Fandom: LABYRINTH
Pairing: Jareth/Sarah, other pairings involving original characters
Author on LJ: cormak
Author Website: http://www.geocities.com/jareth_sarah/ and http://www.scatteredlogic.net/viewuser.php?uid=6

Why this must be read:

Misunderstandings, youthful indescretions, intrigues and duplicities, violent confrontations, hurt/comfort, the Fae Court, interesting original characters (there's a fantasy cast for the story here), an interesting interpretation of Jareth's pendant... only Dart's full name throws me out of total immersion in this story. In the end, though, I just can't resist an angsty, suffering Jareth, whose own true feelings can trigger a crippling curse.

"...Take the crystal and go." He ordered.

Sarah's brows lowered over her eyes. "What if I don't want to go?"

"You've worn out your welcome. Take it and leave. Do not try to summon me again. I will not answer."

"You wouldn't send me away."

"Don't try my patience, Sarah. I've let you and your troublesome friend have your vacation. It's over, go home."

Sarah glared at him, ready to toss back harsh words but something attracted her attention. A soft glow on the dark fabric of Jareth's clothes. The pendant.

Jareth didn't allow her to see it, but his heart sank as she reached forward toward the crystal. She would take it and leave him. It would be much more difficult to get over her this time around, if he ever got over her at all....

Sarah reached forward but her hand moved past the crystal and Jareth watched curiously. Sarah stepped closer, her expression very intense. She took the leather tie of his pendant in her hands and Jareth tried to pull away. What was she doing?

As she slowly ran her hands down the leather cord, she glanced up at Jareth. "I know what you feel, Jareth." There was no anger in her tone.

Jareth made another attempt to pull away but she held onto the cord with all the strength she could muster. "You know absolutely nothing!" He spat at her. He watched her expression turn from anger to sadness. Her hands slid closer to the warmth of the pendant. Jareth panicked. "Sarah...."

All 39 parts (yes, this is a long one!) are linked via One

or you can read the whole story as one page via One

Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Pairing: Fraser/Vecchio/Kowalski
Author on LJ: aerye
Author Website: aerye's stories

Why this must be read:
I have a weakness for threesomes in this fandom, and this story does it right emotionally--it's not just about the hot man-sex (not that there's anything wrong with good smut). I like the eavesdropper perspective, and RayK's reaction at finding out how his men feel about each other, and him, feels real. I also believe the conversation in this context, when otherwise I might wonder at Vecchio and Fraser having this sort of relationship discussion.

Quick Reverse Turn and a Triple Jive

Fandom: LABYRINTH
Pairing: Jareth/Sarah, other pairings involving original characters
Author on LJ: scatteredlogic
Author Website: http://www.digital-quill.org/ and http://www.scatteredlogic.net/

Why this must be read:

I've saved my favorite for last, I think, although I could almost say that of any story either written or recommended by Scattered Logic. It's been fun driving the crack van this month for Labyrinth, and I hope you've enjoyed the ride!

From the author notes: "The idea for A Necessary Deception took shape while reading an analysis of Labyrinth that discussed the idea of Jareth being Sarah's creation and that everything had happened only in her imagination. The analysis continued by exploring the idea that Sarah had, in fact, been in complete control of Jareth all along.

I began to wonder what would happen if you turned that idea on its head. If everything that had happened had been real, but that Jareth had been controlling Sarah. From that idle speculation, A Necessary Deception was born."

The story builds on that clever foundation with courtly intrigues, action, adventure, lots of romance, misunderstandings and reconciliations, hot intimate scenes, deft plotting and well-polished wordcraft, lovely original characters, bits of humor...

"That's okay. Don't worry about it." Sarah shook her head. "Let's not talk about my situation, all right? So, about the Aboveworld... Well, let's start with television."

Breena nodded eagerly.

"First of all--we don't catch pixies and put them in a box..."

Some of the stories I love in this fandom have addressed the fact that Jareth is a king, how he carries out his duties or how he administers his kingdom. This story goes steps further, illustrating in wrenching detail how his personality and decision-making are shaped by the constant pressures of his responsibilities. Fascinating stuff.

And did I mention the hot intimate scenes? Yeah... shimmering heat off glowing embers hot.

Jareth leaned down. Through the silk of her dress, he slowly traced one finger over the zigzag of laces at her back. His voice velvety in her ear, he said, "If you find it uncomfortable, I would be happy to loosen the stays for you."

Sarah turned her head and looked at him with a smirk, "Nice try, but I don't think so."

"Oh, Sarah," he laughed softly and his eyes held a promise, "I haven't even begun to try."

Her mouth went dry.

How often do we get to read about fantastical characters' own fantasies? Not often enough, I say. Sarah isn't the only one who's been dreaming of what-if scenarios based on her adventures in the Labyrinth.

All 29 parts (yes, this is a long story, and I just stayed up all night reading it again) are linked via A Necessary Deception

or via A Necessary Deception

Fandom: THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.
Pairing: none; it’s Gen
Author on LJ: No.
Author’s website: Vicky’s Man From U.N.C.L.E. Fanfiction
Why this must be read:

So why is Napoleon Solo so damn lucky? This story provides an answer of sorts and it will surprise you.

Like most of Vicky’s pieces, this one is fairly long and intricately plotted, with gritty action and memorable OC characters. Solo and Kuryakin’s task is simple: retrieve a package containing an extremely dangerous nerve gas before Thrush can get it. Waverly’s orders are direct and ominous: accomplish the mission whatever the cost.

But the way the story is told is complex and it jumps around in time and POV, with a mix of narrative voices. If you stick with it, however, you’ll see that everything eventually falls into place like a jigsaw puzzle.

What I like best about this story is its edgy, take-no-prisoners’ tone, the satisfying denouement, and best of all, its layered literary quality. For example, here we're privy to Solo’s ambivalent thoughts and feelings as he romances an Innocent purely as a means to an end:

But she was already half in love with him and the heat and the summer air were clouding her judgment. Her mind had already closed to the truth. They undid one another’s shirt buttons, slowly, and Napoleon gathered her to him in earnest, tasting youth, drinking the heady aroma of clean laundry and soap.

It had been a long time since he’d held a woman who didn’t douse herself in French perfume, and for a moment he was sixteen again and madly in love. Then the illusion shattered and he was just another field agent using sex as the fastest way to get what he wanted. A textbook case for Jules Cutter to paste into his files.

Or here, the philosophical musings of a dead man:

One by one I count my sins down, from here until the end of myself. One by one, I watch and regret, wait and remember. Through the mist I still see Manhattan pressed flat against a gray dawn sky. I slide the tip of my finger along the curves of a beautiful woman, hear the splash of taxis against traffic cops in the rain, smell July garbage, October egg-fu-yung, and the scent of new-mown hay as I creep through tall grass with a gun in my hand.

And I still feel the ants marching over my body, reducing skin, blood, and muscle to dust.

Life is gone, yet it’s here at the edge of my grasp.

Pity me. Touch me. Take me back.

Who is he? Read the story and find out.

Solo’s Luck

Fandom: NCIS
Pairing: Gibbs/DiNozzo
Author on LJ: lunardreamed
Author Website: N/A
Why this must be read:

Now this Tony is one I hope to see more of this season. The dynamics between the two men may be changing, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

His Tony, his agent, the eager puppy, has matured. He’s found his sea legs, standing firm in a constantly shifting world. Yank the rug from under him and he only stands more firmly than before. His confidence is no longer a façade, easily exposed with a backhanded compliment or fleeting failure. The insecure youth who looked to him is gone. This is a man, who doesn’t need him at all.

Calm in the Storm

Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Pairings: Vecchio/Kowalski vibes, general slashiness
Author on LJ: shayheyred
Author Website: Chez Shay

Why this must be read:
I wanted to rec this story as an example of excellence in brevity. There aren't many words in this piece, but every word hits home. I also like the post-undercover portrayal of RayV, which I dig and find completely credible. Fraser's surprise at the potential for more between his Rays is also believable.

Subtleties

Fandom: STARGATE SG1
Pairing: Sam/Daniel, implied Sam/Jack & Sam/Teal'c
Author on LJ: splash_the_cat
Author's Website: Moments of Adoration
Why this must be read:

This is a short, yet hilarious little fic about Sam and the men when they find themselves being used in an alien experiment.

Carter cut him off. "Forget that. I'm pregnant, by all three of them, and I didn't even get to have sex?"

Who's your Daddy?

Fandom: STARGATE SG1
Pairing: Gen
Author on LJ: ducks_in_a_row
Author's Website: http://www.pandemonium.me.uk/eos
Why this must be read:

This is dark fic that is AU from the end of Season 8. It deals with Shifu coming because Oma can't care for him. So, Daniel decides to take care of him, but things just don't seem to be right. If you're looking for a happy ending, you won't find it here but that's what makes this so good. Everything is not wrapped up in a shiny bow. Things go wrong and sometimes SG1 can't fix them.
( Read more... )


Part 1 & Part 2

Fandom: STARGATE SG1
Pairing: Sam/Daniel
Author on LJ: surrealphantast
Author's Website: http://www.mind-rot.net/
Why this must be read:

For my last fic (I'm sorry for leaving these for the end of the month, it's been busy for me), I decided to rec another S/D fic just because I don't think the pairing gets enough notice from people. This is yet another "Aliens Made Them Do It" fics, but it's Sam/Daniel this time. They're stuck on another planet, and must have sex in order to complete a ceremony before they can be released. Sure, it's a cliche, but it's done so well...and so hot.


The Rites of Hedona

Fandom: DOCTOR WHO
PairingAuthor on LJ: taraljc
Author's Website: LJC's Fanfiction Library
Why this must be read:

This was one of the first fics I read when I got into Doctor Who, and it's definitely one that stuck with me. Not only does it incorporate Old School Who brilliantly, but it also stays consistent with the Nine and Rose we see on the show, and though there are stakes, it's more about the characters than action or danger.

( Excerpt )

Ivory and Horn

Fandom: BATTLESTAR GALACTICA 2003
Pairing: Lee/Kara
Author on LJ: carrkicksdoor
Author Website: carrkicksdoor
Why this must be read: For my last rec of the month I wanted to end on an angsty note. Because you hurt the ones you love, especially in the BSG-verse, especially when you don't mean to just because that's the way things are. Set early in S2, after Starbuck's return from Caprica -- this story wrestles with the human feelings and the underlying fear of the Cylons that brings everyone together, rips their hearts apart and patches them up, one more time.

( A brief excerpt )

Idols, Part One
Idols, Part Two
Idols, Part Three
Idols, Part Four

Fandom: FARSCAPE
Pairing: n/a
Author on LJ: pdxscaper
Author's Website: LJ writing journal Writing a Curve of Gold and White

Why this must be read:

The Five Things meme comes and goes on LJ, but it usually leaves some lovely things in its wake. This is one of them. It's not so much a series of ficlets but a series of ideas that could become fics but as they stand are stories in their own right. Confusing, I know, but it works. Sharp little daggers to the heart.

Five things John Crichton never told a single soul

Go read and don't forget to feed the author.

Fandom:FARSCAPE
Pairing: n/a
Author on LJ: hossgal
Author's website: n/a

Why this must be read:

Farscape has, as cannon, Unrealized Realities. In any other fandom these would be considered AUs but thanks to one David Kemper, this fandom can write these with the knowledge that these are possible, if not cannon, just not here. *bg* This is one of those URs that I almost wish was true. It corrects a perceived wrong and gives the softer side of a curmudgeon character. It's fluff, but good fluff.

Seeking

Go read and don't forget to feed the author.

Fandom: FARSCAPE
Pairing: n/a
Author on LJ: sathinks
Author's Website: One Safe Bet

Why this must be read:

It's hard to get a S1 John Crichton right, especially after having watched the series. It's even harder to get it right in such a short word count. This does both. This drabble hold shades of who he will be bracketed by who he is. It's full of hope and pragmatism, just like John.

Resistance

Go read and don't forget to feed the author.

Fandom: FARSCAPE
Pairing: n/a
Author on LJ: rubberneck
Author's Website: Fanfic by feldman

Why this must be read:

feldman has been recced many times here and there is a reason for that. She's that good. This is just another example of why. It's Dr. Seuss with a Farscape twist. Taking place during A Hidden Memory<./i> and Nerve it's set from Stark's POV. Which makes the Seussian rhymes so much more apt. It's one of those rare gems fandom gets every now and then and it deserves to be admired as such.

Fun, Sun, Gun

Go read and feed the author.

Once again, thanks for coming along for the ride this month. I happily hand over the keys of the van to Thea, whom, contrary to what you might hear, is an excellent driver. *snerk*

Fandom: STAR WARS PT
Pairing: Obi-Wan/Anakin
Author on LJ: cupiscent
Author's Website: Furtive Scribblings
Why this must be read:
So at the end of my glorious month as a reccer, I finally bring one knock-down, drag-out, choking-on-the-hotness bit of porn. The writer takes the cliché of coerced sex and sets fire to it. Tension creeps up so slowly through the story you barely notice it until you've got a massive tension headache and Anakin climbing all over you. And, because it must be said at least once: poor, poor Obi-Wan.

Anakin gets captured, Obi-Wan rescues him, and the aftermath would be ridiculous if it weren't so troubling.

Walking the Fine Line

Fandom: STAR WARS PT
Pairing: Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan
Author on LJ: feartotread
Author's Website: http://www.bishink.org/
Why this must be read:
A quiet and contemplative, amusing and heartfelt coda to the the Star Wars prequels; an oft-repeated subject of how Obi-Wan meets with Qui-Gon on his vigil of Tatooine. Here, it is the uncommon treatment of Obi-Wan's shock and disbelief at Qui-Gon that sets it apart. In life and afterlife Qui-Gon always seems to shock and love Obi-Wan while oblivious to the aftereffects. Obi-Wan's grief and joy are piercing and true:

"I have no idea why this isn't working," Obi-Wan said aloud, looking up at his master and laughing a little in a distant sort of way. He gestured vaguely at the generator. "Anakin could have fixed it in no time, of course. Tell me I was hopeless with machines. that I was better off... with..." Obi-Wan simply stopped talking, and put his face in his hand.

...while the ending leads perfectly into the rising hope, the new hope of the next generation.

Wayward Sons

Fandom:  Highlander
Pairing:  Duncan/Methos
Author on LJ:  carenejeans
Author Website:  The Garrett
Why this story must be read:  Okay, one last rec before the month runs out. This one's just for grins.  This one must be read because.... Aliens Made Them Do It!!!!  It's true crackfic.  Short, silly and totally irreverent, but fun.

Extra Credit

Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Pairing: Fraser/Kowalski
Author on LJ: runpunkrun
Author Website: The Underground

Why this must be read:
This is how it ends, in one storyverse, at least. One can't even be too sad, because Fraser and Ray are together.

Post-apocalyptic stories aren't too uncommon in many fandoms, and given the age we live in, the theme isn't too shocking. But the utter normalcy of RayK and Fraser's reaction is both comforting and sobering. I liked the variation on the ending of Last Night, and Punk makes the end of the world appropriate for these two due South characters. It's a bittersweet story that I still find satisfying.

Cover by liviapenn
Nne-lla-go'tinné

Fandom:STARSKY AND HUTCH
Pairing: Starsky and Hutch
Author on LJ: Susan
Author Website: http://sjames-centre.livejournal.com/ http://shslash.kassidyrae.com/fiction.html Why this must be read: Susan is the most subtle and poetic creator of fiction in this fandom right now. Her vision of the guys is so complete that her voice never falters in telling their stories, yet she still manages to surprise her readers. You will soon be reading longer works by Susan -- two wonderful stories are slated to appear in a forthcoming zine edited and published by Kassidy Rae -- but it is her "drabbles" (self-contained stories of 100 words) that reveal her talent, and prepare us for more. You will need to explore Susan's LJ for her drabbles; look for subject lines starting with ND. You might want to start with a small group of interconnected drabbles titled "Months." Enjoy!