Okay, I wanted to write this in my last review, but I forgot. I was muy impressed by the description of the dark forest scene in the last chapter. (Or was it chapter 19? I forget.) You started the build-up early with all the mentions of the threads of sickly yellow, but you didn't rush the realization of what those threads meant. Then the conversation between Blair, Xander, and Jim... their initial delight at discovering what the yellow means... then the dawning horror at the connection between fear and the decaying threads... it was perfectly creepy. It ooked me in a way I don't often get ooked from fanfics. Kudos.

Hey, I decided to write a review before reading the whole thing, because by the end I'll only feel like gushing about how awesome the story is and I won't even remember to do any concrit. And the story is awesome, by the way. I'm simultaneously squicked and in love with Spike's soul/demon dilemma. The demon wanting to control Xander and make all the decisions and never be rebelled against- well, totally squicks me. But at the same time, it's the most believable Spike/Xander relationship I've ever read (other than the truly Dark! ones that I just can't read). So great job with that, and really nice job writing Spike's inner turmoil as he tries to love Xander and possess Xander without tearing anyone apart.

The only things that keep bugging me in the story are the stupid little things, like spelling and (occasionally) grammar. Lots of "the" turning into "he," extra apostrophes, word substitutions that spell check won't catch. I'd highly recommend a beta reader, just for catching all the idgity stuff. I know a lot of the weird spellings are a result of Xander making up words, or Willow-babble, or something else, and those don't bother me at all (once I figure them out, that is). The other mistakes are just regular mistakes, and they detract a little from what is otherwise a truly impressive piece of fiction.

Okay. So now that I got that review out the way, I can go read some more, and gush about it later!

just read these two stories and loved them both. this one was way to close to home on some master/ slave things for me and made me pause upon reading. not because it was bad.. just because i have trouble in my own relationship. but thank you so very much for these.. are there going to be more????

This is a great series so far. I love the idea of Riley being the sentinel and Xander, the guide. I also like the how you have the four interacting. I do hope you continue with the series.

Brilliant :) I'd love to read more!

Oh wow. I love this fic. Please please continue writing such wonderful fanfiction. I have no words to describe how much I love this fic.

This is a fantastic series. Is there any chance we'll be seeing a sequel?

Love this.

wow! i rd the learning curve and now rding the sequel just wanna make me rd even more. u r gd, in fact i might even say tat u might have the future in becoming a mayb a sci-fic novel or films. and i cant totally believe its the end.....or r u gonna have anymore sequel or something....well i will b waiting for it....

This story was awesome and I'm so glad that things got worked out in the end. ^_^

Thank you so much!

I can't believe it's the end!!! T_____T

it was AWESOME! It left me with the impression that Xander was pretty powerful,more than he lets on...

its going to have a sequel?? pleaaaaseeeeeeeeee??

Happy holidays!

Thank you, and Xander is powerful. I think Spike understands just how powerful, but I agree that Xander isn't advertising his power. And I may have a sequel... we'll see where the muse goes.

Wow... that was awesome.. and the ending was beautiful.. I don't know if you're thinking about another one or what but your writing is really good and I'm looking forward to whatever you come up with next. :) So.. Keep writing and posting and I'll keep reading.. ;) Hope you win in the CoA!
Ryen

I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I will definitely keep writing, and I really appreciate the good wishes in the awards!

This was a great read! I love your work, I really hope that you choose to make a sequel to this and continue the story line.

Thank you so much. I may!

Hi,

Great finish, hope that is more to the series. I really liked this, with all the twist and turns in the story. Thank you for writing and posting such a great story, I thought the first was good, but the second just built on it and took it further.

I keep wondering if Riley would get stronger, but my thought is that he might be a beta - care of Susan Foster stories - strong but not necessarily the same strength of Jim, but it is your world. It is just a thought, as the pay off would be more stable which given their occupation a more welcome thing. Yet he is only just starting to explore his gifts, so they just might get to be stronger than what Spike expects. Besides Xander seems to be a good guide and taking it slow a good thing.

This second story turned out far more complex than I intended, so I'm glad you've enjoyed the winding road.

I do think that Riley is developing slower, but unlike Jim in Peru, he doesn't *need* his gifts to survive and unlike Jim in Cascade, he doesn't have a trado Shaman. Of course, it may also be true that he won't be as strong as Jim even after he develops his power, but he does have some growing to do yet. And yeah, Xander is a good Guide.

AWSOMNESS!!!!!!

Thank you!