The Doors of Time by Felisblanco (NC-17)

[maerhys.livejournal.com]

Hello, I'm selu and I'll be driving the rec van for CW RPF this month. I tend toward the J2 (Jared/Jensen) pairing but there are a few other pairings that I also like quite a bit and may show up this month. I am aiming for a mix of drama and comedy, alternate universe and stories based in "canon," and long and short fic. I hope you find something you like among the recs this month. Thank you.

Fandom: CW RPF
Pairing: Jared/Jensen with non-graphic Jared/Sandy
Length: Book One → 65,000 words | Book Two → 121,000 words
Author on LJ: felisblanco
Author Website: Felis' master list at her Livejournal.

Why this must be read: This fic is one of the iconic alternate universe stories within the CW RPF library and it rightly deserves its place there. Felis creates a world that is very realistic while infused with magical realism similar to that found in Like Water for Chocolate and One Hundred Years of Solitude. It is a very layered love story. Book one is general fiction that lays the foundation for the epic book two, which continues the J2 love story yet explores how it has changed now that they are adults and unfettered by their parents, but it's still not an easy road to be together. Jared and Jensen star but the supporting characters are central to the story, and I can't image this fic without Chad and Chris, specifically. If you want a long, engrossing fic that won't let you go, this is the one. Felis has also written several excellent time-stamps that give us a glimpse into the characters' futures.

The Doors of Time

Comments

[jamafanta.livejournal.com]

Seconded! I found this on a website that recs original slash, as it stands quite well on its own. The author did an amazing job of world-building. The "magical realism" is quite incredible, and the love story (while at the center of the story) is supported by a complex plot and really interesting characters.

[maerhys.livejournal.com]

She really did! This was one of the first J2 fics I read and I didn't have a feel for the characterizations at the time and this read so well. She doesn't rest on her laurels when it comes to, well, anything.

[la-sigh.livejournal.com]

Great Rec, One of my favorites, any other J2 fics that read you over & over? Ya got great taste, yeah?

[maerhys.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I've read this more times than I can count — it has that kind of staying power.

[brunettepet.livejournal.com]

This sounds fantastic. Thanks for the rec.

[maerhys.livejournal.com]

You're so welcome! I hope you enjoy it.

Stupid Question

[time-testudinem.livejournal.com]

Could you possibly explain just a little more what this story is about? I almost never read in this fandom, but am considering this (what CV is for after all) but can't really tell what type of story it is from your rec.

As always, thanks for driving the Van!

Re: Stupid Question

[maerhys.livejournal.com]

I am gray bar so I don't spoil because it's hard to give concrete details without giving some major plot points away.

Part one covers 17 year old Jensen teaching 13 year old Jared how to play piano. Jensen is a shut-in because he is special. The reader comes to find out that Jensen is magical in that he can make flowers grow and make his music come alive. But it scares his parents and he keeps it a secret even as Jared tries to help him get out of the house and into college. If this sounds really out there, trust me, it works so well in the fic. Part two covers J2 as adults. Jensen is dealing with some PTSD-like symptoms and always looking for Jared because he believes they are destined to be together as adults. This part covers how Jared and Jensen's relationship slowly progresses and features Chris, Chad and Sandy as well. So basically, Jensen has a gift that is also a curse and he worries how people he loves deals with it, but also how he can learn to live with Jared not being near him.

I hope that gives you enough to go on. Of the hundreds of people who've read this, I'd say 95% of them are five star reviews.