by Kim (link)
Genre drama/thriller
Pairings none
Length 15 chapters
Status Completed
The title and introduction to this fic gave away precious little. It all sounded a bit serious and angsty, so I can’t say that I was expecting the young adult-ish, wilderness survival tale that I got, but it was a refreshing change from the typical Middle of Nowhere era fic.
Although the first chapter is a bit of a dry recounting of Hanson’s fame, the plot kicks into high gear by the end of it, when Hanson’s plane is headed for an imminent crash on the side of a snowy mountain. Survival seems impossible, and indeed, the three boys along with two even younger children are the only survivors. In true young adult style, a la Hatchet or Julie of the Wolves, Isaac takes charge and sees that they all make it safely out of the wreckage.
What follows is a fairly quick recounting of their two months spent in a cave, hunting and fishing to survive. The boys adapt quickly to their surroundings–perhaps a bit too quickly. Although I can’t say I want to see them struggle any more, a bit more detail and difficulty adapting wouldn’t have gone amiss. Still, their personalities shine as they make a life of sorts in the woods and eventually find their way back to the real world.
The last few lengthy chapters deal with, as the title says, their Journey Back To Normal. The boys are more mature, but apt to lash out at reporters who ask the wrong questions. Their reunion with “Katie” and the radio campaign of support are poignant enough to bring tears to my eyes. Although Kim’s writing is stilted at times and could use a good editor to fix a few odd, repetitive mistakes, she has a great grasp on the boys’ personalities and just enough of a grasp on the wilderness survival aspect to come as close to nailing it as I’ve seen in hanfic.
Review by Bethany (website)