Favorite Stories and vids of 2011
Dec. 30th, 2011 05:28 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
amalthiaIt's that time of year again where I post my favorite stories and vids of 2011. Not all the stories were posted in 2011 but it's the year I found them for the first time, so it counts in my book. :)
The stories below are listed in no particular order or fandom preference. This year it was again difficult to narrow down my absolute favorites.
I have ebook versions for all the stories listed here (except for Family Matters) if you'd like a mobi/epub version of a story listed here and the author doesn't already have one email me at amalthia at gmail.com and I'll share my copy with you.
Star Trek Reboot, Merlin, Marvel (Avengers, Thor, Iron Man, X-Men), DCU (Batman, Young Justice, Flash), Fullmetal Alchemist, Inception, Vid Recs
Inception
Title/Author: The Music Makers by mami_san
Author Summary: A. Graham Cole was twenty-one years old when he was killed in action in Iraq. This is the official story. The truth is, of course, somewhat different.
Pairing: Arthur/Eames
Word Count: 53,900
Review: This has been one of the most satisfying Inception stories I've read. The world building, character voices, and plot were all compelling. I could not stop reading once I started the story. I have also re-read this story more than once.
Link: Ebook Versions Here
Title/Author: What a Lovely Way to Burn by dreamlittleyo & leonidaslion
Author Summary: How do you wake up from someone else's nightmare?
Pairing: Arthur/Cobb, Eames/Ariadne
Word Count: 231,600
Review: This story was easily one of the scariest fics I've read in years and easily one of the best that came out of the Inception Big Bang this year. The character voices were spot on, I loved the concept. I'm glad I had my cats home with me the imagery was incredibly vivid.
Link: Ebook Versions this way
Title/Author: The Helix Trap by Croik.
Author Summary: After the Inception proves successful, Eames tracks down Robert out of concern for its unusual side effects. Meanwhile, Arthur is hired to a dangerous job that forces the rest of the team to take sides: whether to defend Robert and his fragile mind, or ruin him completely.
Pairing: Ariadne/Arthur, Eames/Robert
Word Count: 127,232
Review: I loved the concept and the character voices. I also liked that the Inception team weren't all on the same page and I was on the edge of my seat for a large portion of the story.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/126018
Star Trek Reboot
Title/Author: Streetlight People by ladyblahblah
Author Summary: AU. Strangers waitin', up and down the boulevard, their shadows searchin' in the night. Streetlight people, living just to find emotion; hiding somewhere in the night.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 54,436
Review: I loved the premise, the character voices, and I could not stop reading once I started. This was one of the better Kirk is a prostitute stories I've read. It is also heartbreaking to see how much Kirk's time on Tarsus IV changed him.
Link: http://ladyblahblah.livejournal.com/60673.html?style=mine
Title/Author: Still Life by garryowen (dogpoet)
Author Summary: Traumatized by his experience on Tarsus IV, Jim Kirk runs away to Vulcan to undergo kolinahr. Reboot AU.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 39,886
Review: I loved the imagery, the character voices, and I had tears in my eyes through half the story. I loved the story concept and the images of the monastery.
Link: Ebook Versions Here
Title/Author: What Part of Forever by Kairi (feels_like_fire)
Author Summary: Vulcan is considering seceding from the Federation; Spock, a researcher at the VSA, decides now is a good time to catch up on being Human. So he visits Earth and hires Jim Kirk as his guide, with predictable results. Inspired loosely by Pretty Woman before taking on a life of its own with more sex; semi-serious rom-com.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 86,574
Review: I absolutely loved all the character voices, the plot, and how Kirk and Spock slowly fell in love. :) I also loved how details of their past came out slowly over the course of the story. Wonderful storytelling.
Link: Ebook Versions here
Title/Author: With My Feet Toward the Stars by kariye.
Author Summary: At age five, Spock informs his mother that it is illogical to wish him “sweet dreams” at bedtime because Vulcans do not dream. “Oh, Spock,” she says.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 33,000
Review: This story was lyrical and the imagery evocative. I LOVED Spock's pov and all the character voices were spot on and felt real.
Link: http://rinsbane.livejournal.com/70245.html?style=mine
Title/Author: Leave No Soul Behind by Whochick
Author Summary: If you're Starfleet, you spend your whole life wishing you never see an EPAS uniform right up until the moment they become your only hope. Whether you're dying a slow, cold death in space, or a long painful one on some godforsaken planet, they're going to come for you. So count your last breaths, son, and hold on tight. They leave no soul behind.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 251,878
Review: This story kept me up late because I could not stop reading. I loved the premise, the character voices, the action, and all the original characters. This is one of my favorite types of AU's. The setting is still in the Star Trek verse but the characters are doing something completely different and yet are still recognizable. The author did a great job of keeping the plot together, world building, and the resolution was awesome.
Link: http://ksarchive.com/viewstory.php?sid=2937
Title/Author: The Lotus Eaters by Aldora89
Author Summary: Stranded on the planet Sigma Nox while searching for a missing away team, Spock and Kirk find themselves pitted against a disturbing native life form. With the captain out of commission on a regular basis and Spock struggling to preserve his stoicism, staying alive is difficult enough – but when a slim chance for escape surfaces, their resolve is truly put to the test. Together they must fight for survival in the heart of an alien jungle, and in the process, uncover the mystery of the planet’s past.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 93,594
Review: This was my favorite story of the Star Trek big bang this year. I loved the imagery and the pacing kept the story moving along and I was on the edge of my seat through many parts of the fic. I also loved that there was a mystery of sorts and the conclusion was awesome.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/277853
DCU (Batman, Young Justice, Flash)
Title/Author: No Dawn, No Day by quipquipquip
Author Summary: Living, you're allelopathic. Everything around you withers up and dies---and that's not your fault. You got that from your father. It's a shame, really. Damian/Stephanie, future AU based on Batman 666/700
Pairing: Damian/Stephanie
Word Count: 211,803
Review: This is the story that completely sold me on the Damian/Stephanie pairing. It's also the story that got me completely obsessed with Stephanie's Batgirl and the Batman and Robin comics just so I can learn more about Damian and Stephanie. As for the story, it sucked me in, broke my heart, put it back together again, and I've re-read this story so many times it's not even funny. The writing is fantastic. I started reading the story at part 2 of the series and I consider the alternate ending my canon for this verse.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/series/10729
Title/Author: Drake by Esse13
Author Summary: An ancient evil threatens once more, so a hero, along with his loyal sidekick, go on a quest to find the missing savior of two worlds. Or so the story's said to go.
Pairing: Conner Kent (Kon-El)/Tim Drake (Robin III)
Word Count: 100k
Review: I loved the concept, the way the plot unfolded, and it was just an all round captivating story. I had so much fun reading.
Link: http://calicodragon.com/k%26t/esse13.html
Title/Author: Sacred by Pervyficgirl
Author Summary: Zoom seeks his revenge on Barry by targeting Wally.
Pairing: Gen
Word Count: 38,409
Review: If the warnings don't put you off the story (and do read the warnings) this was one of the best childhood molestation stories I've read in a long time. I got tears in my eyes more than once and the character voices worked for me. I also liked that the author saw the story through and the plot made sense.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/204683
Title/Author: Perennial by glymr
Author Summary: When he was nine years old, young Timothy Drake's family decided to move to a small town in Kansas...
Pairing: Conner Kent (Kon-El)/Tim Drake (Robin III)
Word Count: 93,465
Review: I LOVED Tim and Kon in this story. Their character voices felt spot on, I loved the plot, and I got tears in my eyes more than once. I loved seeing what would have happened if Tim Drake had moved to Smallville when he was nine.
Link: http://glymr.dreamwidth.org/136817.html
Title/Author: Muddling through Grey by Kizmet
Author Summary: With school really kicking in for the rest of YJ Superboy is left feeling alone and increasingly isolated. After a mission gone wrong, feeling worthless he runs off and ends up being taken in by Flash's Rogues.
Pairing: Superboy/Pied Piper
Word Count: 71,271
Review: I adored all the Rogue characters in this story and seeing Superboy find a family. I could not stop reading once I started.
Link: Ebook versions here
Title/Author: Hanging Work by Lucereta
Author Summary: Two tickets to a circus never used, a little boy forgotten, and a chance meeting. Of such things are legends made.
Pairing: Bruce Wayne/Dick Grayson
Word Count: 44k
Review: I loved the interaction between Bruce and Dick through the years and how Catwoman took care of Dick and supported him. The character voices and actions felt genuine.
Link: http://lucereta.home.insightbb.com/hanging.htm
Title/Author: The Angels You Need Series by Te and Mary
Author Summary: And if you live through this with me, I swear that I would die for you.
Pairing: Jason Todd/Tim Drake, Tim Drake/Kon-El, Stephanie Brown/Jason Todd
Word Count: 170,000
Review: I've re-read this story multiple times and each time it makes me cry. I loved Jason Todd taking over as Batman after Bruce Wayne is killed and how Jason deals with being Batman and still in high school. I loved seeing how the universe is still sort of the same but so different in how Tim Drake becomes Robin and Stephanie becomes Batgirl. This story stuck in my brain for days and I wanted to write fan fiction for this universe Te and Mary had created.
Link: Ebook Version of series here
Marvel Universe (Avengers, Thor, Iron Man, X-Men)
Title/Author: Chaos War by Astolat
Author Summary: It was never easy to find Loki when he wanted to hide, but he wasn't doing a particularly good job of it at the moment. Probably he didn't think anyone from Asgard would be wasting their time hunting for him while the shining ones churned their way steadily through all the realm.
Pairing: Thor/Loki
Word Count: 34,203
Review: My heart broke for Loki in this story. I also loved Thor's complete and utter dismay at Loki's decisions as king. Thor's loyalty and love for Loki really won me over and I've re-read this story about a million times now.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/243244
Title/Author: Tomorrow Belongs To Me by Valtyr
Author Summary: Steve wakes up in the 21st Century. He doesn't think much of it, and it's dubious about him. He meets a Norse God, joins a superhero team, and feels terribly awkward about the whole momument at Arlington he's rendered obsolete by not being dead. Meanwhile, Tony is trying to make his mark on history by being the man who finally drove Nick Fury over the edge.
Pairing: Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Word Count: 87,241
Review: This is probably my favorite Steve Rogers adjusts to the future fic. I loved the plot, the character voices, and Loki was kind of awesome here too. :) It's a rare story that can mix a good romance with action/adventure and make every person on the Avengers team interesting. I loved that Steve and Tony didn't hit it off right away and their interactions were so funny.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/259417
Title/Author: ready, fire, aim by gyzym
Author Summary: There's no "I" in "Avenger."
Pairing: Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Word Count: 21,00 (entire series about 63,378)
Review: This story was hilarious and the character voices were spot on. I laughed more than once and the dynamic between Steve and Tony was interesting. I loved that it took awhile for the two men to understand each other.
Link: http://gyzym.livejournal.com/105050.html?style=mine
Title/Author: Family Ties by Skiesovergideon
Author Summary: Post-movie, (disregard the secret ending part) after the fall to Midgard, Loki lost the majority of his power. He then proceeded to be taken in by a local family. Loki was going to get all his powers back and leave them as soon as he can, but he finds himself basking in the warm affection that his host family showered upon him; that had never happened to him in his Asgard days.
Pairing: Gen
Word Count: 80k
Review: I had a blast reading this story. I loved Loki's experiences on Earth and adjusting to his magic not quite being under his control. I also loved all the original characters and the ending was awesome. (Only downside is that the story is long and on the norsekink meme so reading it is a bit of a pain)
Link: http://norsekink.livejournal.com/2496.html?thread=2379712
Title/Author: Indelible by Penumbren
Author Summary: When an experiment goes awry, Tony thinks he may have found an answer to his problems and Steve faces something he's been avoiding for a very long time.
Pairing: Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Word Count: 104,796
Review: I loved the interaction between 1940's Tony with present day Steve and then seeing present day Tony's interaction with pre-serum Steve. Parts of the story were heartbreaking because a lot of the story dealt with the fallout of the Civil War story arch in Avengers.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/series/11318
Title/Author: The Winter of Banked Fires by Yahtzee
Author Summary: Charles Xavier has returned from the dead -- but is lost within his own mind. Rogue has cast aside her own power and doesn't know where she fits in the world any longer. The production of synthetic Cure means mutantkind itself is newly at risk. And Magneto, turned human against his will, is in despair until the day he feels a familiar consciousness tugging at his own --
Pairing: Erik Lehnsherr/Charles Xavier, Logan/Rogue, Hank McCoy/Mystique
Word Count: 67,622
Review: I could not stop reading this story once I started. I loved the plot, the character voices, and I liked how the author brought Charles back to life and merged the canons from X-Men:First Class and the X-Men trilogy movies.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/250109
Fullmetal Alchemist
Title/Author: The Adventures of Roy Mustang: Sex Ed Teacher by Skydark
Author Summary: Alchemy, the military and hormones; not a good mix in anyone's book. Especially not for teenage, height-challanged boys packing enough firepower in a single clap of their hands to level a city block. Throw an unexpected crush into the mix and stand back to watch the fireworks. The story takes you on the foibles and pitfalls of one of the most unexpected journeys in the colonel's life -- falling in love.
Pairing: Roy/Ed
Word Count: 525,499
Review: I don't think I've laughed this much from the antics of the characters in forever. I highly recommend reading the sequel, Better Living Through Alchemy and the 3rd story in the series is a WIP so read that one at your own risk. Basically, this was an all around fun story to read and I loved the character voices.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/series/6185
Vid Recs
Farscape
Deep by rhoboat
Review: This vid hit all my buttons and I loved how twisted it was.
Merlin
Shake It Out by nel_ani
Review: I loved the song, the editing, and the vid was heartbreaking.
Young Justice
Marchin On by beccatoria.
Review: I loved the editing, pacing, and theme in the vid.
If you got to the end of this list and didn't think there were enough recs please visit my Pinboard account and browse my tags.
The stories below are listed in no particular order or fandom preference. This year it was again difficult to narrow down my absolute favorites.
I have ebook versions for all the stories listed here (except for Family Matters) if you'd like a mobi/epub version of a story listed here and the author doesn't already have one email me at amalthia at gmail.com and I'll share my copy with you.
Star Trek Reboot, Merlin, Marvel (Avengers, Thor, Iron Man, X-Men), DCU (Batman, Young Justice, Flash), Fullmetal Alchemist, Inception, Vid Recs
Inception
Title/Author: The Music Makers by mami_san
Author Summary: A. Graham Cole was twenty-one years old when he was killed in action in Iraq. This is the official story. The truth is, of course, somewhat different.
Pairing: Arthur/Eames
Word Count: 53,900
Review: This has been one of the most satisfying Inception stories I've read. The world building, character voices, and plot were all compelling. I could not stop reading once I started the story. I have also re-read this story more than once.
Link: Ebook Versions Here
Title/Author: What a Lovely Way to Burn by dreamlittleyo & leonidaslion
Author Summary: How do you wake up from someone else's nightmare?
Pairing: Arthur/Cobb, Eames/Ariadne
Word Count: 231,600
Review: This story was easily one of the scariest fics I've read in years and easily one of the best that came out of the Inception Big Bang this year. The character voices were spot on, I loved the concept. I'm glad I had my cats home with me the imagery was incredibly vivid.
Link: Ebook Versions this way
Title/Author: The Helix Trap by Croik.
Author Summary: After the Inception proves successful, Eames tracks down Robert out of concern for its unusual side effects. Meanwhile, Arthur is hired to a dangerous job that forces the rest of the team to take sides: whether to defend Robert and his fragile mind, or ruin him completely.
Pairing: Ariadne/Arthur, Eames/Robert
Word Count: 127,232
Review: I loved the concept and the character voices. I also liked that the Inception team weren't all on the same page and I was on the edge of my seat for a large portion of the story.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/126018
Star Trek Reboot
Title/Author: Streetlight People by ladyblahblah
Author Summary: AU. Strangers waitin', up and down the boulevard, their shadows searchin' in the night. Streetlight people, living just to find emotion; hiding somewhere in the night.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 54,436
Review: I loved the premise, the character voices, and I could not stop reading once I started. This was one of the better Kirk is a prostitute stories I've read. It is also heartbreaking to see how much Kirk's time on Tarsus IV changed him.
Link: http://ladyblahblah.livejournal.com/60673.html?style=mine
Title/Author: Still Life by garryowen (dogpoet)
Author Summary: Traumatized by his experience on Tarsus IV, Jim Kirk runs away to Vulcan to undergo kolinahr. Reboot AU.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 39,886
Review: I loved the imagery, the character voices, and I had tears in my eyes through half the story. I loved the story concept and the images of the monastery.
Link: Ebook Versions Here
Title/Author: What Part of Forever by Kairi (feels_like_fire)
Author Summary: Vulcan is considering seceding from the Federation; Spock, a researcher at the VSA, decides now is a good time to catch up on being Human. So he visits Earth and hires Jim Kirk as his guide, with predictable results. Inspired loosely by Pretty Woman before taking on a life of its own with more sex; semi-serious rom-com.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 86,574
Review: I absolutely loved all the character voices, the plot, and how Kirk and Spock slowly fell in love. :) I also loved how details of their past came out slowly over the course of the story. Wonderful storytelling.
Link: Ebook Versions here
Title/Author: With My Feet Toward the Stars by kariye.
Author Summary: At age five, Spock informs his mother that it is illogical to wish him “sweet dreams” at bedtime because Vulcans do not dream. “Oh, Spock,” she says.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 33,000
Review: This story was lyrical and the imagery evocative. I LOVED Spock's pov and all the character voices were spot on and felt real.
Link: http://rinsbane.livejournal.com/70245.html?style=mine
Title/Author: Leave No Soul Behind by Whochick
Author Summary: If you're Starfleet, you spend your whole life wishing you never see an EPAS uniform right up until the moment they become your only hope. Whether you're dying a slow, cold death in space, or a long painful one on some godforsaken planet, they're going to come for you. So count your last breaths, son, and hold on tight. They leave no soul behind.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 251,878
Review: This story kept me up late because I could not stop reading. I loved the premise, the character voices, the action, and all the original characters. This is one of my favorite types of AU's. The setting is still in the Star Trek verse but the characters are doing something completely different and yet are still recognizable. The author did a great job of keeping the plot together, world building, and the resolution was awesome.
Link: http://ksarchive.com/viewstory.php?sid=2937
Title/Author: The Lotus Eaters by Aldora89
Author Summary: Stranded on the planet Sigma Nox while searching for a missing away team, Spock and Kirk find themselves pitted against a disturbing native life form. With the captain out of commission on a regular basis and Spock struggling to preserve his stoicism, staying alive is difficult enough – but when a slim chance for escape surfaces, their resolve is truly put to the test. Together they must fight for survival in the heart of an alien jungle, and in the process, uncover the mystery of the planet’s past.
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Word Count: 93,594
Review: This was my favorite story of the Star Trek big bang this year. I loved the imagery and the pacing kept the story moving along and I was on the edge of my seat through many parts of the fic. I also loved that there was a mystery of sorts and the conclusion was awesome.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/277853
DCU (Batman, Young Justice, Flash)
Title/Author: No Dawn, No Day by quipquipquip
Author Summary: Living, you're allelopathic. Everything around you withers up and dies---and that's not your fault. You got that from your father. It's a shame, really. Damian/Stephanie, future AU based on Batman 666/700
Pairing: Damian/Stephanie
Word Count: 211,803
Review: This is the story that completely sold me on the Damian/Stephanie pairing. It's also the story that got me completely obsessed with Stephanie's Batgirl and the Batman and Robin comics just so I can learn more about Damian and Stephanie. As for the story, it sucked me in, broke my heart, put it back together again, and I've re-read this story so many times it's not even funny. The writing is fantastic. I started reading the story at part 2 of the series and I consider the alternate ending my canon for this verse.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/series/10729
Title/Author: Drake by Esse13
Author Summary: An ancient evil threatens once more, so a hero, along with his loyal sidekick, go on a quest to find the missing savior of two worlds. Or so the story's said to go.
Pairing: Conner Kent (Kon-El)/Tim Drake (Robin III)
Word Count: 100k
Review: I loved the concept, the way the plot unfolded, and it was just an all round captivating story. I had so much fun reading.
Link: http://calicodragon.com/k%26t/esse13.html
Title/Author: Sacred by Pervyficgirl
Author Summary: Zoom seeks his revenge on Barry by targeting Wally.
Pairing: Gen
Word Count: 38,409
Review: If the warnings don't put you off the story (and do read the warnings) this was one of the best childhood molestation stories I've read in a long time. I got tears in my eyes more than once and the character voices worked for me. I also liked that the author saw the story through and the plot made sense.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/204683
Title/Author: Perennial by glymr
Author Summary: When he was nine years old, young Timothy Drake's family decided to move to a small town in Kansas...
Pairing: Conner Kent (Kon-El)/Tim Drake (Robin III)
Word Count: 93,465
Review: I LOVED Tim and Kon in this story. Their character voices felt spot on, I loved the plot, and I got tears in my eyes more than once. I loved seeing what would have happened if Tim Drake had moved to Smallville when he was nine.
Link: http://glymr.dreamwidth.org/136817.html
Title/Author: Muddling through Grey by Kizmet
Author Summary: With school really kicking in for the rest of YJ Superboy is left feeling alone and increasingly isolated. After a mission gone wrong, feeling worthless he runs off and ends up being taken in by Flash's Rogues.
Pairing: Superboy/Pied Piper
Word Count: 71,271
Review: I adored all the Rogue characters in this story and seeing Superboy find a family. I could not stop reading once I started.
Link: Ebook versions here
Title/Author: Hanging Work by Lucereta
Author Summary: Two tickets to a circus never used, a little boy forgotten, and a chance meeting. Of such things are legends made.
Pairing: Bruce Wayne/Dick Grayson
Word Count: 44k
Review: I loved the interaction between Bruce and Dick through the years and how Catwoman took care of Dick and supported him. The character voices and actions felt genuine.
Link: http://lucereta.home.insightbb.com/hanging.htm
Title/Author: The Angels You Need Series by Te and Mary
Author Summary: And if you live through this with me, I swear that I would die for you.
Pairing: Jason Todd/Tim Drake, Tim Drake/Kon-El, Stephanie Brown/Jason Todd
Word Count: 170,000
Review: I've re-read this story multiple times and each time it makes me cry. I loved Jason Todd taking over as Batman after Bruce Wayne is killed and how Jason deals with being Batman and still in high school. I loved seeing how the universe is still sort of the same but so different in how Tim Drake becomes Robin and Stephanie becomes Batgirl. This story stuck in my brain for days and I wanted to write fan fiction for this universe Te and Mary had created.
Link: Ebook Version of series here
Marvel Universe (Avengers, Thor, Iron Man, X-Men)
Title/Author: Chaos War by Astolat
Author Summary: It was never easy to find Loki when he wanted to hide, but he wasn't doing a particularly good job of it at the moment. Probably he didn't think anyone from Asgard would be wasting their time hunting for him while the shining ones churned their way steadily through all the realm.
Pairing: Thor/Loki
Word Count: 34,203
Review: My heart broke for Loki in this story. I also loved Thor's complete and utter dismay at Loki's decisions as king. Thor's loyalty and love for Loki really won me over and I've re-read this story about a million times now.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/243244
Title/Author: Tomorrow Belongs To Me by Valtyr
Author Summary: Steve wakes up in the 21st Century. He doesn't think much of it, and it's dubious about him. He meets a Norse God, joins a superhero team, and feels terribly awkward about the whole momument at Arlington he's rendered obsolete by not being dead. Meanwhile, Tony is trying to make his mark on history by being the man who finally drove Nick Fury over the edge.
Pairing: Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Word Count: 87,241
Review: This is probably my favorite Steve Rogers adjusts to the future fic. I loved the plot, the character voices, and Loki was kind of awesome here too. :) It's a rare story that can mix a good romance with action/adventure and make every person on the Avengers team interesting. I loved that Steve and Tony didn't hit it off right away and their interactions were so funny.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/259417
Title/Author: ready, fire, aim by gyzym
Author Summary: There's no "I" in "Avenger."
Pairing: Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Word Count: 21,00 (entire series about 63,378)
Review: This story was hilarious and the character voices were spot on. I laughed more than once and the dynamic between Steve and Tony was interesting. I loved that it took awhile for the two men to understand each other.
Link: http://gyzym.livejournal.com/105050.html?style=mine
Title/Author: Family Ties by Skiesovergideon
Author Summary: Post-movie, (disregard the secret ending part) after the fall to Midgard, Loki lost the majority of his power. He then proceeded to be taken in by a local family. Loki was going to get all his powers back and leave them as soon as he can, but he finds himself basking in the warm affection that his host family showered upon him; that had never happened to him in his Asgard days.
Pairing: Gen
Word Count: 80k
Review: I had a blast reading this story. I loved Loki's experiences on Earth and adjusting to his magic not quite being under his control. I also loved all the original characters and the ending was awesome. (Only downside is that the story is long and on the norsekink meme so reading it is a bit of a pain)
Link: http://norsekink.livejournal.com/2496.html?thread=2379712
Title/Author: Indelible by Penumbren
Author Summary: When an experiment goes awry, Tony thinks he may have found an answer to his problems and Steve faces something he's been avoiding for a very long time.
Pairing: Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Word Count: 104,796
Review: I loved the interaction between 1940's Tony with present day Steve and then seeing present day Tony's interaction with pre-serum Steve. Parts of the story were heartbreaking because a lot of the story dealt with the fallout of the Civil War story arch in Avengers.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/series/11318
Title/Author: The Winter of Banked Fires by Yahtzee
Author Summary: Charles Xavier has returned from the dead -- but is lost within his own mind. Rogue has cast aside her own power and doesn't know where she fits in the world any longer. The production of synthetic Cure means mutantkind itself is newly at risk. And Magneto, turned human against his will, is in despair until the day he feels a familiar consciousness tugging at his own --
Pairing: Erik Lehnsherr/Charles Xavier, Logan/Rogue, Hank McCoy/Mystique
Word Count: 67,622
Review: I could not stop reading this story once I started. I loved the plot, the character voices, and I liked how the author brought Charles back to life and merged the canons from X-Men:First Class and the X-Men trilogy movies.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/250109
Fullmetal Alchemist
Title/Author: The Adventures of Roy Mustang: Sex Ed Teacher by Skydark
Author Summary: Alchemy, the military and hormones; not a good mix in anyone's book. Especially not for teenage, height-challanged boys packing enough firepower in a single clap of their hands to level a city block. Throw an unexpected crush into the mix and stand back to watch the fireworks. The story takes you on the foibles and pitfalls of one of the most unexpected journeys in the colonel's life -- falling in love.
Pairing: Roy/Ed
Word Count: 525,499
Review: I don't think I've laughed this much from the antics of the characters in forever. I highly recommend reading the sequel, Better Living Through Alchemy and the 3rd story in the series is a WIP so read that one at your own risk. Basically, this was an all around fun story to read and I loved the character voices.
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/series/6185
Vid Recs
Farscape
Deep by rhoboat
Review: This vid hit all my buttons and I loved how twisted it was.
Merlin
Shake It Out by nel_ani
Review: I loved the song, the editing, and the vid was heartbreaking.
Young Justice
Marchin On by beccatoria.
Review: I loved the editing, pacing, and theme in the vid.
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