Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Pairing: Kowalski/Turnbull
Author on LJ: lynnmonster
Author Website: http://www.lynnmonstermash.com
Why this must be read:

I can’t help myself—I have to rec this story, even though this makes two tentacle!fics in a row. Once again, Ray pays a surprise visit to the consulate, but this time he’s the one who winds up pinned against a handy wall. While Ray is soon “oddly comfortable with his new knowledge. It explained so much, after all,” the situation does give rise to other questions...

( “So, uh, how often do your people, ummm...” )

The Alien from Planet Grabby

Fandom: LORD OF THE RINGS
Pairing: none, for it would spoil the surprise
Author on LJ: none
Author Website: Fics at Stories of Arda
Why this must be read:

I’ll borrow the author’s own summary for this: After the battle of the Pelennor Fields, Aragorn goes to the Houses of Healing, not only out of a sense of duty to the wounded, but to answer a question that has gnawed at him for many years.

To say anything else would spoil the plot, but I will say this is one of the best explanations I have ever seen as to why Denethor behaved the way he did towards Faramir.

This is my last rec: it was so much fun driving the van for LOTR! I hope you got some good reading out of all this, and I’ll see you all on the flip side, kids. :-)

The Hands of the Healer

Fandom: X-FILES
Pairing: Mulder/Scully
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: Imagine The Possibilities
Why this must be read:

This story has some of the sweetest, sincerest, and most amusing dialogue you could ever hope to find. It's also chock full of wonderful UST. Yet, even with all the talking Mulder and Scully do in this story, it's everything left unsaid that pulls the romance up to another level. I think it's impossible to ever get tired of this story!

A Better Fate Than Wisdom

Fandom: X-FILES
Pairing: Mulder/Scully
Author on LJ: mousekate
Author Website: The DBKate Fanfic Collection Project
Why this must be read:

This is one of those casefile stories that once you start reading you can't stop until you're done. It runs a wide, engaging emotional range while still moving along the plot in surprising yet believable ways. They don't make them like this anymore!

This story also brings back a memorable character seen in only two episodes, Detective Kresge. He's an intriguing guy, and syn does a terrific job fleshing him out and making us care about him while having him be an important part of the action.

Locusts

Fandom: STAR WARS
Pairing: Gen
Length: 6,500 words
Author on LJ: yahtzee63
Author Website: Yahtzee's Fic

Why this must be read:

This is the only non-Vader fic I will recommend this month, but it's so excellent that it needs to be recced nonetheless. The mark of a truly excellent fanfic is that you can fit it seamlessly into the already existing fictional universe. This story is a wonderful example of such craftsmanship.

We can tell that a lot happened to Luke, Han, and Leia between the end of Star Wars: A New Hope and the beginning of The Empire Strikes Back. The tentative three-way friendship that first formed on the Death Star became a deep and abiding friendship, with hints of something more between Han and Leia. Luke also did a lot of maturing between the movies. This story does a very good job of beginning the character changes we see in The Empire Strikes Back. The fic takes place just after the Battle of Yavin, and it explains not only why Chewie did not get a medal, but also how Luke and Han managed to maintain their friendship with a princess and Alliance leader. It's a fun story that brightens the day. Take a break from all the angst of Revenge of the Sith and go read it.

* * *

( Excerpt )

Estimated Time of Departure

Fandom: STAR WARS
Pairing: Gen, with a little Anakin/Amidala
Length: 380,000 words
Author on LJ: fernwithy, darth_stitch (Jedi Skysong)
Author Website: Vader's Mask, Fern's Humongous Bighead Site

Why this must be read:

For my final story of the month, I am recommending "The Penitent." It is the ultimate Anakin redemption story. And it is long, very long. I suggest putting aside an entire weekend or more to read this one. The basic plot is quite intriguing: About a year after Return of the Jedi Luke discovers an adolescent clone body of his father. It is unanimated, an empty vessel, waiting to be used. With a little convincing, ghost Anakin "jumps" into the clone body. Suddenly, he is a forty-seven year-old man in the body of a thirteen-year old. Also, Amidala is found alive, having spent the entirety of the Imperial years in a prison in what once was Otoh Gunga at the bottom on the ocean on Naboo. (Vader was told by the Emperor that she was dead.) She is re-elected as queen of Naboo. Leia is running the New Republic, and Lando gets elected Prince of Theed. All the Skywalkers are re-united, and on the surface it looks like everything will work out.

But, there are problems.

Leia isn't talking to her father. Luke is too forgiving (even Anakin says so), and Amidala is stuck in the middle. Her husband is a little boy, even if he is inhabiting a clone on rapid growth.

And then the real problems start. To save an imperial officer from being convicted for a crime he did not commit, Anakin goes before the Naboo court, declares who really is, and that the officer is innocent. Chaos naturally erupts all over the galaxy: Darth Vader is alive!

( More commentary on the story )

(This story is another sequel to Father's Heart, which was recommended by a previous SW crack van driver here. It is also a sequel to The Only Question, which I recommended earlier in the month here.)

* * *

( Excerpt )

The Penitent

Title: Around A Sense Of Self
Fandom: The West Wing
Pairing: Sam/Will
Rating: PG-13
Author on LJ: tangleofthorns
Author Website: Sparkgirls
Why this must be read:

I have to admit to a weakness for the 'Five Things That Never Happened To' genre. I just love all the snapshots of characters if just one little thing had changed. This is a wonderful look at Will, the sections poignant, revealing, warming and shocking all at once. There's a quietness to this story, a kind of hidden strength - much like Will himself. And the last one more than packs a punch.

( Extract )

Around A Sense Of Self by Luna

Title: Summer of a Boy
Fandom: The West Wing
Pairing: Josh/Sam
Rating: PG-13
Author on LJ:
Author Website: Mind Games
Why this must be read:

There has been so much Josh/Sam fic written - both slash and gen - and it's easy to see why. They've got so much chemistry and there's clearly so much back story that ITSOTG only alluded to. This is a very slight but beautifully written with gorgeous lyrical language. Very simply, it's Josh meeting Sam but this is not a romance and they don't get to ride off into the sunset together.

( Extract )

Summer of a Boy by cgb

Title: Two Eight Zero
Fandom: Starsky & Hutch
Pairing: None (Gen)
Author on LJ: I don't think so.
Author Website: Whumsel's Fanfic Corner.
Why this must be read:

*sigh* This was one of the first SH fanfics I ever read, and it's so good I didn't even realise it's not slash *grins* It's very dark and rather strange in places (and gets really rather twisted), but Whumsel has a terrific writing style and I think she captures the characters well enough for it to work. Plus, it's just downright beautifully written (the extract below is an example of this).

Two Eight Zero

( Excerpt... )

Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Pairing: Fraser/Kowalski
Author on LJ: china_shop & lyra_sena
Author Website: china_shop’s fanfic/slash index & palelight
Why this must be read:

To paraphrase an old saying, once is an accident, twice a coincidence, three times makes a tradition. So here is the traditional comedy piece to close out this month’s set of recs by Your Humble Reviewer.

This slashy filksong was inspired by the ds_flashfiction Neck(ing) Challenge. It’s set to the tune of “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music, and it’s brilliant:

Welsh and Francesca and Turnbull and Thatcher
Duck boys and Stella, Muldoon and his capture
Bob in the closet, yeah don’t forget Dief
To sum up due South we’ll be short and quite brief...

Not only does it scan properly, it contains links to many wonderful F/K fics. And don’t miss the dialogue stinger at the end!

Sister Maria Explains due South to the von Trapp Children

---

Well, it’s time for me to sled off into the sunset. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my recs half as much as I did writing them!

Title: Counting Coup
Fandom: The West Wing
Pairing: Hints of Josh/Donna
Rating: PG
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Seanachais
Why this must be read:

Noel must have spawned nearly as many fic as ITSOTG but I think this remains my favourite. Set the following morning, this is Leo and the President contemplating Josh and Donna and how good they are for each other, both professionally and personally. Perri Smith is a fantastic writer and has an excellent grasp of the characters' voices - especially Leo who has to be one of the hardest to write well. She's such a subtle writer, conveying Leo's affection for Josh, Josh and Donna's dependence on each other, the strong friendship between Leo and the President and the fragility of all these relationships without needing to labour the point. There are so many things I adore about this story but I'll shut up and just tell you to go and read it yourself.

( Extract )

Counting Coup by Perri Smith

Title: Much Ado About Politixs
Fandom: The West Wing
Pairing: Josh/Donna, Sam/Ainsley
Rating: PG-13
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Her fiction can be found at Bipartisan Relations
Why this must be read:

You will laugh. No, really, you will. You might think that sticking the characters from TWW into Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing is the worst idea since Pop Idol but you'd be missing out on a lovely piece of fiction. The basic premise is this: they're being forced to perform Much Ado About Nothing although Toby keeps rebelling, Leo shows a distinct lack of enthusiasm for the whole project and Josh is deeply concerned that he might have to fight a duel.

This is very funny stuff. I could go on at great length about my favourite parts but I'd hate to spoil it for you. Suffice to say that Michelle knows her Shakespeare inside out and there are some neat references to Hamlet, King Lear and Romeo and Juliet as well.

It is in script format but don't let that put you off. You'll be missing out if you don't check this out.

( Extract )

Much Ado About Politixs by Michelle Hiley

Fandom: THE SENTINEL
Pairing: Jim/Blair
Author on LJ: ?
Author Website:Saul's slash fiction
Why this must be read:

This won't be for everyone. It's the guilty pleasure type of story. It's way over the top. It's a a long PWP with very little plot. It's the bonding ritual pushing every limits : physical (two days!!!), emotional, spiritual. But like every excellent guilty pleasure it makes sense within itself. It's definitely not for everyone but a very good bonbon is fun once in a while.

Saul has written two follow up to Planet of the Sentinels.

Enjoy with a grain of salt. The story doesn't take itself seriously and you shouldn't either it would totally sour the fun of this story.

Planet of the Sentinels

Comments always welcome.

Please send feedback to the author.

---

This is the last rec for me. I always enjoy revisiting favorite stories and discovering new ones. Hope you liked them.

Fandom: Starsky & Hutch
Pairing: N/A (gen)
Rating: PG
Author on LJ: No.
Author website: Her stories can be found here: http://meandthee.shahrazad.net/author.php?authorid=24
Why this must be read:

Simply put, this is one of the most poignant, profound pieces of Starsky & Hutch pieces I have ever read. It takes place during the last episode; Sweet Revenge, just before the scene in which Starsky wakes up. Absolutely haunting, I can not recommend this piece enough. Honest to God, if you only read one Starsky and Hutch fic from my late-and-spammy recomendations, read this one.

( Extract... )

Testing.

Fandom: HIGHLANDER
Pairing: Duncan/Methos
Author on LJ:
Author Website: Meant To Be Together

Why this must be read: because it is absolutely exquisite and heartbreaking at the same time. Set in an post-apocalypse timeframe (a nuclear war almost destroys the world), Duncan and Methos are the only two Immortals left standing. What will happen when they see each other again? And it asks the ultimate question: does love really conquer all?

This story will tear you apart (but in a good way).

Sunlight Through Leaves

Fandom: HIGHLANDER
Pairing: Duncan/Tessa, Duncan/Methos
Author(s) on LJ: slcross & ts5000
Author Website: CrossWords

Why this must be read: because it is an great A/U that reads like a suspense novel that includes our favorite Highlander characters in it. The long novel begins during the episode, "The Darkness" when Duncan MacLeod meets Methos. Duncan is living with Tessa Noel, but is drawn to the older Immortal and their lives soon spiral out of control when Tessa is killed (as is Methos' fiancee). In grief and despair, they turn to each other, but are soon drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse when a deadly Watcher experiment comes after them. Will they be able to overcome this monster who is trying to kill them? And just what is the nature of their relationship, is it just sex between friends or true love?

A long, satisfying read, I know you will enjoy it! If you are a slasher, please don't be put off by the het (Duncan/Tessa pairing) that is in the first half of the novel, as it really 'fits' in the story and doesn't detract from the dynamic of Duncan/Methos in the plot. The rest of the novel focuses on Duncan and Methos.



The Descent Into Madness

Title: Better Than Perfect
Fandom: The West Wing
Pairing: Josh/Donna
Rating: NC-17
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Archived at The National Library
Why this must be read:

I've been a fan of Ygrawn ever since I read The Syntax of Things Unspoken. She has such a fantastic grasp of the characters and of Josh and Donna in particular. This seven part story follows the trials and tribulations encountered by Josh as he tries to show Donna how much he appreciates her on their anniversary - while also out doing CJ, Toby, Leo and Sam and proving to all the assisstants that he is the best boss. Naturally, things don't go according to plan. I'm a complete sucker for a well written long Josh/Donna fic and this one hits all the spots and it's well worth reading just for the first part which explains how they all got their assistants.

( Extract )

Better Than Perfect by Ygrawn

Title: The Long Hot Summer
Fandom: The West Wing
Pairing: Josh/Donna
Rating: R
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Dee's Josh and Donna fanfics
Why this must be read:

Even though the series barely referenced Josh's recuperation post-ITSOTG, it's clear that he would have been off work for a long time - and that Donna would probably have been the one who ended up running around after him. Dee takes that idea and runs with it. The Long Hot Summer is almost epic in scopic as it deals with Josh and Donna's changing relationship as Josh slowly returns to health - and the jarring end of their unusual intimacy. There have been a lot of Josh/Donna fic based around this premise, but I genuinely think this has to be one of the best. She has a great grasp of the characters and the dialogue is excellent.

( Extract )

The Long Hot Summer by Dee (link goes to the main page of the website. Click on 'Read the Fanfics' and then scroll down for The Long Hot Summer and the sequel Loyalties)

Title: House of Cards
Fandom: The West Wing
Pairing: Josh/Sam
Rating: PG-13
Author on LJ: ajuxtaposedme
Author Website: tulips for every occasion
Why this must be read:

To finish up my recs this month, I've chosen my favourite one by AJ. House of Cards is a stunningly beautiful piece of writing with the most gorgeous, lushly lyrical language. This is Sam contemplating not only his relationship with Josh, but what Josh means to him and how he can't, just can't let go. This is a thoughtful, quiet Sam, the Sam of Somebody's Going To Emergency, Somebody's Going To Jail who feels things so very deeply but rarely lets people know. What AJ does is to capture Sam-the-writer, a man with an astonishing grasp of language and a powerful imagination and she just gently breaks his heart leaving him yearning and almost trembling in love. Stunning.

This is just so beautiful, the characterisations are superb, the dialogue is excellent and there is an intangible breath of hope in the ending.

( Extract )

House of Cards by AJ