All Comments on 'The Shack: A Parable of Wolves'

A great fable for the girls. Fit very well with her life, but tweaked to make it ok for the young ones.

Not an expert, obviously, but the "feel' of the supposed Russian fairy tale seems right to me. Well done

Five stars.

JPB

From anonymous commenter from about a year ago:

" Is this reference to bodies being seen from orbit a writers meme, an uncredited borrowing of a line, or something channeled in a dream?"

"So big it can be seen from orbit" is a common meme in every genre. It fits in the context of a pissed-off monster and probably most of the others (Needles?).

Superb. 55 Stars.

Fantastic story I've read several times before!

5

Heh, to continue with likbez from earlier comments, for those who didn't get the joke about terrorist camp ending... Russia is (kinda-sorta-complicated) "allied" with People's Republic of China... USA is allied with Republic of China (ROC, which most people know as "Taiwan"), both of which claim to be the "Real" China. You can google the full geopolitical complexities yourself, but the point is that ROC and PRC military would be about as unlikely to do a joint operation - or cooperate on anything at all - as North and South Korea armies. Though, the world of geopolitics has seen stranger bedfellows occasionally, in all fairness.

/

Also, I can confirm that the author definitely got the spirit of russian folk tale to work, as he tried. Good show, chap!

/

Regarding the connotations of the Russian saying, it's a bit complicated, in large part because it has very little estableshed sourcing. But according to Dal's classical book, it was clustered in "will, freedom and compulsion" section of his dictionary, which means that the original connotation **at least as he gathered it**, was of being compelled - willingly or unwillingly - to become a wolf if thrown into a wolf environment. BUT, there were also secondary saying wordings that also implied "being unhappy like a wolf", as the author hinted.

Also, PLA is the Palestine Liberation Army which is the military part of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

Damn! Very evocative writing.

You mention Peter and the Wolf - next second I'm hearing it in my head.

To echo another commentor - a patronymic is not a family name. Piotr Ivanovich only means Peter Son of Ivan, but not in the same way that a name like Johnson in English. Still requires a last name. Formal conversation uses the first name and patronymic and not the family name so...

Just in case anyone was a little confused when the PLA was mentioned...that is the People's Liberation Army which is the main military force for the People's Republic of China (PRC). That's the official name for the country we all refer to as China, just like the United States of America is the official name of the country we refer to as USA or the US.

Notice it's the PEOPLE's Liberation Army and the PEOPLE's Republic of China. That's good ole fashioned communism right there. In this case, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), that rules China.

Amazing that this tale could be woven in so well with the other stories from the shack. This story while not as intriguing as the others, did tie up some loose ends.

Not erotica, but a terrific story just the same. A bit like finding a diamond amongst the coal in the cellar. I have to wonder why Todd isn't writing for pay somewhere.

If I could I would give this story six stars and of course all the rest are fives. I have loved all of your story telling and style. The depth is better than most published anywhere.

Unlike many I have no problems with your logic to keep everything in LW though you definitely have ruined the scoring for every typical LW story.

Found in FinalStand “Life As A New Hire” Chapter 40 written 05/28/15:

“In a rare comment, Temujin informed the international press that he believed I was still alive. Why did he believe that? If I wasn't, they would have been able to spot the pile of dead enemy around me and my 'boon companion' (go Aya!) from orbit. Until they discovered this carnal pit from Hell, I was surely still alive.”

^Is this reference to bodies being seen from orbit a writers meme, an uncredited borrowing of a line, or something channeled in a dream?

As usual a great story well told by an expert

I just cannot read a story about Russians and not be angered and hate. The, Putin's name came up and I nearly puked.

Nitpick: Read Shameless. Dmitri survived Piotr's shot. Dmitri is killed by Grease, the rest of his men died in the SHACK at Monster's hands.

For those questioning the patronymic last name, Ivanoviets is a legitimate Ukrainian name meaning the same as Ivanov. Russian speakers would hear Ivanoviets as Ivanovich.

Piotr didn't kill Demitri. It was a shot in the lung. That's for sure man stopping but not imediatly deadly. A good medical team can fix this.

How can Demetri kill Bobert,he was dead shot by Piotr.?

Wow Todd, this was a really different and awesome piece of writing man. I felt like I was whisked away into another dimension. Also found it very thought provoking. Thanks so much for sharing your gift, I count myself especially fortunate to have been able to experience this...!

What Putin is doing in the Ukraine will breed a generation of wolves that will bring pain and despair to Russia for decades to come.

Another great story... While I never encountered MADMs, I did work briefly and early in my career with Green Light teams and SADMs... I wasn't in long before the Cold War ended and the devices - and their dedicated teams - were no longer needed. But they always looked for the youngest guy on the team to jump the bitch, because it was nearly impossible to stay stable as you flew it towards the ground , and they couldn't afford to have the older, more experienced guy(s) who knew how to deploy the damned thing get hurt.

I'm really enjoying reading your stories. Your characters and their comradery and ethos remind me in different ways of other characters I've met in my years with SF/SOF.

DOL.

because you will never see the end, no matter how close you think you are. TK U MLJ LV NV

Again, you (Todd and Missus) are continually sharpening your artistry. You set forth Angel's story through a fairy tale she tells her daughters, with the corresponding "reality" interspersed in the story you tell us. What a harrowing story, such a harrowing part of who she is, and she can share it with her tender-age children by way of a beautifully crafted fairy tale. Thank you!

Probably the best writer on this site! Amazing way to tell a story!

It's fiction and IMO a damn good read. Yes, maybe reality is stretched a little but so are many mainstream action movies and stories. I love the way you're completing the background of so many of the characters.

Every time I read this story I enjoy it more. Damn good.

Re orestes8...a very close female friend of mine (in Australia) married a man with the family name of Ivanovich. His parents were both born in Yugoslavia and the grandfather was Russian, from where the family surname came.

5 Stars on this one .. Keep up the good work

It was a good story, but one thing threw me. It's a small nitpicky thing, but Ivanovich is not a Russian last name, it is a patronimic, it means "son of Ivan". If Piotr's father was named Ivan it would be common for his middle name to be Ivanovich, and for people to address him as Piotr Ivanovich, but it would not become his wife's married name. She would have a similar middle name after her father, and take his last name. For example, if her father was also Ivan (not terribly unlikely, it is the Russian version of John) her maiden name would have been Zascha Ivanova Volk.

Oh dear BeauReady. You really need to get a grip on your mania and ego, this is fiction you daft wally. If you've got a political agenda, take it somewhere else.

Typical sycophantic and russian apologist propaganda. Putin is a genocidal, war and human rights criminal at the same level as Hitler. Further, Russia is and always will be a vicious, ruthless enemy to America and the West. Putin would never, ever, ever co-operate with Americans, and in particular would never EVER permit American soldiers to operate within Russian borders, for any reason whatsoever, and no matter what uniform they were to wear. It's insanity to believe otherwise. When are Putin and Russia going to stop their criminal war against Ukraine and withdraw the russian army and navy from Ukraine's territory and territorial ports and waters? Let's not forget that America and the West is at a heightened state of Alert against Russia and that economic sanctions against Russia by all Western Nations are still in place!

If the author(s) live in the United States, they have committed high treason with the nonsense written about Russia in this narrative.

Love your stories, a few more to complete the series. I also invested in Needles and Delaney on Amazon. You and the missuses need to going and write more, I'm running out of material!

Awesome!

As always Todd, you amaze. This makes the umpteenth time I've read your stories. I wish you would publish them so I can buy them.

Chief7844

Gob smacked! A loss for words, but try this; i’m reading a story within a story that melds together to not only prepare the audience for the transition to the real, but emboldens the parable of the wolves, the cohesive unit and fierceness. Damn, Todd172. Just damn.

Love your stories, so a sincere thanks to you and your team. 5*. I like the story on a story format. Waiting for more on Needles and Delaney.

You did capture the essence of the wolf tale, it sounded great to me. Excellent story, the Shack series. What goes around comes around. It sometimes takes awhile but it usually does. There are truly some people in this world that need killing.

All of the Shack stories are outstanding. Thank you.

Damn!!!!!!!

Outstanding writing! The story is a wonderful weave of a children’s story and an adult tale. I also admire your use of comedic writing and irony throughout The Shack story lines. 5* throughout.

She would have bee Zasha Ivanova Volk. Ivnanovitch means son of Ivan. Ivanova means daughter of Ivan.

Just a rumor all are very good and worth re-reading many times!

Loving this series. This could be in league with Robert Ludlum!!

several comments have referenced how bad so many of the shack stories are; if you truly don't like them, don't read them; it's not as if you don't know what you are getting!

I am re-reading them in order for the second time; not because there is nothing better in the literary world to read, but because i find them fun to read. Keep up the good work, Todd.

MADMs were large and bulky.

SADMs had a smaller punch, but one man could take one anywhere.

The Shack stories are my favorite, and I keep coming back and rereading them. All of your submissions are excellent work. Please share more with us, if you can.

Every time I’ve clicked on a submission from Todd I feel like Kisa “story story story” excellent work thank you

He always states at the start of his stories . He started in loving wives so he posts all the shack series there to make it easier to find his shack stories . So please don't make insane stupid comments . Once again Brilliant stories . Have been hanging out for a new one . And this is the third time I have read this story . My favourite characters are Spooky . Delanie and Needles . Monster and Ex. Jinxy . And Danny .

What is this stuff doing in the loving wives section?

I have been finally reading these in order, some re reading. A sincere thank you for giving the order on your page. I must say these stories keep getting better. Not Russian in any way but from my perspective it appears you tapped into it well for this story. I throughly enjoy how you pull from the previous stories and give a history and meaning for terms at the end (educational information which i find as ironic subject matter for this site).

Please keep writing and I will keep reading and enjoying your efforts.

5Stars

Your stories never fail to draw me in; I'm engrossed from beginning to end. Your characters, like your stories, are vivid and captivating. Very well done, great job.

Thanks for posting. 5 stars, as usual.

That’s all that needs said

I love how you told the story from a Folk story POV, makes me wonder about the origin of some of those Fables. Were they ways of explaining life’s issues back then ?

Thanks for making me think

5*

Chimo1961

Terrific, riviting story, as usual. You said you tried to get the rhythm and feel of Russian folk tales and even though I am not Russian, I could feel that come through. I think that's what made this story. Can hardly wait for any more you write (have read all you have here).

Thanks so much for writing this.

Thanks. What threw me was "bright grey strong wolves of the mountains" . Thought the mountain reference was something I missed.

The wild wolves of the forest are the inhabitants of the Shack, the shadowy black wolves of the night are Donna's crew from CUMULUS, and the grey wolves are Maria's FBI. The red wolves are, of course, Yuri's Russian Security Services. "Black" is a slang term for an "activity" or organization that doesn't officially exist. "Grey" designates an organization that exists, but may execute missions that don't go on the books. For the purposes of the story, DDIR Maria Hawthorne occasionally colors outside the lines.

Red wolves got it no problem. Who are the Black and Grey wolves? SAS? French Foreign Legion? UOE? GIGN? SEAL? Is one a group that graduated from St. Tristan's?

Was pure gold. Had to jog my memory a bit to reacquaint with some of the characters but this was a great story. Very fast paced. Thank you.

Great addition/back story. Screenplay!?

Dick

very enjoyable read

jtaylor

this series is wonderful. Trust but verify. Nope, not Ronald Regan. An ancient Russian proverb.

I don't really know how this series stays in loving wives category, but thank god it does. I look at updates more often here than many other sections. There should be a way to code this across multiple sections so others who might not spend much time here got the chance to see this author and stories. Well done Todd.

Not only a great story but also has the "feel" of a Russian folk tale. I am not Russian but my degree is. We had to translate and discuss many classic Russian folk tales including The Farmer and the Wolf, Peter and the Dross Bird, How Much Land Does a Man Need, and a couple of the Baba Yaga tales. During my first read, I was thinking that the "story" part felt very Russian. Well done.

Thanks for bringing this crazy group of lovable eccentrics to life here in the pages of Lit. Every backstory adds richness to the brew. Thanks once again for sharing this with us, your fans!

The story was so damn good that it made me wanna howl.

I cannot tell you how I love this series. So deserving of an HBO type production.

Da best

I love your characters, your style, your expertise. When I saw that you had another installment on the site, I literally yelped in excitement. Thanks for giving us this pleasure!

The series is great. Just when I think you can't add to it you do. amazing tale.

Words fail me, however wolfs never do. Extremely well done!!

when a more real and compelling drama exists in these works? Congratulations. I hope someday it is produced, faithfully.

As usual, another excellent story in the Shack series!

Loved the new story. Came across the song "Heathens" by Twenty One Pilots (Part of the soundtrack for Suicide Squad). I found it very fitting for your pack of wolves in Fiji.

I check back regularly to see if you have posted a new story and I am never disappointed after reading your stories which I have re-read a few times when I felt it would help with the understanding of your latest story.

Always 5* from me

I expect nothing less than a fine story when you post. This one exceeds my expectations. Truly well done Sir. I think the style of the writing and the story concept may be the best yet. This adds to the legend of your "Shack" series.

Thank you again and I am looking forward to your next posting.

Woodmanone

...our horizons on several levels and did a fine job of furthering the world you've painted for us.

Please continue.....with anything....anything at all.

Thank you.

The US version was 7 kilotons but according to experts could have been enhanced to 200 kilotons in the same size and weight, an excessive yield for demolitions use so it was never done.

My love is Ukrainian of Russian descent, and SHE says you're pretty much on the money about the underworld in Russia. Just saying. And she repeated the story of the golden wolf nearly word for word to me. Always have wanted a bit of back story to Angel/Shameless/Zasha and you delivered perfectly. LOVE the "coincidental" names of the children, too!

Quite an enjoyable read. Once again your character development came through in spades for those who are familiar with the whole series.

As far as the Anons who are critical of your posting; if ignorance is bliss, they surely have achieved nirvana.

It's how I know what works and what doesn't. As always, I'm amazed at the level of support and encouragement from the readers here. Thanks again.

If the style of the story doesn't suit you,that's fine; everyone has different tastes. There are a lot of really excellent writers on the site and I am sure there are some to suit pretty much any taste. Qhm1, dtiverson, blackrandi, Rehnquist, carvohi, Girl In The Moon, and many, many more - too many to name here.

Thanks again,

Todd

Thank you.

ENJOYED IT TREMENDOUSLYU

Great story Todd - well written and very entertaining.

Long canine teeth, a promise to play nice.

Move along now, nothing to see here,

it's really better not to know.

Ignore that curtain and any movement,

you'll feel safer so i'm told.

The tiny man with tiny hands thinks these tales cannot be true

But truth be said, we'll be long dead,

all alike in our atomic glow.

And it fits well into Loving Wives. After all, what was she, if not a loving wife ?

well done

I love these characters you've created and the world you've built around them. Been a fan since you first started posting them, and I reread them again and again. Congratulations on another great tale.

You are one of the best storytellers I have ever read, regardless of genre. Bravo.

Please feel free to skip my comments, you won't be missed. I will continue to comment as I see fit.

I hate James Bond, Russians, spies, mecenaries, over the top stories. But I read yours anyway. Damn you and your amazing ability to spin a yarn!

Well written and it pulled me into the story from word 1. Thanks for sharing. I know that these type of people are not what most people would choose for their next door neighbors but they are fun to read about. Almost everyone wishes they hadn't or hadn't had to take a bunch of shit off someone in their lives, whether it was bullies or gang members. A little over the top but if I wanted spot on I would just look around and note what was happening in the world just around me. Thanks for the read.

pappy

Yes, I read it to the end. No, I did not like it. It just does not flow.

And Sbrooks103X (or whatever), stop trying to be the sycophant LE literary police. It seems that the critical reviews that do not match yours are subject to your objection. Follow your own advice, if you don't agree with someone else's observations it doesn't make them wrong, no more than it makes you right. Bugger off.

AAAWWOOOOooooooOOOooooooo....!

- GrandPaM

While I recognize that everyone has there own taste, to put down a story as "terrible writing" just because you don't care for it is wrong.

As I mentioned on a Bulletin Board discussion, I don't like Jackson Pollock's work, that doesn't make them terrible paintings.

I haven't tried to read one of these for a while. Now I remember why. It's not erotica. It's not good writing. What was cute the first couple of times I read one of these has become just uninteresting. It's like one never-ending story, written in sophomoric style about creepy characters. I won't try another.

As usual, perfect cadence and pitch. Loved every second of it. Thank you for your efforts and we all look forward to the next installment.

BTW, I've read all of the stories in this universe at least twice. I went back reread them in sequence after I read this on SOL. As I've become more familiar with the characters and their backstory, each chapter had more depth than I got in the first coupla reads. I recommend going back and reading them carefully. You'll see what I mean.

Damn this is good storytelling!. Thank you.

Effortless to read. So good. One day gonna have to read these all in order.

Love your stories, love the characters. Five, could be more.

Todd has the sequence over in SOL, you can actually select the stories by "universe."

The sequence is:

Blue Topaz Eyes

Shameless

Monster

Pogo and Spooky

Nobody

Pogo's Very Long Day

Gun, Gun, Teddy Bear

Behind Blue Eyes

Necessary Evil doesn't really fall into a particular sequence, Todd tells where this falls in his intro, it's probably best read after Shameless, IMHO.