Wüstenrose - Comments

First off: Love the layout. I'm a slut for huge margins.

Anyways, the first line is such a good one. Always need to hook someone with it, and this one does it perfectly. Going in, I also don't hate the character Sommer (as one would tend to hate Nazis). She seems multi-faceted, intricate with three possible dimensions. I will say that the trope she follows is a bit cliche "Trying to impress dad." But if you do it right, you can also make it work. She does also have her creation flaws; no person who is against prejudice ("...she would spin fables where a man saved the world... somebody who could have flourished in a world where prejudice simply didn't exist.") wouldn't kill in the name of a dictator just to please daddy. I would find a stronger driving force or motivation behind her actions. (Note: heroes don't have to be good people)

I would also recommend reading some published works set in this same era. The Book Thief and Catch 22 are some off the top of my head. Reading those and studying the narrative style will help you ground your story in the time period; I found myself thinking that alterations to the plot would make this a great YA dystopian story, especially when paired with the strong female lead.

I do love WW2 stories though, and you do seem to know your stuff. I look forward to reading more.

This piece is simply amazing.
Personally, I'm a bit of a history nerd, the second World War being of interest to me, and you have painted the setting so well. The placement of German words, when one could simply go for their English translation, is an excellent detail, and adds a strong sense of authenticity to the atmosphere, strengthening an already-vivid setting. Have you ever read The Book Thief? I feel like the settings are similar, especially with the additions of the German words and sentences, but maybe that's just me.

Anyway, it's absolutely incredible, I've subscribed, and I await future chapters!

I've just read the first chapter and I'm in love. It all seems so official and just incredibly researched. I'm so excited to read it and learn more about Thea. This is going to be excellent.

Yooo
That was intense. The first half was so well written that it gave off the type of emotion that I'm sure you would find on a battle field. And it ended in such a way that you know it's going to effect Thea in the long run.

Then you have the second half and it's just so full of emotion and defiance and it's done so wonderfully. You can just tell that the two characters are clashing but you didn't have to spell it out.

The small descriptions you give are honestly perfect. I especially love the line "not unlike the way that a snake would smile at its prey before killing it."

I can definitely say you are without a doubt one of the best authors on this site.

I can see this story going a few different ways and I'm excited to watch it unfold.

I don't normally read stories like this but it's so good. I like the incorporation of the actual german, usually when people try they add the actual meaning to the story and it disrupts the flow.

I'm definitely interested in learning more about Thea and seeing what lies ahead in her future.

Totally recommended this too. I hope you have more soon.