Cosmic Reverie. [x]

Fanfic Recs: Part 1

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Part 2 FShenko recs

Part 3 FShenko recs

This is my first of several fShenko multi-chapter fanfic recommendation posts.  I would have loved to include all my recs in one post, but I didn’t want to hide anyone under the cut. 

This list is in no particular order.  I’m only including multichapter fics. Many of these writers have a backlist of amazing stories, but I only chose one to showcase.

If I’ve read your fic and you don’t see it on the list, it’s not because it wasn’t amazing and isn’t worth recommending.  It either slipped my mind, or it may be on an upcoming part of my list.  I’ve included a few non-fShenko fics later on, but those are marked.

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Echoes of Old Embers by @ripley95

Details: Post-ME 3, 50k words, complete

Summary:  After Shepard lives from the war, one of her biggest regrets was rejecting Kaidan at Apollo’s. Fate has a funny way of bringing Jane and Kaidan back into each other’s lives. A misunderstanding with Kaidan’s family makes him and Shepard relive old history and question where they stand.

What I love about it:  This is an amazing, heart-warming story with a lot of character depth and sweetness.  This authors writes one of my favorite versions of Kaidan Alenko. He's considerate and kind.  I love how her Jane Shepard and Kaidan complement each other so well.  Their romance is mature, deep, and heart-felt.  

One of the areas this story shines (among many!) is with the original characters.  Kaidan’s three sister and mom are distinct, layered, and bring background and warmth to the story.  If you’re looking for a love story with deep meaning and family-feels, this is a must-read.

Triquetra by @hollyem

Details: Spans ME 1 to ME 3, 17k words, complete

Summary:  Triquetra: a three-sided shape; a symbol representing the power of three.  The Mass Effect story has three possible endings, but it also has three possible beginnings. 

What I love about it:  The premise for this story is fascinating!  I love the dichotomy with ME having three possible ending and three possible beginnings.  What if Kaidan or Ash touched the beacon?  The characters are so well-written and true to the game. The three storylines braid together perfectly, and I love the contrast between circumstances as the stories unfold.

This story does a fantastic job delving into possible outcomes and spinning a unique tale for each of the three beacon-touched protagonists.  This story had me constantly guessing.  It subverted my expectations at every turn, and I loved that!  Who dies on Virmire?  What happens in ME-2 with Cerberus?  How does the final battle end?  How do the relationships change?  If you’re looking for a compelling story full of possibilities and twists of fate, this is the story for you.

There Won’t be Trumpets by @alphahelices 

Details: Spans ME-1 to ME-3, 13k words, complete

Summary:   While so much of his existence has been surrounded by explosions and gunfire and shouting, Kaidan’s life has been shaped by the silences in between.

What I love about it:  This story is pure beauty! The prose flows like poetry.  The images are vivid and visceral.  They’ll stick with you.  The theme of sounds weaves the story together through all three games.  There are moments that will always stick with me, like Shepard and Kaidan touching helmets to talk on a planet without atmosphere.  

The relationship between Kaidan and Shepard is tender, deep, and at times, beautifully heart-breaking before the eventual joy of reconciliation.  If you love precise, evocative language unfolding a moving love story, then check this out! 

Discovery by @pigeontheoneandonly

Details: ME 1, 475k words, complete, WIP sequel covers ME 2

Summary:  A reimagined Mass Effect 1, that keeps to the spirit of the canon while deepening connections between events and characters, delving into backstories, and expanding the narrative.

What I love about it:  This story builds a foundation of profound friendship between Shepard and Kaidan.  I love a good slow burn where the friendship evolves and galvanizes into bestfriends who are in love.  I always want to be convinced in a story that the leads belong together, and this story leaves no doubts.  They balance and challenge either.  It’s everything I love in a pairing!