Dissipation and Despair

Zine
Title:	Dissipation and Despair
Publisher:	Shoes for Industry
Editor:
Author(s):	A.J. Hall
Cover Artist(s):
Illustrator(s):
Date(s):
Series?:	yes
Medium:	e-zine
Size:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Harry Potter
Language:	English
External Links:	A.J. Hall Website; Old dad Website
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cover of Dissipation and Despair, Russ Baldwin

Dissipation and Despair is one in a series of Harry Potter slash fanfic e-books, sometimes referred to as the Lopiverse, by the author A.J. Hall. It is the sequel to Lust Over Pendle, which gives the series its name.

Summary from the author: "After offending his Bishop, the Rev. Peter Blakeney had feared he would be stuck for the rest of his career in rough inner city curacies. Even though his letter of appointment bore an anonymous scrawl "Best of British luck", the surprise offer of the incumbency of St Sebastian's Church, Malfoy Intrinsica, Wiltshire seemed like the promise of a rural idyll. And though the foot and mouth epidemic was in full swing, there were sinister carvings behind the choir stalls and all the locals changed the subject immediately if he even mentioned the Manor up the hill (let alone its reclusive Lord) he felt he was settling in well. Until one night there came a tap at his study window, and he found himself caught between two worlds, and about to find out exactly why St Sebastian is the patron saint of archers, enemies of religion, gardeners, murrains of cattle, plagues and police. It is a cosy English village whodunit in the classic tradition, give or take an Unforgivable curse or so. In the best traditions of the Golden Age detective novel, a map of the village of Malfoy Intrinsica and floor plans to Malfoy manor are provided. You should note that this novel is set during February and March 2001.."

Warning from the author:

• Vegetarians may be offended by the black pudding incident.
• Teetotallers are reminded that this fanfic contains numerous scenes set in the local pub.
• The fic contains references to illegal drug taking for recreational purposes.
• Atheists are warned that the local vicar is presented in a favourable light.
• Catholics may be disturbed to learn that he is contemplating committing monogamy.
• Mary-Sue haters are advised that he is an OC.
• Those who are anxious that respect for authority be reinforced in fiction are warned that he is in conflict with his Bishop.
• Presbyterians are advised that there is a Bishop.
• Other religious groups are asked to note that this fic does not contain equal airtime for their own theological standpoints.
• Bogomils may be distressed by the Bogomil/bugger pun in the fifth chapter.
• Eco-warriors may find the gratuitous deployment of a Porsche 996 distressing...also the metaphor which refers to harpooning whales.
• Dog haters; the spaniels are back.
• Cat haters; Crookshanks appears for the first time.
• Epidemiologists should note that the incubation time of Pasteurella pestis in the human body has been deliberately played about with for plot purposes.
• There is an unfavourable reference to Mussolini, which Fascists may find offensive.
• This book may contain traces of nuts.
• There are references to rolls and Jammie dodgers, which those following the Atkins diet may prefer to avoid.
• Oh, and the boys are still at it like rabbits.

Reviews

• "The fabulous sequel to Lust Over Pendle, and the story that has people itching to read and write Draco/Neville. Funny, touching, and with characterizations that make me tingle." (Nestra)
• "I hadn't thought it was possible to outdo the glittering brilliance of 'Lust Over Pendle', but Hall has proved herself a master capable of improving her art. 'Despair and Dissipation' continues this romance of the Golden Age, in a long, filling, scrumptious novel packed with perfectly weighed dialogue, sparkling adventure and feather-light humor. It will take you very, very long to finish reading, but it will leave you sated and glowing at the end. Every minor character is drawn to perfection, and the romance between the major characters is richer than it was in the prequel (or so I think). I loved this." (switchknife)