Fandom: THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
Pairing: Gen
Length: ~3,000
Author on LJ: sablecain
Author Website: Sablecain's Bit of Fiction
Why this must be read:

This is my second rec to focus on Ezra Standish; I'll probably post one more before I lose the keys to the van.

This story is my favorite of a genre that I think of as "Everybody loves Ezra." I'm not so much a fan of h/c as of fic in which a character has to let go of a bit of himself to accept the comfort offered; in this story Ezra is, well, a mess.

( a snippet )

What a Family Does

Fandom: DRAKE’S VENTURE
Pairing: Thomas/Francis
Length: ~5300 words
Author on LJ: alinewrites 
Author Website: DV fic by Alinewrites
Why this must be read: In yet another reincarnation fic, Aline creates a fascinating alien world, exotic, lushly detailed, absolutely convincing. In it she places two very familiar characters, whose strange future is determined by a haunting mutual past…

( Snippet... )


Last and First

Fandom: HIGHLANDER
Pairing: none
Length: ~1100 words
Author on LJ: no
Author Website: LeslieFish.com

Why this must be read:

Take a moment, if you will, and picture Methos in his Horseman days. Got it? Okay, now picture him making big ol' innocent Adam-eyes at his intended victim. Yeah. That's why you have to read this. Wickedly delightful, and a quick read, too.

( a teaser )

A Touch of Honey

Fandom: DEEP SPACE NINE
Pairing: Garak/Bashir
Length: 23k
Author on LJ: mrs260
Author Website: Mark Russel Stanley's Garak/Bashir Homepage

Why this must be read:

Emigre presents a compelling and poignant post-series future for Doctor Bashir on war torn Cardassia. Mark draws on both the optimistic idealist of season one as well as the indignant realist of season seven to portray Bashir as a complex, caring and ultimately resilient human being. And just like the series at its best, this story disposes of the myth of the Federation as a Utopian construct. Instead, it is a political entity, struggling to survive and capable of both right and wrong. What's more, Emigre has one of the most realistic portrayals of a loving relationship between Garak and Bashir. One that is replete with conflict, banter, and affection, but doesn't contain a single ounce of saccharine.

( Have a taste: )

Emigre

Fandom: BATTLESTAR GALACTICA
Pairing: Starbuck/Admiral Cain
Length: 3,118 words
Author on LJ: pirateygoodness
Why this must be read: Note-perfect femslash between two powerful, compelling women? Yes, please! pirateygoodness's Cain is manipulative and a little sadistic, her Starbuck eager to please and clever. Just how they oughta be. The flirtation and sex moves deliberately, and the wait is delightful agony for the characters and the reader.

( A sample )

Tension Like Release

Fandom: DEEP SPACE NINE
Pairing: Garak/female and Garak/male implied
Length: novel length
Author on LJ: altariel
Author Website: Una McCormack's Deep Space Nine Pages

Why this must be read:

First, this novel has an engrossing plot wherein the Obsidian Order and the Tal'Shiar succeed in their attack against the Founders. The author takes us right into the treacherous corridors of power on Cardassia where Garak has returned to Tain's side. At first, all goes well, but as events increasingly spin out of his control, Garak's decisions will change both him and the Alpha Quadrant forever.

Second, Una McCormack writes characters that are vibrant and believable. Her original creations intermingle with DS9's characters with ease, creating a realistic network of family, friends and enemies surrounding Garak. Moreover, through glimpses of Garak's past and an unflinching examination of his actions in this new future, Una provides the reader with a far deeper understanding of Garak than canon ever supplied.

Finally, Scorched Earth poses the question of how an intelligent man of culture and conscience could participate in evil. It's a testament to the author's integrity that she doesn't offer easy answers to her readers nor provide an easy atonement for her characters. It's a testament to her skill that the answers she uncovers are unforgettable.

( Have a taste: )

Scorched Earth Main Page

Fandom: DOCTOR WHO
Pairing: Doctor/Rose friendship, maybe more if you squint
Length: short, One-shot
Author on LJ: amandarex 
Author Website: LJ Tag
Why this must be read:

We all know that in the first episode of the new series, the ninth doctor left in the TARDIS, and then came back to ask Rose a second time to go with him, so what changed his mind?

I really like how these 2 interact, and the bittersweetness that hangs about the whole encounter...

Second Chance

Fandom: DOCTOR WHO
Pairing: Ummm, Jack/9th Doctor, Jack/Rose, 9th Doctor/Rose...
Length: Short
Author on LJ: jmtorres
Author Website: The Fannish Things Of Jmtorres
Why this must be read:

So Captain Jack and Martha decide to have a little... chat, after they've both left the Doctors company. It's basically the 2 of them gossiping, and trying to set their own personal worlds right, but it made me laugh my head off at times. jmtorres is a great writer!

The Aftermath of Companionship