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Review(s): 337
| Reviewer: Reader 2 | Date: 2006-12-09 |
| Reviewid: 146406 | Chapter: 32 |
| An absolutely wonderful tale from the broad areas to the little points; like the diary coming from a Weasley. Thank you. I quite enjoyed it. |
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| Reviewer: Katja | Date: 2005-08-24 |
| Reviewid: 130791 | Chapter: 1 |
Bloody brilliant, as Ron would say. This is probably my favorite fanfic, and that's saying a LOT given the amount I read.
...wow. You have me empathizing with Riddle the whole way through, feeling ambition and pride and power and desperation. I love this story so much that I've made myself a printed copy in three neatly-bound booklets (if you happen to want the Word files, already formatted, let me know.) You certainly make Riddle a much more complex and interesting character than Rowling (so far) paints him as - she sees him too much through Dumbledore's eyes and not enough through his own, in my opinion. (Of course, canon's still brilliant. It just has limitations, being told through our "light" hero.)
Bravo. |
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| Reviewer: Kate Lynn | Date: 2005-07-20 |
| Reviewid: 127458 | Chapter: 1 |
***Author Notes***
kanbei, :)
Sorry I'm responding to your review a little late. I tried to PM you but I couldn't find the name on the forums. I just wanted to say thanks for it, it was really appreciated. I agree, I tend to enjoy characters who are 'evil' to have a slower progression. Corrupted over time by both circumstance and personality intermingling. For a character who is flat out a sociopath or one who didn't have much choice in the matter usually doesn't impact me as greatly since I can't relate to them as much. I tend to sympathize with them more, but enjoy the creepy feeling of understanding how someone could choose a path rather than forced on it.
Having said that, I can see how JKR's Tom became Voldemort as well. From what we've seen I'd assume either he was born really dysfunctional, or had such a horrid time at the orphanage to damage him beyond repair at 11. And by repair I basically mean I don't see Tom at 11 becoming anything other than LV, he seems quite well on his way. I don't prefer that method and I think it undermines the choice theme in CoS a little, but still, I can see it. Hopefully we'll get more on Tom in the last book. :) I trust JKR to make it an interesting ride. And more might be picked up on reading it again.
I'm undecided on rewriting it, since it'd involve heavy editing and I'm afraid going back to it after such a long time would ruin the style and flow. But if I do I'll let you know. :)
Take care,
Kate |
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| Reviewer: Andrew J. | Date: 2005-07-17 |
| Reviewid: 127341 | Chapter: 32 |
| Just wanted to make a quick comment about my favourite fanfic after reading HBP... Obviously, some of The Broken Victory has been rendered AU (though not irretrievably so!), but now that we know more about Riddle's backstory in canon, I have to say that I somewhat prefer your version of events. Specifically, I find it hard to believe that Riddle would be as sadistic as he appeared to be by the age of 11 in HBP - the more gradual change you depict somehow seems more believable. That said, are you planning to revise it so it fits, or leave it as is? |
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| Reviewer: Annaliese | Date: 2005-02-26 |
| Reviewid: 115022 | Chapter: 32 |
This is amazing. I really feel like it could be canon, only it's definitely done in a style all your own that is masterful and so perfectly fitting for Tom. Truly brilliant work.
Cheers,
Anne |
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| Reviewer: Green Tree Frog | Date: 2004-12-20 |
| Reviewid: 108152 | Chapter: 1 |
| I like your use of verbal irony (e.g. "Lovely woman, wasn't she? I'd have gladly bet a thousand pounds that she didn't even know my age.") Your OCs seem to be working well, too. I'd have liked to hear some of the other children's dialogue or sounds in the background. That would have grounded the fic in its setting. Other than that, wonderful job. |
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| Reviewer: Bell B | Date: 2004-12-10 |
| Reviewid: 107402 | Chapter: 32 |
You're a genius!! you really are :O)!!! Your Tom Riddle is just brilliant; in fact i think that you have captured the escence of him like no one has, and that even Ms Rowling cant write him with such a brilliance and magnificence as you have done, i truly appreciate your work and hope you write more soon, and although Tom Riddle and Lord Voldemort are of the property of Ms Rowling, YOU have captured the spirit and the escence of them and well, since i dont think sheŽll be writing about his school years, for me YOUR tom riddle is the official Riddle.
Bell B |
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| Reviewer: Abbey | Date: 2004-11-09 |
| Reviewid: 104007 | Chapter: 32 |
Truly brilliant. the finest fanfic I've read. It felt like a real novel, or case study on the mind of a madman who you come to understand. Amazing.
Abbey |
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| Reviewer: Brenda | Date: 2004-10-16 |
| Reviewid: 101574 | Chapter: 24 |
| I know it's been awhile. I don't usually read fics this long, but I can't help it in this case. Really amazing writing, it works with canon but feels completely fresh. And your Tom is the best characterization I've seen. |
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| Reviewer: Maryxus Drakeusban | Date: 2004-09-27 |
| Reviewid: 99473 | Chapter: 1 |
Someone said wow...and I have to agree wholeheartedly. There doesn't really seem to be a single flaw in the development, style, or anything noticeable in the diction whatsoever. As you read this story you really can't help but get in the mind of Riddle, and for myself personally, after I finished it I realized that his personality had rubbed off and I was acting a lot like him for a few days after. Or more simply put, it's incredibly deep...I'm not entierly sure how these things work, or if you've already attempted it, but I believe that you should send this in to J.K. Rowling herself and ask her to give you permission to submit it for publishing. You'd probably sell as many books with this as she ever did with a single book, for there are a great many Voldemort fans out there, and I would most certainly buy it. Indeed.
-Maryxus |
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| Reviewer: Karol | Date: 2004-09-20 |
| Reviewid: 98799 | Chapter: 5 |
| I love this! It's not just stereotypical bashing of any houses, and Tom is just amazing. Reading onward. |
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| Reviewer: Karol | Date: 2004-09-18 |
| Reviewid: 98552 | Chapter: 1 |
Wow, it's just like reading a real novel... sort of gothic, but with a nice sense of humor at times. Really nice, I can't wait to finish it.
Karol |
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| Reviewer: Blake | Date: 2004-08-19 |
| Reviewid: 97997 | Chapter: 32 |
| How chilling! What an incredibly creepy story! I couldn't stop reading, it was just that good. Kudos to you! |
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| Reviewer: Susanna | Date: 2004-08-19 |
| Reviewid: 97996 | Chapter: 32 |
I stumbled across your LJ through a Tom Riddle community and found this fic. I'm a great admirer of your writing, especially The Broken Victory, which is --- and I say this without hesitation --- the best piece of Harry Potter fanfiction out there. Your writing is wonderful, and I immensely enjoyed both the story itself and thinking about many of the moral issues it so effectively brought out.
Anyway --- I really admire your writing. It's simply fantastic. I also write; I wrote my first novel this spring --- with my own original characters, not fanfiction --- and am currently working on a really long story centered around Remus Lupin. It'll be my first piece of fanfiction, actually, even though I've written tons of short stories and so on --- so I really don't know if it will be any good. If you'd like to read what I have so far, of course, I'd be postively thrilled. I also have a plot for a Tom Riddle story --- although I'm hard pressed to compete with those you've done --- and may do that once I finish the Lupin story. (Remus and Tom are my favorite characters, if you haven't already guessed.)
Well, I'd best stop rambling, but hopefully it'll be okay if I add you. I'm really a big fan of your writing!
From, Susanna |
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| Reviewer: TC | Date: 2004-08-06 |
| Reviewid: 96043 | Chapter: 32 |
Whoa....this freaked me out...in a GOOD way, of course. The way you portrayed it all...it's just so...whoa. I am left speechless! And full of goosebumps. Excellent job!
Tarrot |
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| Reviewer: Molly | Date: 2004-08-02 |
| Reviewid: 95201 | Chapter: 32 |
...SO cool. You're positively brilliant, you know that? It ends wonderfully. I actually thought of a fanfiction idea similar to this... but now I've read THIS, and it's a billion times cooler than anything I could've thought up! Yeesh. Enjoyed reading this SO much.
Molly |
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| Reviewer: Asmodee | Date: 2004-07-31 |
| Reviewid: 95012 | Chapter: 32 |
This is such an amazing piece of work. Truly remarkable, I'm in awe. I wish I had more words to describe how much I love this fic.
Asmodee |
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| Reviewer: imperius unforgivable | Date: 2004-07-29 |
| Reviewid: 94665 | Chapter: 32 |
| Whoa. That was incredible. You capture characters so well! I'm in awe of your talents. Riddle is an interesting character despite his frightening mind, and I'm looking forward to reading more about him. Again, this is excellent! The finest Riddle-fic I've ever read. |
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| Reviewer: Taree | Date: 2004-07-22 |
| Reviewid: 93471 | Chapter: 32 |
OMG! This, this, this...you have no idea how good it was. It fit in perfectly with everything that was happening in the books. And I'm reviewing at the end because I didn't want to review every chapter. Scary. But extremely well written. And now I hate and love Riddle so much, but then again, who doesn't? GREAT AWESOME WONDERFUL JOB...I AM OFFICIALLY SCARED! ;-)
Taree |
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| Reviewer: Caitlin | Date: 2004-07-08 |
| Reviewid: 91228 | Chapter: 32 |
This is the best piece of HP fanfiction I have ever read.
You're sure you're not JKR in disguise?
Caitlin |
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| Reviewer: Justin | Date: 2004-07-08 |
| Reviewid: 91227 | Chapter: 32 |
This fic does what the best fics (in my opinion) should do - make the canon even better.
It's all very sadistic and chilling. How can you write such stuff and get into such an evil mindset? I now get serious goosebumps at the thought of what would have happened had Voldemort succeeded in the chamber (in the summary of your other fic)butI have to read it after this.
It was really compelling, and ended so abruptly, it was like a punch to the stomach. Oooh *shivers*. Must go and read your other work.
Thanks for such consistently wonderful writing - so much appreciated.
Justin |
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| Reviewer: Rose | Date: 2004-07-08 |
| Reviewid: 91226 | Chapter: 32 |
OMG. You haven such talent; its indescribable! You totally portrayed each character perfectly, and its just so convincing, I wouldn't be surprised it if was very close to what was really written. You must have had to read the books over a bit to get almost every single detail. I'm so shaken, because of how much realism this story had, but I'm also stunned and breathless at the marvelous mind behind it.
Marvelous. |
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| Reviewer: Jo | Date: 2004-07-08 |
| Reviewid: 91225 | Chapter: 32 |
Wow. That was truely amazing, I couldn't stop reading it - everything you wrote was so well planned and precise, everything that JK Rowling would have written.
Jo |
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| Reviewer: Amber | Date: 2004-07-04 |
| Reviewid: 90503 | Chapter: 32 |
I love this fic. It's such a brilliantly planned and characterized fic. I love how Tom Riddle's voice is kept in first person, sort of like the readers who are 'new' to this world. And the symbolism is brilliant, and... oh, it's just all great. Wonderfully touching and witty writing.
A |
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| Reviewer: Elisha | Date: 2004-06-29 |
| Reviewid: 89533 | Chapter: 32 |
I loved this it was absolutely amazing! Is there a sequel? If not you should write one, you write Tom the best!
El |
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| Reviewer: Ali | Date: 2004-06-24 |
| Reviewid: 88576 | Chapter: 32 |
This was a truly fantastic story. You made Tom Riddle's descent into evil entirely believable and fascinating.
One characteristic of your writing that I particularly enjoy is your ability to work both with and outside of canon facts about Tom Riddle and his years at Hogwarts. Too many authors stick cling too much to the few details we have about pre-Harry Potter years and make their stories lifeless and boring, or else go too far outside the realm of possibility and make it unbelievable.
I also loved your development of Voldemort's philosophy of "There is no good or evil, only power." I could totally understand how it became plausible in Tom Riddle's mind and began to guide his actions in a logical way. It gave his characterization that extra touch that made his actions seem almost pitiable. Your ability to make his lack of remorse seem understandable is quite amazing.
I didn't mean to gush, there, but great story and I look forward to more of your writing. |
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| Reviewer: Bruja-de-Draco | Date: 2004-06-22 |
| Reviewid: 88320 | Chapter: 1 |
I started reading you fic The Broken Victory. I love your writing style. The way you portray Tom is amazing. I will be reading more of this later.
Amber |
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| Reviewer: Krissy Riddle | Date: 2004-06-22 |
| Reviewid: 88319 | Chapter: 32 |
Wow, this is truly amazing. I mean it. I don't really know what to say.
There are so many stories about Tom Riddle's life, but I've never read one as good as this. It's long but I couldn't stop reading, you're such a talented writer.
I liked that you didn't make some point where Tom suddenly went evil but let him go through changes all over the years.
The introduction and the ending were also great.
You did the characters so well and Tom's philosophie and how he thought about his parents was great.
I can't say all the things I liked in one review, but it was just great, drawing me right in.
I'm really sad it's over, but the end was just perfect and the right place to stop.
And when are you planning to go on with The Sanior of Darkness? I'm waiting for an update on this one, too.
Krissy |
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| Reviewer: Narsil | Date: 2004-06-22 |
| Reviewid: 88317 | Chapter: 32 |
I know I've reviewed this before... several times in fact... but I just wanted to say that, I just finished reading Shakespeare's Othello in school, and I am oddly fascinated by the character Iago (especially Kenneth Branagh's interpretation) and noticed that you have him listed as one of your favorite characters... and had to tell you that he reminded me of you Tom. Master of cold manipulation and seemingly devoid of morals and and driven by ambition and revenge (on who or what - who knows exactly, but they must have revenge on something).
Although, Shakespeare leaves Iago ambiguous - how did he become who he is? Does he feel any remorse at all, at least at the end? It's left to the reader to wonder... But this masterpiece of yours explores the gradual slip of an ordinary (well - not quite ordinary) boy into a true villain so wonderfully and seamlessly, delisciously disturbing... You stayed true to the Tom Riddle of the books, and yet took his character to a whole new level really. It's just brilliant. So... yes.. Guess I just can't say enough about this fic. Seriously, me and my friend Meg talk about it all the time. I think I might have to reread this now. |
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| Reviewer: J21 | Date: 2004-06-22 |
| Reviewid: 88315 | Chapter: 32 |
| Absolutely incredible! I have always been a huge Tom Riddle fan, and this is the best story I have ever read about him. You truly capture his brilliance, emotion, will, desire for power, and even the immature, human side of him that still exists in the present-day Lord Voldemort. The Tom portrayed here is realistic, understandable, and frightening. He is also some one you cannot help but want to reach out to, at the same time knowing he will never accept anyone. I had to smile at some of the disturbing similarities I noticed here (ie- I'm left-handed, I don't know a thing about my family, I can't stand anyone but enjoy manipulating everyone, and I am determined not to let the world forget me) but I have to say I think we can all relate to Tom Riddle here. You are an incredible writer, and the tone here contains such power of thought. This story is amazing. I hope you write some more. Good luck... |
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| Reviewer: Joanna | Date: 2004-06-22 |
| Reviewid: 88177 | Chapter: 32 |
What else is there to say that hasn't been said? A really remarkable piece. I especially loved your Dumbledore here. He's just as I'd imagine him to be when younger. I also loved all the plot twists. A really incredible piece.
Joanna |
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| Reviewer: Kelly | Date: 2004-06-18 |
| Reviewid: 87762 | Chapter: 32 |
I love this story so much. This is my second time reading it, and it's still the definitive Riddle-fic. I love how you tied it all together at the end, and how you don't focus on making him good or evil, just real. Everything just fit so wonderfully... I especially loved Blunt. He IS worse than his parents. He's a hypocrite, pathetic, and weak. But also vicious and calculating, as when he told Tom how it couldn't have ended well. And the fight between Dumbledore and Grindelwald.... dang. Just brilliant.
Kelly |
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| Reviewer: Josh | Date: 2004-06-17 |
| Reviewid: 87527 | Chapter: 32 |
| This is the most realistic story I've every read about how Tom Riddle became Voldemort, as well as the best by far. J. K. Rowling could learn from you. |
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| Reviewer: Miss Pre | Date: 2004-06-16 |
| Reviewid: 87394 | Chapter: 24 |
I really like this. You're an amazingly gifted writer. This might be the best fanfic I've ever read.
Preamble |
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| Reviewer: TG | Date: 2004-06-15 |
| Reviewid: 87252 | Chapter: 32 |
Well, I managed to read it all, and I loved every minute of it. This is such a powerful story, heartbreaking and thoughtful. I can't express in words how drawn I was to it.
TG |
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| Reviewer: Zaphyl | Date: 2004-06-15 |
| Reviewid: 87196 | Chapter: 32 |
Really powerful and breathtaking. I've never read a first person account that was as wonderfully captivating, vivid, and real as this one.
Zaphyl |
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| Reviewer: Kit | Date: 2004-06-14 |
| Reviewid: 87086 | Chapter: 1 |
A great beginning. I love how you've written Tom, and the detailing is excellent. This chapter posed a lot of questions, I can't wait to read more.
Kit |
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| Reviewer: Macarella | Date: 2004-06-03 |
| Reviewid: 85767 | Chapter: 32 |
I've already submitted a review, but since I pasted it from Microsoft Word, half of the punctuation turned to crap; so I thought it best to repost it for easier reading.
Thank you very much for the wonderful experience of reading your fic! It's not often that one gets to read a novel, including published stuff, where everything comes together - plot, thought, characters, settings, style - like here. You're a fabulous writer!
I like it how all your characters appear wholly fleshed out, from the episodic ones like Woodwand (wonderfully fitting name, BTW) to the major players. I can *see* them all, alive, moving, talking. And the environs, from the cosmic scene of the final battle between Dumbledore and Grindewald to the old building with creaky floors where Riddle affects his last transformation, are so totally real that one accepts all the goings on as completely natural. And speaking of environs, I didn't mention it before, but I *loved* the way you portrayed the atmosphere in the Slytherin Common Room; I've always thought that each House's would have a different one, and I think you've captured Slytherin's perfectly: some teasing, some flirting, some humor, but, above all, the constant jostling for position.
On Grindewald's "possessing" of Simon and Tom Riddle - yes, now it all becomes clear: how Grindewald could get through to Tom in such a way considering that there was no prior link between them, why Simon's behavior towards Tom suddenly changed so drastically (since after the dueling contest he seemed to have reconciled to being second to Tom and even sounded admiring of him, "What is in him is power."), and how Simon found out about Tom's parentage. So ch. 30 puts it all into place. Grindewald's timing was perfect, of course: right after the dueling competition, when Simon seemed to have accepted that he'd never come on top of Tom, Grindewald showed him a way to denigrate and defeat his invincible rival; Simon's surprise and joy at this unexpected turn of events apparently erased all caution and common sense he might have had. I guess he would have come out first in almost any other class easily, and it must have really grained on him to be stuck with Tom Riddle. But strange as it may seem, I didn't feel particularly sorry for Simon when he died. Somehow I have a feeling that he would have ended up badly anyway, even without Grindewald: it seems to me that either a thirst of knowledge in him was *always* subservient to a thirst for power, or Tom must have been a really bad influence on him, inadvertently forcing him to focus on competition very early on. So I don't have the same feeling of a great potential lost with him, as I do with Riddle; maybe I'm wrong.
Speaking of priorities, the change in Tom's animagus form clearly indicates a shift in his, from knowledge to power - I suppose, from his "purification" by the basilisk, but even more so from his decision to undergo this "purification" give up his normal/human self and triumph at any price. And he even doesn't lament the change, fittingly enough: after all, this is his present inner core, this is *him*. (And this answered my earlier question as to whether a person's animagus form can change if he/she changes over time. Yes, it also seems natural to me that it should.)
About Tom's parentage, I never imagined his father to be as Mr. Blunt. I always thought he was like Tom Riddle Jr. in character, arrogant and unattached to anyone, since it says in GoF that the elder Riddles were "rich, snobbish, and rude," and their son "if anything, worse." But this is your fic, and it's certainly not impossible. I'm only wondering why on earth he decided to run an orphanage: as a penance for his brief marriage with a witch and begetting a child with her, or because he believed it his duty to keep an eye on the "demon" he had unleashed upon the world? I can't believe he did it from affection, because the first thing any child needs is a family, and he denied him this.
But the question number 1 is: what on earth was this "thread" that Tom Riddle used to affect his final transformation? I suppose, since this is the end of the novel, you can answer, right?
I also wonder what became of Annie later on. Did her travels, readings and experience lead her to maturity she seemed to have desired or only into some more blind alleys? (And, yes, of course, it's quite natural that she'll swallow Tom's argument about the ivory tower - she may well be too young to realize that it's in the quest of the impossible that the possible is achieved.)
I'm also rather curious about Sophy's later life, if you've thought about it. The fact that Randy and Sammy are getting married seems *very* fitting - very life-like.
Tom's comment to Dumbledore at their parting about doubting him on the first day - what a memory! - but I've always felt that that would come up important - the beginning of a breach in their relations. I understand that he made his own choices and only he is responsible for them, but I still wonder whether things could have turned out differently if he had had a normal family or a teacher whose ability he would respect, with whom he could connect and who would recognize his need for guidance. That's a lot of "if"s, I understand, but still...
Thank you again, both for this novel - it's a real masterpiece - and for responding to reviews in such detail - it's really appreciated!
Thanks! |
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| Reviewer: Macarella | Date: 2004-06-03 |
| Reviewid: 85710 | Chapter: 32 |
Thank you very much for the wonderful experience of reading your fic! It's not often that one gets to read a novel, including published stuff, where everything comes together - plot, thought, characters, settings, style - like here. You're a fabulous writer!
I like it how all your characters appear wholly fleshed out, from the episodic ones like Woodwand (wonderfully fitting name, BTW) to the major players. I can *see* them all, alive, moving, talking. And the environs, from the cosmic scene of the final battle between Dumbledore and Grindewald to the old building with creaky floors where Riddle affects his last transformation, are so totally real that one accepts all the goings on as completely natural. And speaking of environs, I didn't mention it before, but I *loved* the way you portrayed the atmosphere in the Slytherin Common Room; I've always thought that each House's would have a different one, and I think you’ve captured Slytherin's perfectly: some teasing, some flirting, some humor, but, above all, the constant jostling for position.
On Grindewald’s “possessing” Simon and Tom Riddle, yes, now it all becomes clear: how Grindewald could get through to Tom in such a way considering that there was no prior link between them, why Simon’s behavior towards Tom suddenly changed so drastically (since after the dueling contest he seemed to have reconciled to being second to Tom and even sounded admiring of him, “What is in him is power.”), and how Simon found out about Tom’s parentage. So ch. 30 puts it all into place. Grindewald’s timing was perfect, of course: right after the dueling competition, when Simon seems to have accepted that he’d never come on top of Tom, Grindewald showed him a way to denigrate and defeat his invincible rival; Simon’s surprise and joy at this unexpected turn of events apparently erased all caution and common sense he might have had. I guess he would have come out first in almost any other class easily, and it must have really grained on him to be stuck with Tom Riddle. But strange as it may seem, I didn’t feel particularly sorry for Simon when he died. I have a feeling that he would have ended up badly anyway, even without Grindewald: it seems to me that either a thirst of knowledge in him was *always* subservient to a thirst for power, or Tom must have been a really bad influence on him, inadvertently forcing him to focus on competition very early on. So somehow I don’t have the same feeling of a great potential lost with him, as I do with Riddle; maybe I’m wrong.
Speaking of priorities, the change in Tom’s animagus form clearly indicates a shift in his, from knowledge to power; I suppose, from his “purification” by the basilisk, but even more so from his decision to undergo this “purification,” give up his normal/human self and triumph at any price. And he even doesn’t lament the change, fittingly enough: after all, this is his present inner core, this is *him*. (And this answered my earlier question as to whether a person’s animagus form can change if he/she changes over time. Yes, it also seems natural to me that it should.)
About Tom’s parentage, I never imagined his father to be as Mr. Blunt. I always thought he was like him in character, arrogant and unattached to anyone, since it says in GoF that the elder Riddles were “rich, snobbish, and rude,” and their son “if anything, worse.” But this is your fic, and it’s certainly not impossible. I’m only wondering why on earth he decided to run an orphanage: as a penance for his brief marriage with a witch and begetting a child with her, or because he believed it his duty to keep an eye on the “demon” he had unleashed upon the world? I can’t believe he did it from affection, because the first thing any child needs is a family, and he denied him this.
But the question number 1 is: what on earth was this “thread” that Tom Riddle used to affect his final transformation? I suppose, since this is the end of the novel, you can answer, right?
I also wonder what became of Annie later on. Did her travels, readings and experience lead her to maturity she seemed to have desired or only into some more blind alleys? (And, yes, it’s quite natural that she’ll swallow Tom’s argument about the ivory tower – she may well be too young to realize that it’s in the quest of the impossible that the possible is achieved.)
I’m also rather curious about Sophy’s later life, if you’ve thought about it. The fact that Randy and Sammy are getting married seems *very* fitting – very life-like.
Tom’s comment to Dumbledore at their parting about doubting him on the first day – what a memory! – but I’ve always felt that that would come up important – the beginning of a breach in their relations. I understand that he made his own choices and only he is responsible for them, but I still wonder whether things could have turned out differently if he had had a normal family or a teacher whose ability he would respect, with whom he could connect and who would recognize his need for guidance. That’s a lot of “if”s, I understand, but still...
Thank you again, both for this novel – it’s a real masterpiece – and for responding to reviews in such detail – it’s really appreciated!
Thanks! |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-29 |
| Reviewid: 85140 | Chapter: 32 |
So cold, yet still engaging. Tom has grown, if one could call it that, into Voldemort. You've captured him, the beautiful and the disgusting, the laughable and the laudible, and shown the horribly tragic and twisted "victory" of his transformation. This was the single most intelligently developed character I have EVER seen written after the great JKR herself. The plot, the other characters, it all added up to something so dark and yet still magical. I bow to your brilliance, this is truly a work of art.
O |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-29 |
| Reviewid: 85139 | Chapter: 31 |
Oh, god... absolutely pulsating with horror, humor, and every emotion. Brilliant writing. Dumbledore, Grindelwald, Simon and Tom all together, and you did not disappoint. My heart is racing and I'm crying.
O |
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| Reviewer: Willow | Date: 2004-05-28 |
| Reviewid: 85042 | Chapter: 32 |
Absolutely amazing, I'll agree. I'm just speechless. This was a dark, beautiful and tragic story that never once was reduced to cliches, and never let up. It was horrifically relentless, emotionally and intellectually exhausting, and just perfect. Dear me, you have a gift. This pulsated with the life of Riddle. Will there be a sequel?
Willow |
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| Reviewer: Willow | Date: 2004-05-28 |
| Reviewid: 85041 | Chapter: 32 |
Absolutely amazing, I'll agree. I'm just speechless. This was a dark, beautiful and tragic story that never once was reduced to cliches, and never let up. It was horrifically relentless, emotionally and intellectually exhausting, and just perfect. Dear me, you have a gift. This pulsated with the life of Riddle. Will there be a sequel?
Willow |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-27 |
| Reviewid: 84850 | Chapter: 30 |
I loved seeing Mara again. Like Tom's I'd be frustrated with Dumbledore, too. But unlike Tom, I'd probably trust him. So it was Dumbledore protecting him? Please hurry up with more, I need to see how it ends!
O |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-27 |
| Reviewid: 84849 | Chapter: 29 |
Simon's acting oddly. Is Grindelwald affecting him, too? And what happened at the end? I guess I should read on. :)
O |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-27 |
| Reviewid: 84846 | Chapter: 27 |
This was the best chapter yet! Absolutely amazing. And I was right! The way you tied it all together, it all just works so amazingly well. Dark and horrific and funny and sad. I'm in awe.
O |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-27 |
| Reviewid: 84845 | Chapter: 26 |
Oh, god. Words, I need more words. This is indescribable, though. The plot thickens, and so much tension. Great!
O |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-27 |
| Reviewid: 84844 | Chapter: 25 |
Yay! The girls are back! I loved seeing so much of Sammy and Annie. Their sniping was great, and both of them feel so real. And Tom's molding of Annie is just amazing.
O |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-27 |
| Reviewid: 84842 | Chapter: 24 |
I love how Hagrid's accent became clear, as if when needed Tom actually listened to him. His manipulation of Dippet was great, and again, chilling end.
O |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-27 |
| Reviewid: 84839 | Chapter: 23 |
He's a sick, perverted bastard... but I sort of get him. And still LIKE his voice. The part with Myrtle was hilarious and frightening, and with Sophie - you're so good.
O |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-27 |
| Reviewid: 84837 | Chapter: 21 |
The basilisk was really unique. I've never seen her given any ability to think before. But it makes sense, if Tom could command her. Great, as usual.
O |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-27 |
| Reviewid: 84819 | Chapter: 20 |
Another great chapter. Is there something going on between Tom and Sammy? I can't tell, there might be on her end. I love how the lack of trust with everyone makes everything so layered and confusing. And it's set apart by Annie, who has a much more direct approach. Lovely characterizations again. And Tom's last line was ominous, though there was a small typo at the bottom. It should be snake its way, not it way.
O |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-27 |
| Reviewid: 84818 | Chapter: 19 |
The battle between Tom and Simon heat up. I really like how that developed slowly, where they were almost friends at one point, but their personalities and circumstances set them apart. It's not the cliched "they hated each other from the start" or the "they were best friends and became mortal enemies." It all felt very natural. Simon's also an interesting character. He seems to be like Tom, only more... hm. More cautious? Although becoming less so as his jealousy takes hold.
O |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-27 |
| Reviewid: 84815 | Chapter: 17 |
... speechless. Again, you left me shaking. Delicious. I have a guess on his father, too. Can't wait to see if I'm right!
O |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-27 |
| Reviewid: 84814 | Chapter: 16 |
I forgot to mention that the last line in the previous chapter was so chilling.
Dumbley. Heh.
I just love Tom's voice. It's smart and witty and angry and cold. And he's finally finding out about his past! Excellent.
O |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-27 |
| Reviewid: 84813 | Chapter: 15 |
Salazar was so... perfect. I loved his scene with Tom. You have such a way with mood and characterization, I'm speechless. This is the finest Riddle-fic I've ever read.
O |
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| Reviewer: Starsea | Date: 2004-05-26 |
| Reviewid: 84638 | Chapter: 27 |
This chapter was a little confusing, but after reading it through twice, I think I finally understood how you tied all the knots up. It was horrible to see that "Little Tom" could have done something to make Tom's childhood better and yet he didn't. The build up to the murders was chilling, and Tom's language grew more and more formal, more and more ornate, which was a great development. The religious overtones were dark but they were never too strong. The ending almost made me laugh. Such black humour, so black that you can't really laugh at it.
This story is getting colder and more depressing with each chapter, but it's so well-written that I don't mind the absence of positive emotions.
xxx~Starsea~xxx |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-25 |
| Reviewid: 84525 | Chapter: 14 |
Poor Tom! What happened? Yay that there's already another chapter to move on to. I simply love how he's developing. Brilliant, I tell you! I've done nothing but read this fic all day.
O |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-25 |
| Reviewid: 84524 | Chapter: 13 |
Aw, little Tom! Very cute, although I certainly wouldn't want to be baby-sat by Tom. Sammy has a sister, I hope she comes into play more. As usual, very creative and enthralling. I also wonder about the names you choose. They aren't unfitting of the time period or characters <as far as I know> but I was wondering as to the significance? The name Grover is just standing out to me and I was wondering about that.
O
O |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-25 |
| Reviewid: 84523 | Chapter: 12 |
OMG... this fic was just kicked up into epic greatness. Truly amazing chapter, and so chilling at the end...
O |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-25 |
| Reviewid: 84522 | Chapter: 11 |
The ending was funny. I liked the pairings of Bill, Tom, Simon and Cathleen, it showed their different personalities. Tom knows when to put on a not so serious front, and is young enough to still have a bit of fun, but also get things accomplished.
The beginning, by contrast, was so sad. It blended together well, though, it never felt rough. You're a great writer. Sorry I keep saying that, but it's true.
O |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-25 |
| Reviewid: 84508 | Chapter: 10 |
Poor Tom! I loved his talk on religion, though. And Dumbledore at the end... so moving.
O |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-25 |
| Reviewid: 84507 | Chapter: 8 |
Haha! I LOVED the eating her part. Innocent Tom. Or else I'm just really gutter-minded and Dash thought of something else. You describe things well, like the visions and the hall and working outside. Oh, and I loved Dumbledore's take on how emotionally and psychologically people must be ready to learn. That it's not all just talent. Very Dumbledore. I really like his interactions with Tom. Dippet is done well, too, and his wife seems interesting.
O |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-25 |
| Reviewid: 84506 | Chapter: 7 |
Dumbledore was great. I also like how Tom works, if that makes sense. Driven by ego and self-doubt, and he gradually does anything he can to get what he wants. I loved the unicorn idea! And I'm glad he insulted Cathleen. Go, Tom!
O |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-25 |
| Reviewid: 84504 | Chapter: 6 |
Busy first day of classes. Tom was really talented, but I like that he's not perfect. What's up with those visions? I also thought Dumbledore's suggestion was really clever. Great work! I love this story, it's already a favorite of mine.
O |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-25 |
| Reviewid: 84502 | Chapter: 5 |
This chapter didn't have paragraph breaks, you might want to fix that. Otherwise, it was brilliant! I wanted to hug Tom and smirk with him, and smack him. And Dash seems really cool. I like how he is manipulative, but not evil. And I see the Weasley temper still exists. Is that Arthur's dad?
Ophelia |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-25 |
| Reviewid: 84501 | Chapter: 4 |
Ohh, interesting theory on the wands and Tom's power. Ollivander was amusing, I liked when he called Dumbledore "Alby." Also, it was a good idea not to have Damien in Tom's year. He's quite a Malfoy, isn't he? Great job.
O |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-25 |
| Reviewid: 84499 | Chapter: 3 |
Your chapter titles are great. I thought it was brilliant that Tom first met Dumbledore. Loved the line on the vomit candy, and the vision was freaky!
O |
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| Reviewer: Ophelia | Date: 2004-05-25 |
| Reviewid: 84498 | Chapter: 2 |
Poor Tom! Love his sense of humor, though. Jiminy seems sweet, and Snicks is so cute.
O |
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| Reviewer: BellaSlytherin | Date: 2004-05-25 |
| Reviewid: 84494 | Chapter: 29 |
The chapter was too short! But still great. The ending was odd, I don't think I get it. Hurry with the next chapter!
Bella |
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| Reviewer: Mara | Date: 2004-05-25 |
| Reviewid: 84492 | Chapter: 29 |
This is amazing! I love it. I'm writing a Tom Riddle fic, yet I do believe it will never amount to anything as exciting as this. Ah well, what can I say? All the good ideas have been created by you. I look forward to the next chapter. :)
Mara |
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| Reviewer: Alex | Date: 2004-05-25 |
| Reviewid: 84491 | Chapter: 29 |
That was really good. Is the incomprehandability of the light telling us he is neutral at the time?
Alex |
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| Reviewer: Violet | Date: 2004-05-25 |
| Reviewid: 84490 | Chapter: 17 |
| Well... I've finally had the chance to review the chapter. This fic came to my mind just a few weeks ago, and I was wondering if you'd ever update it... now that you have, I must say that I am not disappointed at all- it was a fantastic chapter. Loved your theory on how Tom got to naming himself Voldemort... anywho, I hope you don't too long to update again. |
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| Reviewer: Sarah | Date: 2004-05-25 |
| Reviewid: 84489 | Chapter: 29 |
Finally! How long has it been? More then six months! Well thank you for updating. I'm surprised I actually remembered what was going on. lol. Anyway, Tom's changed his name now? He made it seem awfully easy... well, he's uber smart so I guess it should have been rather easy for him.
I loved all the snarkyness between Dumbly and Tom. I get surprisingly smiley when Tom's dizzing Dumbledore.
I loved the scene with the Deputy Minister and Dippet and Albus. That was brilliance. I also liked how you walked Hagrid into the story.
Oh, and I loooooove Tom!!!
~Sarah B |
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