http://wicked_crayon.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] wicked-crayon.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] crack_van2005-05-15 07:33 pm

Bridlewood Manor by Mitsugi (PG-13)

Fandom: GUNDAM WING
Pairing: Heero/Duo, Quatre/Trowa, Wufei/Hilde, the list goes on...
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: MistuGallery
Why this must be read:

Alright, I'm sure I'm breaking a rule here, but hear me out!

This is not a crossover, as such. There is no fandom, exactly, that it is combined with. Except for the fact that technically, there are historical fiction fanfics and novels.

But, more to the point, this story is so realistic, and such a perfect alternate universe fic, you can almost forget that there isn't some other massive fandom here that Mitsugi is drawing all of her information from.


Bridlewood Manor is a fantastic historical fiction AU, taking place in turn-of-the-century England. And I'm talking the 1800-1900 turn of the century.

The thing that makes Bridlewood so beautiful is the pure history. Mitsugi knows a lot of it, and you can see it in the way she winds it into her fics. There's realism here. Events, dress, manners, and even food are all Victorian. This isn't someone who decided to write an AU for the hell of it or because they just didn't want to stick to show canon--lots of research went into this.

I have a warning however: This fic is enormous. Probably bigger than 99% of fics you've ever seen. Some plotlines come and go, some are an underlying theme, but this story definitely moves. The cast of characters is vast and the scope of the story gigantic. This isn't something you'll be able to breeze through. The current count is 94 long, detailed chapters. And a little secret... it's not exactly finished. I know, another big rule-breaker (I'm so sorry) But I went back and reread it recently, and it took me nearly two weeks, so it won't bother you. She's on a hiatus (family problems), but when she gets back, you can definitely expect regular updates once again.

On the twenty-second of January in the year 1901, the British Empire faced a trial of the soul unlike any other when beloved Queen Victoria, defender of the faith and ruler of 60 years, died at the age of 82. On that same day, an equally grievous blow was dealt to a young girl with golden hair and golden dreams, when her father passed away suddenly. As the Empire mourned, very few could mourn alongside Relena Peacecraft, and the burden of sorrow weighed her down, hardening her heart a little each day over the following months.

So impossible to live with was the 'new and improved' heir to the Peacecraft fortune that in the four months since the dreadful day she had lost nearly all the servants from her lavish West London mansion. This distraction kept her from enjoying the garden party she attended with one of her last remaining domestics, Otto, on the anniversary of the late Queen's birth.

"Sugar in your tea, Miss Relena?" he asked in a genial voice.


If you have a lot of time on your hands, I highly suggest this story.


Bridlewood Manor

[identity profile] bibliokat.livejournal.com 2005-05-15 09:40 pm (UTC)(link)
This fic sounds really good, but I have to ask. I'm good with slash though it's not my favorite with Gundam Wing, but I'm a huge Relena fan, so if you don't mind, I'd like to know who she's paired with (if anyone), and how you feel she's treated as a character. Based on the length of the story and the research you said the writer put into it, I'm sure she's fair to the original characters, but I've seen too many slash/yaoi writers bash Relena. So forgive my cautiousness. Also, Wufei/Hilde? It actually works in this fic? Unusual pairing. Thanks for reccing some anime though. (I don't suppose you know of any good Goku/Vegeta fics?)

[identity profile] bibliokat.livejournal.com 2005-05-15 10:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh good! I don't normally read GW fics that aren't Relena-based (and usually paired with Heero or Duo), but this one definitely sounds worth the effort. I'm glad the writer is fair to Relena, I think she has a lot of potential, especially as she matures. Thanks for responding to my questions!

And oh well about Goku/Vegeta. One of my favorite pairings, and I can't find any good fic.

I look forward to more of your recs!
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[identity profile] kutsuwamushi.livejournal.com 2005-05-18 11:33 am (UTC)(link)
I thought that you weren't supposed to post WiPs on [livejournal.com profile] crack_van...