Aight, I'm super late with this, but as they say, better late than never? Reviews should make an author happy no matter when. (:

First of all about the genre: dark / angst / hurt/comfort is generally very difficult to write, I find. If you write too much, you might fall into the trap of exaggeration, or, even worse, clichés; if you don't write enough, you might not convey the sort of shock you wish to, and when you write the perfect amount, you still need to choose the best, most powerful words to really achieve the sort of effect you'd like to. This is difficult. Wanted to say this because of your "I don't think it's terrible, but I don't think it's the best either." self-criticism: it's important to acknowledge what sort of tree you started to climb.

But of course, I don't need to worry about words when it comes to you! Should've learnt that long time ago. Aside from the extremely vivid and strong words you choose to work with (I don't think I need to swoon over them again, right?), you pretty much went naturalism here. Which was unexpected, interesting and very capturing. Many, many authors simply fail at describing a warlike situation; either because of lack of experience, empathy, relevant knowledge on wars, or simply just focusing on the "big" things like shooting someone, and not paying attention to such details you did, like blisters on palm or the way someone bleeds to death. I suppose not even I can really grasp what it's like to see so much blood... :')

Then the topic itself you chose was particularly ... supernatural, and thus more difficult to grasp. It's one thing to describe an event that we could've experienced ourselves as well, it's another thing to grab a situation that's unlikely to ever happen and is pure symbolism anyway, and still write about it in such way that it's believable - and further, enjoyable. 'Grats on that.

And to say a bit about concrete things... I loved Russia. And that's a big deal because he happens to be on the list of my favourite Hetalia characters and he is rarely well-written. He is often too cruel, or too kind, or irrationally irrational (because you can and should find rational patterns in his psycho self!), or simply just too focused on sex - eh, this happens to be a general problem with Hetalia fandom. Anyway. I really liked how he ruled General Winter and declared how he's still in power (that was the only foreshadowing I noticed, but it was mostly history), how he pretty much dominated the bones out of General Winter, and how he is still very strict, intimidating and serious with France - but also not ruthless. That was beautiful, even if the story itself ended with the word "defeat", which is not particularly positive. I think I loved Russia the most in this, though France was a perfect subject for this point of view. Besides, I like it when people write him as a strong character (I find he is one) rather than a silly-horny man always in love. It's over-exaggerating a trait that is meant to be humorous. I'm so glad you saw through that facade.

This was probably the first good fanfiction I have read that involved General Winter, and also definitely one of the best angsty Hetalia stories. It has spent down shivers on the spine, and given me all the goosebumps. So it achieved what a terrifying fanfiction should. Maybe you haven't found your comfort zone in it, because hey, it's Hetalia, but nevertheless, it turned out pretty great, and even if it's a bit difficult for you to write in your less preferred fandom, it could be an interesting exercise? I hope you enjoyed writing it as much as I enjoyed reading.

Thank you so much for this. :) I mean it.

Much love.

It's kind of sad this fic has no reviews! So here have one

;3

-Ran