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crack_van2004-04-11 03:03 pm
widget285.livejournal.com) wrote in crack_van2004-04-11 03:03 pm
Entry tags:
Recalled to Life series by Pam and Del (PG)
Fandom: HORNBLOWER
Pairing: None. Genfic with some minor intimations of het
Author on LJ: n/a
Author Website: none, but archived at Horatio Hornblower Fanfiction Archive
Why this must be read:
Well, since Easter is all about miraculous resurrections, I figures this story would be quite a propos.
Many fans were outraged with how the movie Retribution ended and the fate of their much-loved Archie Kennedy. So, being devoted and creative fans, they did the only natural thing: they wrote fix-its. A lot of them. The Recalled to Life series is perhaps the most compelling and credible of them all. One of the things that makes it so intriguing is that this storyline in no way contradicts established canon, but rather sets up a separate and parallel storyline that follows Archie’s adventures. Recalled to Life, the first story in the series, sets up a surprisingly plausible solution to the events in Kingston. Archie finds himself confronted with a new life, one that he did not expect or ask for; one, in fact, that he does not want. The first story deals with how Archie begins to come to terms with the unexpected boon of a second chance while Into the Game continues the adventures. Debts of Honor, a companion piece to Recalled to Life, shows Horatio in the aftermath of Kingston as he tries to come to terms with Archie's loss.
These stories have a number of virtues, not the least of which is that they are long, complex, plot driven stories in a fandom dominated by shorter, emotionally driven stories. That said, Recalled to Life is a thoroughly engrossing read, both adventure story and emotional journey. The authors have done their homework and their familiarity with the period, especially its language, mores and history - political and cultural - is apparent. They also have created a universe filled with original characters who are interesting in their own right but never steal the spotlight. This is Archie’s story and they remain supporting characters to that narrative, enriching it and making it all the more riveting.
There is a WIP sequel, Into the Fire. I mention this for the sake of completeness and for those who are always hungry for more. As with any WIP, caveat lector.
Then where was he? It didn't matter, he had to get to court. He tried to push himself up again, heard his own sob of pain and frustration. He *had* to get up, *had* to get to court, or Horatio--
"*What* are you doing?"
That voice again; he knew it now, with its odd accent. It had been nearby during many of his recent . . . dreams?
Once more, he tried to sit up--and was promptly caught by the shoulders and pushed down.
"No! Lie down, you're not going anywhere!"
Frantic now, he struggled against the hands. The court . . . he had to get there . . . he couldn't tell if he was actually able to speak but the voice
responded.
"The court? You mean, the trial? No--you've already been there. You don't need to go again--they've closed."
The hands released him--vision still blurred, he tried one more time to raise himself. This time, he was pinned down by the hands, the exasperated voice becoming distinctly impatient.
"That's enough! Now listen--you've been very badly wounded. You must lie still or you'll injure yourself some more. I'm going to give you something
to drink, then I want you to rest again--go to *sleep.* Do you understand?"
He'd been to court already? He thought he nodded. But he didn't want to sleep--he turned his head aside from the cup, feebly tried to push it away.
"Very well." The voice sounded grim. "I will give you two alternatives. Swallow the draught and go to sleep, or I shall strike you on the jaw and put
you under *that* way. I would strongly advise the first course of action over the second--but you *are* going to sleep!"
"No need for that." A new voice, cool, cultured, effortlessly authoritative. "Proceedings have concluded, Lieutenant. You saved him."
A pause, then the first voice again, much calmer this time. "Yes. He is safe."
*Safe.* Was it true? But the voices--both of them--sounded so sure. Horatio . . . must no longer be in danger. Relief washed over him--he felt himself going limp. When the cup was once more brought to his lips, he drank without resisting. Awareness faded.
Recalled to Life
Debts of Honor, companion piece to Recalled to Life
Into the Game
Let Nothing You Dismay, holiday fic and companion piece to series
Into the Fire, sequel, WIP
Pairing: None. Genfic with some minor intimations of het
Author on LJ: n/a
Author Website: none, but archived at Horatio Hornblower Fanfiction Archive
Why this must be read:
Well, since Easter is all about miraculous resurrections, I figures this story would be quite a propos.
Many fans were outraged with how the movie Retribution ended and the fate of their much-loved Archie Kennedy. So, being devoted and creative fans, they did the only natural thing: they wrote fix-its. A lot of them. The Recalled to Life series is perhaps the most compelling and credible of them all. One of the things that makes it so intriguing is that this storyline in no way contradicts established canon, but rather sets up a separate and parallel storyline that follows Archie’s adventures. Recalled to Life, the first story in the series, sets up a surprisingly plausible solution to the events in Kingston. Archie finds himself confronted with a new life, one that he did not expect or ask for; one, in fact, that he does not want. The first story deals with how Archie begins to come to terms with the unexpected boon of a second chance while Into the Game continues the adventures. Debts of Honor, a companion piece to Recalled to Life, shows Horatio in the aftermath of Kingston as he tries to come to terms with Archie's loss.
These stories have a number of virtues, not the least of which is that they are long, complex, plot driven stories in a fandom dominated by shorter, emotionally driven stories. That said, Recalled to Life is a thoroughly engrossing read, both adventure story and emotional journey. The authors have done their homework and their familiarity with the period, especially its language, mores and history - political and cultural - is apparent. They also have created a universe filled with original characters who are interesting in their own right but never steal the spotlight. This is Archie’s story and they remain supporting characters to that narrative, enriching it and making it all the more riveting.
There is a WIP sequel, Into the Fire. I mention this for the sake of completeness and for those who are always hungry for more. As with any WIP, caveat lector.
Then where was he? It didn't matter, he had to get to court. He tried to push himself up again, heard his own sob of pain and frustration. He *had* to get up, *had* to get to court, or Horatio--
"*What* are you doing?"
That voice again; he knew it now, with its odd accent. It had been nearby during many of his recent . . . dreams?
Once more, he tried to sit up--and was promptly caught by the shoulders and pushed down.
"No! Lie down, you're not going anywhere!"
Frantic now, he struggled against the hands. The court . . . he had to get there . . . he couldn't tell if he was actually able to speak but the voice
responded.
"The court? You mean, the trial? No--you've already been there. You don't need to go again--they've closed."
The hands released him--vision still blurred, he tried one more time to raise himself. This time, he was pinned down by the hands, the exasperated voice becoming distinctly impatient.
"That's enough! Now listen--you've been very badly wounded. You must lie still or you'll injure yourself some more. I'm going to give you something
to drink, then I want you to rest again--go to *sleep.* Do you understand?"
He'd been to court already? He thought he nodded. But he didn't want to sleep--he turned his head aside from the cup, feebly tried to push it away.
"Very well." The voice sounded grim. "I will give you two alternatives. Swallow the draught and go to sleep, or I shall strike you on the jaw and put
you under *that* way. I would strongly advise the first course of action over the second--but you *are* going to sleep!"
"No need for that." A new voice, cool, cultured, effortlessly authoritative. "Proceedings have concluded, Lieutenant. You saved him."
A pause, then the first voice again, much calmer this time. "Yes. He is safe."
*Safe.* Was it true? But the voices--both of them--sounded so sure. Horatio . . . must no longer be in danger. Relief washed over him--he felt himself going limp. When the cup was once more brought to his lips, he drank without resisting. Awareness faded.
Recalled to Life
Debts of Honor, companion piece to Recalled to Life
Into the Game
Let Nothing You Dismay, holiday fic and companion piece to series
Into the Fire, sequel, WIP