Reviews for The War Privateer

Reviews For: The War Privateer - Reviews: Page 1 of 8

Akane Sasaki 2008-05-29 ch 20,	abuse=) Oh this chapter was very entertaining with all the clever-talk and trickery and deceit. Many funny lines too, some of my favorites being "..had a moment of abstracted envy that this brute owned such a lovely gun.." and the last line. He’s landed in quite a scary situation, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he’s gonna be able to get himself out of it! Everything he’s tried so far seems very in character – you’re doing such a great job. I wish I had a quick mind like him when I was his age! And don’t worry, I do intend on finishing this story, although I’m just not sure about my reading pace. I’ve taken in a number of war/doom/gloom literature and media, so it doesn’t necessarily intimidate me. Especially yours since you manage to add drops of humor every now and then, and you tend to play more with words and imagery so it’s not a scene of pure carnage. I just wasn’t feeling well the other day when I was reading Ch. 19. In fact, the only thing that’s intimidating me is the thought of Anna being a part of all this forthcoming darkness and destruction =( That and Ruthy’s tongue – yeck, poor Ffamran!!
Akane Sasaki 2008-05-26 ch 19,	abuseOh, my heart feels heavy… This was a difficult chapter to read. You described the scene of destruction, the victims’ suffering, and (my favorite) the stifling Mist with usual magnificence. I cowardly admit though that I quickened my reading pace during the detailed passages of blood, screams, and desperation mostly because I’m a bit drained at the moment, and my mind doesn’t have the energy to completely digest it without reacting like Guido. “…undead that rose like limp-stringed marionettes…” very haunting. Although, I have to say that Balthier’s shooting of the victims made me pause momentarily and slow down. It almost seemed like a reflex for him as he did so “mechanically” and “methodically” and “calmly”. It makes me worry about his state of mind, and I like how it’s mentioned that he needs Fran to be there to help ease the shock and confusion inside him. I really liked the references made to Archades. There were some amusing passages, including Nono’s instant declaration of innocence and Balthier’s “few quick acts of mental arithmetic, didn’t like the answers and so ignored the mathematical certainties that he was indeed about to get them all killed”. You’ve handled this event very well; I only wish I had the stomach to appreciate it fully at the moment (Today’s unusual scorching hot and humid weather does not help -.-)
Akane Sasaki 2008-05-21 ch 18,	abuseOh, I am excited by the end of this chapter – the adventure begins! My favorite part was the beginning, as Ffamran reminisced about his childhood, then when he stood up to his father and left with relative simplicity. It really shows that he has thought of leaving for a long time now, and has had enough of his father’s antics that he just wants to simply leave. “there was nothing left for him in Archades” pretty much summed it up. At “‘I have a prior engagement.’ Ffamran heard himself say” my eyes instinctively scanned the lines below for ‘Anna’ – I’m such a sucker for romance, especially after such a wonderful Chapter 16 =) The effect of Ruthy’s intimidating persona on Ffamran was very amusing, and it was interesting to see how quickly the bold, confident boy slipped away as he boarded the ship.
Akane Sasaki 2008-05-21 ch 17,	abuseOh poor Balthier! Since the beginning, he has been afraid of Fran leaving him and now it’s finally come true. But I like how she left a scar in his flesh and... I want to say that it seems his sense of freedom or sense of his Balthier-self has now been ‘scarred’. The fact that he momentarily compares himself to Ffamran is significant, and suggests to me that among other things, Fran was a huge reason why he was able to separate himself from his former self and pursue this new pirating lifestyle. Now that she's gone, I would assume he feels very unstable and insecure as her presence had a great impact on him, her abandonment would have an even greater one. It is for this reason that I personally feel the ending of this chapter was a /little/ bit rushed. The beautiful and delicate scene you had created between Balthier and Fran by the fountain was so deeply explored, finely detailed, and very poignant. I feel that something as big as her sudden outburst and abandonment creates such a stark contrast to the events of the previous night, and it should have been explored to a greater extent than Balthier's simple "What was done, was done" after a heartbreaking realization that "he would likely never see her again." (I know he's trying to be tough but he tends to bend the rules a bit whenever it comes to Fran anyway.) It just seems like he’s given up too quickly after all these past chapters of him going nearly paranoid that Fran would leave him. However, I am willing to admit that my opinion on this is probably heavily biased by my love of the BalFran pairing and that this chapter was absolutely perfect ^.^ I hope we get to see how Fran’s brief (hopefully, for the poor boy’s sake) absence will affect him, particularly if it has any affect on his self-identity issues or maturity/self-reliance, as he still seems a bit boyish than in the game. (Haha, I am very relieved you’ve given me the clearance on long babbling reviewing =))
Akane Sasaki 2008-05-20 ch 16,	abuseOh I was about to stop for the day, truly! But a sneak peak at your author's note.. and how can I refuse a revisit from Anna? =) The abundance of flirtatious exchanges was a nice escape from the madness, misery, and desperation that’s been recently surrounding Ffamran. It’s the first time we see him act this way and I’m glad that it’s with a girl like Anna, quite ladylike and a sweetheart. I do hope she reappears again. I found it interesting that what I assume to be Ffamran’s second kiss ever (I adore his anti-social characterization) came off, at least to me, less a means of releasing primitive lust or teenage curiosity, but rather, it seemed to be more so one of the defining moments underlining the boundaries of his dual personality. The fact that he felt it ‘was not but should be Ffamran’s kiss’ and felt like “a passive participant within his body, a spectator watching his life and his choices slowly taken from him” colors Ffamran as a boy who has become unfortunately too wrapped up in understanding himself that he can’t enjoy innocent, mundane pleasures – something that would presumably escalate in the coming days before his bold escape/definitive rebellion. I like to think that is the reason why “He wanted to hold onto this moment, as he somehow knew that he would never have another like it.” I am terribly sorry for this long review. I tend to babble endlessly about something I really like even if it is completely pointless and bores. (Probably explains why I’ve taken such a liking to Anna ;))
Akane Sasaki 2008-05-20 ch 15,	abuseI really should stop this unusual (at least in recent memory) rampant streak of reading and return to my studies, but there’s an addictive quality to this story that I easily give into the temptation of looking at the world through Balthier’s ever entertaining perspective. My favorite moment has to be Fran’s comment: ‘I was once Viera, Balthier, always I hear the words you do not say.’ Although the detailed account of Balthier’s allergy woes comes very close.
Akane Sasaki 2008-05-20 ch 14,	abuse(I accidently pressed submit for my Chapter 13 review and didn't get to complete it): Loved the deeper exploration into Fran and Balthier's relationship in this chapter. The line: "he did not own the words that could explain to her his feelings" nearly broke my heart. I really like the ambiguity of their relationship; balanced between being professional, unromantic, and purely platonic, and yet they complete each other so well that you can't help but wonder (and hope) if there's more to it. "..while the tailor himself hovered close by expectantly, as tailors generally did whenever Balthier was around." -- was terribly amusing. As for this chapter, I particularly enjoyed the fight that was “too undignified to describe in full” and Balthier’s high class upbringing clashing with Raz and Jules. It was a very entertaining and fun chapter to read, to say the least.
Akane Sasaki 2008-05-20 ch 13,	abuseHaha the notion of the fired up Moogles in the Lhusu Mines was hilarious.
Akane Sasaki 2008-05-20 ch 12,	abuse‘I mean ‘ere I am just some alley scum all cosy like with the son of Archades greatest scientific mind bringin’ me my brekkie.’ Oh I never would have thought of it that way! Very clever remark. There's not much for me to say about this chapter -- I liked everything about it.. If I had to point out particularities, it would be Ffamran's sneaky manual reading and the painted pastel sky.
Akane Sasaki 2008-05-20 ch 11,	abuseI would've assumed a man like Balthier would be quite fond of mirrors, but I like your explaination much better and it's a bit bittersweet to see that he is still reminded of his former self; it's almost become an obsession and manifested in the way he constantly keeps his appearance sharp and clean. It seems to be one of his few fears, but a great one at that. Great chapter.
Akane Sasaki 2008-05-20 ch 10,	abuse:D Favorite chapter so far. Everything about it I loved, Anna's characterization, Ffamran's slow but progressing change in attitude.. There's such a huge feeling of anticipation by the end of this chapter to see him escape. The line about the lady looking like a blimp left me in giggles. And the scene of him looking up at the passing airship above reminded me so much of Vaan. Oh, Ffamran, I just want to hug him.
Akane Sasaki 2008-05-20 ch 9,	abuseLOL. I found this fight scene to be rather amusing and it's great to see how the two fight together, side by side. My favourite part has to be Fran's move in the end.
Akane Sasaki 2008-05-20 ch 8,	abuse"Ffamran's lacklustre objection that his penmenship really wasn't very good had fallen on deaf ears." Haha, that seems like something he would do. I particularly enjoyed his thoughts on being surrounded by madmen. And a surprise to meet Hamish here, the same man from the prologue? I'm proud Ffamran got the guts to speak up against Gabranth; it's great to see him slowly mature and become more confident. Another great chapter.
Akane Sasaki 2008-05-20 ch 7,	abuseThere are some parts of this story I'm confused with, but it's most likely due to the fact that I'm confused with the game's storyline itself. It actually makes me feel guilty that I'm unable to grasp the full plot, and I know you've done well to keep it in line with the game's events. Hopefully it will make more sense as I continue to read. Thanks for your reply! I think it's great that you have such intricate histories created for your characters as it reflects well in your work. I'll try to continue reviewing as many chapters as I can – you write each one rich with great dialogue and beautiful lines, the least I can do is offer my thoughts =D
LuvDuchess 2008-05-19 ch 39,	abuseomg it's 4am and I'm beat...great story nonetheless

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