for Manipulations6/2 c87 
2Neverastory
Best mass effect fanfiction I have ever read. Waiting excitedly (but patiently :) ) for new chapters
2NeverastoryBest mass effect fanfiction I have ever read. Waiting excitedly (but patiently :) ) for new chapters
5/29 c87 mayounevergrow
I really hope you get a chance soon to continue this story! I really love the way you've created such a complex and in depth perspective. Its makes me love ME2 Much more than I did before. :) Keep going with how amazing it is.
I really hope you get a chance soon to continue this story! I really love the way you've created such a complex and in depth perspective. Its makes me love ME2 Much more than I did before. :) Keep going with how amazing it is.
5/9 c87 16Natsuki
I started reading this because of the wry summary, and found I couldn't regret the impulse. I started laughing in the first chapter, with the 'I'm Commander Shepard, and this is my favourite personality flaw on the Citadel!' line, and found myself laughing repeatedly through it. And that's not even counting the plot, and the exploration of just how to explain the ability to change classes between games and the development of Shepard as biotic-potential.
I liked that you dealt with Kaidan's concerns over Shepard slowly, and are still dealing with them in certain ways; there's no magic reset button on relationships, and I really appreciated seeing the work that went into it on both sides.
16NatsukiI started reading this because of the wry summary, and found I couldn't regret the impulse. I started laughing in the first chapter, with the 'I'm Commander Shepard, and this is my favourite personality flaw on the Citadel!' line, and found myself laughing repeatedly through it. And that's not even counting the plot, and the exploration of just how to explain the ability to change classes between games and the development of Shepard as biotic-potential.
I liked that you dealt with Kaidan's concerns over Shepard slowly, and are still dealing with them in certain ways; there's no magic reset button on relationships, and I really appreciated seeing the work that went into it on both sides.
5/6 c87 Guest
Oh. My. God.
You have GOT to continue this. I know it's been over half a year, but Holy God, this is great fan fic - letting it languish unfinished is just a shame. I just sank a week or so into reading this, forgoing writing of my own for most of the time, and I can't say I regret a single second.
Right, actual reviewing, though. Uh... well, I could go on for... quite some time about the good points of the story - the characters are interesting, funny, engaging, and true to canon. Your writing's great, with all the parallels and humor. If I had to say anything bad about it, I have to say you do meander and over-describe somewhat - though that's a flaw you seem to recognize yourself. And while it's not necessarily a good thing, all the rabbits you chase, they are, atleast, interesting rabbits that usually end in a funny line and an explosion. It's a tendency that could use curbing, but hell, its far from the worst flaw one can have in one's writing. And the complexity of the plot, where too many fan fic writers are content to simply crib the plot of the game, is always a good point to any fan fic. You strike a great balance between comedy and emotion, and not only seamlessly incorporate ME's canon and world-building, but supplement it with your own, without making it seem out-of-place. I... I'm really not sure what else could be said, unless you're looking for endless, unabashed gushing. It's a fantastic story, from a fantastic writer, and I implore you: pleasepleaseplease-pretty-please finish it!
Oh. My. God.
You have GOT to continue this. I know it's been over half a year, but Holy God, this is great fan fic - letting it languish unfinished is just a shame. I just sank a week or so into reading this, forgoing writing of my own for most of the time, and I can't say I regret a single second.
Right, actual reviewing, though. Uh... well, I could go on for... quite some time about the good points of the story - the characters are interesting, funny, engaging, and true to canon. Your writing's great, with all the parallels and humor. If I had to say anything bad about it, I have to say you do meander and over-describe somewhat - though that's a flaw you seem to recognize yourself. And while it's not necessarily a good thing, all the rabbits you chase, they are, atleast, interesting rabbits that usually end in a funny line and an explosion. It's a tendency that could use curbing, but hell, its far from the worst flaw one can have in one's writing. And the complexity of the plot, where too many fan fic writers are content to simply crib the plot of the game, is always a good point to any fan fic. You strike a great balance between comedy and emotion, and not only seamlessly incorporate ME's canon and world-building, but supplement it with your own, without making it seem out-of-place. I... I'm really not sure what else could be said, unless you're looking for endless, unabashed gushing. It's a fantastic story, from a fantastic writer, and I implore you: pleasepleaseplease-pretty-please finish it!
5/1 c87 Trishka
I used to make fun of fanfic...I refused to read it because I could not understand why anyone would write it, let alone read it. Your story has completely changed my mind. I started reading this out of curiosity after hearing about it on the ME forum. I COULD NOT STOP READING. You truly have a deep understanding of the characters - In fact, I daresay you have a BETTER understanding of these characters than the ME creators themselves. I am not kidding. Just reading this story has given me a deeper understanding and greater appreciation. The nuances you picked up, especially regarding Kaidan's reaction to Shepard's return - I seriously get it now and why he acted the way he did in ME2! Its incredible! The humor in the story (I have cried laughing at parts in this story...i.e. Kasumi and Garrus). Tthe totally hot, romantic sexiness that is Shenko. Zaeed as a dirty old man. HA. I like Miranda more after your take on her character. The creation of Decin Numerius? Total brilliance. I love it all! Bioware should hire you for their next ME universe story. Seriously. Send in an application right now. RIGHT NOW.
Now I must say that like a creepy stalker I have been awaiting your next update since September. I have checked your page every day since September for the next installment. I am so sad that its been 8 months and still no update! I'm sure life is busy, but PLEASE don't forget about this story. This isn't "fanfic" this should be published and sold on or something...move over Drew Karpyshyn. ;]
In all seriousness, this story has made my passion for Mass Effect even greater and has enhanced my understanding of the characters. I make every ME fan I come across read your story. Keep it up!
I used to make fun of fanfic...I refused to read it because I could not understand why anyone would write it, let alone read it. Your story has completely changed my mind. I started reading this out of curiosity after hearing about it on the ME forum. I COULD NOT STOP READING. You truly have a deep understanding of the characters - In fact, I daresay you have a BETTER understanding of these characters than the ME creators themselves. I am not kidding. Just reading this story has given me a deeper understanding and greater appreciation. The nuances you picked up, especially regarding Kaidan's reaction to Shepard's return - I seriously get it now and why he acted the way he did in ME2! Its incredible! The humor in the story (I have cried laughing at parts in this story...i.e. Kasumi and Garrus). Tthe totally hot, romantic sexiness that is Shenko. Zaeed as a dirty old man. HA. I like Miranda more after your take on her character. The creation of Decin Numerius? Total brilliance. I love it all! Bioware should hire you for their next ME universe story. Seriously. Send in an application right now. RIGHT NOW.
Now I must say that like a creepy stalker I have been awaiting your next update since September. I have checked your page every day since September for the next installment. I am so sad that its been 8 months and still no update! I'm sure life is busy, but PLEASE don't forget about this story. This isn't "fanfic" this should be published and sold on or something...move over Drew Karpyshyn. ;]
In all seriousness, this story has made my passion for Mass Effect even greater and has enhanced my understanding of the characters. I make every ME fan I come across read your story. Keep it up!
4/12 c87 2Lashadi
Words can't express how much I love this fic. The details, the characters, just the sheer amount of effort...I really hope it gets finished :)
2LashadiWords can't express how much I love this fic. The details, the characters, just the sheer amount of effort...I really hope it gets finished :)
4/9 c65 Kalom
Your story would be ten times better if you would just kill the romance between Kaidan an Shepard. 200k words of how crushed poor Kaidan is are not nearly as entertaining as some would believe.
Your story would be ten times better if you would just kill the romance between Kaidan an Shepard. 200k words of how crushed poor Kaidan is are not nearly as entertaining as some would believe.
3/21 c87 9Eleai
Okay, so, I have literally been to write a review of this for like, a month or whatever, but I'm really lazy and so I haven't. But this piece is phenomenal. Like, I really fucking love it a lot. I have spent way more time than is actually healthy reading and catching up on it, because it's literally perfect.
I absolutely fucking adore all the characters in this piece, but notably your Kaidan and Miranda. I've always kind of been curious about how their interactions would go, and I love the way you portray them. The absolute animosity they have towards each other, and the way they just want to like, absolutely beat the shit out of each other, but also like, have this sort of grudging respect as well. And I love how they work really well together actually, and have so many of the same goals, but then they would rather cut off their own arm than admit it.
I love Kaidan. He's so grounded and stable, but like, I love that you point out how fucking capable he is. That he is a fucking powerful biotic, he's an excellent leader, he's a savvy tech...he's not just a Shepard lacky. He's got a full compliment of his own skills, and I love that he's confident about it. Not arrogant, just aware of what he can do and what he is capable of. And I love that he can't say I love you. For some reason, this really works for me. Maybe because so often people make it Shepard who's the one with more issues, who can't let people in, but honestly, I always saw it being Kaidan. I mean, we don't get a ton of backstory, but I'm thinking Brain Camp ain't gonna leave you squeaky clean.
And I love all the little details of his and Shepard's relationship. Like that he wears a set of her dog tags all the time. "The Look" that she loves so much. The comb she carries in her pocket. Her going to the reparations trials for him. Their conversation after the first Battle of the Citadel, and the resulting picture. The way he catalogs all the scars she does have, and she catalogs all the ones he doesn't. I love how awkward they can be, but how they fit together in a way that just makes sense. I love that you can tell its never been anyone else for them, even though he was dating Lindsay and trying to move on. I love the way biotics and that new connection effects their relationship. I love how natural things seem.
And I love the mirroring you do, the way they reflect each other at different points. And your use of flashbacks. Sometimes stories have clumsy flashbacks, where it feels shoehorned, but I love how seamlessly they work. They are telling the story of a relationship, and it fits together.
Basically, this is my favorite Mass Effect story. I would love more!
9EleaiOkay, so, I have literally been to write a review of this for like, a month or whatever, but I'm really lazy and so I haven't. But this piece is phenomenal. Like, I really fucking love it a lot. I have spent way more time than is actually healthy reading and catching up on it, because it's literally perfect.
I absolutely fucking adore all the characters in this piece, but notably your Kaidan and Miranda. I've always kind of been curious about how their interactions would go, and I love the way you portray them. The absolute animosity they have towards each other, and the way they just want to like, absolutely beat the shit out of each other, but also like, have this sort of grudging respect as well. And I love how they work really well together actually, and have so many of the same goals, but then they would rather cut off their own arm than admit it.
I love Kaidan. He's so grounded and stable, but like, I love that you point out how fucking capable he is. That he is a fucking powerful biotic, he's an excellent leader, he's a savvy tech...he's not just a Shepard lacky. He's got a full compliment of his own skills, and I love that he's confident about it. Not arrogant, just aware of what he can do and what he is capable of. And I love that he can't say I love you. For some reason, this really works for me. Maybe because so often people make it Shepard who's the one with more issues, who can't let people in, but honestly, I always saw it being Kaidan. I mean, we don't get a ton of backstory, but I'm thinking Brain Camp ain't gonna leave you squeaky clean.
And I love all the little details of his and Shepard's relationship. Like that he wears a set of her dog tags all the time. "The Look" that she loves so much. The comb she carries in her pocket. Her going to the reparations trials for him. Their conversation after the first Battle of the Citadel, and the resulting picture. The way he catalogs all the scars she does have, and she catalogs all the ones he doesn't. I love how awkward they can be, but how they fit together in a way that just makes sense. I love that you can tell its never been anyone else for them, even though he was dating Lindsay and trying to move on. I love the way biotics and that new connection effects their relationship. I love how natural things seem.
And I love the mirroring you do, the way they reflect each other at different points. And your use of flashbacks. Sometimes stories have clumsy flashbacks, where it feels shoehorned, but I love how seamlessly they work. They are telling the story of a relationship, and it fits together.
Basically, this is my favorite Mass Effect story. I would love more!
2/28 c87 Guest
heres to hoping everything's ok, been missing your updates :(
heres to hoping everything's ok, been missing your updates :(
2/22 c6 2GarrulousGryffindor
This chapter was aaaamazing. I can totally see Shepard doing this. Absolutely brilliant.
2GarrulousGryffindorThis chapter was aaaamazing. I can totally see Shepard doing this. Absolutely brilliant.
2/16 c87 ejayye
I only discovered the mass effect trilogy a few weeks ago and have become obsessed with it (I've almost but not quite finished all 3). I asked around this week if there were any fics worth delving into, and yours was the first that was recommended. I adore the epic story of the games, but especially all the detail and emotion and philosophy the gamemakers have imbued it with. Your fic has managed to capture that same essence perfectly. I am so, so impressed! Thank you so much for the wonderful read, and for enhancing the world of the games for me in a way I know I shall never forget. Happy writing!
I only discovered the mass effect trilogy a few weeks ago and have become obsessed with it (I've almost but not quite finished all 3). I asked around this week if there were any fics worth delving into, and yours was the first that was recommended. I adore the epic story of the games, but especially all the detail and emotion and philosophy the gamemakers have imbued it with. Your fic has managed to capture that same essence perfectly. I am so, so impressed! Thank you so much for the wonderful read, and for enhancing the world of the games for me in a way I know I shall never forget. Happy writing!
2/7 c59 Guest
I honestly don't have the eloquence to write down what I so desperately want to tell you - but thank you. Thank you for an amazing chapter, amazing characterisations, amazing dialogue and an amazing amazing story.
I honestly don't have the eloquence to write down what I so desperately want to tell you - but thank you. Thank you for an amazing chapter, amazing characterisations, amazing dialogue and an amazing amazing story.
1/17 c87 Ioialoha
I've been going through my story list, cleaning it up a bit, when I realized I hadn't seen an update to this wonderful story in four months! I hope everything is going well IRL and you'll be able to get back to it soon!
I've been going through my story list, cleaning it up a bit, when I realized I hadn't seen an update to this wonderful story in four months! I hope everything is going well IRL and you'll be able to get back to it soon!
1/17 c30 11bluekrishna
Oh. My. God. I have never been so hot for Garrus... And somehow that doesn't shame me in the least. Lol, physics is the kind of dirty talk I can totally get into.
11bluekrishnaOh. My. God. I have never been so hot for Garrus... And somehow that doesn't shame me in the least. Lol, physics is the kind of dirty talk I can totally get into.