What do you think?
Rate this book
Redemption Road
Redemption Road is a fan-generated, large-scale AU project created by various members of the SPN and Dean/Castiel fandoms.
http://spn-redemption.livejournal.com...
With Castiel having set himself up as the new God, drunk on power and volatile as a nuclear reactor, Dean, Sam, and Bobby find themselves on the run from the jealous, capricious monster wearing the face of their friend. Desperate for protection and wary of his brother’s mental state since Castiel unlocked Sam’s memories of Hell, Dean knows Castiel must be defused before he can wreak further havoc in Heaven or on Earth. Although Bobby advocates for destroying Castiel by whatever means necessary, Dean is convinced the Cas he once knew still remains, buried somewhere beneath the mass of poisonous souls and calling out for help. Determined to save the angel who once rescued him from Hell and redefined his purpose in life, Dean himself must resist the allure of the false deity vying for his obedience, and come to terms with the knowledge, long-suppressed, that his feelings for Castiel run much deeper than brotherhood. It is this bond, and the dubious distinction of the Righteous Man, that will ultimately grant Dean access to where Castiel’s grace languishes in Purgatory. However, what Dean brings back with him is broken, angry, and only half-angel, certainly not the Castiel he remembers—and nor is it the only thing that returns to Earth with them…
Art credit: http://spn-redemption.livejournal.com...
Words: 652,223 complete in 42 parts
http://spn-redemption.livejournal.com...
With Castiel having set himself up as the new God, drunk on power and volatile as a nuclear reactor, Dean, Sam, and Bobby find themselves on the run from the jealous, capricious monster wearing the face of their friend. Desperate for protection and wary of his brother’s mental state since Castiel unlocked Sam’s memories of Hell, Dean knows Castiel must be defused before he can wreak further havoc in Heaven or on Earth. Although Bobby advocates for destroying Castiel by whatever means necessary, Dean is convinced the Cas he once knew still remains, buried somewhere beneath the mass of poisonous souls and calling out for help. Determined to save the angel who once rescued him from Hell and redefined his purpose in life, Dean himself must resist the allure of the false deity vying for his obedience, and come to terms with the knowledge, long-suppressed, that his feelings for Castiel run much deeper than brotherhood. It is this bond, and the dubious distinction of the Righteous Man, that will ultimately grant Dean access to where Castiel’s grace languishes in Purgatory. However, what Dean brings back with him is broken, angry, and only half-angel, certainly not the Castiel he remembers—and nor is it the only thing that returns to Earth with them…
Art credit: http://spn-redemption.livejournal.com...
Words: 652,223 complete in 42 parts
1958 pages, ebook
First published October 6, 2011
2 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
spnredemption
1 bookRedemption Road is a fan-generated, large-scale AU project created by various members of the SPN and Dean/Castiel fandoms.
http://spn-redemption.livejournal.com...
http://spn-redemption.livejournal.com...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 3, 2016
55 hours.
That’s how long it took me to experience this 650,000 word Supernatural fanfiction. Fifty-five hours filled with so much heartache, pain, happiness and hope.
This story takes place right after season six in the series and only fans who have watched up to this point can understand and appreciate Redemption Road for what it is. This is a large fan-based project that involves more than one writer, with each chapter labeled an “episode” in sentiment to that of a virtual season 7.
I’m not really a fan of fanfiction that is canon/takes place in the same world as depicted in its original production. However, Redemption Road (RR) does a great job creating characters that are consistent with what fans are familiar with. The story is told mostly between Castiel, Dean and Sam. Other secondary characters, notably Bobby, also have a small slice of POV throughout the story. My original concern before starting this project was the use of multiple authors and the possibility of creating fragmented writing. For the most part, the writing IS consistent, with the occasional episodes/chapters (e.g. Journey to the West) where the characters felt a little off from normal. Since this happened infrequently for the number of authors involved, I found myself thoroughly impressed.
While the actual conflict and plot for the story was very complicating, the execution of it did feel flat at times. The use of certain cliché (i.e. everyone but the good guys knew what was going on) and pacing prevented me from really enjoying it. So pretty much, it’s what one would experience watching a normal television season, where nothing really makes sense until the end. There are a lot of details throughout the beginning and middle that I easily forgotten, but was interesting to see the importance it played later on. And I was very shocked with the direction that the story took towards the end. For that, I will definitely applaud the authors!
But despite the care taken to creating such an encompassing plot, I felt RR is still a character-driven story. This is what pushed RR from an “okay” read to an amazing one. I loved how it didn’t make light of the issues regarding PTSD, that the things the Winchester brothers have gone through are not things that can be magically fixed. Nothing is ever completely right with these boys, and the weight of regret pushes redemption and salvation beyond reach.
The story reminds us of that.
And it’s not just the Winchesters, but Castiel as well. And despite the weight of regret and unattainable redemption, we see whether love can become the salvation needed for these broken characters. The love between brothers, of family, between best friends, and that of lovers.
So while the storyline was okay, it was really the characters that pulled me in and didn’t let go. In fact, some of my favorite scenes are in the “DVD extras” where the interactions are more domesticated (don’t skip these parts, they are vital to some of the things that happen later on!). Be patient with this story – there will be episodes/chapters where you’ll be bored, but there will also be ones that have you laughing, crying, and on the edge of your seats as well. And when you’re done with the epilogue, you’ll wonder how exactly things could have EVER been different in the television series. (I’ll probably watch season 9 and wonder why Dean and Cas aren’t a couple, and REMEMBER that the pairing isn’t canon. Ugh.)
Rating: 4.5 stars
There is also a link here to download the whole story as one document as opposed to separate episodes.
That’s how long it took me to experience this 650,000 word Supernatural fanfiction. Fifty-five hours filled with so much heartache, pain, happiness and hope.
This story takes place right after season six in the series and only fans who have watched up to this point can understand and appreciate Redemption Road for what it is. This is a large fan-based project that involves more than one writer, with each chapter labeled an “episode” in sentiment to that of a virtual season 7.
I’m not really a fan of fanfiction that is canon/takes place in the same world as depicted in its original production. However, Redemption Road (RR) does a great job creating characters that are consistent with what fans are familiar with. The story is told mostly between Castiel, Dean and Sam. Other secondary characters, notably Bobby, also have a small slice of POV throughout the story. My original concern before starting this project was the use of multiple authors and the possibility of creating fragmented writing. For the most part, the writing IS consistent, with the occasional episodes/chapters (e.g. Journey to the West) where the characters felt a little off from normal. Since this happened infrequently for the number of authors involved, I found myself thoroughly impressed.
While the actual conflict and plot for the story was very complicating, the execution of it did feel flat at times. The use of certain cliché (i.e. everyone but the good guys knew what was going on) and pacing prevented me from really enjoying it. So pretty much, it’s what one would experience watching a normal television season, where nothing really makes sense until the end. There are a lot of details throughout the beginning and middle that I easily forgotten, but was interesting to see the importance it played later on. And I was very shocked with the direction that the story took towards the end. For that, I will definitely applaud the authors!
But despite the care taken to creating such an encompassing plot, I felt RR is still a character-driven story. This is what pushed RR from an “okay” read to an amazing one. I loved how it didn’t make light of the issues regarding PTSD, that the things the Winchester brothers have gone through are not things that can be magically fixed. Nothing is ever completely right with these boys, and the weight of regret pushes redemption and salvation beyond reach.
The story reminds us of that.
And it’s not just the Winchesters, but Castiel as well. And despite the weight of regret and unattainable redemption, we see whether love can become the salvation needed for these broken characters. The love between brothers, of family, between best friends, and that of lovers.
So while the storyline was okay, it was really the characters that pulled me in and didn’t let go. In fact, some of my favorite scenes are in the “DVD extras” where the interactions are more domesticated (don’t skip these parts, they are vital to some of the things that happen later on!). Be patient with this story – there will be episodes/chapters where you’ll be bored, but there will also be ones that have you laughing, crying, and on the edge of your seats as well. And when you’re done with the epilogue, you’ll wonder how exactly things could have EVER been different in the television series. (I’ll probably watch season 9 and wonder why Dean and Cas aren’t a couple, and REMEMBER that the pairing isn’t canon. Ugh.)
Rating: 4.5 stars
There is also a link here to download the whole story as one document as opposed to separate episodes.
did-not-finish
September 26, 2021Have you ever read something and thought to yourself, this can't be the thing everyone else loves so much? That was me. Everyone - and I mean everyone - I knew in the fandom, and the people they knew, and the people we followed, had their head so far up the proverbial ass of Redemption Road that I figured it had to be amazing. I mean, a rewrite of a season I hated with all the passion of a million fiery suns? Heck yeah, sign me up!
So I read it. Or, rather, I tried to read it. I know I read the first chapter and part of the second, so at minimum around 15,000 words, before tapping out. But I just couldn't see what everyone else thought was so amazing, so well-done, so perfect.
Felt like an even worse take on the plot I hated from canon, so that really turned me off. It's a shame, though, because the one thing I wanted to read it for was done really well: diving into Dean's trauma which the canon writers had grown a nasty habit of ignoring. I just couldn't make it past the rest of the plot on a vague promise of actually seeing Dean Winchester act like someone who's been unspeakably tortured in literal Hell, betrayed by nearly everyone he loves at least once, and treated like absolute trash.
In another lifetime I might have actually enjoyed this. The writing isn't bad, the characterization is alright... I just really hate the plotline because it doesn't deviate far enough from the hot mess of the canon it's rewriting to suit my interests.
As luck would have it, I came back around to this on a whim tonight. I read some offhand comment about fanfic being added to goodreads and I took a peek. I don't usually read massive fanfic, nor do I memorize the names of the quickies I do read these days, so the first name I could think of was Redemption Road.
So here I am, a decade later, coming around to say that it's probably alright but it's definitely not my cup of tea.
So I read it. Or, rather, I tried to read it. I know I read the first chapter and part of the second, so at minimum around 15,000 words, before tapping out. But I just couldn't see what everyone else thought was so amazing, so well-done, so perfect.
Felt like an even worse take on the plot I hated from canon, so that really turned me off. It's a shame, though, because the one thing I wanted to read it for was done really well: diving into Dean's trauma which the canon writers had grown a nasty habit of ignoring. I just couldn't make it past the rest of the plot on a vague promise of actually seeing Dean Winchester act like someone who's been unspeakably tortured in literal Hell, betrayed by nearly everyone he loves at least once, and treated like absolute trash.
In another lifetime I might have actually enjoyed this. The writing isn't bad, the characterization is alright... I just really hate the plotline because it doesn't deviate far enough from the hot mess of the canon it's rewriting to suit my interests.
As luck would have it, I came back around to this on a whim tonight. I read some offhand comment about fanfic being added to goodreads and I took a peek. I don't usually read massive fanfic, nor do I memorize the names of the quickies I do read these days, so the first name I could think of was Redemption Road.
So here I am, a decade later, coming around to say that it's probably alright but it's definitely not my cup of tea.
February 27, 2014
Sometimes I get in the mood for really elaborate fanfiction, and wow, just... wow. This is an incredible AU of Supernatural that is well thought out, deep, and very well written. It takes a long time to read, but it is so worth it. I usually don't read that much fanfiction anymore (i get easily frustrated with bad writing and bad plot) but this was highly recommended to me by almost everyone that has ever logged into Tumblr so I decided to give it a shot and I am so glad that I did!
By far my favorite part was all dealing with Cthulu- never thought I would see that in a Supernatural fanfic that was that well thought out, but I was happily surprised. Also, the fan art placed throughout was extraordinary! All in all- one of the best things I have read this year, published and fanfiction.
By far my favorite part was all dealing with Cthulu- never thought I would see that in a Supernatural fanfic that was that well thought out, but I was happily surprised. Also, the fan art placed throughout was extraordinary! All in all- one of the best things I have read this year, published and fanfiction.
March 15, 2015
this may be the best fanfiction ever written. the first couple of chapters are amazingly well written, imaginative, a work of art. the whole story, really, is the reason why i'm convinced fanfiction is a big part of the future in literature, and many will soon recognize it, i think. the characters are soooo on point, every dialogue is what i imagine it would be like if supernatural was a better tv show. the writers should read this. they should learn from this. i think the authors of this fic should write more and surely, be allowed to write at least an episode of spn.
congratulations!
congratulations!
July 9, 2018
This is truly a remarkable story. It takes place right after the Godstiel tragedy. Took me an entire week to finish the journey.
I honestly don’t know what else to say other than the fact that this masterpiece made me feel so many different emotions. It was funny, enthralling, and it made me tear up during the last few chapters. If you don’t like tragic endings, don’t worry, this story still have a rewarding ending. I do feel like this is the canon that SPN should abide to. Dean and Castiel’s relationship - their adventures and struggles- made me realize the power of true unconditional love. This is a must read. Very long, however, but definitely worth it.
I honestly don’t know what else to say other than the fact that this masterpiece made me feel so many different emotions. It was funny, enthralling, and it made me tear up during the last few chapters. If you don’t like tragic endings, don’t worry, this story still have a rewarding ending. I do feel like this is the canon that SPN should abide to. Dean and Castiel’s relationship - their adventures and struggles- made me realize the power of true unconditional love. This is a must read. Very long, however, but definitely worth it.
May 18, 2018
Dnf 38%
July 8, 2019
I needed thre months to read this fanfic but it was absolutly woth it. If you love Destiel, Team Free Will and Supernatural in general you should read it.
August 11, 2016
Review can be found Here: http://retract-your-claws-destiel.tum...
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews