(#) BenRG 2009-05-30
I genuinely enjoy this story. The main characters are believable and three-dimensional. They have understandable motives and often-complex psyches. This, combined with the generally well-thought out plot structure, makes for a very interesting, involving read. I like that you are keeping the episodic "One Year, One Volume" format. It divides up the story and makes it easier to focus on the plot.
Harry's project is very interesting, as is his idea of using "ambient magic" (zero-point energy in other words) as a power source. Hello instant, free and completely unlimited energy for almost any reasonable usage. Harry Stark? We have history holding for you on the white courtesy phone. What is really interesting is that the Slytherins were generally unable to accept the idea. I think we thus see the degree to which reactionaryism is a factor in pureblood politics.
Now that Tom's plan has been curtailed (and, I suspect, Lucius has been given a very severe fright), we can see a very different year two. I will be interested to see where you choose to take this year now. The key issue is, of course, that Dumbledore now has found out about the Horacruxes several months earlier and has the leisure to deal with them without having to juggle Fudge's bungling at the same time. I wonder if that will make a difference?
I did like the flashbacks. You can now see the degree to which Steve's idealism and the concept of trying to do the right thing, no matter the personal cost, has shaped Harry's personality. Harry has gone into Hogwarts with his eyes open - recognising what is likely to happen and that he will be surrounded by plots and threats. That has necessarily affected how he approaches things. Being aware of this probably explains why he went to First Year with basically a robot battlesuit. :p
Overall, a very interesting chapter of a very interesting story. I'll look out for more from you.
I'm still looking forward to the first meeting the witches have with Lightspeed and the rest of Power Pack. "Wait, your little sister can do what ?" ;)
BenRG's Rating: 8/10
Author's response
- My intentions for the rest of year 2 and most of year 3 will be a development of Harry's relationship with his friends (Including a couple of new ones with their own agendas) and his relationship with Remus and Sirius. I've rarely treated those characters well in my stories and figure they're due some positive screen time.
- Flashbacks receive mixed reviews. Some people like them others hate them with the heat of a billions burning stars. They're done now, the past is, up to date, as it were.
- Harry's Hogwarts friends will be meeting the Pack (and others) the summer before 4th year. They won't be going to the World Cup needless to say.