Off to a late start this month, but real life is a little hectic as of late.

Fandom: STAR WARS
Characters: Luke, Darth Vader
Length: 712,861 words (combined)
Author on LJ: kittandchips
Author Website: Fanfiction.net
Why this must be read:

I'll start my recs with my absolute favorite Stars Wars fanfic out there. Seriously, I sometimes forget that the OCs in this series are actually OCs and not real characters. That's saying something for me because I've never been a fan of OCs.

The premise of the series (Luke is found and raised by Vader) may seem common, but this series is different. For one thing, it's actually completed and for another, this series is like no other AU I've ever read. It drags you into the storylines and connects you to the characters (even the original ones!) so much so that once you've finished reading it, you feel as if you need to read it all again. It certainly made me feel that way anyway. I still go back to read my favorite parts, or even the whole thing all over again, every now and then. I can hardly do it justice in any summary I give, so just... go read it!

Force Bond 1: Orphan (49, 821 words)
Force Bond 2: Threat (79, 725 words)
Force Bond 3: Son (133,700 words)
Force Bond 4: Jedi (75,960 words)

These are actually side-stories all set between Force Bond 2 and 3. They were written after the main four parts and aren't required in order to understand the main four parts, but I would suggest that you read them between 2 and 3 (in the order I've listed), though. They give some nice background to the main story, plus they allow you to become even more attached to the Force Bond universe.

A Force Bond Christmas (16,706 words)
Force Bond: Empire Day (22,011 words)
Force Bond: Dentist (12,366 words)
Force Bond: Interactive Media (13,989 words)
Force Bond: Social Trials (49,168 words)
Force Bond: Summer Accidents (45,850 words)
Force Bond: Licensed (70,480 words)
Force Bond: Family (86,949 words)
Force Bond: Imperial Pride (56,166 words)

Fandom: STAR WARS
Characters: Darth Vader, Ben Skywalker, Luke, Leia, Mara Jade
Length: 7,914 words
Author on LJ: frodogenic
Author Website: Fanfiction.net
Why this must be read:

I've never read any of the EU and I usually stay away from fanfics involving EU characters at all costs, but I've made an exception for this particular fic. Like all of frodogenic's other stories I've read, this is excellently written. It's also hilarious.

For this story, frodogenic made up an AU where Vader and the Executor somehow made it through ROTJ but ended up being lost in space for 25 years. The details about that don't really matter too much, though. Just know that Vader is alive and well and has recently been appointed babysitter of little Ben Skywalker.

Lord Vader's Limpet

Can you tell who my favorite character is yet?

Fandom: STAR WARS
Characters: Darth Vader, various others
Length: 77,114
Author on LJ: jedinemo
Author Website: Bast Castle, Fanfiction.net
Why this must be read:

Seeing as jedinemo is one of my favorite Star Wars authors, I can't believe I only just read this one recently. It was written quite a while ago, but it's one of the best perspectives of Vader's life from the end of ROTS to the Original Trilogy I've read. It's a very interesting read and creates a wonderful backstory to fill in the gap between the prequels and the originals.

The Vader Chronicles

Fandom: HARRY POTTER
Pairing: Hermione/Ron, Harry/Ginny
Length: about 6000 words
Author on LJ: edenfalling
Author Website: Master Fic List on LJ
Why this must be read:

Within and around the bounds of canon, edenfalling takes a look at Hermione Granger over the years, post-series. I can't say enough about the style here - it is absolutely lyrical, taking Hermione a year at a time, from the end of the war and through her life.

( excerpt )

One of the most believably written characterizations of Hermione I've ever seen, and on top of that, "Along the Way" isn't one bit angsty beyond the regular human condition :-)

I highly recommend:

Along the Way by edenfalling

Fandom: DC COMICS
Pairing: Tim/Kon (Robin/Superboy)
Length: medium: 2200 words
Author on LJ: solvent90
Author Website: Fic Memories/fic tag
Why this must be read:
Sex pollen FTW!, evergreen in appeal, especially in this fandom. Solvent90 captures the adorable aspects of this pairing (truly my OTP of OTPs), such as adolescent uncertainty, crushes on best friends, and hot first times.

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