Yuletide Recs!
Yuletide recs, for fandoms A-M! I have just barely gotten this in before author reveals, and clearly still have half the alphabet to get through. Ah, well.
First off, my own gift!!
Water Lens
Benjamin January, gen, 2.4k, Teen.
“The good widow couldn't dump you in the fast section of the river, apparently,” January said. “It had to be the mud.”
“If she'd only panicked five minutes earlier,” Rose agreed with a sigh. “We were on the bridge then - although given the state of that particular river I wouldn't necessarily put money on it being that much cleaner.”
All my all favorite story tropes are here: bathing together and playing with hair and the OT3 and Rose doing science and there’s even a mystery to solve in here too! It is wonderful and I love it and everyone should give the mystery author more kudos.
And here are my other favorites:
so come home
12 Dancing Princesses fairy tale, gen, 21.5k, G.
A detective is called to a space station to solve the mystery of whether--and how--twelve astronauts are accessing the surface of a forbidden planet.
A very well-written sci-fi murder mystery, with great worldbuilding and characters.
Recruits
American Gods, Mr Wednesday and Mad Sweeney, 4.2k, G.
The Norse god of battle and a mad Irish king walk into a bar. This is not a joke, my son: except in a sense, it is. They are Old Gods, it’s the New World, and the game must be kept going.
Really great backstory on the gods in WWI.
The Locust
And I Awoke and Found Me Here on the Cold Hill's Side - James Tiptree Jr., 2.2k, Mature.
Letter of Fr. Francisco Nadal to Fr. Bartolomeo Strozzi, 1588.
The original short story is about the horrifying effects on humanity of alien sexuality; this fic translates it into Imperial Spain and makes the different cultural setting really work. Because everyone needs some terror on Christmas!
And on the seventh...
Aubrey-Maturin Series - Patrick O'Brian, Jack/Stephen, 11k, G.
This decision might be considered the luckiest, as standing near Jack meant that Stephen was not alone in his fall overboard.
Or it might be considered the unluckiest, as standing near Jack meant that Stephen was foremost in the splinters' path, when the ranging shot abruptly found its range.
Desert island fic with H/C, angst, kissing in the ocean, and new species of birds. AKA, everything good in fic.
And for that riches where is my deserving?
Benjamin January mysteries, Ben/Rose/Hannibal, 1.8k, Teen.
If Ben was honest with himself, he suspected that one day Hannibal might simply vanish from their lives. He desperately hoped that this was not the day.
Delicious Hannibal whump plus the OT3! What more could anyone want out of the tiny fandom of my heart?
Family Gathering
Books of the Raksura, Moon-focused, 2.8k, G.
After some of Jade and Moon's first clutch are confirmed to be Royal Aeriat, Pearl wants the fledgelings brought to her bower. Ember thinks Moon should be there too.
Really adorable baby-fic, with some lovely Pearl characterization.
Home
Books of the Raksura, Consolation gen, 4.1k, G.
It turned out that living like people instead of monsters required all sorts of skills and tools. Cleaning required soap, and some inkling of how to apply it. Consolation’s flight, having been raised by monsters, not people, had none of the requisite skills.
This is the post-canon fic about how Consolation learns to be a person that was my greatest wish for Christmas, and it's everything I could have hoped for.
Mordre, She Wroot
Canterbury Tales, Wife of Bath-focused, 8k, G.
At least one pilgrim will not make it to Canterbury.
Yes, you ABSOLUTELY DO need the Wife of Bath solving murders in your life. Just trust me on this.
Underworlds: The Life and Afterlife of Richard Upton Pickman
Cthulhu mythos, gen, 3.7k, G.
Explore the life, works and enduring influence of Richard Upton Pickman, a controversial artist of the early 20th century. This exhibition includes several paintings never before displayed in public, including all of Pickman's graphic, unsettling "horrors" currently remaining in North America. The Boston Globe called Underworlds "stomach-turning food for thought"- but decide for yourself! Young children may find Pickman's paintings frightening; parents are advised to consider carefully before allowing them to proceed.
This program serves as a guide to the exhibit. Audio versions for your mobile phone are available at the Parrington museum website.
Such a well-done pastiche of a museum guide to a series of horrifying paintings.
What Is Begotten
The Eagle of the Ninth, Marcus/Esca, 7.5k, Teen.
Esca learns the Latin word by accident, from Stephanos of all people. Soul-mate.
A soulmate AU with an absolutely lovely take on the canon.
Of Devils and Other Fine Things
Fallen London, The Wistful Deviless/Zee-Captain, 1.1k, G.
Wooing a devil can only end in tears.
Really fantastic interpretation of what a relationship with a devil really means.
head above water
Gattaca, Jerome-focused, 1.2k, G.
“Do you know,” Jerome’s mother asks his coach, “how Jerome first started swimming? Did he ever tell you that story?”
Absolutely wonderful backstory for Jerome.
Suspect
Gattaca, Anton Freeman-focused, 1.8k, G.
Five things Anton thought upon seeing Vincent was a suspect for murder (and one thing he said).
Lovely character study on a minor part of the movie, this feel so right.
Attempt #534: The One With The Bees
The Good Place, Chidi/Eleanor, 8k, Explicit.
“Eleanor!” Chidi looks even more upset as he blurts out, “The universe doesn’t want us to have sex, okay?”
Eleanor chokes. “I’m sorry, what?”
In which Eleanor and Chidi repeatedly try - and fail - to have sex. Totally hilarious, and also hot.
Care and Feeding of Your Janet
The Good Place, Janet-focused, 1.2k, Teen.
Please read this guide carefully before activating your Janet.
So, so, so funny.
Operation: Seduce Michael
The Good Place, Michael/Everyone, 2.3k, Teen.
If at first you don't succeed, send a different cockroach.
Really hilarious fic about the plan to seduce Michael, with pitch-perfect character voices and humor just like the show's.
so slip your hand inside of my glove
The Handmaiden, Hideko/Sook-hee, 2.6k, Teen.
Hideko lets Sook-hee teach her how to distinguish sapphire from spinel and obediently bites the gold Sook-hee brings back to her. Hideko and Sook-hee, after.
A post-canon fic that is beautiful and just perfection.
Who's Got Who
The Hateful Eight, Chris Mannix/Marquis Warren, 6.7k, Explicit.
Warren makes inventive use of Mannix's sheriff star. And, for that matter, inventive use of Mannix.
He thinks that will be the end of it.
You know, as much as love Hateful Eight, I never expected to begin shipping Mannix/Warren. What can I say but that this fandom has some damn good writers? And they know their porn; good lord this one is hot.
As Ice in the Desert
Historical RPF, Richard I "The Lionheart" of England/Saladin, 2.3k, Teen.
Saladin visits Richard's sickbed with fruit, and a question in his eyes.
Gorgeously written, really some of the most beautiful descriptions I've read in quite a while. Two people on the opposite sides of the Crusades in a moment of peace.
all the nameless that keeps us rising despite
IT, Stan/Richie/Beverly, 4k, Teen.
When Stan went over to Richie’s house after dinner to tutor him for their math test tomorrow he thought he knew exactly what he was signing up for.
Beautiful depiction of loss and love and a game of spin-the-bottle.
Epilogue
Jane Eyre, Jane-focused, 3.4k, Mature.
Not everything, Jane learns early on, is real.
Deeply creepy alternative interpretation of the canon. I love this possibility.
How Else Would Sailing Ships Ever Have Navigated?
Jeeves, Madeline Bassett/Honoria Glossop, 2.3k, G.
“Do you think,” Madeline said to Honoria as the more impressive parts of nature gradually crept up upon them, “that all daffodils are the daughters of sunlight?”
Absolutely adorable fic for some minor characters with a pitch-perfect tone for the canon.
the worlds that spin beyond our atmosphere
Jupiter Ascending, Jupiter/Caine, 7.8k, Teen.
When Jupiter woke up, there was a small metal sphere on the pillow beside her. She blinked at it, because it certainly had not been there when she had gone to bed the night before. Then Aunt Nino began to stir and grumble as she too woke up and Jupiter snatched up the sphere, lobbing it hastily into her half-packed suitcase on her way to go and make the coffee.
In which Jupiter is propositioned by a space travel agency (but fancier!) and introduces Caine to her family.
Gorgeous worldbuilding and wonderful expansion of the canon. I love the descriptions of other planets in here.
Damsel
King Arthur (2017), Arthur/The Mage, 3k, Teen.
In which there's a girl, a dragon, and a castle, and Arthur resolves not to let the truth get in the way of a good story.
Totally hilarious and a great fit with the canon.
Those parts, which maids keep unespy'd
Kushiel's Legacy, Phedre/Joscelin, 1.9k, Explicit.
There are few things Phedre has never done. There's one she's never done with Joscelin.
Wonderful hot and sweet fic. Het anal, which is rare to see in fanfiction, but so very well-done here.
Midwinter Queen
The Lion in Winter, Henry/Eleanor, 1.6k, G.
Christmas at Chinon, 1183. Conversation gambits keep the Christmas fires burning.
Cynical and regretful and funny and heavy, this story does a better job of capturing the voice of the canon than almost any I've read.
By Degrees
Mansfield Park, Mary Crawford/Fanny Price, 16.6k, Mature.
Her conscience had been disturbed, and she could no longer dislike Mary Crawford enough to be safe from her, if such a thing had ever been possible at all.
Really excellent slow-burn for one of my favorite Austen ships, and the Fanny characterization is just ideal.
Canada Gold
Mean Girls, Regina George/Janis Ian, 3.9k, Teen.
Regina joined the CIA to catch bad guys. Unfortunately, this time, that meant she had to work with Janis.
Yeah, so it turns out that the thing that's been missing from my life is Mean Girls f/f rival spies future-fic. I am so, so glad that this story exists because it's amazing.
This entry was originally posted at https://brigdh.dreamwidth.org/565549.html. Please comment there using OpenID.
First off, my own gift!!
Water Lens
Benjamin January, gen, 2.4k, Teen.
“The good widow couldn't dump you in the fast section of the river, apparently,” January said. “It had to be the mud.”
“If she'd only panicked five minutes earlier,” Rose agreed with a sigh. “We were on the bridge then - although given the state of that particular river I wouldn't necessarily put money on it being that much cleaner.”
All my all favorite story tropes are here: bathing together and playing with hair and the OT3 and Rose doing science and there’s even a mystery to solve in here too! It is wonderful and I love it and everyone should give the mystery author more kudos.
And here are my other favorites:
so come home
12 Dancing Princesses fairy tale, gen, 21.5k, G.
A detective is called to a space station to solve the mystery of whether--and how--twelve astronauts are accessing the surface of a forbidden planet.
A very well-written sci-fi murder mystery, with great worldbuilding and characters.
Recruits
American Gods, Mr Wednesday and Mad Sweeney, 4.2k, G.
The Norse god of battle and a mad Irish king walk into a bar. This is not a joke, my son: except in a sense, it is. They are Old Gods, it’s the New World, and the game must be kept going.
Really great backstory on the gods in WWI.
The Locust
And I Awoke and Found Me Here on the Cold Hill's Side - James Tiptree Jr., 2.2k, Mature.
Letter of Fr. Francisco Nadal to Fr. Bartolomeo Strozzi, 1588.
The original short story is about the horrifying effects on humanity of alien sexuality; this fic translates it into Imperial Spain and makes the different cultural setting really work. Because everyone needs some terror on Christmas!
And on the seventh...
Aubrey-Maturin Series - Patrick O'Brian, Jack/Stephen, 11k, G.
This decision might be considered the luckiest, as standing near Jack meant that Stephen was not alone in his fall overboard.
Or it might be considered the unluckiest, as standing near Jack meant that Stephen was foremost in the splinters' path, when the ranging shot abruptly found its range.
Desert island fic with H/C, angst, kissing in the ocean, and new species of birds. AKA, everything good in fic.
And for that riches where is my deserving?
Benjamin January mysteries, Ben/Rose/Hannibal, 1.8k, Teen.
If Ben was honest with himself, he suspected that one day Hannibal might simply vanish from their lives. He desperately hoped that this was not the day.
Delicious Hannibal whump plus the OT3! What more could anyone want out of the tiny fandom of my heart?
Family Gathering
Books of the Raksura, Moon-focused, 2.8k, G.
After some of Jade and Moon's first clutch are confirmed to be Royal Aeriat, Pearl wants the fledgelings brought to her bower. Ember thinks Moon should be there too.
Really adorable baby-fic, with some lovely Pearl characterization.
Home
Books of the Raksura, Consolation gen, 4.1k, G.
It turned out that living like people instead of monsters required all sorts of skills and tools. Cleaning required soap, and some inkling of how to apply it. Consolation’s flight, having been raised by monsters, not people, had none of the requisite skills.
This is the post-canon fic about how Consolation learns to be a person that was my greatest wish for Christmas, and it's everything I could have hoped for.
Mordre, She Wroot
Canterbury Tales, Wife of Bath-focused, 8k, G.
At least one pilgrim will not make it to Canterbury.
Yes, you ABSOLUTELY DO need the Wife of Bath solving murders in your life. Just trust me on this.
Underworlds: The Life and Afterlife of Richard Upton Pickman
Cthulhu mythos, gen, 3.7k, G.
Explore the life, works and enduring influence of Richard Upton Pickman, a controversial artist of the early 20th century. This exhibition includes several paintings never before displayed in public, including all of Pickman's graphic, unsettling "horrors" currently remaining in North America. The Boston Globe called Underworlds "stomach-turning food for thought"- but decide for yourself! Young children may find Pickman's paintings frightening; parents are advised to consider carefully before allowing them to proceed.
This program serves as a guide to the exhibit. Audio versions for your mobile phone are available at the Parrington museum website.
Such a well-done pastiche of a museum guide to a series of horrifying paintings.
What Is Begotten
The Eagle of the Ninth, Marcus/Esca, 7.5k, Teen.
Esca learns the Latin word by accident, from Stephanos of all people. Soul-mate.
A soulmate AU with an absolutely lovely take on the canon.
Of Devils and Other Fine Things
Fallen London, The Wistful Deviless/Zee-Captain, 1.1k, G.
Wooing a devil can only end in tears.
Really fantastic interpretation of what a relationship with a devil really means.
head above water
Gattaca, Jerome-focused, 1.2k, G.
“Do you know,” Jerome’s mother asks his coach, “how Jerome first started swimming? Did he ever tell you that story?”
Absolutely wonderful backstory for Jerome.
Suspect
Gattaca, Anton Freeman-focused, 1.8k, G.
Five things Anton thought upon seeing Vincent was a suspect for murder (and one thing he said).
Lovely character study on a minor part of the movie, this feel so right.
Attempt #534: The One With The Bees
The Good Place, Chidi/Eleanor, 8k, Explicit.
“Eleanor!” Chidi looks even more upset as he blurts out, “The universe doesn’t want us to have sex, okay?”
Eleanor chokes. “I’m sorry, what?”
In which Eleanor and Chidi repeatedly try - and fail - to have sex. Totally hilarious, and also hot.
Care and Feeding of Your Janet
The Good Place, Janet-focused, 1.2k, Teen.
Please read this guide carefully before activating your Janet.
So, so, so funny.
Operation: Seduce Michael
The Good Place, Michael/Everyone, 2.3k, Teen.
If at first you don't succeed, send a different cockroach.
Really hilarious fic about the plan to seduce Michael, with pitch-perfect character voices and humor just like the show's.
so slip your hand inside of my glove
The Handmaiden, Hideko/Sook-hee, 2.6k, Teen.
Hideko lets Sook-hee teach her how to distinguish sapphire from spinel and obediently bites the gold Sook-hee brings back to her. Hideko and Sook-hee, after.
A post-canon fic that is beautiful and just perfection.
Who's Got Who
The Hateful Eight, Chris Mannix/Marquis Warren, 6.7k, Explicit.
Warren makes inventive use of Mannix's sheriff star. And, for that matter, inventive use of Mannix.
He thinks that will be the end of it.
You know, as much as love Hateful Eight, I never expected to begin shipping Mannix/Warren. What can I say but that this fandom has some damn good writers? And they know their porn; good lord this one is hot.
As Ice in the Desert
Historical RPF, Richard I "The Lionheart" of England/Saladin, 2.3k, Teen.
Saladin visits Richard's sickbed with fruit, and a question in his eyes.
Gorgeously written, really some of the most beautiful descriptions I've read in quite a while. Two people on the opposite sides of the Crusades in a moment of peace.
all the nameless that keeps us rising despite
IT, Stan/Richie/Beverly, 4k, Teen.
When Stan went over to Richie’s house after dinner to tutor him for their math test tomorrow he thought he knew exactly what he was signing up for.
Beautiful depiction of loss and love and a game of spin-the-bottle.
Epilogue
Jane Eyre, Jane-focused, 3.4k, Mature.
Not everything, Jane learns early on, is real.
Deeply creepy alternative interpretation of the canon. I love this possibility.
How Else Would Sailing Ships Ever Have Navigated?
Jeeves, Madeline Bassett/Honoria Glossop, 2.3k, G.
“Do you think,” Madeline said to Honoria as the more impressive parts of nature gradually crept up upon them, “that all daffodils are the daughters of sunlight?”
Absolutely adorable fic for some minor characters with a pitch-perfect tone for the canon.
the worlds that spin beyond our atmosphere
Jupiter Ascending, Jupiter/Caine, 7.8k, Teen.
When Jupiter woke up, there was a small metal sphere on the pillow beside her. She blinked at it, because it certainly had not been there when she had gone to bed the night before. Then Aunt Nino began to stir and grumble as she too woke up and Jupiter snatched up the sphere, lobbing it hastily into her half-packed suitcase on her way to go and make the coffee.
In which Jupiter is propositioned by a space travel agency (but fancier!) and introduces Caine to her family.
Gorgeous worldbuilding and wonderful expansion of the canon. I love the descriptions of other planets in here.
Damsel
King Arthur (2017), Arthur/The Mage, 3k, Teen.
In which there's a girl, a dragon, and a castle, and Arthur resolves not to let the truth get in the way of a good story.
Totally hilarious and a great fit with the canon.
Those parts, which maids keep unespy'd
Kushiel's Legacy, Phedre/Joscelin, 1.9k, Explicit.
There are few things Phedre has never done. There's one she's never done with Joscelin.
Wonderful hot and sweet fic. Het anal, which is rare to see in fanfiction, but so very well-done here.
Midwinter Queen
The Lion in Winter, Henry/Eleanor, 1.6k, G.
Christmas at Chinon, 1183. Conversation gambits keep the Christmas fires burning.
Cynical and regretful and funny and heavy, this story does a better job of capturing the voice of the canon than almost any I've read.
By Degrees
Mansfield Park, Mary Crawford/Fanny Price, 16.6k, Mature.
Her conscience had been disturbed, and she could no longer dislike Mary Crawford enough to be safe from her, if such a thing had ever been possible at all.
Really excellent slow-burn for one of my favorite Austen ships, and the Fanny characterization is just ideal.
Canada Gold
Mean Girls, Regina George/Janis Ian, 3.9k, Teen.
Regina joined the CIA to catch bad guys. Unfortunately, this time, that meant she had to work with Janis.
Yeah, so it turns out that the thing that's been missing from my life is Mean Girls f/f rival spies future-fic. I am so, so glad that this story exists because it's amazing.
This entry was originally posted at https://brigdh.dreamwidth.org/565549.html. Please comment there using OpenID.