Alternate Reality

(1) Alternate Reality: A New Day Dawns (Sentinel)

By D L Witherspoon
Reviewed by Kathryn A on 27th February 2000 (2)
Tags: Novelette
(49K)

First story in the Alternate Reality series. In a parallel universe, Blair Sandburg didn't become an anthropologist; the constant bailing out of his mother Naomi led him to the law. And Jim Ellison, instead of becoming a cop, was wrongly accused and convicted of murder - and spent a decade in Starkville prison. Until Blair Sandburg gets on his case.

This starts off well, but feels a bit rushed, telling, not showing. The idea is definitely intriguing.

Addendum: this series won the "favourite alternate universe series" in the 2001 Cascade Times Awards.

(2) Alternate Reality: Human Needs (Sentinel)

By D L Witherspoon
Reviewed by Kathryn A on 27th February 2000 (3)
Tags: Short Story
(44K)

Second story in the Alternate Reality series. I like the ideas. And the last scene is so... great. Resolving conflict is what makes a story go around. This series would be appreciated by those who like parallel universes, first-person narrative, and Jim angst (this is not the Jim we know, this is a what-if Jim).

(3) Alternate Reality: Of Blood... Of Heart (Sentinel)

By D L Witherspoon
Reviewed by Kathryn A on 27th February 2000 (4)
Tags: Novelette
(48K)

Third story in the Alternate Reality series. That is so cool. Moving.

(4) Alternate Reality: A Time To Heal (Sentinel)

By D L Witherspoon
Reviewed by Kathryn A on 27th February 2000 (5)
Tags: Short Story
(41K)

Fourth story in the Alternate Reality series. Tugging at the heart-strings. This series definitely concentrates on the relationship between Jim & Blair.

(5) Alternate Reality: Hide and Seek (Sentinel)

By D L Witherspoon
Reviewed by Kathryn A on 29th February 2000 (1)
Tags: Novelette
(60K)

Fifth story in the Alternate Reality series. This one is a parallel to Flight, which just highlights the differences between this Jim & Blair and the ones in the show. This whole series is cool: Jim-angst, and how our experiences mold our perceptions. I am reminded of something someone once said to me: some people go through hell and come out nasty sons of bitches - and others can go through hell and come out the kindest, gentlest people, because they never want anyone to go through what they went through. This Jim is like that.

(6) Alternate Reality: Requiem (Sentinel)

By D L Witherspoon
Reviewed by Kathryn A on 29th February 2000 (2)
Tags: Short Story
(32K)

Sixth story in the Alternate Reality series. This is really the first half of a two-parter, if you think about it. What do I think of this? I'm right there along with Sandburg: Dammit, can't the universe give Jim a little peace? In other words, my empathies are engaged. This is really good.

(7) Alternate Reality: Remembrance (Sentinel)

By D L Witherspoon
Reviewed by Kathryn A on 29th February 2000 (5)
Tags: Novelette
(45K)

Seventh story in the Alternate Reality series. What can I say? Wow. Intense, man. Oh my. Intense. Oh my. (And not for the faint of heart.)

Addendum: this series was nominated in the 2000 Cascade Times Awards in the "Alternative Universe series" category.

(8) Alternate Reality: A Sense of Peace (Sentinel)

By D L Witherspoon
Reviewed by Kathryn A on 23rd June 2000 (11)
Tags: Short Story
(35K)

The only problem with this is that it's too short! Really just a scene or two, full of smarm. That respite which they needed so much... But I'll take what I can get.