Though I really don't want to do this, I feel I must be honest with you. I really liked Origins. For me I felt it was how S.6 should have gone. Well, maybe not with so much sex and so much more talking than action but you catch my drift. This story...I've been hanging on because I like the writing but my increasing disinterest in the baby stuff is marring my enjoyment. Guess what. I'm a sodding anomaly. I happen to be female and babies don't make me all...gooey and brain-dead. In fact I find them rather repellent, and maybe it's just my own personal issues but I resent the decidedly domestic direction this story has gone. I appreciated the dynamic of Buffy, Spike, and Dawn as a family. Personally, I think it would have been better to explore all that rather than dragging Conner into the mix and then knocking Buffy up. Ugh, saw that comin' a mile away, but I still didn't like it.

I also kind of think the narrative has gotten a bit sloppy. It's just too much between the baby crap, Kirsten being Spike and Buffy's daughter from the future, Angelus, Willow, and all the vamp OCs. It's just a bit much to take in.

Might I also mention that I don't really get why Willow has it out for Spike? I mean, she's not one of his biggest fans but I'd think it more likely for her to warm up to him then go all hive-mind with Xander. After all, she's seen a lot more depth to him even before the events of S.5. *shrugs* Just sayin'. I think your point is more that dark magicks don't have her thinking none too clearly.

Having said all that, I really do like your writing. You have a lot of talent. If you want to suss out my criticism, feel free to look up my profile.

glad that you got your muse back 'cause I am really liking this piece.

Even if it has been a long time, I am stil with this story. It realy is breathtaking. Happy to hear your writers block is gone.

You may feel that you are struggling, but to me, this is pure poetry. I love the characters and plot, I love how you weave each story in on the next like braid, carefully juggling each strand so that in the end the story is even and clean. I would recommend this fic, and its antecedants, to anyone who wants to really get to know the characters as they could have been, had this wonderful authoress been at the helm. Thank you very much for letting us read your awesome tale.
- C

Story brilliant as always. Sooo glad you're updating again.

Niamh, if my response discouraged you I am very sorry.

Nina, I was being 100% sincere. I've left several glowing reviews of earlier chapters. This is an incredibly tightly written story. The fact that it's taken so long to update and the author's admission of a struggle led me to believe that feedback would be helpful. This is the first chapter in which I've found anything to critcize, but I honestly don't think it's as polished as the previous chapters. If the purpose of the reviews is only to leave compliments I will refrain in the future since I have no desire to have my character or my sincerity questioned by a stranger.

Author's Response: I'm not discouraged, quite the contrary. While I'd prefer not to deal with this kind of thing via the review forum, since you left neither name nor email address, you leave me no other option. The irony is -- the chapter you believe seems forced was written long prior to my bout of writer's block and flowed easily from my pen. My notes didn't indicate that, but again, neither here nor there in the scheme of things. I'd appreciate in the future if you have constructive criticism, that you leave an email address so I can address your concerns via email. I'd also appreciate it if you refrained from getting into a bit of a tiff over this issue. It isn't fair to the other readers and frankly, like I said, I'd prefer to deal with this via email

Yeah! I love updates! Can't wait for more (and to see Willow get her just deserts)! Glad you're working through that nasty blockage - more mental fiber, baby!

Seems you've worked through the writer's block admirably with another sharply written, vivid chapter. The entire street scene was tightly choreographed and entertaining. Giles' reaction to Faith and Jenner was classic. What is Willow going to do to fix everything next? I'm dying to find out if she mucks things up even more!

Reading this chapter I would never have guessed you had writer's block. I'm glad to hear it's "untangled" because I love this story and can't wait to see where it goes next.

I check for updates on this story almost everyday. It's a lot of fun to watch the story unfold. I will send some positive thoughts and energy your way. Thanks!

thanks for the update i love this story and how you portrasy al the characters! keep up th egreat work

I'll admit that I've been a "lurker" around fanfiction for years, but I really wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed your Origins stories. It's some of the best fanfiction I've ever read. Your recent notes said that things are difficult for you right now and you've been suffering from writer's block. I hope you continue this and other stories. If only we could have kidnapped the writers and let you write seasons six and seven!!! Good luck and keep up the good work!

no disappointments here. definitely worth the wait!