Merlin fic rec masterlist (ongoing)
This fandom is so full of awesome, and I read so many great fics every day. but these are the ones that stand above and beyond in my mind, the ones I would read and re-read.
This list will be periodically updated and permanently linked on my main sidebar, so check back.
Some of these authors are probably on my f-list, so sorry for my embarrassing ranting, because I obviously have a crush on all of you. But don’t worry, I love you for your minds.
Merlin Fanfic Recs Masterlist
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Canon Setting
Externality by zarathuse
Rated M
Because, really, why wouldn’t the slash dragon’s fire create a slash sword?
[SWORD PORN. Need I say more?]
To Be Known by sometimesophie
Rated PG
So this is what it felt like to be normal. Merlin opens his eyes to the cool, shining metal of Arthur's unsheathed blade. "Sorcerer," Arthur spits.
[utterly gorgeous and heartbreaking magic!reveal fic. Probably my favorite of the genre. I can’t recommend it highly enough]
The Thing He Never Knew by Rebbeile
Rated R
Where Uther discovers Merlin's magic and Arthur isn't around to save him.
[I love all of rebbeile’s work. I’m linking my favorites here, but you should do yourself a favor and just go read them all.]
The Words Left Unspoken by rebbeile
Rated PG-13
In which Merlin keeps a diary, though not very well, and Arthur, being Arthur, finds it.
A Wound Too Deep by rebbeile
Rated R
Arthur accidentally shoots Merlin. Things can only go downhill from there.
[gloriously angtsy h/c!]
Pass the Time by pen_rabbit
Rated NC-17
Porn, porn and more porn! More than that? Ok - dom Merlin, sub Arthur, magic!sex. Established relationship, post-reveal, set post season three.
[good god, this is one of the hottest things I've ever read. pay attention to the warnings, because there's a lot of kinks in this one, but they all work together so beautifully. it's hot, it's a little sweet, and it's totally IC. my favorite kind of porn. one of my favorite smutty fics ever.]
AU Setting
This Is My Stop by r2003lt
Rated PG-13
Five times Arthur and Merlin catch the train.
[funny and heartwarming sketches of their evolving relationship, centered around train rides. Really wonderful]
The Entail by rotrude
Rated NC-17
Period!AU. Vaguely based on Downton Abbey. Early 1912. Things start to change at the Pendragon manor when Merlin Emrys is hired as the new valet to Arthur Pendragon, the Earl of Albion. Meanwhile a shooting party is scheduled and the Lady Morgana has to learn to deal with an antiquated law system any way she thinks she can.
[gorgeous period story]
All I Want For Christmas (is you) by dreamdustmama
Rated NC-17
Arthur is not amused when his (probably insane) father decides to hold a Secret Santa exchange for the entirety of Pendragon Corporation. He's even less amused (and more than a bit panicky) when he draws Merlin's name.
[really adorable holiday fic with a puppy! And mutual pining! Very sweet]
The Escort by thecheekydragon
Rated R
After his big breakup with Will, Gwen convinces Merlin to hire an escort to accompany him to a banquet.
[really lovely modern!AU where Merlin is a adorably awkward and Arthur is dashingly perfect, and watching them come together slowly is just so satisfying. Great character and relationship development.]
Missed Connections by forsanethaec
Rated G
In which there is fluff about Craigslist and destiny may be found even in Starbucks and Tesco.
[beautiful story of fated love.]
One night stands are a great way to meet people by giselleslash
Rated NC-17
First there's a one night stand, then there's courting. Merlin thinks they've probably done things a bit backwards.
[Another author whose entire works you should read. This is one of my absolute favorites. Everyone’s characterization is amazing. I just want to cuddle her Morgana and Leon to death. Now has an equally-amazing sequel: The One With Elena and Gwaine’s Wedding Plans. I believe a third installment is in the works (please say it is so!)]
In Love With My Radio by lunchy_munchy
Rated PG
Merlin listens to the radio on his iPod, Arthur stalks Merlin, Morgana lives to create chaos in Arthur's life, and then everyone goes to McDonalds!
[I’ve already rec-ed the shit out of this, but in case you haven’t heard yet, it’s my favorite fic ever. I’ve read it like 5 times and it’s still just as amazing. So do yourself a favor. Read it. NOW.]
In War, There Are No Unwounded Soldiers by giselleslash
Rated PG
WWI!AU. Written for this prompt at the KMM: dog tags/'come back to me'
[I’m a huge WWI history nerd, but even if you’re not, this is gorgeous in the most heart-wrenching and understated way. HIGHLY recommended.]
Where the Hurt Is by ann7x
Rated R
They were childhood/teenage sweethearts but Arthur's family moved away (because Uther detested Merlin but Arthur doesn't know this) and they promise to write. After Uther's death Arthur finds all the letters from Merlin he never received. All the time he thought Merlin had forgotten him. Arthur seeks him out.
[GORGEOUS. GO READ IT RIGHT NOW. This one almost broke my heart, but then put it back together in warm fuzzy pieces. If you haven’t read it yet you need to. One of my absolute favorite Modern!AUs.]
This Fast, Unreasonable Spring by i_claudia
Rated NC-17
Merlin was looking for something uncomplicated. Arthur was just looking to get paid. Neither of them expected to find the other.
[HOMYGOD. this. is. spectacular. hooker!Arthur is glorious, and shy, sex-god!Merlin makes me squee so hard. just read it, NOW.]
Mother's Day by caitcupcake
Rated PG
Mother's Day is hard for the young prince of Camelot, especially since it's on his birthday.
[so, this is a canon!era AU where Arthur and Merlin are kids. AND IT'S THE CUTEST THING YOU'VE EVER READ, I GUARANTEE IT. the boys are so adorable together, so young and sweet and innocent, but somehow still totally in character. Even though it's an AU I find this entirely believable. and the way they care about each other is too precious. It's one of my new favorite fics, and I'm not just saying that because Cait is awesomesauce. GO READ IT.]
Stay (Broken) by rufflefeather
Rated NC-17
Merlin is a hooker, Arthur is clueless. Unhappy times ensue.
[so gorgeous and dark and almost painful. it hurts, in such a GOOD way. it's also nice to see a darker side of Merlin once in a while.]
Pairing: Merlin/Gwaine
Happy by pen_rabbit
Rated PG-13
Gwaine makes Merlin happy, Arthur is a jealous prat, and Merlin is lost and confused.
[I love the idea of Merlin/Gwaine, but I haven't read a lot of it. This is just how I imagine it should be: a little one-sided M/A, and really sweet and dedicated Gwaine. Angsty and painful and sweet all at once!]
The Subject of Their Talk by leashy_bebes
Rated NC-17
Gwaine thinks Merlin's thing for footie captain Arthur is hot and teases him about it when they're in bed together.
[THIS IS SO FUCKING HOT. There's the real Merlin/Gwaine sex (and just an awesome, honest relationship), but there's also the hints of Merlin/Arthur feelings, and even Merlin/Arthur/Gwaine. it's like a threesome, without actually being a threesome. it's just, GUH, so hot.]
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin/Gwaine
The Heart, the Brain and the Body. Three, the magic number by rufflefeather
Rated NC-17
Where Merlin conjures flowers and everyone is basically horny.
[this was written as a present fic for me, but I'm not just being biased; it's incredible. It's threesome porn that still manages to keep M/A as an OTP. that's my favorite dynamic for these three. The characterizations are all perfect, the smut is HOT, and there's so much more depth than you'd expect from PWP. it's one of my favorite fics. READ IT.]
Till the Heavens Starts the Rain by rufflefeather
Rated NC-17
On a hot summer's night, Gwaine finds Merlin trying to escape from the heat behind the stables. When Gwaine asks Merlin to go skinny dipping, he doesn't say no, because he has secretly been fantasizing about his Summer Camp horse riding instructor since he was 14. And then Arthur walks into the scene.
[rufflefeather strikes again! she writes my favorite OT3 porn, it's so smoking hot. and this one has outdoor!sex and some Merlin sandwiching, and Arthur being all stoic and silent and hjlkjhgfkjlfhdg. seriously hot, with hints at more between them than just a super sexy romp.]
RPF (Real Person Fic)
Pairing: Bradley James/ Colin Morgan
In the Bath with a Spider by ella_bane
Rated NC-17
In which Colin is tired and horny and Bradley is scared and wet.
[hot and utterly hilarious. Everything I love about this pairing.]
Penance by wholly_crepe
Rated NC-17.
In which Colin is Catholic, Bradley is Bradley, and Colin doesn't quite know how to deal.
[Gorgeous and realistic and totally gut-wrenching. One of the most beautifully written fics I’ve ever read. Highly recommended.]
Magnetic Poetry by nympha_alba
Rated R
Colin comes back to the flat in the evening to find the fridge door covered in magnetic words. Bradley makes a grand ta-daa gesture towards them. "Fridge poetry! We can be creative! And leave cryptic messages for each other!"
[hilarious and adorable and sweet]
Anything worth doing (is worth overdoing) by slowdead
Rated R
AU. Colin's a baker who makes cupcakes by day, and takes care of his pet hedgehog by night. Well, that is until he falls in love with a clown. After that Colin basically spends his days thinking about Bradley, and his nights thinking about Bradley some more
[non-creepy clowns! Cupcakes! A hedgehog! Why aren’t you reading already?!]
The Curious Case of the Little Green Leprechaun by kajmere
Rated PG-13
Bradley thinks he has a Leprechaun. Colin thinks this is funny.
[adorable and hilarious. Just read it, it will make you smile, I guarantee it]
Love, Livejournal and Other Sins by carolinmescalin
Rated PG-13
Bradley's a total fangirl. He's also straight and everyone is convinced. Three days told through texts, phonecalls and emails.
[I laughed the entire way through. A charming little story involving the entire cast, told entirely through text and emails. I love all of their relationships here.]
It's The Things That You Don't Say by merlinmonster
Rated PG-13
Bradley knows that Colin loves him.
[ridiculously sweet and adorable, and beautifully written. This fic sums up everything I love about these two together. it's a short read, and I guarantee you won't regret it- so go read it now!]
Googling Yourself by thuri
Rated NC-17
The first time Bradley finds B/C RPS
[OMG SO HILARIOUS. Bradley is so funny and adorable, and his reactions are just perfect. and there's so much fangirl humor and inside jokes, it's one of the most enjoyable little fics I've read. I laughed myself silly all the say through.]
Pairing: Bradley/Colin/ Eoin Macken
Questing by Cyus
Rated PG
Filming on location in Caerphilly Castle. Well. Waiting to film on location in Caerphilly Castle, but the sun's out and no-one will notice if they vanish for half an hour, right?
[adorable and innocent antics of the three boys on set. More of a squint-pairing than true slash, but still lovely]
Chest Contest by new_kate
Rated NC-17
[ridiculously hot B/M/E threesome that somehow still manages to be sweet. Not-so-innocent!Colin is amazing. Highly recommended]
Art Recs
Unicorns vs. Dinosaurs by lil_lollypop36
Rated G
[EEEEE I love all her artwork. you should check out her entire chibi series. but this one in particular, has UNICORNS and DINOSAURS. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE]
In the Closet by tindu
Rated NC-17
[ok, if you haven't seen tindu's artwork yet, you may be living under a rock. it's all gorgeous, you should go look at all of it. but this one in particular is just so utterly perfect, it makes me melt. just bask in it.]
M/A Modern AU by trolleys
Rated G
[JUST LOOK AT IT, RIGHT NOW. I swear you will not be able to stifle a squeal. Their faces are just so utterly perfect! Merlin's blush and Arthur's attempted nonchalance, I can't stop staring. one of the most adorable things I've ever seen, period.]
Kameraden by amphigoury
Rated Mature
A fateful encounter between two enemies during the Liberation of Holland.
[this KILLED me. I love WWII AUs, and this one is so heartbreaking.]
This list will be periodically updated and permanently linked on my main sidebar, so check back.
Some of these authors are probably on my f-list, so sorry for my embarrassing ranting, because I obviously have a crush on all of you. But don’t worry, I love you for your minds.
Merlin Fanfic Recs Masterlist
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Canon Setting
Externality by zarathuse
Rated M
Because, really, why wouldn’t the slash dragon’s fire create a slash sword?
[SWORD PORN. Need I say more?]
To Be Known by sometimesophie
Rated PG
So this is what it felt like to be normal. Merlin opens his eyes to the cool, shining metal of Arthur's unsheathed blade. "Sorcerer," Arthur spits.
[utterly gorgeous and heartbreaking magic!reveal fic. Probably my favorite of the genre. I can’t recommend it highly enough]
The Thing He Never Knew by Rebbeile
Rated R
Where Uther discovers Merlin's magic and Arthur isn't around to save him.
[I love all of rebbeile’s work. I’m linking my favorites here, but you should do yourself a favor and just go read them all.]
The Words Left Unspoken by rebbeile
Rated PG-13
In which Merlin keeps a diary, though not very well, and Arthur, being Arthur, finds it.
A Wound Too Deep by rebbeile
Rated R
Arthur accidentally shoots Merlin. Things can only go downhill from there.
[gloriously angtsy h/c!]
Pass the Time by pen_rabbit
Rated NC-17
Porn, porn and more porn! More than that? Ok - dom Merlin, sub Arthur, magic!sex. Established relationship, post-reveal, set post season three.
[good god, this is one of the hottest things I've ever read. pay attention to the warnings, because there's a lot of kinks in this one, but they all work together so beautifully. it's hot, it's a little sweet, and it's totally IC. my favorite kind of porn. one of my favorite smutty fics ever.]
AU Setting
This Is My Stop by r2003lt
Rated PG-13
Five times Arthur and Merlin catch the train.
[funny and heartwarming sketches of their evolving relationship, centered around train rides. Really wonderful]
The Entail by rotrude
Rated NC-17
Period!AU. Vaguely based on Downton Abbey. Early 1912. Things start to change at the Pendragon manor when Merlin Emrys is hired as the new valet to Arthur Pendragon, the Earl of Albion. Meanwhile a shooting party is scheduled and the Lady Morgana has to learn to deal with an antiquated law system any way she thinks she can.
[gorgeous period story]
All I Want For Christmas (is you) by dreamdustmama
Rated NC-17
Arthur is not amused when his (probably insane) father decides to hold a Secret Santa exchange for the entirety of Pendragon Corporation. He's even less amused (and more than a bit panicky) when he draws Merlin's name.
[really adorable holiday fic with a puppy! And mutual pining! Very sweet]
The Escort by thecheekydragon
Rated R
After his big breakup with Will, Gwen convinces Merlin to hire an escort to accompany him to a banquet.
[really lovely modern!AU where Merlin is a adorably awkward and Arthur is dashingly perfect, and watching them come together slowly is just so satisfying. Great character and relationship development.]
Missed Connections by forsanethaec
Rated G
In which there is fluff about Craigslist and destiny may be found even in Starbucks and Tesco.
[beautiful story of fated love.]
One night stands are a great way to meet people by giselleslash
Rated NC-17
First there's a one night stand, then there's courting. Merlin thinks they've probably done things a bit backwards.
[Another author whose entire works you should read. This is one of my absolute favorites. Everyone’s characterization is amazing. I just want to cuddle her Morgana and Leon to death. Now has an equally-amazing sequel: The One With Elena and Gwaine’s Wedding Plans. I believe a third installment is in the works (please say it is so!)]
In Love With My Radio by lunchy_munchy
Rated PG
Merlin listens to the radio on his iPod, Arthur stalks Merlin, Morgana lives to create chaos in Arthur's life, and then everyone goes to McDonalds!
[I’ve already rec-ed the shit out of this, but in case you haven’t heard yet, it’s my favorite fic ever. I’ve read it like 5 times and it’s still just as amazing. So do yourself a favor. Read it. NOW.]
In War, There Are No Unwounded Soldiers by giselleslash
Rated PG
WWI!AU. Written for this prompt at the KMM: dog tags/'come back to me'
[I’m a huge WWI history nerd, but even if you’re not, this is gorgeous in the most heart-wrenching and understated way. HIGHLY recommended.]
Where the Hurt Is by ann7x
Rated R
They were childhood/teenage sweethearts but Arthur's family moved away (because Uther detested Merlin but Arthur doesn't know this) and they promise to write. After Uther's death Arthur finds all the letters from Merlin he never received. All the time he thought Merlin had forgotten him. Arthur seeks him out.
[GORGEOUS. GO READ IT RIGHT NOW. This one almost broke my heart, but then put it back together in warm fuzzy pieces. If you haven’t read it yet you need to. One of my absolute favorite Modern!AUs.]
This Fast, Unreasonable Spring by i_claudia
Rated NC-17
Merlin was looking for something uncomplicated. Arthur was just looking to get paid. Neither of them expected to find the other.
[HOMYGOD. this. is. spectacular. hooker!Arthur is glorious, and shy, sex-god!Merlin makes me squee so hard. just read it, NOW.]
Mother's Day by caitcupcake
Rated PG
Mother's Day is hard for the young prince of Camelot, especially since it's on his birthday.
[so, this is a canon!era AU where Arthur and Merlin are kids. AND IT'S THE CUTEST THING YOU'VE EVER READ, I GUARANTEE IT. the boys are so adorable together, so young and sweet and innocent, but somehow still totally in character. Even though it's an AU I find this entirely believable. and the way they care about each other is too precious. It's one of my new favorite fics, and I'm not just saying that because Cait is awesomesauce. GO READ IT.]
Stay (Broken) by rufflefeather
Rated NC-17
Merlin is a hooker, Arthur is clueless. Unhappy times ensue.
[so gorgeous and dark and almost painful. it hurts, in such a GOOD way. it's also nice to see a darker side of Merlin once in a while.]
Pairing: Merlin/Gwaine
Happy by pen_rabbit
Rated PG-13
Gwaine makes Merlin happy, Arthur is a jealous prat, and Merlin is lost and confused.
[I love the idea of Merlin/Gwaine, but I haven't read a lot of it. This is just how I imagine it should be: a little one-sided M/A, and really sweet and dedicated Gwaine. Angsty and painful and sweet all at once!]
The Subject of Their Talk by leashy_bebes
Rated NC-17
Gwaine thinks Merlin's thing for footie captain Arthur is hot and teases him about it when they're in bed together.
[THIS IS SO FUCKING HOT. There's the real Merlin/Gwaine sex (and just an awesome, honest relationship), but there's also the hints of Merlin/Arthur feelings, and even Merlin/Arthur/Gwaine. it's like a threesome, without actually being a threesome. it's just, GUH, so hot.]
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin/Gwaine
The Heart, the Brain and the Body. Three, the magic number by rufflefeather
Rated NC-17
Where Merlin conjures flowers and everyone is basically horny.
[this was written as a present fic for me, but I'm not just being biased; it's incredible. It's threesome porn that still manages to keep M/A as an OTP. that's my favorite dynamic for these three. The characterizations are all perfect, the smut is HOT, and there's so much more depth than you'd expect from PWP. it's one of my favorite fics. READ IT.]
Till the Heavens Starts the Rain by rufflefeather
Rated NC-17
On a hot summer's night, Gwaine finds Merlin trying to escape from the heat behind the stables. When Gwaine asks Merlin to go skinny dipping, he doesn't say no, because he has secretly been fantasizing about his Summer Camp horse riding instructor since he was 14. And then Arthur walks into the scene.
[rufflefeather strikes again! she writes my favorite OT3 porn, it's so smoking hot. and this one has outdoor!sex and some Merlin sandwiching, and Arthur being all stoic and silent and hjlkjhgfkjlfhdg. seriously hot, with hints at more between them than just a super sexy romp.]
RPF (Real Person Fic)
Pairing: Bradley James/ Colin Morgan
In the Bath with a Spider by ella_bane
Rated NC-17
In which Colin is tired and horny and Bradley is scared and wet.
[hot and utterly hilarious. Everything I love about this pairing.]
Penance by wholly_crepe
Rated NC-17.
In which Colin is Catholic, Bradley is Bradley, and Colin doesn't quite know how to deal.
[Gorgeous and realistic and totally gut-wrenching. One of the most beautifully written fics I’ve ever read. Highly recommended.]
Magnetic Poetry by nympha_alba
Rated R
Colin comes back to the flat in the evening to find the fridge door covered in magnetic words. Bradley makes a grand ta-daa gesture towards them. "Fridge poetry! We can be creative! And leave cryptic messages for each other!"
[hilarious and adorable and sweet]
Anything worth doing (is worth overdoing) by slowdead
Rated R
AU. Colin's a baker who makes cupcakes by day, and takes care of his pet hedgehog by night. Well, that is until he falls in love with a clown. After that Colin basically spends his days thinking about Bradley, and his nights thinking about Bradley some more
[non-creepy clowns! Cupcakes! A hedgehog! Why aren’t you reading already?!]
The Curious Case of the Little Green Leprechaun by kajmere
Rated PG-13
Bradley thinks he has a Leprechaun. Colin thinks this is funny.
[adorable and hilarious. Just read it, it will make you smile, I guarantee it]
Love, Livejournal and Other Sins by carolinmescalin
Rated PG-13
Bradley's a total fangirl. He's also straight and everyone is convinced. Three days told through texts, phonecalls and emails.
[I laughed the entire way through. A charming little story involving the entire cast, told entirely through text and emails. I love all of their relationships here.]
It's The Things That You Don't Say by merlinmonster
Rated PG-13
Bradley knows that Colin loves him.
[ridiculously sweet and adorable, and beautifully written. This fic sums up everything I love about these two together. it's a short read, and I guarantee you won't regret it- so go read it now!]
Googling Yourself by thuri
Rated NC-17
The first time Bradley finds B/C RPS
[OMG SO HILARIOUS. Bradley is so funny and adorable, and his reactions are just perfect. and there's so much fangirl humor and inside jokes, it's one of the most enjoyable little fics I've read. I laughed myself silly all the say through.]
Pairing: Bradley/Colin/ Eoin Macken
Questing by Cyus
Rated PG
Filming on location in Caerphilly Castle. Well. Waiting to film on location in Caerphilly Castle, but the sun's out and no-one will notice if they vanish for half an hour, right?
[adorable and innocent antics of the three boys on set. More of a squint-pairing than true slash, but still lovely]
Chest Contest by new_kate
Rated NC-17
[ridiculously hot B/M/E threesome that somehow still manages to be sweet. Not-so-innocent!Colin is amazing. Highly recommended]
Art Recs
Unicorns vs. Dinosaurs by lil_lollypop36
Rated G
[EEEEE I love all her artwork. you should check out her entire chibi series. but this one in particular, has UNICORNS and DINOSAURS. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE]
In the Closet by tindu
Rated NC-17
[ok, if you haven't seen tindu's artwork yet, you may be living under a rock. it's all gorgeous, you should go look at all of it. but this one in particular is just so utterly perfect, it makes me melt. just bask in it.]
M/A Modern AU by trolleys
Rated G
[JUST LOOK AT IT, RIGHT NOW. I swear you will not be able to stifle a squeal. Their faces are just so utterly perfect! Merlin's blush and Arthur's attempted nonchalance, I can't stop staring. one of the most adorable things I've ever seen, period.]
Kameraden by amphigoury
Rated Mature
A fateful encounter between two enemies during the Liberation of Holland.
[this KILLED me. I love WWII AUs, and this one is so heartbreaking.]