Review: I appreciate the writer's messages but this story is poorly executed.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 09 27, 2012
I am giving this 3 stars because the writer does mean well with the message she is trying to convey in her story of a PTSD stricken ex-army veteran. Also, I do have soft spot for gay soldiers. Story wise, Scars is boring. It is too long with too many sex scenes. Not much really happening in terms of plot. The story focuses solely on the PTSD stricken Jace, while Nathaniel's character lacks credibility. Jace's predicament does garner sympathy in the beginning but his PTSD attacks just drag the story as it progresses.  Nathaniel is supposedly 19 years old but he behaves like a 30 plus years old guy with his common sense and words of wisdom. And it is hard to believe that Nathaniel who was kicked out of home at 13 years old, lived in the streets for 6 years with no education during that time, remains so pure at heart and have never been with anyone. Right, Nathaniel is a "virgin". Other than this, nothing is said about Nathaniel. Nathaniel is there only to deliver the writer's messages.  Messages which are not delivered well in certain parts, like the time when Nathaniel lectured Jace's parents. Yes he is defending their sexuality but both guys came across antagonistic when poor Jace's parents have expressed nothing but concern for their son. The writing also has a lot of lapses. Nathaniel contemplating on his situation but the story never follows through. Exchanges between two persons, while important characters present are ignored. Odd exchanges/reaction among family members who have not seen each other for years. Silence in situation when conversation is warranted. I just have to blame these on poor editing. And why not edit out all those sex scenes! Right sex scenes where Jace just loves carrying Nathaniel and have the much smaller man draped across his chest. I appreciate the well intended (even if common) messages the writer wants to convey but they do come across preachy. I assume this is the writer's first effort and she really has to work towards tightening her story and pays attention to its flow. And really less repetitive sex when all they do is for filling up pages.