Hi, I'm your driver for The Magnificent Seven this month. In the TV series, the Old West provided a mythic setting for seven dangerous, enigmatic, complex, flawed, and very human men drawn into an often uneasy alliance. They squabble, they get on each others' nerves, they let each other down, they tease, yet they are ferocious in each others' defense. Just like family. The characters and their relationships translate remarkably well into other environments and eras, particularly where men face danger together. The real wealth of the fandom is the many Alternate Universes, most of them open to any writer who wants to play.

While I am bifictional, I find the bond between 'brothers' more interesting than sexual attraction (most of the time). When I find a good story, I hate to see it end, so this month I will be concentrating mainly on long gen stories (with page-turning plots, great character development, fine writing, and wit along with action). I want to share some of the stories that are worth the time invested.

I have an additional offer for those fans who, like me, prefer to curl up with a printed story rather than sit in front of a computer for a good read. I have all of the stories I'm reccing attractively formatted for printing - two columns per page - and I'm happy to share with anyone who wants them. Write to me at FicPrint at Bellsouth dot Net for copies.

Fandom: THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
Pairing: none
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: The Standish Tavern
Why this must be read:

The Four Kingdoms is the first story (novel really) in a series that puts the Seven in a magnificently rousing sword and sorcery fantasy. The author obviously had a lot of fun developing the detailed history, mythology, and rules of the universe and you will have a lot of fun reading it. If you are a Mag7 aficionado you will enjoy discovering many characters and bits of episodes you are familiar with. If not, it will all be new and exciting.

At the beginning, the insane King of one of the Four Kingdoms has attacked his neighbors and almost succeeded in reuniting an ancient empire and freeing an ancient evil. An Oracle envisions seven men who may be the only chance to stop him. Chris is the champion of a fallen kingdom, Vin a scout and archer, Ezra a thief, Josiah a mage, Nathan a healer, Buck a former Captain of the Guard, and JD a stable-boy who wants to be a squire. Reluctantly they begin the quest... facing danger, suffering, magic, sacrifice, and overwhelming odds.

( Read an excerpt. )

NOTE: The last story in the series, Rhea and the Wolf, is listed as a WIP, but the story is essentially finished, so don't hesitate to read it.

The Four Kingdoms

Fandom: STARSKY AND HUTCH
Pairing: Starsky/Hutch
Author on LJ: unk
Why this must be read:

Begin, and cease, and then again begin... That summary by the author pretty much says it all. A heart-rending look at Season 4:


"Hutch was three steps onto the sidewalk, when he heard Starsky turn off the engine.

Won't what's her name miss you? Or do you go there after? sat like a bitter taste in the back of his mouth. He forced himself to swallow it and let Starsky push him into the bedroom -- onto the unmade bed -- and kiss him. And he kissed back because, despite everything, he couldn't turn off the wanting.

They stripped. He got off. Starsky got off. Moans, spit and semen, followed by a silent, empty afterglow.

He'd stopped trying to make love to Starsky months ago."


This is the author's only stab at Starsky and Hutch, as far as I know, although she writes a lot in anime fandoms.

High and Dry

Hi, I'm Periwinkle and I'll be your driver this month. I'm hoping to bring a variety of stories to your attention. Let's start with a short, but intriguing one.

Fandom: NCIS
Pairing: Gen
Author on LJ: ceindreadh
Author Website: unknown

Why this must be read:

This story immediately follows "Twilight" so you know that, unfortunately, there is probably going to be a major character death. As the author says, "you may need tissues."

But what if instead of Kate being shot, something else had happened? What would the consequences be to the team if events were changed?

"That's not the way it's supposed to be, dammit." Kate turned to the shrouded figure beside her. "I'm not supposed to die like that. I should have died in the line of duty...not been murdered by that bastard Ari, it's not *fair*..."

Fatal Dilemma

Hello fellow crack addicts! I'm wizefics and I shall be behind the wheel of the X-Men van this month! I shall strive to put aside my natural tendencies for road rage and will share some of my favorite fics in this fandom over the month. It shouldn't be hard! There are so many shiny fics to choose from! While I have a decided preference for Bobby aka Iceman, I shall feature a variety of characters and pairings this month. :)

I hope you all enjoy the ride!

Fandom: X-MEN MOVIEVERSE
Pairing: Jean Grey, mentions of Jean/Scott
Author on LJ: likeadeuce, aka Karabair
Author Website: Organized Links
Why this must be read:

I was curious when I first read this. I was addicted to likeadeuce's fics when I finished. This story is what fanfiction should strive to be. It's got spot on characterization, witty dialogue, and a punch that makes this story worth reading many times.

Author's Summary: Does she dare disturb the universe? X3 wasn’t the first time Jean Grey wrestled with her powers. Set about 10 years before the first movie.

The boy's eyes shine bright cold green, open and alive. There is nothing behind them. His head lies back against the hospital pillow. Dr. Ellis Vail stands by the bed, lecturing to twelve medical students, crowded into the room with their noisy minds. I am one of them, and I am not.

My name is Jean Grey. I am twenty-four years old.

My name is Phoenix. I am ageless and endless.

Together we understand.


Phoenix: Lovesong (The J. Alfred Prufrock Mix)