When it comes to plot, characters and themes, Not this time, Fate is probably the best story Coeur Al'Aran has written to date and definitely one of the best RWBY fanfictions out there. The most strikingly awesome thing about it the portrayal of Jaune, who makes for a complex, tragic, badass and surprisingly relatable protagonist. Other characters are consistent, the stakes can be felt each turn and the romantic subplot manages to be both relevant to the plot and hearthwarming in its own right. Moreover, there are moments when the story encourages the reader to take a moral stance on some dilemma or try to give his own explanation to some part of a plot, which really speaks volumes about the work's quality.
And yet, I can't say I enjoyed this story as much as I did, let's say, Professor Arc. Between the awesome, heartbreaking and genuinely hilarious moments there are large portions of what amounts to repetitive and uninventive comedy. And while I'm sure it's partially intended, Jaune can get irritating at times, especially if you disagree with his "Screw you, Fate!" approach to saving the setting.
It's a great story, but not necessarily the one you'd want to read just to pass time or for a quick laugh.
Amazing, but kind of tiring
When it comes to plot, characters and themes, Not this time, Fate is probably the best story Coeur Al'Aran has written to date and definitely one of the best RWBY fanfictions out there. The most strikingly awesome thing about it the portrayal of Jaune, who makes for a complex, tragic, badass and surprisingly relatable protagonist. Other characters are consistent, the stakes can be felt each turn and the romantic subplot manages to be both relevant to the plot and hearthwarming in its own right. Moreover, there are moments when the story encourages the reader to take a moral stance on some dilemma or try to give his own explanation to some part of a plot, which really speaks volumes about the work's quality.
And yet, I can't say I enjoyed this story as much as I did, let's say, Professor Arc. Between the awesome, heartbreaking and genuinely hilarious moments there are large portions of what amounts to repetitive and uninventive comedy. And while I'm sure it's partially intended, Jaune can get irritating at times, especially if you disagree with his "Screw you, Fate!" approach to saving the setting.
It's a great story, but not necessarily the one you'd want to read just to pass time or for a quick laugh.