Fandom: Sherlock (BBC)
Go and stare at these fake book covers. Then read the fic, because they are not called fandom classics lightly. (Rating may vary, but mostly teen, mature and explicit.)
29.12.12
archetype: an unearthly beauty
If you're feeling particularly open minded, here's an exploration of an aspect of asexuality. These stories that explore asexual!Sherlock and hir lifelong friend really resonate with me, so naturally please keep in mind Your Mileage May Vary.
Fandom: Sherlock (BBC)
Title: A Chain of Evolutionary Success
Author: gypsyblue (AO3)
Characters: Sherlock (asexual aromantic), genderswapped Watson (here named Joan, hetero)
Length: Short
Summary: "Joan Watson decides to stop waiting around and have a child of her own while she can. The only thing she needs is a sperm donation, and she has her eyes on a particular set of genes... Unfortunately, there's no delicate way to tell your platonic, asexual flatmate that you want to have his babies."
Notes: This was a strangely natural read for me. Their relationship is affectionate without being sentimental, intimate without sexual tension, loving without being romantic. Their characterization is spot on (so that in my mind I was actually reading a genderfluid or gender neutral Watson) and sympathetic to both characters.
Here's another one.
Title: The Important Bit
Author: Solshine (AO3)
Characters: Sherlock (asexual), John (hetero)
Length: Medium
Summary: Just where exactly is the line between “to love” and “to be in love”? What difference is required between “flatmate” and “husband”? (Besides the rings, obviously.) No, the important bit is that they have each other. Thirty years, give or take, in an atypical marriage. Basically a long bit of platonic domestic fluff.
And one more.
Title: love or something like it
Author: hypotheticalfanfic (AO3)
Rating: Adult
Characters: Sherlock (asexual)/John (bisexual) [homoromantic relationship]
Length: Medium
Summary: Lots of talking, lots of affection. No sex, though - at least, not on Sherlock's part. Notes: Sherlock's characterization here is very, almost uncomfortably close to home.
Fandom: Sherlock (BBC)
Title: A Chain of Evolutionary Success
Author: gypsyblue (AO3)
Characters: Sherlock (asexual aromantic), genderswapped Watson (here named Joan, hetero)
Length: Short
Summary: "Joan Watson decides to stop waiting around and have a child of her own while she can. The only thing she needs is a sperm donation, and she has her eyes on a particular set of genes... Unfortunately, there's no delicate way to tell your platonic, asexual flatmate that you want to have his babies."
Notes: This was a strangely natural read for me. Their relationship is affectionate without being sentimental, intimate without sexual tension, loving without being romantic. Their characterization is spot on (so that in my mind I was actually reading a genderfluid or gender neutral Watson) and sympathetic to both characters.
Here's another one.
Title: The Important Bit
Author: Solshine (AO3)
Characters: Sherlock (asexual), John (hetero)
Length: Medium
Summary: Just where exactly is the line between “to love” and “to be in love”? What difference is required between “flatmate” and “husband”? (Besides the rings, obviously.) No, the important bit is that they have each other. Thirty years, give or take, in an atypical marriage. Basically a long bit of platonic domestic fluff.
And one more.
Title: love or something like it
Author: hypotheticalfanfic (AO3)
Rating: Adult
Characters: Sherlock (asexual)/John (bisexual) [homoromantic relationship]
Length: Medium
Summary: Lots of talking, lots of affection. No sex, though - at least, not on Sherlock's part. Notes: Sherlock's characterization here is very, almost uncomfortably close to home.
2.12.12
The Eighth Doctor and Rose Tyler (Time and the Wolf)
Fandom: Doctor Who
My addiction, for about two or three weeks (it took a week and a half to read everything in existence, and another to reread, and another to rereread...). Good thing there are a few long series out there.
Title: Two Planets
Author: Halia (whofic)
Characters: includes Tenth Doctor, Charley Pollard
Length: Medium
Quote: ( He takes her hand quite suddenly. Her knuckles feel like a string of pearls in his fist, and he says, "Everything is closing." )
Title: Doomsday Dimensions (series)
Author: Dr. Miracle (on whofic)
Characters: includes the alternate universe Torchwood, and an alternate Gallifrey.
Length: Long/Novella
Summary: A long plotty post-"Doomsday" fic where Rose meets and travels with an alternate universe Doctor. This was written before "Journey's End". The summary page has individual summaries.
Title: Diamond Sea (Series: Interaction Locations)
Author: whochick (whofic)
Length: Long/Novella
Summary: Rose and the Doctor fight the Time War, and it is as awesomely timey-wimey as you should expect.
Title: Wolf at the Door (Series: But For The Grace Of God...)
Author: Emery Board (whofic)
Length: Long/Novella
Summary: A different Rose meets a different Doctor. Old friends and enemies come along for the ride. (Leela! Romana! THE MASTER!)
and finally the best of the best
Title: Non-Linear Love Story
Author: rallalon (whofic)
Rating: Adult
Length: Long
Quote: "Come with me." She's worth it, he thinks. They fit so well together and she already knows how to use a fire extinguisher.
My addiction, for about two or three weeks (it took a week and a half to read everything in existence, and another to reread, and another to rereread...). Good thing there are a few long series out there.
Title: Two Planets
Author: Halia (whofic)
Characters: includes Tenth Doctor, Charley Pollard
Length: Medium
Quote: ( He takes her hand quite suddenly. Her knuckles feel like a string of pearls in his fist, and he says, "Everything is closing." )
Title: Doomsday Dimensions (series)
Author: Dr. Miracle (on whofic)
Characters: includes the alternate universe Torchwood, and an alternate Gallifrey.
Length: Long/Novella
Summary: A long plotty post-"Doomsday" fic where Rose meets and travels with an alternate universe Doctor. This was written before "Journey's End". The summary page has individual summaries.
Title: Diamond Sea (Series: Interaction Locations)
Author: whochick (whofic)
Length: Long/Novella
Summary: Rose and the Doctor fight the Time War, and it is as awesomely timey-wimey as you should expect.
Title: Wolf at the Door (Series: But For The Grace Of God...)
Author: Emery Board (whofic)
Length: Long/Novella
Summary: A different Rose meets a different Doctor. Old friends and enemies come along for the ride. (Leela! Romana! THE MASTER!)
and finally the best of the best
Title: Non-Linear Love Story
Author: rallalon (whofic)
Rating: Adult
Length: Long
Quote: "Come with me." She's worth it, he thinks. They fit so well together and she already knows how to use a fire extinguisher.
30.4.12
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Title: Of Two Hours
Author: Tigs
Characters: Radek Zelenka, McKay/Sheppard
Length: Short
Quote: Some mornings, though, when the circumstances of the previous evening are correct, Radek knows that he can plot and make careful plans. Knows that he’ll be able to get to the labs early, that he’ll have a full two hours before Rodney arrives and that gives him time to poke at his projects all by himself, in peace and quiet.
Title: Of Two Hours
Author: Tigs
Characters: Radek Zelenka, McKay/Sheppard
Length: Short
Quote: Some mornings, though, when the circumstances of the previous evening are correct, Radek knows that he can plot and make careful plans. Knows that he’ll be able to get to the labs early, that he’ll have a full two hours before Rodney arrives and that gives him time to poke at his projects all by himself, in peace and quiet.
1.8.11
The Courtship and Marriage of Nymphadora Tonks and Remus Lupin (with a rating under R)
Fandom: Harry Potter
Of Unions and Civility by After the Rain
Length: short
Summary: Tonks confronts the social consequences of her relationship with Remus.
On the Joyous Science, in Wartime by After the Rain
Length: short
Timeline: between HBP and DH
Summary: While Remus spies on Fenrir Greyback, Tonks battles dementors. Love can give you strength; it can also leave you terribly vulnerable.
Quote:
Length: medium
Timeline: during and after OotP
Summary: As the wizarding world descends into war, Tonks and Remus discover an unexpected intimacy.
Note: This is rated M for the last chapter; the rest I would put at T. It's a well executed sensual study. Also, we get to see Moody's training come through!
The Continental Divide: Or, On Your Hundred-and-First Birthday by there goes my gun
Length: short, vignette
Timeline: during OotP
Prompt request: I'd like a fic that is extremely sensuous in nature. I imagine that Remus, as a werewolf and pariah from polite society, has seldom experienced being touched. Thus I imagine that even the simple contacts that we take for granted and think nothing of would be of great consequence to him. The fic I'd like would explore that issue, as Remus himself explores it with Tonks. But, as a limitation, it would be nice to have a story that dwells on the sensual aspects of this without actually breaking into sex. So- lots of touching and emotional intensity, no sex. Delve into the emotions that may be tied into something so simple as a hand placed on his shoulder. Or his hip. Or being allowed to run his fingertips along someone else's thigh...
There Is No Marriage in Heaven by shield_wolf
Length: concise
Timeline: during the first half of DH
Summary: Snippets from two lives of quiet and growing desperation.
The Corner of First and Amistad by Inclination
Length: short
Timeline: during OotP
Summary: She had always been obsessed by mysteries. He had always wanted an adventure.
Even Though by phantasmagorienne
Length: short
Timeline: during HBP
Summary: She wishes he would take her words like a standard instead of folding them carefully and gently and hiding them away.
Note: From a review: "Set during the days leading up to Remus' mission with the werewolves in HBP, this is a lovely take on the break up of a relationship that is only finally acknowledged out loud by both just as it seems it must end. This is thoughtful and memorable characterisation, very much how two people in a war would break up, with great sadness for what could have been rather than any great drama, as well as determined hope for the future, and the author's style and word choice sets a mood throughout that suits this perfectly."
To the Victor Belong the Spoils by celtmama
Length: medium
Timeline: during OotP
Summary: All wars are fought for a reason, whether honourable or ignoble. This one started over an umbrella...
Note: Prank war!
As If A Magic Lantern by phantasmagorienne
Length: short, character study
Timeline: pre-/during OotP
Summary: He is trying to learn her by heart. Remus and Tonks navigate their changing relationship.
Mantra by iamweebles (defunct username)
Length: short
Summary: Tonks tries very hard but unsuccessfuly not to cry, though this isn't as angsty as you'd expect.
Under the Influence by jadeddiva
Length: short
Summary: Tonks makes biscuits, Remus drinks wine, and everything changes.
Note: For once, an honest interaction between Tonks and Molly that isn't about Tonks' romantic life.
Also, if you are of age and don't mind R-rated sex scenes, I highly recommend Amid My Solitude (novella) and Rhapsody in Blue (short) by sam-storyteller.
And finally, one I like to append to heavier reading:
The Dare by mosylu
Characters: from the POV of the trio and Ginny
Length: short and cute
Summary: Tonks has a special someone in her life, but who? Ron and Harry, sick of the speculation, dare Ginny and Hermione to come right out and ask. But the answer might be a little more than they bargained for. This is your official marshmallow fluff warning.
I'm rather snobbish when it comes to Remus/Tonks fanfiction, and these are the only stories that I would be inclined to consider good: in writing, in plot or technique, in character, and in ideas. As these entries make up less than a third of my whole bookmarked section, this subjective assessment should, as always, be taken with a grain of salt.
Of Unions and Civility by After the Rain
Length: short
Summary: Tonks confronts the social consequences of her relationship with Remus.
On the Joyous Science, in Wartime by After the Rain
Length: short
Timeline: between HBP and DH
Summary: While Remus spies on Fenrir Greyback, Tonks battles dementors. Love can give you strength; it can also leave you terribly vulnerable.
Quote:
"... The only way we can win this war is to pit reason against madness, joy against despair, laughter against terror, love against hatred. Those who would argue that our weapons are poor and fragile ones should consider the power of a single candle’s flame, and remember how much more effectively the light of a single Patronus scatters the darkness ..."A Feast for the Senses by mosylu
Length: medium
Timeline: during and after OotP
Summary: As the wizarding world descends into war, Tonks and Remus discover an unexpected intimacy.
Note: This is rated M for the last chapter; the rest I would put at T. It's a well executed sensual study. Also, we get to see Moody's training come through!
The Continental Divide: Or, On Your Hundred-and-First Birthday by there goes my gun
Length: short, vignette
Timeline: during OotP
Prompt request: I'd like a fic that is extremely sensuous in nature. I imagine that Remus, as a werewolf and pariah from polite society, has seldom experienced being touched. Thus I imagine that even the simple contacts that we take for granted and think nothing of would be of great consequence to him. The fic I'd like would explore that issue, as Remus himself explores it with Tonks. But, as a limitation, it would be nice to have a story that dwells on the sensual aspects of this without actually breaking into sex. So- lots of touching and emotional intensity, no sex. Delve into the emotions that may be tied into something so simple as a hand placed on his shoulder. Or his hip. Or being allowed to run his fingertips along someone else's thigh...
There Is No Marriage in Heaven by shield_wolf
Length: concise
Timeline: during the first half of DH
Summary: Snippets from two lives of quiet and growing desperation.
The Corner of First and Amistad by Inclination
Length: short
Timeline: during OotP
Summary: She had always been obsessed by mysteries. He had always wanted an adventure.
Even Though by phantasmagorienne
Length: short
Timeline: during HBP
Summary: She wishes he would take her words like a standard instead of folding them carefully and gently and hiding them away.
Note: From a review: "Set during the days leading up to Remus' mission with the werewolves in HBP, this is a lovely take on the break up of a relationship that is only finally acknowledged out loud by both just as it seems it must end. This is thoughtful and memorable characterisation, very much how two people in a war would break up, with great sadness for what could have been rather than any great drama, as well as determined hope for the future, and the author's style and word choice sets a mood throughout that suits this perfectly."
To the Victor Belong the Spoils by celtmama
Length: medium
Timeline: during OotP
Summary: All wars are fought for a reason, whether honourable or ignoble. This one started over an umbrella...
Note: Prank war!
As If A Magic Lantern by phantasmagorienne
Length: short, character study
Timeline: pre-/during OotP
Summary: He is trying to learn her by heart. Remus and Tonks navigate their changing relationship.
Mantra by iamweebles (defunct username)
Length: short
Summary: Tonks tries very hard but unsuccessfuly not to cry, though this isn't as angsty as you'd expect.
Under the Influence by jadeddiva
Length: short
Summary: Tonks makes biscuits, Remus drinks wine, and everything changes.
Note: For once, an honest interaction between Tonks and Molly that isn't about Tonks' romantic life.
Also, if you are of age and don't mind R-rated sex scenes, I highly recommend Amid My Solitude (novella) and Rhapsody in Blue (short) by sam-storyteller.
And finally, one I like to append to heavier reading:
The Dare by mosylu
Characters: from the POV of the trio and Ginny
Length: short and cute
Summary: Tonks has a special someone in her life, but who? Ron and Harry, sick of the speculation, dare Ginny and Hermione to come right out and ask. But the answer might be a little more than they bargained for. This is your official marshmallow fluff warning.
I'm rather snobbish when it comes to Remus/Tonks fanfiction, and these are the only stories that I would be inclined to consider good: in writing, in plot or technique, in character, and in ideas. As these entries make up less than a third of my whole bookmarked section, this subjective assessment should, as always, be taken with a grain of salt.
8.6.09
Now this is what I expect of SGA. And their crossovers with NCIS.
Fandom: Stargate: Atlantis/NCIS
Title: Agent Afloat Atlantis
Author: Mhalachai
Spoilers/Warnings: Up to season 5 of NCIS, with scattered mentions of slash. Also hints at Sam/Jack.
Characters: NCIS: Ziva David, ensemble | SGA: Colonel Sheppard, Dr. McKay, Major Lorne, many others + General O'Neill/Colonel Carter
Length: Long
Summary: Ziva's new assignment certainly isn't what she expected.
Notes: Holy. You know that there're a ton of Stargate/NCIS crossovers (funny, that), but this is how it should go. With appropriate gamuts into both universes, very Stargate-like plot twists but in NCIS flavour...and everyone is perfect and the reveal of the Stargate program (or at least, relevant bits *coughsSKYNET IN MTACcoughs*) goes down just the way it really should even though how these shows fit together like this I have no idea...
Suspenseful adventure-mystery that combines these edges of both universes to make a trip that really hits the spot. (And Ziva as the protagonist was an unexpected but very apt and well explained choice.) This would have been a great AU season finale two-parter...especially at the heels of "Aliyah".
Also, you know I \o/!ed at the S/J, because we finally get to see them interact from a really outside and peripheral perspective, and the inevitable planetary crisis that interrupts their 'fishing trip' again from the crisis' perspective, for once. Not that I wouldn't want to read what they were up to while I was absolutely riveted by what was going down back at NCIS HQ...
Title: Agent Afloat Atlantis
Author: Mhalachai
Spoilers/Warnings: Up to season 5 of NCIS, with scattered mentions of slash. Also hints at Sam/Jack.
Characters: NCIS: Ziva David, ensemble | SGA: Colonel Sheppard, Dr. McKay, Major Lorne, many others + General O'Neill/Colonel Carter
Length: Long
Summary: Ziva's new assignment certainly isn't what she expected.
Notes: Holy. You know that there're a ton of Stargate/NCIS crossovers (funny, that), but this is how it should go. With appropriate gamuts into both universes, very Stargate-like plot twists but in NCIS flavour...and everyone is perfect and the reveal of the Stargate program (or at least, relevant bits *coughsSKYNET IN MTACcoughs*) goes down just the way it really should even though how these shows fit together like this I have no idea...
Suspenseful adventure-mystery that combines these edges of both universes to make a trip that really hits the spot. (And Ziva as the protagonist was an unexpected but very apt and well explained choice.) This would have been a great AU season finale two-parter...especially at the heels of "Aliyah".
Also, you know I \o/!ed at the S/J, because we finally get to see them interact from a really outside and peripheral perspective, and the inevitable planetary crisis that interrupts their 'fishing trip' again from the crisis' perspective, for once. Not that I wouldn't want to read what they were up to while I was absolutely riveted by what was going down back at NCIS HQ...
22.9.08
Fandom: NUMB3RS/Doctor Who
Title: More Things in Heaven and Earth
Author: astrogirl2
Characters: Dr. Lawrence Fleinhardt | Ninth Doctor, Rose
Length: Short
Spoilers: Mild-to-moderate spoilers for Numb3rs season 3. None for Who.
Summary: "My own suspicion," said the great naturalist J.B.S. Haldane, "is that the universe is not only queerer than we suppose, but queerer than we can suppose."
(and I have this exact quote written in my old agenda...)
Title: More Things in Heaven and Earth
Author: astrogirl2
Characters: Dr. Lawrence Fleinhardt | Ninth Doctor, Rose
Length: Short
Spoilers: Mild-to-moderate spoilers for Numb3rs season 3. None for Who.
Summary: "My own suspicion," said the great naturalist J.B.S. Haldane, "is that the universe is not only queerer than we suppose, but queerer than we can suppose."
(and I have this exact quote written in my old agenda...)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)