Title: Ignition
Author: The Modern Sorcerer
Rating: T
Genre: Drama/Suspense
Status: WIP
Library Category: General
Pairings: None
Summary: Harry Potter's temper has always been rather dangerous, but it's not until things start bursting into flames that people realise exactly how fiery it is. And now that the fire's been lit, Harry isn't all that willing to let it be smothered again, in fact he's all for letting it burn. And should the Ministry or Voldemort stand in his way? Well... fire solves everything.
Link: Link

Fifth year divergence.

Yes, this is the answer to a 'fic challenge'. Yes, it has cliches, mostly the fire elemental part (although that's been fleshed out at least) and Dumbledore appearing incompetent and manipulative. I still think this story deserves a shot, because the writing is really good. I can't exactly pinpoint why, but this story is really enjoyable to read.

The writing in general is incredibly well balanced, in my opinion. It does tread the line between description, dialogue and everything else really well. In addition to that it's actually clever and witty, I found myself genuinely chuckling a few times. I really like the character of this particular Harry Potter as well, I think his voice is surprisingly close to canon with a few additional changes. Sirius is so far the second most developed characters, which adds up to an enjoyable Harry and Sirius relationship.

Again, this story has big flaws. Some of you are going to rightfully and instantly close the window at certain points.

Still, this is some seriously enjoyable writing and I'm looking forward to where this story is going. It's the first story featuring elementals that's not trash so far, so I thought I'd put it up here.

3/5

 

Yeah, it's not good, but a guilty pleasure. The clichés are huge and the story comes across like just another indy!Harry. Everyone abandoned Harry on Dumbledore's order, Hedwig was captured and caged by the Order and almost starved. Only Amelia Bones believes him when Harry contacted her after the Dementor attack.

And there are further issues. There are scenes where the story isn't consistent in itself, i.e. in one and the same chapter Harry forwards a Ministry letter he actually burned a few paragraphs before. Though that seems to get better in later chapters.


It actually is partially well written, but I really wouldn't recommend it for people, who can't stand the typical indy!Harry elements.


Yeah, I might follow this story for a while, because I want to know where the author is eventually going with the 'burning things', but it is nothing more than a guilty pleasure.


A generous 3/5

 

What's nice about the beginning of the first chapter is that it pulls you in nicely... unfortunately what follows is a little too grim for me. There's what feels to be the set-up for an independent!Harry fic, and the only nice thing I can say about it is that it's written better than these usually are.

Although I do like the pyromancy element.

How does Harry know who Amelia Bones is?

I agree with Dark Minion - this isn't likely to be anything more than a guilty pleasure.

3/5

 

I'm generally not feeling this story. It's almost like the plotholes are staring back at me. Alright yes, it is somewhat decently written but it feels like I've read this story before. And I have, over and over again in all those other Indy!Harry fics that come out by the dozen.

Manipulative Dumbledore. Check.
Abandoning Harry for petty and somewhat superficial reasoning. Check.
Those same people that are fighting for the light side suddenly turn cruel. Check. (yes, I'm talking about the starving owl.)

And pyromania? Seriously? Wasn't that over before it began?

Okay I may be a bit harsh here but the negatives are definitely outwaying the positives.

Although, judgmental me is being a bit hypocritical, I just know I will read it further because it doesn't actually bore me to death. And yes, I'll admit I chuckled a few times too.

It's a guilty pleasure fic, but only just. I'll probably forget it as soon as I've finished the last chapter. 2/5 because I will actually continue reading.

 

The name screams slash, yet the fic explicitly states no slash in its ANs. Will keep an eye on it just for that reason.