Wow. It actually stayed as awesome as it started! I'm stunned. Plus! There was a plot that stood its ground, and *continuity*!! Bilis, Idris from Boomtown - I think this author actually did research! The characters were recognizable, there was wonderful use of Torchwood history and fantastic banter. Gwen/Ianto, Gwen/Ianto/Jack, Jack/Ianto, Jack/Idris, Tosh/Owen, Jack/past Torchwood members...they all had their delightful and in character moments in the sun. Even Ianto and Owen had some good scenes together.

It clearly came after KKBB, with mentions of Captain John and dates. It came before Reset, but the author actually took the time to read scripts because there were WONDERFUL Owen bits in scenes set in a future that directly related to the two episodes following Reset. (Keeping that vague until BBCA catches up!) The smoking gun caught my breath a few times - it was worked in so well.

The Jack/Ianto bits were great - just like we see in the show, where they clearly have a caring relationship but it's not what Gwen and Rhys have and it doesn't stop Jack from flirting with other people and that doesn't stop Ianto from depending on Jack. There was a great scene with Gwen and Ianto and him dealing with his bisexuality that seemed dead on.

Oh, and Rhys? Made of awesome in any universe.

There's so much more to say about this, I'll just have to write a post with all my thoughts. It filled gaps, addressed questions I've had throughout this season (one being Gwen taking over and Jack's feelings about that), and felt like an episode, unlike the first set of tie-ins. I wonder how canonical the tie-ins are? I want this book to be canonical. I just can't get over how well done this was. I hope the next two are of the same caliber.

(Okay, it wasn't entirely perfect - Bilis was off, in parts. And I've just realized that they never followed through on Ianto's revenge, which could have been comedy gold. But the glowing review still stands. Please let this guy write more!)

Original: It came early! I was only going to skim the start to check the author out, and damn it all if I didn't get hooked immediately. Recognizable characters, Jack backstory, Jack/Ianto, Jack/past Torchwooders, please let this stay as awesome as it started.