Yuletide Recommendations
In a bit of a break from my usual, I'd like to post a list of stories from this year's Yuletide challenge that I particularly enjoyed for one reason or another.
Top Picks:
Wild Dogs (Wild Adapter)
I'd like to start with the story that was written for me, I cannot even begin to say how much I loved this piece. The story fit beautifully into the WA setting, the characterization was marvelous, the OCs entirely appropriate and...it was just a brilliantly done piece of fic. Seriously, even if you're not familiar with Wild Adapter, I recommend giving this story a try.
Fondest, Blindest, Weakest (1602)
It's been a while since I'd read 1602 so I was a bit hesitant about trying to 'pick up' a continuation fic...that would have been my loss. This was a marvelous piece that fit the tone of the original almost seamlessly. If you've ever read 1602, you should read this fic.
Cardinal Virtues (Bedazzled (original))
I wasn't sure how much I was going to like a story based on the original Bedazzled, the movie was wonderful but I was wary of how much of that an author was going to be able to put into any new fic. This story was incredibly well done, with great characterization and an entirely appropriate 'tone', I have no reservations recommending it to any fans of the film.
Right Time, Right Place (The American President)
I admit it, I am an absolute sucker for this movie and I thought this fic captured the friendship between these two characters very well. The situation was entirely believable and felt very much like something that might have happened in the movie. If you liked the movie, you'll probably enjoy this short piece.
Trousers (Black Adder)
I'm not sure what additional praise I can give this piece that hasn't already been said better elsewhere...this was just marvelously done. If you ever enjoyed an episode of Black Adder, you must read this story.
Articulation (Wild Adapter)
Another WA fic, this one does require a knowledge of the fandom, I'm afraid. It's more of a character piece than the one that was written for me, and is very well done. Oh, and yay for mild smut. :)
What Happens on Vega$ Stays on Vega$ (Moonlighting)
This is another of the fics that has been making it on to recommendation lists everywhere--and with good reason! It starts out as an amusing, well-characterized fic and then the fourth wall is irrevocably broken and it comes into its own as crack of the highest order.
New Frontiers (Watchmen)
I wasn't sure what I was going to think of a Watchmen fic, but the opening sequence with Nite Owl and Rorschach won me over immediately...and it only got better from there. The tone and characterization were perfect and the storyline deftly handled. If you like Watchmen, you won't be disappointed.
Too Young, Too Old (Chronicles of Narnia)
I'm an absolute sucker for this kind of introspective story, and this one was very well done.
C/Fe (Isaac Asimov's Robot Series)
I was hesitant about this story because of the slash component, but ultimately read it anyway and enjoyed it quite a bit. The style and characterization were dead on, and the plotline was perfect for the setting. I think that any fans of Elijah Baley and R. Daneel Olivaw could enjoy this fic.
The Wind Will Not Subside (Samurai Champloo)
Another story I enjoyed quite a bit. I thought the characterization was very well done and the story itself perfect for the characters. The delicate balance between the three was captured, even without Mugen's presence.
Merry Christmas, Dr. Fleishman (Northern Exposure)
I loved Northern Exposure, so I can't for the life of me figure out why I didn't read this story before today. This was just so wonderful, and the plotline very much struck a chord with me. So much love for this story...
Other Fics I Greatly Enjoyed:
Midnight Dances (Singin' in the Rain)
Another fandom that I was wary of reading any fic in...but the characterization was excellent and the story fun. I could see it in my head and it left me with a smile on my face, which is always a good recommendation for a story.
Time and Again (Neverwhere)
A very nicely done piece featuring Door and her younger sister.
In Which a New Child Comes To the Forest (Winnie the Pooh)
Another one I was unsure about, but that left me with a smile on my face.
Theseus and Ariadne Try Again (Indiana Jones)
Definitely in the style of a 'classic' Indiana Jones adventure, much fun to be had.
Whither Thou Goest (Lord Peter Wimsey)
Lord Peter/Lady Harriet fluff and Christmas at Talboys, how can you go wrong?
Many Hands Make Light Work (Callahan's)
The setting and characterization were spot on, and the story itself brought a huge grin to my face. Much fun to be had here, especially if you like poking fun at fanfic.
And Indeed There Will Be Time (Chronicles of Narnia)
A beautifully done story.
The Story of D (PetShop of Horrors)
A great continuation story with very good characterization of Leon.
This is Halloween (The Nightmare Before Christmas)
A perspective on Halloweentown I hadn't considered, and a very enjoyable read.
A Donne Deal (Lord Peter Wimsey)
Short and very nicely done, with good use of literature and quotations.
In a Moment, In the Twinkling of an Eye (Lord Peter Wimsey)
I am an absolute sucker for Chief Inspector Parker, so I have much love for this short, sweet piece.
The Beginning of Education (Max Headroom)
It's Max Headroom! There aren't enough words to express how much I love this show...and why aren't you reading this fic yet? Go. Now!
Big Words (The Lone Gunmen)
I enjoy the Lone Gunmen anyway, but the speech at the end was true brilliance.
Istanbul (Not Constantinople) (Singin' in the Rain)
Again, a fun story that makes perfect sense for the characters who are very well portrayed. Or maybe I'm just a sucker for Cosmo...
The Sounds Will Take Care of Themselves (Juvenile Orion)
The biggest problem with Juvenile Orion was that the series was too short, there were more stories to be told. I was very pleased to see this fic.
Top Picks:
Wild Dogs (Wild Adapter)
I'd like to start with the story that was written for me, I cannot even begin to say how much I loved this piece. The story fit beautifully into the WA setting, the characterization was marvelous, the OCs entirely appropriate and...it was just a brilliantly done piece of fic. Seriously, even if you're not familiar with Wild Adapter, I recommend giving this story a try.
Fondest, Blindest, Weakest (1602)
It's been a while since I'd read 1602 so I was a bit hesitant about trying to 'pick up' a continuation fic...that would have been my loss. This was a marvelous piece that fit the tone of the original almost seamlessly. If you've ever read 1602, you should read this fic.
Cardinal Virtues (Bedazzled (original))
I wasn't sure how much I was going to like a story based on the original Bedazzled, the movie was wonderful but I was wary of how much of that an author was going to be able to put into any new fic. This story was incredibly well done, with great characterization and an entirely appropriate 'tone', I have no reservations recommending it to any fans of the film.
Right Time, Right Place (The American President)
I admit it, I am an absolute sucker for this movie and I thought this fic captured the friendship between these two characters very well. The situation was entirely believable and felt very much like something that might have happened in the movie. If you liked the movie, you'll probably enjoy this short piece.
Trousers (Black Adder)
I'm not sure what additional praise I can give this piece that hasn't already been said better elsewhere...this was just marvelously done. If you ever enjoyed an episode of Black Adder, you must read this story.
Articulation (Wild Adapter)
Another WA fic, this one does require a knowledge of the fandom, I'm afraid. It's more of a character piece than the one that was written for me, and is very well done. Oh, and yay for mild smut. :)
What Happens on Vega$ Stays on Vega$ (Moonlighting)
This is another of the fics that has been making it on to recommendation lists everywhere--and with good reason! It starts out as an amusing, well-characterized fic and then the fourth wall is irrevocably broken and it comes into its own as crack of the highest order.
New Frontiers (Watchmen)
I wasn't sure what I was going to think of a Watchmen fic, but the opening sequence with Nite Owl and Rorschach won me over immediately...and it only got better from there. The tone and characterization were perfect and the storyline deftly handled. If you like Watchmen, you won't be disappointed.
Too Young, Too Old (Chronicles of Narnia)
I'm an absolute sucker for this kind of introspective story, and this one was very well done.
C/Fe (Isaac Asimov's Robot Series)
I was hesitant about this story because of the slash component, but ultimately read it anyway and enjoyed it quite a bit. The style and characterization were dead on, and the plotline was perfect for the setting. I think that any fans of Elijah Baley and R. Daneel Olivaw could enjoy this fic.
The Wind Will Not Subside (Samurai Champloo)
Another story I enjoyed quite a bit. I thought the characterization was very well done and the story itself perfect for the characters. The delicate balance between the three was captured, even without Mugen's presence.
Merry Christmas, Dr. Fleishman (Northern Exposure)
I loved Northern Exposure, so I can't for the life of me figure out why I didn't read this story before today. This was just so wonderful, and the plotline very much struck a chord with me. So much love for this story...
Other Fics I Greatly Enjoyed:
Midnight Dances (Singin' in the Rain)
Another fandom that I was wary of reading any fic in...but the characterization was excellent and the story fun. I could see it in my head and it left me with a smile on my face, which is always a good recommendation for a story.
Time and Again (Neverwhere)
A very nicely done piece featuring Door and her younger sister.
In Which a New Child Comes To the Forest (Winnie the Pooh)
Another one I was unsure about, but that left me with a smile on my face.
Theseus and Ariadne Try Again (Indiana Jones)
Definitely in the style of a 'classic' Indiana Jones adventure, much fun to be had.
Whither Thou Goest (Lord Peter Wimsey)
Lord Peter/Lady Harriet fluff and Christmas at Talboys, how can you go wrong?
Many Hands Make Light Work (Callahan's)
The setting and characterization were spot on, and the story itself brought a huge grin to my face. Much fun to be had here, especially if you like poking fun at fanfic.
And Indeed There Will Be Time (Chronicles of Narnia)
A beautifully done story.
The Story of D (PetShop of Horrors)
A great continuation story with very good characterization of Leon.
This is Halloween (The Nightmare Before Christmas)
A perspective on Halloweentown I hadn't considered, and a very enjoyable read.
A Donne Deal (Lord Peter Wimsey)
Short and very nicely done, with good use of literature and quotations.
In a Moment, In the Twinkling of an Eye (Lord Peter Wimsey)
I am an absolute sucker for Chief Inspector Parker, so I have much love for this short, sweet piece.
The Beginning of Education (Max Headroom)
It's Max Headroom! There aren't enough words to express how much I love this show...and why aren't you reading this fic yet? Go. Now!
Big Words (The Lone Gunmen)
I enjoy the Lone Gunmen anyway, but the speech at the end was true brilliance.
Istanbul (Not Constantinople) (Singin' in the Rain)
Again, a fun story that makes perfect sense for the characters who are very well portrayed. Or maybe I'm just a sucker for Cosmo...
The Sounds Will Take Care of Themselves (Juvenile Orion)
The biggest problem with Juvenile Orion was that the series was too short, there were more stories to be told. I was very pleased to see this fic.