Fanfic recs
Jun. 25th, 2004 08:40 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
tanithryudoHaven't done one of these for a while. Most of these aren't stuff I've just only discovered. Some have been knocking around my harddrive/bookmarks for weeks or months now.
LOTR:
In the Deep Places, by Lamiel
Long - 17 chapters. A Legolas/Gimli friendship fic covering the growth of their relationship from the Mines of Moria to Lothlorien. Absolutely no hint of slash. That said, I absolutely *love* how Lamia handles the slow development of their friendship - the progress and backslides, the awkward attempts to reach out in friendship and the painful divestment of age-long prejudices and preconceptions, the hasty words that can't be taken back and the actions that speak louder than words. If you want to see the Legolas/Gimli frienship done right, this is this the place.
Rating: A+
Harry Potter:
The Last Temptation of Remus J. Lupin, by Kai
Not too long. A different look on the first Voldemort-war. Well, it wouldn't be a temptation if it didn't honestly tempt, yes? It's not a romance fic though. I like this one for how it presents the issues.
Rating: A-
A Kind of Merry War, by McKay
Long. HP/SS slash, NC-17. Last part of a trilogy. Remember "Too Wise to Woo Peaceably" and "Look Pale With Love", the Shakespeare fics? Well this is the sequel to them. I know I said long ago I'd like to see a last part to the story since LPWL sort of left things hanging with a bittersweet tone. I remember![[insanejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/ij-userinfo.gif)
cashew saying that it'd be better if the fic was left as it was. Well, after reading this sequel, I think she's right. Whatever hopes I had for a sequel, this was something of a letdown. The new thematic core of the story left me going "eh", and the resolution was... well, sort of bland. Still, the writing is pretty good and it's got a few sparks of originality. I think I may prefer the end of the second fic as the "real" ending though.
Rating: C
Highlander Fics:
This Is The Way The World Ends, by Maya Aranya
Fairly short. Darkfic. Methos-centric with generous cameos to a lot of other major and minor characters. A little background knowledge of the HL series would probably help understand this fic, but I do think it can stand on its own. Basically, it's an end-of-the-world fic that actually has the world end rather than have the/a hero save the day. Wonderful exploration of Methos' potential as someone on the "dark side" so to speak, given his genius and vast pool of knowledge/experience.
Rating: A- ('Cause it's Methos.)
Slings and Arrows, by CF
Very short. Angsty, I guess. A conversation between Duncan and Connor sometime after the last episode of the series. I thought it was a pretty good exploration of their mentor/student and brothers/kinsmen relationship, how they've known each other for so long and so well.
Rating: B (For some nice Connor moments.)
Legend, by Celedon
Long but one-shot. Basically covers the period of Duncan's training under Connor some 400 years ago. Some nice character moments and meshes nicely with canon. I suppose it might get tedious to read for people who aren't into the characters though, since it's very heavily centered around our two main stars.
Rating: C+ (Because I'm not a major Duncan fan.)
Seeds of Wisdom, by Celedon
Very short. Richie stops by Connor's place after Duncan went nuts with the Dark Quickening. I dunno what he was expecting, but neither he nor the reader got exactly what they expected, even though Richie was largely in character.
Rating: C+ (Some OOCness for Connor.)
By Invitation Only, by Celedon
Long one shot. Features mainly Duncan with some flashbacks to his time with Tessa. Minor roles for Joe, Richie, and Connor. The main plotline and characterization was blah, but I liked the flashback story, which was kinda chilling portrayal of an obsessed stalker guy.
Rating: B- (For the flashback story and Connor moments.)
The Three Pound Eight Ounce Warrior, by Teresa Coffman
Fairly short. Methos gets adopted by a member of the feline persuasion. Also contains an XF homage, I guess. The fic is set in the backdrop of the Archangel 3-parter arc.
Rating: B+
Get Well Soon, by Teresa Coffman
Semi-sequel to "The Three Pound Eight Ounce Warrior". Long one shot that is SO worth the reading. *g* Connor at his most paranoid, alternating between good cop and bad cop like a crazing ping-pong ball. Methos at his most mysterious, barely managing to get his plans through despite chop-happy highlanders, nosy meddlers, and Things Which Shall Not Be Named. Joe at his most exasperated, paradoxically the most knowledgable and the most clueless. I love the last few lines:
Joe: God damn it, Adam! Is there some magical reason why you can't just tell me what you mean?
Methos: Joe, Yes.
Rating: A
Hostages of Fortune, by Teresa Coffman
Long one shot. Connor centric with strong supporting roles by Rachel and Duncan. I think this takes place sometime between the movie and the series. I found it alternatively hilarious, in a subtle way. Basic gist:
OMC (Original Male Character): Russell! I'm your long lost dad!
Connor: ...
Rachel: Maybe you should've investigated the identity you took better.
Connor: ...Um. Hi...Dad?
Readers: OMG, my ribs are killin' me!!
Rachel: You do know it's obligatory that he'll have a dark past or trouble is gonna follow him, right?
Readers: Oooboy.
Rating: A
The Better Part of Valor, by Teresa Coffman
Fairly short. Follows right after the 6th season episode "Indiscretions". Methos, Joe, and Amy getting away from the scene of the "crime", and bicker.
Rating: A- (For good lines and Methos.)
Steps to Revelation, by Leslie Fish
Fairly short. Addendum to the travesty known as HL:Endgame. All I care is that it gives a semi-plausible way for Connor to be still alive at the end of that movie.
Rating: C+
Revenge and Memories, by Virginia Foster
Fairly short. This one has Connor avenging Duncan's death, which is a novel change, at least.
Rating: B (For originality and a Methos cameo.)
After the War, by Ghost Cat
Very short. Told from the perspective of accidental bystander, searching for clues to a blurry but tantalizy mystery, with the backdrop of WWII as seen from the present. I rather like the way it's told, though some of the premises and progression of plot might be a bit forced. Joe and Duncan have cameos, and Connor is mentioned (though not by name, I think). Duncan's a bit OOC, but who cares?
Rating: B+
Misery and Monster Sightings, by Ghost Cat
Very short. Has a OFC (original female character), but not quite a Sue, I think. Anyways, the actual story's a surprise, it's too short for me to summarize without spoiling it. Let's just say that there's more to Scotland's mysteries than the legend of Connor Macleod.
Rating: B (For the humor value.)
The Pen is Mightier, by Ghost Cat
Very short. Duncan ought to know better than to talk to the tabloids.
Rating: B (For the amusement factor and a Methos cameo.)
Exit Poll, by Ghost Cat
Very short. Script format. Methos and Joe have a conversation about politics. Or maybe our ROG is just pulling Joe's leg. Who can tell?
Rating: B (For the amusement factor and Methos.)
It's a Kind of Magic, by Harmony
Fairly short. Rachel-centric with Duncan as a supporting role. Soon after the events of HL1, Rachel reminisces about the past and has a familiar visitor stop by the store. Sweetness and sorrow covers it.
Rating: B+ (For some nice Rachel moments.)
Acherusia, by Sleeps with Coyotes
Short. Supernatural. Methos decides that he made a mistake when he chose Duncan over Kronos. (And maybe he's right, so grumbles the mass of M/K-fangirls and Baka!Duncan-proponents.) Bonus points for vague mythological references and incredible imagery/mood.
Rating: A
Degrees of Separation, by Kai
Long. NC-17 slash, M/K. Inspired by "Acherusia". A different take on the M/K relationship sometime in the 3000 years between the Horsemen and the present ('cause good lord, that's a long time period in which you can have characters drastically change and yet remain the same). Somehow sweet, even if it's not something you'd normally attach to Kronos. Now this is what "brother" means, in every (ancient) sense of the word.
Rating: A+ (Love the characterization. Love the interactions.)
Proof, by Kai
Not too long. NC-17 Slash, D/M, BDSM, Voyeurism. Joe sets out to get proof of a relationship between Duncan and Methos. Apparently no one told him that Methos never does anything half way.
Rating: A (*fans self* Is it hot in here?)
Reliquary, by Kai
Not too long. NC-17 Slash, D/M, M/K. Methos' past and present lovers come to an understanding. Don't let the fact that one of them's dead bother you.
Rating: A- (Clueless!Duncan and Sane!Kronos. Heh.)
Vigil, by Kai
Short. Angst. Darius on his way to meet his Doom.
Rating: B+ (For the Methos cameo and the poetic backdrop.)
More will be forthcoming in the future, I hope.
LOTR:
In the Deep Places, by Lamiel
Long - 17 chapters. A Legolas/Gimli friendship fic covering the growth of their relationship from the Mines of Moria to Lothlorien. Absolutely no hint of slash. That said, I absolutely *love* how Lamia handles the slow development of their friendship - the progress and backslides, the awkward attempts to reach out in friendship and the painful divestment of age-long prejudices and preconceptions, the hasty words that can't be taken back and the actions that speak louder than words. If you want to see the Legolas/Gimli frienship done right, this is this the place.
Rating: A+
Harry Potter:
The Last Temptation of Remus J. Lupin, by Kai
Not too long. A different look on the first Voldemort-war. Well, it wouldn't be a temptation if it didn't honestly tempt, yes? It's not a romance fic though. I like this one for how it presents the issues.
Rating: A-
A Kind of Merry War, by McKay
Long. HP/SS slash, NC-17. Last part of a trilogy. Remember "Too Wise to Woo Peaceably" and "Look Pale With Love", the Shakespeare fics? Well this is the sequel to them. I know I said long ago I'd like to see a last part to the story since LPWL sort of left things hanging with a bittersweet tone. I remember
cashew saying that it'd be better if the fic was left as it was. Well, after reading this sequel, I think she's right. Whatever hopes I had for a sequel, this was something of a letdown. The new thematic core of the story left me going "eh", and the resolution was... well, sort of bland. Still, the writing is pretty good and it's got a few sparks of originality. I think I may prefer the end of the second fic as the "real" ending though.Rating: C
Highlander Fics:
This Is The Way The World Ends, by Maya Aranya
Fairly short. Darkfic. Methos-centric with generous cameos to a lot of other major and minor characters. A little background knowledge of the HL series would probably help understand this fic, but I do think it can stand on its own. Basically, it's an end-of-the-world fic that actually has the world end rather than have the/a hero save the day. Wonderful exploration of Methos' potential as someone on the "dark side" so to speak, given his genius and vast pool of knowledge/experience.
Rating: A- ('Cause it's Methos.)
Slings and Arrows, by CF
Very short. Angsty, I guess. A conversation between Duncan and Connor sometime after the last episode of the series. I thought it was a pretty good exploration of their mentor/student and brothers/kinsmen relationship, how they've known each other for so long and so well.
Rating: B (For some nice Connor moments.)
Legend, by Celedon
Long but one-shot. Basically covers the period of Duncan's training under Connor some 400 years ago. Some nice character moments and meshes nicely with canon. I suppose it might get tedious to read for people who aren't into the characters though, since it's very heavily centered around our two main stars.
Rating: C+ (Because I'm not a major Duncan fan.)
Seeds of Wisdom, by Celedon
Very short. Richie stops by Connor's place after Duncan went nuts with the Dark Quickening. I dunno what he was expecting, but neither he nor the reader got exactly what they expected, even though Richie was largely in character.
Rating: C+ (Some OOCness for Connor.)
By Invitation Only, by Celedon
Long one shot. Features mainly Duncan with some flashbacks to his time with Tessa. Minor roles for Joe, Richie, and Connor. The main plotline and characterization was blah, but I liked the flashback story, which was kinda chilling portrayal of an obsessed stalker guy.
Rating: B- (For the flashback story and Connor moments.)
The Three Pound Eight Ounce Warrior, by Teresa Coffman
Fairly short. Methos gets adopted by a member of the feline persuasion. Also contains an XF homage, I guess. The fic is set in the backdrop of the Archangel 3-parter arc.
Rating: B+
Get Well Soon, by Teresa Coffman
Semi-sequel to "The Three Pound Eight Ounce Warrior". Long one shot that is SO worth the reading. *g* Connor at his most paranoid, alternating between good cop and bad cop like a crazing ping-pong ball. Methos at his most mysterious, barely managing to get his plans through despite chop-happy highlanders, nosy meddlers, and Things Which Shall Not Be Named. Joe at his most exasperated, paradoxically the most knowledgable and the most clueless. I love the last few lines:
Joe: God damn it, Adam! Is there some magical reason why you can't just tell me what you mean?
Methos: Joe, Yes.
Rating: A
Hostages of Fortune, by Teresa Coffman
Long one shot. Connor centric with strong supporting roles by Rachel and Duncan. I think this takes place sometime between the movie and the series. I found it alternatively hilarious, in a subtle way. Basic gist:
OMC (Original Male Character): Russell! I'm your long lost dad!
Connor: ...
Rachel: Maybe you should've investigated the identity you took better.
Connor: ...Um. Hi...Dad?
Readers: OMG, my ribs are killin' me!!
Rachel: You do know it's obligatory that he'll have a dark past or trouble is gonna follow him, right?
Readers: Oooboy.
Rating: A
The Better Part of Valor, by Teresa Coffman
Fairly short. Follows right after the 6th season episode "Indiscretions". Methos, Joe, and Amy getting away from the scene of the "crime", and bicker.
Rating: A- (For good lines and Methos.)
Steps to Revelation, by Leslie Fish
Fairly short. Addendum to the travesty known as HL:Endgame. All I care is that it gives a semi-plausible way for Connor to be still alive at the end of that movie.
Rating: C+
Revenge and Memories, by Virginia Foster
Fairly short. This one has Connor avenging Duncan's death, which is a novel change, at least.
Rating: B (For originality and a Methos cameo.)
After the War, by Ghost Cat
Very short. Told from the perspective of accidental bystander, searching for clues to a blurry but tantalizy mystery, with the backdrop of WWII as seen from the present. I rather like the way it's told, though some of the premises and progression of plot might be a bit forced. Joe and Duncan have cameos, and Connor is mentioned (though not by name, I think). Duncan's a bit OOC, but who cares?
Rating: B+
Misery and Monster Sightings, by Ghost Cat
Very short. Has a OFC (original female character), but not quite a Sue, I think. Anyways, the actual story's a surprise, it's too short for me to summarize without spoiling it. Let's just say that there's more to Scotland's mysteries than the legend of Connor Macleod.
Rating: B (For the humor value.)
The Pen is Mightier, by Ghost Cat
Very short. Duncan ought to know better than to talk to the tabloids.
Rating: B (For the amusement factor and a Methos cameo.)
Exit Poll, by Ghost Cat
Very short. Script format. Methos and Joe have a conversation about politics. Or maybe our ROG is just pulling Joe's leg. Who can tell?
Rating: B (For the amusement factor and Methos.)
It's a Kind of Magic, by Harmony
Fairly short. Rachel-centric with Duncan as a supporting role. Soon after the events of HL1, Rachel reminisces about the past and has a familiar visitor stop by the store. Sweetness and sorrow covers it.
Rating: B+ (For some nice Rachel moments.)
Acherusia, by Sleeps with Coyotes
Short. Supernatural. Methos decides that he made a mistake when he chose Duncan over Kronos. (And maybe he's right, so grumbles the mass of M/K-fangirls and Baka!Duncan-proponents.) Bonus points for vague mythological references and incredible imagery/mood.
Rating: A
Degrees of Separation, by Kai
Long. NC-17 slash, M/K. Inspired by "Acherusia". A different take on the M/K relationship sometime in the 3000 years between the Horsemen and the present ('cause good lord, that's a long time period in which you can have characters drastically change and yet remain the same). Somehow sweet, even if it's not something you'd normally attach to Kronos. Now this is what "brother" means, in every (ancient) sense of the word.
Rating: A+ (Love the characterization. Love the interactions.)
Proof, by Kai
Not too long. NC-17 Slash, D/M, BDSM, Voyeurism. Joe sets out to get proof of a relationship between Duncan and Methos. Apparently no one told him that Methos never does anything half way.
Rating: A (*fans self* Is it hot in here?)
Reliquary, by Kai
Not too long. NC-17 Slash, D/M, M/K. Methos' past and present lovers come to an understanding. Don't let the fact that one of them's dead bother you.
Rating: A- (Clueless!Duncan and Sane!Kronos. Heh.)
Vigil, by Kai
Short. Angst. Darius on his way to meet his Doom.
Rating: B+ (For the Methos cameo and the poetic backdrop.)
More will be forthcoming in the future, I hope.
