Favorite stories and vids of 2010
The stories below are listed in no particular order or fandom preference. This year it was again difficult to narrow down my absolute favorites.
Star Trek Reboot, Supernatural, Stargate Atlantis, Merlin, Inception, Vid Recs
Star Trek Reboot
Title/Author: Graduate Vulcan for Fun and Profit by lazulisong
Author Summary: It really does take a village to raise a Jim.
Pairing: Gen
Word Count: 15,000
Review: I loved the imagery, the details, the alternating povs and how the story developed Jim's friendship with his Vulcan teacher. Also the OC was really awesome!
Link: http://lazulisong.livejournal.com/1071739.html?style=mine
Title/Author: War Games by seperis
Author Summary: Sequel to You'll Get There in the End (It Just Takes a While). The Federation and the Romulan Empire have been on the verge of war for what sometimes feels like forever; this is the place where what passes for peace might end.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 109,651
Review: I loved the plot, the original characters were awesome, and I could not put this story down once I started. I also loved the political aspects and world building as well as all the hurt/comfort. I felt for Jim in this story, it felt like everything that could go wrong did go wrong.
Link: http://seperis.livejournal.com/796798.html?style=mine
Title/Author: Through Blind Men's Eyes by ladyblahblah
Author Summary: The obligatory Pon Farr story . . . with a bit of a twist.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 45,057
Review: I loved the writing style, the plot, and the sex was incredibly hot. The story built up the tension in a very believable way and the ending was very good.
Link: http://ladyblahblah.livejournal.com/1275.html?style=mine
Title/Author: Only Good for Legends by
leupagus
Author Summary: The years go by.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 149,970
Review: I could not stop reading this story once I started. Detective Spock sounds so much like Commander Spock and I loved how being raised on earth changed him and yet he's still recognizably Spock. I also loved how the slow build up in Kirk and Spock's relationship and all the other characters felt like real people and I thoroughly enjoyed them.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/131027
Title/Author: Fighting Gravity by pantswarrior aka
noarrows
Author Summary: When Spock left Starfleet after the encounter with Nero, Jim thought he'd lost his chance at their supposedly destined friendship. Upon returning to Earth after the Enterprise's first five-year mission, he discovers that Spock lost far more. Jim's willing to fight for the bright future they were promised, but the one thing standing in its way is Spock himself.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 137,824
Review: I could not stop reading this story once I started. I loved the premise, the pacing, the character voices were spot on, and it was truly wonderful to sink into the story. I wasn't sure that I could get on board with a homeless Spock but the author sold the concept.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/76849
Title/Author: Observations by anon-j-anon
Author Summary: First Officer Spock comments on life aboard the Enterprise and his service under Captain James T. Kirk.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 414,197
Review: To say this story is a novel is an understatement. At about 400k words this story is epic. I loved seeing the story unfold from Spock's pov and how his and Kirk's relationship develops. I also loved that the author did not ignore the other characters on the ship. Everyone had their story and there were many ups and downs along the way.
Link: http://www.ksarchive.com/viewstory.php?sid=1964
Title/Author: Take Refuge in What You Know by
corpus_invictus
Author Summary: Written for the Star Trek XI Kink Meme prompt found here: "AU - Kirk has moved into a apartment/house and wants to get to know his neighbors. He meets his neighbor Spock, a loner who suffers from extreme agoraphobia. Kirk thinks he's beautiful enigma."
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 118,000
Review: I loved the character voices, the plot, and I also loved that the story did not take the easy way out. I thought the author did a great job with dealing with Spock's agoraphobia and Kirk's attempts to help Spock overcome his condition.
Link: http://corpus-invictus.dreamwidth.org/19728.html
Title/Author: Evolution by
rhaegal
Author Summary: In his first year in command of the USS Enterprise James T. Kirk must gel his new team together, adapt to his abrupt change in status over his friends, and deal with falling for his first officer. And, of course, there's always someone out to threaten the galaxy.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 150,000
Review: This was a story I could not put down once I started reading. I loved the plot, the romance, the misunderstandings, and it goes without saying but the sex was very hot. I think this story is easily one of my favorite first year in command fics I've read since I read You'll Get There in the End (It Just Takes a While) last year.
Link: http://rhaegal.dreamwidth.org/25121.html
Supernatural
Title/Author: Thursday's Child by strangeandcharm
Author Summary: Thursday’s child has far to go.
Pairing: Castiel/Dean
Word Count: 114,000
Review: This story blew me it out of the ballpark. I loved the AU aspect of what actually could have happened in the AU future of "The End" I could not put this story down once I started. The writing was fast paced and the characters compelling. I loved the world building.
Link: http://strangeandcharm.livejournal.com/91450.html?style=mine
Title/Author: The Bright Lights of Disturbia by leonidaslion
Author Summary: Not all of our scars are worn on the outside ...
Pairing: John/Dean Sam/Dean Dean/OMC
Word Count: 370,840
Review: I was captivated reading this story through a 6 hour flight on my way back from Escapade. I loved the hurt/comfort aspects, Sam's pov, and I liked that there were no easy fixes.
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/leonidasden/34359.html?style=mine
Title/Author: Reanimated by tigbit
Author Summary: In which Jared manages real estate in Heaven and Jensen works as Hell’s attorney in Death Trials. Extreme ambiguity and a distinct lack of beer push Jared to accept a different kind of job in a hotter, more southern locale. The boys meet. Hi-jinks and grocery-stealing in Hell ensue. Featuring saints on book tours, love on trial, after-life bureaucracy, and sin. Surprisingly not as cracktastic as it sounds.
Pairing: Jared/Jensen
Word Count: 80,000
Review: This was one of the most delightfully creative and entertaining stories of this year's Supernatural Big Bang challenge. I loved the premise, the character voices, and I loved the differences between Heaven and Hell as well as how Jared and Jensen fall in love. I got tears in my eyes more than once.
Link: http://tigbit.livejournal.com/81373.html?style=mine
Title/Author: Hail Mary by timewillbe
Author Summary: Three years since becoming the first openly gay coach of a Division I collegiate football team, Jensen Ackles is hired by the Dallas Cowboys as their new quarterbacks coach. Though happy to return to his hometown and eager to return to the NFL, Jensen's new position puts him directly in charge of former teammate, Jared Padalecki, with whom Jensen had a somewhat complicated personal relationship ten years before. Jensen also finds his new position comes with a price when the organization makes it clear they intend to use Jensen's sexual orientation to further their own status. When an old high school friend steps back into Jensen's life, the situation becomes increasingly complicated as Jensen struggles to balance his professional life with his private while attempting to control his reawakening feelings for Padalecki.
Pairing: Jared/Jensen
Word Count: 117,000
Review: Last year I read Next Man Up and I was blown away by how awesome that story was. (I'm not a football fan but this story made me interested in football) Hail Mary is pretty much the sequel and it's good. The characters had real motives, emotions, and I loved to see how much Jared and Jensen had grown up in the years since Next Man Up to Hail Mary. This story has more football, the sex is hot, and the characters felt real and I really wanted the guys to overcome the obstacles in their way and fall in love. Truly this was a remarkable story and held my attention from page one till the end.
Link: http://timewillbe.livejournal.com/37818.html?style=mine
Title/Author: The Time-Traveler's Brother by gretazreta
Author Summary: His whole life, Dean Winchester travels through time, forwards and backwards, but he always comes back to Sam. Dean doesn't believe in destiny, but if it does exist, his is Sam. This story is inspired by Audrey Niffenegger's The Time-Traveler's Wife.
Pairing: Sam/Dean
Word Count: 44,000
Review: I loved the time traveling concept and parts of the story were completely heartbreaking. I could not stop reading the story once I started. I loved the writing style, concept, and this felt like a true love story.
Link: http://gretazreta.livejournal.com/109429.html?style=mine
Title/Author: Fortress by glasslogic
Author Summary: Seven years ago Dean Winchester paid his due to the Crossroads Demon and fell into Hell. Grief almost killed Sam, a demon blood addiction came closer, but he rid himself of demonic attachments and spent years building himself a prison where no demon can set foot, determined to take himself out of the apocalyptic game that had crushed his family. But each year on Earth is an eternity in Hell, and now Dean is back. Angry, powerful, and demonic; he has a plan to wreck vengeance on those who destroyed his life. A plan that will shake the foundations of the Pit and send shock-waves into Heaven. Dragging a reluctant Sam in his wake, will Dean manage to pull it off before the combined legions of Hell get their act together enough to stop him?
Pairing: Sam/Dean
Word Count: 94,242
Review: This story caught me from page one and kept me reading way past my regular bedtime. I loved the writing style, premise, character voices, imagery, and how the story wove Sam's past with the present as well as explaining Dean's motivations as the story progresses. I thought the author did a wonderful job of keeping the suspense. I also liked the consent issues.
Link: http://glasslogic.livejournal.com/10886.html?style=mine
Title/Author: Melting Point Verse by strangeandcharm
Author Summary: After Dean is badly injured on a hunt, Castiel proves just how far he’ll go to look after him - and beyond.
Pairing: Castiel/Dean
Word Count: 106,818
Review: I love dark angsty stories with questionable consent issues and this one exceeded expectations. But what I most loved as that if you read the verse all together it really does come together into this overall story that has an interesting premise and I couldn't wait to see how it'll all end.
Link: http://strangeandcharm.livejournal.com/11044.html?style=mine
Stargate Atlantis
Title/Author: Tongues of Men and Angels by mad_maudlin
Author Summary: When SG-4 is ambushed offworld, an injured Major John Sheppard must put his trust in a Tok'ra agent named McKay to survive. But what secrets is McKay keeping about his mission, the planet, and his own motives for helping John?
Pairing: Sheppard/McKay
Word Count: 58,428
Review: This story had it all. Wonderful character voices, good plot, interesting premise, and a good intro to two original characters and plenty of action with a dash of romance. :) I also really loved the premise.
Link: http://mad-maudlin.dreamwidth.org/58908.html?style=light
Title/Author: The Light of a Fading Sun by friendshipper
Author Summary: Perhaps the only thing worse than blowing up 5/6 of a solar system is not blowing it up at all. A long, somewhat dark AU in which the characters drift apart following the Siege -- but the events on Doranda will have far-ranging and unexpected effects. And theirs will not be the only universe affected. Contains spoilers through Season 3's "Sunday".
Pairing: Gen
Word Count: 94,562
Review: This story blew my socks off. I loved this take on Atlantis and the small and big ways things are different and yet so very much the same. If you haven't read this story you should go and read it!
Link: http://www.sholiofic.com/sga/fadingsun.shtml
Title/Author: Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves by Auburn
Author Summary: Vala Mal Doran and her partners, renegades Jehan abd-Ba'al and Meredith McKay, hijack the Tau'ri ship Prometheus and leave the Milky Way behind in search of the Lost City of the Ancients, Atlantis.
Pairing: Sheppard/McKay
Word Count: 180,299
Review: I had a blast reading this story, it had a lot of action, adventure, and plenty of drama/trauma for the main characters. I loved the character voices, I especially loved that the women of the SG-1/SGA verse had strong roles and wonderful voices.
Link: http://auburn.dreamwidth.org/248578.html?style=mine
Title/Author: Unnatural Selection by Auburn
Author Summary: Human error, operant conditioning, survival instinct and evolution as horror. An examination of the SGC's failure to anticipate and prevent the losses of Atlantis and the Alterran survey ship Destiny. One year after the first, the second Earth Expedition to Wraith-occupied Atlantis is diverted to an Ancient ship and struggles to survive with no way home and enemies within, while John Sheppard, considered a traitor by everyone who once knew him, tries to hold onto what humanity he has left and save them all.
Pairing: Sheppard/McKay
Word Count: 164,390
Review: If you love science fiction and action/adventure and a good mystery this is the story for you. I was hooked from page one and could not stop reading until I'd finished the story. I loved all the twists and turns this story took and how the characters are slightly different but still themselves.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/113891
Title/Author: How Not to Fly by Toomuchplor.
Author Summary: Death and life, hope and hopelessness, aren't just for the Pegasus galaxy. Eventually, inevitably, it's going to happen on Earth. John and Rodney, loss and family and what it means to be home.
Pairing: Sheppard/McKay
Word Count: 56,650
Review: Sheppard and McKay's character voices were spot on, I loved the kids, and I got tears in my eyes more than once. Wonderful storytelling.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/122131
Merlin
Title/Author: Post hoc, ergo propter hoc ('After this, therefore because of this.') by hitome_bore
Author Summary: History books would not remember Gaius’ death precipitating the greatest war Albion had ever seen. That blame lay entirely with an inexperienced sorcerer and the Prince whom he’d betrayed a hundred times over. Future!fic with a time travel twist. Inspired and loosely based on The Sword in the Stone.
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 95,000
Review: This story blew me away. I loved the premise of Merlin going back in time to stop everything that had gone wrong in his original timeline. Time travel is I think my bulletproof kink. I also loved the character voices and Merlin and Arthur were heartbreaking.
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/camelotsolstice/31559.html?style=mine (story link goes to last chapter because all the other chapters are listed there)
Title/Author: You're A Mile Away and Your Have Their Shoes by Mad_Maudlin
Author Summary: Arthur sometimes wished he understood what was going on in Merlin's head. He just hadn't meant literally.
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 22,103
Review: I love Merlin stories that actually have something magical gone wrong as a premise and this one exceeded expectations. I could not stop reading once I started. I loved the character voices, the premise of Merlin and Arthur switching places, this story does it with a twist.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/56440
Title/Author: The Student Prince by pandarus
Author Summary: A Modern day Merlin AU set at the University of St Andrews, featuring teetotal kickboxers, secret wizards, magnificent bodyguards of various genders, irate fairies, imprisoned dragons, crumbling gothic architecture, arrogant princes, adorable engineering students, stolen gold, magical doorways, attempted assassination, drunken students, shaving foam fights, embarrassing mornings after, The Hammer Dance, duty, responsibility, friendship and true love...
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 145248
Review: I loved the setting, the wide cast of characters, and how Merlin and Arthur gradually fall in love.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/91885
Title/Author: This Dark Road Will Lead Us Where We Want to Be by accordingtomel
Author Summary: When a visiting noble attacks Arthur with the intent to kill, Merlin is forced to openly use magic to save his life. With execution less than twenty-four hours away, a desperate Arthur tricks Merlin into binding their souls in order to prevent his death as a sorcerer. But the soul-bond has some unexpected consequences, and when Uther demands that Arthur unbind his soul so he can carry on with the execution, the two set out on a journey to find answers. Along the way they deal with the ramifications of Merlin's deception, discover some truths about their growing feelings for one another, and are forced to make some huge decisions that could have an impact on their lives forever.
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 90,521
Review: This story was almost impossible to put down. I loved the soul bonding aspect, the character voices were spot on, and I loved that there were real consequences when Uther found out Merlin had magic.
Link: http://accordingtomel.livejournal.com/131304.html?style=mine
Title/Author: The Tournament of All Magicks by corilannam
Author Summary: Merlin is invited to compete in a tournament of magic. Sure, he'd like to become the champion of all Albion, but first he has to get past giant creatures, a seductive sorceress, and the crown prince of Camelot.
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 40,321
Review: I loved the concept, the character voices, and the magic battles were funny. I could not stop reading once I started. The author had a very engaging writing style.
Link: http://corilannam.livejournal.com/136113.html?style=mine
Title/Author: The Sorcerer and the King by Winterhill
Author Summary: Canon AU -- Merlin's death is only the beginning; with no-one to protect the kingdom, Camelot falls to an enemy sorcerer and Arthur is forced to serve in the court that he once ruled. When an escape attempt goes horribly wrong, Arthur is rescued by someone he never expected to see again -- and it's their destiny to put things right.
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 85,529
Review: I could not stop reading once I started. I loved Arthur's pov, the plot was intense, I loved the use of magic, and how the story unfolds. This story blew me away on many levels. I also truly adored the OCs introduced.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/111469
Title/Author: Seven Magpies by syllic
Author Summary: Arthur wakes up somewhere he doesn't recognise, but where he clearly belongs.
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 33,431
Review: I loved the premise, the AU verse, and Arthur was perfect here.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/55307
Inception
Title/Author: Perfect Recall Verse by mami_san
Author Summary: While on a job, the target gets way too interested in Arthur. Long story short, unwilling!Arthur has to seduce/submit to the target in order to succeed with the mission.
Pairing: Pairing:Arthur/Eames
Word Count: 63,369
Review: This premise hit my kinks in all the right ways. I loved the character voices, the buildup, and the sex was hot.
Link: http://mami-san.livejournal.com/381529.html?style=mine (Link to last part of series)
Title/Author: Presque Vu by Rageprufrock
Author Summary: Or, "on the tip of the tongue." Arthur meets Mal first. He inherits Dom, after. Everything else is on him.
Pairing: Pairing:Arthur/Eames
Word Count: 69,588
Review: I adored the build up in this story and the way everything fell apart. This had awesome and believable backstory for the movie and the character voices felt right.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/133555
Vid Recs
Battlestar Galactica
I'm Not Dead This vid did a great job of showing Kara's story and I loved the song.
Some Time Around Midnight by bop_radar (vid:recs:bsg) This vid blew me away. It's the Kara/Lee vid I've been wanting to see for years and didn't know it.
Merlin
When I'm Small I loved the parallells shown between Merlin and Morgana and clip choices and editing.
Harry Potter
Harry Potter | Marchin On (vid:recs:harrypotter) Loved the song an clip choices.
http://amalthia.dreamwidth.org/649447.html#comments
Star Trek Reboot, Supernatural, Stargate Atlantis, Merlin, Inception, Vid Recs
Star Trek Reboot
Title/Author: Graduate Vulcan for Fun and Profit by lazulisong
Author Summary: It really does take a village to raise a Jim.
Pairing: Gen
Word Count: 15,000
Review: I loved the imagery, the details, the alternating povs and how the story developed Jim's friendship with his Vulcan teacher. Also the OC was really awesome!
Link: http://lazulisong.livejournal.com/1071739.html?style=mine
Title/Author: War Games by seperis
Author Summary: Sequel to You'll Get There in the End (It Just Takes a While). The Federation and the Romulan Empire have been on the verge of war for what sometimes feels like forever; this is the place where what passes for peace might end.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 109,651
Review: I loved the plot, the original characters were awesome, and I could not put this story down once I started. I also loved the political aspects and world building as well as all the hurt/comfort. I felt for Jim in this story, it felt like everything that could go wrong did go wrong.
Link: http://seperis.livejournal.com/796798.html?style=mine
Title/Author: Through Blind Men's Eyes by ladyblahblah
Author Summary: The obligatory Pon Farr story . . . with a bit of a twist.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 45,057
Review: I loved the writing style, the plot, and the sex was incredibly hot. The story built up the tension in a very believable way and the ending was very good.
Link: http://ladyblahblah.livejournal.com/1275.html?style=mine
Title/Author: Only Good for Legends by
leupagus
Author Summary: The years go by.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 149,970
Review: I could not stop reading this story once I started. Detective Spock sounds so much like Commander Spock and I loved how being raised on earth changed him and yet he's still recognizably Spock. I also loved how the slow build up in Kirk and Spock's relationship and all the other characters felt like real people and I thoroughly enjoyed them.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/131027
Title/Author: Fighting Gravity by pantswarrior aka
noarrows
Author Summary: When Spock left Starfleet after the encounter with Nero, Jim thought he'd lost his chance at their supposedly destined friendship. Upon returning to Earth after the Enterprise's first five-year mission, he discovers that Spock lost far more. Jim's willing to fight for the bright future they were promised, but the one thing standing in its way is Spock himself.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 137,824
Review: I could not stop reading this story once I started. I loved the premise, the pacing, the character voices were spot on, and it was truly wonderful to sink into the story. I wasn't sure that I could get on board with a homeless Spock but the author sold the concept.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/76849
Title/Author: Observations by anon-j-anon
Author Summary: First Officer Spock comments on life aboard the Enterprise and his service under Captain James T. Kirk.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 414,197
Review: To say this story is a novel is an understatement. At about 400k words this story is epic. I loved seeing the story unfold from Spock's pov and how his and Kirk's relationship develops. I also loved that the author did not ignore the other characters on the ship. Everyone had their story and there were many ups and downs along the way.
Link: http://www.ksarchive.com/viewstory.php?sid=1964
Title/Author: Take Refuge in What You Know by
corpus_invictus
Author Summary: Written for the Star Trek XI Kink Meme prompt found here: "AU - Kirk has moved into a apartment/house and wants to get to know his neighbors. He meets his neighbor Spock, a loner who suffers from extreme agoraphobia. Kirk thinks he's beautiful enigma."
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 118,000
Review: I loved the character voices, the plot, and I also loved that the story did not take the easy way out. I thought the author did a great job with dealing with Spock's agoraphobia and Kirk's attempts to help Spock overcome his condition.
Link: http://corpus-invictus.dreamwidth.org/19728.html
Title/Author: Evolution by
rhaegal
Author Summary: In his first year in command of the USS Enterprise James T. Kirk must gel his new team together, adapt to his abrupt change in status over his friends, and deal with falling for his first officer. And, of course, there's always someone out to threaten the galaxy.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 150,000
Review: This was a story I could not put down once I started reading. I loved the plot, the romance, the misunderstandings, and it goes without saying but the sex was very hot. I think this story is easily one of my favorite first year in command fics I've read since I read You'll Get There in the End (It Just Takes a While) last year.
Link: http://rhaegal.dreamwidth.org/25121.html
Supernatural
Title/Author: Thursday's Child by strangeandcharm
Author Summary: Thursday’s child has far to go.
Pairing: Castiel/Dean
Word Count: 114,000
Review: This story blew me it out of the ballpark. I loved the AU aspect of what actually could have happened in the AU future of "The End" I could not put this story down once I started. The writing was fast paced and the characters compelling. I loved the world building.
Link: http://strangeandcharm.livejournal.com/91450.html?style=mine
Title/Author: The Bright Lights of Disturbia by leonidaslion
Author Summary: Not all of our scars are worn on the outside ...
Pairing: John/Dean Sam/Dean Dean/OMC
Word Count: 370,840
Review: I was captivated reading this story through a 6 hour flight on my way back from Escapade. I loved the hurt/comfort aspects, Sam's pov, and I liked that there were no easy fixes.
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/leonidasden/34359.html?style=mine
Title/Author: Reanimated by tigbit
Author Summary: In which Jared manages real estate in Heaven and Jensen works as Hell’s attorney in Death Trials. Extreme ambiguity and a distinct lack of beer push Jared to accept a different kind of job in a hotter, more southern locale. The boys meet. Hi-jinks and grocery-stealing in Hell ensue. Featuring saints on book tours, love on trial, after-life bureaucracy, and sin. Surprisingly not as cracktastic as it sounds.
Pairing: Jared/Jensen
Word Count: 80,000
Review: This was one of the most delightfully creative and entertaining stories of this year's Supernatural Big Bang challenge. I loved the premise, the character voices, and I loved the differences between Heaven and Hell as well as how Jared and Jensen fall in love. I got tears in my eyes more than once.
Link: http://tigbit.livejournal.com/81373.html?style=mine
Title/Author: Hail Mary by timewillbe
Author Summary: Three years since becoming the first openly gay coach of a Division I collegiate football team, Jensen Ackles is hired by the Dallas Cowboys as their new quarterbacks coach. Though happy to return to his hometown and eager to return to the NFL, Jensen's new position puts him directly in charge of former teammate, Jared Padalecki, with whom Jensen had a somewhat complicated personal relationship ten years before. Jensen also finds his new position comes with a price when the organization makes it clear they intend to use Jensen's sexual orientation to further their own status. When an old high school friend steps back into Jensen's life, the situation becomes increasingly complicated as Jensen struggles to balance his professional life with his private while attempting to control his reawakening feelings for Padalecki.
Pairing: Jared/Jensen
Word Count: 117,000
Review: Last year I read Next Man Up and I was blown away by how awesome that story was. (I'm not a football fan but this story made me interested in football) Hail Mary is pretty much the sequel and it's good. The characters had real motives, emotions, and I loved to see how much Jared and Jensen had grown up in the years since Next Man Up to Hail Mary. This story has more football, the sex is hot, and the characters felt real and I really wanted the guys to overcome the obstacles in their way and fall in love. Truly this was a remarkable story and held my attention from page one till the end.
Link: http://timewillbe.livejournal.com/37818.html?style=mine
Title/Author: The Time-Traveler's Brother by gretazreta
Author Summary: His whole life, Dean Winchester travels through time, forwards and backwards, but he always comes back to Sam. Dean doesn't believe in destiny, but if it does exist, his is Sam. This story is inspired by Audrey Niffenegger's The Time-Traveler's Wife.
Pairing: Sam/Dean
Word Count: 44,000
Review: I loved the time traveling concept and parts of the story were completely heartbreaking. I could not stop reading the story once I started. I loved the writing style, concept, and this felt like a true love story.
Link: http://gretazreta.livejournal.com/109429.html?style=mine
Title/Author: Fortress by glasslogic
Author Summary: Seven years ago Dean Winchester paid his due to the Crossroads Demon and fell into Hell. Grief almost killed Sam, a demon blood addiction came closer, but he rid himself of demonic attachments and spent years building himself a prison where no demon can set foot, determined to take himself out of the apocalyptic game that had crushed his family. But each year on Earth is an eternity in Hell, and now Dean is back. Angry, powerful, and demonic; he has a plan to wreck vengeance on those who destroyed his life. A plan that will shake the foundations of the Pit and send shock-waves into Heaven. Dragging a reluctant Sam in his wake, will Dean manage to pull it off before the combined legions of Hell get their act together enough to stop him?
Pairing: Sam/Dean
Word Count: 94,242
Review: This story caught me from page one and kept me reading way past my regular bedtime. I loved the writing style, premise, character voices, imagery, and how the story wove Sam's past with the present as well as explaining Dean's motivations as the story progresses. I thought the author did a wonderful job of keeping the suspense. I also liked the consent issues.
Link: http://glasslogic.livejournal.com/10886.html?style=mine
Title/Author: Melting Point Verse by strangeandcharm
Author Summary: After Dean is badly injured on a hunt, Castiel proves just how far he’ll go to look after him - and beyond.
Pairing: Castiel/Dean
Word Count: 106,818
Review: I love dark angsty stories with questionable consent issues and this one exceeded expectations. But what I most loved as that if you read the verse all together it really does come together into this overall story that has an interesting premise and I couldn't wait to see how it'll all end.
Link: http://strangeandcharm.livejournal.com/11044.html?style=mine
Stargate Atlantis
Title/Author: Tongues of Men and Angels by mad_maudlin
Author Summary: When SG-4 is ambushed offworld, an injured Major John Sheppard must put his trust in a Tok'ra agent named McKay to survive. But what secrets is McKay keeping about his mission, the planet, and his own motives for helping John?
Pairing: Sheppard/McKay
Word Count: 58,428
Review: This story had it all. Wonderful character voices, good plot, interesting premise, and a good intro to two original characters and plenty of action with a dash of romance. :) I also really loved the premise.
Link: http://mad-maudlin.dreamwidth.org/58908.html?style=light
Title/Author: The Light of a Fading Sun by friendshipper
Author Summary: Perhaps the only thing worse than blowing up 5/6 of a solar system is not blowing it up at all. A long, somewhat dark AU in which the characters drift apart following the Siege -- but the events on Doranda will have far-ranging and unexpected effects. And theirs will not be the only universe affected. Contains spoilers through Season 3's "Sunday".
Pairing: Gen
Word Count: 94,562
Review: This story blew my socks off. I loved this take on Atlantis and the small and big ways things are different and yet so very much the same. If you haven't read this story you should go and read it!
Link: http://www.sholiofic.com/sga/fadingsun.shtml
Title/Author: Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves by Auburn
Author Summary: Vala Mal Doran and her partners, renegades Jehan abd-Ba'al and Meredith McKay, hijack the Tau'ri ship Prometheus and leave the Milky Way behind in search of the Lost City of the Ancients, Atlantis.
Pairing: Sheppard/McKay
Word Count: 180,299
Review: I had a blast reading this story, it had a lot of action, adventure, and plenty of drama/trauma for the main characters. I loved the character voices, I especially loved that the women of the SG-1/SGA verse had strong roles and wonderful voices.
Link: http://auburn.dreamwidth.org/248578.html?style=mine
Title/Author: Unnatural Selection by Auburn
Author Summary: Human error, operant conditioning, survival instinct and evolution as horror. An examination of the SGC's failure to anticipate and prevent the losses of Atlantis and the Alterran survey ship Destiny. One year after the first, the second Earth Expedition to Wraith-occupied Atlantis is diverted to an Ancient ship and struggles to survive with no way home and enemies within, while John Sheppard, considered a traitor by everyone who once knew him, tries to hold onto what humanity he has left and save them all.
Pairing: Sheppard/McKay
Word Count: 164,390
Review: If you love science fiction and action/adventure and a good mystery this is the story for you. I was hooked from page one and could not stop reading until I'd finished the story. I loved all the twists and turns this story took and how the characters are slightly different but still themselves.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/113891
Title/Author: How Not to Fly by Toomuchplor.
Author Summary: Death and life, hope and hopelessness, aren't just for the Pegasus galaxy. Eventually, inevitably, it's going to happen on Earth. John and Rodney, loss and family and what it means to be home.
Pairing: Sheppard/McKay
Word Count: 56,650
Review: Sheppard and McKay's character voices were spot on, I loved the kids, and I got tears in my eyes more than once. Wonderful storytelling.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/122131
Merlin
Title/Author: Post hoc, ergo propter hoc ('After this, therefore because of this.') by hitome_bore
Author Summary: History books would not remember Gaius’ death precipitating the greatest war Albion had ever seen. That blame lay entirely with an inexperienced sorcerer and the Prince whom he’d betrayed a hundred times over. Future!fic with a time travel twist. Inspired and loosely based on The Sword in the Stone.
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 95,000
Review: This story blew me away. I loved the premise of Merlin going back in time to stop everything that had gone wrong in his original timeline. Time travel is I think my bulletproof kink. I also loved the character voices and Merlin and Arthur were heartbreaking.
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/camelotsolstice/31559.html?style=mine (story link goes to last chapter because all the other chapters are listed there)
Title/Author: You're A Mile Away and Your Have Their Shoes by Mad_Maudlin
Author Summary: Arthur sometimes wished he understood what was going on in Merlin's head. He just hadn't meant literally.
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 22,103
Review: I love Merlin stories that actually have something magical gone wrong as a premise and this one exceeded expectations. I could not stop reading once I started. I loved the character voices, the premise of Merlin and Arthur switching places, this story does it with a twist.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/56440
Title/Author: The Student Prince by pandarus
Author Summary: A Modern day Merlin AU set at the University of St Andrews, featuring teetotal kickboxers, secret wizards, magnificent bodyguards of various genders, irate fairies, imprisoned dragons, crumbling gothic architecture, arrogant princes, adorable engineering students, stolen gold, magical doorways, attempted assassination, drunken students, shaving foam fights, embarrassing mornings after, The Hammer Dance, duty, responsibility, friendship and true love...
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 145248
Review: I loved the setting, the wide cast of characters, and how Merlin and Arthur gradually fall in love.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/91885
Title/Author: This Dark Road Will Lead Us Where We Want to Be by accordingtomel
Author Summary: When a visiting noble attacks Arthur with the intent to kill, Merlin is forced to openly use magic to save his life. With execution less than twenty-four hours away, a desperate Arthur tricks Merlin into binding their souls in order to prevent his death as a sorcerer. But the soul-bond has some unexpected consequences, and when Uther demands that Arthur unbind his soul so he can carry on with the execution, the two set out on a journey to find answers. Along the way they deal with the ramifications of Merlin's deception, discover some truths about their growing feelings for one another, and are forced to make some huge decisions that could have an impact on their lives forever.
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 90,521
Review: This story was almost impossible to put down. I loved the soul bonding aspect, the character voices were spot on, and I loved that there were real consequences when Uther found out Merlin had magic.
Link: http://accordingtomel.livejournal.com/131304.html?style=mine
Title/Author: The Tournament of All Magicks by corilannam
Author Summary: Merlin is invited to compete in a tournament of magic. Sure, he'd like to become the champion of all Albion, but first he has to get past giant creatures, a seductive sorceress, and the crown prince of Camelot.
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 40,321
Review: I loved the concept, the character voices, and the magic battles were funny. I could not stop reading once I started. The author had a very engaging writing style.
Link: http://corilannam.livejournal.com/136113.html?style=mine
Title/Author: The Sorcerer and the King by Winterhill
Author Summary: Canon AU -- Merlin's death is only the beginning; with no-one to protect the kingdom, Camelot falls to an enemy sorcerer and Arthur is forced to serve in the court that he once ruled. When an escape attempt goes horribly wrong, Arthur is rescued by someone he never expected to see again -- and it's their destiny to put things right.
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 85,529
Review: I could not stop reading once I started. I loved Arthur's pov, the plot was intense, I loved the use of magic, and how the story unfolds. This story blew me away on many levels. I also truly adored the OCs introduced.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/111469
Title/Author: Seven Magpies by syllic
Author Summary: Arthur wakes up somewhere he doesn't recognise, but where he clearly belongs.
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 33,431
Review: I loved the premise, the AU verse, and Arthur was perfect here.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/55307
Inception
Title/Author: Perfect Recall Verse by mami_san
Author Summary: While on a job, the target gets way too interested in Arthur. Long story short, unwilling!Arthur has to seduce/submit to the target in order to succeed with the mission.
Pairing: Pairing:Arthur/Eames
Word Count: 63,369
Review: This premise hit my kinks in all the right ways. I loved the character voices, the buildup, and the sex was hot.
Link: http://mami-san.livejournal.com/381529.html?style=mine (Link to last part of series)
Title/Author: Presque Vu by Rageprufrock
Author Summary: Or, "on the tip of the tongue." Arthur meets Mal first. He inherits Dom, after. Everything else is on him.
Pairing: Pairing:Arthur/Eames
Word Count: 69,588
Review: I adored the build up in this story and the way everything fell apart. This had awesome and believable backstory for the movie and the character voices felt right.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/133555
Vid Recs
Battlestar Galactica
I'm Not Dead This vid did a great job of showing Kara's story and I loved the song.
Some Time Around Midnight by bop_radar (vid:recs:bsg) This vid blew me away. It's the Kara/Lee vid I've been wanting to see for years and didn't know it.
Merlin
When I'm Small I loved the parallells shown between Merlin and Morgana and clip choices and editing.
Harry Potter
Harry Potter | Marchin On (vid:recs:harrypotter) Loved the song an clip choices.
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