For Faith by Painted Eyes (PG-13)

[true-enough.livejournal.com]

Fandom: THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN ~ Old West
Pairing: Gen.
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: Lady Angel's M7 Library
Why this must be read:

Every great once in a while there is a story that comes along that goes beyond even the wide range of fanfiction and is simply an amazing example of bravura literature. Period. For Faith could be read by someone who has never heard of Chris, Vin, Buck, Nathan, Josiah, Ezra or JD and yet before they are halfway through they will know them well. Painted Eyes writes in a deceptively quiet and straightforward voice making the spot-on observations all the more startling and often amusing. Early on Chris wonders how a man like himself ended up a guardian. A peace-keeper? Made him laugh every time he thought about it, using a pack of ne'er-do-well drifters and desperados to chase off their own kind. Later, Nathan and Josiah observe a wealthy man and his entourage come into town and size each other up. Josiah comments, "Sort of reminds a man of two packs of hound dogs circlin' each other." to which Nathan replies, "Yeah, 'cept we pissed here first." The story begins there with a man Vin had thought long dead showing up in town and setting into motion events that will test loyalities that have just been formed, and in Vin's case, completely upending a sense of peace and belonging. While Vin is the epicenter of the drama, all Seven are featured to great affect along with a handful of original charcters that truly are original and fascinating. Novel length, well researched, thoughtful and haunting. This is how it's done.

For Faith

Comments

[the-hobbet.livejournal.com]

I'm twenty pages into this story (formatted it runs 114 pages) and I am totally awed. The sharp observations of the boyss and their relationships; the funny, pointed, non-politic banter of rough men - and thier silences; the graceful, almost poetic use of language; the rich development of canon and original characters; the slow build of tension all make me feel like I am in the hands of a master. I'm really savoring it. Thanks so much for the rec.

[true-enough.livejournal.com]

...all make me feel like I am in the hands of a master.

That's exactly the feeling I have whenever I read it. It's the kind of thoughtful writing I look for all the time but rarely find. I'm thrilled that you're enjoying it, too.

Wow ...

[(Anonymous)]

I'm the author (For Faith my first), and very grateful folks are still reading my stuff after so long. If you've got the stamina, I hope you'll try Moved By Silent Hands, really novel length and featuring the Lakota and the history around the time of the Greasy Grass, Custer, and Crazy Horse.

Now I need to go do some reading of my own from the list, recognizing many of my favorite authors there ...

Thank you so much.

Painted Eyes

Re: Wow ...

[true-enough.livejournal.com]

It was my absolute pleasure to rec your work. I sent you a gushing e-mail some years back when I first read it but it's my sincere hope that you receive so much gushing feedback that mine doesn't stand out. There is a lot of fanfiction - that I love, by the way - that follows a certain pattern of naming familiar characters, pointing out known traits and wrapping it up neatly. And while I do enjoy them it was breathtaking to come across your work that treated these characters with a gravity I could only hope for. In one fell swoop you changed the way I regarded fanfiction and what I expected of it and also myself. Thank you again for the inspiration.

I have read Moved By Silent Hands and to say that I'm in awe of it only scratches the surface. I look forward to reccing it the next time it's my turn here - that is if someone else doesn't beat me to it. Here's hoping that you're still writing for M7. Your amazing talent and these characters are a wonderful match.

Take care!

Re: Wow ...

[(Anonymous)]

Y'know, I've re-edited Silent Hands; if you want the newer and I think better, drop me a line at pntdeyes@cox.net.

Am working on some original stuff now, but the seven have a firm corner in my heart and pen, I learned so much writing them.

Thanks again, I do appreciate your kindness.

Painted Eyes

[the-hobbet.livejournal.com]

The link no longer works, but you can find it at http://lalibrary.net/m7/stories/ow/forfaith/forfaith01.html
or the adult version at http://lalibrary.net/m7/stories/ow/forfaith/forfaitha01.html
This is a story not to be missed.

[true-enough.livejournal.com]

It looks like they were updating the archive. For a little while none of the links worked. It would break my heart if it did become inaccessible because I can't agree with you more: It should not be missed.