#superepic

Move Aside Tolstoy - epic length destiel fic rec list. We don’t usually rec fics based only on their technical aspects, but difficult times call for creative solutions. So, here are some of our favorite fics with more than 180,000 words form our Super Epic Tag (100k+ word count). Be sure to visit the tag as well since there’s 17 pages of super epic fic goodness. Or, if you want something less intimidating try our Epic fic Tag (40k-100k), Medium fic Tag (10k - 40k) or Short fic Tag (-10k). Enjoy!

Word count is given for the whole verse/ series when applicable, even if we reviewed only the first fic. All links go to our fully tagged reviews or submitted rec posts.

I. Canon verse destiel fics with 180k+ word count

Before the Fall Verse by exorcisingemily & mrstserc [M, 315,000 word count, alternate season 7]

Forgotten by NorthernSparrow [G, 160,000 word count] (submitted rec) and its sequel, Flight [M, 320,000 word count, season 9]

Home in Motion by nomdeplume13 [M/NC-17, 232,000 word count, canon divergent season 7]

Light Up the Sky for Me by starandrea [T, first fic 51,000 word count, total 440,000 word count in Sky Verse, 11 works, canon divergent season 5]

Redemption Road by various [NC-17, 650,000 word count, alternate season 7, 23 fics/episodes]

Somewhere Back Of The Sun by enigmaticblue [M/NC-17, first fic 72,000 word count, total 212,000 word count in Sun Verse, 34 works, alternate season 5, kid!fic]

Ugly Sweater Verse by saidtheking [NC-17, 185,000 word count, 21 work, domestic]

II. Destiel AU fics with 180k+ word count

A Hole in the World by anneliesemichel [NC-17, 221,000 word count, a/b/o]

Angelhawke by almaasi [NC-17, 418,000 word count, fantasy]

Angel’s Wild by LemondadeGaby and riseofthefallenone [NC-17, 389,000 word count, wing!fic]

Cinderwings by bendingsignpost [M, 182,000 word count, wing!fic]

Lipstick by soupernabturel [NC-17, first fic 184,000 word count, total 292,000 word count in The Lipstick Verse, 2 works, trans!cas] (submitted rec)

Ninety One Whiskey by komodobits [NC-17, first fic 401,000 word count, total 424,400 word count in Ninety One Whiskey series, 3 parts, WW2 fic]

Not Part of the Plan by Annie D (scaramouche) [NC-17, 337,000 total word count, 8 works, arranged marriage]

Say Something by jhanamay [NC-17, 250,000 word count, slow building romance]

Yours!Verse by mashiharasdream [NC-17, 441,000 total verse word count, 20 parts, a/b/o]

Special mention - if you love stories about FBI agents, give a chance to former cockles fic Angel Slayer series by emwebb17 [NC-17, 325,000 word count, 4 parts]. See this post about fic’s transition from cockles RPF to non fandom work. 

III. New super epic long fic recs! Since our blog transitioned to the Archive phase and is now managed by only one, a slow reader mod, our long fic recs have come to a halt. I must admit that I’ve not read these fics, but they were on my radar and I would be reading them if I had more time. Please be sure to check the authors’s tags and notes, and give them a chance!

A Graced Kingdom by angvlicmish [NC-17, 199,000 word count, WIP]

Ten years ago, the Northern Continent was at peace, angels and humans living side by side until the human King Winchester of Torrin waged war against the angels in an attempt to wipe them out - an attempt that almost succeeded. However, to this day some angels still remain in hiding and with an unpredictable turn of events one of them finds himself as the personal guard to King Winchester’s firstborn son, Prince Dean. With a strange ability no angel has had before - to hide his own wings - no one knows that they have just let their greatest enemy into the heart of their kingdom.  ...  [summary trimmed for space]  

A Priori by K_K_TiBal, whelvenwings [G, 260,000 word count, WIP] (also recced on our Hogwarts fic rec list)

Dean Winchester and Castiel Novak are headed to Hogwarts. Castiel, as a member of the old Novak wizarding family, is fully expected to be sorted into Ravenclaw, like all of his ancestors before him. Dean, as a Muggle-born, has no idea what the Houses even are. With a surprise sorting and classes starting soon afterwards, they're both pitched headfirst into the unknown - and they find themselves in competition with each other almost at once, both of them needing to prove themselves to the people they left at home, and the people with them at Hogwarts. ...  [summary trimmed for space]

Evangelist by emmbrancsxx0 [NC-17, 334,400 word count]

In Lawrence, the Novak family owns more than god. Castiel is expected to graduate with a business degree, become a community leader, meet a nice girl, and one day help run the family business, Evangelist, Inc. Then he meets Dean Winchester, who vehemently opposes everything Evangelist stands for. When Dean’s need for cash to pay the bills leads him down a risky path, both he and Castiel learn there may be more to Evangelist than philanthropy and good will.

Four Letter Word For Intercourse by bendingsignpost [NC-17, first fic 195,000 word count, talk series 223,000 total word count, 3 works]

As a grease monkey turned college freshman, Dean's constantly three seconds away from being stressed out of his mind. It hardly helps that he's finally figuring out his sexuality in his thirties. What might help with that stress is a little phone number (and a big credit card bill). If he can't figure out how to be bisexual in person, he can at least give it a go over the phone, right? (It's probably a bad idea, but he really can't help himself.)

The Graveyard Shift by PurgatoryJar, riseofthefallenone [NC-17, 620,000 word count]

Dean’s favourite coffee shop, The Graveyard Shift, is only open after the sun goes down. Which is perfect for him, because that’s exactly when he craves coffee the most while doing the overnight at the fire hall. The coffee shop’s owner is pretty perfect too, but it’s kind of a bummer that Dean never gets to see Cas during the day. In a world where the supernatural live more or less in peace with the rest of humanity, it’s a little impolite to ask Cas just what he really is - or what his dark past entails.

Protect and Serve by jupiter_james [NC-17, 205,200 word count]

Sam Winchester is America's newest sweetheart. An in-demand actor and all around Boy Next Door. However, with his fame comes the need for protection. And Sam only trusts his older brother, and former beat cop, Dean, plus his best friend, Castiel Novak, to keep him safe. However, Castiel and Dean share not only a desire to keep Sam safe, but also a lot of friction between them. In an attempt to smooth the edges, Sam pleads with them to find a way to make things work. Castiel thinks Dean needs discipline. Dean thinks Castiel needs to lighten up. Together, they discover a lot more about each other than anticipated.

Under The Midnight Sun by NorthernSparrow  [NC-17, 232,000 word count]

Dean Winchester’s been camp manager of a science research station on the Alaskan tundra for thirteen years. Dean likes his job; fixing the camp trucks, troubleshooting the generators, keeping clueless undergrads and NSF bigwigs from walking into grizzly bears or getting lost in snowstorms — it’s all in a day’s work. It keeps him pretty busy, and this year his brother Sam's visiting too, so he's even busier. So it’s really not any of Dean’s business when some weirdo antisocial ornithologist sets up a tent a few miles away, a dark-haired blue-eyed guy who’s doing a “very long-term" study on birds or wings or something, and who never, ever takes off his big lumpy backpack. ... [summary trimmed for space]

If you enjoyed the fic, please drop by the archive (AO3) and let the author know with your comments and/or kudos! And if you found our recs useful, let us know by Liking and/or Reblogging our posts! Sharing is caring <3

Button Up Your Overcoat by Skinner (psiten) Rating: Explicit Word Count: 140,000 Summary: Ed could untie knots in the fifth and sixth dimensions -- blindfolded. He could convince the military he fell through a rabbit-hole, and he could even shut down a Drachman invasion (with a little help), but he can't seem to avoid dating Roy Mustang (and maybe is kind of okay with that). But here's hoping they can collar a General trying to trigger a three-way war, and that they can stop him before he destroys the world.

Making himself walk instead of run took every ounce of composure he had, especially when he got far enough to see the city blanketed in a strange layer of dust and dark thunderclouds. The weather had been clear for miles around. Those clouds had the smack of weather alchemy about them. He had to find his brother. Spoiler Warning: End of first anime series, Conqueror of Shamballa movie.

As described in this post, life has been bonkers so I don’t have the time to tell you in detail why I loved this fic. That said, if it is on this site, I really, really enjoyed it!! 

In particular, I would sum this story up as a fic with snark and heart! And doesn’t that just fit a certain alchemist, okay alchemists, we know;)  This fic also highlights Team Mustang. In particular, the ever changing codes they used to confuse eavesdroppers, and in many cases Ed, were just hilarious! 

Cinderwings by bendingsignpost [ @bendingsignpost on tumblr] Rating: M Word Count: 182,000 Summary: Under the cover of a masquerade ball, Castiel has five nights to recover the key to his people's freedom. The world has changed greatly in the six centuries since their banishment into the void, but the task isn't impossible. Unfortunately for Castiel, this is going to involve talking to people - especially the Knight Prince who has taken an interest in Castiel and his "costume" wings.(Destiel Cinderella AU)

You have no idea how excited I am to rec this fic! We all know that rich world building, suspenseful plot, unique cultural misunderstandings and oodles of yummy destiel feels is more than enough for a great fic. But there’s also so much more. Angel Castiel trying to understand human body language and how to use it for his own agenda is amusing in and of itself. But when you add to it Castiel’s struggle to restrict his wing language from oblivious humans and the very tactile Prince Dean, you get a true winner among wing fic. On top of all that, this story is told with very eloquent prose. Many times I had to pause and savor a particularly lovely turn of phrase or linger over a sentence with so many emotions packed in just couple of words.

The fic is tagged as a Cinderella AU and, indeed, it borrows some of the most iconic moments from that famous fairy tale -  secret identities, a royal palace and extensive dancing, the importance of midnight, the lost not-a-slipper-thingy that is essential to track down the mysterious guest the prince has fallen in love with. But these are only building blocks in a cleverly subverted fairy tale fusion laden with canon parallels. The fic itself is an action packed, character driven story about deception and the sacrifices Cas and Dean are ready to make for their families. This is so not a story about a sweet natured orphan being noticed by a prince. Quite the opposite, Castiel is a seraph on a mission and his strategist and tactician skills are on full display here. He knows his target and that his time is limited, now, if only Prince Dean would stop being so distracting and wouldn’t make Cas to question his loyalties. The amount of destiel flirting -- er, I mean Dean flirting and Cas trying to make sense of human facial expressions-- in this fic is to die for. Also, I had the pleasure of reading one of the longest, sweetest and still very plot relevant kissing scenes ever in this fic. There’s so much I could say about this story, but I’ll save you time and just tell you to read it immediately. Your day or weekend will be better for it!

Fanworks inspired by this fanfic at destielfanworks (other fanworks by title)

If you enjoyed the fic, please drop by the archive (AO3) and let the author know with your comments and/or kudos!

Suggested further reading (links go to our reviews)

Not Part of the Plan by scaramouche [ @no-gorms on tumblr] -  read this super epic fic for intricate political plot, arranged marriage shenanigans, culture clashes, betrayals and separations,  but most of all, for Dean and Cas falling in love and fighting for it despite every expectation posed on them, and winging it as they go. If you have already read NPOTP, be sure not to miss recently posted timestamps.  

True as It Can Be by whelvenwings [ @whelvenwings on tumblr] - read it for a contemporary take on classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast, for Dean trying to understand creature Cas and for an amazing twist on the classical curse.

find more fics about strategist Cas on this ask and fics that highlight Cas’ otherness on this ask. We also have a wing!fic tag! 

Into the Deep by Ars_Matron - @ars-matron Rating: Explicit Word Count: 181,500 Summary: For five years the mysterious pirate ship, the Eros, has tormented the eastern seas. The most heinous of their crimes, the abduction of omegas from their very homes. Some merely children.  Viktor Nikiforov, captain of the Russian military's fastest ship the Agape, has dedicated his life to finding the infamous pirate pack. Rescuing the omegas that he can, and avenging those beyond his reach. But Viktor's never gotten close to the Eros. He doesn't even know who he's chasing. And the years of arriving too late are beginning to wear on him. If he cannot find them soon the mission and his command will be taken from him. A new lead in the mission may be just the break he's been waiting for. After five devastating years he'll do anything it takes to catch the Eros and her crew and bring them to justice. And finally he will have vengeance for the innocent souls that were lost along the way.

When the pirate ship Eros slips through Viktor’s fingers again, tempers wear thin. How is it possible that these miscreants, these outlaws, these damn Pirates can continue to elude the best of the Russian military? Yet it isn’t ego that drives Viktor, it is the ever increasing list of kidnapped omegas that pushes him to bring the Eros and her crew to justice. But who are these pirates and what is justice? 

We are given several points of view in this fic, starting with Viktor and then shifting to Yuuri, co-captain of the Eros. When Viktor is captured by the crew of the Eros, everything he believes is challenged. And that is just the beginning! With a fic of this length, many of our favorite characters have substantive arcs of their own, including Yuri and Otabek, Phichit, Seung Gil, Chris, and even Isabella and her pirate king. There is adventure, misdirection, confusion and betrayal in this swashbuckling tale set in an a/b/o universe. This is an epic adventure, one to be savored! 

This is a follower submitted rec and, as such, we cannot guarantee that the tags are 100% accurate. From bulletin #173: 

Let It Be Me by queenannabethwinchester (orphan_account) [NC-17, 127,000 word count]

recced by anon

This is a follower submitted rec and, as such, we cannot guarantee that the tags are 100% accurate. From bulletin #171: 

House & Home by G33kDiva and palominopup [NC-17, 127,000 word count]

recced by kyrie101

Sam Winchester was in trouble. His job with a popular home improvement network was in jeopardy unless he could come up with a new show that would boost ratings. He needed new talent that would invite more viewers. Enter his brother, Dean, a lewd, loud carpenter, who looked like an underwear model and Castiel Novak, a hot-headed interior decorator that catered to the rich .

The two men were to take a rundown home and turn it into a showplace. At the end of each season, the house would be given away in a big contest. But, they had to finish it first, without killing each other in the process. The first day on set sparks flew, but not the good kind. The two men hated each other. Sam just knew they’d have to pull the show after its pilot episode aired and he’d be back to making commercials about genital herpes. But the viewers loved it. The emails and tweets about the two men required the network to hire more people just to keep up with them. The snarky comments, the glaring looks and the sexual tension shot the show to the Number One position.

This is a follower submitted rec and, as such, we cannot guarantee that the tags are 100% accurate. From bulletin #167: 

All Your Lies by Speary [NC-17, 102,500 word count]

recced by spearywritesstuff

When Sam is captured in East Berlin, in the summer of 1953, there is some fear that he’ll be lost to them forever. However, Agent Dean Winchester catches a lucky break. His agency has captured a KGB agent. They’ve negotiated prisoner exchanges before, but only after they had extracted what secrets they could. And Dean has enviable skills when it comes to interrogations. His prisoner, Dmitri Krushnic, though, seems to know too much, and he also seems to be somehow familiar. The more time he spends with the prisoner, the more questions he has, about the past, about what he lost in the war, and about the truth that he wasn’t ready to see.