Issue #1
Picks of the Week from eos_rose
[fic] Destinies Burning Bright by special_schizo | PG-13 | ~12,600 words
Summary: The first sign to Merlin that Something Was Up was when he noticed the birds.
eos-rose says: A fabulous coming of age story that explores both some of the interesting possibilities regarding Merlin's magic as well as the strength of his friendship with Arthur. The depth of thought put into this piece, I feel, is tangible-and if the author didn't put a heck of a lot of thought into it, then I want to steal her muse!
Themes: arthur knows, era - camelot, first kiss, magical accidents
[art] Wrapped In Warmth by lizardspots | NWS
Summary: Bearded King Arthur to molests nubile smooth-skinned Merlin in his royal bed.
eos-rose says: lizardspots has a very distinctive style that makes me gawp with awe every time she posts something new. This particular piece seems especially beautiful to me, the moment speaking of great love and the leisurely sharing of pleasure. Also: there is a jar of what I'm pretty sure must be "Ye Olde Lube" in the background. Ah, such detail!
Themes: era - camelot, king arthur
[vid] Resistence by toodelicious | WS | 3:17 running time
Summary: Arthur and Merlin are lovers. Uther catches them and of course he doesn't approve.
eos-rose says: I am consistently impressed by toodelicious's skill when it comes to telling a story and using footage in new and creative ways. This vid is no exception.
Themes: era - camelot, established relationship Pick of the Week from katerina_black
[fic] Four Moments in Merlin and Arthur’s Friendship - and one of something more. by xaritomene | PG-13 | ~1,500 words
Summary: Merlin and Arthur’s friendship, a series of snapshots over the years.
katerina-black says: I always love friendship that is love. And this is a perfect example of that genre. This was a lovely fic that is a picture into an established dynamic, but still manages to depict the gradual evolution from deepest friendship to deepest love.
Themes: arthur finds out, character death (minor), era - camelot, first kiss, friendship, king arthur, merlin leaves camelot Mutual Pick of the Week
[fic] The Good Life by rurounihime | R | ~4,500 words
Summary: Tonight's the night that Merlin will invite Arthur over to his place.
eos-rose says: Oh, boys. This story is so sweet and real that I knew I would have to rec it before I even finished it. Although Arthur and Merlin are in an already established sexual relationship, it is all still new enough that they're both a little insecure about sharing themselves fully, leaving plenty of room for (delicious) misunderstandings.
katerina-black says: I always love rourounihime's work, and this was no exception. Even in this modern 'verse, the boys are still both broken but strong in exactly the same ways as canon. Not only was this fic FULL of the warm fluffy feelings I love so much about this fandom, but it was also fantastically hot! ^_^
Themes: au - no magic, era - modern, established relationship, insecure!arthur, insecure!merlin Classic of the Week
[fic] Drastically Redefining Protocol series by rageprufrock | NC-17 | ~70,000 words | Podfic | Trailer
Summary: In which Prince Arthur meets Merlin and all hell promptly breaks lose.
eos-rose says: Whenever anyone requests recommendations for a good Modern AU, this story is always at the top of the list-and for excellant reason. This story is funny and sweet and tragic and everything one could want in a romance. Moreover, this is a mixed media work, complete with mock newspaper/magazine articles and websites. There are a handful of short sequels as well documenting some significant (and not so significant) moments of Arthur and Merlin’s relationship.
katerina_black says: This was the first (or maybe second) fic I ever read in this fandom. It was rec'd by a friend who had also rec'd one of my favourite HP fics. I loved this from the first minute. I loved the little touch of politics, the twisted humour, the beautiful writing. And I especially loved that even in this modern AU, the boys were still so very much themselves. I laughed, I cried (mostly 'cause I was laughing so hard), and I felt warm and fuzzy afterwards.
Themes: arthur finds out, au - with magic, betrayal and infidelity, bottom!merlin, children, coming out, era - modern, experienced!arthur (girls only), experienced!merlin, first kiss, first time, marriage
[fic] Destinies Burning Bright by special_schizo | PG-13 | ~12,600 words
Summary: The first sign to Merlin that Something Was Up was when he noticed the birds.
eos-rose says: A fabulous coming of age story that explores both some of the interesting possibilities regarding Merlin's magic as well as the strength of his friendship with Arthur. The depth of thought put into this piece, I feel, is tangible-and if the author didn't put a heck of a lot of thought into it, then I want to steal her muse!
Themes: arthur knows, era - camelot, first kiss, magical accidents
[art] Wrapped In Warmth by lizardspots | NWS
Summary: Bearded King Arthur to molests nubile smooth-skinned Merlin in his royal bed.
eos-rose says: lizardspots has a very distinctive style that makes me gawp with awe every time she posts something new. This particular piece seems especially beautiful to me, the moment speaking of great love and the leisurely sharing of pleasure. Also: there is a jar of what I'm pretty sure must be "Ye Olde Lube" in the background. Ah, such detail!
Themes: era - camelot, king arthur
[vid] Resistence by toodelicious | WS | 3:17 running time
Summary: Arthur and Merlin are lovers. Uther catches them and of course he doesn't approve.
eos-rose says: I am consistently impressed by toodelicious's skill when it comes to telling a story and using footage in new and creative ways. This vid is no exception.
Themes: era - camelot, established relationship Pick of the Week from katerina_black
[fic] Four Moments in Merlin and Arthur’s Friendship - and one of something more. by xaritomene | PG-13 | ~1,500 words
Summary: Merlin and Arthur’s friendship, a series of snapshots over the years.
katerina-black says: I always love friendship that is love. And this is a perfect example of that genre. This was a lovely fic that is a picture into an established dynamic, but still manages to depict the gradual evolution from deepest friendship to deepest love.
Themes: arthur finds out, character death (minor), era - camelot, first kiss, friendship, king arthur, merlin leaves camelot Mutual Pick of the Week
[fic] The Good Life by rurounihime | R | ~4,500 words
Summary: Tonight's the night that Merlin will invite Arthur over to his place.
eos-rose says: Oh, boys. This story is so sweet and real that I knew I would have to rec it before I even finished it. Although Arthur and Merlin are in an already established sexual relationship, it is all still new enough that they're both a little insecure about sharing themselves fully, leaving plenty of room for (delicious) misunderstandings.
katerina-black says: I always love rourounihime's work, and this was no exception. Even in this modern 'verse, the boys are still both broken but strong in exactly the same ways as canon. Not only was this fic FULL of the warm fluffy feelings I love so much about this fandom, but it was also fantastically hot! ^_^
Themes: au - no magic, era - modern, established relationship, insecure!arthur, insecure!merlin Classic of the Week
[fic] Drastically Redefining Protocol series by rageprufrock | NC-17 | ~70,000 words | Podfic | Trailer
Summary: In which Prince Arthur meets Merlin and all hell promptly breaks lose.
eos-rose says: Whenever anyone requests recommendations for a good Modern AU, this story is always at the top of the list-and for excellant reason. This story is funny and sweet and tragic and everything one could want in a romance. Moreover, this is a mixed media work, complete with mock newspaper/magazine articles and websites. There are a handful of short sequels as well documenting some significant (and not so significant) moments of Arthur and Merlin’s relationship.
katerina_black says: This was the first (or maybe second) fic I ever read in this fandom. It was rec'd by a friend who had also rec'd one of my favourite HP fics. I loved this from the first minute. I loved the little touch of politics, the twisted humour, the beautiful writing. And I especially loved that even in this modern AU, the boys were still so very much themselves. I laughed, I cried (mostly 'cause I was laughing so hard), and I felt warm and fuzzy afterwards.
Themes: arthur finds out, au - with magic, betrayal and infidelity, bottom!merlin, children, coming out, era - modern, experienced!arthur (girls only), experienced!merlin, first kiss, first time, marriage