I've read many, many Jane Austen alternate versions and sequels. Some are excellent, some are plausible, some are boring, and some stink!
This falls into the Very Good and also plausible category. It's nicely written, good plot, true to the original characters, and its variations on the P&P storyline are interesting and make sense.
The dialogue, wording and descriptions also echo Jane's turn of phrase. (It surprises me how many JA knock-offs do not.)
Bingley comes across with more strength and will-power: he does not allow himself to be side-tracked by Caroline, Louisa, or Darcy, so he single-mindedly pursues his Jane and marries her early on in the story. He also manages to give Darcy some good advice.
Mr. Collins is even more dastardly than the original. He even behaves like a cad! And Aunt Catherine shows up in fine form to scold and condemn.
My biggest criticism: Lydia and Wickham's escapades don't happen here. That turmoil is needed.
This falls into the Very Good and also plausible category. It's nicely written, good plot, true to the original characters, and its variations on the P&P storyline are interesting and make sense.
The dialogue, wording and descriptions also echo Jane's turn of phrase. (It surprises me how many JA knock-offs do not.)
Bingley comes across with more strength and will-power: he does not allow himself to be side-tracked by Caroline, Louisa, or Darcy, so he single-mindedly pursues his Jane and marries her early on in the story. He also manages to give Darcy some good advice.
Mr. Collins is even more dastardly than the original. He even behaves like a cad! And Aunt Catherine shows up in fine form to scold and condemn.
My biggest criticism: Lydia and Wickham's escapades don't happen here. That turmoil is needed.
I neither liked nor disliked this book -- I found within the first chapter that I just wasn't interested enough to keep on, so I am not a fair reviewer. But having said that, this is a self-published book and an editor, or perhaps a better editor if there was one, would have been appropriate.
