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Post by Dalton on Jul 10, 2003 0:42:22 GMT -5
I'm so glad someone brought up fanfic. I've been wanting to share my personal recommendations, and get recs from all of you, for a while. First, let me jump on the Barb C bandwagon. She is a phenomenal writer. And I'll also point out that much of "Necessary Evils" was written well before season 7 (and the return of The First) began. Here of some of my other favorites. All of these can be found at www.allaboutspike.com. I like almost everything on that site--but be sure to check the ratings if you are not a fan of NC-17. I will say that in many of my favorite stories the sex is a small part of a larger story, so don't automatically rule something out if it has a higher rating, just skip over those parts. "Journeys" by Mary--my next favorite after Barb C. It is a WIP (Work in Progress), but she says most is already plotted and updates regularly. "When Eternity Lies in the Balance" by Jericho TGF (complete) "Eyes Only" by Lesley, Magpie, and Lori (PLEASE go to their website--it is spectacular. I've only been able to visit parts of it so far. Magpie has written a wonderful essay on Spike's "Hero's Journey". Much of their writing focuses on Spike, Giles and Wesley and it's fun to see Spike interact with other males rather than just Buffy all the time) "Things Present-Things Past" by Estephenia "After Dust" by emg Also, stuff by Kimi (she has some good short stories as well as a long interconnected series of stories beginning with "Voices in the Dark.") Annie Sewell-Jennings (somewhat dark--watch the ratings--I've liked her "Waking the Dead" but it hasn't been updated in months); Jane Davitt; Nautibitz (all NC-17, but no violence, some it is just plain funny). -------------- Then, on the fanfiction.net website (click on "Find" on the top tool bar and then type in author's name) "Rhapsody in Oil" by Eurydice1 (complete) "Here Is Gone" by Terri Botta (complete) "Her Sire-His Childe-Their Soul" by Kallysten --three connected stories, the first two are complete and the third is almost done. I avoided reading it for months since it starts with Buffy being turned, but could no longer ignore the 1000+ reviews. It actually is very entertaining once you get past the initial idea. "Base Elements" by Limber--started out very promising, but the updates have come very slowly. Now, I'm hoping to get more suggestions from the rest of you. Thanks, Sue
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Post by Dalton on Jul 10, 2003 0:43:55 GMT -5
Nan, thank you for jumping in and elaborating so much better than I about the wonderful qualities of Barb Cumming's fan-fiction, particularly "Necessary Evils". While I was happily absorbed by the preceeding "A Raising In the Sun" (love the humor of that name) I agree that "Necessary Evils" is even better. One thing, we are impatiently awaiting chapter 35. I read chapter 34 (from off her own website) last week. And I know we're fast approaching the storie's end but I've read nothing to confirm that 35 will be the final chapter.
Anyway, I'd like to add my two-bits to your wager with Spring. Spring, if you don't get pulled in after trying the first one or two chapters you'll be $.75 richer. Think of that!
Seriously Spring, the reason I kept thinking of you in particular while reading this story is because in this alternative reality probably the largest source of conflict in Buffy's and Spike's relationship is (soulless)Spike's constant struggle not only to do the *right thing* (especially after the chip no longer stands in his way)but in identifying what the *right thing* is in the first place. Considering our many discussions about whether Spike could have continued to morally improve without benefit of a soul I thought Barb's fascinating exporation of this aspect of his character would be of particular interest to you. And I'm not saying this because I think you'll read it and be converted to my pov (soul wasn't necessary other than a validation of his worth to Buffy and Scoobies and as a means to allow him to feel actual guilt and remorse for past anonymous victims as opposed to perceived wrongs he'd committed against loved ones, yada yada yada we've hashed this all out before). Actually Spike has very real *blank spots* and limitations in recognizing many every day moral choices because he doesn't intuitively feel them. He is dependent upon learning them intellectually instead. Problems arise when he's confronted with a decision that he doesn't even recognize as posing any kind of moral conflict and so proceeds without making a *choice to do the right thing*. (Nan, please feel free to jump on in here and help me explain this better.) So actually Spring, I think that you may find much of your own perspective played out in this story.
deborah cohen
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Post by Dalton on Jul 10, 2003 0:45:32 GMT -5
Diane, I have to differ with you. I don't agree that Angeus and Spike were as equally evil. Someone here (might have been Spring but don't quote me on that) once illustrated the difference by saying Spike was evil while Angelus is EVIL. Angelus has always been written and acted as far more two dementionally evil. Spike was established from the very beginning as having much more humanity.
Last night I was skimming an interview with Marti Noxon in either the new Buffy or X magazines (can't remember which). She mentions that Angel was written as much more of an architypal figure, which is what I'd always suspected.
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Post by Dalton on Jul 10, 2003 0:46:38 GMT -5
Sorry for all the spelling and other errors I left in my haste in my previous posting.
deborah cohen
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Post by Dalton on Jul 10, 2003 0:48:04 GMT -5
I haven't gone back to check but my recollection is that this controversy arose from the scene in "Sleeper" where Buffy throws Spike out of bed to confront him about the girl she'd seen him with. He was wearing his pants in bed which seemed very odd to me considering it had been well established that he prefered sleeping in the nude. I may have been the one to first post about this on the Episode board and got thrown out onto the Misc board for my trouble. There was also some discussion about the fact that the pants were leather.
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Post by Dalton on Jul 10, 2003 0:49:14 GMT -5
She also said that she regretted not having more for Spike to do in the beginning of the Season- that they left him acting crazy in the basement too long. Wow. I was surprised to read that. How could they just have forogotton about him like that, which is apparently what they did.
deborah cohen
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Post by Dalton on Jul 10, 2003 0:50:10 GMT -5
I think in order to be vamped, the victim also must willingly drink of the sire's blood. I just don't see Faith doing that.
I'm so psyched for next week's Angel.
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Post by Dalton on Jul 10, 2003 0:51:26 GMT -5
Ahh, good point. I, too, am anxiously awaiting next week. I've been scouring websites looking for reviews of last night's episode to help me get through the wait
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Post by Dalton on Jul 10, 2003 0:52:38 GMT -5
Sue P, thank you for all the recommendations. I've printed off your posting and intend to check out all your picks. The All About Spike site has thus far proven to be my favorite source of quality fanfiction (excepting our own S'Cubie website, of course).
One of my own favorite story's from the All About Spike site is "Awkward Phase" by Adjrun. He/she??? does a terrific job with all the characters and I absolutely love the premise. Darla and Dru come to Sunnydale, kidnap Spike and use him in a spell to retrieve William from the past. I think their intention was that Dru would be able to revamp an unchipped, untainted by Buffy love William and so have her Spike returned to her. Spike escapes before the spell is entirely complete so both he and his human self are both co-existing in the present. So far it is a fascinating story but alas, very much a work in progress. Only the first four chapters have been posted (I believe they were added to the site sometime in January). No telling how much longer I'll have to wait to see what happens next.
Say, have you posted here before? If I'm not confusing you with someone else I seem to recall reading your introductory post on the Episode board a while back and responding with a welcome and an invitatioon for you to come join us over here. If it is you I'm glad you finally made it over. If you're someone else, never mind and welcome as well. If this wasn't your first post on the S'Cubie board sorry I missed you before now and very glad you've joined in.
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Post by Dalton on Jul 10, 2003 0:53:49 GMT -5
Rae, Have you found any reviews yet? I have a few that I go to (among them Billie's at www.tvtome.com, The Sanctuary - though their's usually takes a week or more) but so far, none are posted. Or at least, none that I can find. I also get the ones from www.slayage.com and they have a pretty good compilation of other reviews. Where do you get your reviews? Any place other than the ones I've mentioned? Lee Hollins -L
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Post by Dalton on Jul 10, 2003 0:54:48 GMT -5
I've been catching up on posts...
I really had to laugh at the exchange on JM's feet. I too, had noticed the size of his feet in those boots he wore. They made his feet look a whole lot larger than a 9.5. I had to catch hold of my thoughts ...*L*...
I see myself getting sucked into the Angel vortex. I've never watched it because I can't get a FOX station from where I live. I'm anxiously awaiting USA's re-run but find myself eyeballing the season 1 DVD at our local Sams.
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Post by Dalton on Jul 10, 2003 0:55:42 GMT -5
Thanks for the welcome. It's probably me you are thinking of ("of whom you are thinking"--I remember my junior high English, but can't always be bothered). I've posted several times on the Buffy board over the past several episodes and once or twice on Angel. Don't recall if this is my first posting to you guys. But I have been reading for a while. I love your sense of community and non-judgmentalness. (A few weeks back several folks seemed to be going through a bit of emotional melt-downiness, and although I had nothing to contribute to that discussion, I appreciated that the other posters either empathized, sympathized or refrained from comment--but nobody was made to feel out of place, or "order"). Keep it up! Sue
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Post by Dalton on Jul 10, 2003 0:56:40 GMT -5
I highly recommend the DVD box set of AtS first season. Granted, I'm a huge "Angel" fan so maybe I'm biased. I cannot wait for the series to air in syndication (is it on TNT or USA? I thought TNT but I could be wrong). I watched the first season of "Angel" when it originally aired, didn't watch the second (don't ask why - I've heard many people say they think the second season is the best), tuned in the last few episodes of season three and have watched it faithfully ever since. I cannot wait for next week's episode. Willow's coming to LA!! Does she re-ensoul Angel? Does Angel turn Faith? Questions, questions...cannot wait for next week!! So, yeah, I recommend buying the first season on DVD (not that you were asking, I just thought I would give you a little push). -Lee
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Post by Dalton on Jul 10, 2003 0:57:32 GMT -5
I don't really remember, one of the two. I know TNT has "Charmed", so maybe it's that one.
My husband bought me a DVD player for our anniversary. He said it was so I could watch Buffy and not have anyone raz me about it. I think it was so I wouldn't tie up the DVD on the big TV and bother everybody else, but for whatever reasons, I've been in front of my little TV at night instead of on the boards.
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Post by Dalton on Jul 10, 2003 0:58:55 GMT -5
I'll post what I know is gonna happen next week on Angel on the Angel spoilers board. Then we can discuss there if anyone is interested. It's pretty slick, and will answer the outstanding concern about Faith. Can't remember where I read this. I think www.angelsacolyte.comThey have major spoilers on full episodes weeks in advance. Athene V
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