RE: The Allies of Old; Book Two Renewal: Chapter Sixty Two "Sent Message Failed"
AHAHA! I was about to ask how Jared knew about that handyman trope haha! I'm happy for him that he's spending his time watching porn haha! Really though, I'm just glad that he mellowed out a bit. Now, you know I'm not a huge Anna shipper, but there was a time early on when I was all about backing Anna.
On to Jess, I've said it before, but I think it bears repeating. I really wish that Harri never told them about her survival. Harri's still my favorite so far and I fully trust your process, but I think a conflict that centers around Jess thinking everyone has moved on would be great to elevate Jess up as a character. I really wish she would stop belittling herself, especially now that she's on par with Anna.
With regard to Michael, ugh! I hate that guy even more haha!! It's one thing to get in the way of other people because he feels entitled to something, it's a whole other thing to spoil someone else's news. Austin had it right when he gave Jess the chance to reveal what happened. Michael's heroic (ugh) sacrifice or evil turn (yes!) couldn't come any sooner.
Oh, I'm pretty sure you are going to find new levels of hate for Michael as the series progresses LOL!
I totally understand how you feel about them knowing Jess was alive, and it's in the back of my mind. But the reason was simply that it would have made it super hard for the pace of the story to have that kind of grief to deal with. Basically, since jess is based on a friend I have, I know that I couldn't just cry it out and move on. It would color everything I did and felt for a long time to come, so not just the pace of the story but also the atmosphere would have to be much grimmer. That's the reason, even though I know that it would be a lot more exciting and poignant for them to think she was dead and then find out she wasn't. Trust me I do know that.
Haha yeah! Oh please don't get me wrong, I've said it before, but I truly trust your process :) I'm just providing some counter banters to balance the scales. A sort of check and balance, if you will.