Author: obaona  (signed)
Date posted: 12/16/2002 10:02:16 PM
obaona's Comments:

I've said this before, but this is a wonderful story. Surprising and heartbreakingly sad. :( It's written with such an engrossing style and flare - I just love the imagery.

Every time I read this fic I'm just like 'WOW!' It effects me every time. :)

Fantastic job, Elli. :)

Author: Lady Padme  (signed)
Date posted: 12/17/2002 6:04:10 AM
Lady Padme's Comments:

Great job! So glad to see it in the archives!

Author: Jedi_Johnson
Date posted: 12/17/2002 7:02:54 AM
Jedi_Johnson's Comments:

This still sends chills down my back everytime I ready it. You just write Luke too well. :)

Author: Mcily Nochi  (signed)
Date posted: 12/17/2002 8:33:38 AM
Mcily Nochi's Comments:

This is an astounding piece! It actually reads like the prologue to a very long, dark story, promising much and giving little.

Stunning.

Author: Ecootoo  (signed)
Date posted: 12/17/2002 8:46:31 AM
Ecootoo's Comments:

Very well written. Interesting tactic of having us believe it to be Anakin the whole time. It's a bit of a downer, though...

Author: Emmi Darklighter
Date posted: 12/17/2002 9:44:32 AM
Emmi Darklighter's Comments:

Enchanting, Zellie. You write Luke wonderfully. Enchanting.

Author: galadrielskywalker
Date posted: 12/17/2002 4:33:05 PM
galadrielskywalker's Comments:

That really suprised me. It was a great story.Let's hope that's not a nasty bit of foreshadowing.

Author: Viari Skywalker  (signed)
Date posted: 12/17/2002 5:10:32 PM
Viari Skywalker's Comments:

Wow. That's all I can say really. Your words were so eloquent, the language so beautiful. I had a feeling it was Mara (no I didn't look at the characters list) when you described the red-orange rose, but I wasn't quite sure until the end. Awesome job, the way you mirrored Anakin's probably emotions as he himself turned to the Dark Side. It was amazing how many parallels there were. I could see it going either way - Luke or Anakin. Speaking of which, I wonder what Anakin was thinking as his son turned to darkness? Very sad, very wonderful. Incredible, fantastic job!

Author: Jira
Date posted: 12/17/2002 6:08:15 PM
Jira's Comments:

whoa. That's just....wow. *hug* That was just so chilling and your words flowed together perfectly! You portrayed Luke perfectly and the ending was just great! I can't say much more than that--I'm impressed. Great work!!!! :)

Author: John Takis
Date posted: 12/18/2002 5:47:41 AM
John Takis's Comments:

This didn't quite work for me. Luke has spent his entire life dealing with pain, death, and separation from loved ones ... and almost as much time meditating on the Force. He and Mara acknowledge that their worldbound life together may be interrupted by war, illness, or death ... it's what makes their time together so precious. Luke would grieve -- to be sure -- but Luke, of all people, knows the emptiness of the Dark Side. If Mara were to die, Luke would look for -- and find -- her image reflected in the Light Side of the Force. To do otherwise would be to kill Mara in his heart completely ... to reject her OWN choice of Light over Dark, the very reason she chose HIM. To suggest that Luke would throw it all away is to suggest that his relationship with Mara is merely emotional and superficial, not spiritual and meaningful in a way that transcends life or death. It makes Luke Anakin when the whole POINT of the Star Wars saga is that Luke is NOT Anakin, Luke REDEEMS Anakin. This story has some decent prose (though the "lucky Jedi" quip that opens story serves no purpose), but in terms of character behavior, I was completely unconvinced. Sorry.

Author: Bobill
Date posted: 12/18/2002 7:23:29 PM
Bobill's Comments:

Wow, Vader_incarnate, you really deserved to have this archived! It was amazing! I loved that twist at the end! You really had me thinking that I was reading about Vader! The angel reference, the Skywalker name, the code, it all seemed to fit! But to think that Luke would follow his father's footsteps! As soon as you mentioned that I realized you were right. Definently one of the best viggies I've ever read!

Author: Jenos  (signed)
Date posted: 12/18/2002 11:17:43 PM
Jenos's Comments:

Wow...Great job, V_I! I love it...passed it up on the boards, cos I'd have to catch up (and didn't have that time)...but I just read it here, and it's amazing! Great Job!

(KatarnLead)

Author: Jedimistress
Date posted: 12/19/2002 7:51:41 AM
Jedimistress's Comments:

Awesome story....I love it...the force continues to flow in surprising directions...good job!!!

Author: Andrew Demshuk
Date posted: 12/19/2002 2:11:34 PM
Andrew Demshuk's Comments:

I'm afraid I have to agree with John Takis. Your style works well, but the plot--that Mara, one who symbolized the light, leads Luke to darkness by her death--doesn't work, because it makes Luke just like Anakin. Were this the case, then Luke redeemed Vader in RTJ simply because, as in this work, it struck him at the time as the appropriate course. It denies the larger fiber of the character's being, the motivating factors, the goals. Sorry. Keep writing.

Author: Yoda4982
Date posted: 12/19/2002 11:59:51 PM
Yoda4982's Comments:

YES! V_I you did it, i knew you could. This was great as i said the first time a read it. And to the person who didn't belive this could happen...have you been reading the NJO, every time Luke thinks Mara is going to die he has to supress the Dark Side in him. And he has fallen already, and he is his father's son. Just because he has lost alot, doesn't mean this lose can't push him over the edge. I was conviced, and i think you forgot the term AU. V_I you did a wonderful job, as always, and this was one of the most chilling things i have ever read. Don't listen to those who say it doesn't work, because as we learned, it does.

Author: John Takis
Date posted: 12/20/2002 6:51:29 AM
John Takis's Comments:

Yes, I have been reading the NJO diligently. Yes, Luke would grieve. Yes, he would have to supress Dark Side impulses. That spike of rage and despair that follows tragedy is natural and practically unavoidable. And no, I STILL don't buy him forsaking everything Mara lived and died for and renaming himself "Emperor Vader." What a way to spit on her grave! Tossing aside the persona of a loving husband and assuming the mantle of her abusive ex-master! Sorry, it simply doesn't work. Not like this. You're welcome to disagree, of course.

Author: Lady Verana
Date posted: 12/20/2002 1:37:25 PM
Lady Verana's Comments:

I have to agree with the others, the plot doesnt qork. However, I do love the way you write.

Author: Bant428  (signed)
Date posted: 12/20/2002 2:58:06 PM
Bant428's Comments:

WHOAH!!! Blown away, I am! Greta story! It was hard to tell who was speaking - anakin or luke - which made the story all the more engrossing! a million thmubs up!

Author: Nova
Date posted: 12/20/2002 6:49:06 PM
Nova's Comments:

I didn't like it.

I don't think Luke would have turned to the Dark Side. He watched Obi-Wan die, he experienced his aunt and uncles' deaths, he lived through the death of Biggs, Darth Vader's infamous "I am your father" revelation, Yoda's death, Vader's death, Joruus C'baoth's temptations, he came back from the Dark Side and the clone Palpatine's clutches, stayed in the light when Callista left him, went through Anakin Solo's death, Chewie's death, etc.

He wouldn't have thought of Mara as the only one he had ever loved, nor would he have turned to the Dark Side to avenge her.

Never mind that it never says how she died in the story. Good writing, though, but I didn't like the idea and plot.

Author: vader-incarnate  (signed)
Date posted: 12/20/2002 9:58:15 PM
vader-incarnate's Comments:

Hi, just me the author checking in. ;) Before I start, I'm going to warn you that I'm not the most tactful person in the world, as you may surmise from my s/n. I'm trying, though, to be as diplomatic as possible. Also, a warm and sincere thank you for your praise. :) :D

When I wrote this story, one of my main goals was to make the reader immediately think "Anakin Skywalker". The character list at the beginning kind of takes away from the effect, but it did work a bit, in its own way. Someone dared me to stick a rose into a piece of SW fanfic, and I, to my own despair, don't turn down dares. ;)

When I got this story accepted, I knew that there were going to be people who love it-- and people who hate it. There's not very much room for in-betweens. (And you do, judging from the ratings I've gotten, which I've figured out because I had extra time on my chemistry final. :P) One of my betas told me quite frankly and in no uncertain terms that it wasn't possible. I disregarded that person's advice, went with other betas, got accepted, and got you to read it. ;)

But yes, I know that a lot of you don't find it possible, logical, likely, in-character... I don't know. Everything else that I haven't mentioned, too. The only thing I think of to say is that we have our own different views of the character and of the Force. *shrugs*

Besides, this is my certain point of view. Feel free to have your own. ;)

Author: Cartooncheryl
Date posted: 12/22/2002 10:38:58 PM
Cartooncheryl's Comments:

Yeah, I can see why someone would either love it or hate it. It has a very classic feel to it, this story, that reminds me of things you'd see in Japanese cinema or fairy tales even. Although I can see why some people would be buggered by that, I think they'd be insane, as this was just magnificent! : D !!! The story itself was one I haven't seen before -- powerful and it was totally backed up by the descriptions. It took me back to an episode of Cowboy Bebop (anime show) that had a different storyline to it, but has the same somber feel. Just wonderful!

(Mind you, the only reason I even started out with the why people would hate it part was to be evil and make you wonder if I liked it or not - paying homage to your "is it Anakin this story is about?" storyline! Heee hee!!)

Now, what I wanna know is, will there be more of this? I'd like to see you expand it, tell us what happens next -- does he stay dark and rule the universe? Does he wrestle with his decisions? Or does he chuck it all and go to Eurodisney? : ) Enquiring minds want more!!

Author: Lady in Black
Date posted: 12/23/2002 7:32:49 PM
Lady in Black's Comments:

I really enjoyed this story.I like everyone else, was convinced that this was about Anakin. However, there was one part that bothered me, he said the jedi took him away from everything he loved on tatooine. if i recall the movie correctly, luke's aunt and uncle were killed, so there was nothing left for him there, also, he wanted to have adventures and leave tatooine. now, anakin may fit the taken away by jedi thing a little better, but even he wanted to go, he was angry that he couldn't go bsck, but still, he wanted out. also, i must agree with the other reviewers, the whole point of star wars is that anakin and luke are both offered the same choice, one accepts the dark side the other rejects it. also, even if this was an au, it's still not believable that anking would become a sith, he saw how hard of a life his father lived. he himself suffered by his father's decision. i really doubt he would make the same mistake as his father. however, all in all, i really loved this story, ur writing style is beautiful, but the thing about predicting the weather really had nothing to do with the story.

Author: vader-incarnate  (signed)
Date posted: 12/24/2002 12:15:00 PM
vader-incarnate's Comments:

Firstly, I'm attempting to continue this story on the JC boards. :p Writer's block, the holiday season, and a few other things have conspired against me, though. ;) But... happy endings make me smile. :)

Secondly, the thing about predicting the weather. *shrugs* The way I see it, you can see it as either a hook dragging the reader into the story (*cough*blamemyenglishteacher*cough*) or as a part of the general imagery. Call it a darkish foretelling of the future, it you will. ;) Because Force only knows what I have in mind to do with my dear characters.

Author: J'oth Pzaug
Date posted: 12/31/2002 9:37:12 AM
J'oth Pzaug's Comments:

Even though I, personally, don't think Luke would turn to the Dark Side, I loved the story! Very interesting idea. *Emperor Vader* was perfect, and the setting of the story (among the dark towers, with the crumbling gravestones, pouring down rain, in a forgotten cemetery on Coruscant) added to the emotions of sadness, despair, and loneliness. As soon as I finished reading your story, my thoughts were 'What about Ben?' and 'Does Luke fight any of his own Jedi, or family?' Please write a sequel!!!

Author: Anakin'sGurl
Date posted: 1/1/2003 10:39:56 AM
Anakin'sGurl's Comments:

I was not able to truly undersand it, being that I have not read the stories taking place after Ep. 6. It was however, very well written and painful. Rather poetic, too. Great job.

Author: Curch_Denas
Date posted: 1/2/2003 9:56:30 AM
Curch_Denas's Comments:

This was interesting, but I can't see Luke turning it over to the dark side just because of Mara's death. Plus he has always been my favorite character next to OB1, so I have to pull for him staying on the light side. Hey, but it was a great story anyway, no doubt about that!

Author: Nol-Tel-Sete
Date posted: 1/3/2003 10:00:13 AM
Nol-Tel-Sete's Comments:

The story was well written and the imagory was excellent. I do believe that your vision ofthe future of the Skywalker is off. He will be tempted many time and will never faulter forthe will of the force is still strong with in him. And there is one other thing he was never tought the code of the Jedi they way it was exspressed in this fan fic. This is just my thoughts. and as always May the force be with you.

Author: jade gold  (signed)
Date posted: 1/10/2003 5:18:04 PM
jade gold's Comments:

Great story. I had to go back and read it again because I thought I had missed something that pointed to Luke and Mara, not Anakin and Amidala. Way to play.

Author: StarWarsGirl
Date posted: 1/12/2003 9:33:41 PM
StarWarsGirl's Comments:

Was impressed by this well written story. Still unconvinced, as others, that Luke would ever turn to the dark side. Unlike Anakin, his father, he was more in charge of his emotions and subsequent decisions.

Author: JediPug1  (signed)
Date posted: 1/28/2003 8:42:38 PM
JediPug1's Comments:

This was an amazing story. Luke has always been my favorite and you have written him very well here. The parallels drawn between Anakin and Luke having lost everything and seeing the dark side as their salvation (whether that was done by you intentionally or not) are very striking. They say "like father, like son" and you illustrate that well.

Author: Master_MJade
Date posted: 1/30/2003 10:27:50 AM
Master_MJade's Comments:

Wow!!!!

great foreboding... awesome..

Author: DropkickJake
Date posted: 1/31/2003 8:28:33 PM
DropkickJake's Comments:

that was most excellent!

really good

could be the begining of a great story

Author: SudenKäpälä  (signed)
Date posted: 2/16/2003 6:12:44 AM
SudenKäpälä's Comments:

This story has recieved both very positive and critical response. First, i'd like to say that the reasons for the criticism are fairly accurate - as in, i agree that this story could never have happened. Luke would not have thought this way over Mara's grave. BUT! That is exactly the point of AU! The character's actions do not correspond to his previously set, canon behaviour and mental heritage. But this is, obviously, a 'what if'-scenario. And as such, I love it! Indeed it was well written, beautifully imaged and imagined, and certainly the plot works if you look at it from outside the set parameters and allow for poetic licence. I understand the criticism, I just don't think it's justified regarding this clearly very alternate story. People who don't like to read this kind of stuff, should perhaps consider reading only 'canon' stories. Without character change, there would BE no AU - because then all characters make all the same decisions. Still, all of the reviewers were pretty 'convinced' of your writing style (including me, obviously!), so that also tells us a bit. Keep going!

Author: Princess Beccerz  (signed)
Date posted: 2/19/2003 8:36:46 AM
Princess Beccerz's Comments:

Oh my gosh, vader, this is amazing! i cried when i read it. keep writing!

~Beccerz~

Author: Ani's girl  (signed)
Date posted: 3/1/2003 8:22:03 PM
Ani's girl's Comments:

I loved the way the "dark figure" was expressed. The detailed imagery of his pain was written so well.I also liked the shock twist in the end. Thinking it was Anakin, i was able to understand the darkness able to enslave him. After finding out it was Luke, definetely made me think, that Vader's son can hold pure darkness, just like his father. Greatly written, defenitely needs a SEQUEL!!

Author: Tavae Themisal
Date posted: 4/3/2003 3:27:08 AM
Tavae Themisal's Comments:

Very well done. At first I thought it was Anakin, however my suspicoius mind jumped to the other conclusion about half way through. Great visuals. I really would like to see what happens in the aftermath.(evil grin)

Author: Elizabeth...hum, am I?
Date posted: 5/12/2003 11:58:23 AM
Elizabeth...hum, am I?'s Comments:

I don't think Luke would ever cross to the dark-side, BUT, if he did, this is how it would happen. The writing here is this pieces best feature. The flow and inner-thoughts contain heavy depth, and while...like I said...this isn't really Luke's style, you almost have me believing it. Almost :)

Author: Darth_Pepsi
Date posted: 6/21/2003 3:45:45 PM
Darth_Pepsi's Comments:

Wow...

Author: WMCoolmon
Date posted: 6/26/2003 12:43:15 AM
WMCoolmon's Comments:

Very good twist there, up until Mara's name was revealed I was pretty sure it was Anakin, not Luke.

Author: JediMasterMariana
Date posted: 9/11/2003 3:00:04 PM
JediMasterMariana's Comments:

I actually thought that it was Anakin greiving over Padmé but when I saw that it said "Mara Jade Skywalker" I was so surprised to see that it was Luke and not Anakin!

Author: Khameirsith
Date posted: 4/6/2004 7:27:10 AM
Khameirsith's Comments:

NO NO NO NO!!! you left me hanging!!! Incredibly intro, then just stopped!! Finish plz!! :D I want to see what happens ..grrr lol

Author: Lost Jedi
Date posted: 1/30/2005 5:45:29 PM
Lost Jedi's Comments:

That was sad :( I liked it though. You did a really good job of showing us and not just telling us. I could really picture what was going on!

Author: Melara Skywalker
Date posted: 3/4/2005 7:04:50 PM
Melara Skywalker's Comments:

I totally agree with Lady Verana, exactly what i was going to say.

Author: Seri1
Date posted: 5/26/2007 9:28:49 AM
Seri1's Comments:

Wow. And since Sacrifice has come out, very relevant.

Author: Amy
Date posted: 9/21/2007 2:17:04 AM
Amy's Comments:

Stunning.