20 Bagginshield Recs: AUs (part II)
The AU stories that are recced here have settings that differ in some crucial aspect from Tolkien’s Middle Earth. Not included here are stories that only diverge from the canon (everybody lives! and so on). The AU section hosts a good share of my favorite fics (that I read and reread them to the point of exhaustion). It's an awesome category! *loveslovesloves*
I’ve listed the stories here according to length. My favorite stories are labeled with three pretty music notes (♫ ♫ ♫). It goes without saying that this reflects a highly subjective opinion. (I admit I tend to go for long and plot-heavy stories ;). Other people will have other preferences and favorites. I did not include the author’s warnings (that can be a rather long list, depending on the story in question).
This entry will get updated regularly. :-)
If you have any recs I have failed to include, feel free to tell me!
Update (7/2/14) This entry got too big, so I’ve now splitted it into two parts. AU stories with less than 25 000 words can be found here.
Burned To A Cinder (WiP) ♫ ♫ ♫
Author: ferretbaby
Pairing: B/T
Rating: E
Length: 270 000+
Summary: A Cinderella-esque AU. Bilbo, a lonely hobbit of the Shire in the valley outside Erebor, gets a job as a cook in the dwarf kingdom to pass the time and keep himself occupied after his mother’s death. One day he meets a regal dwarf, who he thinks is a thief and trespasser, and throws an apple at his head, never knowing he’s just assaulted the dwarven Prince. Thus begins the antagonistic and somewhat odd courtship of a hobbit and the next King of Erebor.
Comment: This story is the first I’ve read in this fandom and the reason why I threw myself headlong into it. I went to see DoS in December, not even having seen the first movie at that point, and DoS managed to surpass my (admittely low) expectations. I then watched “An Unexpected Journey” shortly afterwards and detected some unmistakable chemistry between Thorin and Bilbo (the smoldering gazes! Bilbo’s stupidly heroic attack! The hug!). A quick AO3 search later I landed at this story, currently the kudos champion for this pairing, and started reading…after a couple of sentences I was hooked. So, “Burned to a Cinder” both marks my entry into this fandom and is the reason why I’m here. I often find myself rereading huge parts of it, and it's as delightful and engrossing as it was at first reading! The author has created a richly detailed, wonderful 'verse that you'll love to submerge yourself in.
In this AU, the Shire is located just outside of Erebor, and neither Smaug nor the Ring are there to ruin the day. Central to this story is the courting between Bilbo and Thorin (it should be mentioned that any resemblance to the Cinderella fairytale is only fleeting). The interactions between them are priceless! Some are outrageously hilarious, others are tender or hot…basically, they have an insane, illegal amount of chemistry. That doesn’t mean that everything goes without a hitch, though - there are misunderstandings and cultural differences aplenty. One of the best things of this story is the sheer scope and depth of it - the majority of the canon characters are incorporated, and they are all portrayed so vividly and distinct from each other. It’s not only about Thorin and Bilbo, it’s about their entire world…there are so many funny and entertaining parts that have little or nothing to do with the courting. I often found the side storylines and secondary characters just as interesting as the main plot! (Which is a rare thing for me to say). The probably only (very minor) point of criticism I have is that (spoiler, highlight to read) the first sex scene between Bilbo and Thorin is told only in flashbacks. Yes, I’m incredibly shallow. And no, flashbacks are not actually a bad thing. But it’s probably best to know that beforehand, expectation-wise, because the UST is really intense and builds up for 200k.
Most of the story has a light-hearted tone, but that doesn't mean it's simply fluff all along the way - there is also a fair share of conflicts and solemn parts. As for the writing style, it's just effortlessly appealing and entertaining. You’ll find a relative high quota of minor mistakes in the first 20 chapters, but they never bothered me or hindered the reading.
So, in sum: it's hard for me to sing enough praises for this story. It's wonderful and will change your life! Go read it! It's also an excellent starting point for new fans. You'll find yourself addicted to this story in no time. It's basically a gateway drug for the Hobbit fandom.
Update (5/16/14): ferretbaby has now added a sex scene that was previously hinted at. It's glorious and perfect and I think I'm officially dead now. Don't mind me. *keels over*
Child of the Earth and Sky
Author: LittleBigSpoon
Pairing: B/T
Rating: T
Length: 143 600
Summary: Certain events in Bilbo’s life were always destined to come to pass, but the will of Belladonna Took is not to be trifled with, and her choice may yet change the lives of many. This is the story of how Bilbo became the kin of the Eagles of Manwë, and all that happened after.
Comment: Entertaining and well written! In the beginning the story is a bit more show than tell, but this nicely balances out as it progresses. Bilbo living amongst the Eagles of Manwë is something I wouldn't have thought up in a million years, but it's an appealing idea (literally - this gives us a muscular bamf!hobbit!). The author manages to makes the concept work and at the same plausibly explains why Bilbo is his usual fussy self when he meets Thorin and Company. Of course, Thorin is also his usual self at that meeting (arrogant with a side flavor of contemptuousness) and this means he is…in for surprise. To say the least. (Bwahahaha.) I liked the slow progression of Bilbo's and Thorin's relationship, as well as Bilbo's integration into the group - his second family of choice. Some dwarves of the Company fade a bit into the background, the focus is on Thorin and those closest to him.
A Shot in the Dark (WiP) ♫ ♫ ♫
Author: Silver_pup
Pairing: B/T
Rating: T
Length: 124 400+
Summary: When he opens his eyes again, he finds himself in his old bed in his old home in his old body. Is this death? Or a trick of magic? Either way, Bilbo recognizes a second chance when he sees one, and this time his adventure with Thorin is going to go a bit differently.
Comment: A brilliant story, and one of my absolute favorites! In many ways, this story is the epitome of a bamf!Bilbo story. Armed with the knowledge from a previous life, Bilbo is determined not to repeat his mistakes. His number one objective is not letting Thorin and his nephews die, but he is also intent on rectifying smaller oversights, like not getting to know everyone in the Company as well as he would have liked. Bilbo’s bamfiness (yes, that’s now officially a noun) is not out of character, it’s only consequential - frankly, he has no more fucks to give, no more cowardice to spare. He already knows what it’s like to lose what he loves most. Bilbo may be much more competent than his canon alter ego, but that doesn't mean he enters Gary Stue territory. He is not without mistakes, and chief among them is his unhealthy and fatalistic martyrdom, which the dwarves pick up on pretty quickly and do not tolerate. (I guess the readers and the dwarves are at turns equally frustrated by Bilbo’s antics ;). Also, Bilbo is not always able to smooth out the course of their journey, simply because he cannot always foresee possible consequences. I loved that - the ripple effect of Bilbo’s actions, the alternation of time lines and events. This is probably the most difficult aspect of time travel stories and it was handled exceedingly well in this story. This fic is of the canon fix-it sort, but that doesn’t mean you won’t bite your nails and fervently hope that everything turns out okay. There are moments of action and suspense, balanced by fluffy and light parts (and so many precious Company family feels!). Bilbo is intent on bonding with everyone, and because of this the Company is more close-knit and family-like than in canon. (Probably also because everyone despairs over Bilbo, that can be a connecting experience). I loved that each dwarf in the Company gets screen time. The relationship between Bilbo and Thorin develops slowly and is not without its fair share of obstacles, but you can expect some fantastic moments of UST and tender (if semi-oblivious) courting.
All in all, the scope of this story is astonishing - it covers the quest in detail, the aftermath of BotfA and also some future events that I won’t spoil for you. The writing style is captivating and engrossing, and the end result is a hugely entertaining AU epic.
AND: The fic gets pretty regularly updated, on Mondays! (Which is merciful, because that means there is at least one thing to look forward to at the start of the week).
The Clarity of Vision Series: Clarity of Vision, Letters from Erebor and Clarity of Purpose (WiP) ♫ ♫ ♫
Author: mithen
Pairing: B/T
Rating: G
Length: 101 000
Summary: In a Middle-Earth where Erebor never fell, a shadow remains in the heart of the Lonely Mountain. Bilbo Baggins finds himself drawn reluctantly into a quest that will lead him across the continent--from Bree to Lake Evendim to the icy North and beyond--with a party of five dwarves searching for an artifact that will cure the ailing King Thrór.
Comment: One of my favorite fics in the Hobbit fandom! The style of writing is gorgeous and Tolkien-esque; most of the time, the story reads like a novel. In this AU, Erebor never fell prey to Smaug. Nonetheless, Thorin’s life isn’t all sunshine and roses: he has been banned by his grandfather and is on a desperate quest when his path crosses Bilbo’s. I loved the scope of the quest, the richly detailed landscape of Middle Earth, the many cultural details that were embedded unobtrusively. The story is plot-heavy and refreshingly creative, guiding the reader along effortlessly and offering some truly unexpected dramatic turns. There are moments of action, intrigue, sadness, playful banter, fluff and fun…basically, every flavor that you could wish for! Thorin’s Company doesn’t consist of thirteen dwarves, the elite group is reduced to Dwalin, Balin, Fili, Kili and Bilbo (though some other canon characters appear later on). I loved the group dynamics! As for Thorin…he is pretty hard to stand. At first. He is abrasive, arrogant, and not yet convinced of the worth of hobbits. I loved his characterization and the way he gradually changed, while still remaining himself. [Spoiler (click to open)] And his graveness gets hilarious later on, when he meets more hobbits! The relationship between Thorin and Bilbo develops tentatively - slowly - and is complicated by something I won’t spoil for you. The emotional bond between Bilbo and Thorin is beautifully evident…because I am a greedy, greedy person, I would have like to see more of the physical side as well (an on-screen kiss, for example). But in the end, that matters little, because “Clarity of Vision” is simply beautiful. Even the ending is flawless, in my opinion! [Spoiler (click to open)]It's sad and wistful...and yet, perfectly fitting.
Happy news: two direct sequels are planned!
Update: The sequel has now been published, an epistolary exchange between Bilbo and Thorin that spans [Spoiler (click to open)]21 years. I loved Thorin’s voice here - and also Kili’s, Fili’s, Dwalin’s, Balin’s and Dis’s, all of which also feature and write to Bilbo. What I probably like most is the subjectivity we see in each letter. Thorin for example, plagued by doubts, considers the newly acquired nickname “Oakenshield” to be slight mockery, while Dwalin praises his deeds in battle and uses the name as the highest badge of honor. There are lots of blanks left for the reader to fill in, especially when Thorin’s and Bilbo’s relationship suffers from the long distance between them, from Bilbo’s not quite self-imposed exile. Aaaaah it’s so sad just leave me in my corner and let me cry okay? Okay?
Update (5/16/14): Check out Clarity of Purpose, the multi-chaptered second arc of this epic story!
To Find a Long Forgotten World (WiP) ♫ ♫ ♫
Author: lindoreda
Pairing: B/T
Rating: T
Length: 75 000
Summary: In which Thorin's dæmon reminds him too much of his sister, Bilbo wonders if his dæmon Myrtle should have been named Lobelia instead, and the quest for Erebor just got a lot more complicated.
Comment: This story is a huge treat, especially for fans of His Dark Materials - though knowing one half of the source material isn’t necessary to enjoy this story! If you’re familiar with HDM, you know that each person has a daemon, which is the external physical manifestation of a person's 'inner-self' that takes the form of an animal. His Dark Materials and the Tolkienverse are blended more thoroughly than in other stories I’ve read, so the crossover doesn’t end with daemons but also incorporates the concept of parallel worlds. The Shire, Erebor, Mirkwood and so on are separate worlds, not connected to each other except by the hard-to-find portals. Brought together by a meddlesome wizard, Bilbo joins Thorin’s Company of dwarves to defeat a common threat…
I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction between Bilbo and the others, and the interaction between their daemons as well - which feel like natural additions of their characters, just as they are meant to be! I also liked how their cultures determined different daemon concepts. The romance between Thorin and Bilbo is balanced with action elements, pleasantly unhurried and in parts wonderfully amusing (Thorin is occasionally in conflict with his daemon when it comes to their assessment of Bilbo). I love that Bilbo’s and Thorin’s relationship gradually changes and expands. This approach feels much more natural than the film version, in which Bilbo earns Thorin’s respect in one swift moment. Bagginshield aside, another major bonus of this story is that the plot is intriguing, complex and will keep you guessing!
Comment (6/23/14): Aaaaaand I made fanart.
The Oak and The Ash
Author: sunryder
Pairing: B/T
Rating: M
Length: 66 000
Summary: Bilbo Baggins was not a particularly talented Guide. He knew that. His family knew that. Every last Hobbit in the four Farthings and Bree knew that. But that meant nothing when one morning an agony that wasn’t Bilbo’s ripped right through him, dropping him to his knees with a scream. Wrapped up in the pain there was a presence. Someone fierce and determined, nestling himself in the blank space in Bilbo’s mind for the barest of moments before he slipped away. It was like fingertips brushing across the outside fringe of his soul, and Bilbo wanted it back. Wanted him back. And so help him, Bilbo was going to find him. His Sentinel.
Comment: Well written and engaging! I like the tone of the story, which in many parts had a gentle, dry wit to it and was pleasantly whimsical. Also: this is a pretty interesting bonding ‘verse that blends surprisingly well with Tolkien’s Middle Earth! I’m a fan of sentinel bonding stories in general, I think the sentinel/guide angle is an interesting deviation from other bonding types. In this story, I was a bit confused what being a guide/sentinel entails; usually guides only “ground” sentinels, but the ability seemed to be more active and multifaceted in Bilbo’s case. I should give the fair warning that there is an incredible built-up to a sex scene that later on does happen, but happens off-screen. ;)
Seasons in the Sun (WiP)
Author: Sans_Souci
Pairing: B/T
Rating: M
Length: 64 800
Summary: Young Bilbo Baggins meets Thorin Oakenshield and his sister-sons when they visit the Shire for work. Somehow, being a respectable hobbit isn't so important after that.
Comment: Thorin and his nephews settle down in Hobbiton for the season. Bilbo starts an affair with Thorin - it’s pretty much first love for him, and he is naïve but insistent and manages to melt down Thorin’s gruff, glacial exterior. When the season comes to an end, Bilbo decides to accompany Thorin to Ered Luin, trading his cozy home for an uncertain future. [Spoiler (click to open)]He helps Thorin and his people to build a settlement in the Blue Mountains and create a home for themselves. The relationship between him and Thorin believably evolves from a whirlwind romance to a full partnership, and they manage to bridge their differences in age and life experiences.
I loved the plot-heaviness and in-depth portrayal of dwarven society (Thorin’s dwarves are homeless and poor and have to pull themselves up by their bootstraps). I think I would have loved to see more domestic scenes with Thorin and the expanded family (and maybe a bit more emphasis on Bilbo’s unusual consort status), but this is only a minor point and overall the story is pretty interesting and great!
Comment (6/23/14): Hasn’t been updated in a while, I’m not sure if this story is getting continued.
By Your Hand (WiP)
Author: Rhydwin
Pairing: B/T
Rating: M
Length: 60 000+
Summary: What if the Arkenstone wasn’t just a pretty shiny jewel?
Comment: More specifically, the Arkenstone has been remodelled into a dragon egg! Bilbo watches a mini-dragon hatch and comes to care for Smaug junior, which means he has to leave Erebor quickly to avoid prosecution (not that he’s entirely successful in that endeavor). The relationship between Bilbo and Smaug could easily have been corny, but the author really pulled it off! I loved their interactions. Bilbo is severely transformed by his unique, magical bond to Smaug and grows to be assertive, confident and even powerful in his own way (basically, he becomes very badass). In regard to Thorin this means that he is more unforgiving and vengeful than he is usually portrayed but he has every reason to, because daaaaamn Thorin really screwed up big time. Not surprisingly, their relationship develops slowly, but the tone of the story gets lighter and more comedic as it progresses. There are some spelling and grammar errors, yet overall the story is captivating, fun and also has dark, dramatic turns. As an added bonus, the author also created beautiful art to accompany the story! And the story is updated frequently.
A Home for my Heart ♫ ♫ ♫
Author: Moonrose91
Pairing: B/T
Rating: M
Length: 54 200
Summary: For things Bilbo could not change, he was condemned to a life of isolation, with the belief that none could love him. And then a Dwarf came to Hobbiton.
Comment: I love this story with all my heart! It’s brilliant. I was a bit hesitant about the isolation theme at first, but it was handled so well. I would almost say that this story is a character study not only of Bilbo (or in extension, his family) but also of the Hobbiton society. I never really got why the Shire is so enormously romanticized. It’s made quite clear in canon that hobbits do not easily tolerate people who are different. There is a small-mindedness to them, and they can be uncomfortably set in their ways. The author paints a rich picture of hobbit society, with intricate cultural details - not all of them are canon-compliant, but all of them simply fit; for example the importance of fertility for hobbits or the differing gender concepts. (This might be the first time in…forever…that I don’t mind the notion of mpreg being possible). Bilbo is a fantastic character, carrying himself with quiet dignity in the face of casual and not-so-casual cruelty. Of course, Thorin is an idiot at first. (Because. He. Is. Thorin. And. That. Is. Just. Canon.). To be fair, he simply registers the attitude of other hobbits towards Bilbo and then, without really thinking about it, internalizes it. Belladonna can’t go unmentioned, she plays a large role in this story as well. She has a wonderfully refreshing like-I-give-a-fuck attitude and the genuine affection between her and Bilbo is beautiful to behold! (All the love in the world for her. Seriously. All the love!).
Even if the theme of the story is dark sometimes, there are also hilarious moments (the rooks!) and moments of enormous cuteness (Kili!). The relationship between Bilbo and Thorin develops slowly and organically and is so squee-worthy...*happy sigh*
This story is fully completed, but there are still some things left untold. Luckily, sequels are in planning. :-)
Keep Your Feet
Author: diemarysues
Pairing: B/T
Rating: T
Length: 53 600
Summary: “This is the help you’re offering us,” the Dwarf said flatly. “A fish.”
“Excuse me!” Bilbo exclaimed, extremely insulted. A fish - why he never been called something so insulting in all his life! “I am a Hobbit, and I’ll thank you to remember it!”
Comment: Well written; a wonderfully charming and unique canon reinterpretation! Bilbo is a fish merman merhobbit? hobbit that lives under the sea. Thorin is the captain of “Deathless” and his crew is on a mission to take back Erebor from the pirate Smaug.
This story is refreshingly creative, not to mention that the characters are just delightful. Bilbo in particular stands out! He is just the right blend of fussy and indignant, kind and wistful. His constant wonderment at the strange ways of landfolk never feels contrived. The ending was maybe a tiny bit rushed (well, not the ending - more like the epilogue), but overall this story is far above average and a highly fun read.
On Adventures and Other Forms of Conduct Unbecoming of a Wizard
Author: manic_intent
Pairing: B/T
Rating: E
Length: 51 500
Summary: For as long as even the old Gaffer could remember there had been a wizard living in the hill at Bag End, overlooking the Shire. As wizards went, this one wasn't the wandering sort, always out to lure gentle folk out onto nasty adventures, or even the powerful kind, the sort that lived in high towers, reaching out into the ways of the world.
Comment: Bilbo being a Maia is a difficult premise to pull off. I think I skipped the story a couple of times because I thought it couldn’t possibly work. Then I actually read it and, oh wonder, it works! I liked that typical Bilbo characteristics were kept, like him being fussy and not very adventurous. He has settled down into the quiet, mostly uneventful Shire life and sees his mission in Middle Earth as fulfilled. While Gandalf is a chess player of the highest order, Bilbo has forgotten to look at the board, and much less does he pursue his own strategy. When he gets roped into the adventure, he has to rediscover his abilities. The dynamic between him and Thorin is very different from the canon (compared to Thorin, Canon!Bilbo is young, clueless and naïve; Maia!Bilbo knows much more about the world than Thorin does).
The ending was [Spoiler (click to open)]fantastic, even it it nearly killed me! And I loved, loved, loved the explanation why the Shire is so serene and protected…
Of an Arcane Binding
Author: Salvia_G
Pairing: B/T
Rating: M
Length: 45 000
Summary: An inexplicable magic ties Bilbo Baggins, hobbit of the Shire, to Thorin, dwarven prince of Erebor.
Comment: The story spans both of their lifetimes (nearly) from start to finish. Again and again, Bilbo appears to Thorin. Sometimes he stays only for moments, sometimes for months; he can be young or old or anything in between. The plot is intricate and complex, since huge stretches of time are covered and many different versions of Bilbo appear, yet I didn’t feel confused and could follow the plot at all times (kudos to the author!). The tone of the story is often deeply sad and melancholic. [Spoiler (click to open)]Which is not surprising, because Thorin and Bilbo happen to be at different places in their life most of the time and cannot truly be together, or if they can, will not last, since Bilbo will disappear again.
I've Grown a Hedge Around My Heart
Author: littleblackdog
Pairing: B/T
Rating: T
Length: 45 000
Summary: "Thorin was the essence of so many Buckland oddities, distilled into one misfortunate young hobbit, much to his infinite embarrassment. Built like a stork, his father had said once, in an example of Thrain Brandybuck’s usual tactless humour. All beak and legs." Thorin Brandybuck, just recently come of age, still lives in his family’s smial in Buckland, with his parents and two younger siblings. Thorin is an odd duck amongst his relations and neighbours-- unsociable, grumpy, shy, and awkward. And beyond that, he looks rather strange even for a Bucklander, strongly favouring the thick, dark haired build of his Stoorish blood.
It defies all sense and reason why Bilbo Baggins, an exemplar of all the respectable traits Thorin lacked, would ever desire a friendship with him.
Bilbo, as Thorin discovers, is not always as sensible as he appears.
Comment: A fantastic story! First off, the style of writing is gorgeous - evocative, lush, enjoyably vintage. I’m almost a 100% sure that “vintage” can’t be applied to writing styles. I wanted to go with Victorian, but then again that is a very vague term for me as well…Edwardian? I rest my case. I’m clueless. The cultural differences between the Buckland hobbits and the rest of the Shirefolk are imagined and described with much love to detail. The same is true for the complex inner workings of the Brandybuck family. It’s easy to fall in love with them! They are immensely affectionate with each other (without being saccharine or overly perfect). Thorin has a quite dwarvish appearance and feels ostracized from the other hobbits. He prefers solitude to company, at least concerning non-family members, and is pretty unhappy to find that a certain Bilbo Baggins will temporarily stay with them in the Lonely Hill. In spite of his misgivings, Thorin and Bilbo gradually grow closer…I enjoyed their blossoming UST-laden friendship, wonderfully set in the sweltering summer heat, the rich river landscape. Unfortunately, Thorin often presumes the worst about others, quickly feels ashamed about all manner of things and has a tendency to be abrasive and standoffish. In short, he is insecure and almost paranoid, expecting rejection at every turn…a bit of a tortured soul, but very much realistically so. (I just want to give Thorin a hug. The poor guy!). When it comes to pursuing Bilbo, Thorin is clearly his own worst enemy. (Confound him!) Loved the ending.
Far From Home (WiP) ♫ ♫ ♫
Author: Tristripe
Pairing: B/T
Rating: E
Length: 40 000
Summary: AU - In which Bilbo Baggins finds himself taken from his home and married to Thorin, King Under the Mountain, and everyone expects him to be happy about it.
Comment: Well written! This is a take on the arranged marriage trope that I’ve not seen too often - it’s much darker than other stories of this genre. I think that both light and dark stories are completely justified, and this one felt (uncomfortably) realistic at all times. In the beginning, Bilbo finds himself confronted with a culture he doesn’t understand. He has no choice in being married, is absolutely opposed to it and, on legal grounds, far from equal to his spouse. Thorin himself is not enamored with the arranged marriage, but his objections are soon outweighed by lust and infatuation.
I love the characterization of Bilbo! He knows he is very much at a disadvantage (little more than a pawn in a larger chess game), but he refuses to play by the rules and protests in the little ways he can. He is defiant, smart and resilient and doesn’t do anyone the favor of pretending to be happy. The dwarves can be pretty callous to him - sometimes because they just don’t know the ways of hobbits, sometimes because they truly don’t care. When Thorin eventually comes to care about him, Bilbo has neither forgiven nor forgotten the transgressions against him.
All in all, this story is no light read! The power imbalance between Thorin and Bilbo is severe, and the political situation in Erebor is tense. Portraying such difficult themes requires quite lots of skill on the author’s side and thankfully, that’s exactly the case here. I was relieved to find that Bilbo’s situation was never glorified (as it happens so often in fan fiction). Even if I didn’t agree with the positions of individual characters, I did understand their motivations and reasons. So, kudos to the author!
I’m hooked on this story and so curious to see how this continues - if Bilbo and Thorin can actually create something good from the wreck of their marriage (which would require lots of work from Thorin’s side, to be sure).
Comment (6/2/14): Currently on hiatus (due to health issues on the author's side).
Scholar of Dwarves and the sequel, Five Letters Thorin Oakenshield never sent
Author: Salvia_G
Pairing: B/T
Rating: T
Length: 38 500
Summary: When Bilbo Baggins was a young hobbit, an encounter with a short story led him to become a student of Dwarven history; and that study led him to travel to Belegost shortly after he reached adulthood. While there, he learns more about not only Dwarves, but also himself; and meets his hero, Thorin Oakenshield, King of Durin's Folk.
Comment: Interesting and charming AU in which Bilbo embarks on an adventure once he comes of age. I loved Bilbo’s eagerness and enthusiasm for seeing the world and (particularly) every part of dwarven culture. He bumps into Nori on his way to Belegost, and Nori (the big softie) then accompanies him and makes sure he is safe. (Few things are better than Nori in his overprotective big brother mode!). Once in Belegost, Bilbo meets Thorin and [Spoiler (click to open)]enters a relationship with him pretty quickly - only to find out that there is quite a large gap between them in regard to age, opinions, and their cultural upbringing. I found the portrayal of Bilbo realistic; he is young and makes the sort of mistakes that you would avoid with more experience. [Spoiler (click to open)]The story comes to a full circle when Bilbo and Thorin meet again, years later. I liked the ending!.
No Matter What We Breed
Author: fideliant
Pairing: B/T
Rating: M
Length: 36 600
Summary: In a world where omega males are slightly less rare than Arkenstones, Thorin doesn't do himself much of a favour by falling in love with the first gentlehobbit he lays eyes on. Much more is expected of virile alpha male dwarves, after all, even more so for kings, but when Bilbo is revealed to be the first omega male in centuries, Erebor is suddenly not the only prize that Thorin has set his sights on winning.
Comment: Features oblivious!Bilbo and a couple of dwarven suitors that are crazed with lust. In particular Thorin’s attraction borders on obsession (like, a weakly defended border of 3000 miles. Obsession obsession). Everyone thinks of Bilbo as modest-looking and unassuming and not all that attractive until his first heat manifests; after that point, he’s the hottest thing since Legolas in a thong. I should be bothered by the fact hat Bilbo’s personality matters so little to his suitors, that he is thought of more as a prize than a partner; it’s a one-dimensional view of him that doesn’t do him justice. BUT. But. All of that matters surprisingly little, because the story is just gorgeously written and drags you in. The style is beautiful and evocative - the anguish that Thorin feels is almost palatable, and the pull of Bilbo’s allure is magnetic, fully irresistible. Some scenes are scorchingly hot. In short, this story works as an outstanding PWP!
And it should also be added that [Spoiler (click to open)] Thorin redeems himself a bit in the end, because he puts Bilbo’s well-being before his own. Also, the author is clearly aware of the problematic elements in everyone’s obsession with Bilbo. I’ve read some stories where that issue wasn’t addressed, but that’s not the case here. For instance, Bilbo actually accuses Thorin of being superficial and patronizing, and he shows he is hurt by that. I loved the fact that Bilbo stood up for himself and that his agency was never taken from him (that is probably the biggest gripe I have with other ABO stories).
Tales
Author: Sarcasmcat
Pairing: B/T
Rating: E
Length: 33 600
Summary: A collection of short stories chronicling Thorin and Bilbo's relationship, in canon, and various alternate universe scenarios.
Comment: Every flavor and combination of B/T that you could possibly wish for! Seriously, the author is an inexhaustible fountain of creativity, there’s everything - from canon to modern settings, from light and fluffy reads to the inconsolably sad ones. I have a soft spot for drabbles. It takes skill to create the idea of a whole universe in a few dozen words. Most are one-shots, but some are set in the same universe. Average length about 200 words each.
...more AU stories here.