I keep ignoring this fic, when it popped up thinking it was a fluffy AU and I couldn't see Jack pushing papers in a office. But once I started it I couldn't stop reading. The plot and storyline are amazing! The writing is fantastic, and the characters are brilliant. I was completely blown away. This is not what I was expecting at all. A truly magnificent work of fiction! Superb on all levels.
It was interesting to so fully flip the characters of Jack & Ianto, but I loved it. I loved to see how it changed the dynamic of their relationship, and I'm eager to read the next story in the series.
Doing an uncharacteristic mid-story review to say that the role-reversal, or near it, is astounding. Jack's the insecure one, Ianto the strong one... -whistles softly- 's very interesting.
Author's Response: Thank you, hope the rest agrees as well ;)
All right, I'll admit I avoided this at first because I thought it was AU (like, all the AU, a not-Torchwood AU), and I'm not generally into that, but I just spent the last hour reading this and am completely blown away. Not only is it not AU but you did something so completely amazing with it that I don't even have words.
This is gorgeous, all of it. The angst (I'm such a sucker for hurt!Jack), and the love, and the intensity. All of your characterization was fantastic, but Ianto especially was just incredible. My favorite Ianto that I've read at all. This is absolutely gorgeous. I'm sorry it took me so long to give it a chance! It's really, really beautiful. *faves it*
Author's Response: It\'s a tricky story, pretending to be an AU when it\'s not. :) Glad you liked it, especially Ianto! He\'s the Knight in this story, and deserves some accolades.
I\'m a bit of a sucker for hurt!Jack as well.
Great story - excellently plotted.
Thanks for writing!
Author's Response: Thank you and thanks for reading ;)
great line at the end: "but you won't even remember me"
send shivers down my spine, especially knowing that the captain is back :))
Author's Response: Yes he is :) Thank you!
This was amazing. Jack's situation was heart-rending and perfect, and it was one of the few times in fanfiction where I've been honestly scared for him. Tremendous job, and if I may say, a damn fine season three that we should have seen.
Author's Response: I\'m glad the story had that effect, and that you liked it. Thank you :)
right, there goes another early night down the drain....had to read the whole story, now looking for more..
Author's Response: lol, that\'s the response I\'m looking for.
phew....it's 30 degrees centigrade here in Holland (9.30 AM) and you just made it unbearably hot....
Author's Response: Thank you, I try my best!
yeah, Ianto does look good in a suit and red IS his colour!
Author's Response: Definitely yes to both :)
well done. Excellent story. I loved how you portrayed Jack the PA - and a mysterious Ianto comes to save him.
Author's Response: Mysterious Ianto made it all worth it. Thanks for reading and commenting :)
Despite some of the graphic subject matter, this was an amazing story from beginning to end. From the beginning when we see the mundaness of Jack's life to the horror of him being abused by somebody he thinks he's always loved, to Torchwood finding him, and him finally knowing the truth to the end when he and the gang shut UNIT Black down. Simply an amazing ride in terms of action, suspense, and drama.
One of the most memorable moments is when Ianto shows Jack the hub and finally tells him the truth about what happened to him. The denial, lashing out, and acceptance is compelling and shows that despite all of UNIT Black's programming, that the Jack Harkness we know and love is still there underneath the meek construct that's suffocated Jack for so long.
If I may make a suggestion: While I love how you've followed up on the aftermath of Jack's experience in a sequel, I would also love to see a follow - up for Martha as well. Being not only kidnapped (again), but forced into essentially a maid - type role has probably served up to dredge up a lot of old demons for her as well. Not just from what happened to her family on the Valient, but also her experiences in 1913 in Human Nature/Family of Blood. Let's just say I wouldn't want to be the Doctor the next time he sees her after this experience.
Speaking of the Doctor I wonder where he was during all this mess. Certainly, the Brigiader would have tried to contact the Doctor and let him know what was going on with Torchwood and Martha. Has to know from Sarah Jane that Martha and Jack travelled with the Doctor. Hmm.... If UNIT Black are so willing to wipe UNIT operatives memories and hide them.... would it be so far - fetched that they would try to do that to the Doctor, considering that if they think the Doctor's companions and their associates are dangerous, certainly the Doctor is the most dangerous of them all?
Author's Response: :) Thank you for reading and the *great* review/comments!
Re:Martha, she\'ll make an appearance in the sequel (to ST and Tonight) and show more of how she reacted to things there. As well as Ianto\'s reactions, since so far we\'ve mostly seen Jack\'s, for good reason...
Loved it, nice to see Jack back in Arse kicking form.
Author's Response: More or less... ;)
This story is completely constructed of WIN!!
Love it.
*Goes gleefully off to read the sequel.
Author's Response: thank you :) And thanks for commenting!
I kinda sorta thought this was where you were going. Just in case you didn't know, I've nearly finished a story with a similar thesis--only it's Ianto who got taken. You can check it out here. Same basic ideas to start, but each with our own take.
I don't know how you feel but I think it's cool as hell!