Hey, and welcome to the Grimm van for the 1st time on crack_van. Hopefully I've got something you'll enjoy coming up in the next few days. I'm mainly a slash and gen reader in this fandom so expect a lot of those. I've also got a mixture of long vs short ficcage to bring forth. So sit back, peruse the overview, and enjoy the stories to follow! To start our road trip off...

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: none; gen
Length: 24,519 words
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: An ancient creature has risen from its sleep and begun a series of murders that threaten to expose not only Nick Burkhardt but the entire Wesen community.

To start this van in motion, I'd like to highlight a recent fic I discovered, last week in fact. It's a fast-paced adventure/case-fic that reads just like a Grimm script. Deiph has created a baddie that is nightmare-inducing enough for the show and drawn in those fairy tale elements into the case that makes Grimm so unique. She's kept everyone wonderfully in character. All voices are crisp and vivid.

Then on top of that, she's delved deeper into the mythology of Grimm. She explores the connection between Royal and Grimm. She's shone a light on the hidden aspect that is "Grimm" in Nick and how it affects his relationships and duties. I loved reading about that other side of Nick that is the Grimm, almost like it's a subconscious personality under Nick's. It's separate, and yet it's very much Nick (plus it's just awesome to see Nick so badass! :D).. Then to add a cherry on top, she's built a strong triad between Nick (Grimm), Renard (Royal), and Monroe (Blutbad) as friends, allies, and enforcers of the peace in Wesen Portland.

This is one of my favorite Grimm stories, and it's one to be savored. There's also a lovely sequel to whet your taste for more Deiph. A great start to the van!

New Rule Awakened

Fandom: STAR WARS
Pairings: Luke/Biggs, Luke/Wedge
Length: ~2000 words
Author on LJ: windsorblue
Author Website: Fic Journal
Why this must be read:

Luke's presence shines in this story, entirely on point, portrayed as we first see him in his A New Hope debut, waiting for his life to begin. I especially enjoyed the resonance of the cut scenes of Biggs' and Luke's protracted conversation, as Biggs here proves how much of a protecting big brother he can be.

Leaving Anchorhead

Hi, I'm victoria p. and I'll be flying the quinjet for August. Most of my recs will be Steve- or Natasha-centric, though there will also be some Darcy-centric stuff and some team gen, as well. To start, though, my ot3 in the fandom:

Fandom: AVENGERS
Pairing: Steve/Bucky/Natasha
Length: 7600 words
Author on LJ: holli
Author Website: at AO3
Why this must be read:

Steve and Natasha go on a life-changing field trip to find the Winter Soldier and bring him home.

I could read a million variations on this theme and this one is one of my favorites. It's from Natasha's POV and does a great job at showing the slow-growing affection and desire between her and Steve as they search, and how Bucky fits into that when they finally get him back.

( an excerpt )

Run to Ground by holli (or at Dreamwidth)

Read, love, comment!

~*~

Hi! I'll be driving for due South in August. I have no particular theme, but hope to offer some variety in characters and pairings.

Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Characters: Frannie, Ray K, Ray V, Fraser (implied Fraser/Kowalski)
Length: 700 words
Author on LJ: brigantine
Author Website: AO3 page
Why this must be read: If you need something quick to cheer you up, this is for you. It's a charming and funny ensemble scene, with a teething baby and a revelation that horrifies Vecchio. Go forth, read, and giggle!

Six Cops and a Baby

Hi everybody, I'm phantompopcorn and I'll be your Buffy/Angel driver for the month of August! I've got some great gems to share with you, so I hope you're ready to revisit Sunnydale!

Fandom: BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER
Pairing: Buffy/Spike
Length: 2,800
Author on LJ: eowyn315
Author Website: Fic Masterlist
Why this must be read: This story is set post-The Gift in a world where Dawn sacrifices herself instead of Buffy. The author is very skilled at conveying emotion in few words and the journey she takes us on as Buffy struggles to hold the memory of her sister once the magic is gone is wonderful and heartbreaking. The Buffy/Spike element is understated but effective as Buffy tries to find solace amongst her failing memories.

Ebbing of the Tide