in love and war and politics
| Fanfiction | |
|---|---|
| Title: | in love and war and politics |
| Author(s): | centuriesofexistence |
| Date(s): | Published March 17, 2016 – March 6, 2019 |
| Length: | 201,750 words; 22 chapters |
| Genre: | Modern AU, Secret Relationship, femslash |
| Fandom: | The 100 |
| External Links: | AO3 link |
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in love and war and politics by centuriesofexistence is a very popular Clexa fanfiction hosted on Archive of Our Own. It is a modern AU and was published in 22 chapters from March 17, 2016 to March 6, 2019.
The summary from AO3:
It's the most watched Senate race around the country, and Clarke Griffin is running one hell of an underdog campaign against the favored Cage Wallace. But she has a secret weapon that might save the campaign--and a secret that might ruin it. And both are named Lexa Ward.
On AO3, the fic is the third most popular The 100 fanwork by kudos, and the fifth most popular by bookmarks; as of January 2021, it has in excess of 276k hits, 17k kudos, 2.8k comments, and 2.2k bookmarks.
Reactions and Reviews
I've been following this fic since I binged it back when there were only 6ish chapters. Since then, it's been one of the few fics that I'd drop everything to read. I've re-read it countless times and I'm sure I'll continue to do so in the future. Once I saw that this was the final chapter, I had to take a minute to collect myself before reading. It feels like a piece of my heart, one that had been uprooted by Lexa's death, has been quietly settled again.
I was angry at first for what Clarke had done (don't want to spoil). I was disappointed in their lack of communication and how that ended up affecting their entire lives, but I knew you'd pull me through the pain of reading those parts. In the end, I feel wholly satisfied with where they, and this story, landed. (Although I'd never say no to a soft epilogue some time in the future!)
Now I must compliment your writing! I wouldn't be shocked in the slightest if you were a poly sci major/politician in real life because the way you told the story through Clarke and Lexa's quick thinking/dialogue, paired with an incredible plot, was masterful. If you aren't, though, I can't imagine the hours of research that went into making this fic feel so realistic. I know nothing about how politics works, and I actually hate political dramas, but you've woven this story in a way that was easy for me to understand. Each moment, even the small, soft lulls in between political intrigue and office smut, were gripping to me. What's going to happen next? What will be said between the lines this time? Who will break first? I can guarantee you I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The characterization you built for your universe with them was absolutely spot on. Lexa's willingness to take responsibility for failure and her ride-or-die mentality, Clarke's stubbornness when it comes to her morals and instinct to run when she can't handle her emotions.... just bellissima!
To give you a couple of my favorite moments; I especially loved when they were interrupted by Abby for dinner, their accidental casual date in San Francisco, them teasing each other during that important meeting, and of course Lexa's love letter - which made me cry. I also loved every moment in between: both while they were heatedly debating morality and each time they came together with love afterwards.
Now that I'm reaching my character limit, I'll end with this. This story you've built has been incredible to experience these past 3 years and I'm honored to have been a part of it. These characters, as you've written them, have made me a better person, and you as a writer have helped heal a hurt in me that I didn't know I still had. Thank you for sticking with this for so long and for allowing us to view our girls in such a unique way. I'll be keeping an eye on you and your writing in the future and I hope you publish something that I can proudly place on my shelf someday.
Much love,
an adoring fan[1]
This story was such a journey... I feel like I've been killed and then ressurected. I'm admittedly greedy so I hesitated when I realized that I was on the final chapter. I wanted to savour this story a little more. But, again, greedy reader here and I couldn't resist.
Lexa's piece (which was a love letter let's be real) was so Lexa. So formal yet so loving, in a way that only Lexa could pull off.
And Clarke. Man. You've captured her perfectly- strong willed and unwilling to sacrifice her morals and her integrity even if it'll make her life infinitely more difficult.
You've somehow captured them individually and wrote them together perfectly- the push and pull, the intense love, the clash of morals. Not once did I ever think that Clarke or Lexa were acting out of character.
Truly, I consider this piece to be one of the best clexa fics out there. And it's not a title that should be thrown around lightly because this fandom has generated a ridiculous amount of masterpieces. I wish I could tell you just how brilliant you are but clearly I'm not that eloquent! Just know that you're work has more than done justice to the memory of clexa but immortalized it as well- I have no doubt that I and several others will come back and reread this. Much kudos!
Thanks for writing![2]
One. Of. The. Best. Damn. Stories... Ever. You could mic drop here, and it would be perfect. I remember when I first caught this story. I started at chapter 3. And, oh my, has it been a hell of a ride. I must have re-read those first 3 chapters a half dozen times, waiting impatiently for the next chapter, and the chapter after that (but never wanting to rush you or have myself seem too greedy by begging for the next chapter). With each new chapter on this three year journey, I started over with chapter 1. I relished the well written characters, the political intrigue, and then holding on to my seat as you painted Clarke and Lexa in this master stoke of a world. Somehow, just saying thank you for writing this magnificent story, doesn't seem enough, but it's all I have. Thank you for one of the most enjoyable stories I have ever read. I look forward to your other stories, and you have to know, I will probably re-read this another half dozen times and thoroughly enjoy every moment... all over again. Cheers![3]
I have largely stopped reading fan fiction as it was taking up way to much time in my life but I've always continued this one as it is and will probably always be my favorite. Not only is it well written, it's well researched which I personally appreciate and just a beautiful, rich world you've created. Thank you for sharing this story. I hope that if you are considering a sequel, you decide to do it.[4]
I discovered this story around year and a half ago, and i was so exited to read it but i'm one of those people who can't read a story that not finished so I waited. and now HERE IT IS, man, let me tell you, a year and a half didn't prepare me for how amazing, heart-wrenching this story gonna bring me. This is the first fic i've read that makes me wish I could have a paperback copy to put on my shelf. Thank you so much for this incredible story.[5]
I kept into the Clexa fandom very recently and read this story with way too much speed, but it's amazing! I'm guilty of plowing through content without looking back but this work is too great to not acknowledge directly.
I'm endlessly impressed with how well you communicate each individual character's feelings in such subtle, poetic ways. Lexa's love letter especially, I'm so impressed with how clear it is and how much professionalism and love it communicates! The story in its whole is fucking incredible. Many, many probs for being able to place these two in a political race so seamlessly and in such a believable way. Loved the entire journey!
The only thing that leaves me wanting is the very, very end, I feel like the shift from Clarke of denial and stubbornness to love and acceptance comes too late in the chapter. I really think they needed more time acknowledging that they want to go back together/ ready to be back together.
My critic may just also because of the speed and frantic ness of my read! Please don't take it more as a grain of critic. The entire work is well thought out, extremely well written, and well characterized. I love to see different iterations of Clarke and Alexa and this version of them, powerful, capable, and smart, is one of my all time faves. It's an inspiring work.
Can't wait to read the rest of your works. Cant wait to reread this one.
Best,
Nina[7]
Fanworks
- Aesthetic edit by mangeur-detoiles
- Aesthetic edit by thelaughingstorm
References
- ^ Review by aydenjett on AO3. March 9, 2019. Archived version.
- ^ Review by lllconcealmyhandslll on AO3. March 9, 2019. Archived version.
- ^ Review by Casere on AO3. April 13, 2019. Archived version.
- ^ Review by Elicia Zecchini on AO3. April 15, 2019. Archived version.
- ^ Review by opalppk on AO3. April 21, 2019. Archived version.
- ^ Review by dawger25 on AO3. October 28, 2020. Archived version.
- ^ Review by Nina on AO3. December 5, 2020. Archived version.