Title: Mirror Image series
Pairing: Sark/Sydney as main pairing, but with Sark/Lauren and Vaughn/Nadia as subplots
Length: 150K words
Author Website: On AOOO
Why this must be read: This is by far the best work of fanfiction I have ever read, in any fandom... and it's better than most published things I've read. It's perfect in terms of believably building a very difficult pairing, in terms of complex plotting, in terms of including friendship, in terms of writing action, in terms of sweepingly sexy romance. Everything about this is beautiful.

I started it three times and stopped because the first half of the first section revolves around some Rambaldi-induced body-swapping, and body-swapping isn't normally my thing. HOWEVER, it isn't crack. At all. The author simply uses this canonically plausible scenario to tease out very complex and human reactions from all the main players. The bodies get restored quickly enough and then the real beauty of the fic begins, with Sark and Sydney forced to work together for various reasons and coming to appreciate one another more. I can't say enough good things about this. Download it to an e-reader and curl up with it on your next rainy day. You won't regret it.

Mirror Image

Hey there! I'm driving the Alias van for Small Fandom Month. It hasn't been recced here since 2005, but there are some stories written after that, as well as old ones not recced here. Getting a bit of a late start, so the first entry is Crossover Day!

Title: Mission Accomplished
Pairing: Sark/Shannon Rutherford (but it's mainly gen)
Length: 6,430 words
Author on LJ: perdiccas
Author Website: On AOOO
Why this must be read: This is a fantastic double-to-triple cross ensemble story that uses the in media res structure of Alias (and Lost, actually) to tell a fun caper. At a fancy European ski resort, spoiled, sultry Shannon is Sark's mark when he's assigned to acquire a Rambaldi artifact in her possession. The entire Alias cast is perfectly in character, the plot twists are delightful, and Shannon is irrisistible. By the end, you wish she'd joined the CIA (or one of Sark's groups) instead of going to Australia. 

This takes place before any Lost canon, so you don't need to know a single thing about that show to understand this.

Mission Accomplished

Title: The Perils of Prophecy Moppet (The Special Edition) by Jennifer-Oksana
Pairing: Wesley/Lilah, Spike/OFC, Connor/OFC, Jack/Irina... and some more, but those are the most important ones.
Length: long
Author on LJ: jennyo
Author Website: Jennifer Oksana's: new site, old site
Why this must be read: This is an awesomely cracktastic crossover fic of Epic Proportions and many capitalized words. Written in the style of "A Series of Unfortunate Events", jennyo tells the tragic tale of one Rachael Pryce, daughter of Wesley and Lilah, who is Extremely Fated ("That meant that when apocalypses, interesting events, et cetera, came about, they would often center on [her]"). Just how interesting, you'll have to read it to find out. Complete with True Love, Judge Judy-like courtcases, Lilah homeschooling, Sydney Bristow's multiple marriages, faux!incest, Bree and Lilah's garden warfare, flying houses and Friends: The Musical! It simply does not get better than this!

( excerpt )

The Perils of Prophecy Moppet (The Special Edition) and an alternate link

Fandom: Smallville with crossovers from Stargate: Atlantis, Alias, X-Men, and CSI
Title: Forked Hazel Twig
Pairing: none
Author on LJ: voleuse
Author Website: moodfic
Why this must be read:

This one was actually written for me as part of a crossover ficathon a couple years ago and I remember reading it the first time and just *stopping*. It seamlessly blends some very contradictory canon in a fascinating story that's chock full of gorgeous imagery.

Plus? The sheer glee of watching her mix up with these fandoms? Not to be missed.

Forked Hazel Twig

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Francie/ Syd, Syd/Anna Espinosa implied
Author on LJ: jennyo
Author Website: http://www.imjustsayin.net/jennyo
Why this must be read: The author needs no introduction. I recommend this story above her others in the Alias fandom because she gives us that rare gem: the true and compelling Francie POV. Funny, sexy, embarrassing, painful. A sweet little story.

Surviving Normalcy

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: none. Syd, Sark, Dixon are central.
Author on LJ: rez_lo
Author Website: Rez Fanfiction
Why this must be read: Written in early season 3, while Lauren Reed was just the wife and Syd was a pissy girl back from the dead, annoyed for being in the wrong for the first time in her romantic life. It's a fascinating time for the series, quickly Jossed and wrecked by the actual writers of the show. Not so here. Rez captures Syd in that moment like nothing else. She's come home to a room full of strangers. And what in God's name is there to hold on to after something like that?

I don't think I have to tell you that it's also beautifully written. Rez is amazing. She won't ever disappoint you. So go read it already.

Forfeit

Hello fellow junkies! I'm Gabby, and I'll be driving the Alias van for the month of November. I tend to like quirky stories, twisted stories, character-driven action, and the occasional dose of fine, distilled smut. I'm a fan of Sark, Will, Irina, Jack, and whoever else can be written brilliantly. So. Off we go.


Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Irina/Jack, Nadia/Vaughn, Nadia/Sark, Nadia/Weiss
Author on LJ: permissionslip
Author Website: none
Why this must be read: The author's description is "Five things that never happened to The Passenger." These are five amazing, stark, powerful AU stories that made my head spin with the implications and the possibilities, and every one ends with lines that kick the breath right out of you. They touch on the circumstances of nearly every main character, twisting and altering the world in chilling, believable ways. The style, the language, the characterizations-- all beautiful.

The Influence of Many Circumstance

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Lauren/Sark
Author on LJ: vaznetti
Author Website: Wrestling With Proteus
Why this must be read:

This is the best portrayal of the Lauren/Sark relationship that I've ever seen. I've never been all that fond of Sark as a character, but this story makes him very interesting.

The line "I can't decide whether you're capable of having loyalties, or merely of changing them," might be the best line ever written about Sark. And it's not all about the Sark! There's some lovely Lauren in there too. So, go ahead, give it a shot.

Lee Shore

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: None
Author on LJ: poohmusings
Author Website: Poohmusings.com
Why this must be read:

Ah, Lauren. She doesn't get a whole lot of love in the Alias fandom, which just makes me love this fic even more. It's a short story about how Lauren was raised to mirror Sydney in every possible way, and the author manages to create an amazingly creepy atmosphere. We know that what's happening to her is horrible, even as Lauren tries to convince herself she's a lucky girl.

Second Person POV is used well in this story to make you identify with Lauren, who is alienated from any real human contact and emotion. Poor Lauren never really has anything to herself, no matter how lucky her mother tells her she is.

Lucky Girl

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Nadia and Irina.
Author on LJ: thedorkygirl
Author Website: [Dork]

Why this must be read:

This is a very short fic, but it manages to say something about all the members of the Derevko family in just a few sentences. We didn't get enough Nadia and Irina interaction on the show, and it's a lovely thing to see in fan fiction.

(Sweet Love) Are You Feeling Any Doubts?

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Weiss, Nadia/Vaughn, Jack/Irina, and a few others.
Author on LJ: yahtzee63
Author Website:Yahtzee
Why this must be read:

Novel length works can be tricky - maintaining a complicated plot and keeping a handle on character motivation becomes more difficult the longer a fic gets, and even the professionals who get paid to write the official tie-ins tend to mess it up.

Fortunately, yahtzee63 doesn't drop anything with this fic. It goes AU after the third season, and the author manages to tie all the mythology and character arcs together into a resolution more satisfying than the show's fourth season.

All of the pairings and character relationships were handled well, but it was the father and daughter interaction between Jack and Sydney that really blew me away. Go read it; I'm sure you won't be dissappointed.

Irenicon

Hi, I'm sheepfairy, and I'll be reccing Alias for August.

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Emily and Arvin Sloane
Author on LJ: selenak
Author Website: Fanfiction.Net
Why this must be read:

I love Emily. Well, I love Sloane as well, but finding good fic that deals with Emily is a lovely treat. And this is a lovely, short little story about their marriage.

Marriage

If I were you, I would go check out selenak's lj and fanfiction.net pages as well. Everything she writes is good stuff.

Title: Cat and Mouse by Sistersleep
Pairing: Keller/ Sark
Author on LJ: visionofblue
Author Website:
Why this must be read:

Oooh, I *love* a good crossover. And this story is one of the reasons why. Come on! Sark/Keller? How could *anyone* not want to read Sark/Keller? If you're unfamiliar with one of the fandoms, just *know* these guys are well matched. Keller goes a-cruisin and picks up a bright young thing. He thinks he's got an easy ride until the bright young thing starts giving as good as he gets. Sistersleep has a unique style of writing that conveys a sense of urgency during the sex scenes. It's strangely effective and interesting to read. Try a little:

( Behind blue eyes... )

Cat and Mouse

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Jack/Nadia (WowWrongBadHot)
Author on LJ: superswank
Author's Website None found, but check her memories.
Why this must be read:

Jack and Nadia are a dirty little secret love of mine and thank God, I'm not the only one. Written for the WowWrongBadHot Ficathon, Kate has managed to take a classic fanfic setup (wine, a fire, working late on a rainy night) and make it three dimensional. Both Jack and Nadia are perfect here and there's a lovely bit of Lauren back story thrown in. Plus, she gets bonus point for the Beatles ref.

Here Comes The Sun

Hey, this is Siryn, back again behind the wheel of the Alias getaway car. I'm going to try and dig up some rare pairs and classics this month, as well some personal favorites of mine.

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: pre-Sydney Bristow/Julian Sark
Author on LJ: celli
Author Website: Fanfic 101
Why this must be read:

If the name of this story sounds familiar, it's because it's a quote from The Return of the King, the third in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and Sark says the same line (with a slight modification) to Sydney that Frodo says to Sam.

Sydney's response to that made me laugh, as did this exchange:

( Excerpt )

It's good to see an Alias fan that can mock the melodramatic relationship Sydney has with her mother (or, really, her melodramatic life in general). Sark calling her on it is hysterical to me, mostly because I could see Sydney saying something similar about the trilogy to Francie or Will or someone in a fit of self-pity. Yes, I do love Sydney, but if I had a nickel for everytime she cried on the show, I'd be a rich woman. Great ending, and good overall. Nice subtle Sark/Sydney, with neither of them bending out of character to get to it.

It's a short story, but it makes me smile. I know that recommending Celli Lane is pretty cliche at this point, but it's warranted. Every one of her stories reads like additional scenes from the show. Supplements, instead of fanfic. Enjoy.

The End Of All Things

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney Bristow/[The Agent Formely Known As] Michael Vaughn
Author on LJ: randombtchchick, storydivagirl
Author Website: The White Room
Why this must be read:

Though many of us may want to close our eyes and pretend that the third season of Alias never happened, one thing we can probably agree on is that, if nothing else, those episodes provided fodder for some great Syd/Vaughn angst. "Nothing to Talk About" takes place mid-season three, before the characters learn of Lauren's betrayal. It's a short, single conversation between Syd and Vaughn, when Syd still feels like she's falling apart. Hearing her inner dialogue during the conversation, though, you can see her gathering her strength. She's slowly piecing herself back together; summoning that incredible resilience she possesses that's seen her through Danny's death, her mother's treachery and getting her teeth ripped from her mouth one by one.

Another thing I like about this fic is that TommyGirl showcases some of the selfishness that Vaughn exhibits the whole season, and has Sydney calling him on it. As a fan, it took a long time to reconcile Vaughn's behavior with the behavior of the Vaughn I had already came to know, and honestly I still haven't completely managed it. This fic, however, is a good start. For example, this moment:

( Excerpt )

It reminds me of that glorious scene in the second episode of the third season when she tells Vaughn that she would have waited for him, and that he gave up too easily. Anyway, it's a short, angsty ficlet that's also a great look into Sydney's mind during that time.

Nothing to Talk About

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Julian Sark/Sydney Bristow
Author on LJ: corngirl_jo
Author Website: SARKasm
Why this must be read:

I'm especially fond of "Like This," but "Aflame" should be read first to understand the events of "Like This." "Aflame" is an AU for season two, assuming that the episodes "Double Agent" and "The Telling" haven't occurred. Sydney and Sark, of course, barely escape death, and Sydney witnesses Sark in an uncharacteristic moment of weakness. Syd's had enough, she's seen too much--what with her mother and Danny--and the fire she escapes in the early scenes of this story is the final straw.

In "Like Time," Sydney's moved to Milan, and frequents a small, family owned trattoria every day. One day, she runs into an old enemy. The thing I love about this story is the language, especially in the descriptions of the trattoria and its owners, and the Italian atmosphere. It's interesting that Joanna's imagery and description is so lush, because she warns on the home page that English is not her first language. Either she's from Italy, or she's visited, because the setting is so real, that it has to be an actual place.

For instance, here:

( Excerpt )

It's not all beauty and serenity however, after Sark makes his appearance. Joanna gives us some of that Sydney piss and vinegar that makes the character so fun to watch and root for, even though her life's a big soap opera.

( Excerpt )

Both links take you to the cover art for the story. Just click on the links below them. Enjoy!

Aflame
Like Time

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Julian Sark/Will Tippin
Author on LJ: iscaris
Author Website: Mystical Intrigue
Why this must be read:

This story details a short moment during the time that Will remembers in "Cipher" (2x03). It's on the plane ride to Taiwan, after Sark captures Will, but before Will is tortured. It's very, very short, only a couple of pages, but...god. Just...it's so unbelievably hot. I'm not sure words can properly explain it, but I'll try.

The thing about this story is that by the end, I'm feeling conflicting emotions. First, I'm feeling sadistic like Sark, because the story is so sexy, and I like it and it makes my stomach quiver. Then, I'm also feeling desperate like Will, because I need more, and the ending makes me cringe in embarrassment. But, like, in the GOOD way.

Cryptic, I know, but read the story and you'll understand. Fantastic Sark. Fantastic, dark, evil Sark that will melt your bones and make you wish you were on that plane instead of Will. It's so short that I won't even give a quote, because I don't want to ruin it.

Aqua Vitae

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Julian Sark/Eric Weiss
Author on LJ: shrift
Author Website: here
Why this must be read:

Another Weiss/Sark story, and really for me, that is almost enough. However, in addition to the pairing, like any of Shrift's stories in the 5,000 fandoms she writes in, the characterization is spot on. I love the thought of Sark taunting Weiss, rubbing against him and winking. Winking! Am I the only one that finds this hot? It's PG, so there's no sex, but this story is still incredibly sexy.

It place during season two sometime, definitely after Irina wounds Weiss. Basically, Weiss accompanies Sark on a mission and gets roped into playing his boytoy. It's a shorter piece, but it packs a punch and leaves you wanting more, which is what a good short story SHOULD do. It's from Weiss's POV, and I can imagine him saying every single word (if JJ Abrams suddenly became a slasher). And if you're still not convinced, check this out:

( Excerpt )

Read it right...you're already gone, aren't you?

A Bodyguard of Lies

Hola, I'm Steph, and I get the dubious distinction of driving the crack van for Alias a mere week after the whacked out season finale. I will do my best. You should know that like many in the fandom, I'm fond of Sark and slash, so you'll be seeing a lot of that here, though I'll try to mix it up a bit too. My first two recs are Sark/Weiss stories, because I love Sark and I love Weiss, so why wouldn't I love them together?

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Julian Sark/Eric Weiss
Author on LJ: shadesofbrixton
Author Website: here
Why this must be read:

I'll be honest. Pretty much the main reason I signed up to drive for Alias is so I'd get to rec this story. Brix has already been mentioned here a zillion times, which is why I'm surprised this story never got its due. Weiss is perfectly Weiss, which you won't doubt if you've read Brix's other stories. She obviously has great affection for him, and it shows in everything she writes. Sark here is sly, seductive and full of chutzpah. It takes place probably...mid-second season, but I'm not sure, and it's not really important anyway. Just realize that these were the days before Lauren and Nadia.

The plot is a bit like a game of tag. They're both attracted to each other (though Weiss feels understandably appalled at the same time), and Sark, ever the hedonist, decides to take what he wants, much to Weiss's shock. One person makes a move and the other follows, until finally Sark gets sick of the game and settles things once and for all. There's kidnapping, double crossing, sex and sarcastic banter the way that only Weiss and Sark can do it.

( Excerpt )

Somewhere Along The Way
And Then Again
Having

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Sark
Author on LJ: carmens_quill
Author Website: Carmen's Alias Fanfiction
Why this must be read:

One of the reasons why I enjoy reading Sarkney so much is because of the dynamics between the two of them. Sydney has a dark side of herself which never seems to be fully explored in the show, but it's certainly enticing. At the same time, Sark is hinted at being more than just a cold-blooded assassin, but we never get more than just a hint of that on-screen. Here, Carmen does a wonderful job of showing Sydney's dark emotions without letting them overpower her personality and showing the depth that Sark can have without changing who he is. Set after Season 3, it's a wonderfully involved story about how their paths cross once again and the journey they end up taking together. A truly wonderful read!

There is But Fire

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Vaughn/Weiss
Author on LJ: shadesofbrixton
Author Website: --
Why this must be read:

The first time I read this story, I laughed so loudly that I attracted the attention of everyone in the room. The second and third time I read it, I laughed even more. It has all the wonderful things we love about Weiss in it, and all the things that make us roll our eyes about Vaughn, and they come together beautifully. It's smart and slashy and definitely a must read. Just don't drink or eat anything while you do.

Five Things Wrong

Hi all! I'm May's crack_van driver for Alias. I love all ships, so be prepared to see a wide variety of recs this month. Hope you all enjoy!

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Sloane
Author on LJ: autobadgirl
Author Website: automatic badgirl's fics
Why this must be read:

If there's been one fic that has imprinted itself in my mind that I can't get rid of (no matter how much scrubbing I do), it's this fic. It's powerful, amazingly well written, highly erotic and very disturbing. Sydney/Sloane isn't a very popular pairing but if there were any reason for Sydney to turn to Sloane, this would be why.

( Sloane, Sydney and Shubari Karada: Japanese Rope Bondage. )

Becoming

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Jack/Irina
Author on LJ: mandysbitch
Author Website: Mandy's Bitch
Why this must be read: I personally find Jack and Irina to be one of the most intriguing romantic pairs on Alias. They’re relationship has been built on all kinds of lies and yet somehow there is and has always seemed to be this underlining amount of love for each of them. Irina is very cold hearted and yet she shows some of her softer side while around Jack.

This story takes on Jack’s feelings as to having her back in his life and what he must prescribe himself to do in order to hide from those feelings. It takes on the betrayal with the lust in a very, potent and efficient manner.

( Excerpt )

Dream it Down

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Sark
Author on LJ: siryn99
Author Website: Shimmer and Flicker
Why this must be read: The characters are on cue and their reactions to one another are perfect. Although Sydney and Sark share a relationship that isn’t shown very much canon wise, in fanfic their characters are given the ability to react further then they are otherwise. In this Sydney must face the fact that she has no one left but Sark. Details become reality. Stunningly written.

Untitled (The Fountain of Decay Remix)

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Jack/Nadia
Author on LJ: jennyo
Author Website: Jennifer-Oksana's
Why this must be read: It's hot. It's sexy. It combines Jack’s obsession with Irina and those closest to her in a very stunning, electric way.


Bristow's Kryptonite

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Danny Sydney/Vaughn
Author on LJ: poohmusings
Author Website: Alias Fics
Why this must be read: This a gem of a story. There are very few stories in the fandom that deal with Sydney’s feelings towards Danny, whether they are about his death or prior to that. In this story Sydney reflects on the beautiful memories she has of Danny during the holidays. One minute you’re smiling, the next your heart is ripped out but in a completely good way [of course].

The Sweetness

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Vaughn Sydney/Sark
Author on LJ: legalblonde2005
Author Website: Other Stories on Cover Me
Why this must be read: I am always intrigued by rogue Sydney since it adds a different element to the character and also explores her darker side. This story takes on the role of Sydney having let Vaughn die in early season three. She must deal with her feelings regarding his death and in turn decides not to go back to the CIA seeking out her mother.

The writing is sharp and on cue.

Lesser Things

Title: Thirty-Five Minutes
Pairings: Sark/Seth
Author on LJ: addictedkitten
Author Website: http://www.doyourthing.org/addictedkitten

I have a love for crossovers and the weirder the better. This might show in my rec.

First of let me restate the above it is a Sark/Seth pairing. Oh wow, this is so good, it seems that Sark or Seth can be paired with just about anyone and it turned out quite fantastic.

Enjoy the crazy!

( excerpt )


Thirty-Five Minutes

And sequal to it Six Days Later

Title: How do you do continued in 200 Miles of Postcard Blues by Redrover1980
Pairing: Sydney/Sark, Buffy/Spike
Author on LJ: redrover1980
Author Website: Memories
Why this must be read: This is beautifully written combining the dynamic between Sydney and Sark’s relationship to the one Buffy had with Spike. Buffy must deal with her still very fresh feelings for Spike when she sees Sydney and Sark. She is reminded of the mistakes she made in not accepting Spike’s love.

This story leaves you quite enthralled with the characters, wanting so much more for them.

How do you do
200 Miles of Postcard Blues