Reviews from

The Gardens at Weatherbury

Viewing comments for Chapter 11 "C11 - Mix in a Little Magic"
Truths Shared from My Job of a Lifetime

31 total reviews 
Comment from Raffaelina Lowcock
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a charming mix of characters. There is so much that can happen when all are involved. What is with the vine becoming part of the map?
The imps are in constant motion and Nicholas needs eyes in the back of his head. So much action requires constant constraints.

Ralf

 Comment Written 30-Oct-2020


reply by the author on 31-Oct-2020
    It's a sort of controlled chaos, isn't it? lol! ;) :) :) Thanx so much for your review of this chapter of Nicholas and his 'gardening crew', Ralf! ;) Always so good to hear from you over here! ;) Take care out there and Happy Halloween! ;) Yvette
Comment from Debbie Pope
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Oh if every training session could be this entertaining. I mentioned last chapter that I like the thought of the devining. You carried it off better than I could have hoped. Your vine with its kaleidoscopic ripple is now my favorite character in your story.
Well done, Yvette.

 Comment Written 30-Oct-2020


reply by the author on 31-Oct-2020
    Hey!! It's the Beautiful Birmingham Friend -- so good to see you!! ;) I'm so glad the devining turned out to be a pretty cool thing here... and WOW!! Thank you so very much for those wonderful stars -- made the chilly day up here seem not so chilly (grins)! ;) :) Thanx so much for your review of this chapter of Nicholas and his 'gardening crew', Lady Deb! ;) I do always so enjoy hearing from you, and I hope things are going well with that grandbaby! ;) Take care out there and Happy Halloween! ;) Yvette
Comment from CrystieCookie999
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I see Nicholas is taking his job as seriously as always, but still enjoying all the little details along the way. Favorite descriptive section: A kaleidoscopic ripple ran through the vine in acknowledgement. Immediately, it raised all of its shoots and branches off the desk to stand up at attention around the edges of the desk, wiggling the very tip of them in an 'I am ready' gesture.
Now every one in this fantasy world and the readers, too, want to know what the map--with Valentin magically spliced or grafted in--is about to show.

 Comment Written 30-Oct-2020


reply by the author on 31-Oct-2020
    Hmmmm.... we'll have to wait til next chapter... ;) :) :) But for now: WOW!! Thank you so very much for those wonderful stars, Crystie -- made the chilly day over here seem not so chilly (grins)! ;) :) Thanx so much for your review of this chapter of Nicholas and his 'gardening crew', my lady! ;) I do always so enjoy hearing from you over here! ;) Take care out there and Happy Halloween! ;) Yvette
Comment from RPSaxena
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hello Y. M. Roger,
Nice piece of Fantasy Fiction in continuation having impressive phraseology, captivating flow throughout from the beginning to the end, and carrying the story forward in an interesting way.
"Oh..." - Working as a HOOK.

 Comment Written 30-Oct-2020


reply by the author on 31-Oct-2020
    Thanx so much for your review of this chapter of Nicholas and his 'gardening crew', RP... so glad you enjoyed! ;) Be sure to drop in anytime and catch up on their adventures... ;) Take care out there and Happy Halloween! ;) Yvette
reply by RPSaxena on 31-Oct-2020
    Y. M. Roger, Most Welcome!
    With best wishes,
    ~ RP
Comment from Sally Law
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is my favorite of your books, and I must say, I, like Valentin, have become part of the map. A delight to read and just a fun romp behind the magical garden door. Sending you my best today as always, and blessings for your day,
Sal XOs.....

 Comment Written 30-Oct-2020


reply by the author on 02-Nov-2020
    Thanx so much for your review of this chapter of Nicholas and his 'gardening crew', Lady Sal! ;) Valentin is about to do his 'magic'! ;) Take care out there and enjoy the week! ;) Yvette
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Ahhhh, they are back! Poor Nicholas, he must pay attention, he should already know that it was Devining! LOL!! What with going to school, and working everyday, he has his hands full and there is not time for playing with mates. But, who would want to when you have such a crew as this lot under you, well, once he knows what Devining is! lol. I love this lot, Yvette, well done, I can't wait to learn what Devining is, either. Have a lovely day, my friend. :)) Sandra xx

 Comment Written 30-Oct-2020


reply by the author on 31-Oct-2020
    Well you've certainly put a grin on my face with your fun review here, Lady Sandra -- thanx so much for your support and your interest: makes it all worthwhile sometimes, ya know?!! ;) Nick and the crew thank you for stopping in as well, and we all wish you a Happy Halloween across the pond! ;) Yvette
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A very well-written chapter about the importance of formal education even if you find the perfect employment that fits you like a glove. There are always other options when something happens and you can't do the job you love.

 Comment Written 30-Oct-2020


reply by the author on 31-Oct-2020
    Thanx so much for your review of this chapter of Nicholas and his 'gardening crew'... so glad you enjoyed! ;) Take care over there! ;) Yvette
Comment from Elizabeth Emerald
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Charming whimsy--characters are delightful. Vivid description of scene, esp. laying out map--re "it's devining" meaning the map (?) is devining (as in dowsing ? prophesizing ? about (?)

 Comment Written 30-Oct-2020


reply by the author on 31-Oct-2020
    Hmmmm.... we'll have to wait til next chapter... ;) :) :) Thanx so much for your review of this chapter of Nicholas and his 'gardening crew', Liz! ;) Always so good to hear from you over here! ;) Take care out there and Happy Halloween! ;) Yvette
Comment from Elizabeth McCombs
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I'm new to the site, so I kind of jumped in in the middle of this after the chapter was recommended to me. I wanted to go ahead and review to say that as someone who jumped in the middle without reading the very beginning, I think that you have a lot of talent. Your writing is engaging enough for this to be interesting, even though I have literally no context for what is going on. Great work, author! I'll try to see if I can bookmark this somehow so I can check it out later and give you some reviews with better context.

 Comment Written 30-Oct-2020


reply by the author on 31-Oct-2020
    Thanx so much, Elizabeth, for your review of this chapter of Nicholas and his 'gardening crew'... glad you enjoyed, my lady! ;) Be sure to drop in anytime and catch up on their adventures... ;) Take care out there and Happy Halloween! ;) Yvette
Comment from edwayans
Good
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

It was such a nice post!
CAST OF CHARACTERS:
Nicholas (narrator) - young boy (current age 17), telling of adventures since accepting Weatherbury's Groundskeeper job at age 14.

Constantine - garden gnome and self-appointed on-site manager of the Gardens

Sir Archibald - (aka Archie or Sir Archie) eccentric pink armadillo tasked with organization and upkeep of the Garden Shed

Imps - (an imp is a small mischievous sprite) There are a total of four imps: Jerry, Shot, Minah and Sprig. They are charged with the care and handling of the Gardens' maps and other contents of the filing cabinet.

Valentin - (officially the Gardens' DeVine) sentient vine occupying the 'desk' in the garden shed whose responsibility it is to read and interpret the maps contained in the filing cabinet.

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 30-Oct-2020


reply by the author on 31-Oct-2020
    Good morning, edwayans, and thank you for your time reviewing this morning. I was wondering, however, what was wrong with the chapter or what corrections needed to be made?? All you did was copy a portion of my list of characters... According to FanStory's rating system (see below - you can find it on the site, here), Four stars indicates that adjustments need to be made to the work. Could you please indicate what adjustments you feel are necessary for improvement on this one? Four stars without any comment whatsoever on content with NO corrections/suggestions for improvement does not seem to fit with the spirit or even the letter of the system...

    Six Stars (Exceptional: Simply Outstanding)
    Five Stars (Excellent: Enjoyable and no revisions needed)
    Four Stars (Good: Adjustments needed)
    Three Stars (Below average)
    Two Stars (Below Average: Needs lots of work)

    I look forward to reading your work and thank you for your consideration, Yvette