I started this fic ages ago, then stalled about half way through at a particularly angsty part, and I've only just remembered it and over the last few days I've read it from start to finish.
WOW!
I absolutely love it! The way you played up Buffy's misguided desire for 'a normal life' and Riley's bigotry as far as vamps were concerned and his cruelty (hello, plastic stake, anybody? Not good for anything except torturing vampires!) and overall sense of inadequacy in that he stole her power and tried to outdo the Initiative, all just so believable.
I just felt one jarring note, though. All the time she was with Riley and vampires were being 'tamed' and sold as slaves, how come Buffy wasn't concerned about what was happening to Angel?
So then... I see no signs of the promised sequel.............

Awesome indeed!
I read fifty or so chapters almost straight through, over a few days (stopping for less than adequate sleep) then took about a week's break for some unknown reason; read a few bits of simple short fluff or smut/pwp, sampled a few fics just starting off...then whammo!... back straaight into this one until the very end without stop!
And so glad I did. An amazing, fascinating tale, and one that truly draws the reader deep into the plot and the emotions of the characters. A brilliant twist on how Riley might well have turned out if let run with power and backing, with greed, drive, grudge even, and I think you hit the nail on the head as to the manner in which Riley's perversions might have played out and evolved again unchecked. There was always something playing just under that squeaky clean farmboy image, that apple pie eating all-American for God and country soldier boy.... and BTW, no one ever said that he was a poor farm boy did they? He always seemed to present himself as one from a family with plenty of money , certainly used to a fair plenty and more than moderate priviledge.
My only complaint really is that the tale is done....over...finito!
There were a few things I think I would have liked to have seen developed out a bit more before the fic ended and/or during the telling....such as fleshing out a bit more the personalities of Gile's vamps; for some reason I really felt there was or could be deeper relationship(s) therer between one or more of the vamps or.and Giles and one or more of them....(OK, maybe that's just me wondering if Giles can really be anything but at least a little harmlessly pervy with some of his extended family if mutually consenting...
I would have liked to have seen more of Buffy's plan.
I would have liked to have known who Dawn's boyfriend is, because I can't really believe the PTB will truly leave the likes of a mystical "ex"(?) Key alone, without somehow screwing with her life....perhaps of course hooking her up with Connor or somebody....
Which only begs the obvious....once Buffy and Spike were tucked away fairly safely, I can't believe that they, or at least Willow, would not have dug under every rock between SD and LA or further trying to locate Angel, and even Dru...I know with his sense of obligation and family, that Spike would have wanted to know what happened to them unless he felt their link break...?
Just a bunch of drivel that bothered my mind......
Thanks for the read! It was a fantastic ride!
You're very talented, and again, thanks!
K.

Great story - I absolutely loved it. Very unique concept and plot. The characterization and development was incredibly strong. I loved watching the evolution of Buffy and Spike in this story. So believable and yet so revolutionary. Fabulous writing. I wasn't particularly happy with Tara in this story, but I understand her perspective, just thought she was too harsh and 'judgey.' I was really bothered throughout the story as to what ever happened to Dawn - and then you brought her in at the end and it really tied the whole story together in such a nice way and answered all my questions. Cool ending. Thanks ever so!

Absolutely amazing story...

Brilliant.

Wow, I absolutely adored this whole story! It's probably the best novel-length fanfiction I have ever read! Please, please,.please write a sequel!

A sequel that deals with the transformation & ability of Vampires and humans living together in society would be really great - Especially a timely theme that reflects on our RealTime World today. Maybe someday you will consider doing a sequel - a difficult project to be sure, but one that would give you a really strong theme to work from.

Loved your story - and would'nt Dawn and Julian make a potentially great pairing?

nmcil
the whedonworld gallery

Great story. Looking forward to reading more of your stories & hopefully a sequel. ;)

Great way to end it! Absolutely fantastic!

What a TERRIFIC story! I loved it! I would read your sequel if you wrote one! GREAT JOB!!! It's a wonderful story!

Yay! Good ending to a great story.
spuf

I must say that I am sad to see the end of this one :-) Well done mon ami!

Oh look, I'm sniffing back tears too, now! This fanfiction was a gorgeous thing to read through, and I really enjoyed it! Hearts to you, dear.