Slr2Moons' Fanfiction and Online Reading Recs!

Updated December 8th, 2020

The new recs added in this update are:

fandom: Avengers
NEW!!!1! Darcy's Dinosaurs by Stella_Malodi
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; almost all gen; G
author's summary: In Which Darcy Has One Soulmark And Many Soulmates
length: complete at 5 chapters, 6,402 words
setting: begins before 1st Thor movie, continues onward
s2m's comments: This fic is so silly and fun and completely adorable!! I admire how Darcy owns her soulmate mark and actively searches out her matches. And this is my first encounter with platonic soulmates, but I rather like it. ^^ A fun light-hearted read that I know will become a comfort fic for me.

fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
NEW!!!1! Bottle of Jack Daniels Following Apocalypse, A by antennapedia
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Buffy/Giles; R
author's summary: Giles, Buffy, and Xander drink to fallen friends in a remote motel room.
length: one-shot at 4,994 words
setting: after the last episode
s2m's comments: This is a rare fic: intimacy before the sex, and I don't mean physical intimacy, but emotional. Giles knows Buffy so well, his love for her is completely understandable. And Buffy's feelings for him made me all weepy. Then Xander just had to steal the show. X3 Tender and sad and lovely.

fandom: Harry Potter
NEW!!!1! Harry Potter and the Problem of Potions by Wyste
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Drama; gen fic with side canon ships plus Luna/Greg; PG
author's summary: Once upon a time, Harry hid for two hours from Dudley in a chemistry classroom, while a nice grad student explained about the scientific method and interesting facts about acids. A pebble thrown into the water causes ripples. Contains, in no particular order: magic candymaking, Harry falling in love with a house, evil kitten Draco Malfoy, and Hermione attempting to apply logic to the wizarding world.
length: complete at 162 chapters, 184,441 words
setting: AU before canon begins, extending through book7
s2m's comments: A delightful rewrite of all canon!! Harry's fascination with potions starts the canon break that slowly grows wider and wider. Snape is Harry's mentor, but he never loses his terrible teaching methods or his snark. I'm not sure how the author managed mentorship while being horrid, but they did! ^^V The author does use quite a lot of telling instead of showing, especially in the early chapters, and too much quoting of canon for my taste, but those are easily overshadowed by the glory of the rest. A fun, engrossing read! (The fic does end with what is apparently a hint at HP and the Cursed Child, but it is very brief, and while it did make me do a puppy head-tilt--as I have not read that piece of canon--it does not affect the fic overall.)

fandom: Naruto
NEW!!!1! Vertigo by Cynchick
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Romance; Sakura/Deidara; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary: Sakura accepts the most critical and dangerous mission of her life, but the price of success may very well be her soul. When your entire world turns upside down, how do you keep from going under?
length: complete at 24 chapters, 201,198 words
setting: between Jiraiya's exit and meeting the Cloud contingent
s2m's comments: A dark and complelling adventurous romance, as Sakura and Deidara provide sanity to each other during their membership to Akatsuki. Gripping drama as Sakura deals with her undercover mission and keeping it secret, and of course, smoking sex! This author never disappoints!

RPF for fandom: VIXX (New fandom!)
NEW!!!1! Immortals (Vamp AU) by inkin_brushes
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Drama; Hakyeon/Taekwoon, Hongbin/Wonshik, Jaehwan/Sanghyuk; NC-17 graphic sex, graphic violence, torture, non-con
author's summary: [doesn't exist]
s2m's more helpful summary: Hakyeon, Wonshik, and Sanghyuk are three vampire hunters--a very illegal and also very angerous profession--but they are still part of an underground government agency keeping the streets safe at night. Some vampires are more seductive than others, and the trio learn over the course of years that there are more ways to end life as a hunter than simply dying.
length: complete 57 works, 562,367 words
setting: modern world with fantasy horror twist
s2m's comments: I read this as original fiction, and it works. C: The characters are without a doubt the focus of this story. If you love character-driven dramas, here you go! I do wish the authors had given us more detail of setting and appearance. The vampire and hunter aspects are there, but what what about the rest of the worldbuilding? And all the women? (Seriously, women almost don't exist in this AU.) Still, I did thoroughly enjoy all three love stories told across this massive work. Each couple's arc was different and painful and engrossing! An excellent read.

I'd be delighted if you could take a moment and answer this short 5 question poll about this recs page. No personal information requested!

If you follow one of my recs and enjoy it--or if you think I have no taste for reccing it at all--I want to hear about it! You can reach me as "slr2moons" at good old hotmail dot com. ^^

I want to hear about your favorite fics. Please tell me about them! =D Info for sending me your recs is at the bottom of this page.

Addams Family, The

Harveste Addams Series, The by kyaru-chan
read its full listing in the crossover section

Secret Feminine Cabal by fresne
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; side ship of Morticia/Gomez; PG
author's summary, shortened: She looked at the modest bonfire currently crackling away full of lingerie. "I'm not sure I quite understand the purpose of this exercise." Terri raised her right hand and shook it in a violent manner against the backdrop of the blaze. "We're throwing off the oppression of the patriarchy and taking control for women kind. Down with the Penis!" Morticia accepted the invitation of what was clearly the secret feminine cabal finally throwing aside millennium of secrecy.
length: one-shot at 1,053 words
setting: in the 60s, but having just watched the first film is enough
s2m's comments: I can't decide what I like best about this fic: Morticia's take on modern feminism, or her plans for the feminine cabal to take over the world. Or the cake! *laughs* A very fun, short read, as deathly serious Morticia joins the modern feminist movement. *wink*

Adventures in Babysitting

waiting over here (for life to begin) by trillingstar
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG
author's summary: Sara's still not sure exactly what had happened out there on the unfinished floor. She'd poked around, walking past paint supplies, broken pallets, metallic tubing, and come out by an open window, its protective plastic sheeting peeled back by a whipping wind. Her theory is that it had been an invitation.
length: one-shot at 2,580 words
setting: after the film
s2m's comments: Whoa! This amazing dark fic character study explains so much about Sara. Her Thor obsession! Skyscraper window escape! And that ending. DAMN!

Aladdin

Four Things that Weren't Adequately Covered in Mulan's R.A. Training by NaomiK
read its full listing in the crossover section

Man Who Freed Me, The by Cantare
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; G
author's summary: Phenomenal cosmic powers, itty bitty living space. A jinni's fate, unless he comes across the rarest of mortals who might set him free...
length: one-shot at 5,195 words
setting: the Disney movie
s2m's comments: It's been years since I watched Aladdin, and maybe that's why it never occurred to me that the Genie's over-the-top personality could be an act. This fic explores that idea, and shows us through Genie's POV that maybe eternity and the human fate isn't hopeless after all. ^^

Passings by ChokolatteJedi
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; G
author's summary: The genie has had many masters in his long life
length: one-shot at 1,922 words
setting: before and during the movie
s2m's comments: This fic does what I admire most in fanfic: takes canon and spins it into something even more meaningful than the canon's creators intended...the explanations for Genie's knowledge of our pop culture, the classics references, and the Disneyfied intelligent animals. A wonderful story!

Sense of Freedom, A by Fyre
read its full listing in the crossover section

Alien

Catch a falling star by Lizzen
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Ripley/Hicks; PG-13
author's summary: Alien3 AU � Sometimes family is all you have left.
length: one-shot at 5,665 words
setting: goes AU toward the end of the 2nd movie
s2m's comments: This fic provides a satisfying resolution to the ending events of Aliens, and is a resolution I quite enjoyed. Bishop, in particular, is treated well! I like where the four of them end up, and Ripley's determination to spread the word. The author's summary is slightly misleading--this story is an alternate sequel to Aliens, not an AU of Alien 3.

Grand Hunt, A by Merfilly
read its full listing in the crossover section

Killing Elvis by David Hines (hradzka)
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; R
author's summary, much shortened: Dr. Liu, Got your final report yesterday on Project LV-426. I'm amazed. Great work all around. It's been forwarded to the Chair, our friends at the Pentagon, the Defense Appropriations Committee, and DARPA. The acid-resistant armor is something that should really catch their eye. We're expecting some big grant money from this. Burke
length: one-shot at 7,962 words
setting: timeless, you just need to know the Xenomorph basics
s2m's comments: Humor in the Alien franchise! Who knew?! XD This fic is so much fun. The author uses the epistolary style to deliver a hilarious comedy that features geeky scientists, inter-office politics, bad luck, posturing, stupidity, press releases, friendships, and one unhappy Xenomorph. A fun read!

Live. Die. Save the Cat. by wildgoosery
read its full listing in the crossover section

Presence of the Predator by Katzilla
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Suspense; none; PG-13
author's summary, shortened: Hicks is still alive... but the Aliens are, too!
s2m's more descriptive summary: Hicks and his new squad hunt for Xenomorphs through the sewers of a supposedly idyllic city.
length: one-shot at 16,872 words
setting: some time after the 2nd film, ignoring the third
s2m's comments: This suspenseful adventure fic gives us somethimg different: Hicks is alive, but he's still an active Marine, and all AFTER the events of Aliens. The cast of OCs are great supporting characters as Hicks hunts an escaped alien. I particularly admired how the fic portrayed endless waiting and searching then BOOM!actionactionaction!! Note this fic is written by an ESL author, and the SPaG errors are plentiful...but they are dwarfed by the story being told! Also despite the title, no actual Predators are in this fic. ^^

With One Eye Open by Medie
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Suspense; none; PG
author's summary: She's still waiting, but she'll be damned if that's all she's going to do.
length: one-shot at 2,775 words
setting: After Aliens
s2m's comments: I've read alternate ending fic for this film before, but this one is my favorite. It's so...Ripley. And like the character, I read in a constant state of nerves, waiting for that stowaway face-hugger to leap out...*gulp*

Alien Versus Predator

Grand Hunt, A by Merfilly
read its full listing in the crossover section

Reunion by Ayngelcat
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Romance; Alexa/Scar; PG-13
author's summary, slightly shortened: Activity from the non-dead queen and some deaths aboard a fishing vessel bring the Yautja back to Earth - where Scar and Lex have a chance to catch up again.
length: one-shot at 9,545 words
setting: goes AU at the end of movie1
s2m's comments: It's clear the author had a blast writing this fic, and wants the reader to have a blast, too! I think they succeeded. A fun fic, complete with Harlequin-romance style description and a healthy dose of Xenomorph. Fun! X3

Shackleton was Wrong by UrbanAmazon
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Alexa/Scar; PG-13
author's summary: Fix-it fic, of a sort. Scar is hardier than he looks, and Lex is drawn to the true 'last great journey left to man'.
length: one-shot at 4,432 words
setting: goes AU at the end of movie1
s2m's comments: This serious fic is a beautiful character study of Lex, and explores how and why she spends so much time alone on the ice, and the after-effects of the movie. It makes for an interesting contrast with the light-hearted fic above.

All You Need is Kill/Edge of Tomorrow

Like a hand waving from a train by sirona
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; none, technically, but pre-Rita/Hendricks; PG-13
author's summary: Before she was the Angel of Verdun, Rita Vrataski was just a woman trying to become the best soldier she could be.
length: one-shot at 7,233 words
setting: before canon, with original Japanese novel influence
s2m's comments: This fic creates an inspiring backstory for Rita. It builds on certain scenes from the movie very well, and I particularly liked the influence from the original prose novel that the film was based on. C: Great OCs and a fiercely determined Rita--so different from the flailing Cage in the film--is good to see. Good and painful, because we all know what will happen to Rita and everyone in the story. *sigh* Hurts so good!

Live. Die. Save the Cat. by wildgoosery
read its full listing in the crossover section

American Gods (by Gaiman)

...And Substitute My Own by Gehayi
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; G
author's summary: Deliberately changing one god's words into the exact opposite of what they had said was an act of war, attacking the god in the present and any believers the god might have in the future. It was, in divine terms, a threat to go thermonuclear. So, of course, it could not be ignored.
length: one-shot at 3,555 words
setting: modern USA, American Gods version
s2m's comments: I've met believers in the imposter's version of things, and have been driven to complete frustration and disgust. For that reason, this fic's dealings with the imposter are so very VERY satisfying. And figuring out who the two main characters are is fun. X3

Top 10%!!1! Dust in the Wind by lyra_wing
read its full listing in the crossover section

Angel (the series)

Rogue Demons by roseveare
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; none; PG
author's summary: "Of all the options I was weighing for the evening, being held captive by gangster demons alongside *you* was not exactly a feature on my list..." Wesley and Doyle are having a Really Bad Day.
length: one-shot at 23,311 words
setting: near the middle of season 1
s2m's comments: This fic is an episode in a fan-written AU series, which probably turns more than a few readers away. But I hope you chose to try it anyway, because this is a fun case fic with perfect character voices and a plot that could have easily been canon. The only changes from canon are that Cordy has an adopted demon daughter from a previous fanon ep, and Doyle still lives with his precognition abilities intact. The latter of which makes me happy, because I quite liked Doyle. ^^ I particularly enjoyed the delightful OC villain, and how Wesley was folded into this AU. A satisfying read!

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Beyond the Rising Sun by justcallmefaye
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Katara/Zuko; PG
author's summary: In the end, it would be about growing up and looking back and moving on and finding out that some things only grow stronger with time.
length: complete at 16 chapters, 119,592 words
setting: set two or three years after the show
s2m's comments: Toss Korra out the window, HERE is my sequel!! Yes,the fic is Zutara, but it's also about Zuko's role as Fire Lord, the search for his missing mom, and facing down Azula and his father. Good stuff. Everyone has to work for a happy ending, but they don't all achieve it. The romance is also quite nice. *wink* (Disclaimer: my disinterest in Korra is largely due to my dislike of the main AtLA canon pairings. As you've probably noticed with my other AtLA recs. *cough*)

Dragon King's Temple, The by Kryal
read its full listing in the crossover section

Top 10%!!1! Embers by Vathara
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Adventure; mostly gen, romance is not the focus of this fic at all; PG
author's summary: Dragon's fire is not so easily extinguished; when Zuko rediscovers a lost firebending technique, shifting flames can shift the world... Follows "Theft Absolute".
length: complete at 91 chapters, 757,722 words
setting: AU that starts in early season 2
s2m's comments: This gloriously intricate AU deals with something left out of canon: culture shock. The author takes what glimpses we see of the four different peoples and histories and extrapolates it into an amazing world tapestry. Vathara's version of the world forced me to rethink quite a few of my opinions on the series. Also I never thought I'd ship anything but Zutara...but this fic? YEAH. I know who I'm rooting for! Vathara once again proves why she is one of my favorite authors. DAMN! XD

Enslaved by sharkflip
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Katara/Zuko; PG
author's summary: A triumphant war party returns with an exotic slave, a gift for the ruling house. Katara and Zuko AU
length: WIP at 36 chapters, 109,414 words
setting: AU from before the series begins
s2m's comments: Zuko is the slave for Katara, which is what pulled me in to the story. That, and how Katara decides to make use of him! *snicker* My amusement at the premise kept my interest until the story sucked me in, and now I'm wondering just how things are going to work out. I don't think the author will sell out for a happily ever after, I really don't. Oh yes, and the characters are in their mid to late 20s, which is also a welcome change from the Zutara norm.

Hide and Seek by Swiss Army Knife
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; G
author's summary: The gaang hones their skills playing a game of Hide and Seek, during which Zuko finds that he and Sokka make a surprising effective team.
length: one-shot at 5,016 words
setting: after episode 3.12, "The Western Air Temple."
s2m's comments: Team feels, extra Zuko time, and a fun caper! I like it. ^^

Love Thy Enemy by RedNovember
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; Katara/Zuko; PG-13
author's summary: [ZK AU] The mighty Fire Empire rules the entire world, after they conquered it a century ago. Now, almost a hundred years later, a tiny tribe of rebels have sent Katara, an undercover assassin, to kill the Fire Emperor Zuko.
length: complete at 20 chapters, 136,905 words
setting: reincarnation AU 100 years after an AU ending of the series
s2m's comments: This is one of those fics whose starting plot and characterization kept me reading despite some shallowness and the obvious youth of the writer. Don't think about events too much, just enjoy them--along with the occasional stroke of brilliance--for a gripping story! I am very pleased the author didn't sell out the ending. I wish she were still writing, now that she's a bit older, I'll bet her fics would be awesome!

Our Own Walls by Swiss Army Knife
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; none; PG
author's summary: Zuko and Sokka undertake a straightforward reconnaissance of a Fire Nation village, but unlikely revelations lurk within the walls.
length: complete at 3 chapters, 12,143 words
setting: about the middle of the 3rd season
s2m's comments: Here's an enjoyable little adventure fic with a fun dash of bromance! Zuko and Sokka's eventful recon mission is the perfect chance for them to bond, and the final conversation is very moving. Definitely worth reading!

Top 10%!!1! Tempest in a Teacup by AkaVertigo
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Comedy; Katara/Zuko; PG
author's summary: Fate puts Katara in the Fire Nation to grow up in the company of a Dragon, a prince, and a lot of good tea. AU Zutara...of a sort.
length: complete at 22 chapters, 34,018 words
setting: AU from before the series begins
s2m's comments: I loved this story for its daring use of different writing methods. The relationships between Katara, Uncle Iroh, and Zuko are well-developed and believable. This is the story that made me see the value of fanfic, so it has sentimental value as well. :)

Avengers, The

Being Human Series, The by Jaune_Chat
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: For reasons of his own, Loki gives Tony's AI, Jarvis, a human body. What Tony didn't expect was to find himself trying to teach humanity to someone he'd programmed with his entire life.
length: complete at 11 stories, 62,066 words
setting: after the first Avengers movie
s2m's comments: I went into this series hoping for slash, but found a wonderful gen parent/child/student/teacher/friendship fic. I am pleased! This series tells how Tony and Jarvis adapt to their new statuses very well. I quite enjoyed reading this one! Also the rest of the Avengers cast are delightfully in character, particularly Thor. Pepper/Tony has a strong presence in this fic, but since it isn't the focus of the story, I did not label it in the ship section.

Bulletproof by foxxcub
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Steve/Tony; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary: At age fifteen, Steve Rogers had been in love with Tony Stark. By age twenty, he�d (mostly) gotten over it. And then he promptly became Tony Stark's fuck buddy.
length: one-shot at 20,544 words
setting: college AU
s2m's comments: I have a soft spot for fics where the main character ends up with someone who formerly didn't like them, and this fic sounded perfect. It also came recced by a friend who has excellent taste, and I was not disappointed!! The frustration I felt when Steve was so determined NOT to make their relationship be more than it appeared was gloriously painful--and seeing Tony react to that...WOW. And for once, I enjoyed the fluffy epilogue!! XD Beautifully done, I must salute the author for remaining true to the Steve-only POV, yet letting us know of Tony's conflict. Sweet.

Launch Your Assault by foxxcub
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Clint/Phil; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary: Phil Coulson was more than halfway through his six year plan, and everything was chugging along nicely. Unfortunately, he hadn�t foreseen a cocky junior Art major waltzing into his life, or his floor.
length: one-shot at 30,392 words
setting: college AU
s2m's comments: After enjoying Bulletproof so much, I was glad to see a tie-in fic, and it's just as good as the first! ^^ Again, the author handles a one-sided view of the relationship well, and you just want to smack the boys for being so stubborn. My fave part is when Phil finds the sketchbook, although the list has its moments, too. Another solid fic from this author!

NEW!!!1! Darcy's Dinosaurs by Stella_Malodi
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; almost all gen; G
author's summary: In Which Darcy Has One Soulmark And Many Soulmates
length: complete at 5 chapters, 6,402 words
setting: begins before 1st Thor movie, continues onward
s2m's comments: This fic is so silly and fun and completely adorable!! I admire how Darcy owns her soulmate mark and actively searches out her matches. And this is my first encounter with platonic soulmates, but I rather like it. ^^ A fun light-hearted read that I know will become a comfort fic for me.

Folded Feathers by Era_Penn
read its full listing in the crossover section

Handler by copperbadge
read its full listing in the crossover section

Hug Therapy by astolat
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; Loki/Thor; R dub-con, sort of
author's summary: "I am hugging you," Thor explained. "That you may know I love you, despite your madness."
length: one-shot at 4,053 words
setting: after the first Avengers film
s2m's comments: This fic is so wrong, but so hilarious! Thor's incapability of understanding modern therapy is perfect, and his determination to help his brother is endearing and face-palm inducing both. XD Rationalization, too, though I do love the idea of an Avengers vs X-Men baseball game! A delightful romp. ^^V

In Wade We Trust (We Are So Screwed) by dentalfloss
read its full listing in the crossover section

In-Between Places by keelywolfe
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Loki/Thor/Tony; NC-17 graphic sex, incest, sort of
author's summary: Mediator; me�di�a�tor. N. 1. One that mediates, especially one that reconciles differences between disputants. "Not that I don't appreciate the confidence," Tony said, "But I'm not actually known for my calm, rational nature."
length: one-shot at 4,885 words
setting: Sometime after the 1st film
s2m's comments: GUH. *splat* Incredibly hot and incredibly sad all at once. I think I forgot to breathe a few times! It's also delightfully IC, with some witty metaphors and phrases. C:

Loki Runway by Xparrot
read its full listing in the crossover section

Top 10%!!1! Off the Record by goddamnhella
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Drama; Loki/Tony; R
author's summary: It started with a message, a late-night visit, and a God of Mischief in Tony's bed. A story of trust, trickery, unwilling aid and inevitable attraction.
length: complete at 3 chapters, 102,088 words
setting: movie!verse, but the author began writing before the first film was actually released
s2m's comments: This fic is glorious. Neither Tony or the reader can ever be sure of Loki's motives, and it makes for an amazing story. Top-notch writing, a fantastic plot, everyone IC, and both Tony and Loki at their snarky best. HELL YEAH! *thumbs up*

oh don't you dare look back, just keep your eyes on me by suzukiblu
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Darcy/Bucky, side Darcy/Johnny Storm; NC-17 graphic sex, dub con, mpreg
author's summary, shortened: Darcy starts craving cinnamon rolls and yuuuup, yup, that is a super, super fertile omega that she is smelling, holy shit is it ever.
length: WIP at 29 chapters, 184,247 words
setting: after Cap2, before Avengers2
s2m's comments: You know I enjoy a fic that surprises me and is outside the box, and this one succeeds at both! Female alphas in an A/B/O fic! Omegas kicking ass! I do love an adventurous author. :D The fic also has loads of h/c, both physical and mental comforting, which I eat up with a spoon. Yes, this fic is out there when compared with my usual recs, but it blew me away, and I just have to share it with everyone. ^^V

Restitution by inkandpaperqwerty
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: Loki is taken back to Asgard to face justice for his crimes against humanity, and Odin comes down hard on the marauding trickster. Thankfully, Thor still has a soft spot for his younger brother, and he's made a pitch to save Loki's skin that the King of the Nine Realms deems worthy. Now he just has to get Earth's Mightiest Heroes to do the same. Easy, right?
length: complete at 30 chapters, 246,586 words
setting: begins after first Avengers film, ignoring all following ones
s2m's comments: This fic's amazing cast of OCs won me over at first, then appreciation for the story cinched the deal. C: The plot can jump forward in time more than I'd like, but the redemption story is long, complicated, and satisfying. Nothing is easy for our favorite characters, phisically or emotionally.

she blinded me with political science by thingswithteeth
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Darcy/Bruce; R
author's summary: Darcy watched the Avengers defend New York from over two thousand miles away. She could look out her window if she wanted to watch the aftermath. She watches the news instead, and realizes one very important thing: the Avengers have a bit of a PR problem.
length: complete 10 chapters, 61,743 words
setting: begins soon after the first Thor film, goes beyond first Avengers film
s2m's comments: I read this fic in one day. It's so engrossing! Darcy's role is fun to read, and her attempts to seduce "Doctor Sexy" are very amusing. Of course, everything does not go smoothly, and Darcy makes a few mistakes here and there, but her friendships with the rest of the team (particularly Tony and Natasha) help her smooth things out. A delightful read. C:

Snow Wife, The (Yuki Onna) by startrekfanwriter
genre; ship; rating: Drama; female!Loki/MOC; PG
author's summary: Loki has a way of invading Darcy's personal space, but she doesn't get *that* vibe from him, if-you-know-what-she-means...even though he's taken to showering her with extravagant and inappropriate gifts. And what the Hell is up with Thor? A story about finding family in unlikely places.
length: complete at 7 chapters, 27,690 words
setting: after the first Avengers movie
s2m's comments: This heartwarming fic made me smile, laugh, and feel all sorts of happy warm fuzzies! I'm a sucker for found family, and this one has an interseting take on it. ^^

Time after Time by sahiya
read its full listing in the crossover section

Vertigo by dunkelgrau
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Suspense; Coulson/Loki; PG
author's summary: This is the story of wiretapping, murders, mental disorders, frozen brandy, alien memories, and one grinning god. Or it isn't. Agent Coulson cannot be really sure.
length: one-shot at 3,600 words
setting: somewhere in the first Avengers movie
s2m's comments: A delightfully creepy fic! I enjoyed watching poor Coulson become more and more uncertain about his reality. It is done quite well! Loki is in fine trickster form here! No woobieness at ALL. ^^V A freaky brain-twister, all around!

Top 10%!!1! Wand and Shield by Morta's Priest
read its full listing in the crossover section

Baccano!

Aquisition, Recognition, Affirmation by Pi (Rhea)
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG
author's summary: When Luck buys a bar, he isn't expecting all the repercussions.
length: one-shot at 5,357 words
setting: New York City in the '30s
s2m's comments: A wonderful sense of family and friends permeates this fic, and Luck's discovery and slow realization is well-done and leaves us with a sense of hope. It's good to see how Claire and Chane's relationship might work out! And I particularly adore Miria and Isaac's cameo. :3

Nice Holystone Remains Unafraid to Throw Herself Into Explosive Situations by ryfkah
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; mostly Nice/Jacuzzi though romance isn't the point of this story; PG-13
author's summary: Here's what's what: he's definitely going to jail. They're definitely not going to Chicago. She won't stop playing with fire. She's decided to start playing games. He never knew what hit him. He should have known what hit him. It's a small underworld, after all.
length: one-shot at 13,869 words
setting: varies, as with canon. You need to have watched all 16 episodes.
s2m's comments: A fic with careful plotting, some nice allusions to real-life events, and a surprising twist to a certain earnest character. I really liked the added insight for Jacuzzi and Nice. A delightful and true addition to canon. :D

Back to the Future

Future is Past Us, The by usedusernames
genre; ship; rating: Drama; pre-Doc/Marty, brief Jennifer/Marty; PG
author's summary: AU in which Marty and Doc leave the west early. Sometimes having your present destroyed makes for a better future.
length: one-shot at 7,066 words
setting: after an AU ending to the third movie
s2m's comments: This quiet, touching fic really showcases Marty's growing maturity as he deals with the consequences of the--here--unavoided drag race wreck. I love his relationship with Doc in this; it's not just hanging out with the hilarious weird old man, but a true friendship with hints of possibly more. Fantastic emotional and physical h/c, as well. A fine fic!

Letting the Days Go By by Nightspore
genre; ship; rating: Drama; side ship: Marty/George; PG, incest. Given the original film, I think incest is rather expected... :P
author's summary: In the new and improved 1985, Marty felt he'd been cheated out of a better life. But he had no idea how subtle and disturbing the changes he'd made really were.
length: one-shot at 3,012 words
setting: about two months after the trilogy ends
s2m's comments: As much as I love this movie, and as many times as I have seen it, the situation of this fic never occurred to me. How very interesting! The incest bit was completely unnecessary in my opinion, though it certainly adds an extra dash of "WHOA!" to the mix.

Bakuman

Expanding Horizons by [orphan account]
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; R
author's summary: Aoki moves on to a less worksafe genre. Fukuda is not amused.
length: one-shot at 1,110 words
setting: some time after Aoki receives help with a specific aspect of her art
s2m's comments: Aoki is an eminent professional, and when she wants reference material, she will find it. One way or another! I found Aoki's interactions with Fukuda to be one of my favorite things in this manga, and imagine my delight to learn I am not alone! This fic is a hilarious gen piece featuring two friends who know each other's pros and cons quite well. Much to the reader's enjoyment. XD

Imperfect Match by thereisafire
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Aoki/Fukuda; PG-13
author's summary: Somehow, despite all odds, Fukuda and Aoki manage to go on a date. And repeat the process.
length: one-shot at 3,549 words
setting: after Fukuda helps Aoki with her drawing problem
s2m's comments: Refined Aoki and obnoxious Fukuda don't seem to match at all, but what starts in canon as professional respect turns within to friendship, and this fic takes it one step further. Aoki/Fukuda is my Bakuman OTP! The fic showcases their developing romance in a bumbling and sweet way, for no date with Fukuda would ever contain candlelight dinners and attending operas. If only they were canon!

Batman

Iron Robin by athenemiranda
read its full listing in the crossover section

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Adjustments by bomper
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Belle/Beast; R, brief xeno
author's summary: When the Beast becomes human once more, Belle knows she SHOULD be happy.
length: one-shot at 1,141 words
setting: just after the movie's ending
s2m's comments: I have wondered how Belle would feel after the Beast's transformation. I mean, she fell in love with him as the Beast, and suddenly he's a regular man? How alien it must seem! This fic explores that very subject delicately, and with brief glimpses of their first time together before the transformation. Beautifully done!

Dropping Eaves by Answer
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Belle/Beast; G
author's summary: How would the story have been different if the secret of the curse had not been kept so well?
length: complete at 20 chapters, 30,540 words
setting: AU from Belle's arrival in the castle
s2m's comments: Here's an intriguing idea! Belle knowing about the curse would definitely change things, and this fic explores the possibilities. Lines of dialogue from the movie are worked in nicely. The fic's ending is what made me decidee to rec it, though! Delightfully outside the box and very enjoyable. ^^

Four Things that Weren't Adequately Covered in Mulan's R.A. Training by NaomiK
read its full listing in the crossover section

Man of Stature, A by TrudiRose
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; FOC/Gaston; G
author's summary: It's the story of what happens to Gaston under the Enchantress' curse.
length: complete at 17 chapters, 50,558 words
setting: goes AU near the end of the movie
s2m's comments: The summary of this fic caught my eye, because if anyone in the B&B universe needs a dose of humility, it's Gaston! I enjoyed watching how he dealt with his new appearance. His practical nature in particular made me smile. How can you meet a girl who loves you if you lock yourself away? What a good point, right? :D This fic is satisfying, with a glorious Gaston who still remains himself, even as he learns to be more considerate and less concerned with appearance. C: This fic is actually a sequel to another fic written by the same author. I'm only reccing this fic, though. The other fic is Belle/Beast where Gaston is the villain who earns being cursed. You don't need to read that one to follow A Man of Stature. ^^V

Petals by Miss_M
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG
author's summary: The Beast does not fare well in the solitary years before Belle arrives in his castle.
length: one-shot at 1,404 words
setting: during the film's introduction
s2m's comments: A beautiful and painful character study. It's a darker take on what the Beast's life could have been like after the transformation. Poor guy.

Picture This by TrudiRose
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Belle/Gaston; PG-13
author's summary: AU. Is it possible to write a GastonBelle pairing that's believable and in character? Or have I lost my mind? Read and find out!
length: complete at 31 chapters, 130,507 words
setting: goes AU within the first few minutes of the film
s2m's comments: I admire an author who can make a WTH pairing work, and TrudiRose does it! The journey to Belle and Gaston's love isn't easy, and that makes it all the more fun to read! Everyone stays gloriously in character, especially Gaston. *laughs* I do wish the ending weren't quite so schmoopy, but the fic is certainly enjoyable. C:

Star Princesses of Long Ago and Far Away by fresne
read its full listing in the crossover section

Bend it Like Beckham

If You Get Married in America, You Get Married in Real Life by azurish
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; Jess/Jules; PG-13
author's summary: A night out on the town after a victory over the University of Nevada - Las Vegas women's football team produces some unexpected results, and that's not even counting the marriage they're going to need to get annulled.
length: one-shot at 2,844 words
setting: after the film
s2m's comments: An adorable and hilarious tropey romp! XD I lost it at the American Flag speedo. And just what is so weird about our bacon? Anyway, this fic is fun and sweet and made me happy. :3

Beyblade

Heat of a Frozen Infatuation by Stariceling
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Drama; Kai/Max; PG
author's summary: Admiration, fascination, and something deeper. Max's feelings for his seemingly cold teammate are just being realized.
length: WIP at 13 chapters, 80,540 words
setting: 2nd season, I blelieve
s2m's comments: One of the most beautifully written Beyblade fics out there! Kai is not exactly an approachable guy, and to make a romance between him and the ever-bouncy Max work takes a LOT of words. This fic delivers them, beautifully. An enjoyable slow-burn romance!

Big Hero 6

merits of race car beds, the by OrionPax
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Gogo/Hiro; R
author's summary: Baymax can activate at some awkward moments. Hiro had learned to deal with it mostly over the last 5 years. But the most awkward time for a healthcare companion to activate is when Hiro is trying to get laid.
length: one-shot at 1,458 words
setting: five years after the film
s2m's comments: This short fic is adorable and made me laugh. Thankfully, Hiro has a problem most teens can avoid! XD The fic has some comma problems, but it's definitely worth it. And particularly surprising: the fic is has an established relationship I actually liked! You guys, that is VERY rare. ^^V

Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure

Dear Aristotle by CrunchySalad
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; G
author's summary: In a letter to Aristotle, Hephaiston documents a brief detour to Meiza, the site of his formative education. Unfortunately, what was supposed to be a peaceful few days reminiscing about old times is interrupted by two strange men the likes of which Hephaiston has never seen.
length: one-shot at 2,378 words
setting: ancient Greece
s2m's comments: The ending completely made this fic for me. A light read that let me imagine ancient Greece as more than dry words in a history text. Particularly with Bill and Ted in the mix. *laugh*

Billy Elliot

And At The Same Time Something Makes You Whole by torakowalski
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Billy/Michael; R
author's summary: It�s weird being home. And it�s weirder still to think that home went on without him while he was gone.
length: one-shot at 7,745 words
setting: Billy's senior year at the Royal Ballet School
s2m's comments: I enjoyed Billy's characterization in this fic, how simply he realizes what sort he loves, and one person in particular. Michael is very sweet in this fic, too. D'awwww!

I'll Love These Dark Dark Hills Forever by Deepdarkwaters
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Billy/Michael, Billy/Simon; R
author's summary, very shortened: Everington. The people who keep you there, and the people who make it okay to leave.
length: one-shot at 7,661 words
setting: begins soon after Billy goes to school in London
s2m's comments: A beautiful series of vignettes that show how Billy and his friends and family change and grow over the years. I particularly admire the relationships between Billy and his two sort-of-love interests in this fic. It's good to see that not every story has to be full of desperate passion and vows of undying love. A satisfying read. ^^

Smudged Ink by andthen (ohargos)
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: After Billy leaves, Michael writes to him, and over the years, they come to know each other's handwriting perfectly, their separate lives bound together by paper and ink.
length: one-shot at 6,060 words
setting: after the film
s2m's comments: This fic delivers a sweet story about the friendship between two children as they mature into adults. Life happens, some things change, some things don't, and friendship continues on. *happy sigh*

Blacksad

Mood Indigo by mjules
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: You ain't never been blue, child, til you've had that mood indigo.
length: one-shot at 2,383 words
setting: sometime after chapter 2
s2m's comments: This fic blew me away. The beautiful and lyrical style paints a mental image that feels like you're reading the actual comic. The OC's time in the fic is brief but powerful, and I adore the lighter ending--and one that gives my slasher heart just a teensy bit of hope. I must applaud, this author really hit the mark!!! XD

Bleach

Become a Ghost by HardlyFatal
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Orihime/Byakuya, side Rukia/Renji and Nemu/Ikkaku; R
author's summary: Orihime dies. Arrancar? No, appendicitis. Between the weekly pub crawls with the lieutenants, Women's Association meetings, and- oh yeah, seeing patients- Orihime builds a new life in Soul Society. But on the horizon, something looms...and she will have to sacrifice herself, yet again, to save those she loves.
length: complete at 32 chapters, 145,855 words
setting: splits from canon after the Fullbring arc, though its events are only mentioned once. If you know about the end of the Winter War (against the Arrancars), you're fine
s2m's comments: I do believe Orihime is strong and can stand on her own, and this fic shows us how she does it magnificently! The slow-build romance between her and Byakuya is carefully woven and very enjoyable. There is a plot against various villains, but it takes a back seat to the drama until the most recent chapters. A very enjoyable read!

Blue Moon by Empatheia
genre; ship; rating: Drama/Romance; Yachiru/Hitsugaya; PG
author's summary: When the world is drenched in blue, he can be forgiven for seeking refuge in other colours.
length: one-shot at 3,720 words
setting: written early in the Hueco Mundo arc
s2m's comments: I thought this fic would be pure crack, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a touching drama instead! I never thought I'd read a fic with Yachiro as a believable romantic interest. I am glad to be proven wrong. ^^

Chrysalis by vicioux
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Romance; Nemu/Ukitake; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary: A butterfly can hide in a chrysalis for months in order to avoid harsh conditions. Jyuushiro Ukitake can't help but think that, after almost a century of hiding in plain sight, it's time for Nemu Kurotsuchi to emerge from her protective shell.
length: complete at 16 chapters, 86,534 words
setting: after a fanon ending to the Winter War. You need to know about all the original set of Espada
s2m's comments: This fic's pairing made me raise an eyebrow, because (to me, at least) Nemu is rather invisible in canon. This fic extends her character and makes a potentially crack pairing work. C: I ended up liking this version of Nemu, and of course I'm always fond of Juushiro. :3 A good read! This fic is part of a long AU series by this author, but I was able to follow events just fine without reading all the previous stories.

Concession by Murasaki Kaida
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; pre-Orihime/Grimmjow; PG-13
author's summary: Grimmjow's been really crabby since he got to the real world. Awkward fluff, mild romance, humour. Rated for his potty mouth, bless him
length: one-shot at 905 words
setting: you just need to know about Grimmjow in the Arrancar/Winter War arc
s2m's comments: That's my Grimmie! Rude, violent, self-centered, and irritated when he feels anything SOFT about another person. Cute, fun, and a great short read!

Dandelion Fluff by Sweet Danish Yummy
genre; ship; rating: Romance; Orihime/Ishida; PG
author's summary: Ishida is not fond of dandelions.
length: one-shot at 971 words
setting: this one is rather timeless :3
s2m's comments: Some amazing imagery in this fic. I already have a fondness for puffball-stage dandelions, and this fic only cements that for me! *shivers with delight*

Dreaming of Skies Elsewhere by Sublime Paradigm
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Ichigo/Ishida; NC-17, graphic sex
author's summary: Three years later, caught between dreams of death and the memory of a kiss, Ishida returns to rewrite his personal history. Ichigo, however, has ideas of his own.
length: complete at 5 chapters, around 25,000 words (my guess)
setting: after the first Soul Society arc, when Uryuu leaves the main story for a while
s2m's comments: This was my first Bleach BL fic, and it set the standard high. If woobie!Ichigo or whiny uke!Uryuu gets on your nerves, you have nothing to fear from THIS fic! Whoa! Note the chapters are listed in descending order.

Hate is a Lot Like Love Except with Less Biting by peroxidepest17
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Byakuya/Kenpachi; PG-13
author's summary: Kenpachi wears on Byakuya�s patience.
length: one-shot at 2,862 words
setting: before canon starts, you just need to know the original set of captains and assistant captains
s2m's comments: Crack!fic can be so much fun in the hands of skilled writer! I love how long takes Byakuya to figure out that Kenpachi is hitting on him, and his reaction when he DOES realize is so adorable. :3 Yachiru's matchmaking is perfectly innocent, and Kenpachi is pure Kenpachi. A fun and light-hearted read!

Let the Music Play by Moons_Aria
genre; ship; rating: Drama; you/Grimmjow; PG
author's summary: 'No one could ever say that Hueco Mundo wasn't an exciting place and that's why you loved it.' Las Noches is the hottest club since Soul Society and we aren't just talking about the music and dancing.
length: one-shot at 3,058 words
setting: real world AU
s2m's comments: Okay, I fess up. The third time I went back to reread this one, I decided I had to admit it's my guilty pleasure. I will say no more. This girl is one of the best self-insert writers I've read. ^^;;;;;

Love and the Art of War by DarthAmmonite
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Nanao/Zaraki; PG
author's summary: Nanao X ...Zaraki? I have no excuse, explanation, or defense of this pairing whatsoever. So very, very sorry. The crack! It burns!
length: abandoned WIP at 3 chapters, 5,846 words
setting: doesn't matter, though there is one mention of "arrancar"
s2m's comments: Would that all declared "crack" fics were this good! Completely IC, amusing, and full of laughs. I want a Zaraki-made bunny! X3

Muse by Princess Kitty1
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Orihime/Ulquiorra; R, off-screen rape
author's summary: "You'll always be a whore, just like your mother." Those words had been her undoing. Now years later, amidst the brokenness of her life there came this strange man, asking for what no one else ever had: Her heart.
length: complete at 30 chapters, 157,983 words
setting: American non-shinigami AU
s2m's comments: This dark fic is a fine example of characters who, while being affected by the changes in an AU, are still themselves. Well-written, and containing an amazing array of different romantic and friendly relationships. This one can be quite dark, but that is an important part of the AU.

Not as Nice as Me by slr2moons
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Suspense; Orihime/Grimmjow; PG-13
author's summary: Grimmjow can't resist the chance to see Orihime alone. The only motivation he needs is that he likes the way she reacts to him. Very much.
length: one-shot at 1,995 words
setting: the Hueco Mundo arc
s2m's comments: A character as volatile and eager to do violence as Grimmjow must feel rather conflicted towards the human who returned his status, and this fic gives us a window into how he might handle that. I also ship Orihime/Grimmjow like burning, so yeah. X3

Ouran High Ghost Club by Finite Sledgehammer
read its full listing in the crossover section

Top 10%!!1! Roots of Heaven, The by paperiuni
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Drama; Ichigo/Renji/Rukia; NC-17 graphic sex, graphic violence, and torture.
author's summary: After the year of the war, Renji and Ichigo find themselves on a rescue mission featuring: parallel worlds, lost friends, wine, women, dead souls, demons, male bonding, mind games, sex, angst, campfires, metaphysics, thrilling heroics, kindly lies, and Rukia.
length: complete at 36 chapters, 144,404 words
setting: AU after fanon ending to the Winter War
s2m's comments: It took me a year to read this fic. Not because it's long, but because it was so goood,I didn't want to finish it. If I had a top 1% designation on my recs page, this would be in it. Ichigo and Renji's epic journey, tracking Rukia and relying only upon each other for months, lets a very believable relationship grow. And then, Rukia only adds to it. *happy sigh* Things don't go perfectly due to Ichigo's IRL hangups, but in the end, it's quite satisfying. C: My feelings about this fic are long and complicated. If you enjoy a character-driven story with peronal growth and deep relationships, then I hope you read this one, too. C:

Seven Days to Common Ground by peroxidepest17
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Comedy; none; PG
author's summary: Kuchiki-taichou is acting weird.
length: one-shot at 3,600 words
setting: sometime during canon's original set of Gotei 13
s2m's comments: Here is a concise and enjoyable little case fic. I'd never have thought a case fic could work in less than 4k, but it DOES! XD Hats off to the author! The character interaction is great, and completely sells the start of a friendship and mutual respect between Byakuya and Zaraki. ^^

Top 10%!!1! There May Be Some Collateral Damage by metisket
read its full listing in the crossover section

Thirteen Going on Fourteen by peroxidepest17
read its full listing in the crossover section

31 Moments from the Gotei 13 at the Hot Springs by incandescens
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, some Drama; various; R
author's summary: 31 drabbles based on a set of prompts. The Gotei 13 at the hot springs.
length: one-shot at 3,655 words
setting: Before canon. You need to know all of the first set of Captains and Vice-Captains, and having finished the Soul Society arc will help you catch the nuances.
s2m's comments: 31 short, glorious insights into the characters of the Shinigami, given to us with plenty of laughs and a little thoughtfulness on the side. A fun read! My fave is definitely #8. *giggle*

Time and Again by Mymomomo
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: Abnormality is my middle name, unfortunately. I'm the freaky white-haired kid who sees ghosts and talks to stuffed animals. The reincarnation of one of Soul Society's strongest warriors... Yeah, I wouldn't believe it either. Reincarnation had been nothing more than a theory, but it didn't even begin to explain why there was a dead Shinigami living in my head.
length: complete at 44 chapters, 224,515 words
setting: 12 years after a fanon ending to the Winter War
s2m's comments: This fic is an engrossing tale of a reincarnated Hitsugaya with no idea what's going on and a real problem with keeping his head down. But then, how would YOU react if Hollows were always after you and you had no idea why? The author wrote a truly engrossing fic, something difficult to do when so much of it takes place inside the main character's head. Told effectively in first person, this fic had me hanging on every word and rooting hard for the new Hitsugaya to persevere. Good stuff! Note the first 25 chapters or so have some SPaG problems, but they do clear up. C:

To Be a King Once More by Maugan Ra
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: AU - What if, after the Winter War, it is not the Soul Reapers that restore Ichigo's powers, but Ichimaru and the surviving Espada?
length: abandoned WIP at 26 chapters, 55,119 words
setting: AU after the end of the Arrancar/Winter War arc, so no Fullbring influence at all
s2m's comments: The premise for this fic lured me in, and I was not let down. :3 Intriguing plot aside, I really like the author's interpretations of some of my favorite characters. She gives them some fascinating spins! Definitely worth a read if you are a Bleach fan.

Wasurenai by Empatheia
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; Yachiru/Byakuya; G
author's summary: He always says no, but sometimes his no means maybe and sometimes it means yes.
length: one-shot at 1,746 words
setting: timeless, you just need to know who Byakuya, Yachiru, and Kenpachi are
s2m's comments: This author makes me genuinely like Yachiru, when in canon I'm rather indifferent to her character. Byakuya is much too stoic for his own good, and I like seeing him...tilted. Leave it to Yachiru to manage that! This fic is more (grudging) friendship than outright romance, though it does lay the groundwork for the latter quite well. :D

Boku no Hero Academia (My Hero Academia)

Feathers Are the Least of These by mousapelli
genre; ship; rating: Romance; Midoriya/Tokoyami; PG-13 but only because of Bakugo's language
author's summary: Midoriya has a crush on Tokoyami. Tokoyami thinks Midoriya being a nerd is cute. Dark Shadow thinks they're both good birds.
length: one-shot at 13,532 words
setting: after the dorm move-in
s2m's comments: Asdfghjjoytc. Omg. This fic is one of my newest comfort reads, and I am so glad it exists. Midoriya and Tokoyami are completely adorkable, and Dark Shadow steals the show. I love how the author used Tokoyami's bird features as part of the developing romance, rather than ignoring them as being too uncomfortable to think about. A wonderfully fluffy and happy fic! *passes out from cuteness overdose*

Bone Key, The (by Monette)

No Harm Ever Came from Digging Up the Past by russian_blue
read its full listing in the crossover section

Brave

Four Things that Weren't Adequately Covered in Mulan's R.A. Training by NaomiK
read its full listing in the crossover section

Breakfast Club, The

been down that road before by healingmirth
genre; ship; rating: Drama; pre-Brian/Bender; PG
author's summary: Scenes from a reunion
length: one-shot at 4,838 words
setting: 25 years after the club graduated
s2m's comments: I can relate to Brian's feelings about his high school reunion. (Yay for smart phones! XD) I enjoyed how the fic doesn't tread the usual reuion-story path, but bravely does its own thing. ^^ And surprised me a little, too! I like this one. :3

Fifteen Detentions by Kaneko
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Bender/Brian; PG-13
author's summary: Vernon stared at him for a long moment. He turned his face up to the ceiling. "I count one- two- three-" His mouth moved silently. "Fifteen more Saturdays. Plus the one you still owe me." Bender made a noise that maybe sounded like a laugh, and felt like rage. "Whatever," he tried to say.
length: one-shot at 8,587 words
setting: the remainder of their school year
s2m's comments: This lovely IC fic shows Bender's slow maturity, even in the face of Vernon's baiting. I also like how the author worked the entire main cast of the film in, rather than just focusing on Bender and Brian.

Higher Education by Resonant
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Bender/Brian; NC-17, graphic sex
author's summary: John Bender gets a life.
length: one-shot at 14,368
setting: after the film
s2m's comments: I like watching Bender mature in this fic, and his interactions with his co-workers are amusing. It's good to see a confident adult Brian, too. ^^

Most Likely To by Kaneko
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Bender/Brian; R
author's summary: If there had been gossip after the reunion, Brian's life might have looked something like this.
length: one-shot at 8,076 words
setting: starting at their 10 year high school reunion
s2m's comments: A sad fic that shows things don't always go well, but maybe you really can end up with your high school crush. *sniffles*

Supper Club, The by Kaneko
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Andrew/Bender; R
author's summary: In school years, which were kind of like dog years, Andy and Allison still only lasted about five minutes.
length: one-shot at 3,837
setting: about 18 years after graduation
s2m's comments: This fic has a different take on the post-canon Breakfast Club fic norm. I like how Bender, of all people, is the one who helps Andrew recover his self-worth and independence. Even injured jocks can turn out all right. C: A grim fic that delivers a dose of reality and a hopeful ending. Yay, Andrew and Bender!

Turn a New Page, Tear the Old One Out by shrift
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Bender/Brian; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary: People in Shermer had made up their minds about who John Bender was years ago. All John needed was the chance to prove them wrong.
length: one-shot at 8,057 words
setting: begins post-film
s2m's comments: A new take on the main ship for Breakfast Club! I love that fandom often writes Bender becoming a successful adult, and this fic once again comes through. I would have liked more detail about Bender's life in the Army, but the fic is very enjoyable as-is. The final line of dialogue made me tear up, I admit it! T.T

Breaking Bad

Occupational Hazards by VillaKulla
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Jesse/Walter; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary: Jesse feels ridiculous for feeling so uncertain about the future. And it's a bizarre realization...but sometimes it seems like Mr. White is just about the only thing in his universe that Jesse CAN rely on. But even Jesse couldn't have anticipated just how much.
length: one-shot at 10,019 words
setting: season5 ep3 "Hazard Pay"
s2m's comments: I can see canon taking this route, if they dared. Both men are IC and believable, and the fic reads like a missing scene and alternate POV. What starts as Walt's concern for a panicked Jessie turns into more, and then ultimately follow's canon's guidebook for how stuff ends up. Yep. Powerful and tragic read.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Apocalypse Stone, The by antennapedia
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Buffy/Giles; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary: The apocalpyse stone says Buffy's the one the prophecy is about, only this time instead of dying she has to have sex. Some people think that's worse.
length: one-shot at 6,468 words
setting: second season, pre-Angelus
s2m's comments: This little fic tackles a huge issue: Buffy has to lose her virginity to save the world. But that's what Slayers do with their Watcher's help, right? Save the world? I liked how Buffy appreciated Giles's focus on both her and the ritual. I must admire the bravery of both! And the reactions of the other characters both before and after are spot-on. ^^

NEW!!!1! Bottle of Jack Daniels Following Apocalypse, A by antennapedia
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Buffy/Giles; R
author's summary: Giles, Buffy, and Xander drink to fallen friends in a remote motel room.
length: one-shot at 4,994 words
setting: after the last episode
s2m's comments: This is a rare fic: intimacy before the sex, and I don't mean physical intimacy, but emotional. Giles knows Buffy so well, his love for her is completely understandable. And Buffy's feelings for him made me all weepy. Then Xander just had to steal the show. X3 Tender and sad and lovely.

Cuddly Predators by EntreNous
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Spike/Xander; PG-13
author's summary: Xander gets a kitten, and suddenly Spike seems to have a lot more interest in him.
length: complete at 14 chapters, 24,323 words
setting: season 5, I think
s2m's comments: Pack a toothbrush and some insulin, because the fluff is strong in this one. Adorably cute, with several fun turn of phrases and one killer napping kitten scene. :3 D'awwww!

Top 10%!!1! Exiles by nwhepcat
read its full listing in the crossover section

Giles Thing, The by drsquidlove
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Giles/Xander; NC-17, graphic sex
author's summary: Xander meets the teenaged Ripper, and his relationship with Rupert Giles will never be the same again. This is kind of an ode to that look Xander gets in his eye when his life is imploding.
length: complete at 8 chapters, 126,705 words
setting: starts halfway through season 4
s2m's comments: I first encountered hints of Giles/Xander in one of my other Buffy fic recs, and I rather liked the idea. I was very pleased to happen across this fic, which does my vague impressions of "that would be kind of awesome..." justice. X3 Xander's slow maturity is shown well, and Giles is revealed to be an amazing, complex man. The author made an unfortunate choice of page design, so if you have an LJ account, I suggest you use the "view in my style" option. The fic is completely worth the effort!

In From the Cold by reremouse and savoytruffle
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Spike/Xander, William/Xander; NC-17, graphic sex, as close to incest as you can get without actually doing it
author's summary, slightly shortened: All human AU set in a nameless big city. Twenty-year-old Xander Harris has been on his own for years. He lives in a one bedroom apartment which isn't much, but it's his. He befriends a homeless Englishman named William who comes with unexpected complications - named Spike. Xander's life is about to get more complicated than he ever expected.
length: complete at 29 chapters, 60,710 words
setting: all human AU, set in the early 00s
s2m's comments: It's difficult for me to figure out why I liked this fic. Yes, it's well-written with a minimum of typos, the characters are indeed IC, the plot is engaging...all stuff I need to enjoy a fic. The story takes a couple turns that you'd never expect...and I have to admit, the pretty boy imagery is quite fetching. Or maybe it's just the in-fic snuggling. For whatever reasons, I quite enjoyed this one and hope you will feel the same! :D

It's About Time by Carrie
read its full listing under its prequel, Take Your Time.

Lamest Spell, The by Nomelon
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; Spike/Xander; NC-17, graphic sex and dub-con
author's summary: The lamest spell in the history of Sunnydale is cast on Spike. Xander gets caught in the crossfire.
length: one-shot at 9,649 words
setting: vaguely season 4
s2m's comments: An amusing and toe-curling one-shot. How gloriously in-character for Spike! Haha! ^^ I now have a small Spike/Xander collection, much to my enjoyment! XD

Phoenix Burning by Yahtzee
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; Buffy/Angel; R
author's summary: After "The Gift." Buffy returns to life -- to find a world greatly changed.
length: complete at 24 chapters, 94,086 words
setting: after the end of the 5th season
s2m's comments: This fic grabbed me from the start! Buffy's voice is perfect, and the fic reads like it could be an extra-long episode. Also has a cast of excellent OCs!

Top 10%!!1! Post Grad by Te
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Spike/Xander; NC-17, graphic sex
author's summary: Life tends to change after high school.
length: complete at 3 chapters, 3 vignettes, and 56,047 words
setting: after the "Enemies" ep, so not too long before the Scoobies graduate from High School
s2m's comments: If you're looking for something fun and happy, don't read this fic. If you want something gut-wrenchingly good and painful and awesome, then here you go. The writing style is almost stream of consciousness, so it takes some getting used to, but is extremely good once you figure it out. Whoa.

Sands of Time by James and Wolfling
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Drama, Romance; Spike/Xander, one-sided Giles/Xander, side ships from early canon plus Angel/Doyle; NC-17 graphic sex
author's original summary: Xander finds a new home with Giles, and a new relationship with Spike.
author's new summary at AO3: An epic tale of Xander and his crappy childhood, and how Giles rescued him, and how Xander and Spike fell in love (well, sex, and then love or something like insanity?)
length: complete at 8 fics, 309,883 words
setting: splits from canon late in 1st season and reaches into the first season of Angel
s2m's comments: Here is an angstful, drama-filled waltz through Buffy and some of Angel canon. The authors gave Xander a very difficult abusive childhood, and it takes time for him to work through his past with the help of Giles and his surprise romance with Spike. It's interesting how the authors tweak canon around their changes. There's a lot of clingy and triggered Xander, so heads-up if past child abuse is a trigger for you. The fic itself does not have a main unifying plot, other than Xander's maturation, studies, his secret romance with Spike, and helping Buffy and Angel save the world over and over. With plenty of hot sex scenes in there, too! X3 Xander is truly heroic in this story.

Take Your Time by Carrie
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Willow/Angel, Willow/Spike; PG-13 or NC-17 for graphic sex, depending on which version of a specific chapter you choose to read
author's summary, shortened by s2m: This is a challenge fic where Willow goes back in time and meets Angelus before he was vamped. Please keep in mind that this was started right after the episode 'Becoming', so Angel is Spike's sire, not Drusilla, and he was sired before Drusilla, not after.
length: complete at 40 chapters, 302,752 words
setting: after the end of the 2nd season
s2m's comments: My first impression was, "An amusing read, but not good enough for my recs list." Then this fic turned into a gripping epic when I wasn't looking. I can't pinpoint the exact moment, but suddenly I found myself obsessed and unable to stop reading. O.o Be patient with the thin beginning and that irritating wallpaper, because I think the overall fic is worth it. ^^

It's About Time by Carrie
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Willow/Angel, Willow/Spike; PG-13
author's summary: This is the sequel to my little saga 'Take Your Time'. If you haven't read it, don't read this story. You won't understand it and will be missing most of the fun.
length: abandoned WIP at 23 chapters, 220,491 words
setting: immediately after Take Your Time ends
s2m's comments: Like its prequel, this fic is kind of thin but juuuust good enough to keep me reading. It's frustratingly abandoned and the last chapter left a bitter aftertaste, but oh well! I had to be honest with myself and add it here. :P

Calvin and Hobbes

Geniuses by Amaretto
read its full listing in the crossover section

Socks, or A More Contented Life Thereby by stillscape
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; none; G
author's summary: It's Christmas Eve. Only tigers sleep soundly when Santa might be afoot.
length: one-shot at 1,535 words
setting: timesless C&H Christmas
s2m's comments: This delightful fic told from Hobbes' POV could easily be canon. Calvin's determination to fix Christmas is true to form, along with his stubborn ignoring of the value of the unwanted presents. Let's face it, we want toys! XD A great little slice of Calvin and Hobbes.

Spaceman Spiff and the Alien Conspiracy by Froggimus_Rex
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; G
author's summary: "Don't worry, I'm sure he'll be fine." She dropped her hand to to stare incredulously at the tiger. "Let me repeat," she said, very slowly. "Calvin has a weapon whose power is only limited by his imagination." "I said he'd be fine, nothing about the rest of us."
length: one-shot at 1,844 words
setting: somewhere in canon
s2m's comments: A delightful fic, with such promise for Calvin's future! Now if ONLY it were LONGERRRRR! XI

Top 10%!!1! Wizards in Winter by vibishan
read its full listing in the crossover section

Captain America

bent my knees 'cause I love you by ellievolia
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Bucky/Steve; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary: Steve discovers a secret about Bucky, and it quickly snowballs into something much bigger
length: one-shot at 7,320 words
setting: after the 2nd film, though I think this will work with actual comic verse, too
s2m's comments: We all have our fic-enjoyment firsts, and now I can check off "men in women's underwear" from my list. Cross dressing isn't a kink of mine, but this fic definitely made it work for me! Watching Steve deal with his new-found knowledge of Bucky, and his own acceptance and encouragement of it, is truly fun. The ending gave me a big, goofy smile! Yay!!!

fair market value by lazulisong
read its full listing in the crossover section

Top 10%!!1! Only With the Heart by Taste_is_Sweet
read its full listing in the crossover section

Chronicles of Riddick

Apprentice by Ardath Rekha
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Drama, Romance; Jack/Riddick; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary, slightly shortened: Four and a half years after the crash of the Hunter-Gratzner, 18-year-old Jack is released from the juvenile facility she's lived in. Due to her refusal to help the authorities capture Riddick, they've done their best to ensure that her future will be as bleak as possible, until Riddick himself returns to rescue her. But the forces arrayed against them, determined to recapture Riddick at any cost, are enormous...
length: complete at 61 chapters, 150,906 words
setting: four years after the end of the first movie, and ignores all canon created after
s2m's comments: I was drawn into this fic by how it predates the sequel and the "Furian" nonsense that turned Riddick from a self-made badass into a spushul snowflake who was just ~born~ that way. (Yes, I hated that particular addition to canon). While the author did pull a bait and switch on me in that regard, the character development, new fanon background information, and solid writing kept me reading. ^^V Jack and Riddick's age difference is handled very well. Both Riddick and Jack must resolve the issue in their own minds--though it takes Riddick much longer. :3 This fic is a fun adventure story with ton of character development, and smoking sex scenes! *swoon* Note the site's "yes to adult content" cookie expires rather quickly. Remember what chapter you're on, in case you need to find it in the menu.

Cinderella (Disney)

Four Things that Weren't Adequately Covered in Mulan's R.A. Training by NaomiK
read its full listing in the crossover section

Star Princesses of Long Ago and Far Away by fresne
read its full listing in the crossover section

Colbert Report

Harry Potter and the Eagle of Truthiness by Christine Morgan
read its full listing in the crossover section

Conjuring, The

for a reason by weasleytook
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Lorraine/Ed; G
author's summary: From their first date and for all time, Ed and Lorraine are in this together.
length: one-shot at 2,453 words
setting: years before the first film
s2m's comments: This sweet fic gives us a backstory for Ed and Lorraine's meet-cute and the start of their mission to help people with supernatural problems. It's beautiful and fluffy and I accept it as my Conjuring!headcanon! *happy sigh* (It's not preachy at all, JIC you were wondering.)

Cowboy Bebop

Light Fandango by sally (team_fen)
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; G
author's summary: Finding her father turns out to be more difficult than Ed had expected.
length: one-shot at 5,117 words
setting: after Ed and Ein leave the Bebop
s2m's comments: Ed is a difficult character to write well, and I've read quite a few fics that tried and couldn't quite manage it--but this one does it magnificently! Random but with a plan, in her own world but very aware of her surroundings, still a kid and yet capable of taking care of herself--including being able to recognize when she needs adult help. I also love that Ed and Ein are the ones to bring the Bebop family back together, and her actual father, too! As a lovely bonus, Spike really shines in his supporting role. C:

Top 10%!!1! Music Box, The by r_lee
genre; ship; rating: Drama; gen with a little one-sided Gren/Vicious; PG-13
author's summary: It was just an unassuming little music box, a symbol of beauty and harmony against the background of war. How could it have been anything else?
length: one-shot at 2,641 words
setting: before canon, but you need to know Gren to get the most out of the fic
s2m's comments: This beautiful, melancholy fic captivated me from the first word. It's been ten years since I watched CowBe, yet I completely fell back into the characters with this fic. The author did a wonderful task of taking the bits of information from canon and turning them into a fully realized missing scene. *applauds*

Cowboys & Aliens

Carry Me by hellseries
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG
author's summary: Ella tries to get back to Jake.
length: one-shot at 3,759 words
setting: after the film
s2m's comments: I like that this fic is about finding companionship, and particularly how they go about succeeding. A sweet story that made me feel happy and warm. ^^

crossovers

At the Devil's Knee by Delphi
fandoms: Jeeves & Wooster and Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler)
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG
author's summary: Jeeves is inspired very early in life by one hell of a butler.
length: one-shot at 1,482 words
setting: Jeeves is about 5, Sebastian and Ciel are their canon ages, no canon spoilers
s2m's comments: This fic gave me chills. I love the idea!

Boy Who Spoke With Ghosts, The by AvocadoLove
fandoms: Inception and Sixth Sense, The
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Drama; pre-Arthur/Eames; PG-13, off-screen torture
author's summary: No one suspects Arthur. He's too practical, too organized, too sensible to believe in the supernatural. Based on the kink meme prompt: Arthur's real name is Cole Sear.
length: complete at 6 chapters, 21,794 words
setting: before, during, and after Inception; many years after Sixth Sense
s2m's comments: Here is a serious case fic in a darker tone that matches The Sixth Sense, rather than the lighter Inception. Arthur is a grown-up Cole, and yes, he still sees dead people...something which makes dream work quite interesting! The growing relationship between Arthur and Eames is subtle and done well, and truly not the focus on the fic. Instead of romance, this fic is about Arthur learning to trust others with his true self and ability. A serious, sad, gripping fic.

Canon Rape by velvet-mace
fandoms: Fullmetal Alchemist and Harry Potter
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Meta; FMA fandom/HP fandom; R non-con, sort of?
author's summary: doesn't exist
s2m's more helpful summary: FMA is wandering through Livejournal and comes face to face with HP. He gets more than he expected.
length: one-shot at 1,006 words
setting: over halfway through both fandoms
s2m's comments: Even I, who so admires plot and character development, can be won over by well-done crack. I snickered all the way through this. Glorious meta!!

Case of the Unwelcome Owl, The by FayJay
fandoms: Harry Potter and Sherlock (BBC)
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; gen; PG-13
author's summary: "So," said John, feeling out of his depth once again. "An owl." It was the same mild, politely curious tone of voice with which he had previously found himself uttering such things as: "So � three bags of frozen AB negative," and "So � a selection of human ears." "Goodness, John, with deductive prowess like that you'll soon be putting me in the shade," Sherlock said tartly. "Can't sneak anything past you, can we?"
s2m's more helpful summary: A disgruntled Sherlock refuses to open his owl post, and John comes to grips with actual IRL magic. It's easier than he expected, to be quite honest.
length: one-shot at 7,198 words
setting: HP: after Voldie's defeat, Sherlock: later on in the first season
s2m's comments: A delightful oneshot! I like just about everything in this fic, from sulky Sherlock to just-rolls-with-it John. A certain HP character's brief scene is glorious, too. A great little crossover. :3

Cost of a Wish, The by slashscribe
fandoms: Sherlock (BBC) and xxxHolic
genre; ship; rating: Drama; John/Sherlock; R
author's summary, shortened: John has been plagued by a secret his entire life that has made him feel hopeless, until he meets a mysterious, seemingly omniscient man named Sherlock who owns a wish-granting shop. Their meeting sets off a series of inevitable events that will change the course of both of their lives. This story involves magic, ghosts, and cameos by some of our favorite characters.
length: complete at 12 chapters, 102,493 words
setting: timeless Sherlock; the beginning of xxxHolic
s2m's comments: This crossover is more acurrately a fusion, with the Sherlock characters in the roles of the xxxHolic cast. I was surprised at how well it worked--and don't let the clunky summary turn you away! The author's prose is delightful, and typos are wonderfully rare. :3 The fic parallels early xxxHolic canon quite a bit, but the slotting in of Sherlock's cast--and of course, John and Sherlock's distinct personalities--keeps things interesting for those who are very familiar with xxxHolic and might be worried about becoming bored. ^^V And Sherlock makes an AMAZING Yoko, OMG! It seems odd, but it completely works! :D The slow-burn romance is quite enjoyable, as well. *happy sigh*

CSI: Death by Chocolate by Beth Einspanier
fandoms: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) and CSI
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG
author's summary: A young man is found in the desert, having been drowned in chocolate. Who would want him dead, and what does he have to do with a reclusive chocolatier from London?
length: complete at 16 chapters, 28,069 words
setting: 10 years after the movie; about 5 years into CSI
s2m's comments: Here's a fun case fic as the CSI team deal with candied insanity. The murder victim's identity is quite sad, but the resulting case and revisiting of some of the film's cast makes for an adventure! No to mention that logical Grissom dealing with a certain confectioner is completely fabulous. There's also a little touch of meta that made me giggle!

Devil Really Does Wear Prada, The by balefully
fandoms: Devil Wears Prada, The and Supernatural
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Comedy; Dean/Sam; NC-17 graphic sex, incest
author's summary: What if Sam were a little more...fabulous? Jess never died, John goes missing much later, and Dean. Well. He's in for quite a surprise.
length: complete at 5 parts, 36,806 words
setting: vaguely patterned after SPN ep1, no SPN spoilers. Knowing the characters for TDWP is enough
s2m's comments: A combination of fashion porn and traditional early SPN monster-of-the-day, I really enjoyed this fic. Granted. The author has an aversion to comma use. Like what I'm writing here. But you get used to it, and the story really is fun! And such lovely UST. *swoon* Normally incest romance makes me squirm just a bit, but for some reason this fic doesn't make it feel naughty. I'm not sure why. Anyway, it's a great story with a REALLY hot kiss scene--one of my new favorites--and who doesn't love imagining Dean all cleaned up nice and pretty?? :3

Different Sort of Taste, A by hazukashiijousan
fandoms: Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler) and Skip Beat!
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; G
author's summary: Sebastian knows the traits that make his ideal victim, yet sometimes humanity still manages to surprise him.
length: one-shot at 1,078 words
setting: after Kuro canon but with no spoilers, before Skip canon
s2m's comments: This is brilliant. I am never going to look at Lory's assistant the same way again. Whoa! XD

Dragon King's Temple, The by Kryal
fandoms: Avatar: The Last Airbender and Stargate SG-1
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; none; PG-13
author's summary: The spite of the spirits opened a door better left untouched. On the other hand, with Fire and Earth as one's allies, sometimes escaping is the easy part.
length: complete at 12 chapters, 212,762 words
setting: after the AtLA tv series; in the third season of SG-1
s2m's comments: This epic crossover came highly recced, and I can see why! I wish I knew more than just the first season of SG-1, as I feel I missed out on a bunch of cool stuff. :B Rather than throwing the characters together for a fun adventure, the author uses this story to explore some ideas about both canons, do some fix-it, and give us a rocking good time. ^^ This fic focuses on Zuko and Toph from AtLA, and Sam and Janet from SG-1. A fun cast! Also there are some very amusing cameos. An enjoyable read, with a LOT of worldbuilding!

Top 10%!!1! Dust in the Wind by lyra_wing
fandoms: American Gods and Supernatural
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; none; PG-13
author's summary: Future fic. Erm. Hard to explain. This is a crossover with American Gods, but you don't need to read that to understand what's going on.
s2m's more descriptive summary: Dean and Sam travel America, hunting, helping other hunters, and catching the eyes of gods.
length: one-shot at 4,093 words
setting: some time after the AG novel; near the end of the second season of SPN (but finish the season to avoid a major spoiler)
s2m's comments: This fic really struck a chord in me. The ethereal beauty and odd rules of American Gods canon plus the down-to-earth but still creepy tone of Supernatural are blended together to make an engrossing what-if fic. I'd love for this to become a canon ending to the show! Everyone is in character, and I really liked it. C:

Elementary, My Dear ObiWan by Frostfyre7
fandoms: Sherlock Holmes (classic) and Star Wars
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; none; PG
author's summary: Life in London can get plenty interesting when Sherlock Holmes is hot on the trail of the dastardly Moriarty. Things take a bizarre turn, however, when Holmes and Watson intervene in a most unusual assassination attempt on a strangely dressed young man.
length: complete at 30 chapters, 62,083 words
setting: after Watson is engaged to Mary; before SW episode I
s2m's comments: One of my favorite things in fanfic is when an author can take a crazy, cracky idea and make it work. Beautifully! Qui-gon and Obi-wan in Victorian England, working wtih Sherlock and Watson to solve a crime, is simply marvelous. The writing is elegant and enjoyable, the chapters snappy and a good length, the case intriguing. An excellent crossover, I must say!

Top 10%!!1! Exiles by nwhepcat
fandoms: Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Supernatural
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; FOC/Oz; R
author's summary: Living a loner's life near Death Valley, Oz meets someone even more cut off from other people than he is.
length: one-shot at 30,500 words
setting: Buffy: after the show, I'm not sure if the fic includes comic canon or not. SPN: during The Mystery Spot ep
s2m's comments: I must salute this author for not only merging the disparate werewolves of both canons, but for writing Oz's reticent POV so well. That can't be easy! I loved everything about this fic, from beginning to end. And what an awesome FOC! She steals the show. Fantastic fic!!!

fair market value by lazulisong
fandoms: Captain America and xxxHolic
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; G
author's summary: "you must have a wish," says the lady. "i ain't got money," says bucky, still frozen in place. "i was just --"
length: one-shot at 1,208 words
setting: up to the end of Cap2 film
s2m's comments: I went in expecting crack and instead found a touching, beautiful fic that completely works with both canons. Author, I salute you! ^^>

Folded Feathers by Era_Penn
fandoms: Avengers, The, Deadpool, and Spider-man
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Peter/Wade; PG-13
author's summary: Of everyone who ever saw Peter's pitch black wings, only three people stayed: Uncle Ben, Aunt May, and Gwen. Two of them are dead. Peter refuses to show his wings to anyone else, ever. And then Wade Wilson comes along with his gorgeous white and gold wings and ruins everything. (Except, he's the only one who can make Peter laugh, these days, so maybe it's just a painful sort of fixing.)
length: one-shot at 4,424 words
setting: Avengers: after first movie, Deadpool: timeless?, Spidey: after Gwen is gone, whenever that happens (I've only seen the first two Tobey MacGuire Spidey films and I was fine)
s2m's comments: This was my first Deadpool fic, and I rearely read for Spidey, but this fic's summary caught my eye, and I had to try it. And I'm so glad I did! This is a touching h/c fest with angst and pining and self-doubt and trust and all sorts of tropes I eat up with a spoon. :9 An iddy and emotional read.

Follow Through by Macadamanaity
fandoms: Doctor Who and MASH
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; G
author's summary: A head nurse of a certain M*A*S*H unit saves the day with help from a visiting doctor.
length: one-shot at 3,041 words
setting: 10th Doctor, MASH 3rd season
s2m's comments: Here's a crossover with a plot that fits perfectly into both canons. It has great characterizations--particularly Margaret's--and that ending! A solid little crossover fic, to be sure. ^^

Top 10%!!1! Four Ohtori Students Kyubey Never Made a Contract With and One He Nearly Did by veleda_k
fandoms: Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magika and Shoujo Kakumei Utena (Revolutionary Girl Utena)
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG
author's summary: Ohtori is full of girls with wishes. None of these happened (except maybe the last one), but here's what would have happened if they had...
length: one-shot at 1,682 words
setting: later within Madoka and Utena both, but you need to have completed the entire canons to avoid spoilers
s2m's comments: WHOA. This little fic blew me away! Each section is short, but tells its own little what-if glimpse with clarity and perfect characterization. Particularly that last one. DAYUM!

Four Things that Weren't Adequately Covered in Mulan's R.A. Training by NaomiK
fandoms: Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast (1991), Brave, Cinderella (1950), Little Mermaid, The (Disney), Mulan, Princess and the Frog, The, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), and Tangled
genre; ship; rating: Drama; gen; PG
author's summary: Mulan is a Resident Assistant on a dormitory floor at a college. Gosh, some of the students on her floor come from really screwed-up families.
length: one-shot at 4,541 words
setting: modern American university AU
s2m's comments: What I like most about this AU is how the author adapted the princesses to a modern-day setting. Mulan as responsible RA makes perfect sense, and her practical nature is a great foil to the other girls. A good read! I'd happily devour 50k of this AU. C:

Geniuses by Amaretto
fandoms: Calvin and Hobbes and Foxtrot
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Calvin/Jason; PG-13
author's summary: Slash. Crossover with Foxtrot. Jason and Calvin meet in college and find in each other something they never found elsewhere
length: one-shot at 10,914 words
setting: the guys are in college
s2m's comments: This sweet fic makes me want to hug both Calvin and Jason. XD Very cute and fun, and how I wish we had a sequel!! *wistful sigh* The Storm Trooper steals the show. *wink*

Grand Hunt, A by Merfilly
fandoms: Alien and Alien vs Predator
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; none; PG-13
author's summary: The sector that had a hoard of Hard Meat eggs was being encroached by the expansion of the Soft Meat herds. SpearKiller goes to see what damage has been done, and reacts accordingly.
length: one-shot at 5,346 words
setting: AU just before Aliens (the 2nd film)
s2m's comments: Some satisfying fix-it fic right here! :D The Predator's POV is alien without being incomprehensable. It's interesting to see how her opinion differs from the humans. I particularly like the relationship between the Preadtor and Newt! And Ripley still shines. Satisfying read with a killer ending! *badum ching*

Handler by copperbadge
fandoms: Avengers and Torchwood
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; G
author's summary: There are some staff changes going on at SHIELD.
length: one-shot at 556 words
setting: after the first Avengers film, for Torchwood you just need to know the first season's main cast
s2m's comments: This fic reminds me that even a crossover doesn't have to be an epic to be amazing. A delightful and quick fic! XD

Harry Potter and the Eagle of Truthiness by Christine Morgan
fandoms: Colbert Report, The and Harry Potter
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; PG
author's summary: Hogwarts meets the Colbert Report ... guess who the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is?
length: one-shot at 5,426 words
setting: AU of 5th year
s2m's comments: BAHAHAHA! I'm not that familiar with the Colbert Report, and it was STILL hilarious!!! XD

Harveste Addams Series, The by kyaru-chan
fandoms: Addams Family, The and Harry Potter
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; gen, though with side ships; R torture
s2m's series summary: Harry deals with the Dursleys himself and attracts the attention of the Addams Family. He changes his name, creeps out most of Hogwarts, and gladly devours those who would subdue him.
entire series length: abandoned WIP at 7 fics, 183,334 words
setting: more original comics Addams Family than the movies; HP before canon starts
s2m's comments: Evil!Harry is hardly new, but how about writing him Addams Family style? This fun series is very much a black comedy AU of the first 5 novels and part of the 6th. The earlier books are rushed with shorter fics, but things begin to slow down as the author explores the wonderful creepiness that is Harveste and his weird influence over his classmates. Delightfully morbid! And an intriguing magic system!! The series is stalled at the beginning of book6, but the first five fics are very enjoyable. ^^ I do wish the author obeyed her own rules for Harveste's name, but it's a minor quibble in overall picture. You can also access the entire series by finding each installment on the author's profile page at FF.net. ^^V

In Wade We Trust (We Are So Screwed) by dentalfloss
fandoms: Avengers, The and Deadpool
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Comedy; established Clint/Coulson though the focus is on Clint and Wade's friendship; R torture
author's summary, shortened: The one where Clint does something nice for Wade, and Wade decides to never let him go.
length: complete at 6 chapters, 44,285 words
setting: Avengers-after first film; Deadpool-no idea, I've only seen the two films and I was fine
s2m's comments: Here is a delightful bromance fic! It's great fun watching Deadpool be his crazy self around Clint and Coulson, particularly how he interacts with the other Avengers. I love how he inserts himself into Clint and Coulson's lives, and basically everything aboutt this fic. *happy sigh* C:

Ink is Thicker Than Blood by Stariceling
fandoms: Death Note and Tantei Gakuen Q
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Matsuda/Ryuu; G
author's summary: Without Kira's judgement, crime is once again on the rise. Are the newly-trained detectives at DDS ready to meet this new world, and what will one of them resort to to keep those he loves safe? Spoilers to the end of Death Note, and Ryu spoilers (ep 39 or so) for Detective School Q.
length: abandoned WIP, 2 chapters, 2,021 words
setting: both after the end of Death Note and after Ryu joins the regular TGQ cast
s2m's comments: This fic is short and powerful. Be sure to read through the second chapter. That's where the really good stuff is! ^^

Iron Robin by athenemiranda
fandoms: Batman and Ironman
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Bruce/Tony; R
author's summary: The original prompt was, 'Howard Stark pimped out his son like a rent boy to close business deals.' But unfortunately for Howard Stark, he was trying to close a deal with Wayne Enterprises. Warnings for whorefic, teen!Tony/adult!Bruce, implied abusive!Howard, implied alcoholic!Tony. Kissing and partial nudity, no real smut.
length: one-shot at 1,833 words
setting: Nolan-verse Batman
s2m's comments: This is a powerful one. I rather like that it is a one-shot, as it lets the reader imagine all the possibilities for a sequel. Sometimes open endings are good, and this is one of them. ^^

Killer Role, A by ninemuses
fandoms: Skip Beat! and Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge (Perfect Girl Evolution/Wallflower)
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG
author's summary: Kyoko has a conversation with a horror fan.
length: one-shot at 987 words
setting: Skip manga in mid-twenties, Yamato Nadesico after volume 1
s2m's comments: Who better to ask for advice about a serial killer's mindset than Sunako? An amusing read!

King and the Fallen Prince, The by Fourticktock
fandoms: Lord of the Rings and Thor
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Drama; Loki/Thranduil; R torture
author's summary, shortened: Loki falls to Middle-Earth. Once there, he meets a blue wizard who promises to lead him west to find his way home. But that means going through Mirkwood and the Elvenking's Halls. Will Loki manage to get home before he is ensnared in the dangerous events about to unfold in Middle-Earth? What will happen when Frigga and Thor follow?
length: complete at 16 chapters, 82,191 words
setting: after the first Thor movie; a few years after The Hobbit.
s2m's comments: This fic does race to the ship, but after the two are together, the plot slows down and explores the new relationship and canon events of LotR. In fact, the fic becomes more an AU of LotR with Loki, Thor, and Frigga tossed into mix! They really throw things for a loop. ^^ To be honest, I enjoyed the action more than the romance! It's fun to shake things up with a dose of Thor characters. Note the fic isn't kind to Thor himself at first, but that changes as events diverge more and more. Loki's slow acceptance of his Jotun self is handled well, I think. I'd read a sequel!

Knew you at all by ilyena-sylph (ilyena_sylph) and Katarik
fandoms: Labyrinth and Young Wizards
genre; ship7; rating: Adventure; none; G
author's summary: Sarah Williams wants to be a wizard.
s2m's more descriptive summary: Sarah finds a certain manual and is thrown into her ordeal. She faces down the Labyrinth and Jareth a second time--with help from Nita and Kit.
length: really long one-shot at 49,916 words
setting: a few years after the Labyrinth film; later in the YW series around book8
s2m's comments: Here is a beautifully done crossover, merging two worlds elegantly and letting us see all the major players. The hints of attraction are scrumptuous, and it's not just Sarah/Jareth! X3 This is a solid adventure fic, with excellent characterization on top. Note that no explanation or reminders are given for name-dropped Young Wizards characters. You might have to google to remember who they are. (I did...)

Live. Die. Save the Cat. by wildgoosery
fandoms: Alien and All You Need is Kill/Edge of Tomorrow
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; none; PG-13
author's summary: Trapped in the same battle day after day, Rita Vrataski taught herself to fight. But she needed Ellen Ripley's help to learn how to win.
length: one-shot at 13,751 words
setting: Alien: Earthbound AU; AYNiK/EoT: before movie canon
s2m's comments: What is better than one badass woman? Two of them, of course! XD Joking aside, this fic combines the two canons very well and gives us a wonderfully developed backstory for Rita. I was pleased with how the author adapted Alien canon for this fic. The writing flow is great, and it's easy to keep all the loops straight. ^^V

Loki Runway by Xparrot
fandoms: Avengers and RPF for Project Runway
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; PG
author's summary: Loki hadn't been observed with a new scepter, and there had yet to be another alien invasion, but he was still a supervillain. SHIELD was on high alert for three months. Which was when the new season of Project Runway started airing, and one of the designers strutting his stuff in the opening, boldly declaring, "I'll show you mortals how to make it work," set off every facial recognition program SHIELD had.
length: one-shot at 6,336 wordss
setting: after the first Avengers film; not sure about ProjectR, but Heidi has four kids
s2m's comments: Awesome and hilarious! I howled all the way through this one. XD I loved seeing the Avengers team come to appreciate Loki's design skills. Heidi totally steals the show, and Loki is his fabulous self with no appolgies. A wonder of crack-tastic crossover--FOR FASHION!

Man With No Name, The by Frostfyre7
fandoms: Doctor Who and Firefly
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; side Inara/Mal; PG-13 graphic violence of Firefly movie levels
author's summary: He hadn't really counted on getting into a pub brawl over the color of his coat on some speck of a planet, or signing up with a crew of petty criminals. Still, he'd always wondered what really happened to those Lost Colonists from Earth...
length: complete at 32 chapters, 105,986 words
setting: DW: 10th Doctor, right after "The Runaway Bride". Firefly: a few months after the movie
s2m's comments: This fic is a delightful read, plunking the 10th Doctor into the Serenity crew and just letting things go crazy. XD Everyone is beautifully IC, the adventure plot is engaging and strong, and I particularly like how succinctly the author works Firefly into the DW universe. Nice! :D

Mistaken Relations by Anne Camp aka Obi-quiet
fandoms: Danny Phantom and Rise of the Guardians
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; G
author's summary: Or why Bunny should avoid Amity Park. After all, white-haired boys with ice powers that can fly aren't exactly easy to come by, so this new kid had to be at least related to Jack...right?
length: one-shot at 7,971 words
setting: Later on in DP, a year after the RotG movie
s2m's comments: A fun and sweet fic! I was in stitches the whole time. Danny is bent on protecting his town against the giant rabbit-kangaroo ghost, Bunny is quick to jump to the obvious--and wrong--conclusion, Jack is just Jack, and Sandy steals the show. Who knew Danny's father was right, and Santa Claus DOES exist??

Nevermore by lucidscreamer
fandoms: Crow: Stairway to Heaven and Real Ghostbusters
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: When one of the Ghostbusters dies, the Crow brings him back. "We're in the land of the dead, Peter," Charlie said, his gravelly voice surprisingly gentle. "We're dead." Warning: character death Peter Venkman, angst
length: abandoned WIP at 18 chapters, 50,035 words
setting: Real Ghostbusters several years into the series
s2m's comments: Beautifully flowing writing is a wonderful bonus on this intriguing fic. The first few chapters are heavy on the angst, but don't let that drive you away! I hope the author updates soon, because I really want to know what happens. :D

Top 10%!!1! 9/10ths of the Law by tsukinofaerii
fandoms: Supernatural and Teen Wolf
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Derek/Stiles; PG-13
author's summary: Stiles discovers the hazards of growing up a real boy when, at heart, he's not a real boy at all.
length: one-shot at 6,875 words
setting: SPN-vaguely after season6, TW-after season3
s2m's comments: WHOA. Brilliant idea and fantastic execution!! The problems demon!Stiles has while in a physical body are part of the fic, and I pretty much love everything about this story! Mad kudos to the author!!

No Harm Ever Came from Digging Up the Past by russian_blue
fandoms: Bone Key and Mummy, The (movie)
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; none; G
author's summary: Removing ancient curses is vastly underrated as a bonding experience.
length: one-shot at 5,034 words
setting: four years before the first Mummy film, Bone Key before Claudia is allowed to join the SMP Museum as an asisstant
s2m's comments: What a delightful read! Fun and creepy at the same time, the two awesome archaeologist women dealing with the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, along along with a not-so-healthy dose of curse! And it's written by someone who actually KNOWS archaeology, too! Eeee! And GAH! The hyena! O.o (I read this fic without knowing anything about Bone Key and enjoyed it just fine, as you've likely noticed! ^^)

Top 10%!!1! Ohio State University Marching Band Performs their Hollywood Blockbuster Show, The by osumbvideo
fandoms: Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Superman
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; audience/band (lol); G
author's summary, shortened: The "Hollywood Blockbuster Show" was performed by members of the Ohio State University Marching Band on October 26th, 2013 at the Penn State Game. Coming off of their Michael Jackson Tribute show, students had a week to learn the drill associated with this show and a little over a week to learn the music.
length: one-shot video at 8 minutes, 49 seconds
setting: halftime during a football game on October 26th, 2013
s2m's comments: *speechless with awe and delight*

Old Country by astolat
fandoms: Harry Potter and Supernatural
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Comedy; Dean/Sam (see my comment section just below); R incest
author's summary: Sam and Dean go to Hogwarts.
length: one-shot at 40,647 words
setting: Hogwarts a year after book 7, SPN in season 3
s2m's comments: I stayed up way too late reading this, which tells you how much I enjoyed it! A hilarious premise that the author made completely work. XD Dean dealing with the stuffy traditional Very Properly British lawyers, a sudden fortune landing in his lap, persnickety post owls and his new eager-to-please house elves, and a surprisingly adoring unicorn. Fantastic stuff!! IMO, the slash incest was unnecessary for the fic's enjoyment, and I invite anyone who doesn't care for this particular ship to willfully ignore the romantic elements. The rest of the fic is worth it!

Top 10%!!1! Only With the Heart by Taste_is_Sweet
fandoms: Captain America and My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Drama; Bucky/Steve; R torture
author's summary, shortened: Bucky grows up with two best friends he loves more than anything. One is Steve Rogers, who Bucky can't have and shouldn't want. The other is a little pony who no one else can hear, touch or see. Not even Steve, no matter how much Bucky wants him to. But in our world there's no such thing as magic, and friendship can't stop a war.
length: one-shot at 38,517 words
setting: before Cap movie canon, extending through both Cap films with a little Avengers, too; timeless MLP
s2m's comments: This fic is GLORIOUS. Crack played straight, and it works so very well! Applejack and Bucky's friendship is so sweet and powerful, and Bucky and Steve's mutual pining for each other is so very painful. And then Bucky heads off to war with Applejack by his side, and my heart just breaks. This fic is so far outside the box, it's apple-bucking on the country farm. I LOVE IT.

Top 10%!!1! Ouran Academy Guest Lecturers Series by peroxidepest17
fandoms: Ouran High School Host Club with visitors from Fruits Basket, Gravitation, Love Mode, Skip Beat!, and Yami no Matsuei
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; PG
author's summary: Famous Guest lecturers from all over Japan and beyond come to speak to the esteemed staff and student body of Ouran High School
length: technically abandoned WIP at 5 chapters, 21,447 words, but since each chapter is a stand-alone, the fic can be considered complete
setting: Another timeless fic! You just need to know the cast basics of Ouran. A quick wiki visit for any unfamiliar visiting characters should be enough help, if needed.
s2m's comments: This fic is a fun comedy that subtly explores the relationships between the main Ouran cast as seen through the eyes of different guest lecturers. Each guest's unique personality gives us a fascinating look at the Host Club, and even provides us some great laughs! The Skip Beat chapter was my personal fave. ^^

Ouran High Ghost Club by Finite Sledgehammer
fandoms: Bleach and Ouran High School Host Club
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Adventure; none; PG-13
author's summary: It's Bleach, it's Ouran, it's wacky! When Ouran High is infested with ghosts, who you gonna call? Ghost Bu I mean, your friendly neighborhood shinigami of course!
length: complete at 10 chapters, 28,209 words
setting: Bleach after Soul Society with a touch of the early Arrancar arc, Ouran...it doesn't really matter with Ouran, does it?
s2m's comments: A delightfully fun fic! It does have some grammar issues (mostly apostrophes), but they don't distract from the crossover glee. Renge in Shinigami cosplay! Kon playing up the bad boy element! Rukia in the frilly Ouran uniform! Nekozawa being Nekozawa! And spazztastic Tamaki!! Waiiii!

Princess Bride Job, The by themonkeytwin
fandoms: Leverage and Princess Bride, The
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Comedy; Buttercup/Westley; PG
author's summary: Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Revenge. Giants. Monsters. Chases. Escapes. True love. Miracles. And hitter, hacker, grifter, thief, mastermind. (It really wanted to be done, so I did.)
length: complete at 18 chapters, 28,735 words
setting: throughout The Princess Bride film, 2nd season Leverage
s2m's comments: Here's a fun romp in the lighthearted style of both canons as the Leverage crew is hired by an injured Westly to rescue Buttercup. The connections between the crew and cast of Princess Bride characters are amusing, and I particularly liked the ending. A light read!

Top 10%!!1! Republic of Heaven Series, The by Blind_Author
fandoms: His Dark Materials and Sherlock (BBC)
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; John/Sherlock; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary: John and his d�mon, Amarisa, have never quite fit in, largely because she settled as a wolfdog. Sherlock and Raniel are similarly isolated, mostly because the woman they call Mummy is a witch. These two men and their d�mons end up sharing a flat together and the rest, as they say, is history. And with a witch-clan out for John's blood and a man known as Moriarty emerging from the shadows, they're certainly not going to be bored.
length: stalled WIP at 3 fics, 17 chapters, 128,844 words
setting: long after His Dark Materials trilogy ends, before Sherlock begins
s2m's comments: A friend told me about this fic, and I'm very glad she did! More than a simple daemon AU, this fic is a true crossover between the canons. I love the fascinating web the author has woven for us. The daemon choices read true, the characterizations are top-notch, and the author truly has a way with words. Great physical description in this one! I hope the next installment is posted soon. C:

Top 10%!!1! Running Blind by Dejah Thoris of Mars
fandoms: CSI (Las Vegas) and Danny Phantom
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Adventure; none; PG
author's summary: Something supernatural is killing people in Las Vegas...and it all seems to lead back to a fifteen-year-old runaway named Danny Fenton.
length: long one-shot at 23,332 words
setting: CSI when Grissom has the beard (so around the 4th season), and DP not too long after he met Clockwork.
s2m's comments: It sounds like a crack crossover, but this one WORKS. Very well. It's funny, it's IC, it's written well, it makes you want to hug Danny, and it's worth reading for Grissom vs Vlad alone. I've read it four times now, and I still enjoy and admire it.

Sense of Freedom, A by Fyre
fandoms: Aladdin and Mulan
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; Jasime/Aladdin, Mulan/Shang; G
author's summary: Mulan is pleasantly surprised when she is given a new post by the Emperor, but nothing ever goes quite as she expected it.
length: one-shot at 10,819 words
setting: after both films
f s2m's comments: Pure warm-fuzzies in this fic. It's fascinating seeing Aladdin and Jasmine through Mulan's eyes, and watching the boys do their typical guy thing is very amusing. A touching and solid story. ^^

Top 10%!!1! Shadows in Starlight by Vathara
fandoms: Rurouni Kenshin and Star Wars
genre; ship; rating:: Drama, Adventure; none; PG-13
author's summary: What if Obi-Wan found more than the tractor beam's location in the Death Star files? AU, fusion with Rurouni Kenshin.
length: complete at 14 chapters, 152,729 words
setting: Rather than toss one cast into the other's world, this story takes both worlds and blends them to create a unique third where Obi-wan isn't killed on the Death Star and samurai wield light sabers.
s2m's comments: This fic is loosely patterned on the first few Kenshin story arcs, with a dose of originality required to work in the author's (and my...) favorite red-headed Jedi. :3 If your immediate impression is that this crossover could never work, remember that samurai films were one of Lucas' influences when he was creating Star Wars, and I think you'll begin to understand. *wink* One of the best crossovers I've read, expertly rendered with joy by a devoted fan of both series.

Skipholic by kashudoreineko
fandoms: Skip Beat! and xxxHolic
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Kyoko/Ren, a little Doumeki/Watanuki; PG-13
author's summary: Kyouko's wish is for revenge on Shoutaro. But as Yuuko knows, what you really want may not be what you think it is. There's a brief xxxHolic xover involved for humor.
length: complete at 6 chapters, 16,194 words
setting: Skip near the end of Dark Moon's filming, xxxHolic towards the latter half of the first series
s2m's comments: The author's use of xxxHolic in this unexpected crossover was a delight for me. I wish we knew what Yuuko was doing to those grudge Kyokos! ^^ I also particularly liked how this Kyoko handles Sho. Rather satisfying.

Star Princesses of Long Ago and Far Away by fresne
fandoms: Beauty and the Beast (Disney), Cinderella (Disney), Frog Princess, Hunchback of Notre Dame (Disney), Little Mermaid (Disney), Mulan, Pocahontas (Disney), Sleeping Beauty (Disney), Snow White (Disney), Tangled
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; none; PG
author's summary: Long, long ago, and far, far away, princesses held their own.
length: complete at 5,596 words
setting: all over the six SW movies, but mostly before them.
s2m's comments: Delightful and creative! I'd have never thought of this myself. Cinderella definitely steals the show! The author has officially added the "expansion pack" comment fics as new chapters. ^^

Stardust by kikkimax
fandoms: NCIS and Stargate
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; Daniel/Dinozzo; PG-13
author's summary: A man with no memory holds the key to three bizarre deaths.
length: one-shot in two parts at 46,040 words
setting: NCIS - when Kate is still part of the team; Stargate SG-1 - I honestly don't know, but apparently Daniel is human...again?
s2m's comments: This is a fun one, in no small part due to the NCIS team's fabulous interaction. I've only seen the original Stargate movie, but I was able to follow this fic with little trouble. I did poke around on Wiki for some SG-1 info, though. ^^ This fic does contain some slashy UST, and it's rather adorkable UST, at that. X3

Starting from Scratch by babies-stole-my-dingo
fandoms: Angel and Firefly
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG
author's summary: Spike and Illyria find themselves at loose ends in the FireflyVerse, and River finds out something she didn't know about herself.
length: one-shot at 6,222 words
setting: Angel right as tv series ends, Firefly after Ariel episode
s2m's comments: This fic is so perfectly in character it's almost frightening. I really like what the author did with Spike's relationship with Illyria and River. River is especially intriguing in this fic.

Top 10%!!1! There May Be Some Collateral Damage by metisket
fandoms: Bleach and Harry Potter
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; side Cho/Harry; PG-13
author's summary: Ichigo�s been ordered to go undercover at a magic school to bodyguard a kid named Harry Potter, and this would be fine, except that he�s about as good at bodyguarding as he is at magic. And he considers it a good day, magic-wise, if he hasn�t set anything on fire.
length: complete at 3 chapters, 61,209 words
setting: Bleach: half-way through the final manga arc (no one has died yet); HP: book5
s2m's comments: This fic is a glorious, destructive romp through HP canon, and I loved every word. Ichigo's opinion on Hogwarts and the magical world in general is delightful, because of course his perspective is warped thanks to his own crazy life. He steamrolls over Dumbles' plans, Umbridge, and even Voldie with a little help from others and a lot of laughs for us! Glorious!

Thirteen Going on Fourteen by peroxidepest17
fandoms: Bleach and One Piece
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Comedy; none; R
author's summary: One Piece Bleach crossover: Zoro and Sanji bust their way into the Court of Pure Souls. Hijinks ensue.
length: complete at 5 chapters, 16,051 words
setting: written after crewmate #7 joins in OP, after the start of the Arrancar arc in Bleach
s2m's comments: This fic is best enjoyed if you take the author's advice and just go along for the ride. I laughed all the way through! And while some chapters are better than others, the whole fic is fun and at times very appropriate. *cracks up*

Top 10%!!1! Tigers Aren�t Gentlemen by binz, shiplizard
fandoms: Dresden Files and Jeeves & Wooster
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Comedy; Jeeves/Wooster, vague Dresden/Marcone; G
author's summary, shortened: Bertie's in the supernatural soup! After a swinging party in New York leaves him accidentally affianced to an elven heiress with more than the usual amount of matrimonial influence to throw around, where's a young gent to turn? Why, to old acquaintance Harold 'Mimsy' Dresden, part time investigator, part time stage magician, full time wizard. Together they'll have to scuttle Bertie's engagement and solve the mystery of a missing sword that could completely upend the New York social scene.
length: complete at 10 chapters, 45,586 words
setting: 1920s New York City, Wodehouse style; AU of Dresden book Summer Knight
s2m's comments: This fic is unusual for one of my Top 10%ers. It earned the ranking not so for my personal reaction, but for technical brilliance and thoroughness. The seemingly crack canon melding works well, and the changed setting doesn't change the core of the characters. Harry sounds like himself even in '20s slang! In the style of J&W, the stakes are much less serious than in Dresden canon--making this a fun Wodehouse style adventure! The scope of research and thought put into this fic is staggering. Dayum! *overwhelmed*

Time after Time by sahiya
fandoms: Avengers and Doctor Who
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG
author's summary: The Doctor has this habit of becoming people's imaginary childhood friend.
length: one-shot at 3,839 words
setting: before and after first Avengers movie; sometime during the 11th Doctor
s2m's comments: I didn't expect this short crossover to tug on my heart strings, but this one did! A bleak beginning turns into a fun and touching middle and end! This little gem is definitely worth a read, particularly the amusing POV change. :3

Time Bomb by Christina K
fandoms: Dresden Files and Firefly
genre; ship; rating: Adveture; none; PG
author's summary: When an unbalanced girl named River, one with a penchant for dangling off high places, suddenly 'poofs' into existence in a bar with no explanation, Harry Dresden, wizard-for-hire, has a new job. Just not one he ever wanted.
length: one-shot at 9,992 words
setting: Dresden: between Dead Beat and Proven Guilty, Firefly: after the movie
s2m's comments: Here's a fun little adventure! It's beautifully in-character, with a surprising amount of Dresden canon despite being only 10k long! It also contains some great foreshadowing. *wink*

To The Rescue by OpheliaRising
fandoms: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and Toy Story
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; G
author's summary: When Bonnie gets a new toy, that pony needs some advice from an old ranch-hand like Jessie.
length: one-shot at 1,183 words
setting: after the third Toy Story movie, MLP:FiM anytime before end 3rd season
s2m's comments: The moment I saw which two fandoms were crossed over in this fic, I knew it would be great, and it was! XD Jessie's voice is spot-on, and it's wonderful hearing about a certain brightly-colored pony learning the ropes of being a proper toy. Heeeee! <3

Truth Decays, The by Marz1
fandoms: Fullmetal Alchemist and Naruto
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; none; R torture
author's summary: Edward Elric can't get back to his own world, so he tries to make a life for himself in the closest one he can find. Yep a nice quiet life, no military breathing down his neck or monsters trying to live forever, but then a kid in an orange jumpsuit...
length: WIP at 19 chapters, 126,947 words
setting: near the end of FMA manga and Brotherhood canon; early on in Naruto, after the Chuunin Exams and during Naruto's first training journey with Jiraiya
s2m's comments: Beautifully written, Ed dumped in the Naruto world is done well. To my surprise, the author put Ed at a disadvantage against chakra-powered ninja! It makes for some interesting action scenes, I must say. Grumpy!Ed is in fine form, trying to survive in this foreign world and maybe find a way back to Amrestris. Naruto and the crew are definitely their young and early series selves! Note the author fudged Ed's cursing with strateigically placed Xs. It's a bit odd at first.

Upon a Fiery Steed by Vathara
fandoms: Gundam Wing and Stargate: SGI
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Drama; none; R
author's summary: Daniel. Duo. Two trouble magnets, one very unlucky System Lord... Gundam Wing AU crossover, finally finished!
length: complete at 15 chapters, 99,091 words
setting: Stargate SG-1: AU splits off from canon just before the 4th season episode "Chain Reaction"; Gundam Wing: almost complete AU, though having watched the entire series and OAVs is a good idea
s2m's comments: This one is 85% Stargate SG-1, 15% massively AU Gundam Wing. Like Vathara's other crossover fic I've recced, this one is heavy on the plot and politics. My Stargate SG-1 knowledge is limited to Wiki entries--most of the related nuances flew by me--yet I still enjoyed the fic! I particularly like what Vathara did with Duo and Daniel. And it's not what you think, as much as my naughty side wishes it was. :3

Top 10%!!1! Wand and Shield by Morta's Priest
fandoms: Avengers and Harry Potter
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; none; PG-13
author's summary: The world is breaking; war and technology are pushing on the edge of the unbelievable, and S.H.I.E.L.D. desperately attempts to keep the peace. The soldier and the scientist are not the only lights that push back against the darkness, however; magic will encompass the world again as the last wizard makes himself known.
length: stalled WIP at 32 chapters, 252,192 words
setting: before the first Iron Man film, a few years after an AU ending for HP
s2m's comments: The characterizationd in this fic blew me away. Tony is his glorious arrogant if slightly humbled self, Harry is believably tormented after the AU ending to the war--but still has his saving-people thing--Fury is wonderfully paranoid and a fabulous straight-man to Harry and Tony's pranks, Bruce is angsty but trying, and gotta love efficient Natasha. C: The plot is unpredictable in the funnest way possible, as Harry's addition to the Avengers world makes changes that ripple through everything we know. XD (IOW, none of that lazy canon-events-still-happen-exactly-as-they-did nonsense). And to top it off, this author can WRITE. This crossover is on its way to being a masterpiece.

War Stories by Determamfidd
fandoms: Doctor Who and Megamind
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Drama; side Roxanne/Megamind; G
author's summary: There's a man in his cell. He's not a guard, and he's not a prisoner. In fact, he's not even human.
length: one-shot at 8,439 words
setting: throughout DW and Megamind, though newWho-only watchers will be fine
s2m's comments: Ahh! Crossover perfection!! *flails* The author made the two canons merge seamlessly, and WOW that was some powerful emotion. Just as in an episode of DW, we have serious drama mixed in with great comedy! I particularly loved how each Doctor's meeting with Megamind was different, reflecting the different incarnations and Megamind's growing maturity. Good stuff!

Weight and Motion series by sevenfists
fandoms: Firefly and Supernatural
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Drama; Dean/Mal; R
author's summary: Doesn't exist for the entire series, so...
s2m's more descriptive summary: Dean stumbles into the cargo bay of Serenity and learns to live uncountable miles and years away from Sam. He finds companionship among the crew, and eventually realizes that even in the future, the 'verse still needs a Hunter.
length: complete at 5 fics, 43,117 words
setting: Firefly: after the film; SPN later in first season
s2m's comments: This series ignores the hows and whys of time travel and focuses on the aftermath, instead. It's good to watch Dean figure out his place on the boat. I do wish the attraction between him and Mal had been more in depth, but the glimpses and fait accompli do match the style of Firefly canon. I read this fic for character adventures, and I loved when Dean began to hunt again. Truly he is a survivor!

Wheel 'n' Deal by icarus_chained
fandoms: Dresden Files and Good Omens
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; no main ships, implied Aziraphale/Crowley; PG
author's summary: I was having a bad day. The kind that starts with a baseball bat to the head, and ends with a really smug demon helping you out of a summoning circle.
length: one-shot at 2,770 words
setting: just after Dresden book5: Death Masks; post-canon of Good Omens
s2m's comments: This short fic beautifully encapsulates Harry and Crowly's selves. Darkly funny, I only wish it were longer!

When Summoning, Please Watch the Wording by Ryuuza Kochou
fandoms: Good Omens and Supernatural
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; PG
author's summary: Dean and Sam fall into the hands of Satanists, who, naturally, want to use Sam as the vessel for the Golden Eyed Demon. Well...they do get A Certain Golden Eyed Demon. And an avenging Angel. And a serious posterior whooping. Good Omens Crossover
length: one-shot at 5,447 words
setting: Good Omens several years after the book, Supernatural later on in the 2nd season
s2m's comments: The author did a solid job of merging the GO and SPN worlds for this. The characterizations are spot-on, complete with snappy dialogue and the duality of human nature. Heh!

Top 10%!!1! Wizards in Winter by vibishan
fandoms: Calvin & Hobbes and Young Wizards (by Diane Duane)
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Drama; none; G
author's summary: The advertisement is a spiky red impact bubble on the back of his box of Chocolate Frosted Sugar Bombs. Mail in just five box tops for your very own HOW TO BE A WIZARD KIT.
length: one-shot at 2,440 words
setting: Calvin: timeless, Young Wizards: you need to know how wizards come about
s2m's comments: MIND BLOWN. *splat* This fic takes an amazing idea and tells its story beautifully. Calvin and Hobbes are so very much themselves, and everything is pretty much perfect. A comic book. A decoder ring. OMG. *splats again*

Crow, The

Nevermore by lucidscreamer
read its full listing in the crossover section

CSI (Las Vegas)

CSI: Death by Chocolate by Beth Einspanier
read its full listing in the crossover section

Drop of a Name, The by Bicoastal
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; PG
author's summary: On a dark night, a game in the break room gets a little wild!
length: one-shot at 1,951 words
setting: a year after Hodges joins the team
s2m's comments: I laughed so much, I HAD to add this one to my page. XD

Game Day by iamtheenemy
genre; ship; rating: Romance, Comedy; Greg/Nick; R
author's summary: A voice in Greg's head asked him why he insisted on setting himself up for disappointment by nursing hopeless crushes on gorgeous, unattainable, straight men. Football, beer and a woefully oblivious Greg.
length: one-shot at 6,446 words
setting: 4th or 5th season, I think. Greg's in the field, Warrick's married.
s2m's comments: Greg is my favorite character in CSI, and this fic showcases why! He's so incredibly adorkable. X3 And devoted! I don't know how long I'd last at faking an interest in football. Eeesh.

Top 10%!!1! Running Blind by Dejah Thoris of Mars
read its full listing in the crossover section

Sweet and Sour by vicxntric
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Hodges/Nick; NC-17, graphic sex
author's summary: Hodges/Nick; David Hodges knew the old Nick Stokes was in there somewhere. In the meantime, he could make do with what he had. Then things start going right, and that's when the real trouble begins.
length: one-shot in two parts at 35,508 words
setting: some time after Nick's 5th season cliffhanger ordeal is over
s2m's comments: The aspect I enjoyed the most about this fic was the amazing characterization of Hodges. His irritating attitude makes complete sense as the author spins it! This fic is also a welcome break from the standard UST slash formula.

Cutting Edge, The

How We Spin (And Spin) by tree
genre; ship; rating: Romance; Kate/Doug; PG
author's summary: Doug wondered if he�d ever get the goofy smile off his face.
length: one-shot at 2,428 wordss
setting: after the film
s2m's comments: A lovely series of vignettes featuring Doug and Kate and how they try to be together off the ice. The best part: Kate in a bowling alley. Priceless. XD

Moves in the Field by icepixie
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Kate/Doug; PG
author's summary: Walter Dorsey isn't quite sure what his brother sees in Kate Moseley, but he suspects her magnificent slapshot may have something to do with it.
length: one-shot at 3,293 words
setting: after the film
s2m's comments: This fic had me snickering and smiling all the way through it. :3 Walter's POV about his little brother and Kate is enjoyable to witness, and the fic has some great comedic moments. Ahhh, good times. XD

Danny Phantom

Mistaken Relations by Anne Camp aka Obi-quiet
read its full listing in the crossover section

Outside Looking In by Ellen Brand
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; G
author's summary: Casper High's new psychiatrist has some interesting interviews ahead of him.
length: complete at 15 chapters, 17,634 words
setting: begins after ep 9, "My Brother's Keeper", then later references eps 24 and 25, "Reign Storm", and another fic by this author, Danny Shadow
s2m's comments: It's fascinating watching an outsider trying to make sense of what's going on with Danny and company. The OC is top-notch. Also sneaky Sailormoon reference is sneaky. :3

Top 10%!!1! Running Blind by Dejah Thoris of Mars
read its full listing in the crossover section

Thermos for Valerie, A by Bluemoonalto
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; G
author's summary: Danny arranges a meeting with Valerie, to clear the air and end their feud. But is she ready to listen? One way or the other, she�s leaving with a Thermos.
length: complete at 12 chapters, 17,512 words
setting: after the Evil Danny from the future movie, before he and Sam officially are together
s2m's comments: Ooooh....will she or won't she is the big question here. I suggest you stop reading at the end of chapter 11 for a killer what-if ending. Eeeee! *shivers*

Dark Tower

Borderlands, The by Deifire
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: In which the ka-tet reads the writing on the wall, faces the music, and meets some old friends.
length: one-shot at 5,172 words
setting: between book4 and 5
s2m's comments: This wonderful fic gives us a glimpse of events to come for the ka-tet, explores their bond with Roland, and balances the serious with some light meta fun. A lovely piece of writing!

Deadpool

Folded Feathers by Era_Penn
read its full listing in the crossover section

In Wade We Trust (We Are So Screwed) by dentalfloss
read its full listing in the crossover section

Death Note

Coexistence is Boredom by Sakurazukamori6
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; L/Light; NC-17, graphic sex, graphic violence
author's summary: A new death note. A new plan for world sanctity. And an entirely misled Catholic clergy. Raito and L take their respective places on the sides of their own justice. A final battle waged in the Garden of Eden. LRaitoL. For a Brief Moment.
length: abandoned WIP at 33 chapters, 232,973 words
setting: after Light regains his memory
s2m's comments: Keeping L and Light in-character while expanding their relationship beyond rivalry is something very very few authors manage to achieve, but Sakurazukamori6 has done it masterfully. The plot is never predictable and the two men are so completely their manipulative, lying, bastard selves that it's downright glorious to see them together. Sex does not always equal love, indeed.

Endings by Edmondia Dantes
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; G
author's summary: After it's all over, there's still eternity to deal with.
length: one-shot at 2,311 words
setting: after the end of the series
s2m's comments: This one-shot is lovely to read. It perfectly showcases Light's arrogance and righteous belief in his own godhood, even as we witness his various observations of the people he once knew. His reunion with L is beautiful and painful both. The fic leaves us with just a little hope for them! C:

Ink is Thicker Than Blood by Stariceling
read its full listing in the crossover section

Top 10%!!1! Lesson Learned by Nanashi-o
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; G
author's summary: Just a small moment of Near with his idol-of-sorts.
length: one-shot at 315 words
setting: when Near is about 7 or 8 years old
s2m's comments: It's good to read a fic that reminds us how cut-throat a certain someone can be. Don't let the short length drive you away, the brevity makes it all the more powerful.

Top 10%!!1! Rewrite by justaminuet
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Misa/L; PG-13
author's summary: L x Misa. A moment in time. A chance meeting. Fate turned upside down.
length: abandoned WIP at 28 chapters, 88,723 words
setting: AU before the series begins
s2m's comments: I never though L/Misa could ever work in a fic, yet Kat-chan makes them sit up and beg for more cake. Everyone is perfectly IC--especially Misa. I didn't like Misa in canon at all, but the author has really made the girl live up to her potential while still being silly Misa-Misa. Verrrry nice.

Demon's Lexicon (by Sarah Rees Brennan)

Have Done with Sorrow by auctorial
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Alan/Nick; R, incest
author's summary: When Alan lets slip the greatest secret in his life, Nick refuses to let him cover it up again.
length: one-shot at 3,787 words
setting: three years after book 3
s2m's comments: This fic revolves beautifully around Nick's abrupt observations of his brother. The author has definitely mastered the art of showing, not telling. ^^ Alan's inner turmoil is portrayed well, and the entire fic is very powerful. I particularly liked the use of the summoning circle.

Despicable Me

Little Soldier by a_q
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; G
author's summary: Fake Santa has kidnapped Edith and Margo goes to Gran for help.
length: one-shot at 3,660 words
setting: After the first film, at Christmas. Written before the 2nd movie.
s2m's comments: Hahahah! I've often wondered how the three girls would turn out, with Gru as their dad, and his mom as their grandma. This fic is a delightful addendum to canon! XD

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

Equus malus by Mithrigil
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; PG-13
author's summary: He rides across the nation, the Thoroughbred of Sin. He fights for subjugation, and of course he'll win. (Of course.)
length: one-shot at 1,038 words
setting: before the series
s2m's comments: One thing I love about fanfiction is how it can tell a story that I, personally, would never think of. Funny and horrifying both, this fic is one hell of an origin story for the big bad horse!

Doctor Who

Follow Through by Macadamanaity
read its full listing in the crossover section

I was a boy when I learned how to run by laurel_crown
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; none; G
author's summary: The Doctor crash lands on a new planet, but what's that following behind him...?
length: one-shot at 8,364 words
setting: when Ten is without a companion
s2m's comments: This one-shot is a tidy adventure fic written from an outsider's POV during her brief escapade with Ten. A straight-forward fic that could be canon. C:

Man With No Name, The by Frostfyre7
read its full listing in the crossover section

Sound of Silence, The by such_heights
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Amy/Eleven/Vincent Van Gogh; PG-13
author's summary: The silence makes it easy, somehow.
length: one-shot at 1,112 words
setting: after the Van Gogh ep *sniffles* T.T
s2m's comments: A beautiful and emotional fic, told without dialogue, like a painting with stunning visuals and description. *swoons* This episode is one of my all-time favorites, and finding this lovely fic to match it was a dream come true. Stories told without a single word of dialogue can be clunky and tiresome, but this onetruly succeeds. And the cuddling! *happy sigh*

Time after Time by sahiya
read its full listing in the crossover section

To Err is Human by Lilac Summers
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Donna/10th Doctor; R
author's summary: Donna is the unlucky companion stuck with the Doctor in 1913 this time around; she's not quite sure how to deal with this sudden change in situation. Mostly she just blames the TARDIS. Season 3 episodes "Human Nature" and "Family of Blood."
length: complete at 16 chapters, 57,917 words
setting: when the Doctor is pocketwatched, only with Donna instead of Martha along for the adventure
s2m's comments: I do love Donna and the 10th Doctor's friendship, but my guilty pleasure side REALLY enjoyed this foray into something more. Donna's attempts to stem her new hubby's passion are both hilarious and sad. Meanwhile the TARDIS sits there, smugly watching. Ha! I ended up marathonning this fic in one night, which tells you how much I enjoyed it. And ohhh, that ending! So poignant! *sniffles*

War Stories by Determamfidd
read its full listing in the crossover section

DOGS: Bullets and Carnage

Cloves or Cannabis by mellish
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; none; PG-13
author's summary: Badou does not like to stick out too much. Heine makes this hard to do.
length: one-shot at 1,349 words
setting: early-ish in canon, before Badou learns about Heine's healing
s2m's comments: I love the tone of this fic. Badou's observations about Heine and how their partnership works, all while he's doing his best to stay alive and keep up with Heine. It could easily be a scene from canon! A nice little friendship fic. C:

Doesn't Mean Anything (Fucking Giovanni) by slr2moons
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Suspense; Giovanni/Heine; NC-17 graphic violence, torture, rape
author's summary: Heine finds himself in a savage fight for dominance against Giovanni, who is determined to "help" Heine for his own good.
length: one-shot at 8,501 words
setting: in volume 2, but contians spoilers through volume 6
s2m's comments: Rape is never a light subject, and this fic treats it with the gravity it deserves. But rather than just graphic sex, the fic instead gives us glimpses into Heine's emotions and memories, and hints as to Giovanni's. Dark and painful, and worth a read--if you feel up to it!

Dresden Files, The (by Jim Butcher)

Crosshairs by manic_intent
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Romance; Dresden/Marcone; R
author's summary: An AU where Marcone also has magical powers. A murderer is getting rid of the signatories who have come to Chicago to sign Gentleman Johnny Marcone into the Accords.
length: one-shot at 20,059 words
setting: AU for early in the series, but you need to have read through vol 8 or so
s2m's comments: I love the premise of this AU. Wizard!Marcone makes for an interesting twist in things, particularly the soul-connection twist granted by the author! *swoon* An exciting read. I wish there were more!

Near Miss by binz and shiplizard
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Romance; Dresden/Marcone; R
author's summary, shortened: Harry Dresden is about to find out that the real power behind Chicago's throne is a lot worse then a spoiled mobster's son -- and maybe more than he can handle. John Marcone is a mechanic with a bad limp and a bad history with Vargassi. But in Harry Dresden he sees enough raw power to save the city he loves. Can Harry and his car survive what Chicago has in store for him, even with a full-time mechanic?
length: one-shot at 42,073 words
setting: AU of the first three Dresden novels
s2m's comments: A fun AU! I love picturing the confident and elegant Marcone as a grease monkey. You don't have to have read all 3 books to enjoy the fic, but it does help make sense of things. I understand this is one of the most famous Dresden slash stories out there. I think it deserves the fame. ^^

Not His Wizard by seizethefire
genre; ship; rating: Drama; pre-slash Dresden/Marcone; PG
author's summary: Morgan is being his usual pleasant self, which would be fine if John Marcone didn't happen to see and disapprove. In which Harry's life is somehow so much more dramatic than the average. A simple evening walk promises danger, and for the offense of actually attempting to purchase a pizza for friends, he may face death.
length: one-shot at 6,413 words
setting: after Lash enters canon
s2m's comments: Mmm, sometimes a fic hits all the right buttons and makes me squee! I just love protective and jealous Marcone, and it's always fun to see an ass like Margan slapped down. Harry's denial and cluelessness are also fun. Yummeh!

Top 10%!!1! Tigers Aren�t Gentlemen by binz, shiplizard
read its full listing in the crossover section

Time Bomb by Christina K
read its full listing in the crossover section

turn my sorrows into treasured gold by akelios
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Harry/Toot-toot; R
author's summary �Hey Toot?� �My Lord?� �You're a really good little guy, you know that?� My chest was starting to feel heavy, tight. Stupid fucking demons. Stupid me. I should have seen that parting blow coming. �Yes...� Toot's voice sounded smaller than usual. I wanted to say something else. Make a joke, but even the pain wasn't holding off the blackness any longer. I thought, as I was pulled under, that I heard Toot say something else. But I didn't catch it and then it didn't matter anymore.
length: one-shot at 5,909 words
setting: a volume or two before "Changes"
s2m's comments: Here is a beautifully written rare pair. I love it! The explanation for their romance is not random, it completely works--even with only 6k words! I've read it several times, and it holds up well. I'd love it if this had been canon!

Wager by neveralarch
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Dresden/Marcone; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary: Harry Dresden's first semester as an assistant professor of religious studies comes with its own unique challenges. Like dealing with Doctors Marcone and Vargassi of the philosophy department.
length: complete at 3 parts, 26,500 words words
setting: university AU, but you need to have read through Dresden vol10 or so
s2m's comments: Academic!Harry is still Harry in this fic, along with Academic!Marcone, and grad students!Murphy and Hendricks. This fic is fun and amusing, and makes you think about religion and philosphy, just a bit. But don't be turned away, the fic isn't all theoretic discussion, it's about Harry's teaching, his interesting relationship with Marcone, and trying to keep his job. *wink*

Wheel 'n' Deal by icarus_chained
read its full listing in the crossover section

Durarara!!

Top 10%!!1! Mezhdu Dvukh Ogney (Between Two Fires) by Delphicy
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Izaya/Shizuo; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary, shortened: Simon�s ill-fated decision to play match-maker forces Shizuo and Izaya to become reluctant allies. Their goal? To demonstrate what a horrible idea it is to force them into a relationship. This is an English fanfic about a Japanese series that is riddled with Russian proverbs and Celtic mythology. It's like riding It's A Small World, only instead of animatronics you have violent manchildren and an entire city's unhealthy fixation with their sexual relationship.
length: WIP at 7 chapters, 56,353 words
setting: after the first anime. It references the original novels, but I was still able to follow events without having read them myself.
s2m's comments: DRRR grabbed me from the first episode, and I completely fell for Izaya and Shizuo both--with the understanding that they are fictional in IRL would be scary and OH HELL NO. ^^; I could see how their ship was so very popular in fandom (and canon), but I prefered to ship them with other people. THEN I read this fic, and WHOA. This fic is glorious, as crazy and dark and fun as canon, made me laugh and gasp, and why yes, now I ship it so very hard. XD My favorite part: everyone in Ikebukuro is pressuring them to have a sexual relationship, but Izaya and Shizuo somehow are developing an emotional one. You know, between wrecking the city and starting fires. Beautiful!! *applauds*

Top 10%!!1! Old Friends (And New Lovers) by thereisafire
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Celty/Shinra/Shizuo; R
author's summary: Shizuo doesn't know it, but Celty and Shinra care about him, and want to show him that he's loved.
length: one-shot at 4,100 words
setting: after the anime
s2m's comments: This is a moving and powerful fic, told with skill from Shizuo's oblivious POV. The reader catches all sorts of hints that it's more than friendship, and watching him rationalize them away is both amusing and rather sad. T.T The ending grabbed my heart and made me so very happy for Shizuo. *hugs him tight*

Ed, Edd, n Eddie

Double Dork by Kat of Mosh Pits
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Edd/Kevin; G
author's summary: Edd ends up tutoring Kevin during the summer. Eddy isn�t happy that Kevin is taking up all of Double D�s time. Edd doesn�t know what to do. Stupid PostIts.
length: abandoned WIP at 6 chapters, 29,159 words
setting: Summer before the guys are 8th graders.
s2m's comments: I read this fic on a friend's rec while knowing nothing about the show and really enjoyed it!! It drove me to watch a handful of eps so I had a better idea of who everyone in the fic is. Heh!

Elementary

let yourself be found by radiophile
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: Learning to live with Sherlock Holmes is a trial-and-error process.
length: one-shot at 3,365 words
setting: throughout the first half of the first season
s2m's comments: This delightful series of vignettes gives us insight on the relationship between Sherlock and Joan. Very intriguing!

Lopsided Symmetry of Sin and Virtue, A by language_escapes
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Suspense; Joan/Sherlock; PG-13
author's summary: Joan thinks she should be less surprised by his sudden, �Watson, we�re getting married!� and yet, here she is, cooking her egg and trying not to be astonished." Infants are vanishing, and Sherlock and Joan go undercover as a married couple to find their kidnappers.
length: one-shot at 25,610 words
setting: later on in the first season
s2m's comments: Fake marriage fics can be quite engrossing, just like this one. C: I really admire how Joan and Sherlock were able to play a married couple so well, and it was fun to try pinpointing what might be real affection in all the acting. :3 The case aspect of this fic is minor, but it does keep the plot going--and gives us the reason for the whole fake!marriage thing. *laughs* An engrossing read, with a powerful ending. Good stuff!

Secret History of Sherlock's Socks, A by dashakay
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Drama; none; PG
author's summary: Joan is only able to see something of the real Sherlock after she notices his socks.
length: one-shot at 3,810 words
setting: with the start of the series
s2m's comments: This one made me laugh. I've never paid attention to Sherlock's socks while watching, but you can bet I will now! XD

Solve for X by Yahtzee
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: Their relationship as it stands has one mathematical certainty: It will end in twenty-five days. At that time, her sojourn as his sober companion will end. Either Watson will pass out of his life forever, or Holmes will have to devise another option.
length: one-shot at 5,788 words
setting: The final weeks before Joan's job runs out
s2m's comments: A beautiful fic, written in flawless Sherlock voice. I prefer this fic's version of Joan's decision about Sherlock more than the canon one.

Yin and Yang by karaokegal
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Joan/Ms. Hudson; PG-13
author's summary: Sherlock is out of town. Joan handles a murder and brings people together, maybe even herself and a certain divine muse.
length: one-shot at 7,505 words
setting: about a third of the way into season 2, after ep9 "On the Line"
s2m's comments: Here is a neat little case fic, with some amusing happenings and an adorable ending. C: The beginning is a bit slow, but be sure to stick it out! A good, solid fic for the Watson fans! This fic makes me wish canon had gone this way in regards to Mycroft, but what can you do? :P

Elfquest

Twine to Hold, A by AntigravityDevice
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Cutter/Nightfall/Redlance; G
author's summary: Cutter trees with Nightfall and Redlance, and a new kind of family is born.
length: one-shot at 2,785 words
setting: in the many years between Rayek taking the palace away and its return
s2m's comments: I'll never forget how heartbroken I was the first time I read Cutter's emotional agony at the loss of his family. His finding confort with Nightfall and Redlance was my first OT3. It's been many years, and I still feel his pain and take comfort in his two friends. This fic evokes all those feelings again, and is beautifully written and touching. *sniffle*

Fast and the Furious, The

Couple of overnighters, no big deal by khaleesian
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Brian/Dom; R
author's summary doesn't exist, so here's mine: Stuck in a crowded jail cell in Central America, Brian hurts too much to wonder what will happen to him, and who would save him.
length: one-shot at 3,302 words
setting: About ten fanon years after movie 1
s2m's comments: Beautifully written and leaving so much for the reader to see between the lines! The author did a wonderful job writing both the guys, and everything unspoken between them. *applauds*

Doing the Dishes by misura
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Brian/Dom; PG
author's summary: "You know, you're probably the first guy I've ever met who actually volunteered to help with the dishes."
length: one-shot at 1,328 words
setting: in the middle of the first film
s2m's comments: This fic is a great missing scene! Ahh, if only it were canon. *wistful sigh* Snazzy dialogue, Brian being conflicted with the role he has to play as an undercover cop, and Dom being his playful and deadly serious self. This fic is short and powerful and bittersweet and beautiful. C:

Dominic and Submission by dancinbutterfly
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Brian/Dominic; R
author's summary: Brian has hidden his submissive orientation most of his life out of necessity more than desire and he's been fine. Really. Until he meets Dominic Toretto then fine doesn't really fit the situation anymore. A BDSM-universe AU of The Fast and the Furious.
length: one-shot at 1,611 words
setting: AU of the first film
s2m's comments: To put it simply, this fic blew me away. I was hesitant to read it, as BDSM doesn't do much for me, and the author's note apologizing for SPaG problems was another strike, but I kept reading. I found an amazing, powerful, agonizingly short little fic that went straight to my heartstrings and made me want to hug Brian and tell him he'll be okay. Even if he might not be! I've never read a DBSM-universe AU fic before. I am intrigued!

Victory Lane by astolat
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Brian/Dominic; R
author's summary: �Hey,� Dom said, coming back out into the pit. �Leon, look here, will you? I can�t see, what the hell is it?� Leon came over and said, �Holy shit, Dom, it�s a name,� and the crew all turned around from the car.
length: one-shot at 12,992 words
setting: AU of first film
s2m's comments: Ahhh, I hereby request that Asolat write at least one fic for each of my fandoms! This fic takes the soulmate names idea and works it into the plot of the 1st movie. It also takes an enjoyable left turn at Alburquerque in regards to the expected plot. C: The track racing AU is a nice change, too!

Firefly

Energy by Jackson_Rayne
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Kaylee/Simon, Mal/Simon; R
author's summary: Kaylee POV. When Kaylee realises how it is she lets Simon go, and yet it's still a bumpy ride for him and the Captain.
length: one-shot at 5,563 words
setting: after the movie
s2m's comments: Written in perfect Kaylee voice and with beautiful imagery, this fic is worth a read. Very powerful, and I love translating the sudden animosity between Simon and Mal that we see in the film into UST. It makes perfect sense! Convenient ships aside, this really is a powerful fic, and I definitely rec it.

Fish Job, The by mal4prez
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Inara/Mal; PG-13 torture and implied non-con
author's summary: A simple but smelly job goes wrong in the usual way. Until things get... unusual.
length: complete at 4 chapters, 76,795 words
setting: after the tv series, ignorning the movie
s2m's comments: The title can imply this fic is a comedy, but it's definitely not. This is a serious dark fic that explores the repercussions of hallucinogenic drugs and mind manipulation. On a lighter note, Jayne is nicely competent in his weaponry field and beyond, which is a welcome change. Zoe shines here, as well! Mal is rather harsh to Inara's profession as he is in canon, but it doesn't last. This is an engaging and dark fic, and worth a read if you feel up to it. Also there is food porn! :9

Girl Needs a Gun These Days, A by vialethe
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: A missing rich kid, a kidnapped Captain, a houseful of fake Companions, and one redhead con-artist - it's all in a day's work for the ladies of Serenity.
length: one-shot at 8,789 words
setting: after the film
s2m's comments: Here's a fun one! The Firefly women hold their own in canon, but it's always good to see the girls rescue the boys. *giggle* I love the final installment, and that is what made me decide to rec the fic here. ^^ You might need to zoom in on the fic to read it easily, as the author's page layout is tiny and cramped. LJ users, you might want to use ?style=mine at the end of the URL to make it more readable.

Glass Walls by Ana
genre; ship; rating: Drama; sort of Jayne/Simon; R
author's summary: I wanted to write an AU where Simon, River and Jayne don't get away from the Feds in Ariel. This isn't quite that, but it is a prison story, set some time after Objects in Space.
length: one-shot at 9,740 words
setting: after the tv series, before the movie
s2m's comments: Written in perfect Jayne voice! This fic is a touch sad and very straight-forward account of Jayne's stay in prison, and his eventually being joined by Simon. The fic is told simply, and is quite powerful. It's not often I can find a fic that makes me genuinely LIKE Jayne. ^^

Horseshoe Nail Series by Dyce
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Romance; River/Jayne, side Inara/Mal, side Kaylee/Simon; PG-13
author's summary: [doesn't exist]
s2m's more descriptive summary: Jayne is ordered to look after River, and in the course of finding activities to keep her hands and mind busy, they get to know one another. The trust that develops between them grows into more--much to Jayne's discomfort, River's guilt, and the betterment of the 'verse.
length: complete at 5 fics, 237,773 words
setting: begins immediately after the tv series, and extends past the film
s2m's comments: River/Jayne never appealed much to me, but this series was recced with glowing enthusiasm, so I tried it. And what an amazing read! Not only does the author lay perfect groundwork to make the ship work, she gives us a glorious fix-it fic, too! Excellent writing, particularly the different voice of each character when we switch to their POV. I know how difficult that is, and this author does it so well! A magnificent read, and how I wish it were canon! C:

Man With No Name, The by Frostfyre7
read its full listing in the crossover section

Starting from Scratch by babies-stole-my-dingo
read its full listing in the crossover section

Tetchy by debchan
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; Jayne/Simon; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary: Declarations of war, escalating hostilities and peace treaties.
length: one-shot at 3,896 words
setting: later on in the series
s2m's comments: Mmm, this fic is both amusing and hot. Whew! The prank war made me laugh, particularly Simon's tension and Jayne's final straw. And I adore how the crew is so blas� about the whole thing. Awesome. XD And mmmm, that ending!

Time Bomb by Christina K
read its full listing in the crossover section

Unchained Melody by Bonibaru
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, PWP; Vera/Jayne; R
author's summary: That ain't no way to treat a lady.
length: one-shot at 1,165 words
setting: throughout the series
s2m's comments: Guh. asdfjkl; *fans herself* Seriously, just read this one. Sometimes, metaphors really...WORK. *swoon*

Weight and Motion by sevenfists
read its full listing in the crossover section

FLCL

She's Not There by Shusu (Sameshima_Shuzumi)
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Haruko/Mamimi; R dub-con
author's summary: No one could tell her anything about Haruko. She was going to find out.
length: one-shot at 2,064 words
setting: mid-series
s2m's comments: This fic gives us a glimpse of reality as seen through Mamimi's eyes. Her odd, existentialist personality in canon has always made me curious to learn more about her. The word flow and amazing imagery in this fic grant that desire very well. A beautiful read!

Foxtrot

Geniuses by Amaretto
read its full listing in the crossover section

Free! Iwatobi Swim Club

gratitude for dummies by jessus
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Rei/Rin; PG-13
author's summary, shortened: It's ridiculous, Rin thinks, that he feels he owes Ryugazaki anything. It was nice of him to give Rin the chance to swim with his old teammates, but what had Rin even done to deserve it? Nothing, he tells himself, after the euphoria has worn off and he's exhausted and Nagisa has texted him six times in the past twenty minutes.
length: one-shot at 3,745 words
setting: after the first season
s2m's comments: D'awww! So cute and funny! XD Rin trying to figure out how to express emotions again is just adorable, not to mention his journey to realizing it's more than gratitude he feels towards Rei! *eyebrow waggle* A very fun read. :3

Long Way Around, The by specialrhino
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; G
author's summary: Five times Rei helped Rin out and the one time he didn�t regret it. Probably.
length: one-shot at 6,269 words
setting: after the first series, written before the second came out
s2m's comments: A fic about my two favorite characters becoming closer--and it's GOOD! XD I loved how Rei was so irritated with Rin and determined to help him, how he saw part of himself in the guy he more or less replaced, and bonding over Naruto marathons. OMG, the marathon! XD This fic is adorable, amusing, and I can quite sympathize with Rei's feelings about Rin. The other characters shine, as well!

Frog Princess, The

Four Things that Weren't Adequately Covered in Mulan's R.A. Training by NaomiK
read its full listing in the crossover section

Star Princesses of Long Ago and Far Away by fresne
read its full listing in the crossover section

Fruits Basket

Top 10%!!1! Ouran Academy Guest Lecturers Series by peroxidepest17
read its full listing in the crossover section

Fullmetal Alchemist

Top 10%!!1! Catalysis by aventria and iluxia
genre; ship; rating: Drama; eventual Ed/Roy though none yet, canon side ships; R
author's summary: "Search for the value of that which you seek, for alchemy already knows." Alchemy knew what Edward wanted when his fingertips touched that circle, but Edward did not yet understand how value differs from price, how equivalent differs from equal. The Gate calculates with one small difference, and Trisha Elric lives - but the cost may be too high for Edward to afford.
s2m's more helpful summary: Trisha lives and Alphonse keeps his body, but Ed traded his arm and leg to do it. Forced by his fearful mother to give up alchemy forever or leave, Ed takes Roy Mustang up on his offer for help and moves to Central to become Roy's ward.
length: stalled WIP (last updated Feb '19) at 13 chapters, 273,042 words
setting: AU from before chapter 1, using both manga/Brotherhood and '03 anime canons
s2m's comments: This fic is something, all right. It's long and incredibly detailed and delves into the insane logic of FMA alchemy to a fascinating degree. This fic isn't for the faint of heart, if only for the sheer depth it weaves out of canon hints. The descriptions of just about everything are incredible--can you say "food porn"???--and Roy's influence on Ed is gradual and not overdone. The tags warn about underage and UST for Ed/Roy, but as of this rec's writing, nothing sexual has happened at all. Believe the other tags that warn for slow burn, because it is very much so. I enjoyed the fic as gen (with the barest hint of more wanted from Roy), and look forward to it updating. The writing style does change around chapter 11, when the authors returned to writing after a long break. But no worries, it's still fantastic!

Cause for Concern by metisket
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; PG-13
author's summary: Havoc's first encounter with the little Elrics. Havoc had been looking forward to meeting the Elric brothers, but he�d been looking forward to it while thinking he�d have the whole office as a buffer. He hadn�t thought he�d have them all to himself in a car for half an hour in traffic. He wasn�t sure how he felt about that. Overjoyed was not the word.
length: one-shot at 2,402 words
setting: in the first third of canon, early enough to work with both versions
s2m's comments: This little gem is a delightful character study, first of the Elric brothers, then of Havoc! All three personalities shine. Yay! ^^V

Canon Rape by velvet-mace
read its full listing in the crossover section

Drive You Home by harukami
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Ed/Havoc; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary: A car ride turns into a conversation turns into an offer Havoc never expected to get from Ed, but hardly one he minds.
length: one-shot at 3,369 words
setting: a couple of years after the ending of the original anime, I think
s2m's comments: This fic was a lovely gem! I like how the pair come together, and how the first move is made. I also admire the hints that apparently Ed has had a thing for Havoc for some time. Very elegantly done! The lack of foreplay or nonsense fits well with these two guys. A solid and enjoyable read!

demon alchemist by metisket
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; none; PG-13 off-screen torture
author's summary: [no series summary exists]
s2m's more descriptive summary: Ed couldn't retreive Al's soul when they were little, and it drove him insane. Killing other murderous alchemists whenever he feels like it makes things a little better. Then he meets Roy, and his killing spree becomes...complicated.
length: complete at 4 fics, 88,462 words
setting: begins before canon, extending through the manga/Brotherhood
s2m's comments: Serial killer Ed is certainly different and so outside the box it's in a completely different post office! While he is even more violent in this series, he's still devoted to his friends, which saves him from seeming truly horrible. This is not a light-hearted story, but it does have quite a bit of black humor. It more or less parallels the manga/Brotherhood, with a somewhat rushed but still satisfying ending.

Full Circle by Nike Femme
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Romance; Ed/Roy, Riza/Jean, Winry/Al; R
author's summary: Edward Elric returns with amnesia. He has lived the past four years as Auric, a Gatekeeper. But there are some battles that only he can fight. Will his friends be able to awaken Ed, and what happens to Auric if they do? RoyEd. Eventually.
length: complete at 36 chapters, 144,252 words
setting: AU of the first anime, branching off near the end, I think. (I've still only read the manga.)
s2m's comments: A rousing adventure fic with solid romance as a bonus! :D For the first fourth of the fic, I kept wondering why this wasn't just original fic, but then things changed and I went, "Oh!" ^^ The ending is sweet and happy. :3

Keep This From My Children by Brachylagus_fandom
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; G
author's summary: Izumi Curtis has been dying for a very long time, and she isn't dead yet.
length: one-shot at 1,378 words
setting: before and through canon to the brothers' Briggs adventure
s2m's comments: Izumi is one of the often overlooked characters in FMA fic, but this story focuses on her and gives us a very believable backstory and character study. A powerul and poignant fic about survival and love.

Play to Win by lightgetsin
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Ed/Roy; R
author's summary: Ed loses his virginity, and then his inhibitions. Roy loses his mind.
length: one-shot at 12,069 words
setting: 1st anime canon, but contains no spoilers after the first four eps. Also manga/Brotherhood fans can follow this one just fine.
s2m's comments: As the first FMA fic I've ever read, this one and its sequel below certainly set the bar high. After finishing them and basking in the warm glow, I reread them the very next day...and they were just as good!! OMG! *flails* Roy's frustration is hilarious, and Ed's pragmatic attitude about sex only makes it more fun. And of course, it sets up the fabulous conclusion in the sequel!

Top 10%!!1! Game for Two Players, A by lightgetsin
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Ed/Roy; R
author's summary: "The Bastard is not in love with me, and I can prove it. With science!"
length: one-shot at 16,209 words
setting: immediately after the previous fic
s2m's comments: A truly worthy sequel! This fic uses the POV change very well. It's fabulous to watch Ed fall in love with Roy in return--and not even realize he's doing it! As the true icing on the fantastic!fic cake, this story hits some of my favorite kinks quite nicely. *swoon*

Top 10%!!1! Returning Echoes by silkendreammaid
genre; ship; rating: Drama; girl!Ed/Roy, Riza/Havoc; Winry/Al; R
author's summary: Four years and Edward returns home... with changes.
length: abandoned WIP at 37 chapters, 426,887 words
setting: after a slightly AU ending to the first anime
s2m's comments: The fic is so very much worthy of being read, even if it's abandoned! The author has stepped into an intriguing problem: Ed is still male in his head, but he's ended up in a female version of his body. The author hasn't taken the easy way out with any aspect of his change, and it is part of an intriguing plot of military coups and secrets. A great cast of supporting OCs, too! One of my new fave fics. C:

Truth Decays, The by Marz1
read its full listing in the crossover section

Fushigi Yuugi

Clarity and Grace by RC_McLachlan
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Hotohori/Nuriko; PG
author's summary: The funny thing about a past life is that it's in the past. A story of reincarnation, love, and chocolate. (Hotohori/Nuriko)
length: one-shot at 8,271 words
setting: reincarnation after the series ends
s2m's comments: As much as I love FY--it was the first anime I was ever truly passionate about--I've always felt a large portion of the cast met a needlessly harsh end. This fic gives two of my favorite characters a second chance, and is poignant and well-written as a lovely omake. *wink*

Prisoner's Dilemma by rapacityinblue
genre; ship; rating: Drama; gen; PG
author's summary: Set in a world where Miaka and Yui never appeared to fulfill their destinies as priestesses, Kutou and Kounan are locked in a seemingly endless war. Peace has begun to seem like an impossibility when the Emperor of Kounan is faced with a difficult choice that could spare his people.
length: one-shot at 3,922 words
setting: AU, no timeline relation to canon except knowing of Hotohori and Nakago--particularly the latter's past--to get the most out of the fic
s2m's comments: I enjoy a fic that makes me consider characters I know well in a different light, and this one delivers! Hotohori's imperial presense is amazing to see, and his interaction with Nakago--is he or isn't he?--is delightful. I would love to see this fic earn a second chapter. ^^

Ghost Hunt

Investigation into the Beyond, An by Kantayra
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; G
author's summary: Yasuhara finds ways for Mai to entertain herself at work on a particularly dull afternoon.
length: one-shot at 1,336 words
setting: after the Dracula mansion case
s2m's comments: Yasuhara is a fun character, and this fic capitalizes on his quirky traits with great success! I giggled all the way through this one. :3

Something in the Silence by slr2moons
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Suspense; none; PG-13
author's summary: Lin is a quiet but integral part of the dynamics that make up SPR, something driven home as they investigate the bold youkai that haunts Mai's neighboring apartment.
length: one-shot at 11,305 words
setting: after volume 9/the end of the anime
s2m's comments: This fic is written from Lin's POV--a rarity in the fandom--and gives us a glimpse into his mind that canon cannot often delve into. The case is definitely hair-raising, with just the right balance of suspense and humor. ^^

Ghostbusters

College Stories series: Spontaneous Combustion, Catalyst, Adaptations, and Impact by Lethe
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Egon/Peter; R
author's summary for the series doesn't exist, so here's mine: Egon, Peter, and Ray meet each other at Columbia University and start laying the foundation for their future business through friendship and a little romance.
length: complete at four stories, 52,159 words
setting: pre-canon for Real Ghostbusters, though if you overlook Egon's hair, it works for the movies, too
s2m's comments: Beautifully written with great characterizations, this backstory pre-canon fic is like a comforting blanket to read. The romance and friendships are heartwarming, the drama and angst expertly handled, and the action exciting. Two things of note: the entire fic is written in the first person for all three guys, but POV switches are not marked by scene dividers. It only takes a couple sentences to recognize the change, however. Technical note: this old-school fic layout needs a narrow browser window to be readable. If you have the beginning of a second row of vines and bricks, shrink your browser window horiztonally. (It displays great on a smartphone!)

Nevermore by lucidscreamer
read its full listing in the crossover section

Pastrami and Particles aka Winston's Third Day on the Job by seren_ccd
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; none; G
author's summary, slightly shortened: Winston�s first day as a Ghostbuster included a crash course on the containment system and a proton pack, and then his second day left him covered in slime. Winston wasn�t sure what his third day would bring.
length: one-shot at 4,455 words
setting: in the middle of the first film, post Twinkie metaphor
s2m's comments: Here's a delightful gen romp through the Ghostbusters canon! Winston's layman point of view is fun to read as he debates reality and supernatural phenomenon with Egon. A solid read that could easily be part of canon.

Girl Genius

As Simple as That by wallmaker_relict
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Agatha/Gil/Tarvek; PG
author's summary: While Agatha works to maintain her newly claimed Castle, Gil and Tarvek rekindle their old friendship. Agatha dreads having to choose one of the boys and leaving the other out in the cold. Violetta and the Castle think there is a better solution to this love triangle.
length: one-shot at 6,260 words
setting: early volume 12, around "Agatha and the Doom Bell" in the webcomic's pull-down menu
s2m's comments: I do love my Girl Genius OT3! Gil and Tarvek reminiscing about their childhood is adorable. The Castle in all its manipulative quasai-evil glory steals the show. X3

On Her Undying Majesty's Secret Service by ImperialGirl
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Romance; FOC/Wooster; R
author's summary: Ardsley Wooster, British Intelligence, has an important assignment in Paris-ingratiate himself with the heir to Baron Wulfenbach. But Ardsley's not the only one in Paris with a secret agenda.
length: complete at 10 chapters, 54,720 words
setting: before canon, while Gil and Wooster are students in Paris
s2m's comments: Here's a rousing adventure fic with some fun romance! XD A solid fic, beautifully written, and exploring what might have happened in those pre-canon days. Wooster is still a mystery in canon, and IMO this backstory is perfect for him. ^^V

Spark Pile by stariceling
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none, but Agatha/Gil/Tarvek if you want it to be!; G
author's summary: Musings from a pile of worn-out sparks. Neither Tarvek nor Gil want to be the one to disturb Agatha.
length: one-shot at 950 words
setting: some point when all three are working together, no canon spoilers
s2m's comments: D'awww! An adorable fic! Nothing makes me happier than when a fic hits some of my favorite things, which this one manages twice: puppy pile and glasses removal! *swoon*

Gokusen

Out of the Ordinary by Eruanna17
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; Yankumi/Shin; PG-13
author's summary: Sawada Shin was tired. Tired of the same kinds of teachers, the same kinds of adults, pretending they care. This new teacher with her glasses and pigtails was just the same. Although, something about her seems...odd. Different. Could she...? Nah. Never.
length: complete at 17 chapters, 113,404 words
setting: begins with ep1 of the dorama
s2m's comments: This fic retells and expands upon canon, entirely from Shin's POV. The author has done an amazing job of showing us what is going on inside Shin's head as the dorama progresses. I love to watch his growing attraction to Yankumi. It's done very well! I was not bored by this retelling of canon at all, and the author was not afraid to give us missing scenes nor expand the story beyond canon at the end. ^^V Quite an enjoyable read!

Stumble and Fall by Avelynn Tame
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Kumiko/OMC, Kumiko/Shin; PG-13
author's summary: A new teacher has arrived at Shirokin, and makes no secret of his attraction to the homeroom teacher of a certain delinquent class. 3-D greets him with their usual kindness and warmth, but Yankumi is far more interested in the reaction of one Sawada Shin.
length: abandoned (see my comments section) WIP at 14 chapters, 53,048 words
setting: later on in her year with the first set of 3-D students, mishmash of manga and jdrama canons
s2m's comments: This one is a light romp that sucked me right in. C: Everyone seems spot-on IC, right down to Yankumi's seeming blinders when it comes to herself. I like the progression of the relationship between her and Shin, even with the MOC tossed in to move things along. Technically the fic is abandoned, but the most recent chapter ends in a good place, with all the loose ends tied up. It could be marked "complete" with none the wiser. ^^V

Good Omens

Endearment by Lady Lorax
genre; ship; rating: Romance; Aziraphale/Crowley, R
author's summary: AC. ...It was humiliating. like being caught feeding stray puppies. Or picking up litter. Or falling in lo...
length: one-shot at 881 words
setting: not too long after the book ends
s2m's comments: I laughed, I d'awwwwed, I favorited. XD Crowley/Aziraphale goodness!

Living Arrangements by afrai
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Aziraphale/Crowley; R
author's summary: Everyone is more or less human, even when they aren't.
length: one-shot at 8,762 words
setting: Some point after the novel
s2m's comments: I'm not quite sure what to say about this one. It's fun, dark, touching, and altogether worth reading.

Play's the Thing, The by Lovely Zelda
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; PG
author's summary: A delightful afternoon at The Theatre.
length: one-shot at 924 words
setting: late in the 16th century
s2m's comments: Drunk Crowley and Aziraphale heckling Shakespearean actors. Hilarious. XD

Twofish by a demon of my word
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Drama; Aziraphale/Crowley; PG-13
author's summary: some crap about fish, drinking, drinking, more drinking, and the space-time continuum
s2m's more descriptive summary: Crowley finds devilish delight in his new Betta fish's violent nature, and Aziraphale swings by...
length: one-shot at 6,822 words
setting: after the novel
s2m's comments: I'm glad I chose to read this fic based on someone ele's rec and didn't even glance at the summary, because it would have turned me away. A darkly humorous begining becomes breathtakingly intimate romance and trust between our two supernatural beings, and I was both impressed and genuinely moved. Note this fic does have a surprising number of SPaG errors, alas.

Wheel 'n' Deal by icarus_chained
read its full listing in the crossover section

When Summoning, Please Watch the Wording by Ryuuza Kochou
read its full listing in the crossover section

Gravitation

Top 10%!!1! Ouran Academy Guest Lecturers Series by peroxidepest17
read its full listing in the crossover section

Guardians of the Galaxy

keeping all the things I knew inside by Sholio
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG
author's summary: Not being dead is supposed to be the better outcome. But it's a long, long trip back to Berhert from the asteroid field that used to be Ego's planet. (Or: Fixit fic in which Yondu has to deal with having a future, and a family, and feelings. None of which he's prepared to cope with.)
length: one-shot at 5,769 words
setting: goes AU at the end of the 2nd film
s2m's comments: The fix-it fic I didn't know I needed! *bawls* Seriously, this fic punched me in the gut with its emotion, as Yondo deals with everything the summary said and more. Baby Groot is adorable--the ship fixing scene! *bawls more* and Gamora poking at Yondo and Peter to get things back to an even keel. *happy, tearful sigh* I want to hug my dad now...

Gundam Wing

Top 10%!!1! Arrangement, The by maldoror_gw
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Adventure, (twisted) Romance; Heero/Wufei; NC-17, graphic sex
author's summary: Wufei, struggling with his demons, agrees to a wartime fling with Heero, no affection needed or wanted. But the 'arrangement' lasts and grows as they join the Preventers. It could become a source of strength for both...if they let it.
length: 39 chapters, two epilogues, and an intermission, 310,765 words
setting: AU of the final third of the tv series and beyond, ignoring Endless Waltz
s2m's comments: An IC relationship between two powerful alpha males like Wufei and Heero could never be soft and sweet. Appropriately, this fic will rip out your heart and gleefully stomp all over it. I'm left amazed at Maldoror's ability to write, yet again. Her version of Heero is a bit extreme, but still fits with canon. This one has a suprising number of typos in the first half, but they do clear up. Don't miss the Intermission, the archivist didn't link it from the end of the fic, so click on the "back to Maldoror's fic" link at the bottom of the last chapter to access it.

Beautiful Symmetries by maldoror_gw
genre/rating: Comedy, Romance; Duo/Heero/Wufei; PG-13
author's summary: After the war, Wufei is glad to be alone. But two other pilots come back into his life, and that's when the trouble starts for the solitary dragon.
length: complete at a prologue and 6 chapters, 42,020 words
setting: after Endless Waltz
s2m's comments: The only thing better than a fic starring two of my fave pilots is one starring all 3. Eeeeheeheehee!! <3 <3 <3 Maldoror-sensei, I salute your writing genius!!! Two lines in particular really made an impact upon me. *happy sigh* Quatre's cameo is full of win. :D

Blood or Chocolate? by KKChitown
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Suspense; Duo/Wufei; R
author's summary, shortened by s2m: Duo Maxwell is an almost average guy in a small town. He works at the only gas station for miles around, is gorgeous, but single. But what makes him different is that he's a clairvoyant. So when he runs across a man whose thoughts he can't hear, although trying to gives him nosebleeds, he decides that that is a fair trade. That is until he finds out that the guy isn't a typical 'guy,' and that getting involved with him only leads to trouble...and a few dead bodies.
length: complete at 22 chapters, 70,947 words
setting: AU, early 00s in central Texas
s2m's comments: Here's a fun one! It isn't often you find a murder mystery disguised as a comedy. ^^ The fic does contain some romance, but it happens fast and isn't the true focus of the story--which is the murder mystery. The sudden romance does fit with the author's rendering of Duo and Wufei, though, so in this case, it works. I enjoyed the fic muchly, and while it does have some plot holes, the story and writing render them (somewhat) easily overlooked. Heeee!

Top 10%!!1! Darkside Tales by maldoror-gw
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; NC-17, torture
author's summary isn't apparent, so I wrote one: Duo wakes up chained, immobile, and facing someone who dearly needs an answer.
length: complete at 2 chapters, 17,376 words
setting: about 3 years after the tv series
s2m's comments: This fic delivers an absolutely brilliant characterization of Duo, one that left me reeling and completely in awe. Maldoror doesn't hesitate to do mean things to her characters for the sake of a good story, and she does it beautifully here. I was speechless and amazed and applauded when I finished. I really did!

Freeport by maldoror_gw
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Adventure; Duo/Wufei; R
author's summary: Freeport colony: a notorious den of pirates, smugglers and thieves. Wufei persuades one of its denizens, his one-time ally Duo, to help him catch a killer hiding there. Agent Chang thinks he knows what to expect from this case, from Freeport and from Duo Maxwell. He couldn't be more wrong.
length: complete at 35 chapters, 324,404 words
setting: 5 years after the end of the tv series, sort-of Endless Waltz compliant
s2m's comments: Maldoror comes through once again with an amazingly crafted and intricate story, this time featuring my two favorite pilots. :3 The amount of thought invested into the colony's creation is outstanding, and it's almost a third main character. I am impressed! But then, this IS a Maldoror fic, so yeah. ^^V

Trial and Error by maldoror_gw
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Duo/Heero, Trowa/Quatra, Relena/Wufei; PG-13
author's summary: Heero Yuy's mission planner: Date: AC199. Mission objective: Finding compatible mates for Gundam Pilots 2, 3, 4 and 5. Timeframe: Undefined. Difficulty: Moderate, despite lack of personal information on the subject of romantic affection. How hard can it be to get people to fall in love?
length: complete at 15 chapters, 36,938 words
setting: after Endless Waltz
s2m's comments: I'm glad I chose to read this, since I needed to laugh, and this fic delivers! XD Heero's oblivious POV completely makes the fic!

Upon a Fiery Steed by Vathara
read its full listing in the crossover section

Hana Yori Dango (Boys Over Flowers)

Comedy of Eros by alianora
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Makino/Domyouji; PG-13
author's summary: Domyouji and Makino can't get something as simple as basic biology wrong, can they?
length: one-shot at 1,049 words
setting: dorama, after the series
s2m's comments: A perfect extension of canon, this fic had me snickering all the way through. Domyouji can be such an ass, but I (and Makino) love him anyway. ^^

Hanna Is Not a Boy's Name

i, vampire by Ede
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: The first night after Conrad's life is ruined, he tries to eat a pizza.
length: one-shot at 1,845 words
setting: starts in chapter one, and continues through what there is of canon
s2m's comments: What the summary doesn't tell you is this fic is a touching character study of Conrad adapting to his new life. The author expanded upon his character very well--much better than canon ever did. The ending definitely pushes the right buttons for me. X3

Hark! A Vagrant

All In A (Sexy) Day's Work by renquise
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; PG-13
author's summary: Days off are really challenging when you're a Strong Female Character. Dang, Susan can�t even go out to pick up the newspaper in the morning without posing strategically in her action neglig�e and punching out the mailman.
length: one-shot at 1,030 words
setting: make sure you've met H!AV's version of Wonder Woman
s2m's comments: BAHAHAHAHA!!! XD

Analysis of the Implicit Rules of Expletive Infixation, An (Or, Where the Fuck do You Put the Fucking Fuck?) by salifiable
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; R
author's summary: In which Vanessa and the Mystery Solving Teens Uncover a Dastardly Plot, Participate in Civic Life, Stake Out a Villain's Headquarters, Lie to a Small Child, and Ramble through Nature Au Naturel. Or, How Vanessa Dragged the Mystery Solving Teens Toward Graduation while Committing Aggravated Assault on the Rules of English Grammar.
length: one-shot at 7,943 words
setting: you just need to know the Mystery Solving Teens and Vanessa
s2m's comments: I DID NOT STOP LAUGHING. Seriously. Completely hilarious and fun! XD

Grapeshot Through The Heart (And You're To Blame) by IncurableNecromantic
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Nemesis/Pirate; PG
author's summary: William Frederick, captain of the H.M.S. Jurisprudence, is truly, madly, helplessly in loathe with the infamous pirate, Black Nate o' Bedlam. The feeling is mutual.
length: one-shot at 7,039
setting: you just need to know the Nemesis and Pirate characters
s2m's comments: This fic is comedic gold, from the text-messages via semaphor to chest-to-chest sword crossing. *snicker* Hilarious, glorious, and one I will definitely be rereading! ^^V

Shipmates by zlot
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Nemesis/Pirate; G
author's summary: "A pair of immoveable combatants, locked in an eternal struggle.� He puffed his pipe. �That�s what one o� them newspapers called us,� he added, complacently.
length: one-shot at 3,948 words
setting: before, during, and after the current set (end of 2012) of H!AV comics featuring this pair
s2m's comments: I've always enjoyed Ms. Beaton's comics of these two men, and this fic is a glorious expansion of their true love. A must-read for anyone who enjoys the webcomic!

Harry Potter

Accountable by Dyce
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Hermione/Snape; PG-13, dub-con
author's summary: The war is over. Hermione Granger's life, while safer, is no less complicated. Victory has had unintended consequences which affect not only Hermione, but all those around her.
length: complete at 31 chapters, 166,408 words
setting: Hermoine's final year at Hogwarts, AU from canon after book 6
s2m's comments: I have no interest in baby!fic, but this one was definitely worth reading. Obviously, since I've linked it here! The author has managed to take a fanfic trope and spin it into a heart-wrenching story that does not glorify pregnancy or taking care of an infant. I must also salute her for writing a Harry/Ginny ship I genuinely liked! This fic kept me reading for 24 hours, as I just had to know what was going to happen next.

All Life is Yours to Miss by Saras_Girl
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Draco/Harry; R
author's summary: Professor Malfoy's world is contained, controlled, and as solitary as he can make it, but when an act of petty revenge goes horribly awry, he and his trusty six-legged friend are thrown into Hogwarts life at the deep end and must learn to live, love and let go.
length: complete at 4 chapters, 114,741 words
setting: 14 years after book7, not epilogue compliant
s2m's comments: This lovely story isn't so much about the romance as it is about Draco learning how to reach out to other people and come out of his rooms for more than work. Beautiful, really! *happy sigh*

Amateur Cartography by worksofstone
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Hermione/Draco, Ginny/Harry; PG-13
author's summary, slightly shortened: That one-night stand with Draco Malfoy was a mistake. Hermione doesn't make mistakes, or at least she isn't supposed to. So, why is she still sleeping with Draco Malfoy, ex-Death Eater and infamous pureblood? And why isn't she certain that she wants to stop?
length: one-shot at 20,995 words
setting: a few years after Voldie's defeat, canon compliant except for pairings
s2m's comments: This is a purely enjoyable fic. Told entirely from Hermione's POV, with delightful hints as to what Draco might be thinking. The friendship between Hermione and Ginny is lovely, too!

Applied Cultural Anthropology, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Cruciatus by jacobk
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; side Hermione/Neville; R
author's summary: Albus Dumbledore always worried about the parallels between Harry Potter and Tom Riddle. But let's be honest, Harry never really had the drive to be the next dark lord. Of course, things may have turned out quite differently if one of the other muggle-raised Gryffindors wound up in Slytherin instead.
length: complete at 18 chapters, 162,375 words
setting: AU from the sorting in book1
s2m's comments: Here is a fascinating AU! It really explores the potential of Slytherin!Hermione. I particularly like how the author doesn't stick to canon events--the AU has definitely changed things. Hermione's self-doubt about following Tom's path--especially with regards to her friends/minion recruitment is done well. Watch Hermione hold her own and be more than the sidekick! ^^V (Draco fans take note, he is not a noble character in this fic.)

Top 10%!!1! Balance of Power series: Harry Potter and the Slytherin Connection, Harry Potter and the Unexpected Inheritance, and Harry Potter and the Trelawney Prophecy by KrystalRoze
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Ginny/Harry; R
author's summary: It's Harry's fifth year and he's finally able to escape the Dursleys only to find that Voldemort has other plans. After numerous failed attempts to rid himself of the Gryffindor brat, Lord Voldemort now knows he must change tactics.
length: complete at 3 fics, 201,153 words
setting: written after book 4, AU of years 5-7
s2m's comments: The remarkable thing about this fic is how expertly the author walked the fine line of turning Harry to Voldie's side--all without making Harry actually dark. I love that the author's Voldie isn't crazy, but is cold, calculating and manipulative. In other words, the perfect Slytherin! Watching Harry mature is also a treat. I do wish the series moved a touch more slowly, and that we had more insight into Harry's mind, but as-is the fic is definitely amazing and a game changer and very much worth reading! Excellent job. C: It's also neat to see how much of HP canon the author guessed right.

Bare Feet, Giant Squid, and One Perfect Moment by bryoneybrynn
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Draco/Harry; PG-13
author's summary: Gryffindor may be the House of the brave but Harry�s feeling a bit nervous. It�s one thing to face a dragon or a Dark Lord. It�s quite another to make a move on the bloke who�s been your nemesis for the last eight years...
length: one-shot at 4,250 words
setting: 8th year after the end of the war
s2m's comments: This fic always fills me with warm fuzzies! Harry's helpless but guarded attraction to Draco is so painfully adorable, and I have to admire how Draco reacts! And of course, the squid steals the show. C:

Before Peace by furiosity
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Draco/Harry, side Millicent/Neville; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary: Before peace, there must be war. The wizarding world's war is over, but Draco Malfoy's own war -- against memory and against himself -- is yet to be fought.
length: complete at 31 chapters, 114,211 words
setting: after book6 and a fanon ending to war
s2m's comments: I don't think I've ever read a Drarry with such gaynst and self hatred. O.o Very different from the usual Drarry fic! The established sort-of-relatipnshp is frustrating at first, but then intriguing as we slowly learn what happened. Draco and Harry are put through the wringer in this one. My only real complaint about this fic is that the author relies heavily on the trope of Draco thinking something, only to find he actually said it aloud. It happens in almost every chapter. :P

Best Revenge, The by Arsinoe de Blassenville
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG
author's summary: AU. Yes, the old Snape retrieves Harry from the Dursleys formula. I just had to write one. Everything changes, because the best revenge is living well. T for Mentor Snape's occasional naughty language. Supportive Minerva
length: complete at 47 chapters, 213,669 words
setting: AU from Harry's 11th birthday
s2m's comments: I've read and recced quite a few mentor!Snape fics, but this one stands out for taking things a bit differently than the norm and my own expectations. I like this author's Harry, too. ^^ Definitely well-written and an enjoyable read!

Best Revenge, The: Time of the Basilisk by Arsinoe de Blassenville
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; none; PG
author's summary: AU: The continuation of Book I. [highlight to read:]Not all of Tom Riddle is gone. A mysterious journal and a new Defense teacher pose challenges for Harry and his guardian. T for Mentor Snape's occasional naughty language. Supportive Minerva
length: complete at 30 chapters, 108,739 words
setting: the 2nd half of Harry's first year at Hogwarts
s2m's comments: A glorious sequel, just as good as its predecessor! I am still impressed that Arsinoe de Blassenville was able to take the well-done premise of mentor!Snape and the retelling of the first two books and gives us something delightfully different!

Better Be Slytherin! by jharad17
genre; ship; rating: Angst, Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: As a first year, Harry is sorted into Slytherin instead of Gryffindor, and no one is more surprised than his new Head of House. Snape mentors Harry fic.
length: complete at 51 chapters, 175,130 words
setting: AU at book 1, but remains true to most of canon established before that
s2m's comments: My favorite Harry-in-Slytherin! Poor Harry deserves all the protection and guidance he can get, and this fic delivers. Snape's eventual understanding of Harry is handled well and with grace.

Top 10%!!1! Birthday Present, The by excessivelyperky
genre; ship; rating: Drama; no main ones, side pairings of Lucius/Snape and (highlight b/c spoilery: Molly/Snape); NC-17 graphic violence, torture, rape, dub-con, incest, and even--wait for it--brief beastiality. DAY-UM. O.o
author's summary: Snape and his apprentices form a bond which may never be broken, not even in death. And at the end of it, Severus Snape is able to perform a spell that he has never been able to do before.
length: complete massic epic at 85 chapters, 885,268 words
setting: AU of Harry's 6th year
s2m's comments: OMG. How do I even begin? Snape. This fic is about Snape, and his journey to appease both his light and dark masters, all while dealing with some serious health problems and trying to stay alive...with varying levels of success for all of it. This fic is NOT a light, easy read--just look at those warnings. I found it completely engrossing, and unlike the other long epics I've read, not once did I feel the need to take a breather. I particularly admire how the author wrote each character's POV so adroitly. The adults read like adults, the teens like teens, the kids like kids, and the crazies like crazies. I know well how difficult that is! *hats off to the author*

Bitten by Aucta Sinistra
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Harry/Snape; NC-17, graphic sex
author's summary: Harry has to track down a vampire who has...surprising family ties.
length: one-shot at 27,280 words
setting: Harry is 21, three years after this fanon's version of Voldie's death
s2m's comments: It's fun to read a Snape/Harry comedy, when the pairing usually lends itself so well to drama and angst. Uncle Dracula pretty much steals the show. :3

Top 10%!!1! Blood Magic by GatewayGirl
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; R
author's summary: Blood magic was supposed to keep Harry safe, but his relatives are expendable. Blood magic was supposed to keep Harry looking like his adoptive father, but it's wearing off. Blood is a bond, but so is the memory of hate -- or love.
length: complete at 84 chapters, 337,748 words
setting: AU after book 5
s2m's comments: I lost two days of my life to marathoning this fic, and I have no regrets. Well-written, a gripping plot, appealing to several of my favorite things to see in stories, and an amazingly well-done friendship built between Harry and Draco. *applauds*

Blood and Choice by GatewayGirl
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: Blood relatives matter; so does the family you choose.
length: complete at 4 chapters, 28,272 words
setting: first Christmas after the previous fic
s2m's comments: I want MOAAARRRR!!! *paws at the fic* Especially since there's some lovely hints of Harry/Draco here... :9

Building with Worn Out Tools by Lomonaaeren
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Draco/Harry; R
author's summary: HPDM slash. Post War, Post Hogwarts, HBP spoilers. Right smack in the middle of a stormy divorce from Ginny, Harry has no reason to be attracted to his Arguer, Draco Malfoy. I mean, it's Malfoy. COMPLETE
length: complete at 33 chapters, 129,552 words
setting: after book 6, set several years after the author's version of Voldie's defeat
s2m's comments: It's kind of nice to read Harry/Draco when they're both adults. Lomonaaeren has taken some unusual ideas with this fic! Careful if you're a Ginny fan, there's some serious character bashing in this one.

Bundle of Joy by LadyTuesday
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Hermione/Snape, side Ginny/Harry; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary, shortened: Seeking: An intelligent, capable wizard amenable to assisting a bright, independent, magically-formidable single witch in the conception of a child. Insemination only: no sexual congress; non-negotiable. Dignity and discretion of utmost importance. Address all inquiries by owl to Joy Bundle, Box # 1086, Hogsmeade Village.
length: ocomplete at 11 chapters, 61,302 words
setting: A few years after book7, mostly epilogue-compliant
s2m's comments: A very enjoyable read! I ran across this one mentioned as a fic that makes you ":D", and I must agree. Both Hermione and Severus have self-doubt issues and their own mutual history to overcome, and I just ate it all up with a spoon. Good times! :D indeed!

but hold me fast, let me not go by snottygrrl
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Draco/Harry, OFC/Draco, Ginny/Harry; PG-13, mpreg
author's summary: An unexpected encounter with Harry Potter changes Draco Malfoy's entire life. Now things have changed again, and it might be time to let Harry know.
length: one-shot at 4,493 words
setting: during the epilogue
s2m's comments: This short and powerful one-shot paints a fascinating picture. The situation Draco faces could completely blow up, it could go well, it could simply be a mess, but will definitely change everything! I must salute the author for creating such a fascinating scenario, and can only wish the characters good luck sorting it out. Oh my! Luna's short scene is also worth a mention, because she alllmost steals the show. ^^

By Baker Street Station, I Sat Down and Wept by Deco
genre; ship; rating: Drama; brief Petunia/Vernon, Petunia/MOC, side Hermione/Dudley, side Ginny/Harry; PG
author's summary, shortened: Petunia Dursley has trouble: she's lost her family, she's going crazy, she can do magic (but not always), her suitors are a mixed bag (operative word) & people keep trying to take her children away from her. They should be very afraid.
length: WIP at 142 chapters, 555,365 words. Due to extensive introductory author's notes in front of almost every chapter, the actual fic is probably about 500k.
setting: AU long before canon
s2m's comments: This meandering behemoth of a fic maintained my interest throughout! The author is easy to read, and taught me some new vocabulary words, too! ^^ The story is certainly not what you would expect. To begin with, Petunia doesn't resent Harry, and Dudley is a wizard too. I was captivated by their escape from Vernon and move to Hogsmeade, and how events unfolded from there. Very outside the box, especially with the horcruxes! Also it has some magnificent OCs. C: The fic does suddenly skew Severitus--in a very uncomfortable way--but stick it out. It's worth it! [Note for sensitive readers: if (sort of) forced pregnancy squicks you, best pass on this one.]

Cambiare Podentes: Invocare by Jordan Grant
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Angst; Harry/Snape; NC-17, graphic sex, rape unfortunately, possible abuse triggers
author's summary: A new prophecy comes to light, one that promises death for Harry Potter and enslavement for the wizarding world, unless Harry himself consents to being enslaved--irrevocably and for life--to Severus Snape.
length: complete at 51 chapters, 302,717 words
setting: after book 5
s2m's comments: This fic is disturbing. It's the darkest one I have recced on this page, and I mean it. It is also very well-written, gripping, handles an overused trope extremely well, and put my heart through the wringer. As good as it is, everyone, do NOT embark upon this one lightly. I knew going in it was dark, and the warnings were not exaggerated. *shivers* D=

Canon Rape by velvet-mace
read its full listing in the crossover section

Care of Magical Creatures by mia madwyn
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Hermione/Snape; NC-17, graphic sex
author's summary: MLC-Seventh Year student Hermione Granger decides to marry the one eligible wizard who did not ask for her-the horrid but powerful Severus Snape. Angst, humor and lemons. Award Winner COMPLETE
length: complete at 67 chapters, 300,379 words
setting: AU after book five, starts just before 7th year at Hogwarts
s2m's comments: This fic has a wonderfully IC Snape and Hermoine. Their relationship progresses believably, and while I do think the author became quite carried away with detailing the continuous emotional impacts felt by Snape and Hermoine...welp, we can always skim those parts to rediscover the plot. ^^ This fic does very interesting things with Voldemort's power and a take on Muggle religion. And I found myself wishing for MORE Harry and Ron involvement, instead of less! There's a first. Heh! (Also the title isn't a good match for the fic, but that's just my opinion.)

Case of the Unwelcome Owl, The by FayJay
read its full listing in the crossover section

Claiming Hermione by ilke
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Hermione/Draco; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary: "This doesn't change anything, Granger. We're not friends." Draco said. "I know." Hermione sat unmoving, listening to his retreating footfalls. She felt pretty certain that, in fact, it changed everything.
length: abandoned WIP at 33 chapters, 118,833 words
setting: AU after book 5, set in their seventh year
s2m's comments: The title of this fic is what caught my attention, and I read it expecting a thin excuse for wish fulfillment. Instead, I found an amazingly realized romance between such polar characters. In fact, this fic even helped me figure out why I like Draco/Hermione so much! The sex scenes can be a bit much (and from me--given the sheer amount of fic that I've read--that's really saying something. But they're rather unique, I must admit!)

Come Once Again and Love Me by laventadorn
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Lily/Severus, a little Lily/James; R
author's summary: Severus wakes up in the afterlife expecting something rather different than being almost-seventeen again. Seriously, what kind of game is this? But wait - Lily's come back, too - from 1981? Perhaps it's a second chance... but to do what?
length: complete at 25 chapters, 188,760 words
setting: briefly after Snape's canon death, then to when he and Lily are 16
s2m's comments: Fics that suck me in and refuse to let me go until I finish are both a joy and an irritation. Ha! Yes, this fic is definitely one of them. The author has a beautiful way with words. She isn't afraid to put her characters through the wringer--and take us along for the ride. This fic sheds a new perspective upon the Marauders, one that canon barely touches. Also the author has an interesting interpretation about Dark Arts and how it affects the user. Completely engrossing, in plot and characterization!

Conquering of Harry Potter('s Virginity), The by FantasyFiend09
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Draco/Harry, a side of Pansy/Neville; R
author's summary: After Draco acquires the knowledge that Harry Potter has had a very sad (non-existent really) sex life, he sees it as his personal duty to be the Saviour's hero for once and show him how it's done. And Draco is totally the right person for that.. although he may not actually have had sex before either.
length: one-shot at 8,377 words
setting: a few years after Voldie's defeat
s2m's comments: Ahhhh, this fic is fun, fluffy, and quite delightful. X3 Draco is so transparently earnest to save Harry, his rescue plan gloriously researched, and Harry so adorable. I love everything about this fic. Warm fuzzies for all!!!

Delicate Sound of Thunder by Duinn Fionn
read its full listing under its prequel, Thousand Beautiful Things, A

Desk Duty by mosylu
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; G
author's summary: A librarian's job is never done...especially not at Hogwarts...and especially when a certain toadlike High Inquisitor is nosing around.
length: one-shot at 2,019 words
setting: book5, before the twins' grand exit
s2m's comments: Let's be honest, not many people write from Madam Pince's POV. I know this fic is a first for me! But even with that novelty, this little fic is an amusing and satisfying visit to Hogwart's unique library, and gives us a different perspective on those intrusive students and their insistence on touching the precious books. And then Umbrage walks inside. Ha! Short and fun. :D

Determined Frame of Mind, A by Lomonaaeren
read its full listing under its prequel, Reckless Frame of Mind, A

Digging for the Bones by paganaidd
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary, shortened: Because of a student death, new measures are being taken to screen students for abuse. With Dumbledore facing an enquiry, Snape is in charge of making sure every student receives an examination.
length: complete at 62 chapters, 212,292 words
setting: splits from canon the summer before Harry's third year
s2m's comments: Snape-as-Harry's-guardian is a favorite trope of mine, and it only gets better when Snape-is-Harry's-biological-father, too! :3 This fic has a new take on just how that might happen, and it makes sense to me. Snape is his usual acerbic self in this fic, and both he and Harry have to work at trusting each other. A slow build family! I also quite like what the author did with Sirius, which is something else I've never seen in fic before. This is not an easy read, though. The fic opens with child abuse, major character death quickly follows, and later there are suicide attempts. Dark subject matter, but IMO it's handled well! This author has a large number of SPaG problems for this level of writing, but they clear up in the final third of the fic. ^^

Draco: Phoenix Rising by Cheryl Dyson
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Romance; Hermoine/Draco, R
author's summary: This is my version of Book Seven, and it begins shortly after The Half Blood Prince, so ignore Deathly Hallows. I've tried to remain true to the characters and canon, but I've added one element JKR seems to leave out: ROMANCE!
length: complete at 52 chapters, 151,729 words
setting: after book 6
s2m's comments: The first word that springs to mind about this fic is "charming". It's a fun read, has an engaging story, and some unique twists I've never come across before in HP fic. It's also a lighter Draco/Hermione fic than the others I have recced.

Dreaming Spires, The by DementorDelta
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Harry/Snape; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary: Severus Snape gets on with his life after Voldemort's defeat.
length: one-shot at 29,102 words
setting: three years after an AU version of Voldie's defeat
s2m's comments: Told very effectively from Snape's POV, I enjoyed watching Muggle!Snape explain away magic and try to come to grips with his new lab assistant, Harry Potter. Emotional and poignant! I do wish we'd learned more about the specific magic involved, though. Both ends of it. But this is a fic focused on Snape and Harry's relationship, so there you go. ^^

Eclipse by Mijan
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Draco/Harry; R
author's summary, shortened: The old rivalry turns deadly when Draco abducts Harry for Voldemort. It's the perfect plan, guaranteeing revenge, power, and prestige, all in one blow. But when Draco's world turns upside down, the fight to save himself and Harry begins, and the battle will take them both through hell and back. If they come back. Harry/Draco slash, Post-OotP.
length: complete at 18 chapters, 282,251 words
setting: early in their 6th year, written after book 5
s2m's comments: I am left in awe at PhoenixSong's skills. It takes an amazing author to keep endless pages of dialogue from turning boring or repetitive, but she pulls it off amazingly! Harry and Draco learn much about each other in those long conversations, and they are intersperced with just the right amount of comedy and action. Definitely a must-read for every Harry/Draco fan!

Educating Draco by Padfoot the Marauder
genre; ship; rating: Drama, PWP; Hermione/Draco; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary: After accidentally hearing Hermione getting herself off in the shower, Draco realises that he isn�t the only one pretending to be something he isn�t.
length: complete at 2 chapters, 14,720 words
setting: AU after book 5
s2m's comments: Reversing fandom tropes can be very interesting, and this fic pulls it off in spades. Draco is the blushing virgin, and Hermione the experienced lover with high libido. If ever a fic would send me to my bunk, it would be this one! *swoon* Click on "next" near the top for chapter 2.

Faith by Dragongirl16
genre; ship; rating: Angst, Drama; Draco/Harry; R
author's summary: What if the wizarding world turned its back on Harry? Who will stay true? Who can he turn to? What will he do? A HD romance in the works!
length: complete at 48 chapters, 338,340 words
setting: after book 4
s2m's comments: This fic has an awesome beginning! The story drags in the middle and I had to force myself to finish it, but the beginning is definitely worth a read. Stick it out through Christmas. ^^ Unfortunately the author loves to refer to characters with epithets rather than names, so you'll see a large amount of "the dark-haired boy", "the green-eyed youth", "the animagus, "the werewolf", "the ethereal platinum blond with eyelashes like spun sugar" (okay, I made that one up) but you get the idea. The beginning is where the good stuff is at!!

Top 10%!!1! Fallout by Sage
genre; ship; rating: Angst, Drama; Hermione/Draco; NC-17, graphic sex and graphic violence
author's summary: Hermione learns about growing up through the redemption of Draco Malfoy.
length: complete at 49 chapters, 311,409 words
setting: after book 5, stretching four years into the future
s2m's comments: I am speechless to do this fic justice. I fear this one will ruin me for every other Draco/Hermione story out there... O= This fic is very dark and can be disturbing. You have to join the site to read, but it's free and definitely worth it.

Family Like None Other, A by Aspeninthesunlight
read its full listing under its prequel, Year Like None Other, A

Fate is a Four-Letter Word by Philo
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Suspense; Harry/Kingsley/Snape; NC-17, BDSM, graphic sex, and graphic violence
author's summary: Harry's only aim has been to create a safe and happy life for his family, but his efforts are destroyed one spring afternoon. Harry meets new friends and old enemies, old friends and new enemies, whilst trying to find a path through a changing world.
length: complete at 105 chapters, 550,310 words
setting: about 20 years after book 7, mostly epilogue compliant
s2m's comments: This story has the most involved and suspenseful murder mystery I've ever found in fanfic! Harry's romantic entanglements are almost a side-story to the focus of learning who exactly was behind the murder. A complicated and well-planned fic that was a joy to read. My only quibble is that the sex scenes can seem almost shoehorned into the story. For once, I kind of wish the author just faded to black. Never mind the sex though, read for the mystery! And the unconventional romance. *wink*

Fathers, Who Could Do with a Spot of Sinning by blamebrampton
read its full listing under its prequel, Sins of the Fathers

Friend Number Three by riptey
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Hermione/Draco; R
author's summary: How do you deal with the Pureblood aristocracy, Ministry corruption, Muggle culture invasions, and constant questions about your love life while juggling more than two friends and not being a total jerk? Don't ask Draco: he doesn't know.
length: complete at 26 chapters, 138,388 words
setting: Nine years after book 7, ignores the epilogue
s2m's comments: This fic accomplishes something so easy to abuse: its focus is on Draco's emotional problems and how he fixes them, told in a fun, light, and very entertaining manner. The shippy aspect enhances Draco's journey in a delightful way. Also the fic has some great OCs. :3 Note: it is NOT a coffeeshop AU. I must salute the author for a fic well-done!

Girl in the War by astridfire
genre; ship; rating: Drama; girl!Harry/various; R
author's summary: Who says you can't fight evil and be pretty? A Girl!Harry AU, starting with Rose Potter's first year at Hogwarts.
length: WIP at 24 chapters, 146,846 words
setting: genderswap AU, begins with book1
s2m's comments: This fic is quite addictive. The author's girl!harry is brilliantly portrayed in both thought and actions. Her love life keeps you guessing, and I found the beauty pageant queen angle surprisingly fitting and useful. (Wow, never thought I'd be writing THAT particular sentence!) My only real regret about this fic is I wish author hadn't named girl!Harry "Rose". Oh well!

Giving Extras by whitehound
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: Post DH fic. He was sure he was going to die. He was sure he had died. Only somebody seemed to have decided to give him a new lease of life he hadn't asked for. Follows on from Flower Remedy and examines Snape's memories in detail.
length: abandoned WIP at 9 chapters, 61,037 words
setting: 20 years after book 7 ends, epilogue compliant
s2m's comments: The author starts with an unusual and humorous premise and spins it into an amazing character study of Snape and his choices in life. This fic is very much a character drama, and it provides some intriguing angles on the motivations of Dumbledore and Snape himself. This is a serious and dramatic fic with just the right touch of humor to balance things out. Yes, it is a spin-off of a drabble by the same author, but she kindly includes the drabble for us in chapter 1. ^^

Harry amidst the Vaults of Stone by NothingPretentious
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: Following the fall of Voldemort, it is up to the Gringotts goblins to carry out the terms of the Potters' will. What will happen when young Harry Potter - halfblood, Parselmouth, curse-scarred, outsider - is raised in the stalagmite city of Underfoot?
length: stalled WIP at 28 chapters, 157,245 words
setting: goes AU at the very beginning of book1
s2m's comments: What makes this fic fascinating and so very worth reading is the depth of thought the author invested into it. The worldbuilding is amazing, and much more detailed (and logical...) than JKR gave us back in book1. Goblin society as the author writes it is rich and gloriously complicated, and it has a profound effect on Harry. But it's completely logical--if Harry grew up with loving parents, in a magical and non-human society, with proper food and a nurtured interest in learning...of course he's going to be different from canon! This is a fabulous take on the raised-differently!AU for Harry. Good stuff. ^^V

Happy Father's Day, Harry Potter! by cragarrows
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; PG-13
author's summary: Harry learns that he is the last surviving Heir of Gryffindor, and that Prophecy says an Heir of Gryffindor will destroy Voldemort. This is why Voldemort wants Harry dead. Harry has a cunning plan to exploit Voldemort's faith in the Prophecy -- or did Dumbledore think of it first?
length: one-shot at 5,171 words
setting: between book 4 and book 5
s2m's comments: Delightfully twisted. So much so that apparently some people can't even finish it. *evil laughter*

Harry Potter and the Accidental Horcrux by the Imaginizer
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: In which Harry Potter learns that friends can be made in the unlikeliest places...even in your own head. Alone and unwanted, eight-year-old Harry finds solace and purpose in a conscious piece of Tom Riddle's soul, unaware of the price he would pay for befriending the dark lord. But perhaps in the end it would all be worth it...because he'd never be alone again.
length: complete at 52 chapters, 273,485 words
setting: begins when Harry is 8 years old
s2m's comments: I've read a lot of HP fic, and I've seen most of the plots ficcers use. But this fic genuinely surprised me. Harry knows Voldie is inside his head--but more than that: Tom is Harry's best friend! They start talking long before Harry's first year at Hogwarts, and what a fascinating tale Tom's influence makes! I mean, DAMN. O.o The main canon plots for the first three books are present, but skewed in a great Harry-in-Slytherin way. A fantastic and dark read, with excellent writing, too!

Harry Potter and the Chrysalis by the Imaginizer
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none important to the plot; R
author's summary: In which Harry Potter learns that even an unbroken soul is not immutable, and that everything has a price. The price of love is loss; the price of knowledge is understanding; the price of life is death; and the price of mastering Death...is far more than he ever wanted to pay.
length: stalled WIP at 19 chapters, 160,599 words
setting: continues after previous fic ends
s2m's comments: This sequel lives up to the previous fic! I love seeing how things begin to unravel as Harry reaches his physical limit and begins to realize something is off about his bestie, Tom. And how the author dealt with the Goblet of Fire! OMG! *flails*

Harry Potter and the Eagle of Truthiness by Christine Morgan
read its full listing in the crossover section

Harry Potter and the Inconvenient Condition by mirabella
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Draco/Harry; R
author's summary: Harry comes back from vacation with an inconvenient case of vampirism and must learn to cope with blood, Malfoy, and recalcitrant secretaries. And if that doesn't tell you everything about the plot you need to know, you haven't read enough badfic.
length: one-shot at 20,524 words
setting: Harry is 25 after a fanon ending to the war.
s2m's comments: This amazing dark comedy sucked me in and wouldn't let go! *wink* I do wish we had more info about the hows and whys of Harry's vampirism and the related problems, but the story is so much fun that I ended up not minding! A delightful and hot read. *eyebrow waggle*

Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality by Less Wrong
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Comedy; none; PG-13
author's summary: Petunia married a professor, and Harry grew up reading science and science fiction. Then came the Hogwarts letter, introducing strange new opportunities to exploit. And new friends, like Hermione, and Professor McGonagall, and Professor Quirrell.
length: complete at 122 chapters, 661,619 words
setting: AU from very beginning
s2m's comments: Put on your thinking caps and keep a dictionary handy, because this fic features a Harry who THINKS and has plans for World Optimization. Irreverent, hilarious, and delightfully chilling at times. What a brain-twisting fun read! XD

Harry Potter and the Nightmares of Futures Past by S'TarKan
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Drama; Ginny/Harry, Hermione/Ron, Luna/Neville; R graphic violence, off-screen rape
author's summary: The war is over. Too bad no one is left to celebrate. Harry makes a desperate plan to go back in time, even though it means returning Voldemort to life. Now an 11 year old Harry with 30 year old memories is starting Hogwarts. Can he get it right?
length: WIP at 41 chapters, 409,130 words
setting: after book 6
s2m's comments: This author brings us another total AU, and does it with style. His knowledge of psychology and PSTD shines true in this amazing fic that's part adventure, part trajedy, and part character study of one Harry Potter. Fantastic! I do wish he'd let himself think outside the canon box in regards to pairings, and as both a Snape and Draco fan, this fic is rather harsh on them. Fellow Slytherin fans, beware! It's still worth reading, though! ^^

NEW!!!1! Harry Potter and the Problem of Potions by Wyste
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Drama; gen fic with side canon ships plus Luna/Greg; PG
author's summary: Once upon a time, Harry hid for two hours from Dudley in a chemistry classroom, while a nice grad student explained about the scientific method and interesting facts about acids. A pebble thrown into the water causes ripples. Contains, in no particular order: magic candymaking, Harry falling in love with a house, evil kitten Draco Malfoy, and Hermione attempting to apply logic to the wizarding world.
length: complete at 162 chapters, 184,441 words
setting: AU before canon begins, extending through book7
s2m's comments: A delightful rewrite of all canon!! Harry's fascination with potions starts the canon break that slowly grows wider and wider. Snape is Harry's mentor, but he never loses his terrible teaching methods or his snark. I'm not sure how the author managed mentorship while being horrid, but they did! ^^V The author does use quite a lot of telling instead of showing, especially in the early chapters, and too much quoting of canon for my taste, but those are easily overshadowed by the glory of the rest. A fun, engrossing read! (The fic does end with what is apparently a hint at HP and the Cursed Child, but it is very brief, and while it did make me do a puppy head-tilt--as I have not read that piece of canon--it does not affect the fic overall.)

Harry's Cousins by speculating
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: The Dursleys have never wanted Harry, so when he fortuitously stumbles across a book on Wizard Family Trees, he writes a letter, hoping to find another family to take him in, hopefully one that won't mind when he does 'freaky' stuff...
length: WIP at 26 chapters, 171,615 words
setting: AU, splits from canon before book1
s2m's comments: A beautifully crafted AU! I must marvel how the author slowly shows us the Malfoy family's changing beliefs, and I love how Severus and Lupin are included in the story. It would have been so easy for the author to dissolve into Dumbledore bashing. But the author treats him fairly! An excellent read that deals with racism and prejudice, I must say.

Harry's First Detention by kbinnz
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: AU one-shot about Harry�s first detention with Snape. Take one mistreated boy, one misinformed man, mix well and watch what happens.
length: one-shot at 8,053 words
setting: AU a week or two into Harry's first year at Hogwarts
s2m's comments: This fic sets an amazing stage for the epic that follows, which you'll find right below! X3

Harry's New Home by kbinnz
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: One lonely little boy. One snarky, grumpy git. When the safety of one was entrusted to the other, everyone knew this was not going to turn out well... Or was it? Sequel to "Harry's First Detention". AU.
length: complete at 64 chapters, 318,389 words
setting: AU a week or two into Harry's first year at Hogwarts
s2m's comments: My favorite of the abused!Harry fics, as disturbing as that sounds. Kbinnz has done a great job dealing with Snape and showing how Harry comes to think of him. *thumbs up* Nice job!

Harveste Addams Series, The by kyaru-chan
read its full listing in the crossover section

Heart Over Mind by Regann
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Hermione/Snape; PG-13
author's summary: Something odd about Hermione causes her to have unexpected reaction to a love potion. Only it's one which no one expected. How could a lack of reaction cause so much trouble? AU to Books 5 and 6.
length: complete at 27 chapters, 186,622 words
setting: after book 4
s2m's comments: I never thought I'd like a story with this particular pairing, but the fic came highly recced, so I gave it a try and was sucked in. Very well-written with excellent character development that makes an improbable romance believable. It's nice to read a fic that challenges my vocabulary, too. ^^ And no, I'm not telling you the pairing, that's the surprise. :P

Home for Wayward Elves, The by lightgetsin
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Hermione/Harry, one-sided Dracy/Harry; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary: Hermione cleans house and tries her hand at rehabilitation.
length: one-shot at 5,758 words
setting: after fanon ending to the war
s2m's comments: Here is a bittersweet story with Hermione desperately working to help the house elves and taking comfort in her relationship with Harry. And then there's Draco, watching from the shadows. My my my!

Top 10%!!1! House Proud by Astolat
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Draco/Harry, Draco/Grimmauld Place/Harry (lol); PG-13
author's summary: His house liked Draco Malfoy more than him.
length: one-shot at 23,112 words
setting: after book 7, ignoring the epilogue
s2m's comments: I have read this fic several times, and I love it even more with each reading. While D/H fics are a dime a dozen, this one stands out for the lovely trope subversion premise, the different take on HP canon worldbuilding, and the houses' personalities. OMG, the houses have minds and feelings of their own! XD As for that lovely view of canon, the author connects old wizarding families and traditions to the Fair Folk. In other words: sidhee or fairies. Not cute Tinkerbell fairies, mind, but the original dark and dangerous people of lore. I absolutely love his interpretation, and its addition to an already fantastic fic pushes it over the top into my Top 10% ranking. ^^

If This be Error by Nimori
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; Harry/Snape; R
author's summary: Harry has a simple spell to guarantee Snape's loyalty. Naturally, he makes a mess of it.
length: one-shot at 12,784 words
setting: after book6
s2m's comments: Most Harry/Snape comedies don't work for me at all, but this one pulls it off magnificently! I laughed and snickered and whooped all the way through it. XD I particularly enjoyed the author's take on their choice and circumstances of their final horcrux. How very interesting! A shoo-in read for something to make you laugh, and marvel. ^^V

In Plain Sight by oldenuf2nb
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Draco/Harry; R
author's summary: Draco Malfoy had stopped believing his wishes would be granted long ago. He could perhaps be forgiven for being startled, then, when one of them came true.
length: one-shot at 37,500 words
setting: after book7, ignoring the epilogue
s2m's comments: A fun, solid fic. I admire how the castle features in this story, particlarly because it's rare to find an author who features Hogwarts! I also like what the author did with Ron. They made him not-annoying in his reaction to Harry's choice of boyfriend, for once!

In Plain Sight by poysin
genre; ship; rating: Angst, Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: When Dumbledore finds an abused Harry, he decides Harry needs to go into hiding. Under the guise of a Student exchange program, Harry's id is changed and he is resorted into Slytherin.
length: complete at 23 chapters, 1 author's note, and an epilogue, 84,693 words
setting: AU after book 5
s2m's comments: An unusual method to get Harry in Slytherin. I like it! The author has some grammar and spelling issues, but the story is gripping. Definitely worth reading!

Isolation by Bex-chan
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Hermione/Draco; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary: He can't leave the room. Her room. And it's all the Order's fault. Confined to a small space with only the Mudblood for company, something's going to give. Maybe his sanity. Maybe not. "There," she spat. "Now your Blood's filthy too!"
length: complete at 48 chapters, 278,881 words
setting: after book 6
s2m's comments: Part of the joy of a great Dramoine fic is watching how the author tackles the problems that stand in the way. Dramoine can't just happen overnight, it takes time. This fic uses the locked-in-a-room-together trope and makes it work, without being too Stockholm-y. Hermoine in the beginning is a bit much, but she IS under a great deal of pressure, so...also it seems information about Horcruxes is easily found all over the place in this fic's version of canon. It works, I suppose! The fic is still quite engrossing!

Kiss a Boy in London Town (And Other Intimate Misadventures of a Society Whore) by Femme
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Draco/Harry; NC-17, graphic sex
author's summary: There's only one cardinal sin for a whore. (Harry/Draco)
length: one-shot at 36,437 words
setting: about 12 years afer the defeat of Voldie, somewhat epilogue compliant
s2m's comments: An engaging fic written in canon-character first person, I think this is an enjoyable read. I normally don't care much for holiday fic, but here it works to advance the plot, and I didn't mind at all! I am amused at high sex scene/word count ratio, but given Draco's employment, it makes sense, and none of the scenes seemed forced or out of place for the story.

Last Gift, The by Keina Snape
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; R, graphic violence in a couple chapters
author's summary: Harry receives a very special gift for his 16th birthday, which quickly comes in handy when things get really bad at Privet Drive this summer. But when he finds refuge at Snape's,everything starts to get complicated.
length: abandoned WIP at 51 chapters, 440,274 words
setting: AU after book 5
s2m's comments: D'awww...Harry as Snape's kitty! :3 The first few chapters are rough, but they smooth out by chapter 10 or so! A fun idea with some interesting plot twists. This is the official English translation, as the fic is actually written in French, and is here. The translation is rather rough for the first few chapters, but it does smooth out.

Left Hook by elicitillicit
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Suspense; Ginny/Tom (kinda?); PG-13 off-screen torture
author's summary: Ginny never took Ancient Runes, but she grew up with magic seething in her sinew and coiling in her gut, and so laughter, hard and hysterical, bubbles up in her chest when she sees a precisely cut crescent moon sitting inside a pictogram of a sun. The sun marks the hours of the day, but the moon marks the passage of weeks. Months. Years. There�s still shouting behind her. Ginny doesn�t hesitate.
length: WIP at 23 chapters, 30,204 words
setting: briefly near AU end of the war, then the 1940s
s2m's comments: Here's a fic that grabbed me from the start! I've never read a badass!Ginny fic, but I think I like it. :3 Ginny's attempts to stop Tom Riddle when they're both 15 at Hogwarts in the '40s is fascinating, and the fic surprises me over and over. Their relationship(?) is very believable, and I love Ginny's friendship with McGonagall and Abraxis. This fic is outside the box, and I eagerly anticipate the next chapter!

Lights Out by Phoebe (Emeraldwoman)
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Hermione/Draco; R
author's summary doesn't exist, so here's my version: Draco is stuck patrolling Hogwards with Hermione, much to his disgust. Their time together each week becomes a test to see who wins.
length: one-shot at 10,249 words
setting: Hermione and Draco are sixteen
s2m's comments: It takes a huge number of words to make Dramoine work, but this fic accomplishes it in only 10k! I admire how the author spins the pair's competetive natures into something physical. After all, not every sexual relationship is based on love.

Lily's Charm by notevenhere
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Ginny/Harry, Lily/Snape; R
author's summary: In a story spanning two decades, Lily and Severus attempt to control the powers of the Dark Mark after Lily's life is threatened. Seventeen years later, Harry uncovers a long-buried truth about his parents.
length: complete at 55 chapters, 283,664 words
setting: summer after 5th year
s2m's comments: This is my third Snape-is-Harry's-biological-father fic, and it's a solid read. This fic has become a fandom classic, and I can see why. I liked that Voldie is defeated in this first installment, and the progression of the relationship betwen Harry and Snape was done well. But Draco fans beware, this fic treats him like canon. Also I admit, the Ginny/Harry ship turned me off, but that's my preference. There are two sequels, but I chose not to read them. (This much G/H was enough for me.)

Little Problem of Virginity, A by beren_writes
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, PWP; Fred/George/Harry; NC-17, graphic sex, incest
author's summary: Harry wakes up on his sixteenth birthday and decides that he does not want to die a virgin.
length: one-shot at 4,463 words
setting: AU after book 5
s2m's comments: Well, now. I said I wanted to read some good Fred/George/Harry, and a friend of mine certainly delivered with this rec! One I now pass on to you. ^^ This fic is as hilarious as it is hot. Oh my, a Weasley Twin Sandwich... *fans herself*

Little Problem of Someone Else's Virginity, A by beren_writes
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, PWP; Draco/Fred/George/Harry; NC-17, graphic sex, incest
author's summary: Going back to Hogwarts Harry notes another who seems to be as depressed as he used to be. He decides to help.
length: one-shot at 7,394 words
setting: follows from previous
s2m's comments: And here's a steamy sequel, featuring my favorite HP slash ship, with a dose of twins. *swoons*

Lost and Found by Anuna
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Hermione/Draco; PG-13
author's summary: Draco Malfoy, a single father and a Curse Breaker employed at Ministry of Magic wants few things from his life. He mostly wants to be left alone. However, his work, his reputation and his mother's schemes are to prevent him from being left alone as he wishes. Working with Hermione Granger doesn't help much either.
length: one-shot at 38,792 words
setting: set ~15 years after book 7, with Hermione and Draco both widowed early
s2m's comments: This fic is different from almoat all other Dramione I've read in the past few years because it is set when they are in early 30s and with one kid each. Both are working at the Ministry to clean up cursed homes and locations. With both kids becoming besties in ministry daycare, Hermione and Draco find themselves together in more than just work. Respect grows into more as Hermione deals with her loss of Ron, and Draco with his unforgiving past. For the record, there is NO Ron or Astoria bashing. Note there are a lot of SPaG errors for a fic this nicely written. The kids do feature a lot in the story, but said antics do not take over. Solidly written (even with the SPaG errors) and believable. ^^

Macbeth by cyropi
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Hermione/Draco; PG-13, off-screen torture
author's summary: 'Come what come may, time and the hour runs through the roughest day.' Voldemort's second rise to power and a part in Shakespeare's infamous Scottish Play make this fitting for Hermione � especially when she discovers a darker side to Draco Malfoy.
length: complete 27 at chapters, 120,368 words
setting: after book5, ignoring the next 2 volumes
s2m's comments: This fic does use the old trope of the two lead actors in a play falling in love, but everything else is completely different! The author uses her love of the classic play to weave a fascinating parallel story, one that even predicts some key plot points of canon book6! A surprisingly refreshing and enjoyable fic.

Made-Up Lullaby #43 by fitofpique
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; Harry/Snape ; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary: People who say they sleep like a baby don't usually have one
length: one-shot at 20,456 words
setting: after book7, ignoring Severus' death and the epilogue
s2m's comments: Here is a fun comedy with some yummy UST and occasional moments of seriousness. Half of the fic is about the found baby, the other half is about the relationship between Harry and Severus. Satisfying and humerous! And I can say that even though I don't seek out kid!fic. ^^

Top 10%!!1! Marriage Stone, The by Josephine Darcy
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Harry/Snape; R
author's summary: SSHP. To avoid the machinations of the Ministry, Harry must marry a reluctant Severus Snape. But marriage to Snape is only the beginning of Harry's problems. Voldemort has returned, and before too long Harry's marriage may determine the world's fate.
length: abandoned WIP at 77 chapters, 381,147 words
setting: goes AU after book 4
s2m's comments: Take the cliche of an arranged marriage between Snape and Harry, combine it with an author who understands the canon characters and sees their potential behind the books' pages, add a dose of killer fanservice, and you have this fic. ^^ It's also good to see an uber-powered!Harry story handled well. The fic does have a surprising number of simple typos for one with such a high level of writing, but the mistakes are easily overlooked. This is one of the most famous Snape/Harry fics, both for the amazing story and for being abandoned by its author without a word and on a traumatic cliffhanger. An unofficial sequel has been written by a different author, but I did not care for it. In case you might, here is the link: Lynne's AU Ending to The Marriage Stone.

Minister Scrimgeour Does Not Approve by Lomonaaeren
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; Draco/Harry; PG-13
author's summary: Postwar, HPDM slash. The Ministry has regulations that prevent Auror partners from dating. Minister Scrimgeour knows Aurors Potter and Malfoy are dating, and he's about to sack Potter any minute now. If he can catch them at it, of course.
length: one-shot at 5,733 words
setting: after fanon ending of war, written after book6
s2m's comments: This hilarious fic uses an outsider's POV to great effect: Scrimgeour's paranoia makes him an unrelaiable narrator, and the reader can't tell if his suspicions are true or not! It makes for a fun and exciting fic, a delightful little package of crack. Heee!

Mirror of Maybe by Midnight Blue
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Harry/Snape; R
author's summary: This fan-fiction involves the slash pairing of Harry Potter and Severus Snape
length: abandoned WIP at 21 chapters, quite a few words
setting: after book 4
s2m's comments: The official summary says nothing, so allow me. Harry is forever changed by his encounter with the Mirror of Maybe. With the information and experiences gleaned from the mirror, he's determined to defeat Voldemort and protect the people he loves. This story is incomplete and hasn't been updated in three years, but it's worth a read! Also consider this fic proof that a canon character as a Gary/Mary Sue can definitely work in the hands of a good writer. ^^V

Moment of Impact by suitesamba
genre; ship; rating: Drama; side canon ships; PG-13
author's summary: An accident the summer before 6th year puts Dumbledore's plans for Harry in motion sooner than planned. Will an unexpected truce with Snape better prepare Harry for what is to come? A Snape mentors Harry fic with all the regular players, a cottage by the sea, and the righting of past wrongs.
length: complete at 2 chapters, 107,471 words
setting: begins before book6, extending through book7, though see my comments below
s2m's comments: This fic is focused on Harry's healing from the opening scene's injury and learning hw to occlude. The Severitus relationship happens surprisingly quickly compared to similar fics. The sagas of books 6 & 7 are told in fast-pace summarization, not even in vignettes. We do see Voldie defeated, but this fic is truly about Harry and Severus' repaired relationship. A classic, and worth a read. It is the start of a series, but I have not read the sequels and don't plan to.

Muggle Studies by speculating
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Hermione/Lucius, Ginny/Draco; R off-screen torture
author's summary: After a year of litigation, Lucius Malfoy has a choice - a year in Azkaban to pay for his sins, or prove he's a changed man by passing third-year Muggle Studies, the new and improved version taught by none other than the esteemed Miss Granger. Even worse, his only son may be attracted to a Weasley. Oh, the horror.
length: complete at 25 chapters, 195,935 words
setting: a few years after book7, ignorning the epilogue
s2m's comments: The beginning of this one is a bit much, but all is later explained. ^^ I enjoyed watching Lucius' road to recovery, and his growing acceptance of Muggles in the world. Hermione is in fine form! I quite liked the glimpses of her classroom teachings. A solid fic with a satisfying ending.

Muggle-born Magic, A by Musyc
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Hermione/Draco; R
author's summary, shortened: Regency-era AU. Hermione Granger finds herself in need of a way to pay off her father's debts. Draco Malfoy finds himself in need of a tutor for his son, Scorpius, who appears to be incapable of magic and must learn to survive in a world without it. Draco also needs a wife and mother for Scorpius. As Hermione attempts to teach him about magical abilities no one expected he would ever have, she and Draco work together to raise Scorpius and learn to trust each other.
length: one-shot at 50,358 words
setting: Regency-era AU, with magic! Everyone is years out of Hogwarts, Scorpius is 7, Voldie or any war is never mentioned.
s2m's comments: Beautifully written! I just love imagining Hermione and Draco in period dress. (Too bad there wasn't a white-shirted swim scene, amirite??? Ha!) Anyway, this fic sucked me in. I do wish Hermione had used more magic, but then, this is a Rengency-era fic and women weren't taught to fight back. I love the hints of Draco's attraction to Hermione. :3 Scorpius is written quite well in this fic, particularly for a timid child, which can be hard to pull off. Good job, author! *salutes*

Mustard Seed by rinsbane
genre; ship; rating: Angst, Drama; Harry/Percy, Harry/Hermione/Ron, side Hermione/Ron, side Percy/Snape; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary, shortened: Harry�s an independent contractor for Gringotts, and he spends a lot of his time in Egypt. Which, really, is easier for Ron and Hermione as well as him. Percy works for Gringotts too, but he works in London, but the goblins keep sending him to Egypt. Bill used to work there, you know, before the war.
length: one-shot at 29,320 words
setting: covers all of Hogwarts to a few years post-fanon war
s2m's comments: This fic is written in a most unusual style, a "horse shoe". It starts in the middle of the story, goes backward in time, then switches POV in the oldest scene and moves forward again, eventually passing the fic's beginning point! It sounds confusing, but it really does work. :D But this fic would be worth reading even if it had a conventional format. It shows amazing character growth, amusing in-jokes, different kinds of intimacy and how they work, awkard relationships, and beautiful imagery! Very lovely, all-around. ^^

Nice Cup of Tea and a Lie Down by Bernice
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; PG
author's summary: Harry, Hagrid, Gen, humour, short.
length: one-shot at 1,325 words
setting: written before book 6
s2m's comments: asdfghjkl;!!1! *headdesk*

Nick in Time, A by Tira Nog
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; R
author's summary: Cautious Snape sleeps with his wand under his pillow and wakes to unexpected results.
s2m's more helpful summary: Harry and Snape cannot let their abusive childhoods and years of distrust and hate of each other go. Dumbledore meddles one more time from beyond the grave and reverts both men to their seven-year-old selves, down to their memories and knowledge. Together, the boys learn to trust and how to live without fear.
length: one-shot at 52,215 words
setting: Eight years after non-canon ending of Voldie, written after book 4
s2m's comments: Okay, so this story is amazing. Watching young Harry and Severus figure out their lives in this new place, and with people who love them, is incredibly touching. Young Severus in particular is very well-realized. This fic is a fandom classic and a must-read! Of particular note, this fic made me LIKE Ron, something next to impossible. *laughs* It does have a sequel, but I chose not to rec it. You'll find the link at the bottom of the fic's page.

Night-blooming Heartsease by Julad
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Neville/Snape; R
author's summary doesn't say anything about the actual plot, so...: Neville learns about a plant that could benefit the war effort, and suddenly finds himself herbologist for Snape, much to his terror and Snape's irritation. But times and trials can let a person better understanding of their companions.
length: one-shot at 31,903 words
setting: Neville is an adult, goes AU after book3
s2m's comments: This fic is difficult to stick with at first, because Neville is so helpless and afraid and not like how we're used to thinking of grown up!Neville, but just remember when this fic was written and stick it out. Watching this terrified Neville turn into the competent and heroic one we know is lovely. His changing relationship with Snape is very believable, too. Also beware of that opening quote at the top of the page. It's spoilery!

Nihil est ab Omni Parte Beatum by Seselt
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Hermione/Theodore Nott; PG-13
author's summary: Returning for her Eighth Year at Hogwarts, Hermione Granger discovers the school itself has different plans for her. *time-travel*
length: complete at 36 chapters, 107,649 words
setting: begins in September after the war ends
s2m's comments: A time travel fic of a different sort! I don't think I've ever seen a fic where the time travelers DON'T try to change the future! The rare pair romance is a nice slow build, and the mystery of how they were sent to the past and might be able to return to the future is engaging. A great read that I devoured in two days.

Nymphadora Tonks and the Liquor of Jacmel by SnorkackCatcher
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Suspense; Tonks/OMC, OFC/OMC; PG-13
author's summary: Newly qualified Auror Nymphadora Tonks puts her Metamorphmagus talents to good use on her first case when investigating the trade in a highly dangerous potion, while dealing with the complications caused by her very Black family history...
length: complete at 29 chapters, 286,277 words
setting: before book4
s2m's comments: This is a wonderfully complex and thought-out case!fic that could be canon. It's great to see Tonks in the lead character position! The cast of OCs is marvelous, and the occasional glimpse of the Golden Trio is fun to spot. The author lays some very believable groundwork for Tonks' entry into the Order of the Phoenix, and her future relationship with Lupin. A magnificent fic!

Top 10%!!1! Ohio State University Marching Band Performs their Hollywood Blockbuster Show, The by osumbvideo
read its full listing in the crossover section

Old Country by astolat
read its full listing in the crossover section

One Thousand Words by dracofiend
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; G
author's summary: AU. What is a picture worth?
length: one-shot at 6,158 words
setting: AU segment of book1
s2m's comments: Here is an intriguing one! A small change to canon affects Harry's first impression of Snape, and things unroll from there. C: I like how the author used the change, but did not let it make everything suddenly wonderful. You guys know I want my characters to work for it! Harry and Snape are definitely their canon selves, and the fic has a sad but fitting end.

Only True Lords, The by Lomonaaeren
genre; ship; rating: Drama; sort of Draco/Harry; R
author's summary: HPDM slash, eventually. Harry accidentally bonds several Slytherins, including Snape and Draco, with him as their Lord. It's going to be a long journey from putting his foot in it all the time to at least trying to be a good one.
length: complete at 63 chapters, 262,921 words
setting: splits from canon in book7 during Harry's final battle with Voldie
s2m's comments: Not even gonna lie: I have a thing for bonding fics. This fic hits all the right buttons for me, particularly with the LACK of romance. Yes, the author declares it's eventually Drarry, but the romance is very slight, but everything WORKS for me. What I particularly like about this fic is how it's focused on Harry and "his" Slytherins doing the best they can in a situation none of them asked for. Each character reacts differently, and it makes for fascinating reading. :D

Open Book, An by sssnakeling
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; G
author's summary: Harry cooperates better when he's given a little information.
length: one-shot at 4,006 words
setting: book5
s2m's comments: If only this fic were canon! XI I'm amazed how the author brought Harry and Severus to an understanding in less than 5k words. That is NOT easy! This is a very effective set of vignettes, with a lovely ending. I'd read 100k of this!!

Place for Warriors, A by owlsaway
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; R
author's summary: Snape and Harry are locked in the Room of Requirement by Dumbledore. Harry's magic works, and Snape's doesn't. Will they kill each other? In response to the 72-Hour Challenge.
length: complete at 28 chapters, 105,908 words
setting: mid-way through book5
s2m's comments: This fic has one of the most interesting psychologial character explorations I have ever read, in fanfic or professional prose. The reprocussions of Dumbledore's and Snape's actions--and their motivations for it--are completely fascinating. And let's not forget how Harry reacts upon learning it all!! DAMN.

Potio by Seeker
genre; ship; rating: Angst, Drama; Lockhart/Snape; NC-17, graphic sex, dub-con
author's summary: Lockhart finds out who he is, and Snape picks up the pieces.
length: one-shot at 11,056 words
setting: a couple weeks after book 2
s2m's comments: I started this as crack fic and ended up being impressed! The author has taken Lockhart's character in a direction I never would have expected. His relationship with Snape is sad and believable, and I hurt for both of them.

Practicing Liars by Lomonaaeren
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Draco/Harry; R
author's summary: HPDM preslash, Severitus, AU. Harry found out he's Snape's son in his fourth year, and concealed the truth from Snape. Now, in his sixth year, he's dodging Snape's suspicions about him and trying to figure out Draco Malfoy. Life is complicated.
length: complete at 50 chapters, 212,833 words
setting: A brief moment after book 4, then AU of book 6.
s2m's comments: This was my first fic where Snape really is Harry's biological father, and I enjoyed it very much! I do wish the author had lingered more on the effects of this knowledge, and the fallout from Harry's treatment by the Dursleys, but I still found the fic quite engrossing! This is a fun fic to read, with the occasional bit of darkness to keep you on your toes.

Reckless Frame of Mind, A by Lomonaaeren
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Suspense; Draco/Harry preslash; PG-13
author's summary: Draco is a PsycheDiver, and his newest patient is Auror Potter, who�s been a pathological liar for over a year�and has just tried to violently end his own life.
length: complete at 13 chapters, 54,065 words
setting: after Voldie's defeat, no spoilers for book7, not epilogue compliant
s2m's comments: Sometimes a fic just pushes all the right buttons, and this is one of them. The author has done an amazing job of exploring the ramifications of Harry being so ostracised and unwanted. Draco is more confident and cut-throat than I am used to reading in Drarry fics, but it works with the context. Be cautious of reading this one if your mind is in a fagile place. This is definitely dark!fic.

Determined Frame of Mind, A by Lomon
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance, Suspense; Draco/Harry; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary: Draco and Harry now face the might of the Ministry in an attempt to discover who cast the Cassandra Curse on Harry. Add in Harry�s trust problems, and it�s a good thing Draco�s confident.
length: complete 24 chapters, 101,603 words
setting: a few days after the end of the previous fic
s2m's comments: A worthy sequel! This fic delivers the payoff from the first fic: the solution to the curse, Harry's various ruined relationships, and of course his developing love with Draco. :3 This one isn't as psychologically dark as the prequel, though Draco can be very ruthless in it.

Resonance by GreenGecko
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Drama; ships are spoilery: Tonks/Harry, FOC/Severus; PG-13
author's summary: Year six and Harry needs rescuing by Dumbledore and Snape. The resulting understanding between Harry and Snape is critical to destroying Voldemort and leads to an offer of adoption. Covers year seven and Auror training. Sequel is Revolution.
length: complete at 79 chapters, 528,272 words
setting: As told by the summary, AU starting with Harry's sixth year
s2m's comments: This fic is a classic in HP fandom, and I believe it is well-deserved. It's one of (if not THE) first Snape-adopts-Harry stories, and has been the inspiration for many authors. This fic isn't just focused on the central plot, but takes the time to explore the various aspects and events of Harry's day-to-day life and the resulting fallout of his significant achievements. A very good read, I was never bored!

Revolution by GreenGecko
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Drama; ships are spoilery: FOC/Severus; PG-13
author's summary: Sequel to Resonance. (Highlight to read)Harry continues his Auror training and begins a journey of mastering his unusual and growing powers. Harry, with the help of his adoptive father, is finally making his own way, but fate and prophecy are never completely absent.
length: complete at 41 chapters, 397,328 words
setting: picks up immediately after Resonance ends
s2m's comments: A sqeuel that lives up to its predecessor! It's amazing to see plot bits GreenGecko laid out early in Resonance come to their full potential here! One of the things I enjoy most about this series is Harry's growth in maturity and physical form. It's lovely to see him becoming a man! Even though he does still stumble, on occasoin. X3

Top 10%!!1! Resolution by GreenGecko
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Drama; ships are spoilery: FOC/Harry, FOC/Severus; R, graphic violence
author's summary: Sequel to Resonance and Revolution. (Highlight to read) Harry enters his second year as an Auror Apprentice. Snape's wedding looms, and Harry's odd new powers mature, creating mayhem, perilous temptations, and opportunities to gain real wisdom.
length: abandoned WIP at 83 chapters, 787,878 words
setting: immediately after Revolution
s2m's comments: This third installment of GreenGecko's Resonance series is so good that at one point, I actually forgot to breathe. Her evil characters are truly evil, not in that cool badass way, but in that psychotoc machiavellian something-is-WRONG-with-this-person way. I can't decide to be happy that it's a WIP (yay, more to read!!) or frustrated (nooo, I want to finish it NOW!!!) Either way, I am very glad GreenGecko still updates! This epicly epic fic series is magnificent. I im in awe. O=

Secret of Slytherin, The by Kirinin
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: Before Harry's sixth year, he never thought a great deal about how wizards Sort others: by blood, by allegiance, and by House. When those strictures begin to crumble, Harry must find his own way without relying on prejudice or presumption, aided by Severus Snape, Remus Lupin, and an increasingly enigmatic Draco Malfoy.
length: complete at 52 chapters, 174,036 words
setting: starts after book5, ignoring all later canon
s2m's comments: This is a tricksy fic, which is a big part of why I enjoyed it. The author took some unusual turns with the usual HP ficcing fanon and gives us an intriguing drama about family and friendship. (I know Harry seems rather off for the summer after his fifth year, but keep reading. *eyebrow waggle*) The various (gen!) relationships between everyone are truly engaging. You might want to skip the A/N at the beginning and ending of each chapter, the author does tend to go on. Also the fic has a surprisingly large number of canon errors. I hope you can overlook them, as the rest of the story is worth it. :D

Geas of Gryffindor by Kirinin
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Drama; none; R torture
author's summary: When Harry disrupts the spell to retrieve Sirius from the Veil, Ron and Draco find themselves in the middle of an ongoing war, forced to scramble and strategize as only they can. Elsewhere/when, Albus Dumbledore falls from the Astronomy Tower, Severus Snape is at wit's end, and a desperate Draco Malfoy receives help from an unlikely source. In other words, TAKE THAT, CANON.
length: WIP at 26 chapters, 157,066 words
setting: immediately after the prequel above
s2m's comments: This fic starts with a shock, as we completely change fic types from friendship-AU to canon fix-it for books 6 and 7. I admit, it took a couple chapters for me to accept the shift and become engrossed in the new plot, but I did! This one is a different tale of canon fix-it, as the author doesn't follow the usual path. ^^ Also the author handles doubles of three characters well!!! That must be incredibly difficult. An enjoyable story!

Secrets by Vorabiza
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; Draco/Harry; NC-17, graphic sex
author's summary: Beginning with Draco's unexpected arrival at the Dursleys, Harry's summer after sixth year becomes filled with activity and many secrets. As his summer progresses, Harry generates several unexpected allies as he finds himself actively becoming the leader of the Light side. H/D post-HBP
length: complete at 62 chapters, 411,189 words
setting: AU early in the summer after book 6
s2m's comments: This fic is nicely balanced between Harry and Draco's romance and the defeat of Voldemort. I did rather like Vorabiza's badass version of Harry, and particularly how she used the twins! A very fast-paced fic. Not my favorite Drarry, but definitely worth a read. The syntax hasn't aged well, compared with the sophistication to be found in more recent HP fics.

Severus Snape and the Ghost-Written Romance by Cluegirl
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Draco/Harry, Harry/Snape; NC-17
author's summary: HP/DM, HP/SS, Romance, Adventure, Angst, Comedy. A tribute to Cyrano De Bergerac
length: complete 5 chapters, 63,637 words
setting: AU after book 5, fic begins when Harry is 22 years old
s2m's comments: This fic made me truly ache for Snape. He has been my favorite HP character since I read book 1 so many years ago, and this story really emphasizes the reasons why I admire him so much. The author has a distinctive writing style that implies rather than states. To fully grasp events, you need to concentrate on every word and interpret it. A welcome change from the usual "this happens and this and then this and this" fic norm. ^^

SeVeRuS SnApE FaN cLuB, ThE by AcquittedForLife
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; PG-13
author's summary: Harry gets tired of Snape making digs at his fame, so he decides to get even. Not a Slash. Occasional references of abuse.
length: stalled WIP at 12 chapters, 13,405 words
setting: AU in book2
s2m's comments: I read this fic as crack, and ended up laughing so much, and even being moved by later chapters, so I just had to rec it. Just go along with the beginning and prepare yourself to laugh. XD

Simply Potterific by Kt Shy and Shagster
genre; ship; rating: Comedy fan comic; a little Hermione/Draco; PG
author's summary: a series of fan comics
length: complete at 25 pages
setting: books 1-6
s2m's comments: Hilarious and well-drawn! I like how the artist used various styles in drawing and coloring. ^^ My personal fave is the mini Dramoine arc. Heeee! X3

Sins of the Fathers by blamebrampton
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Albus Potter/Scorpius; PG-13
author's summary doesn't exist, so...: Scorpius Malfoy loves his father, and flying, and the friends he makes at school. He tries to do his best by everyone, and be a good person worthy of their respect.
length: complete at 4 chapters, 38,457 words
setting: after book7, begins epilogue compliant
s2m's comments: Next-Gen fic has no interest for me, but this fic's inclusion of the regular HP cast--specifically Harry and Draco--decided me to try it. I found a beautifully written story about children finding friends and growing up, and adults mending fences and trying to keep their children out of too much trouble. A lovely tale!

Fathers, Who Could Do with a Spot of Sinning by blamebrampton
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Draco/Harry; PG-13
author's summary: After their sons fall in large amounts of teenaged love at school, Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter decide it's finally time to talk like adults about their own ties to each other. If only they could. Meanwhile, events of national importance conspire to distract them.
length: complete at 5 chapters, 64,876 words
setting: after the previous fic
s2m's comments: This fic lives up to its previous installment! It's nice to read a fic where adults think and act like adults...mostly. ^^ The terrorist plot plays a much larger role in the fic than the summary implies, and it intricate and well-thought out! This author is very good at writing engaging OCs, too.

Slave Child by Kristen Hudson
genre; ship; rating: Angst, Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: A duel with Draco leads to drastic and permanent consequences for both Harry and Severus.
length: abandoned WIP at 79 chapters, 277,351 words
setting: after book 5
s2m's comments: This fic packs a real punch! This one is part of my beloved Mentor!Snape collection. But definitely don't read if you're looking for something happy. O.o I stopped reading around chapter 35, as her emo!Harry and comforting!Snape were getting a bit too much for me. I still rec the fic, though!

Snape: The Home Fries Nazi by pir8fancier
genre; ship; rating: Angst, Drama; Harry/Snape; NC-17, graphic sex
author's summary: In the aftermath of Harry's defeat of Voldemort, all Death Eaters lose their magic. Snape decamps to the United States, where he works as a short order cook in a diner. Harry seeks him out to ask for advice.
length: one-shot at 27,808 words
setting: AU after book 6, several years after the non-canon defeat of Voldemort
s2m's comments: The moment I saw this fic described as "Snape is a fry cook in Arizona", I had to read it for the sheer crack potential. I was pleasantly surprised to find a thoughtful, deep, and angst-filled Snarry fic that makes me want to hug them both. Even if you don't care for Snape/Harry, I highly recommend this one.

So close by halfbloodprincess21
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG
author's summary: Overhearing Harry by chance on his final evening patrol of the year leads Snape and Harry down an entirely unexpected path.
length: complete at 37 chapters, 226,229 words
setting: begins at ending of book 3, canon compliant with Snape's backstory and horcruxes
s2m's comments: I do love my mentor!Snape stories, and this one is another excellent example. The fic covers the summer before and the first half of book 4, a timing that is unusual in this genre. I rather like how the author is writing around canon, expertly leaving what we know of the actual books to remain unsaid but definitely working behind the scenes. Good stuff! I particularly liked the final chapter, but then, I do have a disctint UN-fondness for a certain popular character. :P~~~ The fic's beginning is a bit fast, but things slow down a few chapters in. This author has a surprising number of SPAG errors for such great plotting and characterization, but the usual dislaimer for my recs applies.

Starts With a Spin by Maxine
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Comedy, Romance; Draco/Harry; NC-17, graphic sex
author's summary: It started with the spin of a bottle, and now Harry and Draco have gotten themselves so far into their own game there's almost no way out again. Except to keep playing.
length: complete at 17 chapters, 129,968 words
setting: after book 5
s2m's comments: Hmmm...I've read a lot of Harry/Draco, and this fic was different from what I've learned to expect. It starts off with a bang, becomes a bit meh in the middle, then has a BOOOOM ending that is only slightly rushed. I admit, the ending is what cinched the fic's inclusion here. Nice. ^^ That, and the comedy. It's good to see some strong comedy!

Sticky Fingers by dustmouth
genre; ship; rating: Romance; Draco/Harry; PG
author's summary: 8th year is going just fine until Malfoy starts practising his sticking charms.
length: fan comic with about 100 panels
setting: Their eigth year, back at Hogwarts after Voldie's defeat
s2m's comments: I love how many different ways writers can finagle Harry and Draco together! This one is simple but very effective. A poignant comic that shows their developing affection very well! A picture is indeed worth a thousand words. C: The art is unusual, but very emotive!

Straightaway Dangerous by zeitgeistic (faire_weather)
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Hermione/Draco, side Luna/Harry; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary: During the final battle, an unexpected insult sends Fenrir Greyback on a rampage, changing 39 people into werewolves. He should've known better than to make Hermione one of that number. Includes werewolf living and culture, Draco�s questionable morals, Hermione�s questionable life choices, and unrequited bromance (well, it�s requited a bit, but don�t tell Potter that).
length: abandoned WIP at 6 chapters, 45,817 words
setting: after AU ending to Battle of Hogwarts
s2m's comments: Here is a new iteration of one of my fave ships! I quite like how the author has worked in some additional traits of being a werewolf affecting a person while still in their human forms. And I love how Draco is part of the team now. Surprise case!fic, too! There's some fantastic worldbuilding, and celebrities turned werewolves make for some interesting plot development. Let us hope for an update soon!

Top 10%!!1! Sucker Punch by riptey
genre; ship; rating: (dark) Comedy, Drama; Hermione/Draco; R
author's summary, definitely shortened by s2m: Sometimes you want to punch somebody. Other times, you're the one getting hit. Hermione Granger accidentally invites Draco Malfoy to live on her couch indefinitely, but at least she's got his wand. She's struggling to hang onto her sanity and pleasant disposition, despite those nasty thoughts that keep popping into her head, but he's already given up on his. Everyone's so buried in lies that they might as well just forget about the whole concept of truth.
length: complete at 16 chapters, 80,922 words
setting: ten years after book7, not epilogue compliant--except Harry did marry Ginny
s2m's comments: Never have I read a story that so-well portrays what it could be like to go insane. Put on your thinking caps for this one, gentle readers, because to fully appreciate the brilliance of this fic, you have to pay attention. Dialogue is a wonderful thing in the hands of a talented author. Oh, YES. *swoon*

Top 10%!!1! Sum of Their Parts, The by holdmybeer
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; none; R torture
author's summary: For Teddy Lupin, Harry Potter would become a Dark Lord. For Teddy Lupin, Harry Potter would take down the Ministry or die trying. He should have known that Hermione and Ron wouldn't let him do it alone.
length: complete at 11 chapters, 138,205 words
setting: begins a few months after Voldie's canon defeat
s2m's comments: Daaaamn! It's not often that a fic blows me away, but this one did--and it did so with dark glee. Harry's decision to overthrow the Ministry to protect Teddy is understandable, and watching it happen was truly an experience. Writing a story like this must be so difficult...walking a narrow line to turn the hero into a villain without making us hate him. I am in AWE.

Summer Like None Other, A by Aspeninthesunlight
read its full listing under its prequel, Year Like None Other, A

Survival of the Species by roma_fics
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Drama; Draco/Harry, Albus/Scorpius; NC-17, graphic sex, dub-con, mpreg
author's summary: Draco approaches Harry on the 9� platform, after their sons have boarded the Hogwarts Express, and invites him over for tea. The discussion they have leads them on an adventure that neither could have expected.
length: complete at 6 chapters, 48,737 words
setting: after book7, begins epilogue compliant
s2m's comments: Veela!Draco is hardly new, but rather than using it for the usual reasons (OOC flirting, crazed stampedes through Hogwarts in pursuit of the Veela, etc), the author combines it with Draco's equally unusual choice of career. They've written a gripping epic about life in isolation and harsh conditions. A very interesting take on the Veela trope.

Switched Chance, A by LunaStorm
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; G
author's summary: In which Hermione attempts a time-travelling ritual without due preparation and Harry happily goes along for the ride, and both have to cope with living their best friend's life.
length: WIP at 14 chapters, 116,174 words
setting: AU halfway through book 7
s2m's comments: This fic has a thin beginning, but I kept reading and was swept up by the story! I'm impressed with how the author is handling Harry and Hermione's body switches, and the whole battle against Voldie, and how their foreknowledge changes and doesn't change what we know is coming. Fascinating! I hope the author updates soon. :D

Symmetrical Transit, The by Sage
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Hermione/Draco; NC-17, graphic sex
author's summary: Draco believed the world was screwed up because a lack of balance. Everything in the world had its equal parts -- love, hate; right, left; sun, moon -- but no one ever grew up with these parts in the same proportion, which made them off. People were either forced to live discordant, or they were lucky enough to find that balance through someone else.
length: abandoned WIP at 6 chapters, 35,351 words
setting: after book 6
s2m's comments: Sage's first Draco/Hermione fic, like Fallout above, is gut-wrenchingly powerful. It does ring similar to the other fic, but only in the first couple chapters. This fic was written in 2007, and the author is posting it to Granger Enchanted after a new beta. The complete original fic IS available here on LiveJournal. To read it on LJ you need to join the community per its rules on the profile page. Yes, it takes some effort, but after being seduced by the 5 chapters at Granger Enchanted, I pursued the rest on LJ. The song and dance required is definitely worth it. GUH.

Take These Lies by white_serpent
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Draco/Harry; NC-17 dub-con
author's summary, shortened: Repeatedly rejected by the Auror training programme, Draco Malfoy attempts an unorthodox method of gaining admission.
length: one-shot at 34,324 words
setting: a few years after the end of the war, ignoring the epilogue
s2m's comments: Here's a page-turner! :D I love Draco's determination to become an auror, even if he has to change his identity to do it. *nods* As always, I enjoy watching the friendship form between Draco and the Golden Trio. Hermione in particular is quite brilliant in this fic! And Luna. Gotta love Luna! XD Also surprise case!fic. ^^V The romance is enjoyable, if painful in the lies. But fear not--there's a happy ending! Yay!

Tea and No Sympathy by who_la_hoop
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Draco/Harry; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary, shortened: It's Potter's fault, of course, that Draco finds himself trapped in the same twenty-four-hour period, repeating itself over and over again. At first, the time loop seems liberating. He can do anything, say anything, be anything, without consequence. But the more Draco repeats the day, the more he realises he's falling head over heels for the speccy git. And suddenly, the time loop feels like a trap. For how can he ever get Harry to love him back when time is, quite literally, against him?
length: complete at 11 chapters, 70,045 words
setting: about a year after the end of the war
s2m's comments: This fic contains three of my favorite things: time travel, a person maturing beyond their shortcomings, and Drarry. You know I loves me some Drarry. :9 I liked the author's take on the classic Groundhog Day trope, as she breaks Draco out of his routine and shows him learning to be a better person. It's all natural and believable, and I so adore the little hints that Harry is not immune to Draco's presence. *happy sigh* And the little owl steals the show! <3

Top 10%!!1! There May Be Some Collateral Damage by metisket
read its full listing in the crossover section

This Boy's Life by pir8fancier
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Harry/Snape; NC-17, graphic sex
author's summary: Snape is Scheherazade.
length: one-shot at 26,919 words
setting: two years after Voldie's defeat, written after book 6
s2m's comments: This fic is a character study for Snape and Harry and their changing relationship. This one is purely for Snape fans, as he is his acerbic self, in all his snarky glory.

Thousand Beautiful Things, A by Duinn Fionn
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Draco/Harry; R
author's summary: Draco Malfy struggles with changed fortunes, shifted alliances, an ugly war, and an unusual spell, with the help of a concerned professor, an insightful house-elf, and an unexpected Gryffindor friend. HP/DM
length: complete at 9 chapters, 108,033 words
setting: begins in book 5
s2m's comments: This fic, like almost all my HP recs, was highly praised by people whose taste I trust, and they proved themselves right once again. Told 75% from Draco's POV, the author explores Draco's character and shows us how he learns to think for himself and escape his father's dark expectations. Draco's changes and his eventual relationship with Harry are different from the Drarry fic norm. I particularly enjoyed the friendship that grows between Draco and Dean. Draco's situation in this story could easily turn boring and repetetive, but the author kept things well in-hand and created a gripping character-driven drama. *thumbs up*

Delicate Sound of Thunder by Duinn Fionn
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Draco/Harry; R
author's summary: Draco knows that happily ever after is for fairy tales. When someone threatens to expose his wartime past, he risks his life to protect his secrets, but learns he's not the only one with something to hide.
length: complete at 6 chapters, 61,768 words
setting: about a year after A Thousand Beautiful Things
s2m's comments: And enjoyable sequel, with amusing bits of comedy and some delightful angst. I was pleased to see how much of the story was told by the amusing MOC in the previous fic. I like him. :3

Tissue of Silver by Fearless Diva
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Draco/Harry; R, dub-con
author's summary: A love story concerning possessed furniture, black silk pyjamas, courtroom drama, premonitions of doom, assassination attempts, Death Eater yoga, absinthe, bare feet and a sensible werewolf.
length: one-shot at 76,324 words
setting: after book 4
s2m's comments: A classic for a reason, this fic avoids the traits I've become familiar with in regards to classic Drarry. It has a satisfying murder mystery, balanced with just the right amount of comic relief, and that oh-so-delicious UST to keep you reading. *wink* This fic has epistolary introductions to each section, and they truly add to the enjoyment of the story. An excellent read! There are several accompanying fics beyond what I've recced. Click the link at the bottom of the fic's page to access them.

To Shape and Change by Blueowl
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Drama; briefly mentioned Luna/Harry; R
author's summary: Snape goes back in time, holding the knowledge of what is to come if he fails. No longer holding a grudge, he seeks to shape Harry into the greatest wizard of all time, starting on the day Hagrid took Harry to Diagon Alley. No Horcruxes.
length: complete at 34 chapters, 232,332 words
setting: AU of book1+ after fanon ending of the war (it's time travel, after all!)
s2m's comments: This fic managed to surprise me several times, and when it comes to HP, that's difficult to do! Harry does have much more power here than in canon, but the author sets it up believably. An enjoyable saga, with an epilogue I actually liked. C: The final third is somewhat rushed, but still worth reading!

Transfigurations by Resonant
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Draco/Harry; R
author's summary: Five years after Voldemort's defeat, Harry returns to England to help re-open Hogwarts.
length: complete at 17 chapters, 71,284 words (note: it's posted as one giant single-chapter chunk at AO3)
setting: AU after book4 and fanon defeat of Voldie
s2m's comments: Another classic that has held up well! To be fair, some of the differences from canon can be jarring (It's not Weasley's Wizard Wheezes but Weasley and Weasley, Inc), but they are minor when compared to the overall story. C: It's fun to see so many characters we know as teachers at Hogwarts, and of course I love a good Drarry! But the focus on this fic isn't the romance so much as the mystery surrounding strange random curses being cast at Hogwarts' inhabitants. It's surprise!case fic! XD Well-written and engaging. My only quibble is that I wish we could have seen more of Harry's trials as the new Transfigurations prof. XD Also yay for awesome American OCs! (Don't worry, they're very much side characters. But still awesome! :D)

Trials of Affliction and Light Sleeping by Padfoot the Marauder
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Hermione/Draco, Harry/Draco; NC-17, graphic sex
author's summary: Draco discovers that he is part Veela. The odd thing is that Veelas are only supposed to be female. This little fact wouldn�t be bound to bring along some peculiar side effects during mating season, now would it?
length: complete at 16 chapters, 44,557 words
setting: goes AU after book 5
s2m's comments: This author is ESL, and it shows, but the fic is so completely hilarious that I have to rec it anyway. The side-effects of being the first male Veela had me in stitches! The changing emotions in the fic do seem a little out of left field, but they still worked for me. I can even forgive the author that typical error when it comes to virgin!sex, because the rest of the fic is so enjoyable! Don't take this one too seriously, and prepare to laugh. A lot. XD Click on "next" near the top of the page to advance through the story.

Two Body Problem, The by Tozette
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG
author's summary: Ginny made a thin, distressed sound. �I... Look, I promised Tom I wouldn�t let him be handed in,� she said in a small voice. �Well, if he�s going to go around petrifying people, I don�t see much reason why people ought to keep their promises to him,� said Hermione crossly. [Hermione gets the diary. Things go differently from there.]
length: complete at 8 chapters, 25,502 words
setting: AU of book 2
s2m's comments: It takes skill to walk that delicate tightrope of turning a benevolent character more than a bit gray, and Tozette does it beautifully. The fic lays believable groundwork for a future Dark Lord!Hermione. It's fascinating to watch her dialouge with the diary, and how Tom influences her to choose to step off the path of righteousness, just a bit. Excellently done!

Top 10%!!1! Wand and Shield by Morta's Priest
read its full listing in the crossover section

Well Groomed Mind, The by Lady Khali
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: On Halloween 1994, Harry learns his mind isn't his own. On Samhain morn, he vows to question everything. Armed with logic and an unlikely ally, Harry makes a last ditch bid to reclaim his life. The goal: survive at all costs.
length: WIP at 28 chapters, 186,601 words
setting: splits from canon in book 4
s2m's comments: This fic is a mind-bending deconstruction of HP characterization and canon--which began as a writing exercise by the author to find logical reasons for canon's inconsistencies. Go along with the big life-changing reveal in the first chapter and watch the Wizarding World sent spinning. It is VERY interesting to see how those inconsistencies can be made to make sense, along with some logic and a dose of realism. This fic is NOT kind to anyone, and it could be a bucket of cold water to those who have never encountered such a dark take on things before. I found it a fascinating angle, and very much outside the box!

Top 10%!!1! Year Like None Other, A by Aspeninthesunlight
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; NC-17, torture in two or three chapters
author's summary: It all started with a letter from home and family. Except, Harry doesn't really have either, does he? He's about to get them. A Snape-adopts-Harry story providing an alternate 6th year.
length: complete epic at 97 chapters, 762,567 words
setting: after book 5
s2m's comments: If all fanfic were this good, I'd never need to buy a normal book again. I can't express how amazing this fic is. I laughed, I cried, I squirmed, I hid under my desk, I hoped, and I profoundly thanked the random person who recced it to an LJ comm. *tears of joy*

Summer Like None Other, A by Aspeninthesunlight
genre; ship; rating: Drama; OFC/Draco; R
author's summary: Family isn't everything, as Harry, Snape, and Draco discover in this sequel to A Year Like None Other. How will a mysterious mirror and a surprising new relationship affect a father and his two sons?
length: complete epic at 24 chapters, 225,007 words
setting: after book 5
s2m's comments: A sequel worthy of the original!

Family Like None Other, A by Aspeninthesunlight
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Luna/Harry; R
author's summary: Third story in the "Like None Other" universe. During his final year at Hogwarts, relationships will splinter as Harry confronts secrets long-buried and faces the greatest challenge of them all.
length: stalled WIP at 43 chapters, 412,484 words
setting: AU after book 5
s2m's comments: This pretty much sums up my opinion: XD Some of the groundwork laid in AYLNO comes to fruit here!

Year's Teptation, A by Lomonaaeren
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Draco/Harry; NC-17, graphic sex, dub-con
author's summary: DMHP slash, post War, post Hogwarts. Draco isn't pleased to discover he's a Veela at twenty four, especially since both he and Harry are married to other people. Harry proposes a compromise that might work, or might make things monumentally worse.
length: complete at 12 chapters, 122,448 words
setting: a few years after Voldie's defeat, written before book7 was released
s2m's comments: I'm continuously surprised by the different interpretations of veela!Draco, and this fic has yet another. This is a darker take, and I have to feel sympathy for Draco, Harry, and Ginny, too. What can you do in that type of situation? Yeek. Lomonaaeren gives us yet another solid fic, a joy to read with an engaging plot and smokin' sex scenes. :3

Years That Walk Between, The by Femme
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Draco/Harry, Draco/Snape, NC-17, graphic sex
author's summary: Draco finds his way after the war.
length: complete at 2 parts, 15,800 words
setting: mildly AU in book7, extending 25 years or so beyond
s2m's comments: This fic is beautiful in its emotional scope as Draco tries to deal with the loss of Snape. His friendship with Harry--only for the sake of their sons, and at Potter's behest--growing into more is delightful to watch unfold. I prefer Snape as a father figure to Draco, rather than a lover, but with this fic, I can accept it gladly.

Yet Another Snape Meets the Dursleys Story by rabbit and -v-Jinx-v
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Drama; none; G
author's summary: When Snape is called to the Dursleys' by an urgent message, he does not find what he expects to find.
length: complete at 30 chapters, 78,386 words
setting: after book 4
s2m's comments: The title may be rather plain, but the story definitely is not! Very gripping, and only made more so since there's no dashing, perfect heroics in this fic. Things do not go as planned, no one saves the day, and poor Snape is just trying to fulfill his promise to Lily. Well-written and with an intriguing glimpse of Snape's past. (And who doesn't want to see the Dursleys get what they deserve?)

You Can't Always Get What You Want by tambrathegreat
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; Hermione/Harry, Hannah A./Ron; R, off-screen rape
author's summary, shortened: Dumbledore knows he made a hash of two men's lives. Harry is miserable as his life falls apart and Snape refuses to talk to Albus in the afterlife. On a New Year's eve night Albus attempts to meddle one more time to correct his past mistakes.
length: WIP at 13 chapters, 53,866 words
setting: starts after the epilogue, then goes back to the middle of book 7
s2m's comments: I'm always ready for a good fix it fic, and this one delivers! It really plays havoc with canon events, and when that means book7, it is just fiiine with me. ^^V The fic proposes a very intriuging what-if. Things are definitely not perfect, and end up worse in some ways than they did in canon. Very engrossing!! The author has solid writing skills and a wide vocabulary. I actually had to look up several words, and that almost never happens. :D

Hikaru no Go

All the Pieces by metisket
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; PG
author's summary: Waya got a phone call from Touya Akira on Monday. Looking back on it, that was clearly the point at which he should have given up on the week.
s2m's more descriptive summary: Waya is tasked by Touya to babysit Hikaru for a week during the spring. This is not an easy task.
length: one-shot at 5,415 words
setting: four years after canon
s2m's comments: This fun fic gives us a perpetually frustrated outsider view as Waya sticks to Hikaru like glue, all for the sake of protecting the future of Go. It is interesting to see Hikaru from an outsider's POV--he really can be grating and obnoxious. The dilaogue is particularly delightful, as Hikaru dodges questions about Sai and the exact nature of his relationship with Touya, and pretty much drives Waya crazy. A fun read, and just as enjoyable when I read it a second time! :D

Bloodstone by Nataku
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: If there are ghosts in the Hikaru no Go universe, might there not also be vampires?
length: one-shot at 21,259 words
setting: The boys are 17. Author says set after volume 19/ep 65+.
s2m's comments: I've managed to (mostly) avoid reading the cliche of vampire!fic, but even I can tell this fic handles things differently. It went in a direction I did not expect, and what I thought would be a light amusement turned into an enjoyable read! So yes, my very first HikaGo rec is for vampire!fic. What can I say? *sheepish grin*

Inertia by rageprufrock
genre; ship; rating: Drama; FOC/Akira, Akira/Hikaru; R
author's summary: Touya has always been a quiet, mature child.
length: one-shot at 11,060 words
setting: after canon, the guys are 22
s2m's comments: This fic has an unusual take on Akira's character, and uses it to great effect. The story told is powerful because of its pain, with a satisfying ending. Also it contains one of the few instances of kid!fic that I don't mind at all.

Rumour Mill, The by harukami
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Akira/Hikaru; R
author's summary can't be found, so I wrote one: An interview makes Hikaru realize people are seeing his rivalry as more than simple rivalry, and he expresses his feelings about that with much flailing, foot-in-mouth, and confusion.
length: one-shot at 7,001 words
setting: two years after the series ends
s2m's comments: "OMG I'm not gay but I really am" is an old trope, but this fic keeps it fun and light. I enjoyed every minute. I'd love to see Akira's new look, too! *swoon*

His Dark Materials

Top 10%!!1! Republic of Heaven Series, The by Blind_Author
read its full listing in the crossover section

Hobbit, The

Clarity of Vision series, The by Mithen
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; Bilbo/Thorin, side Arwen/Aragorn, very much side Gimli/Legolas; PG
author's summary: for the entire series doesn't exist, so...
s2m's more descriptive summary: In a Middle-Earth where Erebor never fell, Bilbo meets Fili, Kili, and Thorin in Bree. He finds himself swept up in a very un-Hobbit-like adventure, and then into a quest to destroy the One Ring. To make things even more unsettling, there is his relationship (or lack, thereof) with Thorin. What's a respectable hobbit to do?
length: complete at 5 fics, 205,477 words
setting: AU from before The Hobbit begins, extending through the end of the LotR plot
s2m's comments: A lovely mix of adventure, drama, and a bit of comedy, this AU is quite a feat! I've never read a Tolkien AU that plays so much merry havoc with canon while still remaining true to the tale of the One Ring. A very satisfying read. C: Surprisingly, the romance here is quite low key. The focus of the story are the events around Thorin's throne and the Ring.

101 of Dwarven Haircare: Combs, Razors and Other Scary Stories by jeza_red
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Drama; vaugely Bilbo/Thorin; PG
author's summary: Dwarf hair is different, okay? Cultural shock and confusion with strangely funny results. Also a thread of understanding between two confused parties and a little comb that is more precious than whole Erebor.
length: complete at 9 chapters, 23,784 words
setting: begins after the eagle rescue, book or movies canon
s2m's comments: This fic is hilarious, charming, creative, giggle-worthy, and touching. I quite enjoyed it! I just love it when an author creates something outside the box and runs with it. C: It does have a high number of SPaG errors for this level of writing, alas. It's still worth reading, though!

Top 10%!!1! Shot in the Dark, A by Silver_pup
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; Bilbo/Thorin; PG-13
author's summary: When he opens his eyes again, he finds himself in his old bed in his old home in his old body. Is this death? Or a trick of magic? Either way, Bilbo recognizes a second chance when he sees one, and this time his adventure with Thorin is going to go a bit differently.
length: complete at 50 chapters, 213,188 words
setting: after movieverse canon, but back at the beginning *wink*
s2m's comments: A friend praised this fic widely, and I can see why. The obvious reason this fic is so enjoyable is it's time travel fix-it of the finest order: everyone lives, and it's a happy ending! :D The subtle reason that I, personally, enjoyed it so much is for the characterizations. The author spends time on every Dwarf in the company, giving each one their own personality, quirks, and drives. It is truly an amazing piece of writing, and the big reason I must include this fic in my top 10%. I also admire the author's courage in tossing canon timeline out the window and letting changed events ripple out in a glorious butterfly effect. HELL YEAH. I must saulte Silver_pup, b/c DAMN. *salutes* And yes, the romance is good, too! XD It's just the fic has so much else that's remarkable, and so rare to find! *flails*

Something Blue by Lapin
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Bilbo/Thorin; R
author's summary: Thorin marries Bilbo after the Battle of Five Armies, a marriage of convenience, not love. Slowly, they must come to make the best of it, Bilbo resolves. After all, he's a Hobbit. They make the best of things.
length: complete at 5 chapters, 34,026 words
setting: after the war and Smaug's defeat
s2m's comments: I enjoy a good marriage of convenience fic, and this one fits the bill! Well-written with just the right amount of detail and expansion beyond the romance. C: It is the 2nd fic in a short series, but I read only this half of the series and enjoyed it just fine.

Unexpected Addition, An by karategal
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Bilbo/Thorin; PG-13
author's summary: All of the dwarves survive the Battle of the Five Armies, but Bilbo must return to the Shire to sort out his old life and make way for a new one in Erebor. Over one year later, Bilbo comes back to the Lonely Mountain with a recently orphaned Frodo. King Thorin isn't quite sure what to make of this new, tiny addition to his Company.
length: complete at 32 chapters, 87,630 words
setting: movieverse, begins two years after a fanon ending to the trilogy
s2m's comments: A little courtship, a little mystery, a little adventure, and a healthy dose of romance and relationship make this somewhat quiet fic an engrossing read! I enjoyed all of it, even after the mystery was solved! Some delightful OCs round out the full cast of the original dwarfin company, as this author doesn't chose to only focus on the cute ones. My only quibble about the fic is that the author states Fili and Kili are in their dwarvish-teens, but to me they act like 8 year olds. If you're looking for some lengthy fluff with a little meat hidden inside, here you go! C:

Honey and Clover

Cake by canis_m
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; Ayu/Nomiya; G
author's summary: Ayumi and Nomiya, making it work on Christmas Eve.
length: one-shot at 1,395 words
setting: after the series
s2m's comments: Nomiya was pretty much my fave character in Honey, and I did end up shipping him with Ayu somethin' fierce. ^^ This fic made me giggle and outright crack up! Very amusing, I must say.

Chapter Two by anime_babble
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Ayu/Nomiya; G
author's summary: The heart beats on and will not stop.
length: one-shot at 776 words
setting: towards the end of the series
s2m's comments: A sweet and poignant fic that shows the changes in Ayu over the course of a month, after Nomiya tells her he loves her. I want to hug both of them at the end! *sniffles*

Howl's Moving Castle

Top 10%!!1! Woman True and Fair, A by The S
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Sophie/Howl; PG
author's summary: What might Howl's Moving Castle have been like if the 3rd person narration had been biased toward Howl's point of view instead of Sophie's? This is an exercise in what if.
length: abandoned WIP at 26 chapters, 118,323 words
setting: begins in chapter 4 of the book
s2m's comments: This fic gives us amazing insight into the book as seen by Howl, including missing scenes that we can only imagine from canon. ^^ The author's insider knowledge of Welsh gives new depth to Howl's POV--it's really fascinating! Be sure to read her notes! Also I found it helpful to review each chapter from the book before reading the relevant chapter of the fic. The author does a little too much telling and not showing in regards to canon, and it can get a bit tiring. The fic is worth it, though!

Hunchback of Notre Dame (Disney)

Star Princesses of Long Ago and Far Away by fresne
read its full listing in the crossover section

Hunger Games, The

Bruised Skin by EllanaSan
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Effie/Haymitch; R
author's summary: It was only natural to see pale blue flashes on your skin from time to time. Reassuring, even. It meant your soulmate was out there somewhere. It was much more worrying when no phantom lines ever marred your skin.
length: one-shot at 7,563 words
setting: soulmates AU of otherwise unaltered canon, beginning before book1
s2m's comments: I admit, I'm always a sucker for a good soulmates AU! I like how this version was done. Everything is not perfect once you find your soulmate, you have to work at it and even then things might fall apart. A dose of real-life relationships, even with the fairy-tale soulmates trope. ^^ I enjoyed how the soulmates fact was worked into canon, and the expanded backstory for Effie and Haymitch. It's good to see some character development for them both! And that powerful ending line?? Sweet.

In Death

Moments in Death by celli
genre; ship; rating: Drama; sideline Eve/Roarke; PG-13
author's summary: "Dispatch! Dallas, Lieutenant Eve. Darling." Selected excerpts from the next In Death novel.
length: one-shot at 1,869 words
setting: vaguely in the late 20s or or 30s of volume numbers, more for character development than actual plot events
s2m's comments: This one could be canon! The character voices are perfect. I want moar! XD

Morning in the Morgue by seimaisin
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Peabody/Morris; PG
author's summary: Peabody, Morris, a dead body, and a date.
length: one-shot at 1,119 words
setting: after Peabody makes detective
s2m's comments: I love this little fic! Peabody's voice is perfect, the case setup very interesting, and of course I adore the idea of Peabody dating Morris. Don't get me wrong, I like McNab just fine, but Morris is my own personal fave In Death man! :3 My only regret about this fic is that it isn't longer, alas!!!

Special Mission by geri_chan
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; R
author's summary: Peabody has been given a very special mission to fulfill.
length: one-shot at 8,739 words
setting: around vol 30
s2m's comments: This story reads as if it truly were a part of canon! Peabody is brilliant, Eve her usual prickly and focused self, and even the candy thief makes an appearance. XD

Inception

Boy Who Spoke With Ghosts, The by AvocadoLove
read its full listing in the crossover section

I've Got Nothing To Do Today But Smile (The Only Living Boy in New York) by gyzym
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Arthur/Eames; PG-13
author's summary: Arthur's a corporate lawyer, Eames owns the coffee shop across the street, and all good love stories start with a quadruple shot latte.
length: one-shot at 19,745 words
setting: regular job AU
s2m's comments: Some fics make an undeniable mark on fandom, and this is one of them. This combo coffeeshop/bakery AU fic is well-written and very enjoyable. It is easy to see why it launched a thousand similar fics! Arthur is trying so hard at his thankless job, Eames takes such joy in making his customers hapy--especially the sexy ones--and the developing relationship is just glorious. *happy sigh*

Map of the Sounds of Tokyo by fermine
genre; ship; rating: Romance; Robert/Saito; R
author's summary: Robert is the new gaijin employee at Saito's big Tokyo based company. He's intelligent and hardworking, but trying to build a life in a new country amongst the hostility from his co-workers has put a dent in his confidence. He feels isolated and completely alone.
length: one-shot at 4,541 words
setting: AU, no movie spoilers
s2m's comments: Saito is overlooked by many fans, but he is in this fic full-force. Reading this delightful one-shot felt like reading a jousei manga! Of course, that can be a very good feeling, and in this case, it is. ^^ Yay!

Sharp Dressed Man by annundriel
genre; ship; rating: Romance; Arthur/Eames; NC-17
author's summary: Eames likes to watch Arthur dress.
length: one-shot at 2,410 words
setting: doesn't really matter, no spoilers for the end of the film
s2m's comments: I'm glad this one is a one-shot, because I couldn't stop reading! If it had been epic, I'd have been in trouble. My favorite bit involves the cufflinks. *sniffle* Also: Arthur slowly dressing...rowr! X3

Indiana Jones

Academe: Four Conversations the Jones Boys Had About Education and One They Didn't by major_general
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; G
author's summary: I think the title pretty much says it all.
length: one-shot at 1,320 words
setting: all four films
s2m's comments: I wish Dr. Henry Jones, Sr. had been in more Indy movies. He's particularly awesome in this fic. X3

Inuyasha

Convivial by TheHatterTheory
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Kagome/Sesshoumaru; PG
author's summary: On Halloween, Kagome decides to dress as her utter opposite. Of course, she never expected to run into him.
length: complete at 77 chapters, 146,656 words
setting: begins a few years after canon ends
s2m's comments: Sometimes a fic completely sucks me in a refuses to let me go until I finish, and this is one of them. It also has a VERY slow build of the romance--we're talking almost glacial here--but I loved every minute. Each chapter is a vignette set on a holiday as we progress through a year or so in Kagome and Sesshoumaru's life. The OCs are enjoyable, and I like how everyone ended up in this fic's version of post-canon. C: My only quibble is that some of the chapters are so short! I want more...(but that's a good complaint to have!)

Frivolous Sentimentalities by Tally Mark
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Kagome/Sesshoumaru; G
author's summary: If men are from Mars and women are from Venus, what galaxy are youkai from? Because Kagome would really like to know. SessKag one-shot.
length: one-shot at 10,139 words
setting: Near the end of canon, but no real spoilers
s2m's comments: A hilarious fic that had me laughing as much as Inuyasha does in it, I think. XD Fun fluff and lulz for all! Except Kagome and Sesshoumaru, of course. Heeee!

Fugue by Resmiranda
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Kagome/Sesshoumaru; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary: The present revolves around the past; truth and remembrance are two different things. After the well closes forever, Kagome finds a familiar face in the present era.
length: complete at 3 chapters, 90,770 words
setting: ten years after a fanon ending
s2m's comments: It takes a skilled author to write a novel-length fic about depression and make it not only enjoyble, but agonizingly good. Kagome cannot let go of the events and people of her past, particularly Inuyasha. Then Sesshoumaru appears and throws everything into a different light. A very good read, but not for the faint of heart.

Okaeri by blackberry
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; Kagome/Inuyasha; PG-13
author's summary: After the end of their quest, Inuyasha and Kagome adjust to life in modern Tokyo. But there are still secrets in the past, and dangers in the present. And finding a place to call home may be the most difficult thing of all...
length: complete at 23 chapters, 163,986 words
setting: a couple weeks after the defeat of Naraku
s2m's comments: I've read quite a few fics where Inuyasha ends up in Kagome's time, and most of them don't hold my interest. But this one did! I enjoyed how the author handled things, and Inuyasha's character and slow adaptation to life in modern Tokyo. The mystery and new villain were written well, and did not have that monster-of-the-day feel. ^^

Phoenix Blade: Time Lapse, The by Fenikkusuken
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Romance; Kagome/Inuyasha, Sango/Miroku, Rin/Sesshoumaru; NC-17, graphic sex, graphic violence
author's summary: COMPLETE. An AR riff on the anime. Kagome Higurashi, recent graduate of the Imperial Military Academy, finds all of her skills being put to the test in the Sengoku Jidai after she's sucked down the well at her family's shrine.
length: complete at 86 chapters, 1,182,069 words. The longest fic I've ever read!
setting: AU of the Naraku story arc
s2m's comments: I started this fic on a whim with no idea how long it really was, and found myself enjoying it immensely! I loved seeing this author's version of a capable and (occasionally) more mature Kagome. Watching the relationships develop and change between the characters was wonderful. I did have to take two breaks from reading this fic due to its sheer length, but I always came back with a smile, eager to resume! Get ready for some killer sex scenes. Oh my! *swoon*

Snowbound by Fenikkusuken
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Rin/Sesshoumaru; R
author's summary: One-Shot. On a remote island off the coast of Japan, a woman confronts an unusual dog that may have been part of her past...
length: one-shot at 22,217 words
setting: 1996 with reincarnated!Rin
s2m's comments: This gripping fic is filled with beautiful winter imagery. Fenikkusuken gives us another lovely IY fic.

Top 10%!!1! Tales from the House of the Moon by Resmiranda
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Kagome/Sesshoumaru; NC-17, graphic violence, off-screen rape, graphic sex if you chose to read one chapter's version
author's summary: Kagome, now in college, discovers the tale of Sesshomaru and Rin. Grief can be a prison, but the bonds of love are not easily broken. What is the truth behind fairytales? SessKag
length: complete at 42 chapters, 326,106 words
setting: 6 years after the fic's fanon defeat of Naraku
s2m's comments: I'm not sure what words could convey the power and scope of this fic. I read it in three days, and given its length, that's saying something! Powerful and well-written, with beautiful imagery and full of emotion and a touch of fun humor. The fic is mirrored at Media Miner, or you can read it at FF.net and hop over to MM if you want to partake of the graphic sex scene in one chapter. This epic is truly powerful! I am definitely checking out this author's other stuff. :3

Ironman

Being Human Series, The by Jaune_Chat
read its full listing in The Avengers section

Full of Surprises by ladylahatiel
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Jarvis/Tony; R
author's summary: While Tony was away, Jarvis changed. Tony is about to find out just how much.
length: complete at 6 chapters, 10,564 words
setting: towards the end of the first movie
s2m's comments: My curiosity at the pairing lured me into this one, much to my delight! It's fun to see Tony verbally spar with someone besides Pepper who can match his perosnality. I love how in-character Tony is. I can see perfectly how his behavior and the events in this fic could happen in canon! The author didn't link or tag the fic's other chapters, so here are the direct links: chapter 2, chapter 3 chapter 4, chapter 5, chapter 6

Helpmate by subterrain
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; male!Pepper/Tony; PG-13
author's summary, adapated: In which Pepper meets Tony, and vice versa. Pepper adjusts his life to fit around Stark's. Possibly something from the movie might've slipped in.
length: complete at 5 parts, 15,869 words
setting: AU before the first film
s2m's comments: A genderswapped Pepper? Why not, could be fun! :D And this fic turned out to be fun, thoughtful, IC, and very believable. Tony is nice to look at, but you have to admit, a relationship with him would be problematic and very troubling at times. I enjoyed how the author held true to that with this story. Everything is NOT sunshine and daisies, male!Pepper and Tony have their share of problems, both normal AND due to Tony's personality, celebrity status, and superhero job. A great idea, and well executed. ^^V

Weathervane by subterrain
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; male!Pepper/Tony; PG-13
author's summary: There are no vacations.
length: complete at 3 parts, 11,377 words
setting: not too long after the prequel
s2m's comments: A worthy sequel to Helpmate, which goes in-depth with both Pepper's trials of work (politics, ugh) and love (Tony, ugh). This fic does not make me envy Pepper of either gender, because DAMN but Tony can be frustrating as hell! But seriously, this little fic series is worth a read! :D

Iron Robin by athenemiranda
read its full listing in the crossover section

Jeeves & Wooster

All That Glitters is Not Gold by veronamay
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Bertie/Jeeves; R
author's summary: Jeeves doesn't want tips from Bertie anymore. What could he want instead?
length: one-shot at 6,576 words
setting: later on in canon
s2m's comments: A rather topping story, what? *giggles* This fic is written in Wooster's distinctive vernacular, and it does take some time to adjust, but the effort is well worth it. My my my! *blush!

At the Devil's Knee by Delphi
read its full listing in the crossover section

fall of the empire, The by eyebrowofdoom
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Jeeves/Wooster; PG-13
author's summary: It is well known that a Wooster is seldom wrong.
length: one-shot at 5,169 words
setting: timeless
s2m's comments: Bertie's belief in the goodness of people is both endearing and frustrating. Poor Jeeves has his work cut out for him, and in that vein, it's quite satisfying to see him open a can of whup-ass. :3 Told in perfect canon voice!

Fippy Elbows In by HelenaHandbasket
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Bertie/Jeeves; PG
author's summary: Wherein the attentions towards Jeeves instigated by the dashing young Fippy render Bertram in a state of panic, acrimony, and indefinable thing-ness.
length: one-shot at 12,203 words
setting: several years into Jeeves' employment
s2m's comments: A fun fic that made laugh with both humor and comisseration with poor Jeeves. That man has so much patience!! Another fic written in Wooster's vernacular.

Jeeves and the Amatory Dilemma by who_la_hoop
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; Jeeves/Wooster; PG
author's summary, slightly shortened: The tale of how Bertie and Jeeves finally Confessed All to each other, despite � or, possibly, because of � the passion-dampening affects of Giant Squirts, thwarted wrestling, unhappy boating, rabbits, an aunt who breakfasts on the ground bones of nephews who displease her, and a pair of very natty yellow socks.
length: one-shot at 23,648 words
setting: timeless
s2m's comments: A delightful romp through the universe of J&W! ^^ This fic is fun to read, and even though rather long for a one-shot, it does not drag or become burdensome at all. My only wish is if only we could hear Jeeves' side of the story! XD

Jeeves and the Snapshot by weaselwoman13
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Jeeves/Wooster; PG
author's summary can't be found, so...: Before Jeeves leaves on his vacation, Bertie asks for a photograph to keep him company. Little does he know--though he probably should--how much trouble that photo will start.
length: one-shot at 7,159 words
setting: your usual Jeeves and Wooster canon
s2m's comments: Here's a sweet and fluffy fic that warmed my heart and made me want to hug everyone. ^^ Written in classic Wooster voice, as usual in this fandom. A definite mood-lifter. ^^

Jeeves Makes a Move by veronamay
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Bertie/Jeeves; PG
author's summary: Schmoop. Christmas schmoop, even.
length: one-shot at 1,839 words
setting: Jeeves has been working for Wooster for a few years.
s2m's comments: This one makes me want to melt into a puddle of happy, tearful goo. *sniffles*

Mr. Wooster and the Restorative Preparation by innocentsmith
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Bertie/Jeeves; G
author's summary can't be found, so: Jeeves tells of his life in the few months before he found new employment with a man who made a curious impression upon him: one Bertram Wooster.
length: one-shot at 5,278 words
setting: before they meet, can even be enjoyed without knowing much of canon
s2m's comments: A delightful and well-crafted fic, told in perfect Jeeves voice. It makes me want to track down more canon to read!

Round the World in a Goodish Bit of Time by triedunture
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Jeeves/Wooster; PG-13
author's summary, shortened: Podfic_lover requested a story about what happened during Bertie and Jeeves' round-the-world cruise. So here it is.
length: one-shot at 8,539 words
setting: timeless, as usual
s2m's comments: I just love a good coming-together story, and here's another one. :3 Bertie's characterization in this fic is lovely, and true to his nature, and you just want to hug him! Told through a series of beautiful vignettes. A lovely read for every J&W fan, or even if you just enjoy a good angsty historical slash fic!

Top 10%!!1! Tigers Aren�t Gentlemen by binz, shiplizard
read its full listing in the crossover section

Yes, Sir, Jeeves by skyblue_reverie
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Bertie/Jeeves; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary: Jeeves and Bertie swap roles at an upstate New York manor house as part of a plot to help Bertie's friend Larky. Wacky hijinx, along with a large helping of slashiness, ensue.
length: one-shot at 13,799 words
setting: Jeeves has been working for Wooster for a few years.
s2m's comments: Another enjoyable comedy for my fave master/manservant duo! Bertie is particularly obtuse yet still charming in this one. The OCs are very well done, too. Props to the author!

Jurassic Park

Begin to Live by thedevilchicken
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG
author's summary: Lex was right: it was time.
length: one-shot at 3,590 words
setting: throughout the first three films and a little of World1
s2m's comments: Here is a beautiful character study of the often-overlooked members of the original movie's cast. I loved hearing about their lives and friendships, and how each one came to their decision. An amazing little fic!

Here's to the Night by wingsyouburn
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Ian/Nick/Sarah; PG-13
author's summary: They still have their lives. It�s enough to make a man humble.
length: one-shot at 2,988 words
setting: the 2nd JP film
s2m's comments: Forget T-Rexy's San Diego rampage and the lack of resolution for the MCs, this sweet fic is my new headcanon! It hits so many of my fave things. ^//^ I love that Nick is included as part of Ian's little family and isn't left to recover after the Isla Sorna ordeal on his own. And I wish we could see Nick's new candid pics. Thank you for the lovely new headcanon, author!

Living Dangerously by silverr
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; none; PG
author's summary: Living dangerously is far preferable to dying safely.
length: one-shot at 4,328 words
setting: begins soon after movie1
s2m's comments: Fix-it fic of the most enjoyable sort! Muldoon survives the raptor attack! Likewise for Clever Girl and the TRex attack! *flails* This fic is suspenseful, funny, and touching, too. OMG the walker! XD A delightful read, and a must for every Jurassic Park fan. C:

Top 10%!!1! Ohio State University Marching Band Performs their Hollywood Blockbuster Show, The by osumbvideo
read its full listing in the crossover section

Past Times by kuchiki977
genre; ship; rating: Drama; side Claire/Owen; G
author's summary: Claire's flare idea came from experience.
length: complete at 2 chapters, 3,941 words
setting: before and after the fourth film
s2m's comments: A cute backstory! The premise is a bit far-fetched, but we are talking about a movie with a living dinosaur zoo, so just go with it. ^^ And it's kinda neat to see how the flare idea could have occurred to Claire.

Problem Solving in Complex Systems by Jedi Buttercup (jedibuttercup)
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Alan/Ellie/Ian; PG-13
author's summary: "Is there such a thing as a Murphy's Law of Attraction?" Ellie grinned. "Because that would explain a few things."
length: one-shot at 1,900 words
setting: scattered scenes in the first film
s2m's comments: The original Jurassic Park is one of those movies I have seen so many times I have it memorized. I really love how the author has tweaked it juuust enough to make a threesome possible between Ellie, Alan, and Ian. Oh, if only! *giggle*

Top 10%!!1! Up Close and Personal by Sheila_Snow
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; Alan/his greedy assistant; PG
author's summary: Dr. Alan Grant pioneers the exciting new field of Anthropologic Paleontology.
length: long one-shot at 43,027 words
setting: movie 3, right after the egg-returning scene
s2m's comments: I must take off my hat and make a sweeping bow to this writer, because I never thought I'd have to fight back tears of sympathy for a velociraptor. *sniffles* This fic delivers an amazing story and take on the intelligence of raptors. I was completely captivated.

Juuni Kokki (Twelve Kingdoms)

Left the Nest by BeccaStareyes
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; G
author's summary: While Rakushun is on Enki's business in Ryu, Enki offers to escort Rakushun's mother to En.
length: one-shot at 2,823 words
setting: after canon events. Finishing the anime is enough
s2m's comments: A sweet little fic! This one is charming and works with canon quite well, I think.

Knight's Tale, A

To Trip is Just to Fall by catwalksalone
genre; ship; rating: Angst, Drama; Geoffey/Watt; R
author's summary: 1974. Wat Fowlehurst, almost sixteen years old and kicking himself out of an education system that was never on his side, finds himself on a collision course that'll change his life forever.
length: complete at 10 chapters, 63,276 words
setting: 1970s Britain AU
s2m's comments: This fic has a solid story with good writing. The 1970s setting makes for an interesting read in itself, as the author uses it to show just how much worse things were for gay teens back then. *sigh* Events are believable, and nothing is easy for the characters. Speaking of, they are recognizable as their canon selves, and work well with the setting. You don't have to know canon for this one!

Kuroko no Basuke (Kuroko's Basketball)

devil you know, the by kitcatkandy
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Aomine/Kagami, side Kise/Kuroko; NC-17 graphic sex
author's summary, shortened: Kagami hasn't seen Aomine for a long while, not since he walked in on Aomine cheating on him with a girl, and he has no desire to renew their acquaintance any time soon. But when he's forced into going for a reunion with the GoM by Akashi, sparks fly again, and this time they agree to try a new relationship - fuck buddies, nothing else, and maybe, someday, he'll stop wishing for more.
length: WIP at 3 chapters, 15,670 words
setting: about ten years after canon
s2m's comments: Here is a beautifully painful fic of betrayal and visceral attraction. I found Kagami's emotional turmoil engrossing, and the hints that his relationship wtih Aomine isn't all lust are tantalizing! Also hot sex scenes are hot. *koff* I can't wait to read more of this one!

Five Times the MiraGen Accidentally Flashed Momoi... by Lys ap Adin (lysapadin)
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; PG
author's summary: Five times Momoi accidentally got more of an eyeful than she'd bargained for (and one time she didn't).
length: one-shot at 4,197 words
setting: before canon, in the MiraGen's junior high days. You need to know all the MiraGen boys.
s2m's comments: Hilarious and fun! XD

Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler)

All's Flair In Love and War by amanuensis1
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; Grell/William; G
author's summary: William never expected Grell could make him feel comfortable.
length: one-shot at 1,180 words
setting: begins mid first season
s2m's comments: Grell's flamboyance is captured perfectly in this fic, and it's brilliantly played against straight-laced William--particularly since this fic is told from the stoic William's point of view! Masterfully done. ^^

At the Devil's Knee by Delphi
read its full listing in the crossover section

Different Sort of Taste, A by hazukashiijousan
read its full listing in the crossover section

Kyou Kara Maou

One Year by elarielf
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Wolfram/Yuuri, OMC/Wolfram; R
author's summary: Murata gives Yuuri and Wolfram one year to fulfill their engagement. But does Yuuri want to? Does Wolfram even want to? Since when does Murata care? And what is Wolfram doing away from the castle so often? And what's with all these rhetorical questions?
length: complete at 27 chapters, 113,690 words
setting: begins just before Yuuri is 18, so a year or two after the anime
s2m's comments: Another fic that grabbed me and refused to let go! Elegant writing with only the odd homonym error, easy to read, and what a story! Poor Yuuri doesn't realize how his relationship with Wolfram is important to him until Wolf almost walks away, and how much harder is it when he ends up LIKING the competition? An excellent read! And I can't get that last kiss out of my mind. *swoon*

To Bandarbia, with Love by mousapelli
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Greta/MOC, Conrad/Yozak, Wolfram/Yuri; R, mpreg
author's summary: chapter 1: Yozak does things without Conrad's permission, Yuuri is confused, and Gwendal's head talks too much. Chapter Two: Wolfram decides it's time to make the trip to Bandarbia. Yuuri has things to say about that. Gwendal cracks under the strain. Chapter 3: Greta is growing up way too fast, and Yuuri has a plan to keep her away from the scary boys.
length: complete at 3 chapters, 17,019 words
setting: after the first two series ends, but written two years before the actual canon ending
s2m's comments: As disturbing as it is for Yozak to deliberately "Oops!" Conrad, this fic is fun and touching. But I say Annisina's inventions steal the show!! ^^V The author didn't tag or provide links, so here you go: chapter two: Roger That chapter three: Never Too Old

Without Knowing It by daisy_chan
genre; ship; rating: Comedy, Romance; Wolfram/Yuri; R
author's summary: Someone's subconscious gets busy when he's asleep...
length: one-shot at 2,298 words
setting: after the engagement
s2m's comments: I do love my Yuuri/Wolfram, and this fic has a completely brilliant premise. Wish I'd thought of it!! XD

Labyrinth

As the World Falls Down by Jade9
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Romance; Sarah/Jareth; G
author's summary: Sarah returns home for Toby's tenth birthday, after breaking up with her latest boyfriend. Some strange coincidences start her thinking more and more about the Labyrinth...and its King...
length: complete at 20 chapters, 67,970 words
setting: 10 years after the film
s2m's comments: This fic is solidly written. While it does begin rather tropey, I was pleased with how the author resolved it in the fic's first half, and moved on to less predictable things. The small cast of OCs and expanded bit canon characters truly shine! A good, enjoyable adventure fic with a touch of romance. ^^

Forfeit of Dreams, A by KL Morgan
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Sarah/Jareth; PG-13
author's summary: "How much do you know about legends?" the man asked abruptly. Brian shrugged. "There's lots. They involve magic." "No, they involve fear."
length: complete at 13 chapters, 117,155 words
setting: 3 years after the film ends
s2m's comments: This is an engrossing story that feels like an extension of canon. The Venice scenes steal the show! The 14th chapter is the epilogue, which leaves the fic wide-open for a sequel.

Have You Ever Noticed? by Witchofnovember's sister
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; G
author's summary: Who goes on quests? Who doesn't? And why?
length: one-shot at 335 words
setting: you just need to know the film
s2m's comments: As awesome as it is short! XD

Into the Rose Garden by Dryad13
genre; ship; rating: Drama, Romance; Sarah/Jareth; R
author's summary: Sarah has good grades, a circle of friends, and a cute boyfriend. Life's great...right? So why does she have the strange feeling that something's missing? Fairy tales show that magic will make you or break you. Which category does she belong in?
length: complete at 22 chapters, 109,232 words
setting: 3 years after the movie
s2m's comments: This fic takes a line of dialogue from canon and spins it into an amazing tale of reprocussions. I had to force myself to stop reading for sleep and work, it was so engrossing! Well-written (if with the odd grammar error) and worth a read for anyone who has wondered what might happen between Sarah and Jareth in the future.

Knew you at all by ilyena-sylph (ilyena_sylph) and Katarik
read its full listing in the crossover section

Lackadaisy

Defiance by slr2moons
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; G
author's summary: Ivy bumps into Viktor before her return to Defiance with Rocky and Freckle. She and Viktor have stuff to work out. Or not. Adventure-seeking young women and stubborn Slovaks being what they are.
length: one-shot at 3,664 words
setting: after the cornfield and funeral home fiasco
s2m's comments: Ivy and Viktor's friendship is one of my favorite things about the webcomic, and I was happy that their friendship was mended with this fic. It's now thoroughly Jossed, but still a lovely story!

Midnight Special, The by prodigy
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: How Mordecai Heller became wanted for murder in St. Louis, Missouri: a story in five years, five hours, and one irascible Slav.
length: one-shot at 17,090 words
setting: before canon starts
s2m's comments: Sometimes fics that are recced everywhere are recced for a reason, and this fic definitely deserves to be read! It offers an amazing look into Moredcai's personality, sets up a reason why he chose to leave Atlas and Mitzi's employ, and ohhhh, his partnership with Viktor is beautiful to behold. Truly the Yuletide receiver was lucky to be gifted this fic!

Relatively Unreasonable by jonesandashes
genre; ship; rating: Drama; hints of Dom/Zib, Mordecai/Viktor; PG
author's summary:�We�ve got to stop meeting like this,� says Dom, sliding into the booth across from him. This is a joke; Zib�s never laid eyes on him outside the big house. It occurs to him that maybe the reverse isn�t true - alto sax is the sort of girl that demands attention, and Lackadaisy�s bright for a cellar but dim for a dance hall. You don�t see much from the stage.
length: one-shot at 2,162 words
setting: after Zib's brief stay in jail
s2m's comments: This fic has all the charm and wit of canon, and it starts my two favorite supporting characters, too! With lovely little hints of my Lackadaisy OTP. *happy sigh* Ivy almost steals the show. A solid read! I only wish there were more. ^^

Stopgap by Stariceling
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG
author's summary: Viktor and Mordecai look after each other, at least long enough for the bleeding to stop.
length: complete 3 chapters, 2,223 words
setting: before canon
s2m's comments: A lovely and bloody pre-canon backstory for Lackadaisy's pair of heavy hitters! And ohhhh, that ENDING! *bawls*

Last Unicorn, The

Cat's Eyes by DrWorm
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; G
author's summary: �Adventures,� Schmendrick mused, �look for men like L�r. The rest of us are lucky to get one a year, if that.�
length: one-shot at 2,888 words
setting: after the book/film
s2m's comments: Here is a concise adventure fic written in the whimsical and cross-cultural tone of canon. The cat steals the show, completely. He makes the fic for me, I'm not gonna lie!! I also enjoyed the sad wistfulness of the vanished Unicorn, as well. This canon gives me so many conflicting feels!

Top 10%!!1! starting out on a journey by spoke
genre; ship; rating: Drama; unicorn/Lir; G
author's summary doesn't really exist, so...: The unicorn still visits, and talks with Lir while she eats the castle roses, and her presence still fills Lir with emotion.
length: one-shot at 3,783 words
setting: after the book/film
s2m's comments: This beautifully written fic moved me to tears! Wistful, with equal parts sadness and joy, I must applaud this author! It does have an unfortunate number of typos, but they are completely eclipsed by the story told. :D

League of Their Own, A

Hear That Call by isbmlamloi
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Dottie/Jimmy, a little Doris/Mae; PG
author's summary: Dottie goes home to bury Bob, then returns to see Kit pitch the World Series. Jimmy deals with the second year of the AAGPBL.
length: one-shot at 4,595 words
setting: goes AU about 2/3rds through the film
s2m's comments: The summary makes it sound rather dry, but this fic is an engaging story about the characters and the team. The ending made me smile!

Les Miserables

Toil Until the Old Colours Fade by drcalvin
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Javert/Valjean; R
author's summary: After his leap into the Seine, Javert finds himself back in Montreuil-sur-Mer on the morning of his first appointment with M. Madeleine. He soon discovers that while his choices can change the outcome of things, nothing can stop death from delivering him back to that same morning. Now he has to defeat the game of fate or keep returning to 1820, eternally dying without finding peace.
length: complete at 7 chapters, 94,310 words
setting: after the film or book
s2m's comments: I've read a few time-loop fix-it fics, and what impressed me most about this one is that the author does NOT play it for laughs, at all. Javert fully believes he is stuck in Purgatory until he redeems his life and principles in some way. He searches for that way through trial and error, living the final ~15 years of his life again and again--if he even makes it all the way to the end. His confusion and frequent despair are admittedly not easy to read, but the epic pulled me in and kept me at it. Written in a more formal syntax than you find it most fic, but it matches the serious tone of the fic. Beautifully done!

Leverage

Four Times Parker Dreamed About Having a Family by Zara (amazonziti)
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; R vague non-con
author's summary: Four Times Parker Dreamed About Having a Family
s2ms' more helpful summary: Four vignettes throughout Parker's life as she grows into the fearless cat burgler we all know.
length: one-shot at 3,800 words
setting: Before and all through canon
s2m's comments: An emotional and great character study of Parker, showing us the backstory of developing her skill set and her unusual personality. Her childhood daydreams are painfully sweet foresahdowing, and the fic has a touching ending that completley makes it.

Princess Bride Job, The by themonkeytwin
read its full listing in the crossover section

Lilo & Stitch

Escape Velocity by miss_pryss
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Comedy; none; PG-13
author's summary: Lilo had been training for the life of a space adventurer since she met Stitch, though David once told her he�d thought she was destined for weirdness��I mean greatness��even before he came into their lives. �You would have found a way somehow, no matter what,� he said.
length: one-shot at 7,265 words
setting: sometime after the movies and tv show. I've only seen the first film, and was able to follow everything
s2m's comments: A fun, light-hearted fic that captures canon's tones and gives as a delightful future for Lilo and Stitch. Found family, friendship, reaching for goals, encouragement to reach those goals, nods to other canons--it's all fantastic. ^^V

Lion King, The

End of Laughter by Agent Ninety-Nine
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; G
author's summary: When her best friend Simba is killed by a stampede of wildebeest, the lioness cub Nala takes it hard. Everyone tries to help her through her grief, but it looks as though she is losing the will to live...
length: one-shot at 4,892 words
setting: missing scene early in the film
s2m's comments: The summary comes across as a touch melodramatic, but this fic is a touching character drama about Nala dealing with the death of Simba, and how she finds the will to go on. It also lays some groundwork for the badass and strong adult Nala we meet in the film, who was brave enough to leave the pride and seek out help. Yay!

Speaking To You by Shembre
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Nala/Simba; G
author's summary: The Pride Lands still have much healing to do, as do its king and queen. Nala, the survivor, and Simba, the guilt-ridden bachelor, struggle to communicate. Attempting to break her king of his habits, Nala only succeeds in losing her temper and Simba's interest. No, Simba isn't in the jungle anymore. He's part of a pride now... but maybe Nala needs him more than he thinks.
length: complete at 3 chapters, 4,152 words
setting: before the closing scene of the first film, with a few references to the second
s2m's comments: It can't have been easy for Simba to adjust to his return to Pride Rock, not to mention being king on top of that. This fic shows us a missing scene as Nala tries to impress his responsibilities upon him, while he just wants to hang with Timon and Pumbaa. But this fic is more than just a long lecture, it gives us insight into the two new rulers, their worries, and how they are trying to be better than they were. Sort of.

Little Mermaid, The (Disney)

Four Things that Weren't Adequately Covered in Mulan's R.A. Training by NaomiK
read its full listing in the crossover section

Star Princesses of Long Ago and Far Away by fresne
read its full listing in the crossover section

Lord of the Rings

Abduction of �omer, King of Rohan, The by Lialathuveril
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Romance; FOC/�omer; PG
author's summary: Princess Loth�riel of Dol Amroth finds her peace of mind disturbed by the arrival of a courier from Rohan. What she does not realize, however, is the fact that this is only the beginning... A tale of carpets, cabbages and cold water.
length: complete at 15 chapters, 50,173 words
setting: within a year of the end of RotK
s2m's comments: This is a fun romance fic, complete with mistaken identities, dashing heroics, and lack of communication leading to all sorts of reader amusement. ^^

Bagenders by Lady Alyssa and Random Flatmate
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; various; PG-13, insanity
author's summary: And it came to pass that the fellowship were granted immortality for they had saved middle earth; and so they went their separate ways... But some fellowships were not meant to be broken... History has become legend; legend has become myth and myth has become merchandising: A three-bedroom semi in a town in the north of England, 2001. An AU where the fellowship become immortal, and end up living together in the house share from hell. Based on both movie and books, hence strange attempts to write Merry and Pippin's accents.
length: complete but with no ending at 28 chapters, 134,435
setting: real world AU after movies and books end
s2m's comments: This one is only for LotR fans with a sense of humor. Seriously. If you don't think you can handle a neurotic Frodo on medication, Legolas stuck in a dead-end job, and Gandalf a tv-obsessed alcoholic, you'd best pass this one by. ^^;; It IS completely hilarious, and I bet it would be even funnier if I could understand half the British in-jokes and pop culture references. I've discovered the fic is now hosted at AO3, and have updated my rec here accordingly. C:

Feud by erobey
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Elrond/Legolas, Erestor/Legolas, Legolas/OMC; NC-17, graphic sex, graphic violence, torture, rape, and some incest to top it all off. Yeek!
author's summary: Before the council, an Elrond/Legolas dark story
length: complete at 118 chapters, 756,608 words
setting: begins near the end of The Hobbit, at the Battle of the Five Armies. Many references to events in the Silmarillion, as well.
s2m's comments: If you want a fic full of elf slash, then this one's for you! The author was quite Tolkien-esque with excessive narrative style, complete with long descriptive passages about the scenery and emotions of the characters. I admit, around chapter 75 I started skimming the almost-purple prose. While it DOES go on and on, the mystery at the heart of the story kept me reading. And the cat metaphors are only that one instance, I swear! ^^;; Fans of Elrond be wary, there's Elrond-bashing within! Also prepare to learn some Elvish...

King and the Fallen Prince, The by Fourticktock
read its full listing in the crossover section

Top 10%!!1! Ohio State University Marching Band Performs their Hollywood Blockbuster Show, The by osumbvideo
read its full listing in the crossover section

Top 10%!!1! Price of Freedom, The by Erin Lasgalen
genre; ship; rating: Adventure, Romance; Erowyn/Legolas; R
author's summary: AU Adventure. In the aftermath of the War of the Ring, Eowyn comes to the painful realization that the wounds of the heart she still bears cannot be healed by going back to the cage, however gilded, however loving the master.
length: complete at 7 chapters, 147,915 words
setting: begins in The Two Towers, but the vast part of the story is set four years after the end of the War of the Ring
s2m's comments: "Epic" is the only way to describe this one. Whoa! It references events in bookverse, particularly the Silmarillion, but I have not read that and still enjoyed the story. This fic is most definitely NOT a shallow Eowyn/Legolas self-insert. The author has homonym problems and mixes up or omits smaller prepositions, but the story easily outshines the errors (even if a horse's "reigns" are one of my pet peeves).

Repairs by Isabeau of Greenlea
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; G
author's summary: After the battle of Helm's Deep, Gimli fixes his axe.
length: one-shot at 1,534 words
setting: near the end of The Two Towers
s2m's comments: This author delightfully envisioned Gimli's mindset, giving us glimpse of how dwarves view life, war, and other beings. A fascinating take on an often overlooked character! There's also a great friendship scene with Legolas. ^^ Brief and beautiful.

They Say of the Elves by Brancher
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Gimli/Legolas; PG
author's summary: You know what they say of the elves, that they'll tumble you as soon as look at you.
length: one-shot at 1,698 words
setting: a little in Fellowship, then after Return of the King
s2m's comments: The friendship between Gimli and Legolas was my favorite thing about the books when I first read the trilogy as an early teenager, and as an adult now, it still is. I've always been bothered by how many ficcers refuse to give Gimli his time with Legolas, but this small jewel of a fic does so beautifully. Oh, Gimli! Let me hug you! :D

Love Mode

Top 10%!!1! Ouran Academy Guest Lecturers Series by peroxidepest17
read its full listing in the crossover section

Lynburn Legacy, The (by Rees Brennan)

Scene from Jaren Lynburn's Childhood by Cassandra Jean
genre; ship; rating: Drama fan comic; none; PG
author's summary: A scene from Jared Lynburn�s childhood!! (written by canon's author)
length: complete at 4 pages
setting: before the first volume
s2m's comments: This short and powerful comic gives us a canon-author-scribed look into Jared's sad childhood. The art is lovely and clean, and the story made me gasp. X|

Martian, The (book and movie)

Navigating by the Light of a Minor Planet by delgaserasca
genre; ship; rating: Drama; Beth/Chris; G
author's summary: Beth Johanssen in the before, the after, and the now.
length: one-shot at 21,669 words
setting: before canon, during, and after too
s2m's comments: This lovely drama shows us Beth and Chris' growing relationship in three different timeline settings. It's a quiet fic where people make mistakes, figure out life, and try to find happiness. A warm and pleasant read.

MASH

Art of Bluffing, The by Cousin Shelley
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG
author's summary: Hawkeye can't sleep, so a poker game makes perfect sense.
length: one-shot at 2,574 words
setting: later in the series
s2m's comments: A lovely character study of the later main cast, centered around Hawkeye and his relationships with BJ and Margaret. Beautifully told, and with some excellent turns of phrase!

Top 10%!!1! Between You, Me, and the Stove by Nemo_the_Everbeing
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG-13
author's summary: Father Mulcahy hears eight confessions and tries to remember that God moves in mysterious ways. Father Pierce hears one and concludes that God might be drunk.
length: complete at 9 chapters, 27,790 words
setting: throughout the series beginning with season 4, and extended to about 6 months after the end
s2m's comments: This fic leaves me speechless. Each chapter can stand on its own as a wonderful character study, and to have them all grouped together into one story is a true gift. The author has written something powerful, painful, and truly beautiful.

Fishing by eponymous_rose
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; G
author's summary: Morning in Korea, Henry figured, was a lot like any other time in Korea: dusty, dirty, gray, and about six thousand miles from home.
length: one-shot at 1,577 words
setting: within the first three seasons
s2m's comments: This short and delightful fic reads just like an episode! The dialogue for Henry and Radar is spot-on, too. Clearly this author knows MASH well. Heehee! The ending always makes me chuckle. So very true to canon! ^^V

Follow Through by Macadamanaity
read its full listing in the crossover section

Joy of Socks by Fides
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; PG
author's summary: Korea can get lonely.
s2m's more helpful summary: Frank has lost his socks, and of course he blames Hawk and Trap.
length: one-shot at 273 words
setting: somewhere in the first three seasons
s2m's comments: Short and amusing! :D It could easily be a missing scene, if the network would let them go there. *wink*

Missing Hawk (The Anger Turned Sideways Remix) by eponymous_rose
genre; ship; rating: Drama; none; PG
author's summary: In the days after the war, Hawkeye stands still and the world turns around him.
length: one-shot at 6,651 words
setting: after the series finale
s2m's comments: Here is a beautifully written vignette story of Hawkeye when he arrives back home, after the war. In perfect Hawk voice, both in dreams and reality, we see him learning to live in safety again, trying to forgive himself for what happened on the bus, and coming to grips with the reality that--even in the safety of small-town America--kids still die. Powerful and a great coda to canon. I doff my hat to the author. Beautiful.

Sanity Will Be Graded On A Curve by OldToadWoman
genre; ship; rating: Adventure; none; PG-13
author's summary: They're all this crazy because it's the only way to stay sane. The 4077th as seen through the eyes of a terrified new recruit.
length: one-shot at 5,337 words
setting: before the first season
s2m's comments: This brilliant outsider POV fic gives us a stark picture of an unwilling draftee's Korea and the particular flavor of the 4077th. Beautifully done with a flow of consciousness style, and what an ending! MIND BOGGLED.

Whatever Blows Up Your Skirt by victoria_p (musesfool)
genre; ship; rating: Comedy; none; G
author's summary: After the laundry tent gets blown up, the only person who has any extra clothes is Klinger.
length: one-shot at 1,556 words
setting: later on in the series, post-Frank but pre-no-Radar
s2m's comments: The summary of this one completely sucked me in, and I wasn't let down. Delightfully IC. Of COURSE Hawkeye would vamp it up, and of COURSE the camp just rolls with it, and BJ should totally borrow those earrings from Margaret. ^^V