The Rec Index
Mar. 1st, 2012 12:01 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
bungakertasI am posting this list, in large part, for my own enjoyment, as a way to consolidate the numerous favs lists I have on various sites and basically get all my favs into one place. I love reading, and I prefer plotty stories I can really sink my teeth into, so most of the recs on this list are 20,000 words or more. Those that are not will be marked as short stories. Links go to all sorts of archives, LJs, web pages, and other internet places of unknown descriptors. I have made no especial effort to discover if any of these stories exist on any given website for easy favoriting, nor will I. Every story on the list is complete. Even if it's updated regularly, I will not add anything to the list until it is complete.
I have a heading called "demi-crossovers." This refers to stories that cross two or more canons that are officially part of the same universe. Stargate: SG-1 and Stargate: Atlantis, for example. Or Buffy, Angel, and Fray. Not quite a one-verse story, but not precisely a full-on crossover, either.
DC Comics
Survival
Author: JBMcDragon
Major Characters: Tim Drake, female OC (not a romantic interest)
Summary: "I brought you food. You're probably a bit queasy, still. Frankly, I didn't expect you to be so small, so the dose was a bit high… sorry about that. The food will help soak up the last of the drugs, though." There was a clatter. Silence. "Oh, come on. I know you're awake. Open your eyes or I'll--I don't know. Throw ice cubes at you."
Well, that was a different threat. Tim opened his eyes and watched her.
What's Awesome About It: This is one of those stories that just sticks with me, and I find myself reading it over and over and over. It's a really tense read, but that makes the pay-off at the end that much more satisfying (and surreal, to be honest, which makes sense in context, trust me).
WARNING: Psychological horror. Not kidding. This is a really dark fic.
Foreign Object
Author: audreycritter
Major Characters: Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, Tim Drake, Damian Wayne, Dick Grayson, Barbara Gordon, Stephanie Brown, Cassandra Cain, Clark Kent, Jason Todd, Selina Kyle
Summary: Bruce Wayne deals with a serious illness, one that threatens the most crucial part of himself. He and the family try to cope with their own fears and expectations about it and then the aftermath. This is written partly as character study, partly as family drama.
What's Awesome About It: This story is a great study in personal relationships but never gets to a point where it seems to be "too much" (or at least, not in a bad way too much).
Developmental Milestones
Author: audreycritter
Major Characters: Bruce Wayne, Tim Drake, Alfred Pennyworth, Dick Grayson, Damian Wayne, Stephanie Brown, Cassandra Cain, Jason Todd, Kiran Devabhaktuni (OC), J'onn J'onzz, Clark Kent, Martha Kent, Jonathan Kent, Barbara Gordon, Leslie Thompkins
Summary: Dr. Kiran Devabhaktuni is a neurosurgeon. He's the neurosurgeon that cut a tumor out of Bruce Wayne's skull.
And at first, Dev was just coming around for tea with Alfred. But somehow he's now working as the doctor for the Wayne Family.
And the Wayne family? Also the Batman Family.
Kiran Devabhaktuni is a curious man. He's probably a stupid man. He probably should regret what his life has turned into. But honestly? He really doesn't.
What's Awesome About It: Aside from being a fitting sequel to Developmental Milestones, this builds through some conflicts generated from the first story and out of the lives of the various characters. Frankly, I could just rec the whole series, but these two are particular standouts.
Firefly
Kaylee's Lament
Author: ScrewtheAlliance
Major Characters: Malcolm Reynolds, Zoe Washburne, Jayne Cobb, Hoban "Wash" Washburne, Kaylee Frye, Inara Serra, Derrial Book, Simon Tam, River Tam
Summary: Everyone has...needs.
What's Awesome About It: This story starts off with Kaylee moaning rather impressively about Simon, but quickly evolves (devolves?) into the crew of Serenity pulling a very impressive job (caper?) and scoring off the Alliance. Much too fun to miss.
The Treasure Of Lei Fong Wu
Author: ScrewtheAlliance
Major Characters: Malcolm Reynolds, Zoe Washburne, Jayne Cobb, Hoban "Wash" Washburne, Kaylee Frye, Inara Serra, Derrial Book, Simon Tam, River Tam
Summary: Serenity picks up a passenger who, surprisingly, has an actual plan to make them all very, very rich.
What's Awesome About It: Picking up right where Kaylee's Lament left off, this story takes everything that was amazing about the first story and makes it last about three times as long.
Harry Potter
Harry Potter and the Enemy Within
Author: Theowyn
Major Characters: Harry Potter, Severus Snape, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Voldemort, Albus Dumbledore
Summary: As Harry enters his sixth year at Hogwarts, Voldemort's lengthening shadow stretches across the wizarding world and Harry is tormented by the knowledge that he alone can end this reign of terror. Worse, his mysterious mental link to Voldemort is stronger than ever and threatens to overwhelm him. Only Snape can teach him to control the nightmarish visions, but can Harry and Snape learn to trust one another, or will an old grudge that refuses to die destroy the wizarding world's sole hope of defeating the Dark Lord?" This story was written prior to the release of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."
What's Awesome About It: See that summary just there? This story lives up to its promise.
Harry Potter and the Chained Souls
Author: Theowyn
Major Characters: Harry Potter, Severus Snape, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Voldemort, Albus Dumbledore
Summary: Voldemort has risen to power once again. As Harry comes of age, he must discover the secret of how Voldemort cheated death and find a way to defeat this evil once and for all. Along the way, he will have to contend with Death Eaters, shadowy Ministry officials and suspicions that threaten to tear his own allies apart. And he will need to delve farther than ever before into the mysteries of the mind where victory can only be won by freeing the chained souls.
What's Awesome About It: Oh, yeah. I probably should've mentioned it has a sequel.
Marvel Movies
Blame It On The Vodka
Author: dharen
Major Characters: Darcy Lewis/Loki
Summary: Loki makes a vodka induced confession to Darcy that helps explain why he did the terrible things that he did.
What's Awesome About It: This one starts off as a Darcy/Loki short that ended up having a plot much to the surprise of the author. Which is fun.
She Blinded Me With Political Science
Author: thingswithteeth
Major Characters: Darcy Lewis, Bruce Banner, Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Pepper Potts, Natasha Romanoff, Clint Barton, Nick Fury
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.
What's Awesome About It: This story takes a realistic look at potential PR fall-out from the Battle Of New York, and the fact that the Avengers would be in some pretty serious trouble if nobody dealt with that. Then somebody deals with that.
Brothers In A Strange Land
Author: TamrynEradani
Major Characters: Thor, Loki, Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Bruce Banner, Clint Barton, Natasha Romanoff, Frigga, Odin
Summary: Thor works out how to live on Earth even though, to him, Earth is really weird. Loki grows a moral compass.
What's Awesome About It: I admit that I'm a sucker for a redemption story, but this one is one that does not downplay the fact that Loki starts the story as a genuinely bad person who, quite literally, doesn't understand morality even when he tries. There's also real culture shock between Asgard and Earth
Pern
Fool Lystar
Author: truegold-dragonstar
Major Characters: all OC characters
Summary: Lystar is clumsy and slow, the least likely candidate for Impression in the Weyr. She's desperate for a dragon but will this Hatching be different? And if she does Impress, will it be the end of her problems?
What's Awesome About It: This story starts off as your basic clumsy-kid-Impresses-dragon fic, though it's sweet anyway. And then the girl Impresses a blue, which is sort of weird and interesting. And then there is plot, and character development, and lots of awesome.
Sherlock
Major Pieces
Author: Lindentreeisle
Major Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Greg Lestrade
Summary: Sherlock knew that he could thoroughly rely upon John Watson's moral sense. And that's why he knew that Lestrade was wrong, wrong, wrong.
What's Awesome About It: Casefic. Really good casefic.
Seeds
Short Story
Author: thesardine
Major Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson
Summary: In a fit of boredom Sherlock plants some seeds, may or may not eat one cracker, and definitely waxes dramatic on the sofa for a while.
What's Awesome About It: This is the only story I've ever read, including the ACD canon ones, that made Sherlock's retirement to Sussex to keep bees actually make sense. Prior to reading this, I couldn't figure out why he would do that. Now I can't imagine how he wouldn't.
Sustain (or Concerto for the Famished in D Minor)
Author: Maybe Amanda and OneMillionAndNine
Major Characters: Sherlock Holmes, Molly Hooper, John Watson, Sarah Sawyer
Summary: "So now you're behaving like a six year old 'cause he didn't take you along on his honeymoon?" Lestrade said. "Grow the hell up."
What's Awesome About It: This is the Sherlock/Molly story that convinces everyone that Sherlock/Molly works.
Sustain II: Refrain
Author: Maybe Amanda and OneMillionAndNine
Major Characters: Sherlock Holmes, Molly Hooper, John Watson, Sarah Sawyer
Summary: He could fix this.
What's Awesome About It: And this is its sequel. Also a casefic. A really dark casefic.
Sustain III: Obbligato
Author: Maybe Amanda and OneMillionAndNine
Major Characters: Sherlock Holmes, Molly Hooper, John Watson, Sarah Sawyer
Summary: The third part.
What's Awesome About It: And this is the glorious conclusion.
Tear Up Your List
Author: innie
Major Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Mycroft Holmes
Summary: As Moriarty keeps baiting him with seemingly random acts of violence, Sherlock struggles to keep up and keep John safe, but then there's one puzzle that shakes Sherlock's support system entirely.
What's Awesome About It: As the author says, this is "ostensibly a modern-day spin on hiatus fic - John thinks Sherlock is dead, Sherlock is trying to destroy Moriarty's criminal network. But it's really about Sherlock working through what John and Mycroft mean to him." And both sides of the story really work with each other.
Stargate: SG-1
Beneath A Beating Sun
Author: magistrate
Major Characters: Samantha Carter, Daniel Jackson, Jack O'Neill, Teal'c, Jacob Carter
Summary: On an incredible world, SG1 finds a weapon capable of defeating the Goa'uld. But the price of attaining it may be too high. They may have to sacrifice one of their own.
What's Awesome About It: This story starts off a bit slow, but when I reminded myself that so does "Window of Opportunity," I kept on with it. And wow, was I rewarded. SG-1 loses someone, meets an alien entity, fights Anubis, and is just awesome generally.
Star Trek: The Original Series
Allocations
Author: Saavik13
Major Characters: Sarek/Amanda Grayson, original Vulcan characters, original Human characters
Summary: Earth's new monetary system means sacrifices for everyone. Amanda Grayson is no exception, she's just a little more creative than most. Her creativity lands her in the employ of one Sarek of Vulcan and education takes on a whole new meaning.
What's Awesome About It: Aside from pushing all the right Sarek/Amanda buttons, this fic does really good world-building for Vulcan, and has a juicy political plot. Honestly, I can't think of much I don't love here.
Equilibrium
Author: PSW
Major Characters: Leonard McCoy, James Kirk, Spock, original Vulcan characters
Summary: McCoy's transport is destroyed in what is thought to be an accidental containment field explosion.
What's Awesome About It: This fic really digs into a lot of things and genuinely spends some time dealing with the implications of them. McCoy being kidnapped, Spock's relations to McCoy and the rest of the crew, how to make friends with Vulcans, dealing with trauma and psychological torture, a really awfully evil plan from the bad guys, Kirk being tremendously upset... All the good stuff.
Supernatural
Forgotten
Author: NorthernSparrow
Major Characters: Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester, Castiel
Summary: Sam and Dean are working a case in Wyoming, but are distracted by news of a dangerous angel called "Castiel" who they can't remember ever having heard of before. The name seems a little bit familiar, but neither of the boys is sure why. Based off of mid-season 9 (before mark of Cain, before the angel army); takes place several months later, in September 2014. Case fic wrapped in a big ol' amnesia mystery. NO SLASH; the idea is that this is something they could do on the actual show, like a 3-4 episode arc with some mini cases and a cool story running through it all. GETS VERY EMOTIONAL with super strong friendship/family themes, lotsa hurt/comfort, about three metric tons of Cas angst, feels galore, plus monsters and M&M's.
What's Awesome About It: This story hurts in the best possible way.
White Collar
Never Leave A Trace
Short Story
Author: copperbadge
Major Characters: Neil Caffrey, Peter Burke, Elizabeth Burke, Matthew Keller, several original characters
Summary: Neal Caffrey can steal souls. Peter Burke has two shadows. Everything's normal...except when it isn't.
What's Awesome About It: This story was my introduction to the concept of magical realism and it really nails the style to the wall. Reading it feels a bit like being in a liminal space, or possibly a dream, but while you're awake. See what I mean? Hard to describe, impossible to mistake, worth reading just to see the writing style.
Demi-Crossovers
Doctor Who-verse
Gone For A Cup Of Tea (Back In Six Months)
Short Story
Author: Netgirl_y2k
Major Characters: The Doctor (Ten), Rhys Williams, Mickey Smith
Summary: The highly unlikely but excellent adventures of Ten, Mickey and Rhys.
What's Awesome About It: The Doctor, Rhys, and Mickey go running around the universe for a while. And it's hilarious.
Valentine's Day, This Year
Short Story
Author: koshiroryuu
Major Characters: Martha Jones
Summary: How do you hold a memorial for people who don't even remember they died?
What's Awesome About It: This story gets the good cries out of me every single time.
Stargate-verse
The Pegasus Connection
Author: Nomad
Major Characters: Jack O'Neill, Sam Carter, Teal'c, Daniel Jackson, John Sheppard, Aiden Ford, Rodney McKay, Teyla Emmagen, Radek Zelenka, Carson Beckett
Summary: Season 8 AU. Conspiracy surrounds Jack's clone, Baal is on the trail of Ancient technology, and all roads seem to lead to Atlantis. SGA crossover.
What's Awesome About It: This is one of those stories that must be read to be believed. Because everything about it just works. The characters are all perfectly characterized, the plot is tight and well-paced and interesting, the action is vivid and intense, and the prose is witty and engaging. I can not recommend it enough.
Crossovers
Buffy, the Vampire Slayer/Star Trek: The Next Generation
Stupid Portal
Author:elementalv
Major Characters: Buffy Summers, Rupert Giles, Spike, Jon Luc Picard, Will Riker, Deeana Troi, Worf
Summary: Buffy and Spike find themselves in a 'verse not their own. Giles follows. Prophecy happens.
What's Awesome About It: Among other things, this story contains Buffy threatening to use someone's skull as a jello mold and entrails as curtain tie-backs.
Cabin Pressure/Doctor Who
Wibbly-Wobbly, Planey-Waney
Short Story
Author: anonymous
Major Characters: Martin Crieff, Douglas Richardson, Carolyn Knapp-Shappey, Arthur Shappey, The Doctor (Eleven), Amy Pond, Rory Williams
Summary: The first time Martin met the Doctor, he was six.
What's Awesome About It: Martin, being himself, knows the Doctor as a child, but turns down travelling in the TARDIS because he wants to fly planes. And, of course, he eventually achieves that goal, but that doesn't mean he can't have the occasional alien-filled adventure anyway.
Cabin Pressure/Sherlock
Thicker Than Water
Short Story
Author: prettybirdy979
Major Characters: Sherlock Holmes, Martin Crieff, Mycroft Holmes, John Watson
Summary: Sherlock's favourite brother hasn't always been there, but he's been there when it counts. For that matter, so has Sherlock.
What's Awesome About It: I love stories that cross Cabin Pressure with Sherlock and this one does it with a lot of fun. Martin and Sherlock as half-brothers is an endearing and unexpectedly sensical combination, as is the way they twit Mycroft about it.
Detective Comics/White Collar
Confidence Lost
Author: C.R. Scott
Major Characters: Neal Caffrey, Peter Burke, Dick Grayson, Bruce Wayne, Damian Wayne, Ra's al Ghul
Summary: Everything about Neal Caffrey’s past prior to his 18th birthday is a mystery, even to him. However, when someone unexpectedly recognizes him by a name that he has never used as an alias before, he learns that the biggest con of his life is literally his life.
What's Awesome About It: Peter Burke, Batman, Ras al Ghul, Neal Caffery, Tim Drake. All in one story. What's not to love?
Doctor Who/Sherlock
The Angel, The Detective, And The Phone Box
Short Story
Author: girl-of-many-faces
Major Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, The Doctor (Eleven), Amy Pond, Rory Williams
Summary: It was only because Sherlock was bored that he took the missing person's case, but after the involvement of three strangers and their phone box he and John begin to realise that they may be in over their heads.
What's Awesome About It: As if a meeting between Sherlock and the Doctor needed extra awesome? But there are Weeping Angels in there, just in case.
Harry Potter/Stargate: SG-1
Crumpets Aren't My Style
Author: Marz1
Major Characters: Jack O'Neill, Samantha Carter, Teal'c, Daniel Jackson, Harry Potter, Remus Lupin, Severus Snape, Bra'tac, Minerva McGonagall, Baal, Voldemort
Summary: General O'Neill is sent on a nice relaxing dipolmatic mission in the U.K. Of course there's bound to be trouble when he runs into a murderous cult called the Death Eaters, who've some how gotten their hands on alien technology.
What's Awesome About It: I have a feeling this author is ESL, so there are some fairly distracting typos. But the sheer fun of this story outweighs them. Harry goes off-world, McGonagall spends a ridiculous amount of time as a cat, Bra'tac is an awesome teacher, and just...lots of yay.
Highlander: the Series/Lord of the Rings
ROG On Vacation
Author: dhrachth
Major Characters: Methos, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Arwen
Summary: Methos accidentally goes to Middle Earth.
What's Awesome About It: I know what you're thinking, but this is one of the LotR fics that really respects the lore. Instead of Sueing it up, Methos helps Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli (very much in-character Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli) solve a mystery. A really interesting mystery. Also, being Methos, he makes beer.
I have a heading called "demi-crossovers." This refers to stories that cross two or more canons that are officially part of the same universe. Stargate: SG-1 and Stargate: Atlantis, for example. Or Buffy, Angel, and Fray. Not quite a one-verse story, but not precisely a full-on crossover, either.
DC Comics
Survival
Author: JBMcDragon
Major Characters: Tim Drake, female OC (not a romantic interest)
Summary: "I brought you food. You're probably a bit queasy, still. Frankly, I didn't expect you to be so small, so the dose was a bit high… sorry about that. The food will help soak up the last of the drugs, though." There was a clatter. Silence. "Oh, come on. I know you're awake. Open your eyes or I'll--I don't know. Throw ice cubes at you."
Well, that was a different threat. Tim opened his eyes and watched her.
What's Awesome About It: This is one of those stories that just sticks with me, and I find myself reading it over and over and over. It's a really tense read, but that makes the pay-off at the end that much more satisfying (and surreal, to be honest, which makes sense in context, trust me).
WARNING: Psychological horror. Not kidding. This is a really dark fic.
Foreign Object
Author: audreycritter
Major Characters: Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, Tim Drake, Damian Wayne, Dick Grayson, Barbara Gordon, Stephanie Brown, Cassandra Cain, Clark Kent, Jason Todd, Selina Kyle
Summary: Bruce Wayne deals with a serious illness, one that threatens the most crucial part of himself. He and the family try to cope with their own fears and expectations about it and then the aftermath. This is written partly as character study, partly as family drama.
What's Awesome About It: This story is a great study in personal relationships but never gets to a point where it seems to be "too much" (or at least, not in a bad way too much).
Developmental Milestones
Author: audreycritter
Major Characters: Bruce Wayne, Tim Drake, Alfred Pennyworth, Dick Grayson, Damian Wayne, Stephanie Brown, Cassandra Cain, Jason Todd, Kiran Devabhaktuni (OC), J'onn J'onzz, Clark Kent, Martha Kent, Jonathan Kent, Barbara Gordon, Leslie Thompkins
Summary: Dr. Kiran Devabhaktuni is a neurosurgeon. He's the neurosurgeon that cut a tumor out of Bruce Wayne's skull.
And at first, Dev was just coming around for tea with Alfred. But somehow he's now working as the doctor for the Wayne Family.
And the Wayne family? Also the Batman Family.
Kiran Devabhaktuni is a curious man. He's probably a stupid man. He probably should regret what his life has turned into. But honestly? He really doesn't.
What's Awesome About It: Aside from being a fitting sequel to Developmental Milestones, this builds through some conflicts generated from the first story and out of the lives of the various characters. Frankly, I could just rec the whole series, but these two are particular standouts.
Firefly
Kaylee's Lament
Author: ScrewtheAlliance
Major Characters: Malcolm Reynolds, Zoe Washburne, Jayne Cobb, Hoban "Wash" Washburne, Kaylee Frye, Inara Serra, Derrial Book, Simon Tam, River Tam
Summary: Everyone has...needs.
What's Awesome About It: This story starts off with Kaylee moaning rather impressively about Simon, but quickly evolves (devolves?) into the crew of Serenity pulling a very impressive job (caper?) and scoring off the Alliance. Much too fun to miss.
The Treasure Of Lei Fong Wu
Author: ScrewtheAlliance
Major Characters: Malcolm Reynolds, Zoe Washburne, Jayne Cobb, Hoban "Wash" Washburne, Kaylee Frye, Inara Serra, Derrial Book, Simon Tam, River Tam
Summary: Serenity picks up a passenger who, surprisingly, has an actual plan to make them all very, very rich.
What's Awesome About It: Picking up right where Kaylee's Lament left off, this story takes everything that was amazing about the first story and makes it last about three times as long.
Harry Potter
Harry Potter and the Enemy Within
Author: Theowyn
Major Characters: Harry Potter, Severus Snape, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Voldemort, Albus Dumbledore
Summary: As Harry enters his sixth year at Hogwarts, Voldemort's lengthening shadow stretches across the wizarding world and Harry is tormented by the knowledge that he alone can end this reign of terror. Worse, his mysterious mental link to Voldemort is stronger than ever and threatens to overwhelm him. Only Snape can teach him to control the nightmarish visions, but can Harry and Snape learn to trust one another, or will an old grudge that refuses to die destroy the wizarding world's sole hope of defeating the Dark Lord?" This story was written prior to the release of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."
What's Awesome About It: See that summary just there? This story lives up to its promise.
Harry Potter and the Chained Souls
Author: Theowyn
Major Characters: Harry Potter, Severus Snape, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Voldemort, Albus Dumbledore
Summary: Voldemort has risen to power once again. As Harry comes of age, he must discover the secret of how Voldemort cheated death and find a way to defeat this evil once and for all. Along the way, he will have to contend with Death Eaters, shadowy Ministry officials and suspicions that threaten to tear his own allies apart. And he will need to delve farther than ever before into the mysteries of the mind where victory can only be won by freeing the chained souls.
What's Awesome About It: Oh, yeah. I probably should've mentioned it has a sequel.
Marvel Movies
Blame It On The Vodka
Author: dharen
Major Characters: Darcy Lewis/Loki
Summary: Loki makes a vodka induced confession to Darcy that helps explain why he did the terrible things that he did.
What's Awesome About It: This one starts off as a Darcy/Loki short that ended up having a plot much to the surprise of the author. Which is fun.
She Blinded Me With Political Science
Author: thingswithteeth
Major Characters: Darcy Lewis, Bruce Banner, Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Pepper Potts, Natasha Romanoff, Clint Barton, Nick Fury
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.
What's Awesome About It: This story takes a realistic look at potential PR fall-out from the Battle Of New York, and the fact that the Avengers would be in some pretty serious trouble if nobody dealt with that. Then somebody deals with that.
Brothers In A Strange Land
Author: TamrynEradani
Major Characters: Thor, Loki, Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Bruce Banner, Clint Barton, Natasha Romanoff, Frigga, Odin
Summary: Thor works out how to live on Earth even though, to him, Earth is really weird. Loki grows a moral compass.
What's Awesome About It: I admit that I'm a sucker for a redemption story, but this one is one that does not downplay the fact that Loki starts the story as a genuinely bad person who, quite literally, doesn't understand morality even when he tries. There's also real culture shock between Asgard and Earth
Pern
Fool Lystar
Author: truegold-dragonstar
Major Characters: all OC characters
Summary: Lystar is clumsy and slow, the least likely candidate for Impression in the Weyr. She's desperate for a dragon but will this Hatching be different? And if she does Impress, will it be the end of her problems?
What's Awesome About It: This story starts off as your basic clumsy-kid-Impresses-dragon fic, though it's sweet anyway. And then the girl Impresses a blue, which is sort of weird and interesting. And then there is plot, and character development, and lots of awesome.
Sherlock
Major Pieces
Author: Lindentreeisle
Major Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Greg Lestrade
Summary: Sherlock knew that he could thoroughly rely upon John Watson's moral sense. And that's why he knew that Lestrade was wrong, wrong, wrong.
What's Awesome About It: Casefic. Really good casefic.
Seeds
Short Story
Author: thesardine
Major Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson
Summary: In a fit of boredom Sherlock plants some seeds, may or may not eat one cracker, and definitely waxes dramatic on the sofa for a while.
What's Awesome About It: This is the only story I've ever read, including the ACD canon ones, that made Sherlock's retirement to Sussex to keep bees actually make sense. Prior to reading this, I couldn't figure out why he would do that. Now I can't imagine how he wouldn't.
Sustain (or Concerto for the Famished in D Minor)
Author: Maybe Amanda and OneMillionAndNine
Major Characters: Sherlock Holmes, Molly Hooper, John Watson, Sarah Sawyer
Summary: "So now you're behaving like a six year old 'cause he didn't take you along on his honeymoon?" Lestrade said. "Grow the hell up."
What's Awesome About It: This is the Sherlock/Molly story that convinces everyone that Sherlock/Molly works.
Sustain II: Refrain
Author: Maybe Amanda and OneMillionAndNine
Major Characters: Sherlock Holmes, Molly Hooper, John Watson, Sarah Sawyer
Summary: He could fix this.
What's Awesome About It: And this is its sequel. Also a casefic. A really dark casefic.
Sustain III: Obbligato
Author: Maybe Amanda and OneMillionAndNine
Major Characters: Sherlock Holmes, Molly Hooper, John Watson, Sarah Sawyer
Summary: The third part.
What's Awesome About It: And this is the glorious conclusion.
Tear Up Your List
Author: innie
Major Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Mycroft Holmes
Summary: As Moriarty keeps baiting him with seemingly random acts of violence, Sherlock struggles to keep up and keep John safe, but then there's one puzzle that shakes Sherlock's support system entirely.
What's Awesome About It: As the author says, this is "ostensibly a modern-day spin on hiatus fic - John thinks Sherlock is dead, Sherlock is trying to destroy Moriarty's criminal network. But it's really about Sherlock working through what John and Mycroft mean to him." And both sides of the story really work with each other.
Stargate: SG-1
Beneath A Beating Sun
Author: magistrate
Major Characters: Samantha Carter, Daniel Jackson, Jack O'Neill, Teal'c, Jacob Carter
Summary: On an incredible world, SG1 finds a weapon capable of defeating the Goa'uld. But the price of attaining it may be too high. They may have to sacrifice one of their own.
What's Awesome About It: This story starts off a bit slow, but when I reminded myself that so does "Window of Opportunity," I kept on with it. And wow, was I rewarded. SG-1 loses someone, meets an alien entity, fights Anubis, and is just awesome generally.
Star Trek: The Original Series
Allocations
Author: Saavik13
Major Characters: Sarek/Amanda Grayson, original Vulcan characters, original Human characters
Summary: Earth's new monetary system means sacrifices for everyone. Amanda Grayson is no exception, she's just a little more creative than most. Her creativity lands her in the employ of one Sarek of Vulcan and education takes on a whole new meaning.
What's Awesome About It: Aside from pushing all the right Sarek/Amanda buttons, this fic does really good world-building for Vulcan, and has a juicy political plot. Honestly, I can't think of much I don't love here.
Equilibrium
Author: PSW
Major Characters: Leonard McCoy, James Kirk, Spock, original Vulcan characters
Summary: McCoy's transport is destroyed in what is thought to be an accidental containment field explosion.
What's Awesome About It: This fic really digs into a lot of things and genuinely spends some time dealing with the implications of them. McCoy being kidnapped, Spock's relations to McCoy and the rest of the crew, how to make friends with Vulcans, dealing with trauma and psychological torture, a really awfully evil plan from the bad guys, Kirk being tremendously upset... All the good stuff.
Supernatural
Forgotten
Author: NorthernSparrow
Major Characters: Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester, Castiel
Summary: Sam and Dean are working a case in Wyoming, but are distracted by news of a dangerous angel called "Castiel" who they can't remember ever having heard of before. The name seems a little bit familiar, but neither of the boys is sure why. Based off of mid-season 9 (before mark of Cain, before the angel army); takes place several months later, in September 2014. Case fic wrapped in a big ol' amnesia mystery. NO SLASH; the idea is that this is something they could do on the actual show, like a 3-4 episode arc with some mini cases and a cool story running through it all. GETS VERY EMOTIONAL with super strong friendship/family themes, lotsa hurt/comfort, about three metric tons of Cas angst, feels galore, plus monsters and M&M's.
What's Awesome About It: This story hurts in the best possible way.
White Collar
Never Leave A Trace
Short Story
Author: copperbadge
Major Characters: Neil Caffrey, Peter Burke, Elizabeth Burke, Matthew Keller, several original characters
Summary: Neal Caffrey can steal souls. Peter Burke has two shadows. Everything's normal...except when it isn't.
What's Awesome About It: This story was my introduction to the concept of magical realism and it really nails the style to the wall. Reading it feels a bit like being in a liminal space, or possibly a dream, but while you're awake. See what I mean? Hard to describe, impossible to mistake, worth reading just to see the writing style.
Demi-Crossovers
Doctor Who-verse
Gone For A Cup Of Tea (Back In Six Months)
Short Story
Author: Netgirl_y2k
Major Characters: The Doctor (Ten), Rhys Williams, Mickey Smith
Summary: The highly unlikely but excellent adventures of Ten, Mickey and Rhys.
What's Awesome About It: The Doctor, Rhys, and Mickey go running around the universe for a while. And it's hilarious.
Valentine's Day, This Year
Short Story
Author: koshiroryuu
Major Characters: Martha Jones
Summary: How do you hold a memorial for people who don't even remember they died?
What's Awesome About It: This story gets the good cries out of me every single time.
Stargate-verse
The Pegasus Connection
Author: Nomad
Major Characters: Jack O'Neill, Sam Carter, Teal'c, Daniel Jackson, John Sheppard, Aiden Ford, Rodney McKay, Teyla Emmagen, Radek Zelenka, Carson Beckett
Summary: Season 8 AU. Conspiracy surrounds Jack's clone, Baal is on the trail of Ancient technology, and all roads seem to lead to Atlantis. SGA crossover.
What's Awesome About It: This is one of those stories that must be read to be believed. Because everything about it just works. The characters are all perfectly characterized, the plot is tight and well-paced and interesting, the action is vivid and intense, and the prose is witty and engaging. I can not recommend it enough.
Crossovers
Buffy, the Vampire Slayer/Star Trek: The Next Generation
Stupid Portal
Author:elementalv
Major Characters: Buffy Summers, Rupert Giles, Spike, Jon Luc Picard, Will Riker, Deeana Troi, Worf
Summary: Buffy and Spike find themselves in a 'verse not their own. Giles follows. Prophecy happens.
What's Awesome About It: Among other things, this story contains Buffy threatening to use someone's skull as a jello mold and entrails as curtain tie-backs.
Cabin Pressure/Doctor Who
Wibbly-Wobbly, Planey-Waney
Short Story
Author: anonymous
Major Characters: Martin Crieff, Douglas Richardson, Carolyn Knapp-Shappey, Arthur Shappey, The Doctor (Eleven), Amy Pond, Rory Williams
Summary: The first time Martin met the Doctor, he was six.
What's Awesome About It: Martin, being himself, knows the Doctor as a child, but turns down travelling in the TARDIS because he wants to fly planes. And, of course, he eventually achieves that goal, but that doesn't mean he can't have the occasional alien-filled adventure anyway.
Cabin Pressure/Sherlock
Thicker Than Water
Short Story
Author: prettybirdy979
Major Characters: Sherlock Holmes, Martin Crieff, Mycroft Holmes, John Watson
Summary: Sherlock's favourite brother hasn't always been there, but he's been there when it counts. For that matter, so has Sherlock.
What's Awesome About It: I love stories that cross Cabin Pressure with Sherlock and this one does it with a lot of fun. Martin and Sherlock as half-brothers is an endearing and unexpectedly sensical combination, as is the way they twit Mycroft about it.
Detective Comics/White Collar
Confidence Lost
Author: C.R. Scott
Major Characters: Neal Caffrey, Peter Burke, Dick Grayson, Bruce Wayne, Damian Wayne, Ra's al Ghul
Summary: Everything about Neal Caffrey’s past prior to his 18th birthday is a mystery, even to him. However, when someone unexpectedly recognizes him by a name that he has never used as an alias before, he learns that the biggest con of his life is literally his life.
What's Awesome About It: Peter Burke, Batman, Ras al Ghul, Neal Caffery, Tim Drake. All in one story. What's not to love?
Doctor Who/Sherlock
The Angel, The Detective, And The Phone Box
Short Story
Author: girl-of-many-faces
Major Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, The Doctor (Eleven), Amy Pond, Rory Williams
Summary: It was only because Sherlock was bored that he took the missing person's case, but after the involvement of three strangers and their phone box he and John begin to realise that they may be in over their heads.
What's Awesome About It: As if a meeting between Sherlock and the Doctor needed extra awesome? But there are Weeping Angels in there, just in case.
Harry Potter/Stargate: SG-1
Crumpets Aren't My Style
Author: Marz1
Major Characters: Jack O'Neill, Samantha Carter, Teal'c, Daniel Jackson, Harry Potter, Remus Lupin, Severus Snape, Bra'tac, Minerva McGonagall, Baal, Voldemort
Summary: General O'Neill is sent on a nice relaxing dipolmatic mission in the U.K. Of course there's bound to be trouble when he runs into a murderous cult called the Death Eaters, who've some how gotten their hands on alien technology.
What's Awesome About It: I have a feeling this author is ESL, so there are some fairly distracting typos. But the sheer fun of this story outweighs them. Harry goes off-world, McGonagall spends a ridiculous amount of time as a cat, Bra'tac is an awesome teacher, and just...lots of yay.
Highlander: the Series/Lord of the Rings
ROG On Vacation
Author: dhrachth
Major Characters: Methos, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Arwen
Summary: Methos accidentally goes to Middle Earth.
What's Awesome About It: I know what you're thinking, but this is one of the LotR fics that really respects the lore. Instead of Sueing it up, Methos helps Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli (very much in-character Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli) solve a mystery. A really interesting mystery. Also, being Methos, he makes beer.
