I'm so glad to hear from you again,[mention]Pup Wingletang[/mention]!
Your observations about Steven and his would-be kidnappers are spot on, and the little tidbits of humour in your review do no escape me, boy
![Cool 8-)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
I'm also glad to read that you can identify with Steven on many levels. I'd even so go far as to say that being able to identify with one of the characters -especially the main protagonist- is critical to enjoying the story and it's subtilties, which, as you've pointed out, are lined throughout Steven's descriptive narration.
I'm not usually one to spill the beans, but from some of the hints that you left us, I know for a fact that you'll be thrilled with the direction this story is going.
I can't wait to hear from you as you make your way through Part II, boy.
Hope you have as much fun reading that part as you did reading the 1st!