rate_review Reviews

Holy shit did that make up for how frustrating this story was becoming. That ending, just WOW. Okay, not even the part where you guys pulled Emilio OUT OF FUCKIN NOWHERE, but the closing line. SO SATISFYING. I don't want to wait two more weeks. Screw you both!!! I feel so whole right now. lmao okay so

ANYWAY

Thrilling. I remember waaaaay back when I first read Evenfall - loving the new title, by the way - thinking "wow, Emilio CAN'T BE DEAD. He can't be, he's too damn cool of a character. He's coming back somehow." And THEN having thoughts that this mas chingon asshole HAD to be him. I thought I had it alllll figured out. But then I read some side stories and put the theory to rest. My heart was broken, and Emilio was dead and burried. Ah, :(. Then I just completely forgot I had the idea, you guys were just throwing so many tragic curve balls I couldn't even read straight; I was so emotional and frustrated and ANGRY AT SIN and then ANGRY AT BOYD and then PISSED AT THE WOOOOORLD that I forgot I even had had those thoughts about Emilio and mas chingon. BUT THEN, you guys added in the new addition to the unit and gave a few shady details, and that got the wheels churning. I knew it had to be that awesome bastard from Mexico. So even in knowing that, I failed to connect the dots and WHEN EMILIO SHOWED UP I WAS JUST SO FLABBERGASTED - I MEAN REALLY GUYS. AWESOME. You dropped the right amount of hints, enough so that the reader could maybe figure it out, but then had so much plot the reader forgot and then BAM total shocker. I'm so impressed.

So even though I ended this story wanting to kick the shit out of every single one of your asshole characters, the ending was totally redeeming.

And just for the record, the ass kicking would be out of love.

I dunno what to say except for: HOT DAMN, what a fuckin ride.

Dear!!!!!!! Finally end for the second book...Congraturation!!! Sorry to not review many but I still be big fan of Sin & Boyd baby. I thought the story between those guy so complication. Hope to read more about them...Always supporting you...Until next time...^^v

I so dread the ending of this story with your next posting due out soon. Why? Perhaps not for the reasons some might think. Not necessarily because it is to be wrapped up and the next saga set to begin but because this book was pretty negative and depressing from many standpoints, especially in regards to Sin and Boyd’s relationship, and I really don’t think it is going to end on a very happy note.

At least in Book One, with all the ups and downs, trials and tribulations that both characters went through trying to find themselves (and each other), there always seemed to be a light at the end of the tunnel, even if just a glimmer. The ending of Book One also suggested that all was well as could be expected at that juncture, not great, mind you, but that there was at least hope for the future between the two partners. Book Two never once gave that warm, fuzzy feeling. Things were wrong from the get go and only seem to escalate and get worse as the story continued (and continues) to unfold.

Boyd seems to have turned a new leaf. Obviously, he has come out of his shell and made some friends, which is a good thing. No one can begrudge him that. It is surprising and yet not that the “core” group of the Level-10 agents in training became so close and would want to associate with each other outside the training arena.

The sad thing is that if something tragic did happen to Boyd during an assignment as Doug is hoping for, we all know that Mommy Dearest isn’t going to give a shit. At least Boyd was told point blank that he got his position thanks to his mother’s meddling. Yeah, that’s gotta sting just a little. I did like the dispute Boyd had with his mother – for whatever good it did. Basically he got slapped on the ass and placed in timeout for his rudeness and for daring to disagree with his mother. Bad boy!

Wow. Boyd’s revelations concerning himself while in isolation didn’t exactly make him any more likeable. If anything, he sounds even more self-centered and frighteningly quite a bit like his mother… but with a conscience. I’m beginning to think that Sin might be better off without him if that is how Boyd truly feels about his partner. I never thought I would be on the I-can’t-stand-Boyd bandwagon but yeah… it’s happened. Especially after reading what the idiot did next with his new fuck-buddy, Kassian… but I’m getting a little ahead of myself.

What is with Boyd and being so horribly blunt about his sex life with Sin and broadcasting it to anyone and everyone who asks or who will listen? Boyd and discreet are on opposite ends of the playing field any more. I think the torture session knocked a few more nuts and bolts loose.

Ryan’s character has definitely changed since the happy-go-lucky young man he used to be pre-attack on the Agency.

The whole bit with Boyd at Kassian’s house was a travesty and so very difficult to read because I was just so disgusted with both of them – Boyd in particular. Kassian is a pig and Boyd isn’t far behind.

I found it very disconcerting that Boyd would play footsie with Kassian’s crotch… pretty much like Sin had done to him in a meeting not that long ago. And then after the deed is done – which would have been pretty damn hot if not for the wrong two individuals going at it like rutting beasts – “Kass” is the one to dredge Sin’s name up and what his rival is going to say and/or think about tapping Sin’s partner’s ass? Oh, please. Can this get any lamer? Inside, Kassian must be laughing his fucking ass off! And then, Boyd’s answer. Jesus. If Boyd sleeping with Kassian bothered Sin and affected the “friendship” (that Boyd pretty much shit-canned anyway by letting his new buddy “Kass” fuck him) then Sin isn’t “ready to be friends yet”?? WTF??? Really?

Doesn’t Boyd realize that what he just did – sleeping with Sin’s rival, the man that Sin fucking loathes with all his heart, body, and soul – was pretty much worse than what Sin did sleeping with Ann? This almost comes across as payback time or something. In your face, Sin! Rubbing his nose in it. God. Boyd is really showing just how young, immature, and uncaring he is when it comes to trying to form a relationship. (It's almost like he's behaving exactly the way he had been afraid that Sin would back in Monterrey when Sin had been sexually liberated. It's almost like Boyd has gotten a taste for sex and now doesn't care where it comes from just as long as he gets it. However, it seems he likes his men to have/hold some sort of power.) Doesn’t Boyd remember how he felt when he was told Sin had cheated on him? Granted, they broke up before Boyd decided to sleep around. But, wishy-washy Boyd wants to be friends with Sin and yet just committed probably the greatest sin he could have against his partner? I guess Boyd really can be that stupid to think otherwise. I really hated that chapter with a passion.

I had to laugh almost when Boyd suggested that Sin should go right on out there and make himself some new friends! Can you imagine? Granted, Sin can. He did in Monterrey – while undercover and under a completely different set of circumstances. However, he probably wouldn’t be able to make any friends at the Agency since most people distrust him and/or hate him because of what he’s done in the past and what they’re afraid he’ll do at any given moment. So how realistic is that that Sin should play nice and make friends? I really wanted to slap Boyd for that comment. It seemed pretty callous and malicious to me even though I’m sure he didn’t mean it quite that way.

And, I had to hand it to Sin, being just as blunt with Boyd as Boyd had been when the situation had been reversed, just blurting out the question of the century – “Are you fucking him?” I would have to have the same misgivings as Sin, too. If Boyd was going on and on about if Sin loved him, then Sin shouldn’t have needed to have sex with Ann or anyone else for that matter… well, wouldn’t the same “rules” apply to Boyd? I can believe that would be the moment when the glass house came crashing down around Sin and all his hopes and dreams of being with his partner in something other than some sort of stilted, bogus friendship flat-out died. Way to go, Boyd! Hope Kassian was worth it!

The rest of the chapter was Sin and Boyd going at it verbally again, making each other feel like shit. I think it finally hit home with Boyd just how much he had fucked up by sleeping with Kassian. I can’t really deal with it either in any sort of understandable reviewing since I’m still sickened by Boyd’s over all piss-poor behavior. All I know is that Boyd finally got a taste of being on the receiving end – knowing he has hurt the person he had once claimed to love. At least Sin is realistic, knowing he can't function being around his partner who wants to act like nothing has occurred between them. And now Sin wants out of the team? I wonder if Carhart and Bulldog will allow that. God. I’m totally disgusted with Boyd right now and I don’t know how you guys are going to get them to reconcile – or even if that is in the cards.

wow..sglily ... nice review!

i'll sum it up ;) boyd is a jerk now and 'kass' should die in a hole.

...sad

First of all, this update was amazing. And, I forgot to mention how much I liked the Owen back story on your website. I really like Owen's point of view.

I really can't tell you how heartbroken I am over Sin and Boyd. I'm happy that Boyd has found people to socialize (and fuck) with, but I can't help but feel a little resentment toward him for Sin. I know this had to happen sooner or later. It's just the way they are and timing got them. I really didn't think that they could be just friends. But, I'm also sad for Boyd that he was promoted simply because of his valentine status. I feel for both of them.

However, Boyd and Kassian = extreme hotness. EXTREME. Just thought I'd put that out there.

Ryan!!! Good for him. It's good that he's starting to do things for himself. He's one of my favorite characters.

I'm afraid that the next arc will make me even sadder since it ends the second book. I'm worried. I love this story and these characters, so I'm happy there's not going to be a break like between book one and two.

Now, to wait anxiously for the next two weeks.

oh. my. god.
ive been lurking after your stories for about a year now, i think, and it is still one of the absolute best stories EVAR. i'm not sure if i've ever reviewed...but this one is here.
i'm a total Sin fan, even though he's is toootally emo, but i love that.
and as always, the detail of your universe and characters amaze me.
and well, this last installment, though im still hoping for them to stay together cause im a sucker for crazy/passionate love, i can't help but love the Talk at the end. i love Sin's point of view... it's so emotional and heart-wrenching!
just wanted to let you guys know that i love love love ICOS and Afterimage, and i will faithfully continue reading, no matter the outcome. keep it up, i put every biweekly update on my Outlook :)

this chapter made me too sad to even be able to properly express how sad it made me. i like boyd and kassian's relationship, but not that it comes at the expense of sin and boyd's. are you guys going to keep them apart? please say no! i just cant't imagine them not together. i know that they probably won't get together before then end of this book, but is that what the next one will be be about? them getting back together? will they always stay with the agency or will you guys find a way to free them of it? are there going to be more than three books? and speaking of the books, i know you said 'in the company of shadows' is the title of the series, so is there another name for the first book? i realize this is more questions than actual feedback, but i'm feeling a bit disoriented from the chapters. are they really going to let sin out of the unit? then there's that whole 'new partner' thing too. or new team member anyway. i really don't know what to think really. you guys have thrown me through a loop. that's one of my favorite things about reading this though, is that i never know what to expect. some stuff gets pretty easy to predict when you read as much as i do, but you guys never disappoint in that regard. and i love you for it. keep up the stellar writing please and make them happy! please?

Oh my gosh children ='[. Will this story cease to make me cry? Boyd and Sin are such moving characters,
so completely real and dysfunctional. Their arguments are so believable and i can't help but get drawn in.
That sex scene with Kassian and Boyd was perfect, absolutely delectable. I got swept away with how the both
of them must have felt at the time and even forgot to take Sin's feelings into consideration. I mean, i
could even undertsand Boyd's logic in the last chapter although what Sin said made so much sense. You guys make me tear up and sniffle, waiting for things to work out again. Afterimage isn't even done and I'm already looking forward to the next book. xox

And, the thousand dollar question goes to... *drumroll* ...BOYD!

Boyd, yes or no, was that glorious cock up your arse really worth it?

lmao, I bet Kassian's popularity rate among the readers is suffering somewhat after the recent developments, not that any of it should come as a surprise. How many were drooling over their keyboards during that animalistic screwing, and afterwards feeling horribly guilty witnessing Sin's total heartbreak? One thing though dear Kassian, was it necessary to talk about your previous sexual activities and conquests in bed while having Boyd? That was just, eww. Eww eww, big fucking eww. Another thing, I wonder if Kassian is compensating his lack of intimate or romantic ties with that sex god act? Just a thought.

Another Boyd screw up I just didn't know whether to laugh or cry about: After admitting Sin that yes, he did indeed fuck with that one man who makes Sin feel intensely uncertain about himself, he goes and says: "Sin, this was never meant to hurt (you)". I mean, wow. Of course it wouldn't, I mean who would have thought, right? Earlier I thought some casual sex wouldn't give much to the story, but actually, as Sin said, it was even worse. All I can think of is why, just WHY? But then again, I've never really understood the brilliance of such casual acts, so my own personal interests and values are talking here aswell, I suppose. And I do have issues seeing Boyd's reserved and deep nature actually enjoying such a thing. But the worse issue of course is that it was Kassian, who I can't still hate. Conflicting feelings regarding him I have.

I was pretty confused about some other Boyd explanations aswell (oh god, I don't mean to make it sound like he's the devil or something, but you know...), like the whole "trust" issue he brought up with Sin. Am I missing something, but did Boyd just use the fact of Sin not trusting him with his deteriorating mental health as a reason to not being able to trust Sin again, and instead trusting Kassian? But at that time, when Boyd first went into Kassian's home, it was all about Sin/Ann, and Boyd did not even know that Sin had kept those secrets of his mental health..? Eh, as I said, that was confusing. But maybe I did miss something, my memory is awful. Or maybe I misunderstood, but that was just odd.

But thank you Boyd for admitting your over-thinking tendencies, it's driving me insane sometimes. I just don't understand him anymore, was his love for Sin never that deep after all? What IS up with him.. I hate to say this, but in some moments I also felt feelings of dislike for Boyd, and it's bad. I don't want to dislike him, I just don't really get him anymore. Or maybe I never did, I'm bad at analyzing people. But anyway, it would be really interesting to see what would happen if Sin opened up to other people, and let them close, but would that be too OOC? He is capable of doing it, as we saw with Boyd, and I want other people to really care about him. I guess with Sin it would demand some special circumstances though.

Ok, other than Sin/Boyd. I admit I have some problems getting much out of these Andrew/Toby/Jon etc characters, but I do like Emma a lot. It would have been actually really interesting to hear more how she dealt with the training torture, because it seems such a crime to do evil things to someone as sweet as her.

Vivienne just pisses me off, it's such irony he's accusing Boyd of childishness when she's like the epitome of it. She's just having majorly insufficient mental/emotional/social abilities, at least if we're talking about getting on with others. But I guess that's good for something like the Agency. Which I despise (and I always keep thinking there's something majorly twisted about it, at least the conspiracy theory loving side of me likes to entertain that thought) and keep wishing one day we could see Sin and Boyd away from it. It's just so hard if that's all their lives are gonna be. And the Agency is a lot to blame for many, many things, it's not a surprise individuals inside it seem to have major issues with their lives.

Anyway, about Viv. It was sort of crushing that she arranged Boyd becoming level ten, and it's true Boyd is nowhere near the abilities of Sin And Kassian at least. But at least he can bend over. :/ But I was right about one thing, Kassian really did have a major role in the plot. It was like the last blow to the whole mess. And yet, I do like his character, a lot.

And I wanted to say one thing about Ann. What's sad about that we probably won't see Ann anymore, is that at the beginning of the sequel, I really thought she could be one major catalyst of Sin getting past some of his regrets of his past actions. Being so forgiving about what happened between her sister and Sin... Seeing through it, trying to see the real Sin.. So, that she's just gone now saddens me. Why did it have to go so badly. And I wonder if it was a huge mistake from Sin to tell Boyd he killed Philip. With the Agency's torture techniques and all.. would Boyd break under pressure if it came something as huge as that? He already spilled the beans about Sin/Ann screwing.

Oh, and that crazy guy in the cell, who could that be.. it's that guy who is going to give the Agency info isn't it... Heh, I have my quesses, but I won't say anything cause I'll feel like an idiot if I'm wrong. But I really hope I'm right about his identity. :D

Thanks, and happy birthday to Ais on tuesday! *offers cookies and flowers and a shy hug* :)

OH MY FUCKING GOD! YOU ARE KILLING ME!!!! BOYD STOP BEING SO BOYD AND DUMB AND FALSE AND BOYD, AND GOD AT THE MOMENT I ALMOST HATE YOU AS MUCH AS KASSIAN THAT I AM CONVINCED IS SATAN AND HAVE GIVEN BOYD ZE AIDS OR RANDOM OTHER SEXUAL DISEASES! GET BACK TOGETHER IDIOTS!!!!
(AT THE MOMENT I AM UNABLE TO WRITE ANYTHING THAT ARE NOT IN CAPS LOCK I AM TOO GODDAMN UPSET!!!)