Fandom: SILMARILLION
Pairing: Sauron/Celebrimbor, Galadriel/Celeborn, Aranwë/Pengolod
Author on LJ: tyellas
Author Website: Ansereg
Why this must be read:

And so, follow me, Gentle Reader, into the Second Age of Arda (rubs hands)...

Considering their central importance to later writings, there's surprisingly little fanfiction about the making of the Rings. One reason might be that the major source material is buried in the little-read Unfinished Tales (whose title, sadly, puts off all but the more dedicated readers). Another possible reason is that it's tricky to imagine a better rendition than 'One Ring to Bind Them'.

The novel focuses on Celebrimbor, grandson of Feanor & leader of the smiths of Eregion (later known as Hollin), and his seduction by Sauron (Annatar) in a fair form. As the drama unfolds, Galadriel & Celeborn, rulers of the region, play major roles, and various other well-known characters cameo, including High-King Gil-galad, Elrond, Erestor, Celebrian & even Narvi the dwarf. (Readers of my previous Tyellas recommendation, 'The Prince' might like to note that Gondolin survivors Pengolod & Aranwë also feature.)

Tyellas's rather unusual approach to the subject matter is extremely well thought out -- it’s a testament to her authorial authority that she can make her concept of ansereg -- elven BDSM -- feel completely in tune with canon! Her characterisations are uniformly excellent, and I particularly enjoyed her strong take on Celeborn, who is so often reduced to a hen-pecked husband. The novel abounds with gorgeous, vivid little details -- Eregion truly comes alive in her hands -- and everything is impeccably researched.

Dark & compelling, a real page turner, 'One Ring to Bind Them' is one of the few fan-stories I re-read frequently.

( A sampler )

One Ring to Bind Them

Fandom: ANGEL THE SERIES
Pairing: Spike/Angel
Author on LJ:evilmaniclaugh
Author Website:Spike Me Daddy
Why this must be read: Well actually no one must read this filth but they should as it is hilarious. The author says this is "the Stupidverse. Totally OOC series of sillyfic starring dorky Angel and naughty Spike." So go now and indulge yourself. Take a break from the serious crap.

A Series of Unfortunate Accidents

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Sark
Author on LJ: mciac
Author Website:Unknown
Why this must be read: Sark’s point of view is brilliant. It’s very rare that anyone can completely capture the way Sark views Sydney and also his own relationship with her mother but this is done beautifully. It’s full of rich, graceful prose and a situation you can’t help but enjoy - as it’s so vividly placed into your mind.

Piece by Piece

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Sark
Author on LJ: schneck
Author Website: Unknown
Why this must be read: I’m one of those people that enjoys AU and future fics as I feel they add more depth to certain characters than we are originally given. I love back-stories and Sydney going somewhat rogue. I often like stories that involve a harder, darker Sydney.

This story grapples with being in so much pain that you would much rather have someone end your life for you. The twists are portrayed beautifully through the writing and the dead on set of characters.

Sark is deliciously perfect.

She Wanted Storms

Fandom: THE O.C.
Pairing: unrequited Seth/Ryan and Seth/Summer, Marissa/DJ, Summer/Zach, Seth/Marissa friendship
Author on LJ: somethin_random
Author Website:None
Why this must be read: At the end of the early season two episode The New Kids on the Block, Seth and Marissa sit outside the new music club The Bait Shop and call themselves the loneliest people in Newport. This story takes off from that moment, and the Dysfunctional Princess and the Loner Geek connect in a way that years of living next door couldn’t attain. Confidences and confusion.

An excerpt:

Marissa looks at Seth, sitting next to her. A year ago, she never would have believed this either. A year ago, she wouldn't have even let Seth Cohen sit on the same bench, let alone commiserated with him.

He looks so forlorn, and she wishes there was something she could do. Maybe talking will make him feel better. He always did know how to talk.


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