Fandom: SMALLVILLE
Pairing: Lex, Martha
Author on LJ: copracat
Author Website: Vera's Page
Why this story must be read:

This story is BRILLIANT. The subtle pace at which things are revealed is sublime. I literally gasped at the end of the story when I realized the layers this very short story had.

Basically, what does Martha know and when did she know it? And when did Lex realize she knew?

Fandom : Pirates of the Caribbean
Pairing: Jack/Will/Elizabeth
Author on LJ: msaramat
Author Website: After Midnight

Why this story must be read:

Because threesome stores are a very good thing, but threesome stories told from Anamaria's perspective are awesome. Because the characterizations are perfect: Will's got a bit of fire and is funny, Elizabeth is at her piratey best, and Jack is as fabulous and irresistable as always.

This is part of a longer series called Sharing Will Turner, but it stands well on it's own as a glimpse into the insane dynamics that make Jack/Will/Elizabeth such a fun group.

Discussing Terms

Fandom: BLAKES7
Pairing: None
Author on LJ:?
Author's Web site:?
Why this must be read:

Blakes7, notoriously, is a Novel Without Heroes, where the protagonists are morally ambiguous to one degree or another: a Terrorists and Criminal Team v. Minions of Tyranny matchup. This story, first published in the zine INPUT #2 in 1989, is now part of the Bang and Blame PGP archive.

In this twisty and thought-provoking story, Avon and Vila have survived GP, the others haven't, and, as in so many PGPs, they're on the run. They turn the tables on the Federation officer guarding them (who isn't quite who he appears to be); there's only one gun, but Vila has it...but Avon has a knife....but Sleer is arriving...but Avon and Vila know who she is...and then there are those rebels....Vila doesn't exactly Save the Day, because it's past saving, but he does get sort of an apology for Malodaar (for what it's worth at this point), and sort of a demonstration about how it happened. Every plot twist is an essay question about how to survive in a world where Last Guys Don't Finish Nice--and about the value of survival as well as whether it's possible.


Waiting

Fandom: LoTRiPS
Pairing: Orlando/Elijah
Author on LJ: abundantlyqueer
Author Website: List of stories on LJ
Why this must be read:


Because I had a very difficult time choosing one story by abundantlyqueer. These AU's are fantastic. Drabbles, short fic or longer series. Every single one of the stories (my favorite are the Orli/Elijah) can be put on your to read list.

The Templar : where you get Orlando and Elijah as superheros.

The Templar

I'm taking this opportunity to mention that an additional chapter to the beautiful, hot and fun series : See Under: Clue, Getting A has been posted here.

Comments always welcome

Fandom: STARTREK: VOYAGER

Pairing: none
Author on LJ: brenantrim
Author Website: Brenda Antrim's Fan Fiction Archive
Why this must be read: Because we all need a laugh.

I defy anyone to read this fic without bursting into giggles, chuckles, chortles, or guffaws. The visuals, dear god, the visuals. Priceless.

Not in Front of the Children

Fandom: FIREFLY
Pairing: Kaylee/River
Author on LJ: boundbyspells
Author Website: boundbyspells
Why this must be read:

It's a post-series look at a River whose mind has been mostly fixed, and the characterization just rings true for me. River is still bright and highly emotional, and not only is she trying to adjust to her more normal self, she also has to come to terms with the consequences of her period of instability. The budding Kaylee/River relationship feels like a real relationship, tinged with shades of sweetness and frustration as the two of them attempt to understand the new dynamic between them.

Zodiacal Light

Fandom: SPORTS NIGHT
Pairing: Dan/Casey
Author on LJ: lanning
Author Website: http://lanning.slashdom.com/
Why this must be read:

I'm a little iffy about reccing this story. I am most emphatically not into rape stories, and when reccing it I tend to think of all the ways in which the way this story deals with the issues involved isn't perfect.

It is, however, so much better about the issues than 99% of the other rape stories out there, so I don't feel too bad. It's a long way from the simple "let's get Danny raped and then give him lots of sex with Casey to make him feel better" approach, thank god. At the very least, this story acknowledges that rape actually has an aftermath, and if it's not perfect, well, I can't really expect it to be. As these things go, this is right up there.

And, wonder of wonders, Danny and Casey in their lovely, stupid, snarky, wonderful glory can be seen here too, as well as some vintage Natalie and a nice portion of everyone else as well. This fic actually acknowledges that Dan and Casey live in a world, and that group dynamic being present is a big reason for me to love it all by itself. I love Dan and Casey as characters, but when I read fic I'm after the context too. And this even adds to the context in a cool and believable way - I so want Alex as a therapist, dangit. So much yay for that. It's all part of making a multi-layered, interesting story, people.

I've also got to admit that I happen to really like uber-sap or uber-angst moments diverted with snark, and that's something lanning's got right down. It also goes a long way towards helping me believe in a scenario which I'd otherwise be running a mile from, and stopping it from getting to the level of insulting cliche that most similar fics seem to get to. Even if this isn't your usual thing, I highly recommend giving it a try.

Being An Anchor

I'd also like to take this opportunity to pimp the cool Dan/Casey Manifesto, written for ship_manifesto.

Fandom: SHERLOCK HOLMES
Pairing: Holmes/Watson
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: Dorinda’s Bare Bones Page
Why this must be read:

In “The Adventure of the Three Garridebs,” a bullet fired by the villain grazes Watson in the leg. Here’s how Holmes reacts:

“You’re not hurt, Watson? For God’s sake, say that you are not hurt!”...The clear, hard eyes were dimmed for a moment, and the firm lips were shaking. For the one and only time I caught a glimpse of a great heart as well as of a great brain.... His face set like flint as he glared at our prisoner, who was sitting up with a dazed face. “By the Lord, it is as well for you. If you had killed Watson, you would not have got out of this room alive.”

Dorinda shows us three possible sequels to that moment, “one of sorrow, one of suffering, and one of joy.”

“Out of This Room”