Is this when he was still an apprentice?

And this is the reason Anakin turned to the dark side... Nobody trusted him but Padmè. :(

I think I read this in less than 24 hours- which is a testament to you and your writing.

I thought you developed a great story here, still paralleling cannon, but just slightly off...in a good way.

The way you portray Anakin and his inner struggles is so well done- and something that was frankly lacking in the movies. The reader here can understand and empathize with Anakin- even when we know he is acting rashly or immaturely. His love for Padmé and need for love just comes across so well.

I also really like your portrayal of Padmé. It’s slightly different from what we saw on-screen, but dare I say it might be an improvement. We see her gone to terms with her love for Anakin then fight for it- bravo!

I thought the part with the force-life transfer was a good twist- and further solidification that these two (for better or worse) are bound together and each other’s destiny (also loved you touching on the whole destiny vs free will issue).

I know there’s a sequel, but I almost dread reading it if you are indeed sticking to canon and not going completely AU. The idea of reading about Anakin’s turning away from Padmé and ultimately to the dark side is even more horrifying after how much life you have breathed into their story here.

Amazing story! I love the way you portray Anakin, it is exactly how I imagine him being on the inside

Ugh love triangles... if she's engaged then Anakin is a jerk to try and break them up... or she's a weak willed ninny who can't stand up for herself if she doesn't want the arranged marriage.

Warrior bride indeed. Well done! Loved the mutual protectiveness and commitment.

Awww, Vades' first force choke!

oOo Anakin on a ship with the fiance of Padme?! Not good! Interesting twist to gaps in AOTC plot! Love it! Fav line: Anakin thinking WWOD? What Would ObiWan Do. Ha!

So sweet. :,) BRAVO!

I've come back to read this fic three times now; it's such an awesome AU story. Thanks for taking the time to write this!

Whoa. I'm speechless. Need I say more?

Oh, wow! I love this fic. The Anakin/Padmé relationship was beautifully described. This one definitely goes on my favourites list.

Interesting start.

cool

It was well written and poetic. I felt your characterizations, however, were weak. Obi-Wan wasn't at all believable and didn't ring true to his characterization in the movies. Padme's again, didn't ring true. It felt like you decided to take her character directly from the evening conversation on Naboo and ignore any further character developement that had happened.

Also I didn't like your take on the Jedi Order. If they were as reactionary and bullying as you make them out to be, there would be a hell of a lot more than the "Lost 20." In your efforts to create and show a conflict between Anakin and the Order you've rendered them little more than a caricature.

Also, I thought your politics could use work. There's no reason to believe that alliances and treaties in Star Wars are formed through marital alliances. It's difficult to legally enforce and doesn't feel like the Star Wars universe. Also, it makes absolute zero sense for Naboo, a planet predicated on democracy to agree to them. Furthermore, the Nabooan fear of incurcsion by the Dlains didn't really make much sense. The Republic is at war with an army. The Supreme Chancellor is a native of Naboo. Any threat to the planet and he'll instantly be sending a fleet. Naboo is in one of the most secure positions of any planet in the galaxy.

All criticisms aside, it worked pretty well as it's own story. However, you contend that it's a follow up to your two earlier stories, and it's just not consistent with the tone or actions taken in them, especially in Hour of Souls.