Recs! Feedback! Still alive!
Oh man, it's been a while, hasn't it? For the past few weeks I kept realizing I should make an lj post, and then forgetting when I actually got home and could do it. So now I have a million things I could post about and no idea where to start. I'm gonna dedicate this post to fic, I've decided.
Over the past ~5 weeks, I've been reading fic almost nonstop. Having my Kindle and .mobi files from AO3 has definitely helped. I used to put off reading fic over 40k because it would take so long to get through, but now I can read at work during my lunch break, and during breaks, and when I get home and knock one of those long!fics out in a couple of days. It's great! I've read in a ton of fandoms and saved a ton of new recs for the future, too. So here I am with some recs of what I've read so far! First I wanna talk about the feedback fest, but you can scroll down to get straight to the recs. :)
******
I love this idea! My fic is here on LJ and here on AO3. In particular I'd love to have thoughts on my recent bandom space AU, or even just general thoughts here for those of you that have read a few of my stories in the past. In reading all these different fandoms recently, I've found myself wanting to write all kinds of new things, I'm just worried that my work has become repetitious and boring. A little encouragement goes a long way, and I'll definitely pay it forward! :) Please be sure to post this on your journal if you're looking for more feedback, because I intend to participate all week!
******
And now for the recs! Fandoms in alphabetical order, but otherwise just a jumble below. I've been long overdue to read most of these, so don't be surprised if you've read them all before.
Avengers
Tomorrow Belongs to Me by
valtyr | Steve/Tony, Jane/Thor | NC-17 | 87k
Steve wakes up in the 21st Century. He doesn't think much of it, and it's dubious about him. He meets a Norse God, joins a superhero team, and feels terribly awkward about the whole momument at Arlington he's rendered obsolete by not being dead. Meanwhile, Tony is trying to make his mark on history by being the man who finally drove Nick Fury over the edge.
THIS FIC. This is my headcanon for what will happen in the Avengers movie until I get the actual thing in May. I had to stop and remind myself halfway through that this probably wasn't how it was gonna go down. But that's how perfectly immersed I was. I adore how the ensemble was written, and how Steve and Tony's relationship evolved from their initial clashing personalities to teamwork and on to something more substantial. I may have gotten caught up re-reading parts as I made this post. :P
Resurrection, Reconstruction, and Redemption by elspethdixon | Steve/Tony | PG-13 | 90k
Doom brings Steve back from the dead. Hijinks ensue, some of which might vaugely be considered plot. Surprisingly, this isn't actually crack-fic -- it's just Marvel.
This one is in comics-verse, set after Civil War. I didn't have a lot of knowledge of the 'verse, but I didn't feel lost or anything. It's a great Civil War fix-it fic, and the action in it is superb as well.
***
Bandom
Paper Chase by foxxcub | Jon/Spencer | R | 17k
He texted Ryan on his way back to the dorm, knowing Ryan was still in his Advanced Comp class. 'I'm now officially a Christmas Correspondent for Walker's charity.' A minute later he got back: 'lolololol'
A college AU where Spencer is a journalism major and Jon is the guy who made his life hell in high school.
Oh man. I haven't read bandom in forever, but everyone knows how much I love college AUs. This fic was perfectly adorable, especially given the premise. The misunderstandings and buildup were perfectly sweet, all leading up to an adorable resolution.
***
Harry Potter
Plein Air for Two by Eloise Lovelace | Oliver/Percy, Remus/Sirius | NC-17 | 16.5k
When the portrait versions of Remus and Sirius start getting hot and heavy within Percy's immediate surroundings, he starts to get some urges of his own. It's gotta be a spell, though, right?
I am, as ever, always on the lookout for good Oliver/Percy. This one was delightful. Versions of Remus and Sirius are in a portrait in Percy's office, and their actions are quite raunchy and shameless. It starts giving Percy ideas. Absolutely hilarious.
***
Merlin
A Fistful of Infinity and Starlight by junkshop_disco | Merlin/Gwaine, Gwen/Lancelot, Arthur/Gwen | NC-17 | 64k
Uther’s insane, Morgana’s plotting a new assault on Camelot, and Arthur and his knights are clueless but supposedly in charge. In the midst of it, Gwaine finds himself harbouring feelings for a man who apparently has a destiny, and learns something new about magic: it doesn’t play fair, and serving it shakes everything you hold dear - whether you’re a sorcerer or not.
This fic has everything - a beautiful mixture of humor, action, magical hijinks with genuine feelings and drama. I really felt the author captured Gwaine's characterization perfectly.
Lord Drake's Bequest by pennyplainknits | Arthur/Merlin | R | 10k
"To my great-nephew Arthur I bequeath Tintagel Distribution, wholly and without reserve, save for one condition. You must marry, and stay married, for a period of no less than six months. You're a wonderful businessman Arthur, but a full life needs love and companionship, not just a string of affairs. Settle down young Arthur, and your life will be the richer for it."
Arthur needs to marry to take control of Tintagel Distribution. Fortunately he knows the right man for the job.
Have I mentioned lately how much I love the marriage of convenience trope? Because it's a lot. And nnngh does this one pull it off beautifully. The buildup is positively mesmerizing, and if you're anything like me, that information should be enough to send you running over to read this right away.
Love, Toast, and Post-It Notes by themadlurker | Arthur/Merlin, Gwen/Lancelot | PG-13 | 6.5k
Modern AU. It was love at first sight, and Merlin knew it - when it came to the flat, that was. Merlin wasn't anything like as clear about the man he was going to have to live with.
Both epistolary fics and modern Merlin AUs are the stories of my heart, so this one had me at hello. Exactly how I would expect these two to get on as flatmates. Love it.
The Soft Option by freudian_fuckup | Arthur/Merlin | NC-17 | 12.5k
(Modern AU) In which Arthur is busy and Important, Merlin is just plain busy, and everyone is perfectly content with the situation (except for when they aren't).
Arthur is an important businessman and Merlin is the dude who moved in with him despite his unfortunate feelings. Again, a sure way to my heart. The UST in this one is just right.
The Student Prince by
FayJay | Arthur/Merlin | R | 145k
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...
Probably my favorite out of all these. College AU but Merlin has his powers, Arthur is the prince and also his roommate, hijinks ensue. This is worth every single one of the 145k words. I wish there were more.
The Job Interview from Hell by winterstorrm | Arthur/Merlin, Gwen/Lancelot | NC-17 | 93k
On the TV show ’The Apprentice’ Merlin is a candidate, Sir Uther is mean and Arthur is his boardroom assistant. Will Merlin make it through the twelve weeks without hearing the immortal words, ‘You’re fired’? Is he playing to win the job or Arthur's heart?
I don't even watch The Apprentice because I don't have the patience, but this fic almost made me want to. I really got immersed in Arthur and Merlin's relationship and was really excited to see how it would turn out. I wasn't disappointed in the end.
***
Real Person Fiction
we must reinvent love & many wonderful sequels by _mournthewicked | Jared Padalecki/Jensen Ackles | NC-17 | 26.5k for first fic
With high school graduation less than two weeks away, best friends Jared and Jensen find themselves scrambling to tie up a few loose ends before they’re forced into adulthood. Jared ropes Jensen into helping him get the alcohol for Sandy's graduation party, and what should be a simple night of partying ends up turning into a series of mishaps and misunderstandings that all come to head when Jensen finally tells Jared the secret he wasn't ever planning on spilling. If high school has to end, they're going out with a bang. (A J2 spin on the movie Superbad.)
This summary, word count, etc. is just for the first fic, but there are sequels and the story continues on into college and so much more fun. And the best part (in my opinion) is a RPS pairing I never would have thought of on my own, but that I can't have enough of now that I know of it: Misha Collins/James Roday (Shawn from Psych). Delightful in every way. If you're looking for a series to make you smile, this will do it.
The Giraffe Notes by jeyhawk | Jesse Eisenberg/Andrew Garfield | NC-17 | 16.5k
"The first note is an impulse, a quick scribble and a badly drawn giraffe, slipped into Andrew's locker when no one is looking (as if anyone ever looks)."
The impossible love story of a mouse and a giraffe featuring a crush that last a decade, a very grateful movie star, the fine art of falling in love over the internet, a possibly naughty tattoo, three awesome friends, cats, nerves, and a spectacular first date.
I'm sure I'm the last one to read this, but this may be the most adorable fic I've ever read. Another epistolary fic, starting in high school and then picking up 8 years later. As adorable as you'd expect with these two, and all the more enjoyable because of the notes and the anonymity.
***
White Collar
A Mile Away and Wearing Your Shoes by
BlackEyedGirl | Elizabeth/Peter/Neal | R | 11k
"Neal?" Peter puts his hand to his throat. That wasn't his voice. Not his hand either. "This isn't happening." Peter turns his head to see himself looking back. "Neal, that better be you in there." [Bodyswap]
I adobe bodyswap fics, and it's perfect for these two. Neal's got the power now, but he knows what's important.
***
X-Men: First Class
A Curious Carriage of Crystal and Cold by
Etharei | Charles/Erik | NC-17 | 114k
Charles, a miner from a poor village in the countryside, saves the life of Erik Lehnsherr, scion of a successful business family and the richest man on the planet Eisen. Charles is a telepath and somewhat anxious about it, while Erik abstains from relationships because the lights flicker and doors open and electronics vibrate when he gets too excited.
Also featuring a long-suffering sister, a foul-mouthed bodyguard, and a best friend with a heart that is definitely not gold.
In which there are princes, spaceships, long journeys, and old secrets uncovered. (An AU sci-fi fairytale)
The universe built in this story is simply breathtaking. So much detail and complexity. I can't recommend this one enough.
An Ideal Grace by
afrocurl &
nekosmuse | Charles/Erik | R | 86k
Erik Lehnsherr is a visiting professor at Columbia University, as well as an acclaimed and award winning poet. Charles Xavier is a lead researcher with the Genetics Department who is well on his way to tenure. But what happens when Charles has to cancel a class because half his students abandon him in favour of a mysterious new English Lit professor? Naturally he ends up sitting in in the class, where Professor Lehnsherr mistakes him for a student. It's really too bad Erik has such a strict policy against dating students. It's also too bad Erik doesn't seem to know how to use Google.
Omg, I love all the pieces of this. Raven's interference, all the misunderstandings, Erik's very real issues and how he works through them. This fic is even better because there are gifs and pictures linked and included throghout, plus Erik's poetry is actually included! And even better is that there's a sequel that was just completed three days ago! I know what I'll be reading next! :D
******
Oh man, that took longer than expected! I'll probably be back with more in a few weeks, because my toread tag keeps growing faster than I can read the things in it. I also have a couple more posts to make on other topics, hopefully this week.
That's it for now! I hope you all haven't given up on me. Feel free to flail with me about the above fics or fandoms in the comments! :D
(Note: Crossposted at Dreamwidth.)
Over the past ~5 weeks, I've been reading fic almost nonstop. Having my Kindle and .mobi files from AO3 has definitely helped. I used to put off reading fic over 40k because it would take so long to get through, but now I can read at work during my lunch break, and during breaks, and when I get home and knock one of those long!fics out in a couple of days. It's great! I've read in a ton of fandoms and saved a ton of new recs for the future, too. So here I am with some recs of what I've read so far! First I wanna talk about the feedback fest, but you can scroll down to get straight to the recs. :)
******
I love this idea! My fic is here on LJ and here on AO3. In particular I'd love to have thoughts on my recent bandom space AU, or even just general thoughts here for those of you that have read a few of my stories in the past. In reading all these different fandoms recently, I've found myself wanting to write all kinds of new things, I'm just worried that my work has become repetitious and boring. A little encouragement goes a long way, and I'll definitely pay it forward! :) Please be sure to post this on your journal if you're looking for more feedback, because I intend to participate all week!
******
And now for the recs! Fandoms in alphabetical order, but otherwise just a jumble below. I've been long overdue to read most of these, so don't be surprised if you've read them all before.
Avengers
Tomorrow Belongs to Me by
valtyr | Steve/Tony, Jane/Thor | NC-17 | 87k
Steve wakes up in the 21st Century. He doesn't think much of it, and it's dubious about him. He meets a Norse God, joins a superhero team, and feels terribly awkward about the whole momument at Arlington he's rendered obsolete by not being dead. Meanwhile, Tony is trying to make his mark on history by being the man who finally drove Nick Fury over the edge.
THIS FIC. This is my headcanon for what will happen in the Avengers movie until I get the actual thing in May. I had to stop and remind myself halfway through that this probably wasn't how it was gonna go down. But that's how perfectly immersed I was. I adore how the ensemble was written, and how Steve and Tony's relationship evolved from their initial clashing personalities to teamwork and on to something more substantial. I may have gotten caught up re-reading parts as I made this post. :P
Resurrection, Reconstruction, and Redemption by elspethdixon | Steve/Tony | PG-13 | 90k
Doom brings Steve back from the dead. Hijinks ensue, some of which might vaugely be considered plot. Surprisingly, this isn't actually crack-fic -- it's just Marvel.
This one is in comics-verse, set after Civil War. I didn't have a lot of knowledge of the 'verse, but I didn't feel lost or anything. It's a great Civil War fix-it fic, and the action in it is superb as well.
***
Bandom
Paper Chase by foxxcub | Jon/Spencer | R | 17k
He texted Ryan on his way back to the dorm, knowing Ryan was still in his Advanced Comp class. 'I'm now officially a Christmas Correspondent for Walker's charity.' A minute later he got back: 'lolololol'
A college AU where Spencer is a journalism major and Jon is the guy who made his life hell in high school.
Oh man. I haven't read bandom in forever, but everyone knows how much I love college AUs. This fic was perfectly adorable, especially given the premise. The misunderstandings and buildup were perfectly sweet, all leading up to an adorable resolution.
***
Harry Potter
Plein Air for Two by Eloise Lovelace | Oliver/Percy, Remus/Sirius | NC-17 | 16.5k
When the portrait versions of Remus and Sirius start getting hot and heavy within Percy's immediate surroundings, he starts to get some urges of his own. It's gotta be a spell, though, right?
I am, as ever, always on the lookout for good Oliver/Percy. This one was delightful. Versions of Remus and Sirius are in a portrait in Percy's office, and their actions are quite raunchy and shameless. It starts giving Percy ideas. Absolutely hilarious.
***
Merlin
A Fistful of Infinity and Starlight by junkshop_disco | Merlin/Gwaine, Gwen/Lancelot, Arthur/Gwen | NC-17 | 64k
Uther’s insane, Morgana’s plotting a new assault on Camelot, and Arthur and his knights are clueless but supposedly in charge. In the midst of it, Gwaine finds himself harbouring feelings for a man who apparently has a destiny, and learns something new about magic: it doesn’t play fair, and serving it shakes everything you hold dear - whether you’re a sorcerer or not.
This fic has everything - a beautiful mixture of humor, action, magical hijinks with genuine feelings and drama. I really felt the author captured Gwaine's characterization perfectly.
Lord Drake's Bequest by pennyplainknits | Arthur/Merlin | R | 10k
"To my great-nephew Arthur I bequeath Tintagel Distribution, wholly and without reserve, save for one condition. You must marry, and stay married, for a period of no less than six months. You're a wonderful businessman Arthur, but a full life needs love and companionship, not just a string of affairs. Settle down young Arthur, and your life will be the richer for it."
Arthur needs to marry to take control of Tintagel Distribution. Fortunately he knows the right man for the job.
Have I mentioned lately how much I love the marriage of convenience trope? Because it's a lot. And nnngh does this one pull it off beautifully. The buildup is positively mesmerizing, and if you're anything like me, that information should be enough to send you running over to read this right away.
Love, Toast, and Post-It Notes by themadlurker | Arthur/Merlin, Gwen/Lancelot | PG-13 | 6.5k
Modern AU. It was love at first sight, and Merlin knew it - when it came to the flat, that was. Merlin wasn't anything like as clear about the man he was going to have to live with.
Both epistolary fics and modern Merlin AUs are the stories of my heart, so this one had me at hello. Exactly how I would expect these two to get on as flatmates. Love it.
The Soft Option by freudian_fuckup | Arthur/Merlin | NC-17 | 12.5k
(Modern AU) In which Arthur is busy and Important, Merlin is just plain busy, and everyone is perfectly content with the situation (except for when they aren't).
Arthur is an important businessman and Merlin is the dude who moved in with him despite his unfortunate feelings. Again, a sure way to my heart. The UST in this one is just right.
The Student Prince by
FayJay | Arthur/Merlin | R | 145k
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...
Probably my favorite out of all these. College AU but Merlin has his powers, Arthur is the prince and also his roommate, hijinks ensue. This is worth every single one of the 145k words. I wish there were more.
The Job Interview from Hell by winterstorrm | Arthur/Merlin, Gwen/Lancelot | NC-17 | 93k
On the TV show ’The Apprentice’ Merlin is a candidate, Sir Uther is mean and Arthur is his boardroom assistant. Will Merlin make it through the twelve weeks without hearing the immortal words, ‘You’re fired’? Is he playing to win the job or Arthur's heart?
I don't even watch The Apprentice because I don't have the patience, but this fic almost made me want to. I really got immersed in Arthur and Merlin's relationship and was really excited to see how it would turn out. I wasn't disappointed in the end.
***
Real Person Fiction
we must reinvent love & many wonderful sequels by _mournthewicked | Jared Padalecki/Jensen Ackles | NC-17 | 26.5k for first fic
With high school graduation less than two weeks away, best friends Jared and Jensen find themselves scrambling to tie up a few loose ends before they’re forced into adulthood. Jared ropes Jensen into helping him get the alcohol for Sandy's graduation party, and what should be a simple night of partying ends up turning into a series of mishaps and misunderstandings that all come to head when Jensen finally tells Jared the secret he wasn't ever planning on spilling. If high school has to end, they're going out with a bang. (A J2 spin on the movie Superbad.)
This summary, word count, etc. is just for the first fic, but there are sequels and the story continues on into college and so much more fun. And the best part (in my opinion) is a RPS pairing I never would have thought of on my own, but that I can't have enough of now that I know of it: Misha Collins/James Roday (Shawn from Psych). Delightful in every way. If you're looking for a series to make you smile, this will do it.
The Giraffe Notes by jeyhawk | Jesse Eisenberg/Andrew Garfield | NC-17 | 16.5k
"The first note is an impulse, a quick scribble and a badly drawn giraffe, slipped into Andrew's locker when no one is looking (as if anyone ever looks)."
The impossible love story of a mouse and a giraffe featuring a crush that last a decade, a very grateful movie star, the fine art of falling in love over the internet, a possibly naughty tattoo, three awesome friends, cats, nerves, and a spectacular first date.
I'm sure I'm the last one to read this, but this may be the most adorable fic I've ever read. Another epistolary fic, starting in high school and then picking up 8 years later. As adorable as you'd expect with these two, and all the more enjoyable because of the notes and the anonymity.
***
White Collar
A Mile Away and Wearing Your Shoes by
BlackEyedGirl | Elizabeth/Peter/Neal | R | 11k
"Neal?" Peter puts his hand to his throat. That wasn't his voice. Not his hand either. "This isn't happening." Peter turns his head to see himself looking back. "Neal, that better be you in there." [Bodyswap]
I adobe bodyswap fics, and it's perfect for these two. Neal's got the power now, but he knows what's important.
***
X-Men: First Class
A Curious Carriage of Crystal and Cold by
Etharei | Charles/Erik | NC-17 | 114k
Charles, a miner from a poor village in the countryside, saves the life of Erik Lehnsherr, scion of a successful business family and the richest man on the planet Eisen. Charles is a telepath and somewhat anxious about it, while Erik abstains from relationships because the lights flicker and doors open and electronics vibrate when he gets too excited.
Also featuring a long-suffering sister, a foul-mouthed bodyguard, and a best friend with a heart that is definitely not gold.
In which there are princes, spaceships, long journeys, and old secrets uncovered. (An AU sci-fi fairytale)
The universe built in this story is simply breathtaking. So much detail and complexity. I can't recommend this one enough.
An Ideal Grace by
afrocurl &
nekosmuse | Charles/Erik | R | 86k
Erik Lehnsherr is a visiting professor at Columbia University, as well as an acclaimed and award winning poet. Charles Xavier is a lead researcher with the Genetics Department who is well on his way to tenure. But what happens when Charles has to cancel a class because half his students abandon him in favour of a mysterious new English Lit professor? Naturally he ends up sitting in in the class, where Professor Lehnsherr mistakes him for a student. It's really too bad Erik has such a strict policy against dating students. It's also too bad Erik doesn't seem to know how to use Google.
Omg, I love all the pieces of this. Raven's interference, all the misunderstandings, Erik's very real issues and how he works through them. This fic is even better because there are gifs and pictures linked and included throghout, plus Erik's poetry is actually included! And even better is that there's a sequel that was just completed three days ago! I know what I'll be reading next! :D
******
Oh man, that took longer than expected! I'll probably be back with more in a few weeks, because my toread tag keeps growing faster than I can read the things in it. I also have a couple more posts to make on other topics, hopefully this week.
That's it for now! I hope you all haven't given up on me. Feel free to flail with me about the above fics or fandoms in the comments! :D
(Note: Crossposted at Dreamwidth.)