"Life During Wartime" by cofax, Fialka, Maria Nicole, and Marasmus [Discussion Post Two]

[wendelah1]

Despite the ongoing DDoS problems, I'd say discussion has been going well so far.

As before, post comments on specific sections with the title of the story on the subject line. If someone has already commented on the story you want to discuss, please help us by commenting in that thread, too. Post general comments anywhere you like.

The stories get more painful from here, but damn, what an engrossing read this series is. Wow. I'd remembered it was good but I'd almost forgotten just how scary and how heartbreaking this gets. The writing is concise yet vivid, with a cinematic quality to it. It feels like there's not a word wasted; it just pulls you in, then pulls you under.

Life During Wartime

9. Whose Frail Warmth

10. Cheating the God of Fire

11. Breakdown

12. Fimbulwinter

13. The Unfathomable Distance of Stars

14. Gonna Be Different This Time

Comments

Re: Fimbulwinter

[write-out.livejournal.com]

Damn, but this is hard to digest, which is one reason why I've been dragging my feet on catching up here. The deep rift between M/S and overall end of the world angst is tough to read and forces me out of my usual fic comfort zone (not that I always read happy stuff, but this is so intense), but that's a good thing, right?

I agree with infinitlight about how good it is to see Frohike (and the rest of the Gunmen) as more than just comedic filler.

It's a sign of how well written this is that I keep reading even as each scene grows grimmer and more depressing. The plot is so tight and well paced and the introduction of new characters (Linda, Jack) fits in seamlessly.

Re: Fimbulwinter

[wendelah1]

I agree with infinitlight about how good it is to see Frohike (and the rest of the Gunmen) as more than just comedic filler.

I'll third that. They are fully realized characters here, with their own interesting subplots, too.