I don't read very much fanfiction these days, because, to be honest, most of the stuff on FFNet is awful, but I figured I should share my recommendations should anyone find themselves a little bored. A couple of people have also asked for Big O recommendations from me, so I decided to go hunting.
This post will be edited to include more recommendations as they come about. If I update to a certain milestone (ex. "50 recommendations"), then I'll post that I've updated this thing and include the same link.
Currently:
☇ (6) The Big O
☇ (2) Kingdom Hearts
☇ (1) Princess Tutu
☇ (2) Sly Cooper
☇ (1) Yu Yu Hakusho (1 parody)
FANFICTION RECOMMENDATIONS
The Big O
"
Waiting" by Zola (zola@zolaweb.com)
Author's Summary: One of the wonderful things about the Big O is that it is so open-ended that there's plenty of room for alternate realities and speculation. I already wrote one piece that explained why history kept being reset in Paradigm, and this is another possibility.
Characters/Pairing: Roger, Dorothy, Angel, a number of OCs; Roger/Dorothy
Located On: Paradigm-City.com
My Comments: I just absolutely love this fic. The idea behind it is excellent, I have to give props to the author for writing canon characters truly aged, and the events behind the writing are given to the reader in an unexpected series of twists. Roger and Dorothy are a little out-of-character, but that's excused considering some of the major elements within the fic. Also, decent OCs! That are normal!
"
Not Such a Hard Question" by
Gilded LilyAuthor's Summary: Post Act 26. Roger, Dorothy, and the first Heaven's Day in the new Paradigm.
Pairing: Roger/Dorothy
Located On: Fanfiction.net
My Comments: Very, very short, but a goodie.
"
Patience" by
kllrjessAuthor's Summary: Sometimes, it takes time to get what you really want...
Characters/Pairings: Dorothy, mentioning of Roger; one-sided Dorothy/Roger
Located On: Fanfiction.net
My Comments: The author has several grammatical errors, including oddly-placed, fragmentary phrases, and the writing itself could use some minor editing, but I enjoyed the portrayal of both Dorothy and Roger.
"
Behind Dark Shades" by
KaleidaAuthor's Summary: Roger Smith is hurt and trying not to show it. Can Dorothy reach him behind his shaded mask?
Characters/Pairings: Dorothy, Roger; Roger/Dorothy
Located On: Fanfiction.net
My Comments: Parts of this piece are a little vague, as though the author could see what was happening clearly but forgot to write some critical information down. I still don't know what Dorothy did at the end. Nonetheless, it has fantastic characterization and refreshingly to-the-point imagery. Some angst, but the author handles it well.
"
Turning" by
JixieAuthor's Summary: After the show is over, Angel says farewell to the supporting cast.
Characters/Pairings: Angel (mainly), a multitude of minor characters (listing them might spoil the intrigue of their entrances), mentioning of Vera and Roger; one-sided Angel/Roger
Located On: Fanfiction.net
My Comments: Angel becomes slightly OOC in select parts of this fic, but for the most part, this was an interesting read. I enjoyed encountering the character relationships and seeing them explored.
"
London Bridges" by
makrothumiaAuthor's Summary: N/A
Characters/Pairings: Roger, Dorothy, Norman
Located On: LJ
My Comments: One of the few fics shared on the
biggest_act Big O community, and it's absolutely fantastic. The author captures Roger and Dorothy's love-hate relationship perfectly, and the inclusion of Norman is a nice touch. Probably one of my favorite Big O ficlets out there.
KINGDOMMMMM HEARRRRRRRRRRRRRTTTTTSSSS Kingdom Hearts
"
My Girlfriend Who Lives in Canada" by
QuillslingerAuthor's Summary: AU. It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single high school boy in possession of a good libido, must be in want of a girlfriend - or a pretend one. [AxelRoxas and others, WIP]
Characters/Pairings: pretty much the whole ensemble; Axel/Roxas, a few others I forget
Located On: Fanfiction.net
My Comments: Easily one of THE best fanfics I have ever read, maybe even in the top spot. The writing is wonderfully paced, the characters and dialogue are entertaining and easy to relate to, and the story is a charming, conflicting, successful anecdote on the life of some unique high school/college students. The relationships between the cast of characters are fantastic and one of many high points.
"
The Violet Room" by
SarehptarAuthor's Summary: While working a psychology internship, Myde is given the challenge of analyzing Ienzo, a mysterious patient who spends his days writing on the walls of his hospital room. But when the story of 'Zexion' and 'Demyx' starts to sound familiar...
Characters/Pairings: the whole ensemble; Demyx/Zexion
Located On: Fanfiction.net
My Comments: I have never been a fan of Demyx/Zexion. I have never understood the pairing until this fic came along. Granted, the chapter titles are a little too decorated for me, and I think some of the characters at times are just not hit upon enough (I had trouble getting into their heads or understanding their motivations; the author switches focus on characters and ends up losing some genuineness in the process), but the story is solid. It's written quite well and, despite those cold-character moments, the use of mood is excellent.
Princess Tutu
"
The Heart of Everything" by
gemkazoniAuthor's Summary: AU. A ravaged kingdom's last hope is the awaited marriage of Ahiru and Mytho, royals whose union will bring peace, according to a prophecy. However, as intentions change and villains appear, freedom becomes uncertain. Will anyone live happily ever after?
Characters/Pairings: the whole ensemble; we're told the pairings are going to work similar to the canon timeline
Located On:
beyondfateMy Comments: This is the best or second-best fanfiction I have ever read, and the best Tutu fanfic I've ever read. Granted, I'm biased because I actually beta-edit for this fic, but the story is excellent. Though closely derived from some canon relationships and events, the writing is absolutely incredible. The character development is easy to become absorbed in, as is every aspect of the world this fic is set in. The imagery is also magnificent.
Sly Cooper
"
Constable Cooper and the Felonious Fox" by
Dove the UnoriginalAuthor's Summary: Set after the 3rd game, some spoilers, and starts off AU. Sly Cooper, an officer at Interpol, runs afoul of a surprisingly not so mysterious thief...
Characters/Pairings: Sly, Carmelita
Located On: Fanfiction.net
My Comments: I wish there were more to this great start, but alas, the fic appears to be a one-shot. The author boldly uses first-person for Sly (a technique some authors for this fandom attempt but fall flat on their faces with) and succeeds in characterizing him. The AU twist itself is not exactly original, but the author includes some fresh ideas that keep it entertaining. A plus is that it's very well written, which is something hard to come by with Sly Cooper fanfiction.
"
The Gray Matter" by
KrimzAuthor's Summary: Carmelita Fox must see beyond her black and white ideals when a suspiciously corrupted Interpol collapses. But is it corruption or is it a darker force that can cause Constable Cooper to unknowingly pull a heist and Fox to forget weeks of her life?
Characters/Pairings: Sly, Carmelita, and a number of OCs
Located On: Fanfiction.net
My Comments: My favorite Sly Cooper fic that I have come across. Though a little fast-moving, it unfolds the story conflict in an interesting manner that absorbs you instantly. The take on Carmelita and Sly is in-character and surprisingly realistic. The many original characters created by the author and implemented in this fic are also presented well and given non-Mary Sue qualities: they fit right into the universe without becoming a distraction.
Yu Yu Hakusho
"
Oh My SUE!" by
One WatchesAuthor's Summary: Deep in the bowls of the Makai lies an evil entity and her approach threatens the careful balance that of the YYH hotties. She’s cleaver, she’s beautiful, and she’s Mary-sue! And she wants to get into Kurama’s and Hiei’s pants!
Characters/Pairings: the whole canon cast, the star parody OCs; as for pairings...must I really explain this one?
Located On: Fanfiction.net
My Comments: I'm not normally keen on parodies in fanfiction either, but this one takes the cake. I've found myself laughing out loud with several chapters, and the subtle typos create often hilarious word play. The average fanfic within the Yu Yu Hakusho FFNet section is also illustrated very well with the ludicrous characters and plot.