Just a heads up, this is going to be a very long review. I read the first story by chance, and even though it was sappy and a little teenage for me (middle school is not quite that stereotypical in my eyes), it was the kind of story that I'd been craving. All around, in my movies, tabloids, everything-it's all about romance. And rarely is there any truely focused work on friends, more specifically, a group of friends. The kinds of bonds that form between more than two people and extend for years. When I read your first story, I thought, this has potential. Then I looked up your user and found there was story after story and I just had to read more. But for the same reasons I loved your first story, are the same ones why I didn't really like this one. First of all, I found it a tad unrealistic. Garland, though almost perpetually weird and silly, is all the more credible when he's serious. Not only were his very mature actions of gathering them to talk and listen to their responses something that they should've taken into account, but if they were unsure of who to believe, the one they'd been such close friends with, who they KNEW loved their group as much as he did, should've at least considered it. Second, during the all out brawl in the mall, when everyone found out Garland did, in fact tell the truth and Jacob had basically attacked Gar for no reason, why did nothing change? Everything Garland had said was true, and yet the ramifications of what that might mean were completely ignored. What really shocked me was the fact Paige was STILL Jacob's girlfriend, even though, (and it was quite clear) he had beat up one of her best friends for no reason at all. Even more surprising was the fact he was still considered to be in the is my third problem with this story. How could the gang let him into the gang it he first place? At first, when Paige brought Jacob to the movie night, I thought, hey, well that's a little more realistic. Afterall, that's how my little group got together. And the principle to that is the person who is bringing the new guy, knows the group well enough to know who would fit in, and not selfish enough to bring someone they like, but know that the others wouldn't. But, even with the major conflict between Garland and Jacob (which never really got solved) and even though everyone knew Morgan would be seriously conflicted throughout the Jacob/Paige relationship, they went ahead and "initiated" him anyway. Now, part of that might be due to the bound that they all share, the instantaneous connection that is beamed down directly from the cosmos (despite the touch of sarcasm in there, I can semi-relate to it) but the larger part is in loyalty and such a tight-knit group should have it in spades. Whew. I didn't mean for that to be one giant flame (I hope you didn't take it that way) because I really do like this series. I like the idea and I instantly liked the characters (with the exception of Jacob who I thought was a complete prick, crappy homelife or no). I'm glad the series is going on and that there's an abundance of material for me to read.

Wow. Just wow. I couldn't help but read the 12 Chapters straight out, after I was done with the first part! You write very well! I could feel Jacob's pain and managed to HATE and kind of like him at the same time! I actually cried when Jamie got into trouble, and felt Paige's confusion. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

I think it was simply adorable. I like how there is not alot of inter-Gang romance yet, I think it would ruin it with too much. -Nicole

*SQUEALS* oh this is such an emotional and great story. man at the end you ended up putting another lopsides grin on my face. :)

UAA! another story finished! whoot,!

i'am gonna cheak out "red sonic" now, Ta-Taz!

(lol)

Again, the chapter number to which this review corresponds lies.

I printed this out for myself, thinking that I wouldn't have much time in the way of reading to pick this up. Turns out I was very wrong. Right after I started it, I couldn't put it down. Except for dinner, of course.

This one was superb. The writing was very close, tight-knitted, and well-woven. The characterization that happens in this story is fantastic, I loved seeing Garland and Jacob go at it.

The emotions that you were able to evoke with this were amazing. I found myself both despising Jacob to the upmost and feeling very sorry for him at the same time. Congratulations on that.

You have me very interested in what is going to happen next, both for the Gang and for Jacob. I do believe I will read that other story you mentioned in your note at the end. I will also read the third story you have up and review that once I am done with it.

Cheers,MP

WOW, this was brilliant. I think I preferred the 1st one but this is still great - and so addictive! I hope Morgan and Paige can get together now...

very very VERY nice. i just finished the first chapter of this story, but I've read the entire first story too. i am absolutely loving it. must go read more..byebye.
WAK

Even better then the first, I kind of felt connected to Jacob you know. Keep up the good work and get these damn books PUBLISHED!

i like these series... they're getting better and more realistic... thumbs up

Very good! As good as the last set of stories! I didn't really like Jacob though, no reason to why I don't like him .. prolly the same reason he doesn't like Garland, he just rubs me up the wrong way ... and he's a fictional character! That's how good your writing is!

Not bad, but not quite as good as the first. At times melodramatic.
With Jamie, I suggest you change it to something more believable. Most of the gang initiations I've heard about just involve allowing everybody to beat you up. Instead he should get arrested for something not as huge, like drug dealing or something.
You're a good writer and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of "The Gang" series.

"Whatever you want, desert too, I've been saving my money for the last couple months."
"desert" "dessert"

This is good, as good as the first one so far (I'm only on chapter two) although I sure wouldn't consider high school "the transition to real adulthood..."
"Garland was trying to persued LeeAnne into a game of Twister."
"persued" "persuade"
Love the bonfires thing.

A great sequel to a great story. I'm slowly but surely going to read the continuing series. You have a real talent that you definitely don't put to waste. Nice job!