So glad you liked it! It's actually my favorite Merlin fic currently, even though I don't generally like setting-change AUs for similar reasons as the ones you cite. I think what makes rageprufrock's story work is that she has a very good grasp on what makes the Merlin characters tick - how they would be the same and how they'd be different in modern times - along with a distinctive narrative voice of her own. A lot of setting-change AUs make the characters almost unrecognizeable, in which case what's the point?
(Also, I enjoy fiction for escapism, which is why I like sff and action and even crime stories. "Star Wars characters in high school" [random example, I haven't read any] - not escapism.)
ETA: Although I have been known to try setting-AUs just to see how the author manages. In that sense, Star Wars in high school MIGHT actually be entertaining. Would the Emperor be the Principal? Is the Rebellion the A/V club?
And it just occurred to me that I love not one, but TWO comic book series about Spider-Man characters in high school, and one of them really is a shoujo manga written by Americans, so clearly I am a liar.
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regna
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Date: 2010-04-29 11:36 pm (UTC)(Also, I enjoy fiction for escapism, which is why I like sff and action and even crime stories. "Star Wars characters in high school" [random example, I haven't read any] - not escapism.)
ETA: Although I have been known to try setting-AUs just to see how the author manages. In that sense, Star Wars in high school MIGHT actually be entertaining. Would the Emperor be the Principal? Is the Rebellion the A/V club?
And it just occurred to me that I love not one, but TWO comic book series about Spider-Man characters in high school, and one of them really is a shoujo manga written by Americans, so clearly I am a liar.