Fuck Yeah All The Fic Recs

itareena

One of my favorite tropes of all time is featured in this fic - clueless!Kirk - and boy does the author write it well. Set post-movies, Kirk and Spock are roughly a year away from being sent on their first five year exploratory mission, and in the mean time, the Enterprise is doing some basic missions. Such as being the fastest cargo ship to and from the new Vulcan colony. So when orders arrive for Kirk to help Spock find a new bondmate, courtesy of the Vulcan High Council themselves, Spock asks Kirk to be his mediator between any potential matches. Essentially, Kirk gets to be Spock's chaperone, e.g. don't get handsy here, dude, this ain't no disco. Eventually, they wind up back on New Vulcan and Spock goes through these really formal and ritualistic interviews in an attempt to find someone compatible and the entire time, Kirk is doing his best at being all noble and dignified. You can imagine how well that goes over. (*snicker*) There is a bonding ceremony that happens, and a little splash of angst in there when Kirk realizes what a gigantic dumbass he's been, but all's well that ends well, and this fic definitely ends well. I like this fic for numerous reasons but mostly because of how earnest Kirk is in finding someone to make Spock happy. They're friends, dammit, and not just anyone can be good enough for Spock. I like how the author shows us just a dash of what the colony is like and how it's prospering but doesn't try to overwhelm you with too many technical facts. There're native Vulcan customs and food and words that really make this believable without confusing the reader, which is a really hard thing to do, ok. As usual, I find the characterization of Kirk and Spock to be very well done; Kirk is the captain but not a dick about Spock's circumstances eating into his personal time (in fact, Jim gets way too much pleasure out of this) and Spock is trying really hard to deal with something that is very personal without alienating his best friend. Altogether, this is another great fic from walkandtalk, with a short sequel and a prequel, even! I might read and review those when I have the time, but this is the main fic and should definitely be read soon.

Ooooohhhh man, Sterek. I love the Sterek pairing, I really do. It has so much potential. And I really, really, reaaaally wish this fic had been show canon, ok. Like, this is my new head canon for these guys. This fic is part one of a series called Building Something, and that is most apt description I've ever come across. Stiles and Derek are literally building a relationship here, ok. Stiles is woefully in love with this alpha werewolf that has so much baggage, he's drowning in it. Derek has these feelings for Stiles, who is seventeen, and it's freaking him the fuck out. Stiles is no where near perfect, much less Derek, and they're still trying to figure out how to live their lives, much less start a relationship. This fic is written in vignettes, with a little action here, some comforting there, and then a major plot towards the end that follows pretty consecutively towards the conclusion. I love how the author creates this world for Derek, gives you some background about his life in New York and what he did, without dominating the story with fact. Here's Derek, here's what he did, and now we're moving on. There's an original character in here that plays a pivotal role in helping Stiles and Derek man up and confess even the potential of feelings. And yet, Ezra doesn't feel like an OC that's just plopped in there for the sake of moving the plot forward. Very rarely will you come across an author that can insert a non-canon character and actually have them advance the plot without you asking "who the fuck is this and why are they in my fanfiction??" The author does a wonderful job of weaving the characterization into the story, and making them seem real and believable. Derek has some major hangups about relationships, ok. He was royally fucked over in that department. And Stiles is still an insecure kid just stumbling along and trying to fit into a world that doesn't seem to need him. Yet somehow, they make it work. They put time and effort into this relationship because it's necessary to them. And that, to me, is the mark of great fanfiction. There's a short interlude following this fic from the perspective of Sheriff Stilinski and then there's the main sequel, which I'll be reading and reviewing next. If it's anything like this one, it's going to be a fantastic read.

Another strange concept fic! I seem to be finding these more and more often! What if Tony Stark had never been born? Can you imagine what the world would be like? The Avengers get to find out first hand, sadly enough, after they all wish Tony had never existed. I don't know about you, but I've definitely been guilty of wishing someone gone, especially in the throes of anger. Imagine if every off-hand remark had the change of being taken literally, though. The consequences of the Avenger's anger is beyond their comprehension. Without Tony, Obadiah would have continue to run Stark Industries - which means continued weapon making and wars in the Middle East. Hammer would never have been stopped, Stark Expo would never have been restarted, and all the inventions Tony made were never created. Ultimately, however, the Avengers were never created. Steve wakes up in a world where he runs solo missions as Captain America, Bruce is still on the run, Natasha isn't trusted by S.H.I.E.L.D., and Clint is just another agent in the barracks. What made this fic unique to me is that Tony hardly ever appears in this fic; what we know about him is gathered from the opinions and perspectives of all the other Avengers. As such, there isn't really that much Stony in this fic (sorry!!) but the characterizations are really well-done. My only complaint is that the ending seems a little rushed? It all wraps up fairly quickly and I'm left wondering what happens between Steve and Tony and even Clint and Coulson. However, this is still a really good fic, and if the author decides to grace us with a sequel, I would definitely read it. :)

I honestly didn't know I needed this fic until I found it. Seriously, where the hell has this been all my life?? I'm already fascinated by Vulcans, so let's make it worse by throwing a kid Vulcan in for kicks. Spock's young cousin, Senik, has come to stay on Earth while his mother's stationed on a starship. This fic is set pre-reboot, so Spock is still teaching at Starfleet and Kirk is still a cadet. So Senik and Jim wind up in the same history class and Jim, being the awesome person he is, impresses Senik enough to consider him as potential match for Spock. Thus commences Operation: Match-make Kirk and Spock. No, I'm not kidding. This fic is essentially about a Vulcan kid running around Starfleet Academy and doing his best to set Spock up with Jim. I honestly can't tell you my favorite part, because there are so many of them! Perhaps it's the scene where Senik is spying on Spock and Kirk behind a trashcan with a pair of binoculars. Or maybe it's the scene where Kirk finds out Spock's been reading trashy human/Vulcan romance novels. Don't ask me to pick just one, because it would be impossible. This fic is basically amazing. It's sweet, scientific, funny, and just plain entertaining. The author nailed the characterizations, which only makes it even better. This Jim is smart, kind, and just a hint of arrogant, but in a really charming way. Spock is reserved yet curious, calm without being emotionless, and so very fond of Senik. I like to imagine that Senik is exactly what a child of Spock and Kirk would be like: decisive in his quest for knowledge, bold in his choices, yet with a hint of vulnerability that reveals his capacity for emotion. I really have to thank the author for creating such a satisfying masterpiece of a fic. I look forward to reading other work by this author and strongly encourage you to read this right now!

Someone asked me to add some Harry Potter recs to my blog a little while ago and I thought this would be the perfect fic to start us off! I've been following Lomonaaeren for years, as she's both prolific, active, and a fabulous writer, so don't be surprised if you see a lot of her work on here. So imagine, if you would, that the post-war era wizarding world doesn't know what to do with itself now that they don't have large amounts of dark wizards to defeat. Unfortunately, the Ministry decides to fill the void in the power vacuum Voldemort left behind. And what do they do? Close Hogwarts in an attempt to bring the school under Ministry rule - something Dumbledore fought against the majority of his life. Naturally, Harry says "oh hell no" and decides to do something about it. That is, he goes to Hogwarts, takes it over, and declares himself the new Dark Lord. Er, somewhat drastic measures, to be sure, but it does make the wizarding world sit up and take notice. Harry always has been a act-first-ask-questions-later kind of guy, so he really has no idea how to go about running a school, much less be a benevolently snarky Dark Lord (not to mention, McGonagall thinks he's off his nut). Enter Draco Malfoy, candidate for Minister of Magic (yes, you read that right!) who can offer some guidance in Harry's trying times. This is really fun read, with a really powerful Harry and a cunning Draco. I should mention that while this story is complete, there is a sequel in the works, which I can't wait to read, personally. There is also a one-shot that the author wrote previously to this fic, set some point in the future, making this a prequel. You can read it first or after this one, as it works either way. Lomona always gives her characters believability, even if they're no where near canon, and a world where anything is possible. I particularly love how she's able to create worlds that seem a stone's throw away from canon; I can easily imagine this happening post-Deathly Hallows. Once the sequel to this is complete, I will also read and review it, so keep an eye out. In the mean time, read this fic!

This was... different. I've never read a fic where one of the Avengers had an additional power (I mean, they're already superheroes!), but this one was definitely interesting. This fic is part one of a series that I plan on also reading and reviewing, so if you like this one, I'm assuming you'll like them too. Here we have Tony Stark: genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist...and mutant. However, Tony's abilities don't always work. Yet another thing we can lay at the feet of Sir Asshole Howard Stark. (in case you didn't know, I hate that guys). Tony's traumatized as a teenager when Howard discovers Tony's ability and promptly calls him inhuman and a freak. (sounds accurate) Fast forward into the future and Tony's now Iron Man, an Avenger, and has the unfortunate proclivity to blow things up when he's drunk. (which is normal, really. really.) Eventually the truth comes out, as it always does, and the Avengers demonstrate their ability to accept whatever's thrown at them; to them, Tony's Tony, with a little extra oomph. There's a scene where Tony meets his inner self that's kinda funny, if a little strange. There are parts where I really like this story and other parts where I feel the characterization of Tony is a little childish - but maybe the author did that on purpose? It does reinforce his inability to move on from his childhood trauma, I guess. Mostly I liked this fic because I've never really read a concept similar to this one and I thought it was fairly well executed. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

I thought this was a really interesting concept to run with; instead of having an apocalypse, you have humanity on the brink of extinction due to the angels. Because there were no demons trying to open the seals, Cas was never sent to Earth, so he's been fighting in the angel garrisons the entire time. And yet, he's hesitant. What has humanity done to deserve being purged from the Earth? So when Zachariah sends Cas down to look for Gabriel, who's been missing for a millennium, it's an opportunity for him to explore and interact with humanity. What he finds, though, is a situation completely different from what Zach's preachin'. Sam and Dean are on the run and hiding from the angels in a little compound they've literally carved out for themselves, along with a group of survivors they've collected along the way - including one important person: Loki. Cas stumbles upon them (literally) and they take him into their fold. In some ways, this is a really depressing story; I mean, it's the end of the world! In other ways, it's sweet and funny, yet sad. Dean is his typical in-denial-self, while Sam is looking for some escape - which he finds in "Loki". Please note that while the ending is a bit hokey, it DOES end well. I promise. There are bits I was hesitant about, such as their characterization - sometimes they feel childish. But then, they are facing the end of the world as they know it, so maybe I should give them some leeway, haha. Overall this was entertaining to read and would probably read again at some point. :)

This author's style of writing is one that I particularly enjoy. It has a very natural flow - almost a stream-of-consciousness, as if the characters were really telling you the story face-to-face. Here we see Tony and Steve grappling over Tony's attempts at matchmaking. He's determined to set Steve up with a nice lady, because Steve is the best person in the world to Tony, and therefore deserves the best things, including a perfect relationship. There's a really neat juxtaposition of Steve's point of view followed by Tony's, so you get to see both sides of the story but it doesn't feel abruptly thrown in. One of my biggest pet peeves in fiction is when the point of view abruptly switches from one character to another in the next sentence, with no warning. This fic does a nice job of setting up the situation from Steve's perspective, then finishes in Tony's, allowing the reader to understand both of their thoughts and motivations. I have to mention that Steve breaking the dishwasher handle towards the end was a really nice touch. Too often we're told Steve is superhuman, which he proves when he's saving the day, but we don't get to see how Steve handles his momentary lapses in a domestic setting. Tony just rolls with it, which is another plus to the thorough characterization the author manages in a relatively small amount of space. I recommend this fic if you want a short and sweet read with well-thought out plot and characters!

If I could pick one fic that would seamlessly fit between the two reboot movies, this would be that fic. Not only is it realistic, it's canon-compliant and I can literally see this happening in the movie-verse. It's set almost directly post-movie, with the Enterprise crew returning to Earth after destroying the Narada. Jim is supremely annoyed by the press and still on academic suspension so decides to escape back to Iowa for a little rest and relaxation. He inadvertently invites Spock to join him, not thinking the Vulcan will take him up on his offer - except Spock really needs time to himself, too. So for a month, Kirk and Spock cohabitate in Jim's family home and my god does it get Domestic. Perhaps one of my favorite scenes is when Jim makes plomeek soup for Spock, who is desperately missing home. It's the little give and take measures that they trade back and forth that really marks the progression of their relationship; both need time to mend and heal from the destruction that Nero ravaged. It just so happens that, along the way, they discover each other, too. It's not a fast-paced, rough and tumble fic, which is a nice change in its own right. I love the fics set in space where Jim and Spock are BAMFs, but I also love the slow and poignant fics like this, where everything just settles quietly into place. Jim and Kirk really do fit neatly together, each providing something the other is missing and this fic really highlights those moments without shoving it in your face. Really a wonderful fic that I encourage everyone to read, especially if you want to laze a day away. :)

This is, without a doubt, one of the best Cherik fics I've read in a while. In fact, I re-read it just to do this review and it was just as amazing the second time through. Charles is a peace-keeper, a known pacifist, but even he can be pushed too far in the rapidly escalating war of humanity against mutants. In order to protect the innocent mutants under his charge against a military strike, Charles abruptly realizes he'll do anything necessary - even kill. While on the run from the government, Erik comes looking for the hunted mutants and reveals a startling offer: sanctuary and protection from the Brotherhood, no strings attached. With no other options, Charles and his students accept the offer, startled to realize just how much the Brotherhood has grown - and how well. There are several really awe-inspiring things about this fic, the least of which is Charles himself. He commits murder and then struggles with his actions for the rest of the fic. No one can calmly commit and action and not feel torn apart from it (aside from sociopaths, which Charles is not) and we frequently see him struggle with guilt and despair. Surprisingly, Erik is rather supportive for what essentially amounts to a general in war against humanity; he gives Charles his space and time to grieve and doesn't press him into helping fight Erik's war. I loved the dynamic between Charles and Erik in this fic; it was very restrained for a telepath and the man desperately in love with him. No one can simply change their life view over night and seeing Charles struggle with such harsh realities is a really gripping look at the darker side of human nature. The ending was really well done and almost seemed to bring the fic full circle, post-movie. Definitely one of the more interesting and innovative takes on XM:FC that I've read in a while!

I'm a sucker for younger!Tony and older!Steve so this fic was a damn good find. Granted, Steve isn't all that much older than Tony in this fic, but I still like the novelty of a teenaged Tony. This fic is loosely based on the Armored Adventures tv series, lightly crossed over with the Ultimate Spider-man series, so there are teenage superheroes everywhere in here. I love the concept of this fic: that Tony wakes up Steve from stasis and then gets to introduce Steve to the 21st century, culminating in the formation of the Avengers. Mostly I love the characterization of everyone; Tony is not perfect - he's 18! - and is learning single-handed how to hand a multi-million dollar company on top of running an international superhero team. Oh, and he's desperately in love with one of the most famous and prevalent superheroes in the history of time. Of course he screws up. Steve is bewildered and lost in the beginning but has a high learning curve; he grasps reality with both hands and isn't afraid to tackle the hard things. The rest of the Avengers are a strange mix of the movie and their tv show counterparts, which is really fantastic. Coulson is definitely my favorite, though; he takes on the role of handler, nanny, boss, and father-figure for Tony, who is always in need of a calm word of advice. Overall, I love the tone of this fic - it's smart and funny and snarky and very relatable. The author does a rather fabulous job of mashing a few universes together in a seamless manner to create a world that is not only entertaining but believable. Wonderful fic!

It's been a while since I've read a Teen Wolf fic and what a fic to come back in on! Why does everything always seem to happen to poor Stiles? (it's only because we love you!) It's senior year for most of our intrepid pack of werewolves, hunters, and humans, and, unfortunately for Stiles, he isn't going to have much attention to spare for school. After a typical night out in the woods, Stiles begins to have frequent and disturbing nightmares - of being murdered, his family and friends dying, being tortured, and even killing people. After one particularly vivid nightmare finds Stiles waking up in the middle of the woods with no memory of how he got there, the pack eventually discovers that Stiles is being haunted...by a hag. Or so it seems. The fic spans the entirety of senior year (even prom! ...er, sorta), with Stiles getting progressively worse. The best part is the mutual attraction and denial between Stiles and Derek. They're so busy trying to help Stiles, they don't seem to recognize what's in front of their face. This story reads a lot like a case fic, which is pretty great; there are moments when you think everything's finally calmed down and then something else happens and starts the whole process over again. I do think the fic drags a little in the middle because of this - I think some of it could be edited out and the action would pace the story a little better, but it's still really interesting to read! Thankfully, Stiles is a BAMF, so when everyone does get their shit together, Stiles kicks some major ass. :) If you like a slow romantic build and have some time to kill, this is a great fic to read!

Set post-series finale, this fic picks up directly after Arthur is set adrift to Avalon. He wakes up exactly one year later, for an unexplained reason - completely healed and apparently perfectly healthy. However, as he and Merlin quickly realize, Arthur is only awake for one day - and only one day - each year. For Arthur, time is meaningless; it passes swiftly, as if he's merely been asleep for a single night. For Merlin, and the rest of the world, the years gradually inch by. Soon, Camelot is no long what it once was - the harsh realities of time take their toll and the world gradually evolves into what we know today, as a millennium passes. What's most interesting to me is how the author portrays the passage of time for both Arthur and Merlin. Arthur eventually accept that he'll be forever confined to Avalon, until Albion needs her Once and Future King, while Merlin, willingly bound to Arthur's side until Arthur needs him, ventures out to travel, explore, and learn. I like that there's no sudden relationship between Arthur and Merlin;it evolves just as gradually as the story. Perhaps the only thing I have issue with is how the author resolved the story - the solution seemed like something out of a debatable sci-fi movie, haha. However, it does end well and the characterization is rather wonderful, so do give one a shot!

Well, I never thought I'd read a fic about baseball, but then this appeared and I don't regret a minute of it. First, let me say that you don't really need to know a thing about baseball to read this story - the author even gives you some technical notes for background if you're so inclined. Having been to my share of games growing up, I know a fair bit about the game so I enjoyed the knowledgeable side of the fic immensely. You'd never picture Sherlock Holmes as a baseball pitcher or John Watson as a catcher, yet somehow this fic makes their careers believable. I loved how characters from the Sherlock series and bits of the show appear throughout the fic, like Lestrade and Mrs. Hudson to Sherlock's skull and violin. Even 221B makes an appearance! I like how Sherlock sees the mathematical side to baseball while John sees its poetry in motion. Perhaps the best part of the fic is how John and Sherlock resolve the issue of being a gay couple and nationally famous baseball players, i.e. they don't give a flying fuck. ;) Most of all, I think they manage to stay in character for the duration of the fic. There are parts I'm hesitant about, especially towards the end, which felt a bit rushed and could be fleshed out more, but for the most part, I truly enjoyed reading this fic. The author's love of America's favorite past time really shines through in their characters and make this work a notable AU in the Sherlock fandom.

Unfortunately I've never read a fic like this, but it sounds like it would be really interesting! Perhaps someone else knows of a fic and can help our curious reader? :)

I do read Drarry! I can start reccing Harry Potter if you're interested! I know it's been a while since I've posted anything... Ugh, this summer was horrible; I've been so busy...! I'm going to get some recs up really soon, guys!!