Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy: The Last Man in the World

Can't beat the imaginative addition of Zombies. Think Lizzy-channeling-Buffy and consider that an undead is not really the 'last man in the world', nor the first, nor between. Will Lizzy stake the un-pulsed? Will Darcy stake Lizzy? Consider the plot ramifications and be still my not-beating heart!

I just discovered the Abigail Reynolds Pemberley Variations and I love these stories. This is a very original way to look at the story we all know. What if things had happened differently than they did in the book? In this one, Lizzy is forced to say yes to Darcy's proposal and after many sad misunderstandings comes to realize that she loves him. Is it too late for them to find happiness? As with Reynold's other variations, she remains true to Austen's theme of the comedy of societal manners which adds to their unhappiness before they can learn to trust each other enough to share their real thoughts and feelings. She also manages to spice things up a bit with some fun r-rated love scenes. Through these, we all get have a little fling with Darcy even if it's just vicariously.

Taking such well-loved characters as Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet and putting them into a situation such as this - forced to marry each other well before either is ready, in their head or their hearts (Darcy is far from ready to love unconditionally and unselfishly, for all his admiration of Elizabeth) - would daunt many writers, but someone with the talent and style of Abigail Reynolds can pull it off with great finesse. This is a highly original story, immensely satisfying to read not only because of the new direction for such interesting characters but because of the quality of the writing. Abigail Reynolds is a master storyteller. She delves into the depths of her main characters' individual despair, their individual growth and the eventual understanding of each other that leads to a heart-warming reunion with a quality of writing that makes you wonder why has not been published long before now. For anyone who appreciates imaginative and high quality story-telling, I highly recommend this book.

This is a wonderfully written, fascinating variation on Pride and Prejudice. I always find stories interesting where the hero and heroine marry lacking understanding and love on both sides - one is desperately in love and the other marries out of necessity. I think this is the sort of conflict that we love to see resolved. This is a rather original take on that, applied to Pride and Prejudice. The characters are well developed, the plot is plausible, and you truly want Darcy and Elizabeth to come to an understanding - by turns I felt truly sad for them and wanted to smack some sense into them. And as always, Abigail Reynolds never disappoints with an excellent ending. If you're a fan of this genre, I think you will enjoy it.

This is such a clever premise! My heart ached for Darcy from the beginning as he is truly portrayed as a man violently in-love with a woman who does not return his affections. My sympathy for him when he discovers he "is the last man in the world" Elizabeth would marry -- after WEEKS of marriage, was well, that was simply gut-wrenching! Abigail Reynolds really made me love these characters (even more than in other Pride and Prejudice adaptations and, or sequels)as they struggled to find there way back to each other. Her writing is top notch and not a careless word written. This book I keep at the top of the stack and often enjoy re-reading it from wherever the book falls open! Most enthusiastically recommended.

If you are one who could/can not get enough of Pride and Prejudice and just love Lizzy and Darcy, then you will love this variation of that great classic. Abigail Reynolds takes Lizzy and Darcy to new heights and make them look further into themselves. Although since Abigail is a 21st Century writer and she has the freedom to do more in expression than was acceptable during Jane Austen's era, she still holds the basic characteristics of our beloved duo! I have read much of Abigail's work over the years and she has never disappointed!