I'm stuck, therefore I rec
As promised, some personal favourites from holiday fests.
Merlin
Stranded by fluffssnowflake @ merlin_holidays
A/M but with a twist. Set in canon verse. It was utterly charming and all together incredibly soothing for those of us who are a bit tired/frustrated/riled up by Merlin never being acknowledged for everything he does. It's hard to describe without spoiling you too much, but it's not about any actual reward or gratification. But it's very hopeful, sweetly angsty (resolved), and all together heart-warming. Arthur/Merlin -- in both variations -- are perfect and very much spot on. I really loved this one.
The Light of Dawn -- ART -- by amythystluna @
merlin_holidays
Stunning art containing wonderful snowy Camelot and gorgeous, GORGEOUS boys. Careful: NSFW.
Painting by Numbers by junkshop_disco @
merlin_holidays
Gwaine/Merlin. Modern AU. Not my OTP, but I love me some Merlin/Gwaine sometimes, and this story stands out because of its incredible realism. It's a little sharp around the edges -- much like Gwaine himself -- but all together deeply romantic albeit not in a common way. Also, have to mention the incredible language in this one. The mindset of a character conveyed through artfully composed metaphors and comparisons -- simply delicious. Yum.
A Heavy Heart to Carry by xthursdaynextx @
merlin_holidays
A/M. Canon-setting, H/C. Nicely done. Not overly sweet, very emotional, and if protective Arthur is as much of a button for you as it is for me, you're probably going to like this one. Plus, it handles the magic reveal in a very lovely way. ;)
skin by lyryk @
merlin_holidays
A/M. Set in several days from Arthur's coronation, AU from there. Obviously. *g* Short, artful, a little poetic, and very, very warm. ♥
Star Trek
I still haven't read a large portion of what's been posted on the KSAdvent comm, but I do have a couple of recs I'd like to specifically mention.
Life is Something To Do (When You Can't Get To Sleep) byjaylee_g @ ksadvent
I love Academy AUs! JJ is one of those authors with whom you can always be certain of spot-on characterization, especially Kirk's. And this story is so heart-warming and full of new beginnings that I can't think of a better read during the holidays or just on a rainy day. :)
Closer by rynne @ ksadvent
Did I mention that I love Academy AUs? This story surprised me in all the good ways. It has very confident, very mature characterization of Spock and Kirk, who are very clearly different people but willing to meet each other halfway. The story manages to navigate a very well explored terrain with a steady, adult approach and a lot of class. Full marks.
Christmas Eve -- ART -- by novembery @ ksadvent
NSFW! TOS K/S. Stunning piece of art. Simply breathtaking. ♥
The Only Place You Wanna Be (Is Underneath My Christmas Tree) by lalazee
and accompanying ART by makowe_pola
@ ksadvent
Careful: art is spoilery if you haven't read the story. ;)
Neither of those ladies need any special introduction, so I'll just say that the art is stunning and stylish as per usual, and the story is a big, hot mug of cocoa on a windy snowy night. :D
The fests aren't over, so probably more to come! Share your recs/thoughts if you have them. ;)
Merlin
Stranded by fluffssnowflake @ merlin_holidays
A/M but with a twist. Set in canon verse. It was utterly charming and all together incredibly soothing for those of us who are a bit tired/frustrated/riled up by Merlin never being acknowledged for everything he does. It's hard to describe without spoiling you too much, but it's not about any actual reward or gratification. But it's very hopeful, sweetly angsty (resolved), and all together heart-warming. Arthur/Merlin -- in both variations -- are perfect and very much spot on. I really loved this one.
The Light of Dawn -- ART -- by amythystluna @
merlin_holidays
Stunning art containing wonderful snowy Camelot and gorgeous, GORGEOUS boys. Careful: NSFW.
Painting by Numbers by junkshop_disco @
merlin_holidays
Gwaine/Merlin. Modern AU. Not my OTP, but I love me some Merlin/Gwaine sometimes, and this story stands out because of its incredible realism. It's a little sharp around the edges -- much like Gwaine himself -- but all together deeply romantic albeit not in a common way. Also, have to mention the incredible language in this one. The mindset of a character conveyed through artfully composed metaphors and comparisons -- simply delicious. Yum.
A Heavy Heart to Carry by xthursdaynextx @
merlin_holidays
A/M. Canon-setting, H/C. Nicely done. Not overly sweet, very emotional, and if protective Arthur is as much of a button for you as it is for me, you're probably going to like this one. Plus, it handles the magic reveal in a very lovely way. ;)
skin by lyryk @
merlin_holidays
A/M. Set in several days from Arthur's coronation, AU from there. Obviously. *g* Short, artful, a little poetic, and very, very warm. ♥
Star Trek
I still haven't read a large portion of what's been posted on the KSAdvent comm, but I do have a couple of recs I'd like to specifically mention.
Life is Something To Do (When You Can't Get To Sleep) byjaylee_g @ ksadvent
I love Academy AUs! JJ is one of those authors with whom you can always be certain of spot-on characterization, especially Kirk's. And this story is so heart-warming and full of new beginnings that I can't think of a better read during the holidays or just on a rainy day. :)
Closer by rynne @ ksadvent
Did I mention that I love Academy AUs? This story surprised me in all the good ways. It has very confident, very mature characterization of Spock and Kirk, who are very clearly different people but willing to meet each other halfway. The story manages to navigate a very well explored terrain with a steady, adult approach and a lot of class. Full marks.
Christmas Eve -- ART -- by novembery @ ksadvent
NSFW! TOS K/S. Stunning piece of art. Simply breathtaking. ♥
The Only Place You Wanna Be (Is Underneath My Christmas Tree) by lalazee
and accompanying ART by makowe_pola
@ ksadvent
Careful: art is spoilery if you haven't read the story. ;)
Neither of those ladies need any special introduction, so I'll just say that the art is stunning and stylish as per usual, and the story is a big, hot mug of cocoa on a windy snowy night. :D
The fests aren't over, so probably more to come! Share your recs/thoughts if you have them. ;)