If you've spent way too much time wondering why nobody on the show ever questions whether it's ethical to kill vampires on sight, there's a very good chance you'll enjoy Brave New World.
The fic has two main plots. The first is the romance between Spike and Buffy, which develops believably and naturally. There's a lot of buildup and character interaction, and there are numerous complications facing a relationship between them, even apart from the fact that Buffy's been missing for thirty years. It's nice to see those concerns addressed. The fic also contains the most weirdly responsible version of Spike I've ever seen- he's clearly done a lot of maturing in the past thirty years, but he's still fundamentally Spike. It's nice to see him so self-aware for a change.
The second plot is Buffy's murder trial. This second plot leads to many conversations about vampires- specifically, whether they should be killed or reformed (and whether reformation is even possible). Everyone seems to have a different take on the question- Spike, Buffy, Angel, Riley, the late Rupert Giles, Xander, and Faith all get to throw in their two cents. It's one of the most complete discussions of the topic I've ever seen in a fanfic (or anywhere else). It doesn't take shortcuts or handwave when it comes to the nature of vampires, and none of the characters are bashed simply for disagreeing with Spike or Buffy. Buffy and Spike have very different viewpoints themselves, and revisit the topic more than once. The fic doesn't necessarily present a single right viewpoint on the matter, but it's refreshing to see the topic given due consideration.
The fic's biggest weakness is probably the prose itself; while perfectly readable, minor errors in grammar and punctuation are common. I believe the plot, characterization, and setting more than make up for this weakness, but those who expect perfection should know that the fic could've used another mechanics editor.
Unfortunately, Brave New World appears to be unfinished and abandoned. On the bright side, the fic doesn't end until the two main plots have both reached fairly satisfying resolutions. Despite some obvious loose ends, it's not likely to leave you tossing and turning at night as you wonder what will become of our heroes.
Came for the Romance, Stayed for the Ethical Debates (And Romance)
If you've spent way too much time wondering why nobody on the show ever questions whether it's ethical to kill vampires on sight, there's a very good chance you'll enjoy Brave New World.
The fic has two main plots. The first is the romance between Spike and Buffy, which develops believably and naturally. There's a lot of buildup and character interaction, and there are numerous complications facing a relationship between them, even apart from the fact that Buffy's been missing for thirty years. It's nice to see those concerns addressed. The fic also contains the most weirdly responsible version of Spike I've ever seen- he's clearly done a lot of maturing in the past thirty years, but he's still fundamentally Spike. It's nice to see him so self-aware for a change.
The second plot is Buffy's murder trial. This second plot leads to many conversations about vampires- specifically, whether they should be killed or reformed (and whether reformation is even possible). Everyone seems to have a different take on the question- Spike, Buffy, Angel, Riley, the late Rupert Giles, Xander, and Faith all get to throw in their two cents. It's one of the most complete discussions of the topic I've ever seen in a fanfic (or anywhere else). It doesn't take shortcuts or handwave when it comes to the nature of vampires, and none of the characters are bashed simply for disagreeing with Spike or Buffy. Buffy and Spike have very different viewpoints themselves, and revisit the topic more than once. The fic doesn't necessarily present a single right viewpoint on the matter, but it's refreshing to see the topic given due consideration.
The fic's biggest weakness is probably the prose itself; while perfectly readable, minor errors in grammar and punctuation are common. I believe the plot, characterization, and setting more than make up for this weakness, but those who expect perfection should know that the fic could've used another mechanics editor.
Unfortunately, Brave New World appears to be unfinished and abandoned. On the bright side, the fic doesn't end until the two main plots have both reached fairly satisfying resolutions. Despite some obvious loose ends, it's not likely to leave you tossing and turning at night as you wonder what will become of our heroes.
Final Verdict: A-