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Brand New World
Draco Malfoy had the perfect plan: use Polyjuice to turn into the Weasel, infiltrate Gryffindor tower, and steal the memories implicating his father. But the Golden Girl had to ruin everything by kissing him. Now Draco's developed a strange addiction for bushy-haired know-it-all Mudbloods, and nothing but the best will do.
619 pages, ebook
Published March 7, 2019
28 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 17, 2022
3 Meh could have been great stars.
By: NinaBinaBallerina
Available on: Fanfiction.net (finished/unedited) AO3 (2/3 out/ edited).
Quick disclaimer here, I read the first 2/3 on AO3 (edited version) and finished it on FF.net. Based off the author's tumblr she is not going to change anything about the plot as she edits and posts to A03. She mainly is posting on A03 so people can download it and read it easier. IMO the writing style was fine on FF.net, I didn't find to many spelling errors ect.
This is a dark-ish au where Harry died (Did not rise from the dead after the train station scene in Deathly Hallows). The fic is cut into 3 parts: eighth year with Head girl/boy Hermione/Draco, Hermione gets pregnant with Draco's baby, and 5 years after the fact where Hermione returns to the UK with Scorpius. Part 1 was 4 stars for me, it had some good angst and smut, and I typically don't like eighth year fics but it worked in this case. Part 2 was 3 stars, it was interesting but the romance took a back seat to the baby drama. Part 3 was 1-2 stars, I skimmed it. I think the main issue was the deus-ex machina secondary plot in which Hermione ends up turning out to be from an all powerful German magical family and brings back Harry to life (yep). I would say the secondary plot could be described as: scary magical cult lead by weirdo ex-teacher tries to kidnap Hermione and use her for her crazy, super special, magical girl powers.
Draco wasn't possessive or deep enough for me in this fic, I felt there were many times he could have been a bit more selfish/dark and it would have mad the plot better. I don't know, his characterization came off kind of vanilla. Hermione got preachy and over-powered in this fic towards the end, she reminded me of like every Marvel movie heroine that currently exists (not a fan). I just felt she kind of expected people to listen to her and obey all her commands just bc she is a war heroine. I mean dude your 17, you don't know everything.
I think this fic had a lot of potential and the writing was decent, it just seemed like the tone shifted after the first 25 chapters (1/3). I kind of wish the author would go back and edit the plot of the last 2/3s of this story. I think if she changed some of the plot points and made Draco's character a bit more gripping, this fic would be an easy 4-5 stars for me. I really like this author's other fic right now "House Pet", a dark au, that also has a very solid and interesting start.
By: NinaBinaBallerina
Available on: Fanfiction.net (finished/unedited) AO3 (2/3 out/ edited).
Quick disclaimer here, I read the first 2/3 on AO3 (edited version) and finished it on FF.net. Based off the author's tumblr she is not going to change anything about the plot as she edits and posts to A03. She mainly is posting on A03 so people can download it and read it easier. IMO the writing style was fine on FF.net, I didn't find to many spelling errors ect.
This is a dark-ish au where Harry died (Did not rise from the dead after the train station scene in Deathly Hallows). The fic is cut into 3 parts: eighth year with Head girl/boy Hermione/Draco, Hermione gets pregnant with Draco's baby, and 5 years after the fact where Hermione returns to the UK with Scorpius. Part 1 was 4 stars for me, it had some good angst and smut, and I typically don't like eighth year fics but it worked in this case. Part 2 was 3 stars, it was interesting but the romance took a back seat to the baby drama. Part 3 was 1-2 stars, I skimmed it. I think the main issue was the deus-ex machina secondary plot in which Hermione ends up turning out to be from an all powerful German magical family and brings back Harry to life (yep). I would say the secondary plot could be described as: scary magical cult lead by weirdo ex-teacher tries to kidnap Hermione and use her for her crazy, super special, magical girl powers.
Draco wasn't possessive or deep enough for me in this fic, I felt there were many times he could have been a bit more selfish/dark and it would have mad the plot better. I don't know, his characterization came off kind of vanilla. Hermione got preachy and over-powered in this fic towards the end, she reminded me of like every Marvel movie heroine that currently exists (not a fan). I just felt she kind of expected people to listen to her and obey all her commands just bc she is a war heroine. I mean dude your 17, you don't know everything.
I think this fic had a lot of potential and the writing was decent, it just seemed like the tone shifted after the first 25 chapters (1/3). I kind of wish the author would go back and edit the plot of the last 2/3s of this story. I think if she changed some of the plot points and made Draco's character a bit more gripping, this fic would be an easy 4-5 stars for me. I really like this author's other fic right now "House Pet", a dark au, that also has a very solid and interesting start.
May 5, 2024
DNFing most likely at chapter 57 of 70
This started off so great! Then the clichés started rolling in and didn’t stop. There’s unplanned pregnancy, way too many half siblings and secrets about parentage and just ugh it’s like all plot devices revolve around pregnancy and babies. I wish it weren’t so. Made it far too boring around chapter 50. And oh a random five year time jump too. Lame 😒
I might get back to it at some point but honestly I’m displeased with the “twists” in the story and the forced pregnancies so maybe not
This started off so great! Then the clichés started rolling in and didn’t stop. There’s unplanned pregnancy, way too many half siblings and secrets about parentage and just ugh it’s like all plot devices revolve around pregnancy and babies. I wish it weren’t so. Made it far too boring around chapter 50. And oh a random five year time jump too. Lame 😒
I might get back to it at some point but honestly I’m displeased with the “twists” in the story and the forced pregnancies so maybe not
February 28, 2024
This was a roller coaster from start to finish and I loved every second of it! Bad ass Hermione and toxic asf Draco just *chefs kiss*
December 31, 2025
This was loooong
But entertaining nonetheless
I came for 7th year Draco and Hermione and i ended up with a kid
At some points I couldn’t put it down
And others i skipped through the chapters
Cool ending
And the author’s imagination is wild
But entertaining nonetheless
I came for 7th year Draco and Hermione and i ended up with a kid
At some points I couldn’t put it down
And others i skipped through the chapters
Cool ending
And the author’s imagination is wild
July 22, 2024
bagunça demais
January 29, 2023
+ mercy or something else
June 29, 2022
The War is over, both Voldemort and Harry are dead. Most of the Death Eaters have been sentenced and are now locked in Azkaban but a few managed to escape.
Hermione thought that with the war won. some things would change. She belived that the old Pureblood families would realize their mistake in their beliefes and put behind blood superiority.
She had no clue that even with Voldemort gone, some thing would never change and the Wizarding World would go back to behave exactly the way they always were. Sooner or later she will have to realize that only three things truly matter in the Wizarding World, Blood,Money and Power.
Let me start off by saying that this fic could easily have been a 5 Star rating and make it into my favorite list. There were alot of aspects that I liked about it.
The premise was intriguing and the little expert of the author had me automaticaly hooked.
The characters were well written and I liked the relationships between them.
I liked that Draco was secretly in love with Hermione but still remained the selfish little prick we all know and love.
The Wizarding World stayed perfectly flawed and even though they treated Hermione with some kind of respect for being part of the Golden Trio, they still were supersticious and only planned on taking advantage of her brain and powers.
What destroyed the story for me was how Hermione was portrayed through the fic.
I hated how high and might she was. She always thought that she was right and she belived that she was above everyone else.
I didn't like how she treated her friends. She only remembered them when she was in need of them. She ghosted them everytime she was with Draco and only talked to them when she was in need of their help.
I hated how full of herself she was because she was powerfull but what I hated the most is how her power came from
Throughout the story, the main focus keeps changing and the only thing that stays persistent is the toxic relationship between Hermione and Draco, everything else changes. The author states in her notes that the story is split in three parts and you can clealy tell.
I would prefere if it stayed in one direction and kept Lucius as the antagonist. For my tastes the story took too many directions and combined too many tropes in one story, when it could've easily play out the way it began. The tropes only contributed a predictable outcome and added a shock factor that was completely unnecessary.
October 24, 2024
So frustrated!!! DNF'D half way through because of a freaking pregnancy trope. I love this up until that point. I am so beyond disappointed. I loved all the background work with Marcus Flint, Draco's brother and Hermione & Draco's blood/magic ties. But I hate pregnancy tropes.
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2024
this reading experience makes me sad to think about, primarily because the story could have been so much better if it just stayed in its initial track.
quick disclaimer: this review will pertain mainly to Part 1 of the fic, seeing as that’s the part i found myself most present for and enjoying the most. i’ll try to dissect the other parts as best as possible, though i did DNF this fic after completing Part 2, so that might be a difficult task.
CHARACTERS - pt.1
i’ve seen a lot of criticism regarding hermione’s snobby and self-centered character. while i agree that these aren’t particularly enjoyable characteristics in a heroine, i believe that this was meant to show a direct effect the war had on her psyche. she distanced herself from her friends and her family was no longer with her emotionally in any way. it makes sense why she would act extra egoistic (perhaps as a defense mechanism). that said, i didn’t find many problems with her character in part 1 AT ALL, seeing as her snobbish attitude to me was much more reminiscent of her canon behavior and thus made me connect to her more. i find i don’t really like the hermione’s in fics like The Auction or even Manacled (semi-hot take) because she’s so far removed from the canon that it feels like a completely different character, one that (though rightfully traumatized) allows a lot more maltreatment than canon hermione would take. i realize that Manacled is a slight acception to this because of the time jump, but i could never connect with the victim mindset that was so prominent in both those fics. in comparison, this fic shinned with a hermione that was strong, cunning, witty, and brave. she stood up to draco, which i almost always fine lacking in dramione fics, and she made sure to have enough agency at least in the later parts of their relationship during their time at Hogwarts. it made me love her so much more, even if her behavior could be interpreted as pretentious.
p.s. i’m not discounting hermione’s trauma in other focs because i realize that she went through hell. however, when she loses her spark - that fire that makes her as compelling as she is - it’s difficult to stay there for the story when other characters do not help fulfill the function of the “likeable character” in any meaningful way. which brings me to my next character.
draco in this fic was smth else. it was interesting to me that the fic started out with draco already being attracted to hermione. it’s not my favorite trope, mostly because i enjoy that angsty development of a relationship, especially the aspect of his overcoming his prejudices for her sake. however, it worked pretty well in this fic, because he was still bigoted and an asshole for the majority of this fic about her heritage. it’s not even the toxicity aspect that i enjoy - it’s the realism. of course, fan fiction allows for many creative liberties that allow you to alter aspects of character and canonical story arch’s, but i adore when an author can stay loyal to the original source material enough that the characters are in no way stripped of their key characteristics and flaws. it makes them more human in my eyes, and even though almost all versions of sweet-talking draco are almost too perfect to be real, this one toed the line between salty and sweet perfectly. he was probably one of the more realistic draco’s i’ve encountered in fics, though i do believe that his toxicity would have potentially been greater if such a storyline was canon.
PLOT - pt. 1
almost perfect. fun and entertains and engaging throughout, which is so difficult to master. there was a mystery that genuinely intrigued me and in no way made me skim just to get to the dramione moments. the mystery genuinely served the characters and the story on a consistent level, at least in Part 1. the plot made me like the characters that much more, because their motivation and actions in relation to the storyline made (almost) totally sense to me. even though i felt slightly hesitant about the bet aspect of it (seeing as canon hermione would NOT enter into a bet w draco in the careless way that she did), her reactions post first bet were in-character enough to be entertaining. i found myself genuinely laughing in moments, and connected deeply to percy and practically all the side charters (except maybe ron, though he mostly served as a plot device throughout most of this fic anyway). that to me signals measures of a great fic.
CHARACTERS - pt. 2
bro… my god. what event happened? after hermione’s pregnancy, everything went to shit. she gave up her dreams without much fight? draco just didn’t let her work anywhere and she accepted it? of course she had no choice, but i expected a little more rebuttal. them having an affair made no sense to me. like, you’re still engaged… she’s still a mistress. i get it from her perspective: she’s a pregnant woman with physical and emotional needs, and i guess his excuse is… he’s a man.
PLOT - pt. 2
side eye. idk what happened. hermione for pregnant and forgot who she was. obviously partly purposeful, but it completely destroyed the integrity and narrative beauty of the story. you no longer studies the intricacies of magic and it’s properties, but rather sat in on an illogical dramady of a dimmer love affair. the time jump was jarring, because we saw none of the growth. clearly it was meant to be revealed later on, but it felt unfortunate that we got more of draco telling us he changed that him showing us. what was so great in part 1 of the book seemed to me a struggle to executive properly in almost all of part 2.
pt. 3
don’t even know what happened here except that harry got resurrected. why the fuck? let him die and let this be a new story, about how hermione can still get her happy ending because of how dedicated she is to fighting for what’s right. or make it a sad ending - just don’t completely disregard all her hard work. and about that - why make hermione pureblood, other than for shock value? the unplanned pregnancy trope is already something i don’t enjoy, but i thought that with correct execution, it could be done well. however, i find it hard to leave that someone hiding a child for five years wouldn’t have worse effects. the revelation that hermione was pureblood all along completely discounted all that she laboured for most of her life. if she was trying to achieve acceptance, she’d wasted her time, because in the end, it wasn’t worth as much as actual genetics. frankly, that message leaves a sour taste in your mouth, so i’d be hesitant to say that i could come back to this fic and read solely part 3.
could’ve been a 5, or a 4.5 at least. probably a 3 now.
quick disclaimer: this review will pertain mainly to Part 1 of the fic, seeing as that’s the part i found myself most present for and enjoying the most. i’ll try to dissect the other parts as best as possible, though i did DNF this fic after completing Part 2, so that might be a difficult task.
CHARACTERS - pt.1
i’ve seen a lot of criticism regarding hermione’s snobby and self-centered character. while i agree that these aren’t particularly enjoyable characteristics in a heroine, i believe that this was meant to show a direct effect the war had on her psyche. she distanced herself from her friends and her family was no longer with her emotionally in any way. it makes sense why she would act extra egoistic (perhaps as a defense mechanism). that said, i didn’t find many problems with her character in part 1 AT ALL, seeing as her snobbish attitude to me was much more reminiscent of her canon behavior and thus made me connect to her more. i find i don’t really like the hermione’s in fics like The Auction or even Manacled (semi-hot take) because she’s so far removed from the canon that it feels like a completely different character, one that (though rightfully traumatized) allows a lot more maltreatment than canon hermione would take. i realize that Manacled is a slight acception to this because of the time jump, but i could never connect with the victim mindset that was so prominent in both those fics. in comparison, this fic shinned with a hermione that was strong, cunning, witty, and brave. she stood up to draco, which i almost always fine lacking in dramione fics, and she made sure to have enough agency at least in the later parts of their relationship during their time at Hogwarts. it made me love her so much more, even if her behavior could be interpreted as pretentious.
p.s. i’m not discounting hermione’s trauma in other focs because i realize that she went through hell. however, when she loses her spark - that fire that makes her as compelling as she is - it’s difficult to stay there for the story when other characters do not help fulfill the function of the “likeable character” in any meaningful way. which brings me to my next character.
draco in this fic was smth else. it was interesting to me that the fic started out with draco already being attracted to hermione. it’s not my favorite trope, mostly because i enjoy that angsty development of a relationship, especially the aspect of his overcoming his prejudices for her sake. however, it worked pretty well in this fic, because he was still bigoted and an asshole for the majority of this fic about her heritage. it’s not even the toxicity aspect that i enjoy - it’s the realism. of course, fan fiction allows for many creative liberties that allow you to alter aspects of character and canonical story arch’s, but i adore when an author can stay loyal to the original source material enough that the characters are in no way stripped of their key characteristics and flaws. it makes them more human in my eyes, and even though almost all versions of sweet-talking draco are almost too perfect to be real, this one toed the line between salty and sweet perfectly. he was probably one of the more realistic draco’s i’ve encountered in fics, though i do believe that his toxicity would have potentially been greater if such a storyline was canon.
PLOT - pt. 1
almost perfect. fun and entertains and engaging throughout, which is so difficult to master. there was a mystery that genuinely intrigued me and in no way made me skim just to get to the dramione moments. the mystery genuinely served the characters and the story on a consistent level, at least in Part 1. the plot made me like the characters that much more, because their motivation and actions in relation to the storyline made (almost) totally sense to me. even though i felt slightly hesitant about the bet aspect of it (seeing as canon hermione would NOT enter into a bet w draco in the careless way that she did), her reactions post first bet were in-character enough to be entertaining. i found myself genuinely laughing in moments, and connected deeply to percy and practically all the side charters (except maybe ron, though he mostly served as a plot device throughout most of this fic anyway). that to me signals measures of a great fic.
CHARACTERS - pt. 2
bro… my god. what event happened? after hermione’s pregnancy, everything went to shit. she gave up her dreams without much fight? draco just didn’t let her work anywhere and she accepted it? of course she had no choice, but i expected a little more rebuttal. them having an affair made no sense to me. like, you’re still engaged… she’s still a mistress. i get it from her perspective: she’s a pregnant woman with physical and emotional needs, and i guess his excuse is… he’s a man.
PLOT - pt. 2
side eye. idk what happened. hermione for pregnant and forgot who she was. obviously partly purposeful, but it completely destroyed the integrity and narrative beauty of the story. you no longer studies the intricacies of magic and it’s properties, but rather sat in on an illogical dramady of a dimmer love affair. the time jump was jarring, because we saw none of the growth. clearly it was meant to be revealed later on, but it felt unfortunate that we got more of draco telling us he changed that him showing us. what was so great in part 1 of the book seemed to me a struggle to executive properly in almost all of part 2.
pt. 3
don’t even know what happened here except that harry got resurrected. why the fuck? let him die and let this be a new story, about how hermione can still get her happy ending because of how dedicated she is to fighting for what’s right. or make it a sad ending - just don’t completely disregard all her hard work. and about that - why make hermione pureblood, other than for shock value? the unplanned pregnancy trope is already something i don’t enjoy, but i thought that with correct execution, it could be done well. however, i find it hard to leave that someone hiding a child for five years wouldn’t have worse effects. the revelation that hermione was pureblood all along completely discounted all that she laboured for most of her life. if she was trying to achieve acceptance, she’d wasted her time, because in the end, it wasn’t worth as much as actual genetics. frankly, that message leaves a sour taste in your mouth, so i’d be hesitant to say that i could come back to this fic and read solely part 3.
could’ve been a 5, or a 4.5 at least. probably a 3 now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2024
“But I’m fiendfyre. If you try and control me, I can just as easily turn around and burn you.”
“I’m not your hero… but you almost make me want to be.”
“I’m going to give your fire oxygen, and by the end. 8 want you to burn me too.”
This was damn good. I haven’t been shocked like that in a while. I like that the summary really gave nothing away cause I did not expect anything about this story. It was unique and it was interesting and I loved it. Flint is always a horrible character so it was interesting to see his story in this and I think I wanna read his and Katie’s story.
I wish there were more fluffy Scorpius moments, but I understand why there was more focus on the plot. Anyways I liked this a lot. It was a very toxic Draco and I felt like it fit very well. He’s a spoiled brat and that was shown in this. This also really showed Lucius’ manipulative side.
I love a bad ass hermione. Love. It.
Anyway this was really good and I enjoyed it. Stayed up late 2 school nights in a row to read it haha.
“I’m not your hero… but you almost make me want to be.”
“I’m going to give your fire oxygen, and by the end. 8 want you to burn me too.”
This was damn good. I haven’t been shocked like that in a while. I like that the summary really gave nothing away cause I did not expect anything about this story. It was unique and it was interesting and I loved it. Flint is always a horrible character so it was interesting to see his story in this and I think I wanna read his and Katie’s story.
I wish there were more fluffy Scorpius moments, but I understand why there was more focus on the plot. Anyways I liked this a lot. It was a very toxic Draco and I felt like it fit very well. He’s a spoiled brat and that was shown in this. This also really showed Lucius’ manipulative side.
I love a bad ass hermione. Love. It.
Anyway this was really good and I enjoyed it. Stayed up late 2 school nights in a row to read it haha.
August 23, 2024
This is a 5 star for me, because it's a fanfic and the writer did a great job :)
Some have said Draco wasn't possessive enough or dark enough, and honestly, I don't compare him to other fics others have written. I take the characters back stories and then go with who the author made them to be from the beginning, and I feel like he was consistent through the book's entirety. Hermione was pretty annoying for the decision making crap and I agree, pretty "preachy", which makes me think, again, the author did a great job at manipulating my emotions 😆. All in all, 5 stars. This kept me going, and I found myself wanting to read again after nearly a year of reading every now and again and not being as interested. The third part had me on my toes and had lots of suspense that made me question taking my kindle to work or not (I usually don't). Loved it!
I LOVE this author. I liked this story and I LOOOOOVE House Pet so if you haven't read that, go check it out! Currently a WIP.l on ao3.
Some have said Draco wasn't possessive enough or dark enough, and honestly, I don't compare him to other fics others have written. I take the characters back stories and then go with who the author made them to be from the beginning, and I feel like he was consistent through the book's entirety. Hermione was pretty annoying for the decision making crap and I agree, pretty "preachy", which makes me think, again, the author did a great job at manipulating my emotions 😆. All in all, 5 stars. This kept me going, and I found myself wanting to read again after nearly a year of reading every now and again and not being as interested. The third part had me on my toes and had lots of suspense that made me question taking my kindle to work or not (I usually don't). Loved it!
I LOVE this author. I liked this story and I LOOOOOVE House Pet so if you haven't read that, go check it out! Currently a WIP.l on ao3.
April 18, 2023
Honestly I felt like I read 5 different stories within this one fanfic. You had 8th year, pregnancy trope, evil teacher villain cult leader, Lucius courtroom intrigue, TIME jump, secret brothers, and ancient German magic all mashed into one huge story. Not saying I wasnt entertained. I was entertained. Idk man. I’m still trynna process everything. Sweet ending tho that made me smile.
Read
January 25, 20262.5⭐ DNF @63%
The roller coaster just kept going and Im tired of screaming. There’s so much happening all the time. Most readers will probably love the constant chaos, but I don’t, it gets exhausting. Every 10% there’s another avalanche of drama. Way too many tropes I dont vibe with and my patience tapped out fast. Gurl, Im tired.
The roller coaster just kept going and Im tired of screaming. There’s so much happening all the time. Most readers will probably love the constant chaos, but I don’t, it gets exhausting. Every 10% there’s another avalanche of drama. Way too many tropes I dont vibe with and my patience tapped out fast. Gurl, Im tired.
June 14, 2024
I was hesitant to read because the reviews are so so but I loved it?! It had me constantly theorising. The last few chapters absolutely had my heart racing with anxiety PLUS the ending was comforting so I’m pleased.
March 4, 2025
First and foremost, Nina is one of the more brilliant authors I've had the pleasure of discovering, with a penchant to introduce easy to love and easy to hate OC's in the HP world. An absolute plot master, weaving multiple threads at one time and resolving them in a very satisfying manner. The stakes and conflicts are never too forced and hints and easter eggs are fun.
The thing is, I also happen to be intimately familiar (read: obsessed) with Nina's more recent WIP "House Pet" (of which I find nothing to criticize about). So it was interesting to read Brand New World and see how Nina has grown from BNW to House Pet, not to mention the repeated ships. The writing has since gotten astronomically better.
Some more rambling thoughts:
BNW does has some slightly awkward transitions and sometimes drifts out of the Dramione tag in my opinion- I think it does become more of a MC Hermione story. Specifically, the five year jump felt a little awkward, though the catalyst was pretty solid, and due to the whole MC Hermione thing I think the characterization of Draco in his pursuit of Hermione leaves some to be desired, as she's essentially "punishing" them both by rejecting him until literally the very end. Bane the centaur as well as a threat and ominous omniscient presence fell a little flat. The big showdown stage was well done, and I loved the world across the veil bit. Also loved the permanent consequence of her losing the majority of her magic as a price - or the tithe, per Bane. Lucius ending up as sort of a lesser evil type of villain, and his entire arc was compelling. Really funny how Harry gets resurrected as well. Loved/hated Callum, he was beautifully utilized as a plot device. Fucking hated Rosewood, obviously. Flint's storyline also very compelling as well.
At the end of the day, I'm impressed by the storylines she builds. I'm primarily grateful she decides to share her work with us. Is it the most satisfying Dramione (even though it mostly consisted of one of my tropes 'Eighth Year')? No, but I got a MC Hermione instead. I'm not complaining about that.
Edit:
I see people prefer Part 1 (as I did as well as that's classic Dramione Eighth Year), and that there's mixed feelings about the pregnancy trope. That is also not my favorite trope (in fact I'd do just fine without it) but I thought it wasn't too forced. I think it really just went Part 1- Dramione Part 2 and 3- MC Hermione
The thing is, I also happen to be intimately familiar (read: obsessed) with Nina's more recent WIP "House Pet" (of which I find nothing to criticize about). So it was interesting to read Brand New World and see how Nina has grown from BNW to House Pet, not to mention the repeated ships. The writing has since gotten astronomically better.
Some more rambling thoughts:
BNW does has some slightly awkward transitions and sometimes drifts out of the Dramione tag in my opinion- I think it does become more of a MC Hermione story. Specifically, the five year jump felt a little awkward, though the catalyst was pretty solid, and due to the whole MC Hermione thing I think the characterization of Draco in his pursuit of Hermione leaves some to be desired, as she's essentially "punishing" them both by rejecting him until literally the very end. Bane the centaur as well as a threat and ominous omniscient presence fell a little flat. The big showdown stage was well done, and I loved the world across the veil bit. Also loved the permanent consequence of her losing the majority of her magic as a price - or the tithe, per Bane. Lucius ending up as sort of a lesser evil type of villain, and his entire arc was compelling. Really funny how Harry gets resurrected as well. Loved/hated Callum, he was beautifully utilized as a plot device. Fucking hated Rosewood, obviously. Flint's storyline also very compelling as well.
At the end of the day, I'm impressed by the storylines she builds. I'm primarily grateful she decides to share her work with us. Is it the most satisfying Dramione (even though it mostly consisted of one of my tropes 'Eighth Year')? No, but I got a MC Hermione instead. I'm not complaining about that.
Edit:
I see people prefer Part 1 (as I did as well as that's classic Dramione Eighth Year), and that there's mixed feelings about the pregnancy trope. That is also not my favorite trope (in fact I'd do just fine without it) but I thought it wasn't too forced. I think it really just went Part 1- Dramione Part 2 and 3- MC Hermione
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2023
Brand new world:
Part 1: 5⭐️
Part 2: 3 ⭐️
Part 3: 3 ⭐️ for the first half, 4 ⭐️ for the rest (those last chapters my dudes that was a ride)
Mercy or something else: 4⭐️
SPOILERS AHEAD
I really enjoyed powerful Hermione and all the fighting scenes. The duelling in the first part was just chef's kiss. At the same time, I hated her - she thought she was so much better than everyone else, which was true enough but I didn't like it. Also I liked the whole hidden heritage thing and her being a halfblood afterall, but that just proved Lucius' point that muggleborns weren't powerful.
Draco was great. I liked that he was canonically toxic for most of the story. Though I would like for him to be more angry about the fact she left with his son.
I absolutely hated when Hermione got pregnant. And I'm still not sure about that whole plot.
Also, Hermione has so many people around her but when she doesn't need them it's like they vanish.
That ending (last 250 pages I guess), wow. Really got me there. The only thing that did not sit right with me - the resurrection - poor Harry.
Mercy or something else was very instant feels which I don't mind. Also, Marcus!
Now, it sounds like I didn't enjoy this fic at all but I did, I didn't quit and I am glad. But honestly, thank Merlin it's done.
OMG I forgot this all started with the fucking bet and the memories. Just why. Why would she immediately enter a bet with Malfoy of all people!
Part 1: 5⭐️
Part 2: 3 ⭐️
Part 3: 3 ⭐️ for the first half, 4 ⭐️ for the rest (those last chapters my dudes that was a ride)
Mercy or something else: 4⭐️
SPOILERS AHEAD
I really enjoyed powerful Hermione and all the fighting scenes. The duelling in the first part was just chef's kiss. At the same time, I hated her - she thought she was so much better than everyone else, which was true enough but I didn't like it. Also I liked the whole hidden heritage thing and her being a halfblood afterall, but that just proved Lucius' point that muggleborns weren't powerful.
Draco was great. I liked that he was canonically toxic for most of the story. Though I would like for him to be more angry about the fact she left with his son.
I absolutely hated when Hermione got pregnant. And I'm still not sure about that whole plot.
Also, Hermione has so many people around her but when she doesn't need them it's like they vanish.
That ending (last 250 pages I guess), wow. Really got me there. The only thing that did not sit right with me - the resurrection - poor Harry.
Mercy or something else was very instant feels which I don't mind. Also, Marcus!
Now, it sounds like I didn't enjoy this fic at all but I did, I didn't quit and I am glad. But honestly, thank Merlin it's done.
OMG I forgot this all started with the fucking bet and the memories. Just why. Why would she immediately enter a bet with Malfoy of all people!
January 3, 2023
2.5 stars
I liked the sound of the story from the description but actually that's all wrapped up in the first two chapters and the rest is a three part story that feels like completely different fan fics mashed into one. My main issue was I didn't particularly like Hermione or Draco or understand why they were attracted to each other, Draco is awful and manipulative and Hermione is smug and superior.
I would say that even though I generally don't read or enjoy pregnancy tropes in Dramione fics, this part of the story wasn't actually to invasive or distracting. Hermione turning out to be from an old pure blood family and everyone having secret brothers though was too much for me and then with the additional storylines and multiple villains o just felt like it would probably have made about 4 pretty good fics instead of this one massive one that included everything except a decent explanation for why the two main characters would go so far for each other?
Saying that, there was enough enjoyable elements that I'll still read the writers fics in the future to see what other ideas they have, but I was relieved to finish this.
I liked the sound of the story from the description but actually that's all wrapped up in the first two chapters and the rest is a three part story that feels like completely different fan fics mashed into one. My main issue was I didn't particularly like Hermione or Draco or understand why they were attracted to each other, Draco is awful and manipulative and Hermione is smug and superior.
I would say that even though I generally don't read or enjoy pregnancy tropes in Dramione fics, this part of the story wasn't actually to invasive or distracting. Hermione turning out to be from an old pure blood family and everyone having secret brothers though was too much for me and then with the additional storylines and multiple villains o just felt like it would probably have made about 4 pretty good fics instead of this one massive one that included everything except a decent explanation for why the two main characters would go so far for each other?
Saying that, there was enough enjoyable elements that I'll still read the writers fics in the future to see what other ideas they have, but I was relieved to finish this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2025
I was so invested in this fic I forgot to write down my thoughts. . . Oops. Who is this guy with the dragon tattoo, He's hot. I feel it. Dude who are youuuu. Astoria is such a sweetheart, she deserves everything. FIVE YEARS???? EXCUSE ME? I forgot again, this review is going to suck. OH MY GOD HARRY POTTER 😭 guys I'm crying, this book is crazyyyyy. Harry is breaking my heart. I don't know how he will ever heal. 💔 awwww my baby Marcus. I loved all the characters, this was so fun. A bit long, I was confused how there were so many words, but the plot did demand it in the end, so I understand.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2025
so long???? lots of anti-muggleborn rhetoric. harry is dead here but the wizarding world is victorious. cults, romania, soul bonds, a little bet that turns the entire world upside down. lots of family secrets, kaspar family. it was like 10 stories in one but not necessarily in a bad way. hermione here is top tier though BAMF through everything even when she's been beaten down. draco's characterization was pretty good although i feel like he was just a straight up jerk sometimes.
September 24, 2023
The first part was really good. Love the toxic Draco. Towards the end I felt Hermione was being so hard on Draco and I did not love where the story line went with her families secret powers. When she went dark lord evil on everyone that seemed so OOC for her in my opinion. Overall it was a good enough read and entertaining.
June 18, 2024
2.5 ⭐️s
I expected better cause ppl are constantly suggesting this in my Dramione fb group but WHY.
This was too long and had way too many things going on.
Running away for 5 years rubbed me the wrong way too…that shit was cruel.
Draco was too soft, and under his dad’s thumb like a complete knob for 85% of the story.
I expected better cause ppl are constantly suggesting this in my Dramione fb group but WHY.
This was too long and had way too many things going on.
Running away for 5 years rubbed me the wrong way too…that shit was cruel.
Draco was too soft, and under his dad’s thumb like a complete knob for 85% of the story.
December 29, 2024
Hermione was so annoying in this fic. Too powerful and unforgiving- almost cruel to Draco in the end when he did so much to prove he changed and honestly, I never really found him that bad in the beginning. The mistress thing was awful but he showed how much he loved her and how stuck he was. Overly powerful stubborn Hermione is the absolute worst. One ver sad star cause this had potential.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2023
Like 3.8/5 stars. I really enjoyed this. It gives you the same feelings as liatotza, where you’re so far gone from the original plot, but the characters and new plot works really well.
Some of the writing was a bit corny at times but overall all a solid read.
Some of the writing was a bit corny at times but overall all a solid read.
May 21, 2023
Draco is so whipped in this, some of the line got me on my knees 🧎♀️, but he’s also incredibly toxic so 🤭. Minus 1 star cause the author somehow make Marcus Flint have a redemption 😃🤚🏽. Also make Marcus hot??? Like ugly hot, but still.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2023
More of a 3.5 but the first half was great so bumping it up. It felt like there should have been fics in one. A lot of plot for the sake of plot. I did like it but wish it were slightly pared down. Good and mostly satisfying ending
October 3, 2023
Nope. Can’t do it. Tried to finish it and then there was a 5 year time jump? There is too much misery in this story to be worth reading. I can’t do it. And I love Manacled, so I’m used to misery, i even like Secrets and Masks. But this? Fuck no.
June 16, 2024
Pretty good. Love Toxic Draco and Badass hermione. The plot was amazing during half of the book. I'm not a pregnancy trope fan and the fact that Hermione was a lost heir or whatever was like the worst plot twist.but I enjoy reading it. The writter is amazing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2024
Damn but Harry overshadowed everyone in just a few moments and he didn’t even do a thing.
It wasn’t Draco giving up his life but instead him giving up half his magic to save Hermione that actually made me forgive him finally.
It wasn’t Draco giving up his life but instead him giving up half his magic to save Hermione that actually made me forgive him finally.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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