Generally speaking, fans have a bent for writing characters’ past lives, or simply for setting them in another time and place. For readers, it’s an amusing diversion from the standard "let’s-get-'em-into-bed" devices commonly employed. It can also make for a great exercise in spotting subtle – and not so subtle – character traits. Because of Jim's heightened senses and Blair's shamanism, though, AUs get a fresh spin by fans, and it often makes for a very worthwhile read. This is a favorite…

Fandom: THE SENTINEL
Pairing: Jim/Blair
Author on LJ: alyburns
Author Website: The Kennel, or look her up at 852 Prospect
Why this must be read:

What starts as a visit to a special exhibition at the Cascade Museum of Natural History, leads to the murder of one of Blair's old academic mentors. In solving this case, will Jim and Blair unravel the mystery behind a double homicide in Ancient Egypt, as well?

This thoroughly enjoyable story has everything: murder mysteries, archeology, anthropology, sinister villains, past lives, a post TSbyBS Jim and Blair who work and play well together, zippy banter, delicious sex, and Hapshepsut. Alyjude ties it all together, and sets mood and location masterfully here, making each time period and its characters, wholly believable. The action is riveting, and even though you know there’s going to be a “happy ending” (because it’s an Alyjude tale), you still thrill to every twist, peril, and turn.

( Ahead of him, just out of touch, the curtain billowed softly, shimmering in the warm desert heat. )

Sands of Time

We need a driver for the Angel fandom in July!

For August and beyond, we need multiple drivers in the following fandoms: Hornblower, LOTRIPS, Pop Slash, Star Trek, Star Wars, Stargate 1, Starsky & Hutch, The West Wing, and X-Men.

Go here to sign up! And pimp it, people!

Fandom: FIREFLY
Pairing: n/a
Author on LJ: knitmeapony
Author Website: Knit Me A Pony
Why this must be read: Written for the apocalyptothon, this is the end of the 'verse through River's eyes. Well-written and fascinating, the characterisations and insights in this story as everything falls apart are lovely, if bittersweet.

( excerpt )

Radio Silence

Fandom: Hikaru no Go
Pairing: Ashiwara/Ogata, Ogata/OFCs, Ashiwara/Saeki
Author on LJ: lynnmonster
Author Website: unknown
Why this must be read:

Ashiwara might be cheerful, but he's not a pushover. A fun and well done twist on the usual depiction of Ogata the player.

Breaking A Few Eggs