenery with this post. I felt like I was right there. That's good writing. Keep up the good work.

 Comment Written 22-Nov-2015


reply by the author on 22-Nov-2015
    Hi, Barbara. Thanks so much for your very kind review. Happy Thanksgiving! :) Bev
Comment from Joan E.
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Yes, the artwork is "fantastic" and quite appropriate! (I just noticed that at the end of the previous chapter, "known" picked up an "s" instead of the "n".) Your chapter is riveting--I especially enjoyed the carefully chosen "frozen pond," "sojourner" and
"pugilistic" similes, along with your vivid description of the changing terrain and the self-hypnosis technique. I relish serendipity, and just before reading your post I too saw a red-tailed hawk circling nearby! I am pleased to have a six when I need. Hugs and happy Sunday- Joan

 Comment Written 22-Nov-2015


reply by the author on 22-Nov-2015
    I can always depend on you to notice the simile's Joan. Thanks so much for this terrific review. I so appreciate that you are still interested in reading my story. So cool about the hawk!!

    Hugs, Bev
Comment from Margaret Snowdon
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Stick close! A pair of jaguars share my property." _ Yikes - I'd be on his back.

It's such a treat to find you've posted a chapter, Bev - most enjoyable - and, as all your chaps. do, deserves a six.

Profesor
Professor - is there not two "s" s - or is it different over there?

Margaret

 Comment Written 22-Nov-2015


reply by the author on 22-Nov-2015
    Thanks so much, Margaret. I really appreciate your generosity and encouragement. I found the lack of an 's' a bit off, but that seems to be the way the Spanish spell it.

    So glad you're still enjoying the story.

    :) Bev
Comment from Rosalyne
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hi, Bev.
Wow, this chapter is excellent! Your visuals sparkle as does your dialogue. I felt myself sitting alongside Morales in the car, felt his bewilderment seeing the red-tailed hawk and the words spoken to only him. You showed his fear, astonishment and the changing fluctuations of his moods so well.
Bye, my friend.
Hugs
Rosalyne :)

 Comment Written 22-Nov-2015


reply by the author on 22-Nov-2015
    Hi Rosalyne. I wish I had the ability to do a ROM nomination for this most encouraging review. I'm out for the month. I don't understand the policy, but there it is. Anyway, your specific insights tickle me. You're the first to comment on the changing moods. This is an important element to this story, so I'm thrilled you caught that. I really appreciate your generosity and support, buddy.

    Big Hug,

    Bev

reply by Rosalyne on 22-Nov-2015
    Thanks so much. What a fabulous story you have! Each turn caught me by surprise. The imagery and the unknown are fabulous! I can't wait for the next chapter.
    Write quickly, please. :)
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2015
    I'll do my best, buddy. Thanks for your gentle encouragement!!

    XX Bev
reply by Rosalyne on 22-Nov-2015
    Thanks!
    xoxo :D