All Comments on 'Death and the Maiden'

Wanda, it’s a lovely story. Thank you for letting me see it emerge. For other readers: Proof reading Wanda’s work is a dream job. You get to see her amazing ideas and lucid prose before anyone else, and I think I found at most a handful of minor things, which she would have fixed herself anyway. It was a pleasure and a privilege to be involved, albeit in a very minor capacity. Em

This was . . . ugh, words . . .

Lovely. Rapturous. Beautiful. Heartbreaking. Heartwarming. Imaginative. Surprising. Splendid.

I’ll be cheering for you when your award nomination comes through. (Crap, this’d isn’t a jinx, is it? Nah—quality over superstition.)

Thank you!

BTW, adore your hair.

"... my adorable pink unicorn sneakers kissing the clean linoleum."

The best line ever written.

Wanda, you've surpassed yourself. This story evoked a whole range of emotions from the anguish of Jen's despair to the tenderness of Jen and Jezebel's lovemaking. They are the cutest couple. And your command of the language is, as always, exceptional. One of my favourite lines was "Her breath was like rich spices over hot desert sand".

Wanda, every single time I've read one of your stories, I've genuinely not believed that another will top it. This was such a thrill to be able to read; I absolutely loved it. I loved the direction that the story took and the characters were incredible as were their flaws. I literally can not wait to see what you come up with next, this is definitely another form favourite now.

5 stars from me ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is the first story of yours I've read and I don't really have much to say but I wanted to let you know that it's beautiful.

Wow, this was...different. Sometimes different is good!

I loved it!!

Thank you

O Loki, you little trickster. I was tricked.

Loved this story, glad you created your own universe, I don't feel this would of worked so well with the Endless.

Happy endings for everyone is always the best ending.

Thank you for your time.

Unique. Touching. Heartbreaking and uplifting. Some might say ineffable. In this case, also quite effable (ahem). From the very different perspective on the afterlife, to the well drawn characters, and a sorta Angel and a loving Hellspawn.. and so much more…a fabulous story. Thank you

Well shucks, you made me cry

Different but very enjoyable.

As always, a lovely story. Your writing is superb and dragged me in and I couldn't put it down.

Your stories are like a Maui vacation. Always perfect, always right.

A bit of a departure but still the same high standard!

I have always loved your stories. I have always love the way you craft real breathing characters. But this I think is a new favourite. I too love Sandman and Gaiman, and I can totally see their influence in this, but comparing this to them is a diservice... to you. Jenny is, she's amazing, flawed, a little bit broken, but amazing. I know you dont do sequels, well apart from Alexis, but I would love to see and read, if not sequels, spin offs to this in the future. Lucius, Jezabel, Cait and Amy, theres so much potential in this world you've created and I would lovw to explore it if you ever decide to expand on it.... Also... Heaven as a Council Office? Freaking love it xD

Wow! What an excellent story. Thank you for sharing it with us.

"And I was led directly into temptation"

That is going to require some effort to top, I'm sure you will manage just that, and soon.

I rarely give 5's but this story is at least a 7!

I hope you are aware of how deeply you touch your readers.

Thank you.

Dum spiro spero,

dum spero amo,

dum amo vivo.

Nice to extend this to the afterlife somewhat - I quarrel with the physical aspects of ethereal affection, but still I love your writing. Keep breathing.

I wasn't sure where you were going to take this, whether Gwen would end up with Cait or Jez, but you crafted it well. Nicely done and easily worth the five starts I gave it.

Awesome story! It reminds me somewhat of the Piers Anthony novel about Death ( his Incarnations of Immortality series.) Your story was way out there, but it was really good!

Wanda this was so different than anything I have read from you. That is not a bad thing as the normal Wanda came through. I will admit I had tears running down my face as Gwen stood at the cross road. I did not dread which path she would choose, as she had made the choice already. Parts of this reminds me of Good Omens but a more adult version. Thank you for sharing this. 5*

That was excellent! Five stars.

One small bit of constructive criticism for future reference - the word seraphim is plural; the singular is seraph.

Wanda,

I am not normally touched in such a way by a story here on this site. It's something I try to do for others, but it isn't very often that someone is able to do so for me. Don't get me wrong, there are quite a few authors that I follow that are excellent writers (you being among them). But to reach down deep and pluck at the depths of my soul? That's only happened a few times.

Thank you for sharing this with us, and for the reminder that life is precious precisely because of the hope that love offers us (both in giving and receiving it) and that is reason enough to cling to it. Utterly beautiful worldbuilding and prose. I hope that someday, the stories that I and my other half write consistently affect people as deeply as this did me.

Bravissimo

- TwinSoulFlames

Once again, I find myself sobbing while reading one of your beautiful stories. I am so grateful you share your imagination and craftsmanship with us. I need more stars for you.

Bravo. Absolutely brilliant. Heartfelt, touching, funny, heartbreaking.

Seriously doesn't get much better.

I wrote my own version of Angels and Demons recently; been considering a sequel.

There's already some incredible similarities, but your story definitely may help inspire me to continue mine.

I'll try not to knick from you too badly if I do.

Again, Absolutely amazing work.

This was one of the first stories I've read that played Thanatos with some respect and a touch of humanity. Others characterized him differently to suit the mood of their novels. In my opinion you are right up there with Piers Anthony and Terry Pratchett .

I really enjoy your writing style, your stories are a banquette where the others are a diner or fast food

joint, you make it an easy choice when I'm choosing what kind of comfort food I want to feed my mind.

Thank you, Dave

Beautiful story

Another 5 star piece from one of the best authors on the site

You always have me missing sleep, it’s 4am. Your writings are worth it.

Fabulous story, stunning...

I absolutely loved it...

5 stars.

Cagivagurl

This is beautiful …

Wanda, if thurs isn’t my favorite story of mine it it’s definitely second. What a fever dream of world building drawn from your imagination, tradition and theology. So happy that Bella, Cait and feathers all got their act together in the end!

Wow. I’m not afraid to say I teared up toward the end. It really felt to me like you were channeling Neil Gaiman with your story. Such wonderful, emotional writing.

Sweet, rich, sexy, immensely satisfying, a tale beautifully told. Again. You never fail to engage and enchant. I could read you all day and night. Thank you.

On one hand there is Beatrice emerging from the great choir of Heaven, and on the other Gwenhwyfar. One perfect in every way, the way a man would create an image of woman, the ultimate Madonna, the other fully human and yet divine. I do think we would all choose Gwenhwyfar though messing with Jezebel might be a mistake. Fun, thoughtful and definitely less ponderous than The Divine Comedy. 5 Stars against an inky blue black sky filled with . . . stars.

Well I really wasn't sure at the beginning. Then I got drawn in, then deeper in. Then I cared.

You really are a fabulous writer. Whenever I see that you have posted a new story my heart sings.

Thank you x

That was wonderfully strange! Also educational, just that this time I didn't discover some new UK colloquialism to then ask my US friend about who'll inevitably shrug and explain that he's never heard that one in his life (looking at you, "nosy parker"), but rather Blake's prophetic books - didn't know that was a thing, but certainly sounds fascinating. I do love your eschatology - parts of it reminded me of Death's Door (lovely little video game from not too long ago), but then again, your afterlife is a sort of self-aware bureaucracy, and I'm not sure I've seen that done before. Speaking of new things: First, it is a pleasure seeing you do some worldbuilding, because we don't usually get to, and I'm happy to report that you're really quite good at that, too; not that I'm surprised, but I did want to mention it. Second, that was probably the first story of yours where the "who's going to end up with whom?" question turned out to have a twist, and I loved it. All I'm saying is: If you decided to concoct an experiment like this again at some point, I'd certainly be delighted.

This comment is already a little long, so let me just say thank you for taking the time to write, edit, and publish this for us! And thank you to EmilyMiller, because proof-reading is work and they did a brilliant job, and because we apparently partially owe this story to them. Well done, we're grateful! :)

I am officially 'blown away'. Gently humourous fantasy, with a deliciously strong erotic thread running through it, and a deft eye for the little details that bring a story to life and make it sparkle. And all of it shot through with affection and yearning and love. Absolutely delightful. Five stars, of course, and can we have more of your fantasy stories please.

I am almost speechless with this story. I have only one exclamation and that is Heavenly.

I want to thank you for writing this, and on a different note, you are getting better and better and better.

Take care.

What a lovely love story. It was almost like treading an epic poem

The best big dipper ride ever, great entertainment!!!!!

One of the best descriptions of the afterlife I have read! Kudos!

I enjoy your writing!

Best regards,

Kathy

Just 2 words —. FUCKING AMAZING!!!

Thanks for the great story.

I cried this was beautiful…

It is always a good day (or, as seems to usually be the case, middle of the night) when one of your stories appears. This was amazingly inventive. I had no idea where it was going or would end up. It could have fit within at least a couple of different categories. Through it all is your magnificent prose and character development. You always manage to work in a smart and evocative metaphor or three (the bearing/wheel imagery was brilliant). As I say just about every time I comment, thank you for continuing to share your gift here.

A mystical, magical adventure into a strange new world.

Thank you

Amazing. Showing once again that your Nom de Plume is utterly inappropriate.

“One Hit” my ass!

Keep writing - your work is truly great!

Master storyteller. Wow.

Wow! This is brilliant. I love the way you paint the characters through their actions.

Also, the sexy scenes were hot without being tawdry.

You clearly enjoyed writing this piece; thank you, It resonated at so many levels/in so many ways for me. Before even finishing the first “Lit page” (and throughout) tempted to underline phrases/lines that gave pause whether humorous, poignant, thought provoking, inventive — a borderline annoying habit of mine when reading creative writing. You should see some of my hardcover books/poems.

"Onehitwanda knocks it out of the park, yet again!"

But seriously. I needed some time to process this story after I finished it so I could give it proper praise. You really nailed the "fantasy meets modern day" in a truly unique way. Your take on the religious elements was brilliant, funny, and yet somehow never irreverent. I felt that the world was real and that the characters were really grappling with their existence. You have beautiful descriptions of different kinds of sex and of the multitude of human emotions that are wrapped up in relationships. Thank you for sharing this tale with us. I'm often astounded that I get to read such amazing work for free and I feel that way every time I open one of your stories. Bravo, etc. XO

Loved it Wanda, thank you.

The writing on this is fantastic. You had me reading avidly until around halfway through

You have become my favorite author on this site. When I see your name on a story, I clear out time to read it straight through and look forward to it all day.

And I think this is my favorite yet!

Thank you so much for this gift!

I loved this story so much. Thank you ❤️

Aww, what a wonderful story and what incredible writing

You're magnificent ❤️

Well it was lovely. May be sweeter than usual. But Jez and Jen conviced us. You are onre of my favourite authors . Thanks

I don't know how it's possible, but you have exceeded yourself as an author. This story is incredible. You've taken all your protagonists and melded them together into one story. Everything about it just screams quality. The dialogue, the emotions, the writing style. There's too much to praise and not enough superlatives in the dictionary.

Your work never disappoints. Never falters.

Beautifully written! I don't want Jezebel and Jenny's story to end! Thank you for sharing ❤️

Beautiful story. Incredible

I don't even know where to begin. Your stories are always a fantastic flury of emotions with such peaks and depths. One minute I was crushed with Caitlyn's loss of her unrequited love only to to be riding the wave as the bond between her and Jenny grew. What I thought I saw as the unfolded was turned on its head and I was left stunned.

Without doubt one of your finest works, and that's saying a lot given the number of amazing tales you've brought us. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful tale with us.

There aren't any more superlatives to add, you just get better and here stretch us your lucky readers almost beyond understanding. Thank you so much.

Incredible!!! I think this is your best yet. Just WOW! If you aren't writing professionally already you should be. It isn't just the story (outstanding as that may be), it is your writing skills that shine so bright. Thank you for sharing!!!

Another absolute gem, thank you. 5*

Wow! What an amazing story. The blend of spirituality love, loss and forgiveness in a hit bed of sex. This is your best story to date. The way you described the planes of heaven and hell with some reincarnation mixed in for good measure. Beautiful!

It was nice to see the kindness, empathy, and flaws in all of the characters. Even see the heart made of brimstone really be a heart of gold. Did Jezebel lead Amanda to Caitlyn to salve Gwenhwyfar, fix things with Azrael, or to create a selfishly create a barrier between Gwenhwyfar and Caitlyn? Perfect. Another avatar change. Interesting.

Another amazing story. Thanks

Dam!

Simply magical! Thank you so much!

First story I've read on literotica. WOW, what a way to start! Great story line,loved where it went, and the ride you took me on. Thanks so much Wanda!

Great story, great telling, wonderful as always. 5 stars.

cm

A wonderful and magical story!

Different to most of your other tales but just as good!

Thank you Wanda!

A friend of mine strongly recommended your work, so I chose this as my starting point. Your profile boasts that you're a harsh critic, so I know that you won't mind anyone returning the favour.

While I didn't enjoy this at all, it's clear why your work resonates with so many people. I found the concept to be beautiful. If I were to praise anything, it would be your commitment to the idea throughout the document.

But that's where things start to unravel here. This is a piece of erotic literature and I never felt aroused for a fraction of a second. That would be fine if the work was propped-up by a strong romantic connection between multi-dimensional characters, but the quality of your writing lets you down.

The dialogue is lazy and lacks both effort and imagination. Despite the theme, realistic conversations don't flow in the manner that you've chosen. They have far more depth to them, especially in scenarios so remarkable that you've chosen to write about them in the first place. If your characters don't believe believe in the concept, why should the reader? There are conversations between strangers at bus stops, on Monday mornings, that are more enthralling than this.

Strangely, that approach bleeds over to your narration. Undoubtedly, you've attempted to do so for style purposes, which is fine, but there's a balance to that approach and you've went too far with it. It's clear to me that you wish for your readers to view your structure as poetic, but it lacks the required sharpness to the degree where a first-time reader, like me, will just conclude that you rushed your way through the piece. When your work is so simple and targets tabloid readers, you can't complain when a broadsheet audience concludes that your writing is completely bereft of sophistication and effort.

Before I started my feedback, I lifted my phone to send a message to the friend who originally recommended your work to me. It struck me that your story wouldn't be out of place as an extended text message or WhatsApp conversation. There's nothing poetic about that.

38/100 - ⭐⭐

What a lovely new tune in your repertoire. Some new notes and melodies, but the phrasings are all you.

VVVVV Well dang, I wish I got text messages like your story. This story could spawn an entire season of "Dead Like Me" and I would not lose interest.

You're my go to writer on here probably because being from the UK I can visualise the settings and see the characters in them.

This was different and took a bit of time to get into, no less erotic than the others but nowhere as good, in my opinion as Walking with Sam, I loved that one and about to read for the third time.

Thank you so much for sharing your writings.

Wow, so different, yet the same. Lesbian doesn't bother me. Love is love...actually. I loved the ending. I was so worried that the story would end unlike any of Wanda's other stories. Everyone won in the end. On to the next tale!

How are you not a published author??? Wait… are you a published author?? Surely you must be to be writing stuff this good! What an amazing tale. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I can’t wait for your next story. Much love and many thanks.

I don't make much time for reading these days, the distractions of life and literary strivings leaving but a handful of moments. I'm glad I spent that allowance here; divine vision of world I think we see with similar eyes. Take my thanks and admiration. Llawer o gariad oddi wrth, Arianrhod. ❤️

I recently left you a comment suggesting you needed to expand your repertoire away from wounded/ inadequate person recovers with the help of a new lover. It turns out that you had already done so with this tale. Although the protagonist here was a similarly wounded being, the story was different enough to make the reading enjoyable. Nicely done.

Very different and good.

This was very different. Probably the most unique literotica story I’ve ever read.

And it was amazing

What a beautiful story. And quite the twist. I did find Jezebel's attitude kind of funny, considering she screws humans... Or tempts them ..

But it'd make sense for a Demon to be irrationally jealous I suppose! What a cracking little story. Thank you for writing!

Just finished reading this for the second time. It was, as all your stories, even better. Wanda l do not know how you find just the right mix of words to tug at my emotions the way you do. You are one of a handful of authors that does so, but you are at the top of that small group. With a talent that shines through again and again. Thank you for sharing your works with us. Yes this one was different than your normal work, it reminded me of Good Omens, by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gamin. That you moved me in ways that approached that story with yours speaks volumes. When I would pick up a book by Sir Terry, I knew it would be a wonderful read. Wanda when I see a new story by you, l know the same thing.

This is one of your best, maybe your very best. Thank you!

Absolutely beautiful story. Might be your best ever. Thank you Wanda.xx

This is my favorite standalone story on this site and I openly sobbed for over an hour at the tension point. 11/5, you're a fantastic writer and even after reading and loving every other work you've published, this story stands out as an absolute masterpiece.

I'm impressed. This is a genre where it's really easy to fall into clichés, but you kept it fresh and sweet without saccharine, and it didn't go the direction I was expecting. Excellent work.

Excellent story and excellent writing. Bit of an emotional roller coaster for me but I managed to hang on. Well worth it.

This was an interesting storyline. Very different from other stories from you that I have read. Really enjoyed it.

This story is like a breath of fresh air. Absolutely loved it

Positively brilliant

Amazing. One of those stories you really don’t want to end. You have a damn fine story there. Thank you for posting it.

What can I add to your ocean of adulation? How could I have missed this one up to now? I don't think I had previously seen the stark power of your artistry. I recognize, in my mind's eye, the idea of desolation. But never before, I think, has the reality of desolation been so tellingly driven home.

Your wordsmithery is breathtaking. Example: "And someone collided with me and grappled me and knocked me to the floor, sliding over the polished stone, entangled with me until we fetched up painfully against the stairs."

This is stuff that matters.

Thank you.

You are the master of the pen and I’m trying for finding some extraordinary outstanding to describe my speechless state im in now …. This was breathtaking, but as im human i need to breath in and out …. LOVE is a value we just acknowledge being old as the youth is so careless about and NEVER EVER LEAVE A SOULMATE …. Brilliant fantastic enchanting marvelous lovely fabulous please name it , thank you for sharing your talent and five stars are a laughable try to worth this

💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝✨☘️

I think you are a very imaginative writer, with so much talent. I keep wondering if you are a mainstream writer I. The evening news or some such rot and let your proverbial hair down when writing for this site. Anyway, another wonderfully thought out story.

Excellent. I am jealous of your ability!

So, so good.

You never fail to let your imagination come shining through in your tales.

Even in a story of death, there was so much to make me smile, a true testament to your skill as an author.

Yet another brilliant story.

Thank you.

I have read a few of your stories and I keep coming back for more. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thanks for sharing

Phenomenal.

Thank you so much for sharing your art with us.