Fandom: THE SENTINEL
Pairing: Jim/Blair
Author on LJ: Not known
Author Website: http://www.voyeuse.net/stories/sindex.htm
Why this must be read:

This is beautiful writing, in a deceptively low key style. In the author's notes, Molly writes Additionally...I find this to be an odd story, for me. For all its length (and for me, this is pretty long), not much happens. In fact, what does happen probably leaves off in such a place to need a sequel, but I can't promise that will happen. So it is what it is, for now, and I hope that's enough. Meaning, it's approaching slash, but not quite there.
And while I agree that a sequel would be nice (but sadly, I doubt there's one forthcoming), I don't particuarly agree that nothing much happens - it's just that the 'action' takes place mainly as a series of reflections in Jim's head. Written in Jim's POV, this fic touches on Jim's relationship with his brother, the way his view of the world has been affected by his senses (which is handled in an original and refreshing way), and of course on his relationship with Blair. Almost as good are the tantalising glimpses of Blair that we see, viewed through Jim's eyes so that his motivations are only as clear to us as they are to Jim. I really like this fic - it's so good that I don't mind that it's not *actually* slash - it stands without it.
( Quote )
Imperfect, by Molly.

Through a Glass, Darkly (NC-17)
Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: JC/Lance primarily, but everyone winds up with a part in the story.
Author on LJ: synecdochic
Author Website: http://www.kekkai.org/synecdochic/main.html
Why this must be read: It's an epic of magic and power and genere transcendence. It’s one of the best pieces of fanfic I've ever read. And it's a mystery you can enjoy even if you aren't a fan of the band.

This week? Magic. Popslash is perhaps the most AU friendly fandom I've ever been involved with. I think it's because there is an overwhelming desire for the members of Nsync to be more than they actually are. To be a lot smarter and deeper and just more interesting than they may be in actual life. To have not hit their peak prior to 25 and be forced to spend their lives just drifting. Lance Bass the actual person spent much of 2003 and 2004 drinking and partying across the globe. Lance Bass the character saved the world several times.

I think I like Lance Bass the character better.

Through a Glass Darkly is a sequel to the terrific Rake at the Gates of Hell, which is recommended here: "Rake at the Gates of Hell Rec" You don’t have to read the first to get this one. But you should anyway, because it's just good.

Both are just beautiful. If you are a fan of Neil Gaimen's Sandman, or Hellblazer, or even if you just thought the movie Constantine was good? You will love this. Magic and religion and a mystery.

I can't think of enough good things to say about this story, so I'm going to let it speak for itself.

An excerpt: ( Through a Glass Darkly )

Through a Glass Darkly

Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairing: Harry/Ginny, Ron/Hermione
Author on LJ: not that I know of
Author website: The Sugar Quill houses both their fics as well as other Ron/Hermione stories
Why this must be read:

And now for something completely different. I present you with het – and even worse, it is partly Harry/Ginny, the pairing that is most vomit-inducing to me! But I really really like how this story is told, and even if you don’t read het, or don’t particularly fancy any of the pairings, go and read “After the End” -simply for the plot. It is absolutely brilliant. Set after Voldemort has been vanquished, the story delves into the life of the survivors as well as dealing with what exactly happened – and I’m warning you, it made me cry.

The story follows Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Sirius most of all, if I remember correctly (It has been quite a while since I read the whole thing, as it consists of 44 chapters, each of which takes at least half an hour to read). It deals with their issues, their future careers and, of course, their relationships.

"After the End"

Fandom: BLAKE'S 7
Pairing: Vila/Tarrant
Author on LJ:mireille719
Author Website: Afternoons and Coffee Spoons
Why this must be read:

Hee, one of the reasons this ought to be read is just that... well. Vila/Tarrant. Who the feck can make that work, I ask you? A bloody good writer, that's who. Characterisation--spot on. Humour and realistic sex, spot on. Wonderful teasing and joking between the two of them on Scorpio, when you can just about believe things had warmed up between them... I mean, how the heck do you explain the beginning of "Headhunter";)...? This is set after "Stardrive". The boyz are on a mission. Tarrant to fix Scorpio, of course, and Vila to distract Tarrant and drive him out of his mind. Hee. Lots of laughs, and lots of hot sex, lovely warm feel-good fic. G'wan, give it a go:).

All Work and No Play.

Fandom: MAN FROM UNCLE
Pairing: Napoleon/Illya
Author on LJ: KittyFisher
Author Website: http://www.devinemadness.com/kittyfisher/

Why this story must be read
Up until now I’ve been recommending fairly short stories. This story is long! 504K. And every time I’ve read it, I’ve read it from beginning to end without stopping because I get so engrossed in it. Fortunately, Kitty has it posted in segments so you can read the story in parts and not stay up all night the way I do.

This is a story about Napoleon slowly realizing exactly what his feelings are for Illya. It’s not a humorous story like my prior recommendations – it’s angsty and an intriguing story of hurt and comfort. But I would still classify it as a love story. I find it absolutely mesmerizing.

Be aware! This story contains rape scenes.

There are elements in the story that don’t totally fit my personal image of U.N.C.L.E.: an intolerant Waverly and a Solo who at the beginning of the tale is somewhat cruel and heedless of Illya’s feelings. Nevertheless, the writing is so good, the background of the characters well-developed, and the psychology of everyone’s actions is so intriguing, that everything works in the story.

( Read the Prologue )

True Colours: http://www.devinemadness.com/kittyfisher/colour1.htm

Fandom: BattleStar Galactica 2003
Pairing: Kara/Leoben
Author: makesmewannadie
Author's Website: N/A
Why this must be read: Because it's Kara after the events in KLG, when she hurts and is looking for anything. Because it's Leoben and he's believable and sympathetic. Because it works, and comes across as a natural progression of events. No, I'm serious.

Belief