Summary: "But true love is a durable fire, In the mind ever burning, never sick, never old, never dead, From itself never turning." Ten years after a tragedy parted them, childhood friends Edward and Bella meet again. Can what was lost be recovered? E/B Some OOC
Twilight - Rated: M - English - Hurt/Comfort/Romance - Chapters: 30 - Words: 161,109 - Reviews: 5105 - Updated: 4-17-11 - Published: 10-27-10 - Bella & Edward
Hello, my name is Buff and I am an Edward/Bella shipper. Okay, addict. There I said it.
Unabashedly so, I have never denied the fact that the draw of their relationship is what sunk me so deep into Twilight and what keeps me hungry for fan fiction today. I also won't deny the fact that while there are tons of wonderful stories out there - sometimes I wonder if it's not more from the thrill of experiencing those two damned love birds in any way, shape, or form, and not so much the stories that I fall in love with. Reading them in a variety of precarious, preferably angsty, roles just to see if they can withstand the test is thrilling, I'll admit. Sometimes even devastating, yet I always find myself coming back for more.
However, on occasion, I stumble upon a story that truly blows me away. Not just because it's a new and exciting adventure for the pair to confront, but because it's a good story. One that, in my opinion, could stand alone with any name applied to the protagonists. (gasp! I know. Although I do love the name Bella. And Edward. And the names Bella and Edward coupled together are rather lovely, but that's beside the point.)
A Quiet Fire, for me, has been one of these rare gems. I started reading before I went to bed two nights ago, and after a day full of family, spring break fun yesterday I hungrily finished last night. Or caught up rather, as it's still a wip. There are currently 30 chapters, and from her a/n it looks like there aren't many more left.
The story starts out with a prologue that's set in Bella's present at somewhat of a tipping point in her life, for what reasons you only get a gentle glimpse at in this first chapter. The following six, or so chapters delve into her past seamlessly, taking us through the young Bella's early journey. I loved the way she did this, because it supplies a small taste of things to come, and then filters in her back story so that you can't help but hurt for this Bella. By the time she brings us back to the present, you're in deep.
The story in itself is heartbreaking, almost suffocating in its desolate nature. Poor Bella has lost everything, and your heart pulls so deeply for things to get better, only for them to get startlingly worse. I won't give anything away, but I was truly shocked by a turn the story takes - in a good way. I think sometimes things need to happen in a story, and while it ripped my heart out, its one of the things that makes this great.
Despite all of that, this Bella is smart, and has a strength beyond her own comprehension. Another plus to the story is Rosalie. This is perhaps the most likable Rose I've ever read, and I was glad she was written that way. Bella needs it.
Something I loved is that Magnolia uses Bella's experiences from her past as flashes of memories in the present, and unlike other stories where I've seen this done, you're reliving it with her. Usually I've seen this used as a way to supply information, relate things we don't know about a character, but Magnolia uses this to punctuate moments, and it really adds to the impact of how Bella is feeling and what she is going through.
One moment in particular where she does this is in one of the last few chapters. It's a passage about Bella and Edward's first kiss which appears a few times throughout the story. Where I might typically find this repetitive, I found it perfect in the way she executed it. The last time it's done I teared up fiercely because it's such a culminating point. Then Bella has the memory - a memory you lived through with her, and you can just feel everything she is feeling.
This story deals with heavy subjects, but I love that, so you won't find me complaining. Admittedly, I think I might be the last one to this party, as it has well over 5k reviews. However, I adored it so much I thought it definitely worth the rec. So if you have been living under a rock like me, and haven't had the opportunity to read it, then ... well, what are you waiting for?
Follow Magnolia on twitter: @Magnolia822
xx Buff
xx Buff
nice info :-)
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