Aadler - Author Review

Aadler’s Favorites —
Fan Fiction by Other Authors

Alex

Award sites and mailing lists are impressed by daring departures and deep, shattering character insights. If you started reading Buffyfic in order to see more of the things that pleased you in the series, though, it’s a relief to find someone who occasionally will just tell stories. I’ll readily acknowledge that the majority of Alex’s stuff just isn’t my cup of tea, but there are fortunate exceptions.
“Night Watch” is set in a departure from the world of Angel Investigations, and follows some intriguing variations. “Today’s Echo of Tomorrow’s Scream” takes a brief look into the past (although, inexplicably, it’s labeled “futurefic” at the BFA), just enough to spark some thought; and “Yesterday’s Games”, while possibly not significant enough to excite notice on its own, deserves a look if one is already checking out this author.

A final story, “Through the Forests of the Night”, actually shows the best writing, and is a prime example of the kind of thing currently dominating Buffyfic: rich, layered, impressive, and — ultimately — unsatisfying. I include it here because it deserves some recognition, not because I want to see more of it. Others may disagree, and they’re welcome to enjoy it.

Night Watch Season: 4 (Buffy), 1 (Angel) Spoilers: “the Initiative” (Buffy), “I Will Remember You” (Angel)

Today’s Echo of Tomorrow’s Scream Season: none (pastfic) Spoilers: none

Yesterday’s Games Season: just before Season 1 Spoilers: “Welcome to the Hellmouth” and “Angel”

Through the Forests of the Night Season: 5 or 6 Spoilers: “Into the Woods” (and possibly up to “As You Were”)

Award sites and mailing lists are impressed by daring departures and deep, shattering character insights. If you started reading Buffyfic in order to see more of the things that pleased you in the series, though, it’s a relief to find someone who occasionally will just tell stories. I’ll readily acknowledge that the majority of Alex’s stuff just isn’t my cup of tea, but there are fortunate exceptions. “Night Watch” is set in a departure from the world of Angel Investigations, and follows some intriguing variations. “Today’s Echo of Tomorrow’s Scream” takes a brief look into the past (although, inexplicably, it’s labeled “futurefic” at the BFA), just enough to spark some thought; and “Yesterday’s Games”, while possibly not significant enough to excite notice on its own, deserves a look if one is already checking out this author. A final story, “Through the Forests of the Night”, actually shows the best writing, and is a prime example of the kind of thing currently dominating Buffyfic: rich, layered, impressive, and — ultimately — unsatisfying. I include it here because it deserves some recognition, not because I want to see more of it. Others may disagree, and they’re welcome to enjoy it.
Night Watch	Season: 4 (Buffy), 1 (Angel)	Spoilers: “the Initiative” (Buffy), “I Will Remember You” (Angel)
Today’s Echo of Tomorrow’s Scream	Season: none (pastfic)	Spoilers: none
Yesterday’s Games	Season: just before Season 1	Spoilers: “Welcome to the Hellmouth” and “Angel”
Through the Forests of the Night	Season: 5 or 6	Spoilers: “Into the Woods” (and possibly up to “As You Were”)