32 Comments

This was better than a movie. I loved the characterization, the language, the mouthfeel (to borrow a phrase), the monster, all of it. Can't say I feel sorry for George. That was...beautifully poetic.

Expand full comment

Herne lives on Ferris island. I wondered where he had gotten to once England stopped believing in him.

The hunter always protects his own.

Expand full comment

Living near Ferris Island, we have many rabbits but also coyotes, bald eagles, and great horned owls, so I'm familiar with that scream, although the last time I heard it a crow was carrying off a baby rabbit. I turned to look when I heard it, then when I turned back mama rabbit had come out and was staring at me saying "why didn't you do something?" I blurted "I'm sorry!" Yes, a grown man apologizing to a rabbit.

Great story Sally!

Expand full comment
Jun 3Liked by S.E. Reid

😍

Expand full comment

Three little rabbits….

Expand full comment
Jun 3Liked by S.E. Reid

“And while Lizzie felt no great love for Hannah—stepmother, interloper!—she would rather die than see a shred of disappointment in Josiah Kemp’s eyes, so she nodded and took the business of guarding Hannah and the home as seriously as she could. All of fifteen, and so very serious.” So much narrative expressed in two sentences! Besides this being a great story, you’ve written it with great skill. As usual. 😊

Expand full comment

Munching and crunching 😬 I read that sentence twice. I shuddered both times.

Expand full comment

Great foreshadowing! Both the creature (a prefect, curiosity inducing, light hint) and the man (heavier on the hint, but a great red herring!) So much packed in. Much to learn here

Expand full comment

This is wonderful!

Expand full comment
Jun 2Liked by S.E. Reid

Wonderful, just wonderful. Loved seeing how little Lizzie had grown up ♥️

Expand full comment

Wonderful story, an old theme made brilliant and new. I loved it.

Expand full comment

I was hooked from the start. The tension was just right the whole way through. I enjoyed the visceral small details added to bring into each moment. I love your style of storytelling.

Expand full comment

Great story. Love that monster, terrible to see, yet with a little wink.

Expand full comment

So well-written. I got goosebumps at the end.

Expand full comment

What a wonderful story! I was tense the whole way through, and then the sweet ending made my heart ache.

Expand full comment

WOW!! Twists and turns of suspense and drama. The characterisations beautifully rendered. The tension through out gave it texture. An incredible story. A joy to read.

Expand full comment
Jun 2Liked by S.E. Reid

Oh yes, a testament to respect and generosity I think. Giving respect and being generous grow dividends going a long way toward bridging differences and building alliances!

Expand full comment
Jun 3Liked by S.E. Reid

Ah if only humanity could live that way again…

Expand full comment