Fandom: KNIGHT RIDER
Pairing: None
Author on LJ: n/a
Author Website: n/a

Why this must be read:

For my last rec, I'm leaving you with a bit of a challenge: Catt of the Garage's "The Devil and the Three Naval Architects". Fantastic story, could have been an episode (if TPTB had that much money to burn!). Everything is canonesque down to the last iota; perfect characterizations, perfect technology, perfect plot. It's got intrigue, it's got sabotage, it's got torpedoes... it's even got a little something extra for KITT. There is absolutely no reason why you should not read this story -- except one. And that's where the challenge comes in...

The challenge? To find the story! Catt has, near as I can tell, vanished from the web. I've looked for her, checked every website and email address I could find. I even looked for her by her real name. Nothing. She's gone, and she took her stories with her. (A pity, because aside from this one, she also wrote a thrilling novelization of the episode "Killer KITT".)

What to do? I don't know. As of the writing of this rec, Google still has a copy of her story saved in cache format. I don't know how long it'll last, or even how legal it is to rec it like that. I've never found a copy of her story anywhere else, not even FF.Net. The only other option I can think of to get this story, is by asking some kindly fellow KR fan with a saved copy on their harddrive if they might be willing to share.

I encourage you to give it a shot, one way or another! This story is certainly worth the effort. Good luck, and have fun! :)

Vidder: Neil Epstein (aka 'Neps')
Musical artist: Glen A. Larson & Stu Phillips -- Original Theme Song; Busta Rhymes -- Remix Sampler from "Turn It Up/Fire It Up"
Pairing: None.
Vidder on LJ: n/a
Vidder's website: Knight Rider Online

Why this vid kicks ass:

I didn't even know Knight Rider had any fanvids until I went looking for them for tonight's Drive-In recs. But thanks to dknightshade, I found that not only do we have them -- they're good! However, because they are not easily found on the web by themselves, I have received the creator's explicit personal permission to hotlink directly to his vid. (Honest! I've even got it in writing. :P)

Neil, the master behind this particular vid, is the owner and operator of Knight Rider Online. (If you check out the board there, you'll find a thread which lists a couple other vids as well.) I enjoyed this one very much, especially because it has soundbites from the show embedded within it. The opening scene is priceless, and the timing of the images is wonderfully synchronized to the well-blended music. Plus, it makes for a very good homage to Kitt's various abilities. :D

Knight Rider Remix -- QuickTime Movie

Please Note: If you'd like to leave Neil comments about his vid, he encourages you to post about it on KRO's message board where he'll be sure to see it. Thanks!

Fandom: KNIGHT RIDER
Pairing: None
Author on LJ: n/a
Author Website: Knight Rider's Knightwatchers

Why this must be read:

This angst-filled drama was so good, it made me cry -- with actual tears! Honestly, it was that powerful. The best part was, even though it was Michael suffering the pain, I was crying for Kitt. Poor little AI, having to make such an impossibly difficult decision. :(

But if that's not reason enough for you to read this, then consider the fact that it won an Edward Award for Best Villian. Yeah, that's right. If Michael and Kitt's torment isn't enough for you, then count on the sheer evil genius of the bad guy to win you over. Heh heh.

Link to Story: Breakable by Vega

Fandom: KNIGHT RIDER
Pairing: Implied Michael/Kitt -- m/m SLASH
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Unknown

Why this must be read:

It's short, it's slashy, and it's almost poetic. With a concept that's different from anything else anyone's ever conceived of, "Animism" is a breath of fresh air. The first time I read it, I was amazed no one had ever mentioned such an idea before because the way Julia describes it, it feels so right, so perfect, that I couldn't imagine feeling anything else. Heck, it made me rethink my entire perspective -- it was just so... intimate. Mmm, it might only be PG-rated, but it's almost more romantic than many NC-17 fics. I adore it, and wish I could I find more written by this author. ::sigh::

Link to Story: Animism by Julia

Fandom: KNIGHT RIDER
Pairing: Umm... you know, it's too confusing to get into. Let's just say it's GEN, okay?
Author on LJ: n/a
Author Website: The Fanfic Vault

Why this must be read:

"Stopover" is, frankly, somewhat weird. Which makes it all the more amazing, in that Gyrph actually manages to pull such an outrageous concept off and still have it make sense. A sort of side-shoot to her Fire & Ice AU series, "Stopover" also delves into another author's AU series. It is, in fact, a strange hybrid of two KR/TKR alternate universes. Gryph strongly recommends you read her story "Nemesis" prior to reading this one; although it is not necessary to have previously read rusti_knight's series, as Gryph does a fair job of introducing them. However, if "Stopover" happens to leave you with an interest in Rusti's characters and universe, please don't hesitate to drop by LadyWolf's Garage to sate your curiosity. I'm sure it'll be worth it! :)

Either way, I've gotta give this story kudos if only for the difficulty rating Gryph must have had in writing it. The scenario alone is... well, if you're a fan of sci-fi, you're gonna love this. And that Gryph made it work -- and did so believably? Damn, that woman has talent!

Link to Story: Stopover by Gryph

Fandom: KNIGHT RIDER
Pairing: None
Author on LJ: dknightshade
Author Website: Knightshade's Garden

Why this must be read:

Rated R for violence, "Reeling" is a dark -- yes, DARK -- and angsty story that'll leave you breathless. It's packed full of emotion, from beginning to end, it is relentless. You won't see it coming, you won't know what to think when it happens, you won't know how to react when it's over... This fic is all about the reactions it causes in its viewing audience. And you will react, there is no way you couldn't.

For the sheer emotional power, the kind that will leave you reeling in your seat, you can't pass this up. There's only one other thing I can say about it: Sensitive Readers Beware. Oh, and maybe to have your favourite comfort fic on standby to read immediately afterwards. (I get the shivers just thinking about it. I love this fic! :P)

Link to Story: Reeling by Knightshade

Fandom: KNIGHT RIDER
Pairing: Michael/Kitt, near Michael/Bonnie
Author on LJ: n/a
Author Website: Tomy & Asp's Knight Fic

Why this must be read:

One of Tomy's stories, set in elfin's Chasing Midnight AU of Gryph's Fire & Ice AU. That means the fun that is Nick and Karr, plus extra good stuff in the form of SLASH, and of course proof that the greatest sex organ is still the mind. :P

This one also gains notoriety because, hey, guess who's back from the dead! And he comes well informed, and with friends of the not-so-pleasant variety. So, you know... it's got a plot! Plot, humour, drama, angst, and sex? It's a fully-fleshed, well-rounded read!

Link to Story: Appearances by Tomy

Fandom: KNIGHT RIDER
Pairing: None
Author on LJ: n/a
Author Website: The Fanfic Vault

Why this must be read:

"Nemesis" is the first story of the Evolutions series, an AU of Gryph's own Fire & Ice AU series. Nemesis keeps the universe, characters, and concepts Gryph created for the original Knight Rider universe, and melds them seamlessly into the Team Knight Rider universe. Karr is especially wonderful in this story, as the TKR crew realise who he is and somebody gets a little crush... awww! :P

Unfortunately, this is also the best story of the much shorter Evolutions AU of the AU. The following stories will hereafter have less and less of anything to actually do with the KR characters as the divergence takes over. Not that the divergence isn't interesting in itself, as it is -- and in one of the later stories, you will get to see a new side of Nick -- but it just isn't quite the same. Luckily, there are plenty of stories in the original series to keep a reader entertained for a very long time to come.

Link to Story: Nemesis by Gryph

Fandom: KNIGHT RIDER
Pairing: None
Author on LJ: n/a
Author Website: elfin productions

Why this must be read:

Kitt's insecurities are finally put to rest when elfin brings the original Knight Rider pair to meet the new players of Team Knight Rider. "Side by Side" highlights everything that is great and unique about Kitt; not only his capabilities, but his personality and his connection with his driver. FLAG may have created a new team to take over for an aging Michael, but they'll never quite equal the original.

This story is also good because it'll provide a quick little introduction to the TKR characters, which will come in handy for tomorrow's rec. See? I'm thinking ahead! :)

Link to Story: Side by Side by elfin

Fandom: KNIGHT RIDER
Pairing: None.
Author on LJ: n/a
Author Website: Knight Rider's Knightwatchers

Why this must be read:

I told you Gryph's "Fire & Ice" AU series was a trend-setter, didn't I? Oh yes, heh. Because "Trust" is Vega's take on the universe of the neural link, and she does it so darn well.

"Trust" is a story of angst, faith, and of course, trust. Trust in one's self, trust in your partner, trust in fate. It has one of the best plots Vega's ever conceived of; action, drama, suspense, emotion, angst, hurt/comfort... you name it, she packs it in.

It's also a bit unusal, in so far as Vega's own work goes. Vega is well known about the fandom as a canon writer. Most of her stories are set strictly in canon, with only canon-recognized characterizations. "Trust", automatically, is different. It is a story built in the fanon world of the F&I AU -- and yet, Vega stil manages to keep a canonical feel to it. Which is impressive in and of itself, if you think about it. :P

Link to Story: Trust by Vega

Fandom: KNIGHT RIDER
Title: Another Knight, Another Dream by Janeway
Pairing: None
Author on LJ: blazingskies
Author Website: Heart of the Sunrise

Why this must be read:

There aren't that many good crossovers in the Knight Rider fandom -- there aren't that many crossovers, period. But there are a few. Some crossed with expected fandoms like Forever Knight, Viper, The X-files, and of course the immortal Highlander. Others with less expected fandoms like Batman Beyond, Independence Day or even my own Magnificent 7: ATF AU crossover. And they are all effective and interesting, but Janeway's story is one of my favorites.

It's short as all get out, more of a set-up than an actual story -- and I've always wished blasingskies would write more of it -- but it's bloody brilliant even as is. It's clever, it's full of possibilities, and it inspires you to dream of a future. It is not crossed with any particular franchise of the Star Trek Universe, just set late 24th century. I've always preferred to think of it as post-TNG. (I have visions of Kitt encountering the Enterprise or running into Voyager whenever I think about it. ::snerk::)

And yes, don't worry, just because it's set a few centuries in the future doesn't mean the author has forgotten about Michael. After all, how could anyone break up such a perfect partnership? :P

Link to Story: Another Knight, Another Dream by Janeway

Fandom: KNIGHT RIDER
Pairing: Michael/Stevie
Author on LJ: n/a
Author Website: Tomy and Asp's Knight Fic

Why this must be read:

Stevie was the love of Michael Long's life, was in fact meant to be his wife. Seen in only two episodes before her inglorious end, the concept of Michael's relationship with Stevie is one that only a few authors have bothered to explore. In this story, Tomy delves into that relationship with style and grace. And perhaps best of all, she doesn't leave Kitt out in the cold while she's doing it. Wonderful all around, this story warms the heart -- like chicken soup for the soul.

Link to Story: If That's What You Need by Tomy

Fandom: KNIGHT RIDER
Pairing: None
Author on LJ: n/a
Author Website: Tomy and Asp's Knight Fic

Why this must be read:

Written for Janeway's Partnership Challenge, "Convergence" offers a What If? look that tantalizes and scintillates the reader. blazingskies's challenge was to write a story on the premise of: What if Kitt had never been paired with Michael for some reason? What if he was given a different driver? How would this affect his personality, his developing emotions. What would then happen if, years later, Kitt were to meet Michael Long on a mission...

Asp's response to that challenge was too damn good for words. In fact, it was nominated for a few awards -- er, about seven. :P So just go read it and see what I mean.

Link to Story: Convergence by Asp

Fandom: KNIGHT RIDER
Pairing: None
Author on LJ: dknightshade
Author Website: Knightshade's Garden

Why this must be read:

Because I missed rec'ing yesterday due to it being Mother's Day (and a fine day it was, mum! ::hugs:: love you!), I'm posting two recs today to cover the lapse.

"Boring Car Chases" gets distinction for being the funniest thing I've ever read in Knight Rider fandom. A well-meaning parody, honouring but definitely poking fun at the formulaic corniness of the original TV show, this is pure comedic genius. Kitt is sarcastic and at the top of his game, Michael is resigned but optimistic, and the car "chase" itself is outrageously hilarious! And oh, did Shady put a lot of effort into making this one accurate as well as hysterical -- she even did research! Gah, I love that woman! :P

Link to Story: Boring Car Chases by Knightshade

Fandom: KNIGHT RIDER
Pairing: Implied Michael/Bonnie
Author on LJ: beth_c
Author Website: Beth C's Fan Fiction

Why this must be read:

While a little too short (as in not developed as deeply as it could have been) for my tastes, this story manages to think from Kitt's perspective. It's a neat trick, and makes reading the story quite enjoyable. Plus, the plot-line is rather nifty as well. (Hint: Don't let the summary fool you; it's not as dark as it sounds!) Oh, and the kiss at the end is just too sweet to miss. It's a good little read!

Link to Story: Missing the Knight by Beth C.

Fandom: KNIGHT RIDER
Pairing: Michael/Kitt -- m/m SLASH
Author on LJ: n/a
Author Website: elfin productions

Why this must be read:

"Chasing Midnight" is a slash AU series of Gryph's "Fire & Ice" AU series. Initiated by elfin, Tomy and a few other authors later join in the effort to keep writing slashy stories in this AU of the AU. This recommendation, however, is for the first -- and the best -- of the CM series.

As part of the "Fire & Ice" alternate universe, Michael and Kitt are already linked by a soul-bond, but "Chasing Midnight" deepens that bond to every level. Once again attacked, Kitt is forced to jump across the link into Michael's mind to survive the damage to his CPU. Only a human brain was not designed to house an AI mind, so elfin introduces the ingenious solution of a temporary android body until Kitt's CPU is fixed. The android body (see elfin's accompanying pic!) also conveniently surpasses whatever physical boundaries one would expect from human/computer love. Consequently, the sex is not only plausible... it's bloody well hot! :P

Besides the hot sex, too, are the usual high quality writing, strong characterizations, and involving plot. But, you know... there's also some really good sex. Definitely a keeper!

Link to Story: Chasing Midnight by elfin

Fandom: KNIGHT RIDER
Pairing: None
Author on LJ: n/a
Author Websites: Gryph's The Fanfic Vault and elfin productions

Why this must be read:

Remember how I said I'd be rec'ing more stories in the "Fire & Ice" AU? Well, this is one of 'em. In fact, this is The Big One. Third in the series, this is over 640Kb of the absolute BEST story in Knight Rider fandom! I'd even go so far as to say, considering the 48 or 49 fandoms in which I read, it is one of the top ten stories ever written, in any fandom.

"Beyond Loyalty" is... well, it's... er, it's pretty much everything. But mainly some pretty damn powerful angst. It touches you in a way you won't ever forget, in a way the characters can't forget. The issues born of this story remain with the series throughout; though not without a sense of resolution, there are no easy cures.

Once upon a time, I wrote a review of this story in which I claimed it was "an absolute MUST READ story!" and that "If you don't read this, you aren't a real Knight Rider fan". Now, years later, I'm sticking to what I said before. It's a collaboration by the two best authors in the fandom, how could it not be great? Easy -- because it's spectacular!

Try this to wet your appetite: ( Excerpt from Part 1 )

Link to Story: "Beyond Loyalty", in four parts: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

Fandom: KNIGHT RIDER
Pairing: None
Author on LJ: dknightshade
Author's Website: Knightshade's Garden

Why this must be read:

Knightshade is the fifth of the core authors, and a personal friend of mine. I had a difficult time choosing which of her stories to introduce you to her work with, but finally decided her first masterpiece was a good place to start. Shady has incredible talent as an author, and angst is certainly her speciality!

"A Knight's Ransom" is angsty, but it's also so much more. It's part mystery, part action, part drama, even a few hints of romance. It has an intriguing, complex plot you can't help but actively follow, and the characterizations are so spot on it's like reading an episode. Actually, it's better than an episode! :P And it is definitely worth the read!

Link to Story: A Knight's Ransom by Knightshade

Fandom: KNIGHT RIDER
Pairing: None
Author on LJ: n/a
Author Website: Knight Rider's Knightwatchers

Why this must be read:

Number Four on the Top Five list is Vega. This story in particular is one of her best works, though she's no longer writing KR fic at all. "Knight of the Blackout" occurs in a possible alternative future much darker than ours, but which given the circumstances we can actually see happening. The setting alone is an eye-opener that makes the story worthwhile, but the action-packed plot makes it better.

Perhaps the best thing about this story is the twist in the ending. Vega builds up to it so smoothly you don't see it coming, and only in hindsight does it all become apparent. That kind of trick takes talent to pull off -- Vega has it in abundance.

Link to Story: Knight of the Blackout by Vega

Fandom: KNIGHT RIDER
Pairing: None
Author on LJ: n/a
Author Website: Knight Fic

Why this must be read:

Tomy is another of the Top Five authors, along with elfin and Gryph. I've chosen to introduce her work by beginning with "Homecoming", a strange choice maybe given Tomy's prolific output, but trust that there is a method to my madness. :P Anyway, "Homecoming" is great because it is one of the few KR fics that actually delves into Michael Long's past -- in this case, his family.

This story is very well-written, like all of Tomy's work (not surprising, as she's also been voted the fandom's Best Beta-Reader! :P), but is most memorable for its character interaction. The depth of the friendship between Michael and Kitt is the foundation of this story, and the interesting plot only enhances it. I particularly enjoyed the reactions of Michael's parents when they first meet Kitt -- always a fun moment! :)

Link to Story: Homecoming by Tomy

Fandom: KNIGHT RIDER
Pairing: None
Author on LJ: n/a
Author Website: The Fanfic Vault

Why this must be read:

Gryph is easily, indisputably, the BEST author in KR fandom. And "Fire & Ice" is the reason why!

The pilot story of an AU series by the same name, "Fire & Ice" rules over all others for it's creativity, engaging style, and perhaps the most interesting character ever created -- Nick MacKenzie. Gryph's entire series has become the backbone of the fandom, the trend-setter from which many authors have borrowed (myself included). The characters and concepts she introduces in this story have become so well entrenched into the fandom, they're more real to most fans than the original TV series.

"Fire & Ice" is an award-winning story of the highest calibre. Not only does it introduce the new and improved Karr -- whom many love as much if not more than Kitt himself -- but it's also the founding story for the presence of the neural link. Ah, yes, the neural link... that little thing Gryph created many moons ago, all unknowing of the powerful impact it would have on the fandom. For it is now considered a main staple... and so is Gryph's "Fire & Ice" AU series.

Link to Story: Fire & Ice by Gryph

Because there are so few truly magnificent stories in this fandom, and Gryph's frankly rock, I'll be recommending other fics in the "Fire & Ice" series. They're special -- they deserve special attention. :P

Fandom: KNIGHT RIDER
Pairing: Kitt/OFC (Not a Mary-Sue!)
Author on LJ: N/A
Author's Website: elfin productions

Why this must be read:

For the first recommendation, how could I possibly choose anything other than elfin's "Soul Survivor"? This HET story is the one that hooked me into the fandom... the one that hooks most fans into the fandom. Heck, it's practically a tradition! As one of the Top Five authors of Knight Rider fic, all of elfin's works are superb -- in every fandom she writes for, of which there are many.

But this story in particular is a heart-wrenching tale, so beautifully depicted it can't help but capture your attention and hold it fast. Yes, there is an OFC, but she is in no way a Mary-Sue. And even if she were, the story itself and the deep bond elfin develops between Michael and Kitt would more than compensate. It's so good, it's won four Edwards Awards: Best Story, Best Dramatic Scene, Best Romantic Scene, and Best Longtimer Story. Go, read! (And remember to feed the author!)

Link to Story: Soul Survivor by elfin

There is also an NC-17 sequel, called Lattiece Requiem, if you're in the mood for more.