Absolutely brilliant fic. Your Andrew is perfect and the suspense level is going through the roof. Can't wait for the next chapter.
(found this fic through a rec on KCarolJ's journal, btw)

Author's Response: Thanks so much, Constance. I'm glad you're enjoying it. And thanks to Kristen for sending readers my way. You rock, K!

I started reading this story a few days ago and I'm all caught up now. Not exactly easy entertainment, that. It's probably why so few people have left reviews -- you can get a little lazy when all you read is fluffy Spuffy high-school fics and some such...
But for this fic, boy is it worth the trouble... It took me a while to realise that even when I'm totally confused about what's going on, I can just read on and trust you to make things come to light farther down the page. It's pretty ingenious and inventive, and I like it a lot.
And Melvin is absolutely hilarious, as well as Andrew when he isn't unconscious.
As for our two love birds, well things don't look like puppies and rainbows for now, especially since Spike's about to die and Gilles is being his annoying I-know-what's-best self once again, but hey, I'm game for more. Much, much more. And soon, hopefully!!
Great work!

Author's Response: Hi survenante. Thanks for writing such a kind review. It gave me a jolt to hear that you trust me in the plotting. It is kind of a compilcated plot, and I've tried really hard to stay consistent. Luckily, I've drawn all kinds of maps and diagrams and pie charts and such to help me remember the important stuff, so hopefully I can keep everything in one piece until the end. And I'm so *psyched* that you're digging it sans puppies and rainbows. After all, puppies pee on the floor a lot for the first few weeks, and you can't have rainbows without rain. I was never really interested in writing a instantly gratifying story where they get together on the page 2 or something and go see a movie, although I understand that some people really like that stuff, too. But I'm so happy that there some people out there who dig the rough-stuff too.

Oh CHRIST. Pardon my blasphemy, but this is a friggin'. Amazing. Chapter. Exciting adventure, Buffy's disturbing disorientation,, and the still wonderfully-hilarious demon (Melvin Peterson? BWAH!!!) make this a roller coaster I want to ride again and again. *toddles off to pimp!*

In other words, Jarod, you rock the effin' house.

Author's Response: Don't know how I can thank you for that, K. You're so sweet. I think Mel's my new favorite whipping boy (next to Xander, of course) . Thanks for being so patient and wonderful! J

So great! Azazel is so funny, and Buffy's confusion, despair and recognition of her feelings (and Spike's) are poignant and engaging. Keep up the great work, Jarod.

Author's Response: Thanks, Kristen. Wow, I feel so creaky and rusty. So glad you're still sticking it out with me!

So happy to see an update-- this story is wonderful! What a fascinating turn this chapter made. Yikes!

And can I say how much I'm loving Andrew in this story? Perfect Andrew dream; very nicely done!

Though Giles texting "Where R U"? Really? My illusions shatter!

Author's Response: LOL, thanks!

Eep!

Great chapter. You write action really, really well.

Author's Response: That's sweet to say, thanks again. Like I said, I hope my naughty bits will be at least as interesting to you guys.

Jesus, I can't say enough how much I loved the imagery of the fight scene in this chapter. It is just gorgeous. I cannot stress that enough.

Author's Response: Thanks Penny. I was actually a little worried that readers wouldn't get into all the smash'em'ups in the story. I'm glad some people think handling them well. There's actually a bunch of romance coming up soon, so I'll try my best to give that stuff at least as much attention.

Wonderful idea. Love the change of person chapters. want more!

Author's Response: Thanks Jean. I was re-reading "Dracula" at the beach last summer, and I remembered thinking what a cool story-telling trick it was, to constantly change voices and points-of-view the way Stroker did.

Author's Response: Thanks Jean. I was re-reading "Dracula" at the beach last summer, and I remembered thinking what a cool story-telling trick it was, to constantly change voices and points-of-view the way Stroker did.

Wow, this story is really something special! Giles is fascinating here. Great expansion of his season 7 persona; this makes total sense to me.

And I *so* did not see Riley coming!

Jesus. You have total control over this story, don't you? Amazing writing.

Author's Response: What a great compliment! Thanks, time! I hope so. I've got the bare bones in place, but I'm actually struggling with two big plot decisions right now that will affect the outcome of the story pretty drastically. I'll do my best.

It took me a second read of the prologue to realize the significance of the dust in the caved in hell mouth! I nearly cried!

Beautiful writing!

This is an incredibly interesting story - I've been jonesing for a long time for a story where a post-Chosen Buffy is up against a Machiavellian Giles-run New Council, and while this isn't quite that, it's close enough. *g*

I had some qualms about how easily Giles, Xander, and Willow were disposed of early on, but I absolutely love the way you're revealing what's really been going on behind the scenes. Some of the intrigue has been a little confusing (particularly the chapter where Riley captures Giles) and might benefit with a little bit more setup and/or explanation - but only a little. On the whole, it's marvelously twisty.

I love your older, bitterer-but-still-fighting-the-good-fight Xander, and Andrew is a hoot. I'm still trying to figure out whose side Willow is on, but her ruthlessness is spot-on. I'm not quite sold on your characterization of Kennedy - I can buy her as power-hungry, and that being a Fatal Flaw that leads her into villain-hood, but she seems a bit over-the-top and moustache-twirly. Still, that's a comparatively minor quibble.

I'm really looking forward to seeing where you go with the rest of this. Thanks for a great read!

Author's Response: Thanks Barb! I've been jonesing to write this ever since the series ended. Obviously, the sixth season was my favorite. I love plunging all of Joss's great characters into the darkness, and figuring out how they handle it. I totally understand what you mean about Kennedy... maybe I just hate her too much. She'll pop up again here... I'll see if I can give her an extra layer or two.