Fandom: The Avengers (movieverse)
Pairing: Gen
Length: ~1500 words
Author on LJ: nokomis305
Author Website: Tumblr
Why this must be read: This story is as much a character study of Natasha as it is of the rest of the Avengers, and it does a beautiful job of examining both. I love how the author uses various pieces of Natasha's personality and backstory to connect her to her teammates in unexpected ways, and the ending just clinches why this team does work, for all their dysfunctions.

( Natasha thinks that if she were a good person, the sort of person who was a superhero and on the same team as Captain America, that she would feel guilty about paying that price so willingly. )

the way out is through

Fandom: STAR WARS
Characters: Darth Maul, Darth Sidious, Mystery Guest
Length: ~3k words
Author on LJ: beellegee
Author Website: BeElleGee's Bit of Heaven plus Profile
Why this must be read:

The nice thing about long-lived franchises is that one may discover older fanfics that jibe exactly with newer canon, especially in the regard of characterization. For instance, the Maul in this story fits in with the recent Star Wars: The Clone Wars Maul, a nice revelation . Though this author writes slash as well as het, I picked this story because it portrays the thoroughness of Darth Sidious' preparation of his apprentice. It was pretty nice of him to suggest ... well, read the story and find out.

Trespassing

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (NEW)
Pairing: Steve/Danny
Length:15,558 words
Author on LJ: somehowunbroken
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary : When a case draws Steve back to the SEALs and the life he thought he'd never be pulled back into, he comes to some realizations and has to make a choice.

I really liked how deeply emotional this piece was, from the pain of having to explain to Gracie why her Uncle Steve has to go away to the beautiful reunion at the end. This story really gets into the hearts of everyone, especially Steve, Danny, and Grace, and explores the effect on military families when their loved ones are sent far from home into danger. We get to see their uncertainty of the future, the pain of separation, and yet the deep pride the military guys and gals have in being called to protect and accomplish something. Being written by somehowunbroken, I think we can all tell that this story is superb in all aspects. But don't take my word for it; go drown yourself in the pleasure of this story.

break upon the waves

Fandom: THE SENTINEL
Pairing: Jim/Blair
Length: 139,341 in series
Author on LJ: laurie_ky
Author Website: livejournal
and on AO3
Why this must be read:

This is a huge fantasy/space opera AU comprising 3 books and 2 timestamps to date. Although I believe Laurie plans to write more in this 'verse the novels are complete on their own. This has all the elements I really enjoy in an AU: really detailed world building but with familiar themes from canon and characters who are still very much themselves. Laurie has created a fascinating futuristic society which has lots of challenges for our two protagonists. I like the way the author takes the familiar storyline from the episode "The Girl Next Door" and weaves it into this new setting. It is also an interesting twist on all the "Blair as oppressed Guide" fics out there: he is still oppressed, but in this universe due to his status as a bastard. Set aside some time and immerse yourself in this long, satisfying story and don't miss the lovely artwork and fan mixes which accompany the fic and which can be found by following the link below.

Author's Summary: In a rigid class society, bastard Blair Sandburg has worked hard for his education and is currently doing research for his doctorate on the tropical planet of Quyllur. Jim Ellison thumbed his nose at what his father expected of him and became an Orion's Hunter, and then a Protecter. Their paths are about to cross when a new drug hits the streets of Cascade, New Rainier.

A Glimmering From Afar