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Fandom: Fairy Tales: Beauty and the Beast Characters: The Beast, OCs Length: 5K words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: It's a terrific story that focuses on what it's like to be in the Beast's castle while waiting for Miss Right to show up. And it's told from an unusual point of view: Emma, one of the servants. In the Disney version, the servants are transformed into animated objects who are all adorable. In the literary fairy tale, there are invisible servants who tend to the practical running of the castle. But who are they, really? Alas, in this story they are collateral damage; real people who were caught up in the curse and remain under strict regulations. They are invisible, even to themselves. They don't age but can feel pain. And they have outlived all of their loved ones who were outside the castle when the curse happened. Through Emma we learn the back story of the curse itself and what's happened in the ninety-four years since. But we start in the present; where the Beast is currently entertaining a real princess who's pretty and pouting and an all-around pain in the ass. It doesn't look hopeful that Princess Vivian is going to be "the one". Enjoy Invisible If you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Fandom: Fairy Tales: Rapunzel Pairing/Characters: Rapunzel/OC; Rapunzel's parents, Mother Gothel Length: 2K words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: What if Rapunzel wasn't the only child held prisoner by the enchantress? The tale follows the original--the pregnant wife craving the rampion that tempts her from the house next door, a loving husband willing to do what it takes to save his wife and unborn child, the price of that child in exchange for the succor provided by Mother Gothel's garden. But there's a difference. On the grounds that house the garden there's a tower, and a young girl in it who looks at Rapunzel playing and wonders who she is. Soon, despite Gothel's best efforts, she will find out. Enjoy. Rapunzel ReimaginedIf you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Fandom: Fairy Tales: Cinderella Pairing/Characters: Ash/OC, OCs Length: 2K words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: Cinderella re-written as a man is not new, but this has a nice twist to it. Ash tries to make it to the Princess' Ball, despite his step-family's best efforts. Enjoy. Ash the StablehandIf you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Fandom: Fairy Tales: The Little Mermaid Pairing/Characters: Ariel/Eric, Arista, OC Length: 1682 words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: Ariel is settling into her life with Eric, but finds the customs of her new people strange. As she explains to her sister in a series of letters, the transition isn't easy, and the kingdom's problems with pirates are becoming more and more worrisome. Enjoy. Dicit Fore Naufragus If you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Fandom: Fairy Tales: Sleeping Beauty Characters: Flora, Fauna, Merryweather, Aurora Length: 3626 words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: We often see what happens after Aurora is stricken by the spindle or wakened by the prince, but not often what happens before her 16th birthday. The three fairies have agreed to forego using any magic while they raise the princess, hoping to stay below the radar. They gather food, chop wood, cook and clean just as ordinary folk would. Every winter they celebrate Yule with all the trappings. But as Aurora gets old enough to understand traditions, they decide that she should know about her blood family's observances. That includes Christmas, of which the fairies know very little. Enjoy. The Holly Bears the CrownIf you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Fandom: Fairy Tales: The Snow Queen Characters: Kai, Gerda, OC Length: 1021 words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: In the original story, Gerda has enough kindness to compensate for the rest of the world, but what about Kai? After he's freed of the splinters, what sort of person does he become? "Bleeding Heart" gives us an answer. Enjoy. Bleeding HeartIf you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Fandom: Fairy Tales: The Little Mermaid Pairing/Characters: Ariel/Eric Length: 1636 words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: It's a lovely, angsty look at how Ariel is adjusting to her new life, as seen through Eric's eyes. Bright ThingsIf you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Fandom: Fairy Tales: Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker Characters: Fairy Godmother (Cinderella), Lilac Fairy (Sleeping Beauty), Sugar Plum Fairy (The Nutcracker) Length: 2K words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: It's a delightful look at three fairy godmothers as they compare their differing methods of handling goddaughters. Cinderella's Fairy Godmother tells the others a story about a princess she knew many years before. Enjoy. The Theory and Practice of Fairy-Godmothering, Discussed in an Appropriate Environment, Namely, Over Tea If you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Fandom: Fairy Tales: Cinderella, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves Characters: Cinderella, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Ariel, Jasmine, Snow White, canon characters Length: 6K words Author Website: Unknown. This was originally part of Yuletide 2012 and was orphaned. In case you're unfamiliar with the term, orphaning a story means that it remains at a website to be enjoyed, but all information identifying the author has been removed. Why this must be read: If you're in the mood for dark, dark, dark times seven, this is for you. As with my last rec, the work was inspired by fan art, but in this case it's something that apparently has its own genre: Twisted Disney Princess fan art. Who knew? If there is ever the antithesis of "happily ever after", these vignettes qualify. Despite that, they are cleverly done, sometimes taking place in different points in history; sometimes weaving their ways into other legends and fables. With over 400 kudos, 50 comments and 22000 hits, the author obviously did something right. Is it appropriate to say "enjoy"? Seven for a Secret If you like this, take a moment to tell the author, even if in this case she or he might not see it. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Fandom: Fairy Tales: Disney Princesses Characters: Ariel (Little Mermaid), Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Cinderella, Fa Mulan (Mulan), Jasmine (Aladdin), Pocahontas, Rapunzel (Tangled), Snow White, Tiana (Princess and the Frog) Length: 3K Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: What if a bunch of heroines got together to fight crime, a la Justice League? What would their super-powers be? Their secret identity names? How would they get along,with all those different personalities and some of them coming from royalty? In 'Just Another Day", we listen in on a staff meeting where the PrincessForce tries to iron out differences, do some long-term planning and welcome a new member. This was inspired by some artwork, which is called out in the author's notes. Enjoy. Just Another Day In The Secret Base If you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Fandom: Fairy Tales: Cinderella Pairing/Characters: Cinderella/Prince; Stepsisters, Stepmother Length: 2K words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: Because it's inventor!Cinderella. Cinder does her best to deal with her current life, but she yearns for more. She's inherited her father's talent for inventing and hopes to bring an agricultural device she's made to a convention to sell it. Enjoy. The Sun Hasn't DiedIf you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Fandom: Fairy Tales: Beauty and the Beast, Rapunzel (Disney versions), mention of others Pairing/Characters: F/F, M/M, F/M; Belle, Rapunzel, other canon characters, see tags Length: 3175 words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: I really like "five things" fic; it's like getting multiple stories and a reset button all wrapped up together. Written for Yuletide 2013, we see Belle as the protagonist running into Rapunzel in different places and situations, all of them charming. Enjoy. adventure in the great wide somewhere If you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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If you've been following my entries, you've realized most of my recs come from past Yuletide offerings. It's where I first explored fairy tale fanfic and it's still my primary gateway to discover rare fandoms and the talented authors who write in them. It's kind of amazing that both Crack Van and Yuletide started in 2003, so I feel my turn pays homage to both.
All this to say that every January 1, the anonymous authors of the most recent Yuletide are revealed, so I thought I'd share some of the newest fairy tale transformations. This is hot off the press.Fandom: Fairy Tales: The Snow Queen Characters: The Robber Girl, OCs Length: 4K Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: It spins off a minor character from The Snow Queen and rightfully gives her a show of her own. We find the robber girl making her fearless way in the world when she stops for the night. Being resourceful, she hunts rabbits and is just sitting down to dinner when she's confronted by the King's hunting party They accuse her of poaching and plan to execute her. But the robber girl is clever and capable, so she overcomes them all. Being a robber by trade, she naturally makes off with everything of value, including a hooded hawk attached to the King's saddle by a golden chain. When she takes the hood off the bird, she gets the first of many surprises. I really liked this robber girl. For some reason, I just kept thinking of the early Clint Eastwood movies, where he goes his own way, happy to live and let live unless someone gets in his way, Then he stops long enough to make them sorry they crossed his path. Enjoy. The Enchanted HawkIf you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Still celebrating? How about a drabble appetizer? Bon appetit.Fandom: Fairy Tales: Little Mermaid, Cthulhu Mythos (HP Lovecraft) Pairing: Ursula/Cthulhu Length: 100 words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: Just a little cracky drabble that cracked me up. Enjoy. Squidipus RexIf you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Happy 2014! Whether you woke up a little hungover or bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, there's no reason not to keep the good times rolling. A resolution to read and enjoy great fanfic sounds like an excellent way to start, eh? Cheers, one and all.Fandom: Fairy Tales: Beauty and the Beast Pairing/Characters: Beauty/Beast; OCs Length: 4K words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: It's smart, funny, tender--it's Beauty and the Beast written as urban fantasy! In this case our protagonist is a young, black, magic-wielding gay man named Uzuri. His name is Swahili in origin, but most people ended up calling him by its English translation: Beauty. Through Beauty's eyes, we learn about his life growing up, his mom and two brothers, and their fall from well-to-do city dwellers to scraping by in the 'burbs. That's when he first turns his magic to growing things, especially roses. The story is part of two series. I haven't had a chance to read either series yet, although I plan to. "Queer" can be enjoyed independently, and I hope you do because it's delightful. Queer as the Fork when the Knife ran away with the Spoon If you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Since midnight holds a bit more significance tonight, a Cinderella story seemed appropriate. Wishing you a New Year's Eve where the fun doesn't have a deadline. Cheers. Fandom: Fairy Tales: Cinderella Characters: canon characters (mostly) Length: 1715 words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: It's a sweet little story where Cinderella is a fella. Light on angst but still true to the original. When the invitation arrives addressed to the household, Jamie suspects he will not be included, since the purpose of the ball is to find a bride for the prince. It doesn't stop him from wanting to go. His stepsisters are merely curious about why he would want to go, but his stepmother is adamant that he not attend. But it wouldn't be a tale worth telling if the list of chores she gives him could prevent him from going, would it? Enjoy. Before MidnightIf you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Fandom: Fairy Tales: Little Red Riding Hood Characters: Wolf, Red, Grandmother, Woodcutter, OCs Length: 5K words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: It's a pretty stunning transformation of a fairy tale into what reads like a Native American origin myth. Wolf has had a happy childhood, but as she gets older she realizes her world is under a cloud. For thirteen long years, her people have been waiting for a good winter to bring rain for their crops and replenish their streams and wells She learns from an elder the story of the seasons and decides to go on a quest to find out why Winter-Grandmother has stopped visiting their lands. Enjoy. The Winter of Wolf If you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Fandom: Fairy Tales: The Princess and the Frog Characters: Princess, Frog, Queen Length: 1430 words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: What if there's a Princess who doesn't want all the royal trappings and would rather tramp around the woods, climb trees, and learn to ride horses astride? And what if she comes across a talking frog and knows that if she kisses him he will become a prince and she'll have to marry and settle down? She decides not to kiss him and they become best buds. Until one day... Enjoy. The Reluctant Princess & Her Frog If you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Fandom: Fairy Tales: Hansel and Gretel Characters: Gretel, Hansel, Father Length: 1012 words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: At the end of the original story, the stepmother has died and Hansel and Gretel's father welcomes them back and they all live happily using the witch's treasure to sustain them. Did you ever wonder how the children can forgive their father for abandoning them to almost certain death? Here's one explanation. Enjoy. Gingerbread Betrayal If you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Fandom: Fairy Tales: Little Red Riding Hood Characters: Ruby Hunter (Red), The Wolf, OCs Length: 4371 Words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: Ruby is a smart cookie who's good friend is the latest victim of a serial killer known as "The Wolf". When the police don't move fast enough to satisfy her, Ruby starts her own investigation. Enjoy. Ruby the Wolf Hunter If you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Fandom: Fairy Tales: Sleeping Beauty (primarily although several others are intertwined) Pairing/Characters: The Queen, OC; canon pairings Length: 2400 words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: What goes into keeping up "happily ever after"? We are witness to the Queen telling some of her life's story to a Scribe. She describes her meeting and friendship with Snow White and knowing about Red Riding Hood; what happened to her own children and Prince as well as others. It's got a sadness about it, not just because the Queen is on her deathbed more than a century later than it should have been. There's an ominous tone about the kingdom that foretells of changes. Enjoy Dream's End If you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Fandom: Fairy Tales: Original folk tale Characters: Rosebriar Length: 1314 words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: Although many fairy tales are transformed to the point that they are quite original, this one truly is an original fairy/folk tale. Written for a Yuletide request, this has the obvious feel of an old-fashioned story that anyone could read to their kids by the fire. Especially to little girls, who don't often get a role model heroine who doesn't look like a Disney Princess. Rosebriar isn't a classic beauty; she's rather plain, has freckles and some crooked teeth. All in all, she's not going to get by on her looks. She is, however, clever with a good heart and willing spirit. As a result she not only saves herself from poverty, but her father as well. She does it by rolling up her sleeves to do the work that needs doing, and capitalizing on her talents. Clever RosebriarIf you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Fandom: Fairy Tales: Sleeping Beauty Pairing/Characters: The Sleeping Beauty/The Bad Fairy; The Prince Length: 3K words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: This is worth reading just for the dream descriptions, but it's altogether wonderful. When you have a hundred years of uninterrupted sleep, chances are a lot of it is going to be REM. That means dreams; in Aurora's case they are long and complex. They not only help pass the time until her rescuer appears, they also facilitate her mental and emotional development. Randomeliza's descriptions are striking and the entire story unfolds beautifully. And Smite the Sleeping World Awake If you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Fandom: Fairy Tales: Rapunzel Characters: Dame Gothel, OCs Length: 3284 words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: It's an interesting and eerie telling of where Rapunzel and her stepmother, Dame Gothel, are living and how they are faring. We get our information from two sources: a stranger who stops for the night in the tiny village and an invisible oral biographer who allows us to hear from the villagers. There are recognizable bits and pieces of the original story; a lush garden, a pregnant woman with cravings, a witch, a girl baby, a tower. But as they are assembled like a jigsaw puzzle, a different picture emerges. Enjoy. The House at the End of the Village If you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Vidder: Mithborien Musical artist: Great Northern Pairing: Danielle de Barbarac/Prince Henry Vidder on LJ: mithborienVidder's website: at AO3 and on LJ Why this vid kicks ass: I enjoyed the movie "Ever After" from the first time I saw it. Everyone did a wonderful job with their roles and I loved that Danielle was such an intelligent and strong character. Of course, she would have to be, to put up with her burdens. The clips really spotlight her and the choice of song, with its moody melody and words, is great. Since fairy tale original source material predates moving pictures or vids, I guess you can consider this a derivative work, once removed. ;^) Created for the 2010 Festivids, the Mediafire download of the file appears to be defunct, but it's still available as a Vimeo streaming. Enjoy. Fingers (at the Festivids site) and Fingers (at AO3) | |
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Fandom: Fairy Tales: Rumpelstiltskin Pairing/Characters: Rumplestiltskin, The Girl, OCs, F/M Length: 1603 words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: In this retelling, we meet Aditi, a bright 15-year-old Indian girl who's pretty good with computers. Her father brags that she can make any computer system un-hackable. A large firm gives him money and she's forced to prove her father's claim or face prosecution. Of course, a hacker extraordinaire comes to her rescue, but what he demands from her is more than a necklace. There is some creep factor here, but then the original story is rather creepy, what with all the greed, the selling off of the daughter and the demand for her first-born. I think Livianna did a great job transforming it for the modern world, especially addressing the power imbalances. Enjoy. Rumpelstiltskin: A Hacker's Tale If you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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One reader commented on my rec "Intruder" that Goldilocks deserved worse than she got. If you feel the same, this one might suit better. Fandom: Fairy Tales: Goldilocks and the Three Bears Characters: Mama Bear, OC Length: 751 words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: Mama Bear talks about the break-in and its aftermath with a neighbor. The author gives no warnings, so if you need them, best stay away. Learning Experience If you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Fandom: Fairy Tales: Rapunzel Pairing/Characters: canon pairing; Mother Goethel Length: 4151 words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: It answers the question "Why would a witch want a child, anyway?" Especially a witch as old as Mother Goethel. After all, raising a child is hard work. What we find is that it isn't any child Goethel wants; Rapunzel calls out to her. The fairy tale is retold entirely from Goethel's viewpoint. Enjoy. Rapunzel, Rapunzel If you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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This was the runner-up for crossover day. In honor of the new DW happenings today and a farewell nod to the current Doctor, I thought this appropriate. Happy Christmas to those who celebrate it and an extraordinarily good day to all.Fandom: Fairy Tales: Cinderella Characters: The Eleventh Doctor, Amy Pond, Rory Williams, Cinderella Length: 603 words Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: Just a little silliness as The Doctor, Amy and Rory interfere for the good. Since so many of my recs are on the heavy side, this is a little cream puff. Enjoy. The much adapted tale of Cinderella and her fairy goddoctor If you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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Now for something a little lighter, in keeping with the season.Fandom: Fairy Tales: Ala ad-Din/Alladin Pairing/Characters: Aladdin/Genie, OCs Length: 8K Author Website: at AO3Why this must be read: It's a sweet update to the original story. Set in modern day London, Al is a nice young man who's main fault is he's a bit gullible. His mom was adopted and yearns to learn of her long-lost brother. When a man claiming to be his uncle convinces him to help him fetch an antique lamp, Al finds himself in the middle of a B&E. Enjoy. The Heart's Wish If you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated! | |
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