Restored

(1) Restored (Sentinel)

By XmagicalX
Reviewed by Kathryn A on 23rd June 2000 (8)

This was good. One of the few Jim-is-dead stories where I wasn't scoffing at the author, saying to myself "Oh yeah, we all know he isn't dead, he'll turn up any minute." The angst here wasn't hysterical melodrama, but old, grey ashes. This didn't have good lines so much as good scenes, good sections and good moments. I think my favourite bit was the scars scene. It was so understated, so much understood without having to be spelled out. I liked that.

This story was nominated in the 2000 Cascade Times Awards and the 2001 Cascade Times Awards in the "AU story" category.

(2) Destroyed (Sentinel)

By XmagicalX
Reviewed by Kathryn A on 23rd June 2000 (9)
Tags: Novelette
(54K)

Though this is ostensibly a prequel to "Restored", since it is set earlier in time than it, it is really better to read it afterwards, for several reasons. This has an X-Files feel, as if told from the PoV of the conspiracy, people who believe that the end justifies the means. Somewhat sympathetically, though the coldness is the more chilling for all that. They're nuts, of course - testing to destruction. This is only bearable if you've read Restored. But my goodness, I really want these guys to get what they deserve - and have little hope of this happening.

(3) Protected (Sentinel)

By XmagicalX
Reviewed by Kathryn A on 23rd June 2000 (10)

This was very good. It could have been done as an X-Files cross, except that if we'd had Mulder and Scully there, then most of the suspenseful paranoia would be gone, because the reader would have known that the Fed agents could be trusted. As it was, we didn't know which way the bread was buttered, and that was good. Hope and heroes against the deep strong darkness. A pity there probably won't be more. Why did I like this? It felt real. The stress, the fear, the nightmares, the hope, the friendship - not melodramatic, just leavened enough. The supporting original characters were well-sketched. I liked the little touches, like the mascara on Lindsey's face.