FanficRecs Mai's review
It's not like the cast of NGE weren't screwed up already, but... the author has stated it was his purpose to wring as much angst from this concept as possible. Personally, much like Grave of the Fireflies I found myself unable to make myself care at a certain point for fear of disrupting my work. I thought Asuka's actions in the later chapters at odds with both protocol and what I understand of her personality, and Mana's inclusion felt a little tacked on, not really adding anything worthwhile to the story. The unambiguous portrayal of Gendo as an utter bastard is well done, but it is at odds with the more ambiguous (almost woob-ific) portrayal I have come to love in the anime and particularly the rebuild continuity.
But don't let my extensive personal gripes dissuade you; this is good stuff, and if you have the time you should at least consider reading it. With tissues handy. And perhaps something or someone to cuddle extensively afterwards. No, really.
FanficRecs Sithking Zero's Review
I warn you right now: you will need a hug once this is over. Very sad, very dark fic.
FanFicRecs A punch in the gut
A great fic in its own right, and a good choice to introduce you to NGE Dark Fics if you haven't read them before, as was the case for me. The explorations of how the characters and the scenario might be affected by Shinji dying are gripping and imaginatively explored. Be warned though; calling this fic the NGE version of Grave of the Fireflies wouldn't be a misnomer, and if you've seen that movie, you know what I'm getting at.
FanFicRecs Inkki Bookman's review
Anyone familiar with Random1377's work knows that the stories are good and boy are there twists in this one. If you are a fan of pairing characters so they have happy endings, this fic is so not for you.
FanficRecs The most heart-wrenching Nail Fic ever!
And to think, some critics believe that tragedy has fallen as a genre!
As usual, Random1377 delivers a hard hitting work that takes your expections and crushes them. It takes all the tension and tragedy of the original source and ratchets it up to a level of darkness and despair that will make you want to cringe, but draws you in to the point that you can't look away. I made the mistake of reading this mostly in one sitting. It will make you want to scream. It will make you cry. And it is absolutely some of the best writing on fanfiction.net.