What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fire at Netherfield Park: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
"The Fire at Netherfield Park" the final installment of McMann’s and Hanford’s season of smoke and fire, opens with Charles Bingley’s famous ball. Smoke soon seeps into the room, rapidly turning the event from frivolous to dire. Determined to save everyone, Darcy enlists Elizabeth’s aid in urging the disbelieving assemblage to depart. Darcy and Elizabeth prove as noble as one might expect, but who else will rise to the ranks of hero, who will escape the fire, and who will perish? When the smoke clears, what will become of those who escaped the fire at Netherfield Park?
This Pride and Prejudice variation has approximately 70,000 words.
This Pride and Prejudice variation has approximately 70,000 words.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2016
112 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 10, 2016
This is just the latest excellent variation of Pride and Prejudice penned by Ms. McMann and Ms. Hanford, and I think it's their best yet.
The opening two chapters are absolutely gripping, with a fire during the Netherfield ball starting in the kitchen as experienced rather than observed by a young new kitchen helper. The POV switches to Elizabeth, who reluctantly dances with Mr. Darcy. During their dance, she sees him staring up at the high ceiling and looks up to see smoke starting to accumulate there. Startlingly, Darcy orders Mr. Wickham (who IS in attendance and dancing nearby) to whistle for everyone's attention. Then, he calmly but authoritatively announces that there appears to be a fire in the building and that they should proceed outside. The next segment is Jane's experience as she gets distracted from making an immediate exit, followed by Darcy and his adventure in making certain everyone on the upper floors gets out, and now we read about Mary as she exits the building and looks for her father, and here's Lydia snaking her way through the crowd of people, and so on.
The pattern of rapidly changing points of view continues throughout the book. This technique of telling the story is particularly effective in these early chapters, where it captures the utter confusion and horror of the unfolding catastrophe as experienced by each individual caught in it. Thankfully, one of these is Caroline Bingley, whose selfish reactions are so absurd that they provide some levity despite the seriousness of the situation. While Mr. Collins doesn't merit his own story being told, his actions are felt or observed by many of the others, and subsequently he does suffer serious repercussions.
Not everyone survives. The fire results in a death in the Bennet household and a burnt-out shell where Netherfield once stood, taking this far off the path of the original story. The characters themselves start out true to Jane Austen's creations, but the consequences of the fire make for changes in their attitudes and their respective fates. For example, Darcy and Wickham have a civil conversation leading to a remarkable airing of their grievances against each other and a highly unusual wager between the two. It would be unkind to reveal much about the Bennet family except to say that it undergoes a complete transformation. The tone of the book lightens considerably despite the mourning period observed, and it remains so for most of the remainder of the book.
Elizabeth and one of her sisters reside at Pemberley for a few months. As far off-canon as the story goes, this just wouldn't be a proper Pride and Prejudice variation if Mr. Darcy doesn't get his first proposal all wrong, and that scene here does not disappoint. While Wickham's storyline is probably the closest to the original, its unique resolution is influenced by events set in motion by the Netherfield fire. And Mr. Darcy comes back to Meryton hoping to win Elizabeth over with an unusual plan which, again, would not be possible without the previous tragedy.
I enjoyed this so much. It's an absorbing page-turner with a good balance of sorrow, redemption, humor, angst, and romance. The writing flows well and has few editing errors. In many ways, the fire can be judged as the climax because everything following it could qualify as its resolution, but if you look at that event as a Prelude to the rest of the book, it is followed by a progression of rising action and a turning point. I would have liked a little more HEA during their engagement or early marriage once Darcy and Elizabeth do come to an understanding, but there is a nice Epilogue set 30 years in the future.
The opening two chapters are absolutely gripping, with a fire during the Netherfield ball starting in the kitchen as experienced rather than observed by a young new kitchen helper. The POV switches to Elizabeth, who reluctantly dances with Mr. Darcy. During their dance, she sees him staring up at the high ceiling and looks up to see smoke starting to accumulate there. Startlingly, Darcy orders Mr. Wickham (who IS in attendance and dancing nearby) to whistle for everyone's attention. Then, he calmly but authoritatively announces that there appears to be a fire in the building and that they should proceed outside. The next segment is Jane's experience as she gets distracted from making an immediate exit, followed by Darcy and his adventure in making certain everyone on the upper floors gets out, and now we read about Mary as she exits the building and looks for her father, and here's Lydia snaking her way through the crowd of people, and so on.
The pattern of rapidly changing points of view continues throughout the book. This technique of telling the story is particularly effective in these early chapters, where it captures the utter confusion and horror of the unfolding catastrophe as experienced by each individual caught in it. Thankfully, one of these is Caroline Bingley, whose selfish reactions are so absurd that they provide some levity despite the seriousness of the situation. While Mr. Collins doesn't merit his own story being told, his actions are felt or observed by many of the others, and subsequently he does suffer serious repercussions.
Not everyone survives. The fire results in a death in the Bennet household and a burnt-out shell where Netherfield once stood, taking this far off the path of the original story. The characters themselves start out true to Jane Austen's creations, but the consequences of the fire make for changes in their attitudes and their respective fates. For example, Darcy and Wickham have a civil conversation leading to a remarkable airing of their grievances against each other and a highly unusual wager between the two. It would be unkind to reveal much about the Bennet family except to say that it undergoes a complete transformation. The tone of the book lightens considerably despite the mourning period observed, and it remains so for most of the remainder of the book.
Elizabeth and one of her sisters reside at Pemberley for a few months. As far off-canon as the story goes, this just wouldn't be a proper Pride and Prejudice variation if Mr. Darcy doesn't get his first proposal all wrong, and that scene here does not disappoint. While Wickham's storyline is probably the closest to the original, its unique resolution is influenced by events set in motion by the Netherfield fire. And Mr. Darcy comes back to Meryton hoping to win Elizabeth over with an unusual plan which, again, would not be possible without the previous tragedy.
I enjoyed this so much. It's an absorbing page-turner with a good balance of sorrow, redemption, humor, angst, and romance. The writing flows well and has few editing errors. In many ways, the fire can be judged as the climax because everything following it could qualify as its resolution, but if you look at that event as a Prelude to the rest of the book, it is followed by a progression of rising action and a turning point. I would have liked a little more HEA during their engagement or early marriage once Darcy and Elizabeth do come to an understanding, but there is a nice Epilogue set 30 years in the future.
July 5, 2020
I really enjoyed the way the book was set up. Each chapter continues the story from another character's experience. Have to say the Caroline shines as does Wickham. I just loved what happens with D and W in the beginning and throughout the book. This is my favorite Wickham story yet. Terrific read.
Reread: Still love this one. Terrific book. I have to read more by the authors.
Reread: Still my favorite Wickham story. Loved!
Love!
Reread: This might be my favorite of their books.
Reread: Still love this one. Terrific book. I have to read more by the authors.
Reread: Still my favorite Wickham story. Loved!
Love!
Reread: This might be my favorite of their books.
September 23, 2016
At times I would use the descriptors: morose, melancholy, and even downright depressing to convey the feelings I got reading this book! I have not read the others in this series of “fire and smoke” variations by these authors. This novel is 222 pages. The authors presented this unusual premise with well thought out consequences and follow through.
Several reviews give you details as to the premise and also point out that we are presented with constantly changing POVs. This variation has little to do with the plot in canon although the setting and the characters are the same. The fire at Netherfield is in itself a complex and startling event and it is similar to a murder mystery in that most of those books start with a crime in the beginning pages and it is a slow evolution of the story after that. Yes, we have what some in Meryton view as a crime but not one in which “motive” is to be a charge legally considered although this person’s selfish and careless acts result in the same “crime”...a death. But this person’s actions and the result affect many and the consequences he is dealt, not only in Meryton but also after he is banned from that area by physical force and by public opinion are very cleverly written.
But more than the main catastrophe(s) from the fire we get to read of personalities/behaviors showing true colors when put through the fire (so to speak). Some sound the alarm calmly and with precision; some put the safety of others before their own. We read of abilities to think clearly of what needs to be done to get the most not only to safety but to shelter and then to their homes, of finding shelter for those who were housed or employed at the manor and we, ironically, read of several individuals working together and in doing so showing us that each understands the other’s basic natures despite their personal histories. Some horrors are witnessed which bring nightmares in coming days.
You may smile at Mr. Bennet’s finding a way to change the entail…I did. Although his solution causes dismay among his family, acquaintances and the townsfolk, some may applaud this decision as it also changes Mr. Bennet. He realizes his faults as husband and father in this variation. I have to bite my tongue to not reveal any more here but it is a doozy.
Each Bennet daughter has her part in this story or in the epilogue. And we read of each sister’s POV as to how things are playing out/ in how different their lives are now. Some see it as beneficial while others whine about how dull is their existence. (I am sure you can guess that latter’s identity.)
As another review relates, we do have Mr. Darcy’s pitiful proposal but it is presented in a different setting and with some other considerations surrounding the event. He has a more difficult time dealing with connections and society’s opinions in this tale. But in his behind-the-scenes “doing for you” Darcy makes much more of an effort to create longer lasting and deeper changes with first several people and then with the ruins left from the Netherfield fire.
Several reviews give you details as to the premise and also point out that we are presented with constantly changing POVs. This variation has little to do with the plot in canon although the setting and the characters are the same. The fire at Netherfield is in itself a complex and startling event and it is similar to a murder mystery in that most of those books start with a crime in the beginning pages and it is a slow evolution of the story after that. Yes, we have what some in Meryton view as a crime but not one in which “motive” is to be a charge legally considered although this person’s selfish and careless acts result in the same “crime”...a death. But this person’s actions and the result affect many and the consequences he is dealt, not only in Meryton but also after he is banned from that area by physical force and by public opinion are very cleverly written.
But more than the main catastrophe(s) from the fire we get to read of personalities/behaviors showing true colors when put through the fire (so to speak). Some sound the alarm calmly and with precision; some put the safety of others before their own. We read of abilities to think clearly of what needs to be done to get the most not only to safety but to shelter and then to their homes, of finding shelter for those who were housed or employed at the manor and we, ironically, read of several individuals working together and in doing so showing us that each understands the other’s basic natures despite their personal histories. Some horrors are witnessed which bring nightmares in coming days.
You may smile at Mr. Bennet’s finding a way to change the entail…I did. Although his solution causes dismay among his family, acquaintances and the townsfolk, some may applaud this decision as it also changes Mr. Bennet. He realizes his faults as husband and father in this variation. I have to bite my tongue to not reveal any more here but it is a doozy.
Each Bennet daughter has her part in this story or in the epilogue. And we read of each sister’s POV as to how things are playing out/ in how different their lives are now. Some see it as beneficial while others whine about how dull is their existence. (I am sure you can guess that latter’s identity.)
As another review relates, we do have Mr. Darcy’s pitiful proposal but it is presented in a different setting and with some other considerations surrounding the event. He has a more difficult time dealing with connections and society’s opinions in this tale. But in his behind-the-scenes “doing for you” Darcy makes much more of an effort to create longer lasting and deeper changes with first several people and then with the ruins left from the Netherfield fire.
March 21, 2022
A tragedy with unexpected consequences
What an interesting concept! The developments that originate from a fire at the Netherfield ball have wide reaching impact on our favorite characters. Entertaining and enjoyable.
What an interesting concept! The developments that originate from a fire at the Netherfield ball have wide reaching impact on our favorite characters. Entertaining and enjoyable.
March 19, 2025
Status: Read August 25-26, 2016
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.5)
Review: An imaginative variation.
Edition Read:
The Fire at Netherfield Park: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
by Renata McMann, Summer Hanford
Kindle Edition, 223 pages
Published May 21, 2016
ASIN: B01FZXSYK4
[ kindle unlimited ]
"The Fire at Netherfield Park" opens with Charles Bingley’s famous ball. Smoke soon seeps into the room, rapidly turning the event from frivolous to dire. Determined to save everyone, Darcy enlists Elizabeth’s aid in urging the disbelieving assemblage to depart. Darcy and Elizabeth prove as noble as one might expect, but who else will rise to the ranks of hero, who will escape the fire, and who will perish? When the smoke clears, what will become of those who escaped the fire at Netherfield Park?
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.5)
Review: An imaginative variation.
Edition Read:
The Fire at Netherfield Park: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
by Renata McMann, Summer Hanford
Kindle Edition, 223 pages
Published May 21, 2016
ASIN: B01FZXSYK4
[ kindle unlimited ]
"The Fire at Netherfield Park" opens with Charles Bingley’s famous ball. Smoke soon seeps into the room, rapidly turning the event from frivolous to dire. Determined to save everyone, Darcy enlists Elizabeth’s aid in urging the disbelieving assemblage to depart. Darcy and Elizabeth prove as noble as one might expect, but who else will rise to the ranks of hero, who will escape the fire, and who will perish? When the smoke clears, what will become of those who escaped the fire at Netherfield Park?
May 21, 2017
Excellent non-canon P&P variation
Plot surprises run amok in this Pride and Prejudice variation. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The flow of the book was smooth and the story made sense, though surprising. Excellent book!
Plot surprises run amok in this Pride and Prejudice variation. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The flow of the book was smooth and the story made sense, though surprising. Excellent book!
September 6, 2016
Ambivalent…like the 3rd Matrix, I haven’t figured it out yet:
This was the strangest book. I guess we go into JAFF with certain expectations and then, every once in a while, we run into something completely different. That was the feeling I got when I read this story. That’s not a bad thing; it’s just different.
Take all the things you know and feel about P&P, shake them up and rewrite a completely new story, but use all the props and characters from the original. That is the best way to describe this story. I didn’t dislike it, I liked it, but I didn’t love it. I would probably have to reread it in order to decide and I am not sure I can do that right now. This is a story that has to percolate in your head for a while until you can absorb it, make sense of it or understand all that the authors were trying to convey. It was good story telling; I am just trying to absorb it. I have read the other stories in the fire series and this is the strangest…rather the most unusual take on the subject. Sort of like trying to understand the third Matrix. I still don’t get it.
In a time of crisis there are heroes and zeros. In this story you have both. Times of stress and anxiety will push emotions and feelings to their extreme, and cream will always rise to the top. Those who have it in them to be great will shine and those who are not...well, their character is exposed to all those around them.
People do the strangest things during a time of crisis. Mr. Collins is a prime example. His actions reflect on his character and his feelings for the safety of those around him. Caroline has got to be the most selfish, conniving, self-centered, jealous, self-serving, devious, resentful, diva…there are not enough adjectives to describe this b***h. OMG!!! She was absolutely horrid to the extreme. I actually liked this part. I like seeing her at her worst. She was awful [consistent, but awful].
Well, Longbourn will never be the same. In looking at the situation, it was a good move on Mr. Bennet’s part, hard on the family, but a good move. He had to do something in order to keep Collins from the entail. There was no other way. In looking at it from a practical point of view, it was a good match.
Problems: I really struggled with Wickham and Darcy. This armistice or cease-fire between these two warring factions really gave me pause. Were the authors trying to show that there are redeeming qualities in all of us? This story was the strangest take on Wickham that I have read in a JAFF. I still haven’t figured it out yet. His outcome was so unusual. You will have to be the judge.
Elizabeth: I liked her in parts and parts I did not like her. To the very end, she held on to her stubborn reasoning. I wanted to shake her. It took too long and at any moment I was expecting Darcy to say his good opinion was lost and lost forever. Was this woman worth the effort it was taking in order to win her? Dang, woman what’s your problem?
I don’t want to spoil it so there are parts I can’t discuss because #1 I haven’t figured it out yet, and #2 I will give away the reveal. Man, this was a strange story. I wanted to finish the series and I am glad I did. The Caroline story is worth the read, as well as the plans regarding Collins and how to rescue Longbourn from the entail. For those romantics [me] the romance between our dear couple was set at naught, although, there was minimal steam in looks and touches. I really missed that in ODC.
This was the strangest book. I guess we go into JAFF with certain expectations and then, every once in a while, we run into something completely different. That was the feeling I got when I read this story. That’s not a bad thing; it’s just different.
Take all the things you know and feel about P&P, shake them up and rewrite a completely new story, but use all the props and characters from the original. That is the best way to describe this story. I didn’t dislike it, I liked it, but I didn’t love it. I would probably have to reread it in order to decide and I am not sure I can do that right now. This is a story that has to percolate in your head for a while until you can absorb it, make sense of it or understand all that the authors were trying to convey. It was good story telling; I am just trying to absorb it. I have read the other stories in the fire series and this is the strangest…rather the most unusual take on the subject. Sort of like trying to understand the third Matrix. I still don’t get it.
In a time of crisis there are heroes and zeros. In this story you have both. Times of stress and anxiety will push emotions and feelings to their extreme, and cream will always rise to the top. Those who have it in them to be great will shine and those who are not...well, their character is exposed to all those around them.
People do the strangest things during a time of crisis. Mr. Collins is a prime example. His actions reflect on his character and his feelings for the safety of those around him. Caroline has got to be the most selfish, conniving, self-centered, jealous, self-serving, devious, resentful, diva…there are not enough adjectives to describe this b***h. OMG!!! She was absolutely horrid to the extreme. I actually liked this part. I like seeing her at her worst. She was awful [consistent, but awful].
Well, Longbourn will never be the same. In looking at the situation, it was a good move on Mr. Bennet’s part, hard on the family, but a good move. He had to do something in order to keep Collins from the entail. There was no other way. In looking at it from a practical point of view, it was a good match.
Problems: I really struggled with Wickham and Darcy. This armistice or cease-fire between these two warring factions really gave me pause. Were the authors trying to show that there are redeeming qualities in all of us? This story was the strangest take on Wickham that I have read in a JAFF. I still haven’t figured it out yet. His outcome was so unusual. You will have to be the judge.
Elizabeth: I liked her in parts and parts I did not like her. To the very end, she held on to her stubborn reasoning. I wanted to shake her. It took too long and at any moment I was expecting Darcy to say his good opinion was lost and lost forever. Was this woman worth the effort it was taking in order to win her? Dang, woman what’s your problem?
I don’t want to spoil it so there are parts I can’t discuss because #1 I haven’t figured it out yet, and #2 I will give away the reveal. Man, this was a strange story. I wanted to finish the series and I am glad I did. The Caroline story is worth the read, as well as the plans regarding Collins and how to rescue Longbourn from the entail. For those romantics [me] the romance between our dear couple was set at naught, although, there was minimal steam in looks and touches. I really missed that in ODC.
May 23, 2016
Having read almost 300 books in the Style or characterizations of Jane Austen I have a real weakness for plots that take the original story and really upend it. And this book creates a new story line.
This book begins with the Netherfield Ball where, while Lizzy dances with Mr. Darcy, a fire breaks out. Darcy and Wickham take charge, thanks to Wickham's loud whistle. The house is quickly emptied. Alas one member of the Bennet household doesn't survive the fire and that death sets the entire course of the book in motion.
There is more interaction between Darcy and Wickham in this book and while they aren't best friends it allows both of them to evolve. Which is why I was disappointed by the epilogue. Granted I am, as a rule, not a fan of P&P epilogues which jump years into the future to reassure the reader that all is well. This one is 30 years beyond the ending and really seems cruel and spiteful and one lines erases everything Darcy did and said about changing.
This book begins with the Netherfield Ball where, while Lizzy dances with Mr. Darcy, a fire breaks out. Darcy and Wickham take charge, thanks to Wickham's loud whistle. The house is quickly emptied. Alas one member of the Bennet household doesn't survive the fire and that death sets the entire course of the book in motion.
There is more interaction between Darcy and Wickham in this book and while they aren't best friends it allows both of them to evolve. Which is why I was disappointed by the epilogue. Granted I am, as a rule, not a fan of P&P epilogues which jump years into the future to reassure the reader that all is well. This one is 30 years beyond the ending and really seems cruel and spiteful and one lines erases everything Darcy did and said about changing.
June 21, 2016
Spoiler alert! The fire at Netherfield ball results in the death of Mrs Bennet which changes the fate of all our characters in this novel and gives it a sober reading. Elizabeth realizes how much she loved her mom. Mr Bemnet is determined to end the entail so he remarries and wants to beset an heir. Living at Loungbourn changes due to economizing which means more chores for all. Jane gets a happy ending soon enough and Lydia's story differs though she still weds Wickham, their life is quite different. Disastrous proposal from Darcy still occurs and he must learn the lesson on his pride the hard way.
January 9, 2017
As people already said, the plot is really thrilling and the telling of the fire at Netherfield is really exciting and dynamic.
Anyway, after the fire - the climax of the story - nothing really happens and I didn't see that fire (no pun intended) that JA's characters have. Lizzy was too bland, Darcy morose, the romance between Bingley and Jane annoyed me and Charlotte became a very boring character. And we rarely have moments between Darcy and Elizabeth (I couldn't even understand how she came to love him). But Lydia was a pleasant surprise, I really liked her here.
Now I see that Mrs. Bennet is the real soul of P&P!
Anyway, after the fire - the climax of the story - nothing really happens and I didn't see that fire (no pun intended) that JA's characters have. Lizzy was too bland, Darcy morose, the romance between Bingley and Jane annoyed me and Charlotte became a very boring character. And we rarely have moments between Darcy and Elizabeth (I couldn't even understand how she came to love him). But Lydia was a pleasant surprise, I really liked her here.
Now I see that Mrs. Bennet is the real soul of P&P!
January 25, 2023
I read this 4 years ago, and am copying in the review I posted to Amazon.
One of the best P&P variations I've read. The dialog is well written, and the plot interesting.
SPOILERS AHEAD
The grief of losing Mrs. Bennett is deeply felt by the whole family. Mr. Bennet decides he needs to raise his daughters properly, and the new Mrs. Bennet is a major help, both with the girls and the management of the estate. I recommend for all JAFF fans.
One of the best P&P variations I've read. The dialog is well written, and the plot interesting.
SPOILERS AHEAD
The grief of losing Mrs. Bennett is deeply felt by the whole family. Mr. Bennet decides he needs to raise his daughters properly, and the new Mrs. Bennet is a major help, both with the girls and the management of the estate. I recommend for all JAFF fans.
September 1, 2016
This is one of those P&P variations that make me regret giving so many 5 star ratings to other variations. I was pulled in from the start and couldn't put this book down. The storyline was so original which is difficult when you think of how many variations are floating around out there! I never read reviews as I like to be surprised at what happens in a story. The Fire at Netherfield Park was filled with so many new plot twists. I only have two complaints...First, Georgiana telling Miss Bingley about her experience with Wickham. It was out of character and not believable. The second is that the story ended. Ok, I lied there are three complaints! The epilogue was anticlimactic and not necessary. I really wish those who gave this story 3 stars would explain why they deemed it 3 stars. I loved this story and can't understand such a low rating. Maybe 4 stars but not 3! I need to see which stories the 3 star folks gave 5 stars because they must be amazing!
June 30, 2024
spoilers
I felt myself getting angry throughout this one. Elizabeth losing so many close people to her and yet not seeming angry or disappointed felt unrealistic. ODC relationship felt rushed and missing elements to help invest in their happy ending. The focus shifted more to other characters. Charlotte and Mr Bennett marrying has always been distasteful to me in any variation but especially this one so soon after Mrs. Bennetts death.
I felt myself getting angry throughout this one. Elizabeth losing so many close people to her and yet not seeming angry or disappointed felt unrealistic. ODC relationship felt rushed and missing elements to help invest in their happy ending. The focus shifted more to other characters. Charlotte and Mr Bennett marrying has always been distasteful to me in any variation but especially this one so soon after Mrs. Bennetts death.
October 31, 2024
I thought this was a bizarre story, with a couple of good and original ideas. The main problem for me is that both Darcy and Elizabeth are not likeable. Darcy is really snobbish most of the time and Elizabeth has lost all her charm. She is very ordinary and experiences jealousy, pettiness and frustration. She's not an appealing character, but Darcy is even worse. Their love story is too mundane for my taste. Quite depressing sometimes. The writing is rather good. A few typos.
February 15, 2021
If you're looking for a book where romantic love is more or less equated with respect, this is the one. The authors have done a great job of the introspective scene with Darcy's personal revelation of his respect for Elizabeth after his botched proposal. However, his passion pales compared to the depth in the original. In a similar way, I find it hard to believe in Elizabeth's final love for Darcy. She's realized what a good man he is and respects both herself and him, but there's no great revelation of overarching amour. That makes it a bit weak in the end as a romance. But it does well as an action book.
The basic premise that the title implies is an anchor of the book. This is well done, because it's there from the beginning to the end, and Darcy's interest in Netherfield is reasonable and the scenes around that are well done. The unique treatment of the Bingleys and the Wickhams are just as well done. I enjoyed the story with the exception of the distractions that are listed below. The changes that take place with Charlotte (trying not to introduce a spoiler here) are well thought out and there's a nice tie-in to Lydia and Darcy.
And now for the nit picking. Baron Hays would not be called Lord Hayes. He'd be called Sir Firstname, though his wife would be called Lady Hays.
There was some confusion as to the housekeeper and duties at Netherfield. In Austen and fanon, Nicholls is the housekeeper, yet she's named separately in this book.
For the most part, the punctuation was fine, but there were some jarring moments like when apostrophes were used for plurals and improper plurals were used for names ending in "s." Please look these up. A few commas were found where not warranted.
There were some words that were not yet used in the Regency or not used in the context that these authors used them: headed/heading, checked (with), staff, "taken aback," normal/normalcy, outing(s), "give it up," "shot a glare," snobs. This is common in JAFF.
A couple of oddities happened regarding meals. Lunch didn't exist during the Regency. A meal called luncheon became introduced slowly during the period in town, but was not widely accepted. In addition, meals were not served by passing plates. Breakfast tended to be served in a buffet style and dinner by what you could reach on the table.
The biggest issue I had with the novel that made it hard for me to read was all the contractions. Austen rarely used contractions, and tended to use them for less refined characters (e.g., Lydia, Mrs. Bennet). P&P had only 15 contractions in total. At least 13 uses of "I'm" alone showed up in this novel, never mind the half-dozen each for "don't," "he's, and "he'd". The latter and several other contractions in this novel were never used by Austen in any of her writing. The trouble is that it's clear the authors were avoiding contractions in other places, so this was purely poor editing. A few "Find and Replace" iterations would have fixed this problem that throws the reader out of the feel of the era.
I'm torn about the cover. Though it represents a key component of the story, it's not head-turning enough and merely looks like another of those flower covers. If it were multi-pictorial, showing the crocus on its own in one area and the ruins in another, it may display more of the story. But that doesn't pop either, so don't listen to me. Perhaps if it were shown in a forest, alone, with the background in B&W, it would pop.
Disclaimer: I'm a JAFF novelist. Some might say that a review of this sort might be a conflict of interest, however, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. I aim to benefit both the reader and the author in the review.
The basic premise that the title implies is an anchor of the book. This is well done, because it's there from the beginning to the end, and Darcy's interest in Netherfield is reasonable and the scenes around that are well done. The unique treatment of the Bingleys and the Wickhams are just as well done. I enjoyed the story with the exception of the distractions that are listed below. The changes that take place with Charlotte (trying not to introduce a spoiler here) are well thought out and there's a nice tie-in to Lydia and Darcy.
And now for the nit picking. Baron Hays would not be called Lord Hayes. He'd be called Sir Firstname, though his wife would be called Lady Hays.
There was some confusion as to the housekeeper and duties at Netherfield. In Austen and fanon, Nicholls is the housekeeper, yet she's named separately in this book.
For the most part, the punctuation was fine, but there were some jarring moments like when apostrophes were used for plurals and improper plurals were used for names ending in "s." Please look these up. A few commas were found where not warranted.
There were some words that were not yet used in the Regency or not used in the context that these authors used them: headed/heading, checked (with), staff, "taken aback," normal/normalcy, outing(s), "give it up," "shot a glare," snobs. This is common in JAFF.
A couple of oddities happened regarding meals. Lunch didn't exist during the Regency. A meal called luncheon became introduced slowly during the period in town, but was not widely accepted. In addition, meals were not served by passing plates. Breakfast tended to be served in a buffet style and dinner by what you could reach on the table.
The biggest issue I had with the novel that made it hard for me to read was all the contractions. Austen rarely used contractions, and tended to use them for less refined characters (e.g., Lydia, Mrs. Bennet). P&P had only 15 contractions in total. At least 13 uses of "I'm" alone showed up in this novel, never mind the half-dozen each for "don't," "he's, and "he'd". The latter and several other contractions in this novel were never used by Austen in any of her writing. The trouble is that it's clear the authors were avoiding contractions in other places, so this was purely poor editing. A few "Find and Replace" iterations would have fixed this problem that throws the reader out of the feel of the era.
I'm torn about the cover. Though it represents a key component of the story, it's not head-turning enough and merely looks like another of those flower covers. If it were multi-pictorial, showing the crocus on its own in one area and the ruins in another, it may display more of the story. But that doesn't pop either, so don't listen to me. Perhaps if it were shown in a forest, alone, with the background in B&W, it would pop.
Disclaimer: I'm a JAFF novelist. Some might say that a review of this sort might be a conflict of interest, however, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. I aim to benefit both the reader and the author in the review.
June 6, 2017
The Fire at Netherfield Park
A rather different, but enjoyable, variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. The night of the night Ball turns into a disaster of drastic proportions. Total loss of the house itself was bad enough, but negligent behavior of Mr. William Collins, Mrs. Bennet's dies before anyone can rescue her. Because there are multiple witnesses to his outrageous behavior, Mr. Bennet is remarried to a younger woman hoping to sire his long awaited heir so that the hateful man doesn't inherit Longbourn. After waiting many months to hear about his duty to Netherfield, Bingley marries Jane after the owner declares he is under no obligation to rebuild. Darcy allows them to live at Pemberley while they look for a new home in Derbyshire. Elizabeth comes along with Darcy's invitation, and instead of the infamous Hunsford proposal we have the awful Pemberley proposal. Elizabeth returns to Longbourn angry at Darcy, but as time goes by angry with herself. Lydia and Wickham are thrown together as usual, but for a change make something of the marriage due to Darcy's interventions. Caroline Bingley once again is her hateful, ungrateful, and shameful self ending less in control of her life than usual. Darcy returns to Meryton with the intentions of developing Netherfield Park, and more importantly, wooing and winning Elizabeth's love. The HEA comes weeks after his arrival in Meryton. Mr. Bennet's second wife gives him his long awaited heir. Of course, after Lady Catherine hears what happened at Netherfield, Mr. Collins' life is made quite miserable by his beloved patroness. No great loss as far as anyone is concerned. A very unique story. The only thing I didn't care for was while the younger Bennet daughters needed some strict guidance, I thought the step-mother was a bit severe and the beauty and happiness was sucked right out of Longbourn.
A rather different, but enjoyable, variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. The night of the night Ball turns into a disaster of drastic proportions. Total loss of the house itself was bad enough, but negligent behavior of Mr. William Collins, Mrs. Bennet's dies before anyone can rescue her. Because there are multiple witnesses to his outrageous behavior, Mr. Bennet is remarried to a younger woman hoping to sire his long awaited heir so that the hateful man doesn't inherit Longbourn. After waiting many months to hear about his duty to Netherfield, Bingley marries Jane after the owner declares he is under no obligation to rebuild. Darcy allows them to live at Pemberley while they look for a new home in Derbyshire. Elizabeth comes along with Darcy's invitation, and instead of the infamous Hunsford proposal we have the awful Pemberley proposal. Elizabeth returns to Longbourn angry at Darcy, but as time goes by angry with herself. Lydia and Wickham are thrown together as usual, but for a change make something of the marriage due to Darcy's interventions. Caroline Bingley once again is her hateful, ungrateful, and shameful self ending less in control of her life than usual. Darcy returns to Meryton with the intentions of developing Netherfield Park, and more importantly, wooing and winning Elizabeth's love. The HEA comes weeks after his arrival in Meryton. Mr. Bennet's second wife gives him his long awaited heir. Of course, after Lady Catherine hears what happened at Netherfield, Mr. Collins' life is made quite miserable by his beloved patroness. No great loss as far as anyone is concerned. A very unique story. The only thing I didn't care for was while the younger Bennet daughters needed some strict guidance, I thought the step-mother was a bit severe and the beauty and happiness was sucked right out of Longbourn.
August 11, 2025
I loved it!
Warning: Contains scenes of a tragic event that results in deaths.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This is a part of the A Pride and Prejudice Variation series.
This story opens with Charles Bingley’s famous ball. Smoke soon seeps into the room, rapidly turning the event from frivolous to dire. Determined to save everyone, Darcy enlists Elizabeth’s aid in urging the disbelieving assemblage to depart. Darcy and Elizabeth prove as noble as one might expect, but who else will rise to the ranks of hero, who will escape the fire, and who will perish? When the smoke clears, what will become of those who escaped the fire at Netherfield Park? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
Warning: Contains scenes of a tragic event that results in deaths.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This is a part of the A Pride and Prejudice Variation series.
This story opens with Charles Bingley’s famous ball. Smoke soon seeps into the room, rapidly turning the event from frivolous to dire. Determined to save everyone, Darcy enlists Elizabeth’s aid in urging the disbelieving assemblage to depart. Darcy and Elizabeth prove as noble as one might expect, but who else will rise to the ranks of hero, who will escape the fire, and who will perish? When the smoke clears, what will become of those who escaped the fire at Netherfield Park? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
January 15, 2023
Worthwhile read
Despite the typographical and grammatical errors, this is a definitely important and worthwhile variation for several reasons: unexpected pairings and happily-ever-after for many of the secondary characters, not to mention rehabilitated/reformed villains.
Although Elizabeth Bennet learnt of the perfidy of Wickham early on, she still despised Mr. Darcy’s insulting proposal and rejected him in the extraordinary matter the way she did in Canon due to the lack of respect for her and her family, which is a considerable conflict enough given Elizabeth’s personality. How Mr. Darcy resolved to win Elizabeth’s heart and hand towards the end is very endearing and worth going through the novel.
This is a 3 and a half rounded up to 4 stars for this reader and highly recommended for those JAFF fans who desire the unconventional.
Despite the typographical and grammatical errors, this is a definitely important and worthwhile variation for several reasons: unexpected pairings and happily-ever-after for many of the secondary characters, not to mention rehabilitated/reformed villains.
Although Elizabeth Bennet learnt of the perfidy of Wickham early on, she still despised Mr. Darcy’s insulting proposal and rejected him in the extraordinary matter the way she did in Canon due to the lack of respect for her and her family, which is a considerable conflict enough given Elizabeth’s personality. How Mr. Darcy resolved to win Elizabeth’s heart and hand towards the end is very endearing and worth going through the novel.
This is a 3 and a half rounded up to 4 stars for this reader and highly recommended for those JAFF fans who desire the unconventional.
April 7, 2023
This book wasn’t bad but it seemed to have issue with pacing. It spent a lot of time on things I wouldn’t have thought needed so much detail and other things felt very rushed. All the romantic relationships seemed to pop up out of nowhere, even Darcy and Lizzy’s. Every single one felt unauthentic. The main couple’s relationship felt unearned and like they got together because she disliked her new life so much. I enjoyed the overall premise but just wished for a little bit more emotion in a story that was overall really sad.
Also I really didn’t enjoy Charlotte in this story. I understand economizing but putting all decorations away so they didn’t need a maid was wild and kind of illogic considering she already had the girls doing all the house work. It felt one step away from Cinderella’s stepmother.
Also I really didn’t enjoy Charlotte in this story. I understand economizing but putting all decorations away so they didn’t need a maid was wild and kind of illogic considering she already had the girls doing all the house work. It felt one step away from Cinderella’s stepmother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2018
I like these writers very much, and almost always love their books. That said, I really had a hard time following the premise that the Liszt Bennet we all love would just blindly follow Darcy's instructions to leave the house, due to a fire, until she knew the members of her family were out safely. The story line would obviously not been the same for the remaining characters, obviously, so this was the catalyst for this variation.
I did enjoy the book, however, and recommend it as a very good read. Just be prepared that it does not follow canon, and there are some surprises along the way.
I did enjoy the book, however, and recommend it as a very good read. Just be prepared that it does not follow canon, and there are some surprises along the way.
July 10, 2018
This was an interesting story with a pretty unique premise - a fire and Bennet family death. I also liked the different take on Wickham.
I just wasn’t wowed by the romance between Darcy and Elizabeth, particularly Darcy’s reason for improving his character and his behavior right at the end when his actions don’t seem to match his motivation. That took this down a couple of stars and kept it from being a book I’m likely to want to read again.
I just wasn’t wowed by the romance between Darcy and Elizabeth, particularly Darcy’s reason for improving his character and his behavior right at the end when his actions don’t seem to match his motivation. That took this down a couple of stars and kept it from being a book I’m likely to want to read again.
September 23, 2018
As everyone is enjoying Mr. Bingley's ball at Netherfield Hall, a fire breaks out and amidst the panic, Mr Darcy shows great bravery and common sense as he works to ensure the safety of the huge party. Elizabeth follows his lead and helps organize shelter and transport for the party. Seeing each other in the light of their actions during this tragedy provides a different point of view for our favorite couple, and shows the true nature of many others, in both favorable and unfavorable ways.
January 18, 2021
A wonderful story
I really liked this book. It was true to the original, but also had wonderful turns that changes things for the better. I enjoyed how many happy endings there were even for Lydia and her husband. There aren't many of those out there so this was refreshing. The only sad thing was we didn't see the Darcy children, but it is easy to assume they were there. This is a book that is a must have for any collection!
I really liked this book. It was true to the original, but also had wonderful turns that changes things for the better. I enjoyed how many happy endings there were even for Lydia and her husband. There aren't many of those out there so this was refreshing. The only sad thing was we didn't see the Darcy children, but it is easy to assume they were there. This is a book that is a must have for any collection!
September 5, 2023
Good variation
I've read other fire variations, some were too gloomy. Though with fire I suppose there has to be some gloom. This story surprised me, especially Lydia's storyline. It was refreshing to see a different outcome. I felt a bit of pity for Caroline but not too much, I disliked Charlotte immensely.
Overall I would recommend this book. This is the second time I've read it and so had a better understanding of the story which allowed for more feeling to come through.
I've read other fire variations, some were too gloomy. Though with fire I suppose there has to be some gloom. This story surprised me, especially Lydia's storyline. It was refreshing to see a different outcome. I felt a bit of pity for Caroline but not too much, I disliked Charlotte immensely.
Overall I would recommend this book. This is the second time I've read it and so had a better understanding of the story which allowed for more feeling to come through.
January 3, 2021
Three and a half stars. Wickham and Darcy reveal to Elizabeth how close their relationship was before it broke forever. Wickham becomes something of a hero. Mr. Collins is a clueless man who just doesn't understand why everyone has turned against him. Elizabeth displays that she keeps her head in a crisis.
October 9, 2023
I enjoyed this variation, especially the pining and Darcy's big growth/ showing at the end. SWOON. I thought it was interesting to use a fire at the Netherfield ball as an inciting incident. I do think that the Charlotte storyline could have been pushed back a few months (literally just with a title card saying 3 mo later) and I would have felt much better about it
January 19, 2024
One must keep one's head in a crisis. Darcy, Wickham, and Miss Elizabeth help at Netherfield.
This is a very touching story of love and loss. Love, well fought for by Darcy, is slow in achieving its goal. Some people are reformed, and some are not. Caroline Bingley never actually saw the need to adjust their attitude until forced. Sit back and enjoy!
This is a very touching story of love and loss. Love, well fought for by Darcy, is slow in achieving its goal. Some people are reformed, and some are not. Caroline Bingley never actually saw the need to adjust their attitude until forced. Sit back and enjoy!
January 31, 2024
SAD BUT GOOD
A good book. But starts out sad. Ends up being a good book in the middle and of course the end. This author along with Renata McMann brought this book together so nice that I didn’t see some of it coming. I so like it when I can’t see things coming. Recommend this book and authors. HAPPY READING!
A good book. But starts out sad. Ends up being a good book in the middle and of course the end. This author along with Renata McMann brought this book together so nice that I didn’t see some of it coming. I so like it when I can’t see things coming. Recommend this book and authors. HAPPY READING!
July 24, 2025
Well written and the tragic event handled authentically. So nice to see a Wickham with depth for a change. Unique Charlotte development but would have liked to have read a scene discussing her child’s birth rather than a couple of sentences at the end as an afterthought. As always this author partnership delivered a satisfying and different variation well worth reading.
June 23, 2018
This is just the kind of Austenation I like best. It makes a big, fat change (what if there was a devastating fire at the Netherfield Ball?) and then lets us watch it all unspool. The characterizations were all sound and there were only minor, easily overlooked anachronisms. I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews