What is your opinion?
Mrs
"It was very interesting and enjoyable and I am happy that it ended happily unlike other stories. In really enjoyed reading it."
This story is my mistress
"You know, I usually don't read zombie stories. But this was an exception. It's so good! Somehow I'm sad that it's only five chapters long, although I checked your FFN account and saw that it was longer there, so I guess you just put chapters together until they made five. I really like the way you write, since it's in present tense. Somehow I'm always on the lookout for writers who use present tense rather than past, because I want to see how they manipulate the story. You're one of the good ones. With the plot, I have no problem around. It's such a sad thing that Harvey died though, and Sid, oh my, it broke my heart. I really do love Soul though. I always do. Thank you so much for writing this story. I can't wait to read more of your works :)"
Amazing
"This is quite the interesting take on a zombie apocalypse, and it is awesome!! From Maka's meeting with Soul all the way through the epilogue, I was hooked. The suspense, danger, friendship, and romance was well written. The characters' interaction with each other is splendid. The concern for survival, of not losing one's self or that which one holds dear is a constant theme that holds merit in this story."
if only tonight all stories were this good
"I am always a little bit unsure about zombie stories. But yours works for me, and I think it's because it confronts head-on the thing that scares me the most about the concept of a zombie apocalypse: the loss of self. Not just the loss of self from turning into a zombie, but from having to kill things that are arguably still sort of human, from losing what life used to be before everything happened. Gore and violence can be scary, sure, but that's nothing compared to the existential terror of losing everything that matters and being forced into a brutal game of bodily survival after you're not sure your soul is intact anymore, at least in my eyes. IOTWCS deals with this very directly but leaves a hopeful message at the end, which also means a lot. There's no need to be familiar with Soul Eater to understand this story - as I've discovered from certain people who've read it without any knowledge of canon at all - but I'm also always left in awe at how you manage to preserve the essential themes of SE and the themes of Soul and Maka's canon characters and relationships, even when you bring them into an extremely different context. That is what a well-written AU is supposed to do. You give them their balance of power, their strengths and weaknesses that compliment each other, their interests translated into ones for that universe. Also, I love that your stories reflect inner and outer turmoil. In IOTWCS, there is a huge amount of conflict resulting from not only the obvious zombie apocalypse and other character interactions, but also from Maka's own struggle to re-find "the meaning of her name.""
A Masterpiece
"This is a story that gets better and better every time you read it. You join Maka on her journey through and hell and back, and you notice more and more details every time you reread it. The worldbuilding is phenomenal, and the attention to detail brings the Vegas streets haunted by the dead to life. The pacing is excellent and really demonstrates a thorough understanding of build-up and anticipation. The characters are extremely well fleshed out (even those who lose some flesh). We immediately feel connected, grasping for the humans within the world of the dead. They each bring something to the table and teach us something about life after death. Black*Star teaches us about the weight of the world on our shoulders. Harvar teaches us about finding meaning and purpose even when there doesn't seem to be any. Maka teaches us how to find strength within ourselves and rise to our destinies. And Soul teaches us how to love again. The well crafted sentences chase after the reader even long after we think we should be safe, like insatiable zombies. I find myself haunted after reading it every time. This story will linger with you long after you close the tab."
A Fanfictional Treasure
"This is arguably one of the best SE fanfiction stories out there (though are fandom is pretty damn talented!). It's a very compelling read and the characters stay true to themselves even with added features (geek!Soul, BlackStar's prosthetic, etc.). I'm in love with this story, and it's hard to even get critical about it down to the nitty-gritty bits because it's just TOO good. If you want to read a story with a different take on the "zombie apocalypse", IOTWCS has it. If you want a realistic atmosphere of said apocalypse with your favorite SE characters, look no further. Hell, this could be read as an original story, not just fanfiction. I even read it sometimes to inspire my own stories. The writer's voice and the story itself is just so unique and well done! It's a must-read for all even if you're not apart of the SE fandom! I'll recommend it regardless :)"
Poetic, Compelling, Lasting
"Every time I read "If Only Tonight We Could Sleep" I fall a little more in love with it. From when you first published it, to now, every time I read it, I find something new to love and appreciate. The lyrical writing style is both full of beautiful symbolism and blunt truths that create such a clear and distinct vision of what is happening and how the characters are feeling. Every character is so well developed that they are distinct individuals from their first appearances and it is impossible to confuse or forget any of them. While dealing with a dark subject matter IOTWCS is funny, irreverent and equally values romantic, familial and platonic relationships. It's starkly practical of the realities of not only surviving, but living in a post-apocalyptic world, from finding food to dealing with your period returning for the first time in 5 months and hoping that against all odds you'll come across some clean clothes in your size. Perhaps most striking is the continuing theme of this world being the one that Maka has chosen to keep, that even when the whole world has literally fallen apart, there are still things in it worth fighting for, worth continuing for. In IOTWCS we see some of the best and worst of humanity, but the overwhelming feeling I get, is that if we're willing to fight for what's important, we can choose the world we live in on our terms, for ourselves, to eat pickles and get fat. . This is the kind of story that I have spent years searching for and many published works pale in comparison. It is and will remain one of my favourite books."
Life Changing
"I know it's probably cliche, but visceral would probably be one of the best adjectives to describe this incredible piece. Going on this journey with Maka was emotionally draining, and painful, and oh so wonderful. The start of this makes so clear the lack of hope for any kind of future, anything more than just surviving. Death doesn't seem like the worst thing, and it's terrifying. And then we're fed a crumble of hope, and it's enough. It's enough because it has to be. We as the readers are feel the urgency so clearly, the desperate, grasping at hope, at normalcy. There's dirty jokes at the end of the world folks, and that's so so so important. Everyone has their own complete story, no one is left as a flat character, subtly made real with tidbits of information about their backgrounds, their life before the world died. I rarely gave Harvey a second thought before this fic, but today he remains one of my favourite characters, mostly due to this story. This piece will always be very important to me, and I thank you. For the hope, and the beauty, and the truth of humanity."
The Fic to End All Fanfiction
"I've avoided reading this story for a long time because I do not enjoy grimdark stories or zombies. I guess I'd like to start this off by apologizing for putting this story under those labels when it clearly deserves a category of its own. "If Only Tonight We Could Sleep" transcends the post-apocalypse/zombie genre through solid worldbuilding and meticulously developed characters. Marsh doesn't waste time creating dystopic governments or pandemic viruses. The zombies are here and rampant, and that's all you need to know to follow Maka's journey from lone wolf to grim reaper. Instead, Marsh fleshes out the world and creates firm rules for how the zombie infection operates to show what it's like to actually live through a zombie disaster, not just read about it. I found the details about technology, the overrun parts of Las Vegas, and the hair and eye color changing very clever because they grounded the story in our reality and in Soul Eater's canon at the same time. Marsh's writing style is a perfect merger between the concrete and the metaphorical. Through Maka's distinct narration, the reader is right alongside for the action and privy to her most abstract thoughts and insights. Marsh doesn't go for low-hanging metaphors either. One sentence that stuck with me was "Maka feels empty, a jar with only dregs and ash at the bottom." The image is unique and profound, yet it effortlessly captures Maka's feelings at that moment without spelling them out for the reader. The entire story is full of these artful sentences laden with meaning. The plot confronts all the nitty gritty of a zombie apocalypse, from character death to inconvenient periods, but is also explores the messiness of human emotion. The progression of Maka and Soul's romance is heartfelt, but also tempered by the constant grief of losing their friends and, nearly, each other. I found Maka's self-eulogy in the final chapter to be particularly wrenching because it showed how every character mattered to her story--not just Soul--in a really emotional way. Thanks for sharing your wonderful story on Inkitt!"
Compelling, sexy, and OTHER
"I loved everything about it, from the character development and their depictions, to the plot, to the way this story was written. Your style is mesmerizing and amazing, and I'm so glad I spent the last two days devouring your story. It was so interesting how you made this zombie apocalypse a story about love and survival, friendship and tragedy! The story reminds me a lot of 'This Is Not A Test' by Courtney Summers, and Maka's voice reminds me of Sloane's voice. Anyhow, this is one of my favourite fanfictions, and one of the best pieces of work I've read in a very long time. Honestly, this could be a published novel(la)! I can't wait to read more of your Soul Eater work, and thank you for this incredible story; it was amazing and beautiful and *other*."
One of my favorite stories
"This is easily one of my favorite stories, period, not just one of my favorite fanfics. There's something incredibly compelling about the way the Soul Eater characters are represented in this story; it's an inherently different setting and the circumstances that shape each character intensely different, and yet it still feels as if I know each character. There's something still fundamentally *them* without feeling out of place. The pacing is excellent, and there's an amazing amount of tension that builds throughout the story and there are a hundred moments that make your heart try to catch your breath and just when you think you're at a safe spot, Marsh ramps your feels up again. Everything is intense and wonderful and every time I read it, I find something new that I missed before that socks me in the gut again. Every time I finish reading, I have to sit still and process the whole experience over again."
Thanks. you know, for making me cry. twice.
"the plot was developed so well, and the way it was written, with all of its ups and downs kept me enthralled the entire way through. It was invigorating, and sweet, and angsty in all the right proportions. It made for a fantastic story and I honestly don't think I could ever get enough of it. Thank you so much of this! it was certainly an experience (an amazing one)."
Zombie Apocalypse ftw!
"This story's best quality is it's WRITING. Marsh is wonderful and poetic. The end of the first chapter gave me chills! You don't need to know anything about Soul Eater to enjoy this story, which will definitely help its chances in this contest. The fandom already prints it out in book style and it looks fabulous! I'd totally buy it if it was really a novel!"
Incredible work
"This is one of the fandom's very best fics, and I don't say that lightly. I tire easily of zombie lore, but this really stands out and plays with it in unique ways. It incorporates the source material in ways that feel totally natural and organic while maintaining a freshness that feels like purely original work. The romance is hot, the angst is absolutely heartbreaking, and the overall plot is so cohesive and fully realized. Read the thing. It does not disappoint."
This is too frickin' good to be a Fanfiction
"Frick Marsh FRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICK This shit- this shit right here! After lurking in this fandom since the start of 2009, this story has taken the crown as my favourite fiction Honestly, it felt like I was reading a book when the author was sharing a generous amount of inside jokes with Soul Eater fans rather than reading a fanfiction written by some screen name. This story is the best Zombie writing I have ever come across - mostly due to the realism with how modern society would actually act - and is pretty high class over all. I have always been a fan of your writing but this has just destroyed any and all expectations and I would love to share it with the world. So thanks. Thanks for being awesome. Thanks for writing this. Thanks for making the entire month (when you wrote it) for me with this story. I never knew you were so good at writing violence and fight scene, and more importantly the physiology that goes with it - which not a lot of writers can do, including the professionals. It's smart how you've used technology by vaguely describing to make it sound possible and not going into lots of detail so readers can call bullshit. Though I was confused at "I'm about eighty percent sure the update about us gettin' here went out. I'm positive the cell towers went down before I could see any replies. At least the ones around here, anyway." - when did this happen? Also the Soul Eater cannon references are pretty clever. Like Soul being made of metal, Maka having wings, being an awesome fighter, and her dislike of boys - I agree 100% that Maka in most universes would not have dated anyone by 25 unless a very special guy came into her life, I'm supper glad you went with that mindset. I still don't know how I feel about geek!Soul, though it's kind of refreshing seeing him as tech savvy cool rather than biker gang cool. I said in your leg prompt that I would have a secret stash of your dirty novels when you get published, but if you have a story are like this I'd by you book in bulk and hand it out like fucking candy."
More than just another zombie story
"I should preface this review with the fact that zombies are not my thing. Too much pointless gore, too much hopeless dystopia, and the stuff I live for--strong characterization and character development--tends to be severely lacking. Such lack is not an issue with this story. It's the opposite, really. This story is made of strong characterization, of flawed yet essentially decent people who are doing their best in a world gone to hell, of difficult choices, and of the importance of connecting with others even when such connections are dangerous. Marsh manages to keep the reader under a constant veil of suspense while simultaneously building relationships through character interactions that feel absolutely raw and real. She has a true knack for dialogue, and her prose is economical while immersing the reader fully in the world she creates--nothing purple here--yet she also manages to stun with occasionally gorgeous and completely apt metaphors that leave the reader in awe. The ending is well done, putting us through the emotional ringer before finally offering the light at the end of the tunnel, real hope in a dying world. There is little negative I have to say about this story--it is well plotted and well paced. This was my third reading, and every time I've read it I've enjoyed it anew. There is the rare spot where grammar is a minor issue--I noticed the occasional missing word in particular--but it's nothing frequent or glaring, the type of thing that one would expect when professional editing isn't involved (we all have a smattering of these issues, and even published works are not immune). I suppose in the end my urging would be to read it--read it and see for yourself why this is one of the most widely adored fics in the Soul Eater fandom. You won't be sorry."
Better than most published material
"I have read this story so many times over the years that I find myself at a loss on where to begin. "If Only Tonight We Could Sleep" (IOTWCS for short) is such a well written story and certainly showcases Marsh's skill. Often, writers have the ability the mold their characters in any way they like to fit their needs. The issue that is raised with fanfiction is that the characters are already established and a writer must strive to write them in a situation that is original and new, while keeping the characters true to themselves. Countless times, writers will unknowingly alter these character's personality so much that they are unrecognizable. It takes true skill to have an established character react in accordance with their personality, while being in a completely different world from the one they were created in. Marsh not only succeeds at this but goes beyond any and all expectations. IOTWCS uses a trope that his been used so many times before but is still original. Set in the zombie apocalypse, the story follows Soul and Maka, strangers who met while Soul is tied to a tree. After an unsettling first meeting, the two journey together trying to find safer and safer areas while they look for other survivors. The world is broken and so are its inhabitants and Marsh does an excellent job at portraying the grief that comes with watching your world fall apart. She also excels at showing the struggle that comes with struggling to remember ones humanity in world where that could kill you. There is a good balance of "good" and "bad" people in this story, but it also shows the complexities behind the idea of "good and bad." This story reminds readers that good people do bad things in the name of survival. Overall, IOTWCS offers readers everything they could ask for. It not only has romance, but also a compelling plot, a realistic display of raw human emotion, and a funny sense of humor."
Beautiful, captivating story
"This story is such a wonderful read. The world Marsh creates is so vivid and the characters are so perfect that this is hands down one of the best stories I've read. She keeps the reader on their toes and in suspense the whole time. When I read this, I really picture a world that has gone up in flames and is gritty and dark and I love it. She does such a terrific job in creating the setting that the reader feels like they're there. It's a really great read that anyone who isn't a fan of Soul Eater will love it because the story is so captivating. Also, the emotions she puts into this story are great, especially in that last scene with Maka. I remember reading it and feeling the exact same emotions Maka was going through. Really great story. I highly recommend it."
IOTWCS Review
"I always say that if I'm not complaining, I'm not having fun. This story gives me too many feelings and requires the occasional 'put it down and walk it off' The imagery is stunning and the way it deals with PTSD and life after the end of the world as we know is tragic, hopeful and realistic. It sets up a world gone to hell in a hand basket, and for some unknown reason, it's not because of smartphones."
