290k words, complete @FF.net by Concept101
Genre/What to expect: Action/Adventure with a big dash of Detective Harry
Rating: T
Suitable for fandom blind readers? Somewhat. I believe rudimentary knowledge of the source material is necessary.
With his life turned into a Game, Harry now has to raise a Phoenix, uncover the Founders’ darkest secrets, deal with political manipulations and live through Hogwarts in this story full of heart, humor, and spectacle. And the occasional swear word.
Reviewed by: Tafferling
When I found Concept’s Gamer version of Harry’s already extraordinary life, it had been years since I’d last had any exposure to the Potter and Co. Which is great, because I’m experiencing a wonderful blend of Was this canon? Nope, it wasn’t? But why, it’s great!
Concept is, in effect, retelling the original novels, but he’s putting so much spin on it, that the whole thing derails quickly and you’re left guessing on what he’ll turn over next. To start off, the first book passes relatively easily. Canon is clearly used as a template. The plot is simple. But that’s okay, because at this point we (and Harry) are still getting to know the mysterious power he’s gained, and the Game itself has got to get comfortable too. It’s a bit of a courting phase, really.
Already though you’ll get a taste of where this is headed. Concept begins to stretch his world building muscles, introduces additional details to the already rich magic system of the Potter-verse, and gives Harry his first “sidequests”, which eventually result in full-fledged plot lines through the second book.
And that is when things get real wild all of the mentioned.
Harry isn’t just the Boy who lived anymore in this story. He’s a detective, a part-time vigilante, and a snarky little ass. He purposefully deals with what life throws at him, all the while bothered by an increasingly self-aware and ornery Game. The quest texts for some of the tasks bestowed on Harry are totally worth every word read on their own.
But Harry and his game aren’t the only stars in this epic.
Concept has a great handle on side characters. His Luna makes me wish he’d write a series dedicated to her (because I’d read the shit out of that). He gives Harry an amazing little sidekick by the name of Hedwig (but not what you might think), who I very much adore. And even while Harry is the focal character, it’s obvious that he’s just one tooth in the cog that amounts to Hogwarts. Dumbledore, McConagall, and Snape do a lot more than carry their weight and are given time to shine.
Any more gushing about it would spoil things, because a lot of what makes this story stand out is what Concept does different… and I’d rather you read and find out. It’s worth it.
Review examples from FF.net
As always, this was brilliant! I’m continually amazed by the number of twists you manage to slip in without making them strange or confusing. I await the next chapter with bated breath 🙂
I’d like to take a moment to thank you for this story.
It has been a phenomenal read, your use of the Basilisk and the chamber have been outstanding. Not many stories have dared to go outside the beaten path like yours, and it’s quite refreshing to read something so original (not to mention a gamer-like story that’s actually good for a change).
Writing. Reading. Dreaming. 