Annoying reviews

[Mad Lews]

[I]
As for Ceasar, you had me at "feel free to scream, bitch". And while there were a couple times throughout my focused perusal that gave me pause to consider my decision to undertake such a challenge, my curiosity in finding out if proud Rebecca would ultimately fall apart (which she did, thank you very much) overcame any qualms I may have had. Besides, Cassius is such a delightfully evil thing (what he did to Leona was inspired). I enjoyed him throughout the entire story.

But most of all (selfishly so), it was nice to be the surprise instead of the cliche. So thank you for that as well.

tessa

An interesting point tessa,
I never saw Cassius as particularly evil. He had so many good qualities, a very professional military strategist, a confident and steady leader who truly cared for his men and was quite proud of them. A military man aware of the limits of his position and also aware enough of the political climate to deal effectively with the real power players.
He doesn't even seem to take personal delight in tormenting the prisoners in his care. It's all just part of the job for him, he'll do it because that's what's called for.
As for poor Leona, the goal of the entire day was to entertain the masses, it was nothing personal, and he even seemed a bit relieved when ordered to end it all after the circus.
Well that was my goal, but your reaction is perfectly valid and thought provoking.
See reviewing can be fun
Mad

[tessa]

An interesting point tessa,
I never saw Cassius as particularly evil. He had so many good qualities, a very professional military strategist, a confident and steady leader who truly cared for his men and was quite proud of them. A military man aware of the limits of his position and also aware enough of the political climate to deal effectively with the real power players.
He doesn't even seem to take personal delight in tormenting the prisoners in his care. It's all just part of the job for him, he'll do it because that's what's called for.
As for poor Leona, the goal of the entire day was to entertain the masses, it was nothing personal, and he even seemed a bit relieved when ordered to end it all after the circus.
Well that was my goal, but your reaction is perfectly valid and thought provoking.
See reviewing can be fun
Mad

I'd ask Leona about her take on it, as she'd be the foremost expert on this issue of Cassius' evil streak, but we know what happened to her, so...

I will say that Cassius, at times, seemed to be above it all...especially when he was behind and a bit above Rebecca, giving her free reign to scream and such. Quite right. No delight for him in that at all.

He was indeed a shrewd and very aware participant in the political arena. He more than proved that at the end of the story. And he was a great leader of men. That quality was written all through him. I will say it again. I was quite delighted with his character.

You more than made your goal, Mr. Mad, surpassed it even.

And yes, such fun!

Most sincerely-
tessa