Another wonderful chapter!

Buckthorn is famed for his skills as a Bobstone player and it's nice to show him using those skills to protect Justin and his friends from this new threat. I found Justin's frustration at losing every Bobstone game in a row quite amusing.

The depiction of Hufsa was quite chilling. You sure made him a cruel and sadistic villain, even more than his book counterpart. He sure holds a grudge against El-ahrairah for making him look like a fool in the world of the living! His brutal approach of using enchanted vines to constrict and dismember the Watership rabbits, as well as slowly turning Hazel and Buckthorn to stone, was horrific! Just listening to his sick tainting made me want to use that saber of his and slice him up piece by piece!

Interesting take how Hufsa uses human numbers to make the game impossible for Buckthorn to win, while using his dark powers to read his opponent's mind. A dirty cheater, to say the least! But I'm glad Justin was able to use his powers, even without hias cross to help Buckthorn. You, my friend have made wonderful use of even the most intimate details of the Watership Down stories in combination with your own ideas, which makes your story a beautiful tie-in to Adams' works. Well done!

On a side note, i liked the little mention of Buckthorn once having a doe at Sandleford, which he lost to a rival. Just for the record, this wasn't where i got the idea for the Violet/Buckthorn ship in my story - i just got the names confused and when i realized it, it was already too late to correct it, so I added a subplot of her being Buckthorn's mate before falling for Bluebell.

Overall, a wonderful chapter and I'll soon be reviewing the next one. I've also uploaded chapters 39 and 40 of Beyond, just to let you know.

All the best!

Greetings Rogue!

thank you very much for your review on Beyond. About time I posted mine too.

An interesting take in this chapter. Up to this point, all of Elil-rah's attempts on Justin's life, including the Efrafans, elil, natural phenomena manipulated by supernatural powers, Lord Brock, serpents and what else, were when our heroes are all wide awake; but now, the threat comes from within their dreams too. They never catch a break, do they?

Interesting description how those rabbit 'ghosts' weren't really ghosts, but rather leftover fragments of their tortured souls left drifting aimlessly for eternity after the 'good' part of their souls has passed on. Venting their rage and pain on Justin and then using the trapped Speedwell as bait to taunt him was cruel. But I'm glad Justin was able to come up with the idea of facing them in pure spirit form, to save his friend. As always, the power of love and friendship triumphs over evil...

I have to admit, this chapter was a bit confusing at first, given that a great number of animals in the Land Beyond Life certainly seemed to retain their evil sides after death, starting with Elil-rah's minions, most of which have joined his side out of greed, hate or just lust for power. But, like Fiver said, with Elil-rah on the loose in this realm, his evil power has, in essence, reawakened that dormant evil that lurks within the soul, making them vulnerable to temptation and sin, like all humans back in the real world, so I guess that figures.

I especially like how you even weave into this WD timeline characters and plot details of other fanfics, as well as the books and films, including Stitchwort and Fescue from Loganberry's Blackavar's Gift. I remember reading about those two going insane, trying to kill Hazel and Pipkin and then committing suicide... Nice tie-in.

Reading this story again after all these years sure brings back a lot of memories of how I wanted to contribute something of my own to the site once I'd finished reading this for the first time. Too bad my first attempt with Lagomorphic Reincarnation was a bust... Maybe someday I will be able to rewrite it proper.

Anyway, a job well done and a great pleasure to read. I'll review the next chapter as soon as I can. At least, I've finally got some time off for the rest of the summer to upload updates and review a few stories. Planet of the Rats has also been updated, just to let you know.

See yeah!

All the best,
Alex

Greetings Rogue!

Sorry it's been a long while since I last reviewed but I have been very busy prior to the holidays. Anyways, on to reviewing the chapter.

I always had the impression that Blackberry, despite his brilliant mind and ingenuity, somewhat disapproved of Justin being in the land beyond life because he's a human, despite their mission to save El-ahrairah. Now, it finally comes out and he insults Justin.

While I can understand that Blackberry is only thinking like any sensible rabbit would; humans are indeed always meant to be one of the Thousand and a threat to animals and nature as a whole, and yes, Justin is an exception to the rule here, it was still real cruel on his part, even if it was the harsh truth. However, if I remember correctly, Blackberry lost his father and siblings to Man, which led him to relying on his mind to protecting himself and his friends, so I can sympathise with him. His flashback talks with El-ahrairah show how there was one very important lesson to learn: a good mind is a good thing, but a good heart is even more important, not something misleading, as Blackberry put it. I'm glad in the end it worked out fine for the both of them.

On a side note, this chapter was of great inspiration to me when I wrote New World, giving my Blackberry a similar negative attitude towards humans coming into their world, when he accuses Alan of bringing Robbins' wrath upon them. I remember you mentioned in one of your reviews about when Woundwort meets Alan for the first time, that the human/rabbit co-existence Alan envisioned was unnatural, even if it was a noble dream (I changed that scene a little in the latest proof-read). The difference however is that those aren't ordinary rabbits, but rather intelligent beings that now share the dominance of the Earth with humans; likewise, the WD rabbits in your story have been changed by Frith so they can befriend and help the Cross Bearer on his journey. True friendship can be a very complicated thing sometimes.

The part with Nekas was absolutely chilling. Personally, I have a bad phobia of snakes so I wouldn't set foot into that cave even if someone had held a gun to my head. Nasty thing, its hypnosis powers, considering it took out three Owsla rabbits in one go. By the way, is it just me or is Nekas based off Kaa from the Jungle Book? Or is Nekas another character from Adams' books that I missed out on? Justin and Blackberry using the reflection of the water to blind Nekas was brilliant, as was the flash-flood to drive the snake away. It sure put Blackberry's beautiful mind to the test, so he may do his duty and protect Justin.

Overall, this was another wonderful chapter and I can't wait to find the time to sit down and review the next one. Hopefully, there won't be such a long wait this time. By the way, I've also updated Beyond and NIMH if you're still interested.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

All the best,
Alex

Once again, I'm back!

This chapter is unquestionably one of the best in the whole story. Pipkin is one of the most innocent and loving characters in Watership Down, albeit somewhat of a 'filler character' as Justin points out, so it's really nice seeing him in a lead role for a change.

His bond with Justin is really sweet; although he's a rabbit and humans are supposedly their worst natural enemy, he's still curious and wants to know more about the human world Justin comes from - although i'm not exactly sure whether his character here is exactly canon to his characterization the original novel, with regards to having a human friend that is. Still, you've fleshed him to be an amazing and loving character. I actually based the Pipkin in New World on his depiction here, making him real close to Alan from early on.

His lifelong dream of wanting to be able to fly like a bird is quite intriguing and i'm glad he finally got his wish. Indeed, with his new wings he fits perfectly the role of Justin's guardian angel looking out for his safety in a time of peril.

And we now meet Lord Brock. Looks like he's still the conning, sly brute El-ahrairah and Rabscuttle met when they were alive, now another of Elil-rah's minions. Although it seems, unlike the other villains, his loyalties only lie with his own ambitions. The entire sequence of ambushing the Watership Owsla up on the mountain, threatening to send them plummeting to their deaths and the ensuing chase was brutish and chilling. Very touching by the way the part with Justin comforting Pipkin when Lord Brock was about to kill them and Pipkin's loving tears of dispair ultimately saving them both. True love and friendship of the heart are always much stronger than physical strength or brutality, as wise men say...

And Lord Brock gets his just deserts. A real cruel punishment to be left to rot for all eternity in that entrapment, especially knowing you'll never die and relieve your suffering, but, then again, Lord Brock had it coming. One might say he brought it all upon himself. Although i suspect we might not have seen the last of his yet...

On to the next chapter!

Alex

P.S. Beyond and Planet of the Rats have just been updated, just to let you know...

Hallo Rogue,

my sincere apologies for the long delay in reviewing but I have been having a really hectic summer so far, trying to adjust to Greece going bankrupt and putting my job in jeopardy... Anyways, on to the review.

You did a pretty good job writing those little flashback sequences of Silver's traumatic background to compare against Justin's own difficult childhood. I don't know whose teeth I ought to punch out first - the Threarah's or Justin's father? In particular, it was sad to see the Threarah, bitter from dying like fool at Sandleford while Silver was wise enough to leave when he did, still resented his nephew in the afterlife. And Hawkbit's big-mouthed remarks - even if he didn't really mean it - certainly didn't help things in the slightest. Although I suppose he got his comeuppance in the end from Bigwig...

Quite ingenious to use Scree from the WD TV series as another of Elil-rah's minions - although, in contrast to some of the other antagonists, at least he did find some kind of redemption in the end. I do hope the hawks deserting their master won't bring Elil-rah's wrath upon them when he finds out...

I remember when I first read this story years ago, at a time when I was new to fanfiction and still had no online account or stories of my own, not to mention it was my first look at Watership Down in almost a decade, it gave me the inspiration for New World - I simply added a few extra details, like the bitterness between nephew and uncle stemming from Silver's mother dying from White Blindness... Rereading the story today sure brings back fond memories of how I found my call in creative writing...

On to the next chapter!

All the best,
Alex

Finally, I'm back once again!

The journey is moving on and now it's Hawkbit's turn to be in the spotlight. Bigwig's attitude towards Hawkbit, although meant to be more of a comic relief than anything else, was bound to push them both to breaking point soon or later. As you put it, Hawkbit's sarcasm and Bigwig's short-temperedness are a dangerous combination. Still, it was nice to see how Hazel, being the leader of the group, sometimes has to struggle to keep the peace among his friends even if Hawkbit's attitude is seriously trying his patience. Unfortunately, even a leader has to deal with such situations sometimes, otherwise the entire unity of the group will quickly break apart...

Showing Justin trying to cheer Hawkbit up was equally heart-warming, particularly the part with him saying he would always accept Hawkbit for what he was, even with his misgivings - and personally, I can imagine just how lifeless the spirit of the group would be without him. Too bad Bigwig tries to spoil it again at the first given opportunity, by ordering Hawkbit to carry Justin. Why do I get the idea that Bigwig actually enjoys being Hawkbit's living nightmare every time he gets aggravated?

Justin (referring to WDTNW): "Did you know another fan of your story once hinted that Bigwig is actually desperately in love with you Hawkbit, huh? He thinks you're sooooo dreamy..."

Hawkbit and Bigwig, looking outraged: "SHUT UP!"

All the others kill themselves laughing...

The introduction of Blood Whitetail and the Wolfen Gale was quite a challenge for the heroes and I'm glad to see Hawkbit saved the day for once. Although I get the sneak suspicion that Bigwig will not let him enjoy the spotlight for long... Also, I should point out that, realistically speaking, a dust devil blowing powerfully enough to pin a human being down would have the force of a blasting sand gun, which would have literally sandpapered the skin clean off Justin and Hawkbit within seconds, killing them or, at the very least, horribly mutilate them. Then again, I suppose a storm that has a mind of its own doesn't exactly apply the same physics...

I sincerely hope Blood Whitetail enjoys his banishment to the farthest corners of the Land Beyond Life. Much more than what the sly little scoundrel deserved...

On to the next chapter!

By the way, I've updated Beyond the New World, with Planet of the Rats soon to follow.

Once again, I'm back!

Acorn's backstory of growing a mere outskirter at Sandleford and then for his new life on Watership Down to be cut short so soon was heart-breaking to read. Although, strictly speaking, he was only a filler rabbit in the original story, seeing things from his perspective here was sad all the same. Hawkbit's sarcastic remarks about Acorn were actually quite mean, even if he meant no offence by it. And if I remember correctly, Acorn had a harsh life back in the real world, as revealed later on in the story... You actually flesh out a minor character into someone more important, with meaning and purpose.

His bonding with Justin was real touching, particularly after Justin managed to transform himself into a clone of Acorn. They sure made a good team when Volgamass and his army of weasels dragged them off - even more so with Justin summoning a whole army of Acorn clones to fight the enemy. Although, once again, I do think having the weasels using human weapons and armour does seem a little out of place in this story... And those two weasels, Sneezewort and Lousewort, interesting how they are based off the rat characters from the Rapscallion Army in Brian Jacques' The Long Patrol (I think I'll order a copy of that book when I have the time)

The final scene with Justin conjuring a stash of flayrah as a reward for Acorn was quite neat, and hilarious when Hawkbit ended up accidentally provoking Bigwig's temper by throwing a cabbage in his face, meant for Acorn instead. Oh well, at least that might make Bigwig forget punishing Justin and Acorn later on when he becomes human again...

Your story is a great pleasure to read again after several years, and now being more familiar with the original material it is based on. At times, it feels almost as if I'm actually reading it for the first time... Anyways, off to the next chapter!

Until next time then!

All the best,
Alex

Hello. My name is Jacob and I read this story one time through. I liked it, however it's not my type of Christian fiction (I'm a Baptist). It made me realize that I can do more for this world, and here I am, eleven years after this story was published (as a 16 year-old), writing my own Christian fiction on Fictionpress (called "Okami". Written by CardMaster123.).

I liked the idea back in ninth grade when I liked the story. After finishing it, I decided to wipe this story from my mind for reasons I don't recall.. or at least attempt to. With God's help, I realize that my writing can never be like yours- I can only write the way I write because everyone has their own unique style of writing. No one is the same.

My original fiction is coming along strongly with a compelling story about a human suffering amnesia, transforming into a wolf, and being stuck in a realm filled with human-hating, superpowered animals. It stresses friendship, forgiveness, getting through hardships, and the fact that "you can change; it doesn't matter what deeds you've committed, good or bad. Forgiveness comes to all."

This fiction, though it is not my favorite (along with the fact that I don't agree with some actions in some chapters) and I may not read this for the rest of my life (I'm not trying to say that it was a bad story, It's just not my cup of tea...), but anyway.
This fanfiction has changed my life for the better and I thank you for that.

God bless you,
- Jacob.

Hey, Rogue, I'm back!

So, the journey continues, but not without new incidents, including fighting amongst themselves. Although Bigwig was indeed going too far with his over-protectiveness, and to some extent Justin as well, it clearly shows how an inside conflict in a time of danger can easily tare a group apart, as well as work to the enemy's advantage. But it was good to see that Justin's true feelings for Bigwig won out in the end, ruining Zadnir's plans, just as Fiver foresaw in his vision. By the way, nice touch of making King Darzin a lion, which is the symbolic king of all animals.

Elil-rah apparently somehow knew of things falling apart among the group, so he sent another of his spies along to seize the opportunity. The whole part of Zadnir joining the oblivious group as a spy and an assassin was well played out. If I didn't know the story already, I might have actually thought he was indeed no enemy at all, until he showed his true colours. Frankly, if I were Justin, I would have left that backstabbing rascal to his misery, although I guess Justin is not the kind of characters I usually come up with...

Using cats with magical, high-pitched singing to incapacitate the Watership rabbits was quite interesting, although rather witch-like. These cats weren't inspired from any of Adams' works, were they?

So, King Darzin has remained a sworn enemy of El-ahrairah even in the afterlife, and become another minion of Elil-rah. This gradual revelation of what each character in the Watership Down universe has become in this afterlife realm is truly playing out nicely, always staying true to their canon personalities and backstories, making the story a good tie-in to Adams' original work. I wonder if he ever did get round to reading it...

On a side note, I was a bit surprised to read that some rabbits we knew from the book, like Toadflax, Scabious and even Blackavar chose to live as hlessil in the afterlife. Blackavar, in particular, I would have thought would have preferred to stick with the Watershipers, after the final battle with Efrafa brought them close together...

Another encounter has come and gone, and now the long journey continues. Unfortunately, it might take a little while before I get round to reading the next chapter, as I have fallen behind on my own stories, as well as working on a busy timetable at work.

Looking forward to hearing from you again soon!

All the best,
Alex

The journey to reach El-ahrairah's warren with Justin has started...and Elil-rah hasn't wasted any time in sending more of his minions to do whatever it takes to prevent the rabbits of Watership Down from accomplishing their mission.

I like how you're fleshing out most of the minor characters introduced briefly in Tales, and making them the main antagonists in each separate confrontation our characters have with El-ahrairah's minions. It really does add depth to the Watership Down universe. By the way, when I told Adams about Cross Bearer, and how the characters of several of his stories are brought together, he was interested, yet was slightly confused as to how you can link up his work as a whole into this one universe. As he pointed out, he never intended his stories to be interconnected like this. I wonder if he ever read the copy I sent him...

Veil Guplea tainting Campion with his illusion powers was downright cruel, especially given how the shadow of Woundwort over Campion, even in this afterlife, obviously isn't his fault. I've always thought that Campion was something of a scapegoat by most rabbits who had witnessed the cruelty of Efrafa and Woundwort, which is not what he deserves, given how deep down, he always was a rabbit with a warm heart. I also like how you flesh him out similarly to the TV series, where his character is explored the best, at least in my opinion...

Good thing to see that vile king of rats getting his just deserts, without causing any real harm. But, Bigwig does have a point when he said that Justin should have known better than to wonder off alone like that... The Land Beyond Life may be a paradise in many ways, but, as a human, it's still enemy territory, where danger could be lurking behind every rock.

On to the next chapter!

It seems you really did your research before writing this story, didn't you? Each chapter has a different take on a different bunch of characters from the books, used in different confrontations.

The Ilips from The Sense of Smell in Tales (including the canon character Zhuron), although they helped El-ahrairah once in the world of the living, are no longer willing to help El-ahrairah, simply because of their hatred of humans. Although it makes sense that most of the animals in this land would naturally not react well to Justin's arrival, I still can't decide whether all this naked hatred is actually the result of Elil-rah somehow brainwashing and intimidating everyone, regardless of whether they're his minions. It seems those who sided with the dark side only to satisfy their own greed are not the only enemies the group should watch out for; even the neutral ones could pose a threat in their own way...

Justin using the Cross' powers to heal Bluebell's wound on Fiver's advice, rather than simply leaving him behind, was quite a touching scene, and no doubt strengthens the bond between Justin and his rabbit companions. The use of the time-freeze was also a good example of how an enemy can be subdued without simply returning the violence in kind; although I think the Efrafans, who are willingly serving Elil-rah out of greed, deserved more pain as punishment. Pity we'll never get to see the looks on their faces when the freeze wears off, and they find Justin and his friends long gone...

On to the next chapter!

Looks like the Efrafans are still the same miserable, sly, dirty scoundrels they were in life. You did flesh-out Mallow quite nicely here (he died in the book as a minor character), making him the typical Efrafan brute. Vervain, although mostly similar to the book, also seems to retain some of his sly TV series counterpart, when he mocks Hazel and his party of being helpless to protect Justin from Elil-rah. (Personally, I've always hated Vervain the most, which is why I made him the one to always finding himself on the receiving end of Alan's wrath in the New World series.) Although, I'm glad Justin did wipe the smirk off their ugly faces by destroying their lances...

Bluebell jumping in front of the incoming blow to protect Justin was noble, but, on the other hand, downright foolish; having an injured soldier on your team when you might have to run for your life in another moment can be a real disadvantage. Although Bluebell not losing his sense of humour, despite his injury, did make me smile.

On to the next chapter!

It sure was a tense moment when Justin tried using the Cross's powers for the first time, at first seemingly without success, but then got it right. And of course, Hawkbit's sarcasm is always a nice touch for a good laugh. I was thinking maybe Bigwig should make him eat those slugs, to make sure they were real.

The sight of a suffering El-ahrairah was sad, especially when it clearly shows that there is little anyone can do to ease his pain until Justin can arrive. Frankly, the agony of having all your nerves on fire makes me wonder how it doesn't drive El-ahrairah to insanity (I know he can't die again).

The introduction of Stonecrop, Hyzenthlay, Vilthuril, Flyairth and Groundsel was most welcoming. I like how you give the readers a brief description of their backgrounds from the books, as well as how you flesh them out as characters in your story. Hyzenthlay is the kind-hearted, motherly figure, while Vilthuril is timid and shy. Groundsel is portrayed as the calm and disciplined Owsla veteran, a former Chief who knows how to keep his cool in the face of trouble. Stonecrop, although strong and brave is depicted as rather impatient. Frankly, lashing out at Vilthuril like that was not the kindest thing to do! And of course, Flyairth still retains her old distrust of humans, even after death. (The reason I sort of reversed it in Beyond is because I wanted her as a trusting ally to Jamie)

Oh oh, Elil-rah and his minions are about to make their first appearance. I can't wait to read how Justin and his friends will fight them off. The show is on the road!

On to the next chapter!

It was real touching the scene of the Watership rabbits feeling for Justin's miserable childhood and all his problems in life to such a great extent. In the human world, even when dealing with decent people - which hardly even applies for Justin -, very few would actually feel for a complete stranger's pain in such a way. Many might express their sympathy, but it doesn't really hurt them, as it doesn't concern them. It does show the reader just what true compassion and friendship means for the rabbits of Watership Down from a human's perspective, which you don't really see in the book, as it's all set from the animals' perspective. Except perhaps, in the part with Lucy saving Hazel from her cat and taking him home... Well done!

Justin's own hesitation and fear in realising what he's been brought into this realm to do, and the challenges that still lie ahead of him, without any reassurance that he will be able to pull through, or that he's the right person for the job, is also very well depicted. But Hazel has a point: if Justin can't do this, he's doomed. There isn't any turning back, whether he likes it or not...

I had to re-read the tale of El-ahrairah and the prophesy several times to fully grasp it. It is actually quite ingenious how you combine facts with the Bible teachings, showing how the origins of Man and animal are interconnected. Frith and his children being threatened by Satan and his minions, just like man, implying that good and evil does reside within animals' nature, is quite an intriguing topic, which gives the reader the background of a promising story with Christian symbolism.

It sure brings back happy memories reading it again now, especially after having gone through all the original material properly this time. This setting sure wins first prize against other fanfics, with regards to originality, depth, and of course, faithfulness to the original story. Excellent!

On to the next chapter!

Hey, Rogue

sorry I haven't reviewed lately, but my job has been taking up all my time, and I suppose it's the same on your end. Anyways, coming back to the story, I really like Blackberry's uncertainty displayed in this scene, as to whether Justin can indeed be trusted, as well as Fiver's wise voice of reason - after all, his far sight allows him to see into others' hearts, which always reveals the truth of their intentions...

I also really liked the introduction of some of the other characters, including Campion, Pipkin and Strawberry, as well as the reference to their backstories from the book. Campion, in particular, I really like seeing working with the Watership group in this story. In the first book, he was their enemy almost the whole way through, and while they clearly showed his change of heart in Tales, I always thought they never fleshed him out to the extent he deserved. I can also see how you're using some of his traits as a redeemed character, in a similar way to the TV series, but without diverting from the original source material (the TV series adaptation was good, but I think they diverted from the original plot a little too much, especially in Campion's case).

Pipkin too, was also welcome, displaying him as timid and shy, yet with a heart of gold, literally combining his traits from both the book and the TV series, all rolled into one wonderful and likeable character - it was actually from here that I got the inspiration of having him form this close relationship with Alan in New World. The comic relief part of Bluebell, Speedwell and Buckthorn were also a nice touch to this scene.

On to the next chapter!