Acastus' "Prince Iroh" is indeed a rare gem. It combines good characterization [both for its original characters and characters from the canon] with soul-gripping drama and a highly engaging narrative. For those who enjoy the historical-fiction genre, there is much in this fic to gush about, such as the frequent allusions to historical events and figures. Trying to spot all these allusions just by itself makes reading this fic highly rewarding. You can tell a lot about a story based on the amount of detail the author uses. Acastus is highly passionate about history and it clearly shows in the way he writes.
Anyway, historical allusions are but the icing on the cake when it comes to what this fan fic gets right. As was stated earlier, Acastus is at his best not when he makes some subtle allusion to I, Claudius or some other work, but when he writes those intimate interactions between the characters. The dialogue in this story is highly sophisticated and I hope I am not the only one who takes pleasure in reading it. Each major character has a voice that simply radiates from the way they speak.
In addition to that, the characters also drive the narrative. This is an important part to any story. I would argue that all the major characters make their mark on the narrative and the manner in which it progresses by their choices; choices which emanate from who they are as people and what they want and desire. That is quite an accomplishment.
The story can also be highly entertaining for those who want more out of a story than simply drama. Acastus does a great job at writing hilarious interactions between the characters. Like most people who read this story, Trimazu stands head and shoulder above the rest when it comes to comedy. I usually do not like loud, boisterous individuals, but Trimazu plays the part well. He is easily the most original original character I've seen yet in a fanfic.
With that said, I cannot recommend Prince Iroh enough. It is simply a shame that this fic is not as appreciated as it should be, especially when it does so much right! Read it, you will not be disappointed.
Colonel's Review
Acastus' "Prince Iroh" is indeed a rare gem. It combines good characterization [both for its original characters and characters from the canon] with soul-gripping drama and a highly engaging narrative. For those who enjoy the historical-fiction genre, there is much in this fic to gush about, such as the frequent allusions to historical events and figures. Trying to spot all these allusions just by itself makes reading this fic highly rewarding. You can tell a lot about a story based on the amount of detail the author uses. Acastus is highly passionate about history and it clearly shows in the way he writes.
Anyway, historical allusions are but the icing on the cake when it comes to what this fan fic gets right. As was stated earlier, Acastus is at his best not when he makes some subtle allusion to I, Claudius or some other work, but when he writes those intimate interactions between the characters. The dialogue in this story is highly sophisticated and I hope I am not the only one who takes pleasure in reading it. Each major character has a voice that simply radiates from the way they speak.
In addition to that, the characters also drive the narrative. This is an important part to any story. I would argue that all the major characters make their mark on the narrative and the manner in which it progresses by their choices; choices which emanate from who they are as people and what they want and desire. That is quite an accomplishment.
The story can also be highly entertaining for those who want more out of a story than simply drama. Acastus does a great job at writing hilarious interactions between the characters. Like most people who read this story, Trimazu stands head and shoulder above the rest when it comes to comedy. I usually do not like loud, boisterous individuals, but Trimazu plays the part well. He is easily the most original original character I've seen yet in a fanfic.
With that said, I cannot recommend Prince Iroh enough. It is simply a shame that this fic is not as appreciated as it should be, especially when it does so much right! Read it, you will not be disappointed.