I didn't know about LadyHawke prior to reading this (a transgression that I will rectify as soon as I finish posting this review), but even if I did, I know without a shadow of a doubt that I would prefer and choose your Cara/Kahlan AU version over than the original any time of the day.
How does one even begin to review a story so beautifully written? Granted, the plot may be an adaptation of a previously known tale, but you have effectively custom fitted it in an alternate universe, highlighting beloved characters and their relationship in a unique and epic way that is your signature style, making the story so breathtakingly magnificent to read/watch unfold. Three primary things that I loved about this story (I'm restraining myself due to lj's word count limit. LOL!)
1) The interplay of flashbacks and real-time events were carefully and wisely chosen. You straddled the different time-lines with such mastery and finesse, knowing EXACTLY when to pepper in tiny little tidbits to maintain the intensity of the story when plot action is slowing down or ramping up. You are a multi-dimensional writer who keeps me on my toes by throwing plot points, character development arcs and unexpected twists from all angles and directions. As a reader, I appreciate this so much because I know you have put the extra effort in creating a story that was not predictable and that did not undermine the inherent intelligence of your audience. The layers of this story are just so exquisite, I'm telling you, never has a 2-dimensional medium been so effective; it feels like I'm watching a film instead of reading a story.
2) You bend words to your will and your power over them astounds me. You have the uncanny ability to write an entire act and evoke all sorts of emotions with just a sentence or two, whether in dialogue or descriptive form. (Just an example, as I do not want to block quote your entire story :))
“Richard watched as Kahlan leaned closer to the man, whispering into his ear. Then, she released the hold on his neck, body swooning as if taken over by some great force before she slumped to the ground. Richard rushed to her side, pulling her up by the shoulders.
Then, he watched as the trapper, as if enchanted, casually walked away from Kahlan and Richard, dropped to his knees..
And placed his head in his own trap.”
(and I cannot resist putting this here, this is from your other story that has captivated me as well, Hearts of Clay)
The next morning, Kahlan awoke, looked out her window and saw Alan’s head on a pike outside the castle gates.
3) Lastly and more importantly, your characterization is immaculate. Your Cara and Kahlan, in whatever universe you decide to plant them, still maintains the essence of The Cara and Kahlan we have known and loved. I love that you always choose to show them as holistic characters: flawed, sometimes insecure and fearful, but always hopeful and true to themselves and their convictions. In a way, I think that is why it resonates with us readers, as we could see ourselves being reflected in their eyes, as most of us also yearns and longs for such a kind of love and connection to grace our lives...
Thank you for continuing to write and share beautiful and heartfelt Cara/Kahlan tales. Your stories inspire and keep these strong, independent women characters alive in our hearts, and for that, I will be eternally grateful. :)
How does one even begin to review a story so beautifully written? Granted, the plot may be an adaptation of a previously known tale, but you have effectively custom fitted it in an alternate universe, highlighting beloved characters and their relationship in a unique and epic way that is your signature style, making the story so breathtakingly magnificent to read/watch unfold. Three primary things that I loved about this story (I'm restraining myself due to lj's word count limit. LOL!)
1) The interplay of flashbacks and real-time events were carefully and wisely chosen. You straddled the different time-lines with such mastery and finesse, knowing EXACTLY when to pepper in tiny little tidbits to maintain the intensity of the story when plot action is slowing down or ramping up. You are a multi-dimensional writer who keeps me on my toes by throwing plot points, character development arcs and unexpected twists from all angles and directions. As a reader, I appreciate this so much because I know you have put the extra effort in creating a story that was not predictable and that did not undermine the inherent intelligence of your audience. The layers of this story are just so exquisite, I'm telling you, never has a 2-dimensional medium been so effective; it feels like I'm watching a film instead of reading a story.
2) You bend words to your will and your power over them astounds me. You have the uncanny ability to write an entire act and evoke all sorts of emotions with just a sentence or two, whether in dialogue or descriptive form. (Just an example, as I do not want to block quote your entire story :))
“Richard watched as Kahlan leaned closer to the man, whispering into his ear. Then, she released the hold on his neck, body swooning as if taken over by some great force before she slumped to the ground. Richard rushed to her side, pulling her up by the shoulders.
Then, he watched as the trapper, as if enchanted, casually walked away from Kahlan and Richard, dropped to his knees..
And placed his head in his own trap.”
(and I cannot resist putting this here, this is from your other story that has captivated me as well, Hearts of Clay)
The next morning, Kahlan awoke, looked out her window and saw Alan’s head on a pike outside the castle gates.
3) Lastly and more importantly, your characterization is immaculate. Your Cara and Kahlan, in whatever universe you decide to plant them, still maintains the essence of The Cara and Kahlan we have known and loved. I love that you always choose to show them as holistic characters: flawed, sometimes insecure and fearful, but always hopeful and true to themselves and their convictions. In a way, I think that is why it resonates with us readers, as we could see ourselves being reflected in their eyes, as most of us also yearns and longs for such a kind of love and connection to grace our lives...
Thank you for continuing to write and share beautiful and heartfelt Cara/Kahlan tales. Your stories inspire and keep these strong, independent women characters alive in our hearts, and for that, I will be eternally grateful. :)
-Xam
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