Fandom: THE MAN FROM UNCLE
Pairing: pre-slash, depending on your interpretation
Author on LJ: I don't think Taliesin has one
Author Website: Taliesin's Reach
Why this must be read:

I've been meaning to rec a first time partnership story for ages, but a lot of the ones I had in mind were already rec'd. I've also been wanting to rec one of Taliesin's stories as she's one of the authors whose works hooked me into this fandom, but it was challenging to find one that wasn't already rec'd. Debts features her perfect blend of swiftly moving action and intrigue, banter and spot-on characterizations. This pre-UNCLE Illya is no KGB/GRU honeytrap, traumatized war victim or egghead scientist; he's just as sardonic, clever and consummately professional as we see on the show. This isn't to say that Napoleon is a milquetoast agent, either; between quips, Taliesin illustrates how their working styles complement each other perfectly. I could seriously imagine their first encounter and developing partnership playing out this way.

Debts

Hi all. *waves.* I'm pervyficgirl and I'll be reccing DC Comics fics for the month of June. Nightwing/Red Arrow and Superman/Nightwing own my soul, but I'll try to keep my recs diverse.  Still, strong women and slashy men are my weaknesses, so that will probably make up the majority of what I rec.

Fandom: DC COMICS
Pairing: Superman/Batman
Length: Epic story. At least two novels long.
Author on LJ: jen_in_japan
Author Website: N/A. Her stories are listed in her LJ sidebar.  
Why this must be read:

This story is my favorite Superman/Batman story that I've read, and considering how large the Superman/Batman fandom is (and how many talented authors play in the sandbox) that's  really saying a lot about how well crafted this story is.  The best compliment I can give it is that it reads like the greatest comic you've ever read, tweaked only slightly to allow Bruce Wayne to be more human and the protagonists to be together.  But the characters are both simultaneously very real and very recognizable as their canon counterparts. This story takes the "Absolute Power" arc of the comics in which Superman and Batman were kidnapped by time travelers as children and raised together to rule the world.

The first arc of Earth and Sky shows us more of that world (including the slashy bits, of course) than what the comic gave us alongside the aftermath where Bruce struggles with the memories of that world. It's Bruce's characterization here that really makes the story. Jen's Clark Kent/Kal is awesome as always, of course, but it's her Bruce, so real and fragile, while simultaneously trying to be so strong for them both, that sells the story.

The second arc has the duo kidnapped again as adults and forced to fight together as "Nightwing and Flamebird." The strength in this story is the increased bond between Superman and Batman, but also the rich Kryptonian history that Jen weaves throughout the story.

( Excerpt )

Earth and Sky

"Greetings, passengers of the Pirates of the Caribbean crack van. As has been expressed earlier, please refrain from rolling down your windows to feed Jack Sparrow peanuts. As you have witnessed, the monkey has much faster reflexes, and is getting a little on the tubby side thanks to treats from visitors.

If you look to your right, you will witness the rare form of The Flying Dutchman sailing fairly closely alongside us. Considering how we've had some issues with the brakes on the crack van as of late, we suggest you say a few prayers in the religious context of your choice and review the pictures of your friends and family within your wallets. With mortality permitting, there will be a rest stop at a local canteen within the hour."

Fandom: Pirates Of The Caribbean
Pairing: none. Characters are Will, Bootstrap, Norrington, crew of the Dutchman
Length: Novella (complete)
Author: Rokhal
Author Website: Author's page at fanfiction.net
Why this must be read: There are very few stories that make any real attempt to describe Captain Turner's 'life' on The Flying Dutchman, and Rokhal does it with not only highly original flair and wit but with realistic imagery and chilling understanding. The characters of the crew are well integrated into the story, as is Will's relationship as it both grows and distances from them. The plot is shaky and confusing at times, but this can be forgiven thanks to the rich details of sea life and the added components of fantasy as Will travels to the upside down world of Undersea. The author's notes at the end of the chapters are especially fun, giving the story a lighter tone than its subject may suggest.

LINK TO STORY: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4014009/1/Captain_Turner_and_the_Organ

Fandom: BATTLESTAR GALACTICA 2003
Pairing: none (Lee, Kara, Tigh, Adama, Sharon, Tyrol, Cally, Roslin, Baltar, Billy, Dee, Gaeta)
Length: 1,179 words
Author on LJ: dangermousie
Author website: Bollywood Blog
Why this must be read:

The Countdown Clock is an older fic, originally posted November 8, 2005. But with the 4th being the last season of Battlestar Galactica, I thought it appropriate to go back to the beginning, to the heady days of season 1 and the very first episode of this little show, an episode that many of us still consider to be the best of the show. The Countdown Clock is set during the legendary "33" and it brings front and center the exhaustion and the desperation everyone in the Colonial Fleet felt at the beginning of their journey.

Brief and poignant and with each snippet absolutely in character for those people at that time, I give you:

The Countdown Clock

Enjoy! :)

Fandom: HARRY POTTER
Pairing: Remus Lupin/Sirius Black
Length:~ 3,500 words
Author on LJ: unknown
Author website: unknown
Why this must be read
   I'm a sucker for an angsty fic with a happy ending. And Ithica draws you right in easily. There are many stories about the Shrieking Shack incident but this one stands out.  In my mind young Sirius is very dependent on his friends since he really has no family. This fic is a wonderful rendition of what might happen if you take that support base away.


Denouement

Fandom: STARGATE SG-1
Pairing: Daniel/OC
Length: ~ 5,100 words
Author on LJ: paian
Author Website: None that I know.

Why this must be read:

There are stories who deal with "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", there are even a few who do this realistically. But I haven't found one like this yet. This is set in season 7, where the dynamics of the team have changed. Again. And Daniel and Jack have their problems. Daniel finds a way to cope.

I feel for both of them here, it's not an easy read but I'm glad when I do. paian has a wonderful way with words, and characterization. Those characters are as real as they are on the show.

( snippet )

Civilian.