Pros fic rec - "Echo" and "Broadcast Difficulties" by Ellis Ward

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Title: "Echo" and "Broadcast Difficulties"
Author: Ellis Ward
Link to story: Echo and its sequel Broadcast Difficulties"
Zine: Chalk and Cheese 7 ("Echo") and Other Times and Places III ("Broadcast Difficulties")

Short Review:
Not being at all into AU Prosfic for ages, it took me a relatively long time to read these two stories, but ohhhh - when I did!

They're science fiction alternative universe stories, where Bodie is a mercenary spacer, and Doyle a restless part-alien who has become caught up in one planet's justice system. For reasons of his own Bodie buys his bond, effectively taking him on as a slave for the specific time period. Of course, this is Bodie and Doyle... *g*

The best thing about these stories are that they are Bodie and Doyle! And not in a stereo-typed "Doyle-is-very-moral-Bodie-is-a-hardhearted-merc-who-just-needs-a-bit-of-love kind of way - I can actually hear Bodie and Doyle speaking the words that they do in these stories, and I can see them move throughout the paragraphs. Ellis Ward has done a brilliant job, I think, of keeping them in character. They're sharp, and funny and looking out for each other without getting all vocal and emotional about it - perfect!

There are a few original characters too - including the wonderful sfangi - that are very well done. The writing is so natural that I can imagine where the lads are, and I have their world safely in the back of my mind from the bits and pieces that we're told of it. There's no big explain-y paragraphs - the author assumes that we know the world already, thus bringing us closer to the characters, at the same time managing to sketch in the details that make us feel like we know the world too!

And ohhhh for the closeness of our lads, in this story! Even before they're partnered (well, you know they're going to be, in one way or another!), they've got the same pull to them that they do on screen. How can it not be alright when they've got that going for them? It's a melt-y fic, for me - and oh, there's lots of lovely extra-hot-melty moments too... *g*

It's not about the science fiction, that's totally incidental - it's about the lads. And that, I reckon, is your perfect AU story right there... *g*

Anyone else read these stories?

Comments

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

I love these two stories. Well, I love all her stories, so no surprise there. The sfangi is wonderful, isn't it? By the end of the first story, I couldn't imagine the ship without it.

But then I love AU's. And maybe because I also love science fiction, these two stories became favorites from the first time I read them.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Oh, I love AUs too - now! *g* I'm a big Ellis Ward fan too. I believe there's rumours that she might yet write a sequel to Broadcast Difficulties, and I'm totally crossing my fingers for the idea! Actually I should send her feedback shouldn't I?! I always forget that sometimes we can with the "older" Pros authors...

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

There's a way to get in touch with her? Is she on LJ or is there an e-mail where she can be reached because I'd love to send her feedback. And I'm crossing my fingers for a sequel, too!

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Oh, I was thinking of the Hatstand's contact-this-author page mostly, but... let me dig back in memories and friends' memories and see what I can find out!

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

Thanks, that would really be appreciated!

[erushi.livejournal.com]

Oh, I loved these two stories when I read them too! Then again, I've adored every single one of Ellis Ward's works, so... *biased grin* She does capture the lads perfectly, doesn't she? I did prefer 'Echo' a smidge more than 'Broadcast Difficulties', though, but on the whole they were both marvelous delights to read.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

They're fab, aren't they - so glad you liked them! *vbg* I agree with you about Echo - I supposer partly it's setting the scene more, getting the lads together and all, so... it has more... purpose, somehow? But the sequel is good fun too, and... yes, totally delights! *g*

[erushi.livejournal.com]

I suppose partly it's setting the scene more, getting the lads together and all, so... it has more... purpose, somehow?

I think that was why I preferred the first to the second, actually - because it seemed to be moving towards something. The second one just seemed sort of there, for all the mystery of the sfangi and Cowley, if you know what I mean? All the same, though, still two very enjoyable reads. In fact, I was going to re-read 'Harlequin Airs' tonight, but I think I'll switch it to 'Echo' instead. *g*

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Yes, you've nailed the hammer on the head! *g* It's like... Broadcast Difficulties needs just a bit... more... Still manages to be gorgeous though, even without "more"!

I'm away to bed now I think - whatever can I read next?! Must find more Pros sci fi fic! (Only I need the printed kind, that you can curl up around...hmmn! *g*)

[londonronnie.livejournal.com]

These two stories were some of the first I read in Pros and I also enjoyed them very much. I'm always full of admiration for writers who can create new worlds and cultures that are completely believable without needing to go into pages and pages of explanation.

Is Ellis Ward writing in Pros again, then? That's wonderful - I devoured her stories when I discovered the fandom and I still think she's one of the best.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

I've got the same admiration - B/D and a whole new world, fab stuff! *g*

And eek - I don't want to start rumours! I believe she mentioned once on her lj that she might have a sequel in mind for Broadcast Difficulties, but actually I think it was quite some time ago, and... well, who knows. I wish, though! *g*

[ancastar.livejournal.com]

I love both these stories (though admittedly I prefer the first one over the second). Ellis Ward has got to be one of Pros' finest writers. Her AUs are just as strong as those stories of hers that cling more closely to canon. Awesome stuff.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Yes! Me too! Was just saying that with erushi up above. Fab stuff though, both of them... *g* Ellis Ward is absolutely one of my favourite writers - Harlequin Airs! Legacy of Temptation! She keeps to the lads in all of them!

[mistry89.livejournal.com]

I haved always adored AUs, the melding of canon, fanon, imagination and talent has meant that my book-buying budget is almost totally geared towards recs/tie-ins/hints from my fandom/s. E and BD were in the first 10 or so Pros fics I read, an affirmation that I should continue.
I understand that some people don't like AUs, but for the reasons above, I think they enhance and extend the characters/stories set in the original 'verse (and supply loads of reading fun), so I'm forward to reading more, and re-reading the others, to see the little pieces of inside jokes and asides that add that extra gloss.
And as a long-term SF/SFF reader, E and BD could hardly miss *g*

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

I have to admit, it took me a while to tear myself away from canon-lads, but once I did that was it - I was a gonner!

Have you read Helen Raven's fab AU SF Prosfics? I'd especially recommend The Cook and the Warehouseman, which is not only gorgeousness itself, but is a fabulous long read... *g*

[mistry89.livejournal.com]

I know what you mean - opens up whole new avenues :)
Have C&W stashed for a rainy day (am currently reading Waiting To Fall as my long story and any shorter ones that flick by my radar), I love long stories as there is so much room for plot and drama *g*

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Oh, I struggled with Waiting to Fall a bit - you'll have to let us know what you think of it! And yeay for long fic! *vbg*

[sunray45.livejournal.com]

I have read both these stories a couple of times, and really enjoyed them. They might be AU but the characters of Bodie and Doyle really shine through.

I'm glad you've gotten into the AU's. :)

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

They really do shine, don't they?! Ellis Ward is an excellent writer!

I've been into AUs for a long long time now - it was only really my first six months of fandom that I baulked at the idea. And then I read one, and luckily it turned out to be a good one, and I was sold! *g*

[callistosh65.livejournal.com]

Okay, you've sold me. Ellis Ward is one of the greats and a favourite of mine. And I think these are the only 2 I haven't read! the thing is, Sci-fi AUs just don't do anything for me. Though I should really know better as 'And Memories Die' is in my Top Ten. So, thank you, your rec has inspired me!

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Yeay! I didn't read them for ages either, even after I'd read everything else Ellis Ward had written... You'll have to let me know what you think! *vbg*

[callistosh65.livejournal.com]

I came. I read. She conquered.

I downloaded Echoes to take away with me this weekend. My return flight got delayed so I spent a wonderful time sipping lattes and reading it at the airport on my laptop. Never imagined I would love something this sci-fi, but I really should have known better because we are talking about Ellis Ward here. So thank you so, so much for the rec. I would never have taken a chance on this if you hadn't enthused about it here. I loved Echoes and agree with everything you've said about it. Nothing huge and explain-y, the sfangi is a wonderful creation, and they are still so much the lads.
Am skipping off to Broadcast Difficulties tonight..

[izzie7.livejournal.com]

I love these, and for exactly the same reasons you give. The characters are still B&D, despite the AU setting & their relationship is spot on. It's the same effect that "Suitable Gravity" by DVS has on me.

I've always enjoyed reading sci-fi (well, sci-fantasy) so fics like these are a boon and a blessing. I think AUs are like canon fic - some will work for the individual reader; others just won't. That doesn't mean you have to discount the whole genre, though :)

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

They're ever so good, aren't they! And quite right - Silence of the Knives (by Jane), another SF AU story, could turn me right off the whole genre, but then Suitable Gravity (by DVS), Echo and Broadcast Difficulties would bring me right back into love again!

[loyseofverlaine.livejournal.com]

I'm a life-long science fiction and fantasy fan, so both of these were a joy to read. I was a bit disappointed by Broadcast Difficulties, though, because it just seemed to, I don't know, trail away a little? I was expecting something more conclusive as an ending; in fact, I kept checking to make sure I'd down-loaded the whole story. but Echo is wonderful, start to finish

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Hmmn - I wonder how many of us are SF/F fans!

I agree that Broadcast Difficulties seems a bit not-quite-there compared to Echo, but I wouldn't throw it out of bed either... *g*

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

I just finished Echo, and it was just wonderful. I love Ellis Ward but hadn't read this one yet. I'm so glad I did. The sequel is up next. Thanks for the rec that sent me to this story.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Oh I'm so glad - you're welcome! Have fun with Broadcast Difficulties! *g*

[angel-ci5.livejournal.com]

I recently read "Echo" on the back of this rec, and I loved, loved, loved it!
It's the most extraordinarily brilliant and gorgeous story and has gone straight into this AU lover's Top 3, *g*.
I'm so glad there is more to come with the sequel, which I'll be reading as soon as I've finished my current zine.
So Thank You for this!