Beck McLaughlin

Winterborne

(1) Winterborne (Highlander)

Reviewed by Kathryn A on 17th August 2003 (1)
Tags: Novel
(302K)

The summary says: "In post-apocalyptic North America, Methos must prevent a deadly, cybernetically-enhanced agent from capturing the legendary Duncan MacLeod -- without losing his own head in the process." Yes, it's Highlander meets cyberpunk, and very well done too! We have a weaselly Methos in an impossible situation, and a noble Duncan Macleod being his noble self, yet both in balance. We have a very twisty plot, with friends become enemies and enemies become allies, and very hard to tell the difference between them. There were engaging supporting characters (and some nice bits from Amanda) and good world-building, with the author refraining from info-dumps and just letting things come out naturally. Thanks to MacGeorge for recommending this author to me.

(2) Winterborne:Interlude (Highlander)

Reviewed by Kathryn A on 17th August 2003 (2)
Tags: Novelette
(52K)

Well should this be called "Interlude", since it is like a small intermission between two sagas; wrapping up things from the story before, and unwrapping further things hinting at possibilities to come. And some good Methos-angst here too.

(3) Mayfair (Highlander)

Reviewed by Kathryn A on 17th August 2003 (3)
Tags: Novella
(256K)

No, you didn't think things would end up okay after all that, did you? Because Those Responsible are still out there somewhere, and They Have Plans. Not to mention that the so-called good guys have plans too. The summary says: "Although Immortals have won equal rights in the Democratic Union, outside those borders, being one of the Undying is still tantamount to death or slavery." Which doesn't tell you much, really.

This was good again. We visit the depths of depravity, and the slippery morals of black ops, lots of action. And both Duncan and Methos manage to deliver just a bit of redemption in their own characteristic ways. I liked how Duncan manages to be charismatically caring even when he's a prisoner. And Methos is as slippery as ever.