FanficRecs Some interesting differences from the cookie cutter format
His own man starts out fairly standard, until you meet the malfoys. Perhaps a little unrealistic in that aspect but it does make an interesting change to see the Malfoys not be completely evil. The other difference that I feel is worth commenting on is Sirius. Sirius is so broken and some of the passerby comments that are made just really hit you hard. Overall I think Sirius is very well written.
- Things that don't change
Dumbledore still manipulative, Harry still too mature although he doesn't even try to hide it, and so far Snape will be Snape although his character has some depth to it as well.
FanficRecs Interesting read with quite a bit of fanon
"This story starts off the same as Back Again, Harry? above, but quickly takes it along a very different path. Harry is very, very mistrusting of Dumbledore and for very good reasons in this fic. The only complaint that is commonly addressed is Harry's openness of his abilities, the author defends this with the claims that wizards aren't logical and no one has thought to directly ask Harry about this... yet."
The story treats a lot of fanon as fact and many events for Harry don't work out as well as he'd hoped. Still an interesting read if you're looking for a peggy sue with an Independent and Powerful Harry.
FanficRecs Moving comments to reviews
Anon: A different approach to the classic Harry Potter Peggy Sur, well-written and cleverly playing with and subverting many of the usual conventions of the subgenre. Deathly Hallows-compliant (at least up until Harry's "death"), which means he understands Snape and Malfoy far better, and which in turn means different relationships with each. Features a very pragmatic (yet oddly sympathetic and even vulnerable) Harry who doesn't feel obligated to preserve even the Golden Trio intact if it means his goals will be reached that much faster. 21 chapters as of the end of 2009 and still going strong; highly recommended.
Anon: I'm sorry, I really don't want to sound rude but, I would never recommend this, it is horribly OOC, Harry basically says "Screw this." and goes back. He is portrayed as somewhat of a brat and arrogant, Narcissa basically says "I'm your cousin" out of nowhere, and I really would not recommend this to anyone.