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Devil Angel

by Aspen (link)

Genre slash, romance, mystery/thriller
Pairings Taylor/Scott Moffatt, Zac/Dave Moffatt
Length 40 chapters
Status Unfinished

Sometimes I think that Devil Angel is an entirely distinct fandom of its own — a separate little world where Hanson and Moffatts fans collide. How many authors can claim that they’ve inspired a new fandom and spawned an entirely new genre? Very few, I would imagine. For that alone, Devil Angel is noteworthy.

Like most tried and true DA fans, I’ve reread the story several times throughout the years and occasionally find myself idly pondering just who the mysterious stalker could have been. It’s immensely frustrating to know that my questions will forever remain unanswered, but such is the world of fanfic.

However, on my latest reread of the story, I was surprised to find some of the luster gone. Maybe it’s because I’m older now. Maybe it’s because the boys are older now and less innocent. A childlike romance for Taylor and Scott just doesn’t hold up for me now. I find myself wincing at the breakneck speed of their changing emotions — not to mention the constant point of view changes. Sure, they provide an interesting insight into all the characters’ minds, but some of them come at the most awkward moments.

Is Devil Angel great literature? I don’t know. The writing leaves a little bit to be desired now that my tastes have, shall we say, refined a bit in my old age. Despite what the story lacks — not least of which is a resolution — it did what few other hanfics have done. It inspired people. It broke the mold. It became a legend, not because of Aspen’s literary genius, but because of how genius that one little slashy pairing was. For all that, it remains a legend in spite of any other failings. I may not go back to reread it every few months like I did when I was a teenager, but Devil Angel still holds a special place in my heart.

Review by Bethany (website)