1: Mr. Ollivander Starts The Story - Willen's Luck
Aaran,
This is one of those stories I've heard about and noticed for a long time but stayed away from because the summary sounded so different from what I've become accustomed.
Now that I've finally decided to give it a try, though, I'm finding it facinating exactly because it's so different. The level of creativity here is excellent. You've managed to draw a full story (and from looks of things several stories) from one or two extremely tertiary plot points, and seemingly even used Magical Creatures as your main canon source. That's no small feat and I'm definitely impressed, especially as the connections to contemporary canon were so obviously considered.
All in all, I'd label this quite clever so far, though a couple of plot points I'm finding especially interesting. First of all, how is Porto so much further advanced (or, perhaps, how is Britain so backward) magically? Also, how did this group of pre-Romans end up monotheists?. Those are things I'm hoping to see more about later.
So, anyway, good job so far. I'm quite curious to see what you do next, and in a fic that's usually a good sign.
1: Mr. Ollivander Starts The Story - Willen's Luck
The sign says they have been making wands since 382 B.C., not that they've been at Diagon Alley since then. I rather think they started someplace like Greece and this is either just a Diagon Alley branch store (the Wizarding equivalent of J.C. Penney's or Sears) or they moved there later. Nice story, but a bit anachronistic. I'm sorry about conditions in England BC but there was no Gaul at that early time. You are correct that Gaul roughly matches France, but Gaul was the name the Romans gave to that area inhabited byCeltic tribes. So you are using the name about 200 years early. Not to detract from an interesting story with the facts .
"Baldet felt bad about nearly killing a fellow dog lover. He decided to show Willen some mercy and ordered him sent to the dungeon for the rest of his life instead" -- , quite funny.
1: Mr. Ollivander Starts The Story - Willen's Luck
I started reading this quite a while ago, but lost track of it (RL has
a way of interfering at times). And as I tried to find out where
I left off, I discovered I hadn't left any reviews - well, I am going
to right that wrong now. I love a well told story, and this is
wonderful. Willen's luck (blessings in disguise?) is a great
concept, and your explanation for the name of London is a neat
one. Why not? There's no such thing as a coincidence, and
Willen's luck shows that. I look forward to some hours of
enjoying this fine story.
As for the name Ollivander, I never really made the connection to olive wood wand maker, but I do now. Thanks!
1: Mr. Ollivander Starts The Story - Willen's Luck
Nice to see this story on PS ... read it on SQ ... welcome to the archive :)
Needless to say .. everyone should read this story :)
Aaran St Vines Tuesday 19th April 2005 09:26
1: Mr. Ollivander Starts The Story - Willen's Luck (Author Response)
This story is being ungraded, expanded and edited for this posting. The Historical Notes ate being incorporated right from the start. This is a different version of the tale.
1: Mr. Ollivander Starts The Story - Willen's Luck
Wow. This is a richly detailed story, with new people and places. I'm glad for it. Apart from some strange font issue (it kept varing from one to another) I liked the premise and can't wait for more!
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, quite funny.
Very good writing. I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading the rest of the saga. You are a very good writer. Keep up the good work. 