![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Autumn afternoon recommendations
My rec lists are woefully out of date, which means there are lots of great stories under the cut! :D
Baby-sitters Club
Title: Money (2011)
Author: ozqueen
Fandom: Baby-sitters Club
Universe: Mid-canon (#39 Poor Mallory!)
Genre: Family
Rating: K+
Word Count: 4,970
Pairing: N/A
Summary: John Pike has lost his job. As he battles with new feelings of inadequacy, his daughter, Claire, looks on the bright side.
Why I'm recommending this piece: I don't think I can put into words how much I love this! But I'll try ;) To me, ozqueen is the Queen of BSC parent-centric fic ~ she writes with such a deft, believable hand, making these somewhat flat, background characters come fully to live, rich with vibrancy. I particularly enjoyed the way she wrote the Pikes here - not only their relationship with each other, but also with their kids. John, even the dregs of depression here, is a real treat. I loved the Though I might have to sell the triplets, if they keep eating so much line. Mwahaha, sarcasm for the win - and even sweeter that it totally went over Claire's head. Ooh, and then there's Claire. She is not my favorite Pike by *any* stretch of the imagination, but I enjoyed her here. She seems adorably five, if that makes any sense - the scope of her world is just about right. I also think ozqueen gives her a little more patience than she has in canon, which I appreciate.
I just *love* the focus on John's relationship with his youngest here, how he deals with her excitement and her worry and her incessant questions with the patience and grace of a veteran father. It's just too sweet, and the ending! Oh, the ending...I think they're going to have to mop up the puddle I'm melting into. I'm such a sucker for these sorts of endings =)
This is the first time I've ever felt plot bunnies from reading someone else's fic, and it gave me the push I needed to dip my toes into Pike-world. Yes, folks, it's just that good! :D
Title: Catch Two-Two (2011)
Author: isabelquinn
Fandom: Baby-sitters Club
Universe: Mid-canon (BSLS #48 Karen's Two Families)
Genre: Family
Rating: K+
Word Count: 1,059
Pairing: N/A
Summary: You will miss half their lives.
Why I'm recommending this piece: I was never much of a fan of Karen (and never read the Baby-sitter's Little Sister series back in the day), but the lure of parent-fic will take me to some pretty surprising places, LOL. This is basically a pastiche of one of the books, told instead from the point of view of Karen's mother, as she and her ex-husband make the decision to change their custody arrangements. I think isabelquinn captures that all-consuming guilt that any parent would feel - especially a mother who's close to her kids, and has majority custody. I loved how she drew those lines in parallel - how Lisa struggles with wanting her kids to be happy, and wanting to be happy herself. This is an exquisite piece of work, if only for the author's ability to make me feel sympathetic towards Karen!
Title: Always A Bridesmaid (2011)
Author: snarky_imp
Fandom: Baby-sitters Club
Universe: Canon
Genre: Drama
Rating: K+
Word Count: 1,832
Pairing: N/A
Summary: No summary. Here is the author's note: You ever notice that when fandom gets up in arms about Karen or Jenny, they bring the other one into the mix to show how one gets away with murder and the other is seen by everyone as a brat? Yeah. Me, too. So what if they were still in their time loop when the big ol' Wedding of the Century occurred earlier this year?
Why I'm recommending this piece: OMG. Perhaps the only kid character less sympathetic than Karen Brewer is Jenny Prezzioso, a kid considered so bratty and stuck-up that even the baby-sitters dreaded having to deal with her. As the series moves along, we see that Jenny's problem isn't necessarily herself so much as the way her parents handle her - especially her mother, who basically treats her like a living doll. (Karen, on the other hand, is just obnoxious.) So what happens when you put both of these headstrong little girls in the same room together? You know somebody's going to end up in tears, LOL.
I love this fic because it's whip-smart and funny. It's told from Jenny's point of view, and we see her observations not only of herself and her nemesis, but of the other characters in canon. snarky_imp has the ability to write self-centered characters in a very sympathetic way, and it really shows with this fic. Jenny and Karen come to blows over a replica of Princess Kate's wedding dress, which Karen lets everyone but Jenny wear to play dress-up. Well, Jenny gets her revenge, and in a devastatingly smart way - including the clever use of the baby-sitters to set up her plan. A definite must-read, especially if you like fic about the kids in the series!
Title: I'm Choosing Forever/Coward (2011)
Author: snarky_imp
Fandom: Baby-sitters Club
Universe: Post-canon
Genre: Friendship/Romance
Rating: T
Word Count: 1,727 (2 chapters)
Pairing: Abby Stevenson/Kristy Thomas
Summary: Today is the day I either find the courage to tell her or I just get over it.
Why I'm recommending this piece: I'm not really a fan of femmeslash in the BSC universe, but this was a pretty refreshing change of pace, giving a plausible reason for Kristy and Abby to find romantic interest in each other, beyond the tired "they play sports so they must be lesbians!" fanon cliche. This is a wonderful sort of friendship-turning-to-romance jumping-off-the-cliff-without-a-safety-net fic, as we see first Abby, and then Kristy, push their relationship to the next level. I really like the first part, because it reads authentically Abby in my mind - an impressive feat, given how late in the series Abby came along. It devolves into a heart-pounding, toe-curling, stomach-constricting swirl of emotion by the end, and its helped along by a perhaps surprising matchmaker. Either way, it's a sweet fic, and definitely worthy of a read =)
Title: Guarantee (2011)
Author: miss_slipslop
Fandom: Baby-sitters Club
Universe: Early canon (#15 Little Miss Stoneybrook...and Dawn)
Genre: Friendship
Rating: K+
Word Count: 3,548
Pairing: N/A
Summary: Jeff tells the Pikes he's moving back to California.
Why I'm recommending this piece: It's rare, period, to find good friendship fic between boys, no matter what the fandom. This is a wonderful example of that, of the innocent and yet surprisingly deep best friendship that's forged between Jeff Schafer and Byron Pike shortly after the former's move to Stoneybrook. Jeff goes over to the Pikes after learning that he'll be moving back to California to live with his father for six months (and possibly forever), and is jubilant to share the news with the triplets. He takes special care to tell Byron first, and is surprised at his reaction - Byron starts to cry, upset over the idea of losing his first real best friend. The two have a serious heart-to-heart about their families, each realizing how envious they are of the other's home life, and it softens the blow of the news a little bit. Byron is wonderfully sensitive and mature, and miss_slipslop does a great job of fleshing out a believable friendship between ten-year-old boys.
Title: It still gets me where I wanna go (2011)
Author: isabelquinn
Fandom: Baby-sitters Club
Universe: Mid-canon (Super Special #10 Sea City Here We Come!)
Genre: Drama
Rating: K+
Word Count: 1,917 (4 chapters)
Pairing: N/A
Summary: This is a probably 6-part? series on Natalie Barrett's experience of the events surrounding Sea City, Here We Come. I don't think it's going to be a completely coherent start-to-finish include-everything story, it's more going to be a chronological series of vignettes.
Why I'm recommending this piece: The parent-fic coming out of the![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
babysitters100 community is just exquisite, and this little series is no exception. Beautiful, scatter-brained Mrs. Barrett was the first in a long line of absent-minded mothers introduced in canon, and as the series progresses, she rises to helm one of the biggest combined families in the BSC universe. And yet, we don't know much about her - so isabelquinn has opened a door into her inner life here, recounting some of the events from SS#10 from her point of view. It is surprising, but compelling, to watch Mrs. Barrett tackle her emotions and insecurity, to watch her friendship with Mrs. Pike grow, and to see how her point of view colors the events of the book. Each piece is powerful, giving us a glimpse into the rich, vibrant lives of the adults in this universe. We're four chapters in, nearing the climax of the original book (the hurricane that strands the BSC, the Pikes, and the Barretts in Sea City), and I absolutely can't wait to read more.
Kids Incorporated
Title: Hello Goodbye (2011)
Author: GloriaFan
Fandom: Kids Ic
Universe: Canon (Season 2)
Genre: Romance, Hurt/Comfort
Rating: K+
Word Count: 2,154
Pairing: Mickey/Gloria
Summary: Don't know why you say goodbye, I say hello.
Why I'm recommending this piece: This is a sweet, angsty story that explains how and why Mickey came to leave the band he'd formed. His move was hard on everyone - but especially Gloria. The emotions in this story are vivid and real, as Gloria fights within herself to be supportive of Mickey's move, and yet keep her heart from breaking all the same. I especially like Riley's role in this piece, finally having the chance to play the all-knowing, advice-giving mentor to the younger kids. With cute cameo appearances by Renee, Stacy, and the Kid, this feels like the missing link between the end of season one and the beginning of season two.
Title: My Own Price Charming (2011)
Author: GloriaFan
Fandom: Kids Ic
Universe: Canon (Season 2)
Genre: Comedy, Friendship
Rating: K
Word Count: 289
Pairing: N/A
Summary: "Listen, Stace," said Gloria, "I don't think it's a good idea for you to dress up like Elvira."
Why I'm recommending this piece: This adorable little drabble was one of the treats I received for the Halloween "Trick or Treat" meme ♥ I just love every aspect of Ryan's and Stacy's relationship in KI, but I have a particular soft spot for early canon friendship, and this totally hits the spot :) Stacy is despairing over ever finding a good trick-or-treat costume, when Gloria suggests she go out as a princess - and what princess is complete without her prince? This is definitely one of my favorite little pieces of KI fic, period ~ even sweeter than it's also a gift!fic :D
Heroes
Title: Grave New World (2010)
Author: payesngrey
Fandom: Heroes
Universe: Alternate ("I am Become Death" exposed future)
Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama, Darkfic
Rating: Y
Word Count: 21,000 (5 chapters)
Pairing: Noah/Sandra, Peter/Claire, Sylar/Elle
Summary: After Nathan Petrelli's revelation, the world panics and rejects people with special abilities. As fear and darkness spread, those who were once villains become the victims, a family is destroyed, and an innocent woman is forced to fight.
Why I'm recommending this piece: Because it is amazing. This was the first Heroes fanfic I ever read, and it absolutely knocked my socks off. Its full of action, violence, dark drama, and foiled romance - and yet, it isn't a story that ends on an unhappy note. I love the exquisitely drawn characters here - Peter, Claire, Sylar/Gabriel, and Elle ~ they are each compelling in their own right, but the way they interact with each other is a real treat. They are their canon selves, but different, in fitting with this alternate timeline. I especially liked Sylar's character arc, going from an unrelentingly evil monster to a father, and learning everything that comes with such grave responsibility.
The fourth chapter is horrifying in scope and timbre, and rockets each of these characters in different directions, tearing apart the once-close Peter and Claire even as it brings the estranged Sylar and Elle closer together. I really like that relationship, in particular; they are broken and confused but stubborn, willing to do whatever it takes to protect the child that neither of them asked for. It's incredibly powerful, as is the dark turn that Claire takes at the end - a story that plays out in the sequel to this one, and one I waited with bated breath for over a year to read.
Title: The Devil and Her Treasures (2011)
Author: paynesgrey
Fandom: Heroes
Universe: Alternate ("I am Become Death" exposed future)
Genre: Drama, Suspense
Rating: Y
Word Count: 23,743 (11 chapters)
Pairing: Gabriel/Elle, Claire/Elle
Summary: Sylar, Elle and their son have been hiding for a long time, but when Pinehearst Agent Claire Bennet discovers them, they strike a deal to leave Sylar and his son alone, as long as Elle becomes her prisoner. Sequel to Grave New World.
Why I'm recommending this piece: A gorgeously-rendered follow-up to Grave New World, this piece very neatly ties together three swathes of canon, and follows Claire Bennet on her dark and destructive path. Following the deaths of her parents, she searches for her one-time love (and erstwhile uncle) Peter, whom she holds solely responsible for their murders. To get to him, she must go through Gabriel and Elle, whom she also blames for destroying her family to protect their own. She strikes a deal with them, taking Elle as her prisoner in exchange for Gabriel's life (and their son's), and tries to use her to figure out what Peter's next move is. Somewhere along the line passionate hatred turns into passionate lust, and Claire finds herself in thrall of her once-hated rival - and when worse comes to worst, Elle is the only person she is concerned with saving.
I really like this take on badass Claire - its fun to see a once-wholesome character take a turn for the dark side and really embrace it. I think its obvious how much paynesgrey likes Claire by how she writes her, and this story is no exception ~ it was well worth the year-long wait.
Miscellaneous Fandoms
Title: Good Times for a Change (2011)
Author: artemis_sparks
Fandom: Pretty in Pink
Universe: Post-canon
Genre: Comedy, Friendship
Rating: K+
Word Count: 956
Pairing: N/A
Summary: After Andie goes off with The Appliance and it's all college plans and obnoxious coupledom, Duckie just hangs around Trax a lot.
Why I'm recommending this piece: Ducky and Iona were the quirky side-characters in Pretty in Pink, but they were pretty damn compelling in and of themselves - and this little ficlet explores what happened to them after Andie left for college (and Blaine). They have a sort of erstwhile friendship, bridging the gap left by Andie, falling into a comfortable pattern of support and flirtation. This is sweet and wonderful and so beautifully in character, lush with 80s references and the original emo angst. It's the sort of fic that makes me want to watch the movie again - which is definitely the best sort ;) A definite don't-miss for fans of this teen classic!
Title: Summer Fling (2011)
Author: snarky_imp
Fandom: Sweet Valley High
Universe: Pre-canon
Genre: Friendship/Romance
Rating: T
Word Count: 3,547
Pairing: Ken Matthews/Lila Fowler
Summary: No summary
Why I'm recommending this piece: OMG KEN/LILA FIC!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a pairing that was only hinted at in the beginning of Sweet Valley High (and, of course, was one of the end-game pairings in Sweet Valley Confidential), and boy does snarky_imp give them justice here. In her take on the tale, Ken and Lila had a fling the summer before junior year, one both of them find surprising, but pleasurable nonetheless. I *love* her characterization of Lila - its just so spot-on perfect, capturing both the snobbishness and the loneliness that comes with being the only daughter of an incredibly wealthy but mostly absent father. She finds herself falling for Ken in spite of herself, absolutely amazed at how much he's changed since the last time she paid attention to him - and its the same for Ken, who's pretty amazed that she's paying attention to him at all, considering their many differences. But not even a jealous dig from Bruce Patman can shake the deepening bond between them, so you know it must be love, LOL. Their first kiss was just as toe-curling for me, the reader, as it was for them, which is definitely the mark of a great writer :D
Baby-sitters Club
Title: Money (2011)
Author: ozqueen
Fandom: Baby-sitters Club
Universe: Mid-canon (#39 Poor Mallory!)
Genre: Family
Rating: K+
Word Count: 4,970
Pairing: N/A
Summary: John Pike has lost his job. As he battles with new feelings of inadequacy, his daughter, Claire, looks on the bright side.
Why I'm recommending this piece: I don't think I can put into words how much I love this! But I'll try ;) To me, ozqueen is the Queen of BSC parent-centric fic ~ she writes with such a deft, believable hand, making these somewhat flat, background characters come fully to live, rich with vibrancy. I particularly enjoyed the way she wrote the Pikes here - not only their relationship with each other, but also with their kids. John, even the dregs of depression here, is a real treat. I loved the Though I might have to sell the triplets, if they keep eating so much line. Mwahaha, sarcasm for the win - and even sweeter that it totally went over Claire's head. Ooh, and then there's Claire. She is not my favorite Pike by *any* stretch of the imagination, but I enjoyed her here. She seems adorably five, if that makes any sense - the scope of her world is just about right. I also think ozqueen gives her a little more patience than she has in canon, which I appreciate.
I just *love* the focus on John's relationship with his youngest here, how he deals with her excitement and her worry and her incessant questions with the patience and grace of a veteran father. It's just too sweet, and the ending! Oh, the ending...I think they're going to have to mop up the puddle I'm melting into. I'm such a sucker for these sorts of endings =)
This is the first time I've ever felt plot bunnies from reading someone else's fic, and it gave me the push I needed to dip my toes into Pike-world. Yes, folks, it's just that good! :D
Title: Catch Two-Two (2011)
Author: isabelquinn
Fandom: Baby-sitters Club
Universe: Mid-canon (BSLS #48 Karen's Two Families)
Genre: Family
Rating: K+
Word Count: 1,059
Pairing: N/A
Summary: You will miss half their lives.
Why I'm recommending this piece: I was never much of a fan of Karen (and never read the Baby-sitter's Little Sister series back in the day), but the lure of parent-fic will take me to some pretty surprising places, LOL. This is basically a pastiche of one of the books, told instead from the point of view of Karen's mother, as she and her ex-husband make the decision to change their custody arrangements. I think isabelquinn captures that all-consuming guilt that any parent would feel - especially a mother who's close to her kids, and has majority custody. I loved how she drew those lines in parallel - how Lisa struggles with wanting her kids to be happy, and wanting to be happy herself. This is an exquisite piece of work, if only for the author's ability to make me feel sympathetic towards Karen!
Title: Always A Bridesmaid (2011)
Author: snarky_imp
Fandom: Baby-sitters Club
Universe: Canon
Genre: Drama
Rating: K+
Word Count: 1,832
Pairing: N/A
Summary: No summary. Here is the author's note: You ever notice that when fandom gets up in arms about Karen or Jenny, they bring the other one into the mix to show how one gets away with murder and the other is seen by everyone as a brat? Yeah. Me, too. So what if they were still in their time loop when the big ol' Wedding of the Century occurred earlier this year?
Why I'm recommending this piece: OMG. Perhaps the only kid character less sympathetic than Karen Brewer is Jenny Prezzioso, a kid considered so bratty and stuck-up that even the baby-sitters dreaded having to deal with her. As the series moves along, we see that Jenny's problem isn't necessarily herself so much as the way her parents handle her - especially her mother, who basically treats her like a living doll. (Karen, on the other hand, is just obnoxious.) So what happens when you put both of these headstrong little girls in the same room together? You know somebody's going to end up in tears, LOL.
I love this fic because it's whip-smart and funny. It's told from Jenny's point of view, and we see her observations not only of herself and her nemesis, but of the other characters in canon. snarky_imp has the ability to write self-centered characters in a very sympathetic way, and it really shows with this fic. Jenny and Karen come to blows over a replica of Princess Kate's wedding dress, which Karen lets everyone but Jenny wear to play dress-up. Well, Jenny gets her revenge, and in a devastatingly smart way - including the clever use of the baby-sitters to set up her plan. A definite must-read, especially if you like fic about the kids in the series!
Title: I'm Choosing Forever/Coward (2011)
Author: snarky_imp
Fandom: Baby-sitters Club
Universe: Post-canon
Genre: Friendship/Romance
Rating: T
Word Count: 1,727 (2 chapters)
Pairing: Abby Stevenson/Kristy Thomas
Summary: Today is the day I either find the courage to tell her or I just get over it.
Why I'm recommending this piece: I'm not really a fan of femmeslash in the BSC universe, but this was a pretty refreshing change of pace, giving a plausible reason for Kristy and Abby to find romantic interest in each other, beyond the tired "they play sports so they must be lesbians!" fanon cliche. This is a wonderful sort of friendship-turning-to-romance jumping-off-the-cliff-without-a-safety-net fic, as we see first Abby, and then Kristy, push their relationship to the next level. I really like the first part, because it reads authentically Abby in my mind - an impressive feat, given how late in the series Abby came along. It devolves into a heart-pounding, toe-curling, stomach-constricting swirl of emotion by the end, and its helped along by a perhaps surprising matchmaker. Either way, it's a sweet fic, and definitely worthy of a read =)
Title: Guarantee (2011)
Author: miss_slipslop
Fandom: Baby-sitters Club
Universe: Early canon (#15 Little Miss Stoneybrook...and Dawn)
Genre: Friendship
Rating: K+
Word Count: 3,548
Pairing: N/A
Summary: Jeff tells the Pikes he's moving back to California.
Why I'm recommending this piece: It's rare, period, to find good friendship fic between boys, no matter what the fandom. This is a wonderful example of that, of the innocent and yet surprisingly deep best friendship that's forged between Jeff Schafer and Byron Pike shortly after the former's move to Stoneybrook. Jeff goes over to the Pikes after learning that he'll be moving back to California to live with his father for six months (and possibly forever), and is jubilant to share the news with the triplets. He takes special care to tell Byron first, and is surprised at his reaction - Byron starts to cry, upset over the idea of losing his first real best friend. The two have a serious heart-to-heart about their families, each realizing how envious they are of the other's home life, and it softens the blow of the news a little bit. Byron is wonderfully sensitive and mature, and miss_slipslop does a great job of fleshing out a believable friendship between ten-year-old boys.
Title: It still gets me where I wanna go (2011)
Author: isabelquinn
Fandom: Baby-sitters Club
Universe: Mid-canon (Super Special #10 Sea City Here We Come!)
Genre: Drama
Rating: K+
Word Count: 1,917 (4 chapters)
Pairing: N/A
Summary: This is a probably 6-part? series on Natalie Barrett's experience of the events surrounding Sea City, Here We Come. I don't think it's going to be a completely coherent start-to-finish include-everything story, it's more going to be a chronological series of vignettes.
Why I'm recommending this piece: The parent-fic coming out of the
babysitters100 community is just exquisite, and this little series is no exception. Beautiful, scatter-brained Mrs. Barrett was the first in a long line of absent-minded mothers introduced in canon, and as the series progresses, she rises to helm one of the biggest combined families in the BSC universe. And yet, we don't know much about her - so isabelquinn has opened a door into her inner life here, recounting some of the events from SS#10 from her point of view. It is surprising, but compelling, to watch Mrs. Barrett tackle her emotions and insecurity, to watch her friendship with Mrs. Pike grow, and to see how her point of view colors the events of the book. Each piece is powerful, giving us a glimpse into the rich, vibrant lives of the adults in this universe. We're four chapters in, nearing the climax of the original book (the hurricane that strands the BSC, the Pikes, and the Barretts in Sea City), and I absolutely can't wait to read more.Kids Incorporated
Title: Hello Goodbye (2011)
Author: GloriaFan
Fandom: Kids Ic
Universe: Canon (Season 2)
Genre: Romance, Hurt/Comfort
Rating: K+
Word Count: 2,154
Pairing: Mickey/Gloria
Summary: Don't know why you say goodbye, I say hello.
Why I'm recommending this piece: This is a sweet, angsty story that explains how and why Mickey came to leave the band he'd formed. His move was hard on everyone - but especially Gloria. The emotions in this story are vivid and real, as Gloria fights within herself to be supportive of Mickey's move, and yet keep her heart from breaking all the same. I especially like Riley's role in this piece, finally having the chance to play the all-knowing, advice-giving mentor to the younger kids. With cute cameo appearances by Renee, Stacy, and the Kid, this feels like the missing link between the end of season one and the beginning of season two.
Title: My Own Price Charming (2011)
Author: GloriaFan
Fandom: Kids Ic
Universe: Canon (Season 2)
Genre: Comedy, Friendship
Rating: K
Word Count: 289
Pairing: N/A
Summary: "Listen, Stace," said Gloria, "I don't think it's a good idea for you to dress up like Elvira."
Why I'm recommending this piece: This adorable little drabble was one of the treats I received for the Halloween "Trick or Treat" meme ♥ I just love every aspect of Ryan's and Stacy's relationship in KI, but I have a particular soft spot for early canon friendship, and this totally hits the spot :) Stacy is despairing over ever finding a good trick-or-treat costume, when Gloria suggests she go out as a princess - and what princess is complete without her prince? This is definitely one of my favorite little pieces of KI fic, period ~ even sweeter than it's also a gift!fic :D
Heroes
Title: Grave New World (2010)
Author: payesngrey
Fandom: Heroes
Universe: Alternate ("I am Become Death" exposed future)
Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama, Darkfic
Rating: Y
Word Count: 21,000 (5 chapters)
Pairing: Noah/Sandra, Peter/Claire, Sylar/Elle
Summary: After Nathan Petrelli's revelation, the world panics and rejects people with special abilities. As fear and darkness spread, those who were once villains become the victims, a family is destroyed, and an innocent woman is forced to fight.
Why I'm recommending this piece: Because it is amazing. This was the first Heroes fanfic I ever read, and it absolutely knocked my socks off. Its full of action, violence, dark drama, and foiled romance - and yet, it isn't a story that ends on an unhappy note. I love the exquisitely drawn characters here - Peter, Claire, Sylar/Gabriel, and Elle ~ they are each compelling in their own right, but the way they interact with each other is a real treat. They are their canon selves, but different, in fitting with this alternate timeline. I especially liked Sylar's character arc, going from an unrelentingly evil monster to a father, and learning everything that comes with such grave responsibility.
The fourth chapter is horrifying in scope and timbre, and rockets each of these characters in different directions, tearing apart the once-close Peter and Claire even as it brings the estranged Sylar and Elle closer together. I really like that relationship, in particular; they are broken and confused but stubborn, willing to do whatever it takes to protect the child that neither of them asked for. It's incredibly powerful, as is the dark turn that Claire takes at the end - a story that plays out in the sequel to this one, and one I waited with bated breath for over a year to read.
Title: The Devil and Her Treasures (2011)
Author: paynesgrey
Fandom: Heroes
Universe: Alternate ("I am Become Death" exposed future)
Genre: Drama, Suspense
Rating: Y
Word Count: 23,743 (11 chapters)
Pairing: Gabriel/Elle, Claire/Elle
Summary: Sylar, Elle and their son have been hiding for a long time, but when Pinehearst Agent Claire Bennet discovers them, they strike a deal to leave Sylar and his son alone, as long as Elle becomes her prisoner. Sequel to Grave New World.
Why I'm recommending this piece: A gorgeously-rendered follow-up to Grave New World, this piece very neatly ties together three swathes of canon, and follows Claire Bennet on her dark and destructive path. Following the deaths of her parents, she searches for her one-time love (and erstwhile uncle) Peter, whom she holds solely responsible for their murders. To get to him, she must go through Gabriel and Elle, whom she also blames for destroying her family to protect their own. She strikes a deal with them, taking Elle as her prisoner in exchange for Gabriel's life (and their son's), and tries to use her to figure out what Peter's next move is. Somewhere along the line passionate hatred turns into passionate lust, and Claire finds herself in thrall of her once-hated rival - and when worse comes to worst, Elle is the only person she is concerned with saving.
I really like this take on badass Claire - its fun to see a once-wholesome character take a turn for the dark side and really embrace it. I think its obvious how much paynesgrey likes Claire by how she writes her, and this story is no exception ~ it was well worth the year-long wait.
Miscellaneous Fandoms
Title: Good Times for a Change (2011)
Author: artemis_sparks
Fandom: Pretty in Pink
Universe: Post-canon
Genre: Comedy, Friendship
Rating: K+
Word Count: 956
Pairing: N/A
Summary: After Andie goes off with The Appliance and it's all college plans and obnoxious coupledom, Duckie just hangs around Trax a lot.
Why I'm recommending this piece: Ducky and Iona were the quirky side-characters in Pretty in Pink, but they were pretty damn compelling in and of themselves - and this little ficlet explores what happened to them after Andie left for college (and Blaine). They have a sort of erstwhile friendship, bridging the gap left by Andie, falling into a comfortable pattern of support and flirtation. This is sweet and wonderful and so beautifully in character, lush with 80s references and the original emo angst. It's the sort of fic that makes me want to watch the movie again - which is definitely the best sort ;) A definite don't-miss for fans of this teen classic!
Title: Summer Fling (2011)
Author: snarky_imp
Fandom: Sweet Valley High
Universe: Pre-canon
Genre: Friendship/Romance
Rating: T
Word Count: 3,547
Pairing: Ken Matthews/Lila Fowler
Summary: No summary
Why I'm recommending this piece: OMG KEN/LILA FIC!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a pairing that was only hinted at in the beginning of Sweet Valley High (and, of course, was one of the end-game pairings in Sweet Valley Confidential), and boy does snarky_imp give them justice here. In her take on the tale, Ken and Lila had a fling the summer before junior year, one both of them find surprising, but pleasurable nonetheless. I *love* her characterization of Lila - its just so spot-on perfect, capturing both the snobbishness and the loneliness that comes with being the only daughter of an incredibly wealthy but mostly absent father. She finds herself falling for Ken in spite of herself, absolutely amazed at how much he's changed since the last time she paid attention to him - and its the same for Ken, who's pretty amazed that she's paying attention to him at all, considering their many differences. But not even a jealous dig from Bruce Patman can shake the deepening bond between them, so you know it must be love, LOL. Their first kiss was just as toe-curling for me, the reader, as it was for them, which is definitely the mark of a great writer :D
no subject
no subject