Oh wow, I cried so hard during this. I kind of hoped that there would be a more happy ending, where they both survive and all, but well. Other than that it was great but like, never again xd

This is the best fanfiction I've ever read. I keep coming back to it and it gives me chills every. single. time. Thank you, thank you, thank you for writing this.

this is just too terrible, usually fics are written to make certain parts of cannon better but this is so much worse. A quick accidental death in the forest saving his son (Merlin) is one thing but this horrible alternative is... undefinable. Uther really just deserves to die for all the families he destroyed

Super sad story but very well written

Nooo it ended! Damn! Such a good story!

No, it's not enough - it's cowardly, of Merlin, of Arthur and - I'm sorry - most of all, as you as the writer. I know you were trying (so obviously and so crudely) for Oh So High and Clever Literary Tragedy, but what you got... is rather contemptible.

Wow, this was gut-wrenching, emotionally trying, and a wild rollercoaster of feelings and action! It certainly was intense, and Merlin and Arthur's bond was put to the test.
All in all, I think you did a marvellous job of eliciting emotions, and sculpting the characters in your own way. They weren't OC, but they had a touch of uniqueness to them, which is okay.
I was slightly confused and disappointed it ended so abruptly, though.
I feel like there should have been a bit more about how Arthur and Merlin resolved their strife, and how that fragile bond of trust and friendship was put back together after it had all but shattered into pieces.
I would've liked to see how the whole 'you bonded your magic to me, so therefore I control it' thing kind of worked out.
I was a little bemused; if Merlin came up with the spell and sacrificed his magic, how did he not know the consequences? And how did Arthur know that he controlled Merlin so powerfully?
It was really depressing when Balinor died, but I think that goes to prove how well you can draw out such emotion and angst.
The wild madness that sometimes seemed to posses Merlin was deep and raw. The way he'd fight and punch Arthur, and Arthur would unintentionally hurt him, or try to gently restrain him. The 'I'm sorry' and desperation.
I think you could've taken this story to the top by explaining just a few more things, giving a bit more depth and poignant thoughts and emotion at the very end. I want to feel Merlin's sorrow and devastation knowing that his father died, by his own hands too.
The guilt and regret both young men cover up, and the friendship that may never be the same ever again.
None the less, a well-crafted story. Keep up the talented writing!

I almost cried. What you put them through, but how dang beautiful you did it...whoa. *humbly bows in the presence of a master fanfic writer*

Seriously? Let me stop you from saving your father and Merlin doesn't resent him for it? Again you envoked emotion in a reader so great job but damn your ending was frustrating to read...

I've read some of the reviews just kinda trying to get a feel for where your story is ending and it seems as though Arthur is gonna still be a controlling asshole even art eh resolution of this story... He is literally treating Merin as something sub-human and that's really not a good reflection on their relationship dynamics... It's almost disgusting.. But you envoked emotion in a reader so all I can say is good job but that just leaves a sick feeling in my stomach..

Wow. Really?
Can't bring myself to read a story where one protagonist is a control-freak shitbag and the other is a spineless pussy.

Absolutely love.

i'm trying really hard not to cry right now...

OH MY GOD THIS IS THE WORST! WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS?! IT WAS HEARTBREAKING YOU EVIL! MERLIN NOOOOO! UTHER MUST BURN IN HELL!

oh you're evil! you re soo sooo evil! this is so tragic you mean human being! *cries*