Haven Reviews: Search results
54 fanfic reviews found matching your criteria
Calliope
An Angel Among Us
Fandom: Angel
Rating: R
Type: Het
Pairing: Lindsey/other, Angel/other, various
Themes: Action/adventure, AU, drama, romance
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 01-08-2002
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: How are the appearance of a mysterious woman, Lindsey's past, Angel's past and Darla's rebirth connected? This is probably Angel's toughest case yet - can he solve it and what will be the consequences when he does?
Review: Leaving aside the fact that I beta'd this one, it's a great story. Calliope explores the history of Lindsey while at the same time discovering more about Wolfram and Hart than has been revealed during the series. This picks up where season one of Angel left off, so there is some variation from season two, but the story is beautifully written with so much character growth and exploration that it quickly takes on a life of its own. New characters are introduced that play pivotal roles in the plot as well as in the familiar characters lives. These new characters are so well-crafted that it is sometimes hard to believe they have not been there all along.
The story is by turns humorous, dramatic and tender and you'll find yourself waiting impatiently for your computer to load the next part. At over 30 parts it's satisfyingly long and worth each page.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Calliope's Fanfic
Anna S
Season Noir
Fandom: Buffy
Rating: R
Type: Gen
Pairing: n/a
Themes: Action/adventure, dark fic, drama
Reviewed by: DarkMagickWillow
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 16-08-2003
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: No summary supplied
Review: If you want something that feels and reads like an actual season of Buffy, this story is the one for you. It successfully creates that dark under siege atmosphere that season 7 attempted but never succeeded in creating for me. She also gives Spike a great reason to exist an ally of the Scoobies, while still maintaining that necessary tension between him belonging to the group and being an outsider. The tensions between the Scoobies are well written for the most part, and I think she does an excellent job of showing how this conflict changes all of the Scoobies.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Anna S: Buffy Season Noir
Boo
Into The Mirror
Fandom: Buffy
Rating: R
Type: Slash-het mixed
Pairing: Willow/Tara, Xander/Anya
Themes: Drama
Reviewed by: Kegcider
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 01-08-2002
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: Faith gets out of prison to make things right. Things go wrong.
Review: This story starts with one of the best twists I've ever read, it then shows all the glorious knock-on effects. It's brilliantly written, with excellent portrayals of Faith, Willow and Dawn and the interactions between them.
It's got 15 chapters and each one is better than the last.
Can't recommend it strongly enough.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Fanfiction.Net: Boo1
Castle Long
Dawn of Darkness
Fandom: Buffy
Rating: R
Type: Gen
Pairing: n/a
Themes: Action/adventure, AU, drama, PWP
Reviewed by: kylie winslow
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 01-08-2002
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: This plot-and-action driven fic takes place directly after Season 5, and Buffy's death - only things are *different!* Dawn, Buffy's little sister, has become the new Slayer, and and Buffy . . . Buffy has become her own (and her friends') worst nightmare! In addition, an old problem turns out to not be as over as everyone thought, and there are hints of other things coming!
Review: This e-novella is fantastic! Castle (tha author) has a knack for giving each character lines and actions that perfectly (or near-perfectly) fit the way they are presented in the show. His plotting is well done, there is tension, and suspense. He's not much on descriptions of places or settings, and as most know what the characters look like, he doesn't bother much, there, either. But his descriptions of action are vivid, violent, and show that he is a serious martial artist! His few original characters are well-done, and there for *reasons* -- not as vanities, as so many original characters are!
There are relationship issues, but they are not central to the plot -- other in that they affect how characters deal with the rest of the world. His original threat (*shivers*) is creepy as hell, and tied into the show.
I guess the thing I like best is that he has given Dawn her own reasons for being the Slayer, her own purpose, and a personality that could logically develop from things that happened in Season 5, and the responsibility of being the Slayer. Even her realization that she's in love with another girl makes sense, is sweetly done, and perfectly believable. That and he's made *this* Slayer a *thinker,* not just the combat machine that Buffy could be!
I can't recommend this strongly enough, but I should warn you -- it's in progress, and he only puts up a new part every ten days or so. But, it's 26 parts long, now, and got it's very own website devoted to it, finally!
The waiting for the next part is tough -- but always worth it!
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Dawn of Darkness: A Buffy the Vampire Slayer Fanfic
CN Winters, Susan Carr et al
Watchers
Fandom: Buffy
Rating: PG-13
Type: Slash-het mixed
Pairing: Various
Themes: Action/adventure, drama, virtual season/series
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 12-10-2003
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: A virtual spin-off series for Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Review: Now that the final episodes of Buffy have aired and we're all starting to go through withdrawal, this is a welcome slayage-fix :-)
A lot of work goes into any virtural series and this is no exception. I was intrigued by the idea of a Buffy spin-off, not certain whether I'd like whatever the authors set up, but after a couple of episodes I can honestly say that this is great. The head writers are well-known in the Xena world (so I now have to hunt down any other Buffy fic they've written) and they have a large staff of artists, writers and techy folks to make this special. So far the eps have been well-written and beautifully presented.
Each episode is only up for one week, but the site owners have promised that there will be re-run weeks so you can catch up on any you've missed. Another tip is to read the backstory because it gives a lot of set-up for the series. Lastly - enjoy this :-)
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Watchers - The Virtual Series
Dreiser
It Starts With Faith (series)
Fandom: Buffy
Rating: NC-17
Type: Slash
Pairing: Cordelia/Faith
Themes: Action/adventure, angst, AU, drama, romance
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 08-04-2003
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: An alternative universe in which Faith is the first Slayer who is taken under the wing of a certain librarian at Sunnydale High.
Review: The first thing I have to admit is that I've always been curious about what Faith might have been like if she'd had a better life (what can I say? I love that girl). I also never thought that Cordelia/Faith could work...until I read this. Dreiser states that she's written better but I still love this. The characerisation is great and she creates some fun original characters as well. But the driving force is Faith and Cordelia's relationship and that is just plain beautiful.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: dreiser.net
Gary Boshers
Slayers
Fandom: Buffy
Rating: PG-13
Type: Gen
Pairing: n/a
Themes: Action/adventure, AU, drama, romance, virtual season/series
Reviewed by: Bob the Head
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 14-03-2004
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: What we have here is a series that takes place after Buffy is over but with a couple major differences being that all of the potential Slayers weren't activated and Sunnydale wasn't destroyed. Buffy, Willow and Giles have left town leaving Faith, Spike, Dawn, Kennedy, Xander and a new character. The first season currently has two on-going story-lines, one focussing on an immortal vampire and the other on a former member of a group associated with the Watcher's Council.
Review: Tons of reasons this is a great story. The episodes are sharp and well-written with great unique plots that tie into the larger story arcs. The characters are right on the mark in their dialogue, actions, everything, they feel like the characters we've been watching for years and the evolution of them is very natural. The action sequences are fun and enjoyable as are the more light-hearted moments. The plot is what really shines. All of the episodes keep you wanting to read until the end and usually leave you with a feeling of wanting more. The villains manage to stay unique even though vampires are used frequently. The writers are half-way through the first season with some already outstanding episodes, my personal favorite being the Christmas episode ''Tis the Season' where the gang takes on the Ghost of Christmas Future. Stop by and give this wonderful series a read! I promise you won't be disappointed.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Slayers
Jolene Beasley (JBG)
The Bond Series
Fandom: Buffy
Rating: PG-13
Type: Het
Pairing: Buffy/Giles
Themes: AU, drama, humor, romance
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 01-08-2002
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: A mysterious bond forms between Buffy and Giles and our heroes have to work out what it means.
Review: There are some side-splittingly funny scenes in this series (most of them occurring when 'the bond' plays its part) and also some incredibly tender moments as Buffy and Giles begin to explore their relationship and what their bond actually means. Each part of the series reads like its own little episode, but at the same time there is the overriding arch of 'the bond' plot line. The story began during the third season, so some of the canon history was re-written as this went on, and has now expanded to a couple of years after Buffy starts college. This means that the series has plenty of meat to it and the storyline becomes more complex with each part. I loved this series, every four times I read it!
Warning: No warnings
Archive: buffygiles.com archive
Katharyn
Sidestep Chronicle
Fandom: Buffy
Rating: R
Type: Slash
Pairing: Willow/Tara
Themes: Action/adventure, angst, AU, dark fic, drama, romance
Reviewed by: DarkMagickWillow
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 13-08-2003
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: The ultimate vampire Willow story.
It starts with Willow becoming a vampire, follows with her canonical staking, then continues with her subsequent resurrection at the hands of Wolfram and Hart in the place of Darla's resurrection of the Angel season 1 finale. This story shows all of your favorite characters from a different point of view: Faith who becomes Giles's surrogate daughter as Buffy did elsewhere though without losing her edge; a harder Giles who's had to see Sunnydale fall to the vamps, though he has Jenny Calendar to balance him; and Lilah who represents Wolfram and Hart's to the Mayor (what other law firm would represent the Mayor?)
And of course, a darker Tara who's become a vampire hunter after the loss of her parents. Tara comes to Sunnydale to work for the Mayor in order to destroy the Master, whom she blames for her loss. She knows it's a diabolical bargain, in much the same way that her use of the magicks is, but she can't help liking the man who acts more like a father to her than her own father ever did. She also finds a friend and perhaps more in Lilah, who comes to check on her for a mysterious prophecy held by Wolfram and Hart. Who and what the prophecy actually talks about is a wonderful twist, subverting all the expectations developed upon first reading about it.
Meanwhile, she meets a beautiful red-haired vampire, the parody of the girl of her dreams. Tara can't resist her and what they have is more than sex, but it's a lot less than love; their relationship's sure to get someone killed, perhaps including both of them, as Tara and Vampire Willow play an uneasy game of alliances with the Mayor, the Master (who is the scary villain he could've developed into if he'd survived Prophecy Girl), Wolfram & Hart, and the Council of Watchers.
Review: Vampire Willow retains her predatory vampiric edge to a greater degree than canonical Spike does. Her revenge on Oz for staking her is scary; however, my favorite images are of her reaction to Tara being sick and how she ends up giving Tara a kitten as a 'gift.' Both are priceless. Despite their differences, neither Tara nor Vampire Willow can pull away from each other, though both know that it can't end well. I would've loved to have seen Buffy/Spike written more like this.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: The Kitten, The Witches and The Bad Wardrobe: Sidestep Chronicles
Katyd
Wedding Bells
Fandom: Buffy
Rating: PG-13
Type: Het
Pairing: Buffy/Giles
Themes: AU, drama, humor, romance
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 01-08-2002
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: With the Council's support now withdrawn, Giles faces deportation due to the lack of his green card. It's up to the Gang and Buffy to foil those plans. There's only one snag...
Review: Katyd bravely tackles something that has been the subject of several B/G fics and manages to surpass them all. The fic is still in the process of being written but there are ten parts out there so far and each one has been worth the wait. This is set after the end of season three so there are some changes from season four canon, although I think those changes are ones most of you will approve of. All the Gang get their chance to shine and for once it's not only Xander who gets the best lines. But it's Buffy and Giles who really steal the show. Telling you where my favourite scenes are would spoil the plot, but there are some that just left me giggling so hard I didn't know what to do with myself!
There is a pairing in this fic that may surprise some of you though...
Warning: No warnings
Archive: buffygiles.com archive
Kiara Rogue
Manly Girly Giggles
Fandom: Buffy
Rating: R
Type: Slash
Pairing: Xander/Spike
Themes: Action/adventure, first time, humor, romance
Reviewed by: Spurglie
Reviewer's home URL: Spurglie's fanfiction
Dated added: 15-11-2004
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: Without giving too much away...? Umm, something very strange happens to Xander and Spike, of all people, is there to help him through. Oh... and aliens attack the earth.
Review: The first thing I asked Kiara when I sent her some drooling feedback was if she could tell me exactly what medication she was on so I could rush out and get myself some. She writes stuff you won't even believe. Slasherific, world destroying, canon smashing, genderbending fiction that manages to remain hilarious, silly yet sensible, and very, very hot throughout. A few issues with punctuation, but nothing that's going to make you tear your hair out.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Manly Girly Giggles
Lisa Countryman
Unexpected Consequences
Fandom: Buffy
Rating: R
Type: Slash
Pairing: Willow/Tara
Themes: Action/adventure, angst, drama, romance
Reviewed by: DarkMagickWillow
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 16-08-2003
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: No summary supplied.
Review: Another interesting take on Willow's magic addiction arc; I guarantee that you will not be expecting the consequences in this story. Lisa has a breezy, light style that's easy to read, yet emotionally powerful. The first few chapters are an emotional rollercoaster as Willow and Tara discover those consequences and what they might mean for not only their relationship but the world. The consequences are far more surprising yet sensible than magic crack. The middle isn't as compelling as the beginning or ending; in particular, Amy's arc with the Witches Council is an unwelcome distraction from the main story. However, the ending with Tara's three trials is incredible and it would be worth reading the whole story for those scenes alone.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Unimatrix Seven
Mad Poetess
Chocolatey Goodness
Fandom: Buffy
Rating: NC-17
Type: Slash
Pairing: Xander/Spike
Themes: Angst, first time, humor, romance
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 02-07-2003
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: Love, lust, witty banter, and NC-17 rated et cetera between (Holding your breath, are you?) Xander and Spike. Chocolate, and cohabitation, and the extended Scooby Gang. Currently on hiatus, but the first, oh, 400 pages might keep you busy for a while.
Review: I honestly can't remember how I stumbled across this but I've always been glad that I did. It's got humour and angst in equal portions and I absolutely love the dialogue and characterisation (Spike and Xander's internal dialogue is particularly good). I usually have a rule about not reccing works in progress, but there's lots of parts already up and I just couldn't resist any more.
Mad Poetess has put this fic on official hiatus (meaning that she isn't adding to it at the moment but will go back to it) but go and read it anyway - you won't be disappointed.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Pointy Stakes: Chocolatey Goodness
Michele
Complement
Fandom: Buffy
Rating: NC-17
Type: Slash
Pairing: Buffy/Faith
Themes: Angst, AU, dark fic, drama, humor, romance
Reviewed by: kookylorri
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 26-11-2003
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: About Faith's life, her and Buffy. Has details on greek mythology etc. Don't want to ruin it for those that haven't read.
Review: This fic is amazingly written, without a doubt the best thing EVER written in this fandom. The charaterisation is 'just so' all the way through, and the narrative flow is engulfing. It has every thing; it makes you laugh, cry giggle, and maybe even a little horny. The area written about are thought provoking without being glorifying and provide imagery that you can envision the story as if you were watching it. Not review could do this fic justice, it's the must read of fanfic readers.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: -:wicked &divine:-
Nicollette Marquis McFadgen
Time Means Nothing
Fandom: Buffy
Rating: NC-17
Type: Het
Pairing: Xander/Others
Themes: Action/adventure, angst, dark fic, drama
Reviewed by: Calen
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 01-08-2002
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: Novella about how life changes after Highschool and different people take different paths.
Review: I can't really express how much I loved this story. I enjoyed reading it and every part kept me wanting more. I never really was one for the whole Xander/Cordelia thing, but this expresses it so well.
It covers a long span of time and really got me thinking about how they(Scooby Gang) matured and developed as people. Even though the focus mainly is Xander, we get small insights into the others aswell.
This is one story that I recommend to anyone. Read it and enjoy it.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: City of Angels & the Hellmouth
Pat Kelly
Summer Friendship series
Fandom: Buffy
Rating: PG-13
Type: Slash
Pairing: Buffy/Faith
Themes: Action/adventure, AU, drama, romance
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 01-08-2002
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: What would have happened in season three if Buffy and Faith had met each other before 'Faith, Hope and Trick'?
This is the idea explored in this wonderful fic. Buffy and Faith met when they were several years younger, before they became Slayers, and spent an entire summer becoming best friends. But when Buffy went home after the summer they lost contact until they meet in an alley behind the Bronze and learn that they are sisters in arms...
Review: Faith is one of my favourite characters so it's not surprising that I'm a fan of a story with her as the central character. Pat has basically re-written many of season three's episodes so, although some of the parts are eerily familiar, due to Buffy and Faith's changed relationship many of the outcomes are different. It explores a different side to Faith and asks whether she would have turned out the way she did if events have been different. The follow ups to this series should be posted to the archives soon and I cannot recommend this highly enough. Wicked cool!
Warning: No warnings
Archive: The Pink Rabbit Consortium
Pat Kelly
Two of a Kind Love
Fandom: Buffy
Rating: PG-13
Type: Slash
Pairing: Buffy/Willow
Themes: Romance
Reviewed by: Kirayoshi
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 01-08-2002
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: A reworking of the series third season, picking up from the second season cliffhanger 'Becoming'. The main difference is that Buffy comes to realize that she's in love with Willow while Willow recovers from Angelus' attack. The story redefines key scenes from the third season with that new relationship in mind.
Review: With this story, Pat Kelly pretty much invented the Buffy/Willow shipper fic. His marvelous reworking of Season Two was incredibly well thought out, and not once did his characterization falter. He starts with incredible angst(Willow comatose after nearly being killed by Angelus, Buffy grieving as she comes to realization of her feelings for Willow), and continues to run a well-paced emotional gamut, from heartache to joy, from sorrow to comedy. Favorite elements; Willow taking Buffy bowling, Buffy meeting with Willow's disapproving parents, the B/W slant on 'Lover's Walk' with Faith as the spoiler, and the treatment of Faith throughout. Pat took some calculated risks, and pulled them off famously. His story works on every level. Bravo, my friend, bravo.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: The Pink Rabbit Consortium
Sassette
Answering Darkness
Fandom: Buffy
Rating: NC-17
Type: Slash
Pairing: Willow/Tara
Themes: Action/adventure, angst, dark fic, drama, romance
Reviewed by: DarkMagickWillow
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 13-08-2003
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: AU story about the source of Willow's black magick powers and how she, Tara, and the rest of the gang help save the world from the Trickster.
Review: The best attempt at redeeming Willow's magic addiction arc of season 6 by adding a layer of story and mythology to underly and explain such a deviation from the canon of magic in BtVS. This is also the story that got me to like Anya with the chapters about Anya and Tara's road trip, as Tara leaves Sunnydale to get some perspective by being away from Willow while going to find her mother's books which she thinks might hold the secret to what's happening to Willow. This story also reveals the secret of why Glory was so easy to defeat in The Gift.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Crypt of Fic
tommo
Touchstone
Fandom: Buffy
Rating: R
Type: Slash
Pairing: Willow/Tara
Themes: Angst, drama, romance
Reviewed by: DarkMagickWillow
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 13-08-2003
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: It starts after season 6 with Giles in Wales, where he's been exiled to a particularly unimportant and somewhat uncomfortable post as Watcher. He welcomes Tara and Willow (this story was started before the end of season 6), who have come to visit to deal with Willow's issues with magic as well as their issues with each other (despite Tara's statement in Entropy, they can't 'just skip it' forever) in a place that's supposedly safer than the Hellmouth.
But which may not be ... there's something mysterious in the woods and Cerys, a new Watcher with a secret agenda, arrives soon after Giles welcomes Tara and Willow into his cottage. Cerys is one of the best drawn original characters I've seen in fan fiction, being both well described and well balanced as to avoid taking the focus from the characters we already know. Tommo has a deep command of the Buffy characters as well, and her Giles is a delight to read and reflect upon.
Review: This story features the best descriptive writing of any fan fiction. The images of both Wales, where the story is set, and of the characters and their interactions are deftly drawn and simply beautiful. If you want to learn how to make descriptive writing come alive, this is the story for you.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Lesbo Street Cred
Tulipp
Terra Firma
Fandom: Buffy
Rating: R
Type: Slash
Pairing: Willow/Tara
Themes: Action/adventure, angst, drama, romance
Reviewed by: DarkMagickWillow
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 13-08-2003
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: Willow returns with Dawn from their summer with the Coven in England after the events of season 6 (this story was written before season 7). Once again, Tulipp gathers up the discarded or underused threads of the past season's story and weaves them together in a new tapestry of surpassing beauty. We slowly learn to compassionately understand how each of the characters ended up where they were at the end of that season and how they can grow from there.
As with Bread, the major characters are Willow, Dawn, and yes, Tara; her return is a mystery whose depths we gradually explore throughout the course of the story. It also brings back my favorite villain of season 5: the wonderfully creepy Doc, who has his own past with a deeper connection to the Scoobies than you might expect. However, this longer story takes the time to deal with the changes in all the Scoobies; I especially like what we learn about Giles's history and how he both fails and succeeds in dealing with Willow's changes over the course of this story.
Review: Chapter 6, 'Breathe,' is a wonderful and powerful story in itself, whose ability to deal with complex issues without dialog reminds me a bit of the episode Hush. However, my favorite chapter is the final one. The elemental imagery of the ending is beautiful, with each pair of element and person matching perfectly with the character's story and personality. The ending is more powerful emotionally than that of Grave, not only for Buffy and Dawn but also for Willow. As the title promises, it brings us, the readers, out of the storm that was season 6 to once again stand on firm ground, terra firma.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: The Mystic Muse
Various
Where Do We Go From Here?
Fandom: Buffy
Rating: R
Type: Gen
Pairing: n/a
Themes: Action/adventure, angst, dark fic, drama, episode tag or fix (Chosen, S7), humor, romance, virtual season/series
Reviewed by: faithspencer
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 06-01-2005
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: Post 'Chosen' series that continues where season 7 left off
Review: This series is one of the best written fanfics i've ever stumbled across. Plot and character development are amazing (though a decent beta wouldn't hurt their cause) and it just feels like a story that Joss would tell. Funny and gripping, this series was the only one of the numerous season 8's out there that left me with the same feelings of horror, happiness, ROTFLMAO and crushing sadness that Buffy gave me.
Warning: Click here to view warnings in a pop-up window
Archive: buffy lives...btvs virtual season eight
Virtual Lunatics
VCL's Virtual Season Eight
Fandom: Buffy
Rating: PG-13
Type: Het
Pairing: Would give the plot away :-)
Themes: Action/adventure, drama, romance, virtual season/series
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 11-05-2004
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: Picking up where 'Chosen' left off, Buffy and the rest of the Scoobies go on to new adventures.
Review: A virtual series can work well for any show, but Buffy is the one that has shown the most variety and inventiveness in where it can go. This one is staffed and produced by several well-known Buffy fanfic writers (always a promising start), mainly Buffy/Giles writers, which always bodes well for the writing quality. Luckily, that promise is fulfilled with a very good standard of writing, development and suprisingly good original characters (one of the rare things in fanfiction).
The extras on the site are also well worth checking. The writers describe these as 'the DVD versions of Buffy' so there are fun things like Dawn's Diary and specially created extras to tie in with episodes. They also describe it as Buffy on cable - i.e. there are some episodes that may go to R or NC-17, although the majority are PG-13.
And unfortunately that adds another virtual series to the collection I follow :-)
Warning: No warnings
Archive: VCL-VS8
Wic
Visionary Kiss
Fandom: Buffy
Rating: NC-17
Type: Het
Pairing: Willow/Imhotep
Themes: Action/adventure, angst, AU, drama, H/C, humor, romance
Reviewed by: Sam
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 07-05-2003
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: The fic starts with a older Willow that has changed. She meets the Goddess Isis, who sends her a 'few' years back in time to a place called Theben.
Review: A wonderful story!
It wasn't what I was expecting, that's for sure.
This Fic letīs you see the whole movie again, only this time we have Willow in it. I never thought anyone would put Willow in the Mummy story quite like this, but it's turning out to be one of the best crossovers I ever read.
The Author paid particular attention to the plot, characters and dialogue.
This fic has everything itīs funny, dark, full of emotions and action.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Near Her Always
Adsum
Number One Lowest Common Denominator
Fandom: Buffy, Angel (cross-over)
Rating: NC-17
Type: Slash
Pairing: Angel/Spike
Themes: Angst, dark fic, romance
Reviewed by: jenny
Reviewer's home URL: Love That Dares
Dated added: 12-03-2003
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: Spike comes to Angel in LA seeking something that he does not yet understand. Estranged from his Childe and suspicious, Angel finds it hard to let his defenses down long enough to discover what Spike needs.
Review: This is superbly written story that has emotional depth, a great plot and excellent slash sex as well. Many Spike/Angel stories tread a fine line between the vampire natures of the characters and the romance or love in the story. This one does it wonderfully with enough angst to make you stake yourself (or them), but with an ultimately satisfying, feel-good depth to the writing. If you like Spike and Angel together, you will love this story.
Warning: Click here to view warnings in a pop-up window
Archive: Glass Asylum
Martha Wells Wilson and Kimberly Rector
When Hellmouths Collide
Fandom: Buffy, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (cross-over)
Rating: PG-13
Type: Het
Pairing: n/a
Themes: Action/adventure, angst, drama, humor, romance
Reviewed by: Susan
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 01-08-2002
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: Buffy, Willow, Giles and Xander accidentally fall into the Hercules universe.
Review: It's very well-written and the characters' voices all 'sound' just right, especially Xander and Giles. Even if you haven't seen Hercules and Xena, there's just enough info for you to understand what's going on and to really get you interested in those characters. The combination of humor and serious moments really makes it feel like a Buffy episode. And when it's funny (which is a lot) it's like ROFL funny. It's very long but reads very quickly and you'll find yourself wishing there was more of it.
Note: Set during Buffy's Season Three.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: The Less Than Legendary Journeys
Jeri Massi
Death and Chocolate
Fandom: Doctor Who
Rating: PG-13
Type: Gen
Pairing: n/a
Themes: Action/adventure, drama
Reviewed by: paranoidangel
Reviewer's home URL: Angelic Paranoia
Dated added: 20-06-2006
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: The Third Doctor and Sarah Jane investigate strange goings-on at a place called the Royalty House, a chocolate company.
Review: This reads like it could be an episode of Doctor Who. There's some lovely stuff between the Doctor and Sarah Jane, and great Sarah Jane stuff in general. There's a mystery, or possibly more than one and the whole question of whether the Doctor can work it out in time, or whether Sarah will get there first.
There's only two bad things about this. First, it's written in American English - I just can't see Sarah saying words like gotten, but the whole thing is good enough to overlook the comparitively few words of American English. The second bad thing is that reading this story really made me want to eat chocolate!
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Jeri's Pages
Meredith
Now You See Her
Fandom: Doctor Who
Rating: PG
Type: Gen
Pairing: n/a
Themes: Action/adventure, humor
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 07-09-2007
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: On a routine visit to a perfectly harmless planet, Rose is kidnapped and the Doctor discovers a massive government conspiracy. Well, every planet has its dirty laundry...
Review: This fic is both humorous and adventurous at the same time. It's the writing style and the sense of how ridiculous the Doctor can sometimes be that lends it the humour and a great plot that reads almost like an episode that provides the adventure. Meredith captures the Ninth Doctor and his idiosyncrasies just right and I love her comments on how other people see him. It's satisfying, fun, well-written and a good afternoon's occupation so go ahead and read it right now.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: A Teaspoon and an Open Mind
padawanpooh
Facets
Fandom: Doctor Who
Rating: PG-13
Type: Het
Pairing: Doctor/Rose
Themes: Action/adventure, angst, drama, romance
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 13-05-2007
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: To save her Doctor's future, Rose has to go back in time and meet all previous incarnations of the Timelord. There'll be danger, humour, romance and adventure!
Review: The summary is a pretty good description of what happens, leaving out the fact that this is a good, meaty fic and the writer has studied all the Doctors well enough to get their personalities alive on the page. She doesn't stint on the companions, either, working them into the stories when appropriate and writing them well. The variety of stories that she tells within the story arch of 'Facets' is also great.
I haven't read the sequels yet, but I can promise that 'Facets' is a great, fun story with a hint of something darker every now and again and wonderful Doctor characterisations. It's rare to find a good, long Doctor Who story and this is one of them.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: A Teaspoon and an Open Mind: Index
Cas
A Promise Worth Keeping
Fandom: Harry Potter
Rating: PG-13
Type: Gen
Pairing: n/a
Themes: Angst, AU, drama
Reviewed by: paranoidangel
Reviewer's home URL: Angelic Paranoia
Dated added: 24-03-2006
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: Before he ever hears of Hogwarts, Harry has a magical accident which has horrible repercussions for him. In a race to protect him, two old friends end up on opposite sides when the real danger lies elsewhere.
Review: This story is set before Harry goes to Hogwarts but in an AU where he accidentally hurts his uncle, Sirius hears and escapes from Azkaban, and Remus has to find them both. There's a whole lot of irony going on because we know Sirius is innocent and wants to protect Harry, while everyone else assumes Sirius wants to hurt Harry.
This story seemed realistic, in the way that the characters act, with Sirius and Harry trying to stay alive and Remus hating Sirius (and Snape). It's also long because not everything can be solved simply and I liked that.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Schnoogle: Cas
KabeyK
The Dating Disasters of Sirius Black
Fandom: Harry Potter
Rating: R
Type: Slash
Pairing: Remus/Sirius
Themes: First time, humor
Reviewed by: paranoidangel
Reviewer's home URL: Angelic Paranoia
Dated added: 14-04-2006
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: For some reason unfathomable to Remus, Sirius always likes to tell him in excruciating detail about his various romantic problems.
Review: There is some het in here as well but it's just a lead-up to the slash really. I liked this because it was long and funny. If it was serious then MWPP would just be behaving horribly and they would be really annoying. But because it's a humour fic then it just makes it more funny. And they come up with some excellent pranks.
I really liked this Sirius as well, just generally being silly and childish. There are some interesting, well-written OCs in there and I particularly liked McGonagall in it. KabeyK has also written some canon stuff in there and made it work in the context of what goes on in this story.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Riddikulus: KabeyK
RobinLady
Promises Unbroken & Promises Remembered
Fandom: Harry Potter
Rating: PG-13
Type: Gen
Pairing: n/a
Themes: Action/adventure, AU, dark fic, drama
Reviewed by: paranoidangel
Reviewer's home URL: Angelic Paranoia
Dated added: 04-09-2004
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: Sirius Black remained the Secret Keeper and everything he feared came to pass. Ten years later, James and Lily live, Harry attends Hogwarts, and Voldemort remains...welcome to a darker world.
Review: This is a work in progress, the first 40 chapters being Promises Unbroken, then the story continues in Promises Remembered. The author does point out that some of the characters have better lives in this AU but in general, it's a much darker universe. The war has been going on for years - long enough for Harry to be starting at Hogwarts at the start of the story. A lot of the characters are in different positions, they've all had different experiences, yet it's easy to believe their characters in this story based on what we know about them already. The original characters are equally well written. I'm a Remus/Sirius shipper and even I was rooting for the Sirius/OFC in this one.
It's impossible to put down because you want to know what's going to happen next, how they're going to defeat Voldemort (or even if they will). It's also quite depressing because of the number of horrible things the characters go through.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: The Dark Arts: RobinLady
Sam Vimes
Stealing Harry
Fandom: Harry Potter
Rating: R
Type: Slash
Pairing: Remus/Sirius
Themes: AU, drama, first time, romance
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 10-08-2004
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: If Lucius Malfoy got to Peter Pettigrew before Sirius could, Sirius would be a bookshop owner, Remus would have a steady job, and one day, when Harry Potter was eight-and-a-half years old, they might kidnap him from the Dursleys...
Review: This is a wonderfully constructed AU - the story makes sense, holds together wonderfully and the characters are all recognisable even though the basic 'what if' concept has changed the outcome for certain key characters. I also adore Sirius and Remus, so reading something that focuses on them was always going to make me happy.
The relationship between Sirius and Remus is just one plot thread among several that kept me enthralled. It's never allowed to overwhelm the rest of the story and Sam gives the other characters plenty of page-time. It is a beautifully written relationship, though, and deservedly one of the Sirius/Remus classics. Possibly more importantly, there is a strong plot centering around Harry that brings in other characters from the Harry Potter universe and has obviously been well planned. This is a thoroughly enjoyable read that I simply couldn't put down until I'd finished.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Sam Storyteller: Stealing Harry fics
Sam Vimes
Stealing Harry
Fandom: Harry Potter
Rating: R
Type: Slash
Pairing: Remus/Sirius
Themes: AU, drama, first-time, romance
Reviewed by: paranoidangel
Reviewer's home URL: Angelic Paranoia
Dated added: 10-08-2004
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: If Lucius Malfoy got to Peter Pettigrew before Sirius could, Sirius would be a bookshop owner, Remus would have a steady job, and one day, when Harry Potter was eight-and-a-half years old, they might kidnap him from the Dursleys...
Review: Although this fic is an R, there are kid friendly chapters.
This is a lovely AU because Harry actually gets to have a nice childhood (beyond the age of 8). There are all sorts of things going on that we know about that Harry doesn't, like Remus being a werewolf and Sirius being a dog. It's quite long because it doesn't stay happy forever - Voldemort comes back, and suddenly all of their lives change.
There are two sequels but neither of them are finished, and neither are as good as this one, so far.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Sam Storyteller: Stealing Harry fics
Anglachel
Legacy
Fandom: Lord of the Rings
Rating: PG-13
Type: Gen
Pairing: n/a
Themes: Angst, drama
Reviewed by: paranoidangel
Reviewer's home URL: Angelic Paranoia
Dated added: 17-02-2004
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: Ten days in Buckland as Bilbo tries to convince his relatives that Frodo belongs with him.
Review: There are lots of minor hobbits, along with Bilbo and Frodo, all of whom have different characters and ideas about where Frodo should live. This isn't a cute hobbit story - it's much more of an adult one with sexual themes in. It's only at the end when the characters' agendas become clear that you find yourself rooting for Bilbo to put it right. There's also some hobbit politics in there, although they're easy enough to skim-read if you don't find that interesting.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Henneth Annûn: Legacy
Bill The Pony
The Making of Samwise (series)
Fandom: Lord of the Rings
Rating: NC-17
Type: Slash
Pairing: Frodo/Sam
Themes: Action/adventure, angst, drama, romance
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 01-07-2004
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: A history of Samwise Gamgee's life as he grows into his destiny.
Review: Sam is an interesting character and, for me anyway, one of the real heros of Lord of the Rings. However, Tolkien does not tell us a great deal about him or his life before he overhears Frodo and Gandalf discussing the Ring in Bagend. Bill The Pony's series attempts to fill in all those blanks about Sam's history, starting out in his childhood and moving forwards. It's slash, so not everything is going to stick to canon, but that doesn't make it any less interesting or well-written. Bill The Pony has a wonderful feel for character voices, particularly Sam's, and it's easy to lose yourself in this series. It's certainly one of the most ambitious series I've seen and the writing is just as strong as the ideas. If you're looking for an interesting, meaty series and love Sam as much as I do, this should definitely be high on your reading list. Don't let the 'Work in Progress' tag put you off because Bill regularly updates and shows no sign of letting this be one of the great unfinished fics that litter so many fandoms.
Note 19-12-05: This fic is now complete. Yay!
Warning: No warnings
Archive: West of the Moon: Bill the Pony
Darma Druid
Fortress Around the Heart
Fandom: Lord of the Rings
Rating: PG-13
Type: Het
Pairing: Legolas/OC
Themes: Drama, romance
Reviewed by: Katja
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 13-04-2005
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: What if a few elves didn`t leave for Valinor with the rest of their kind and live among us today? This is a really fascinating story about power, seduction and love. The sequel, Pentimento (WIP), is different, but very good nevertheless.
Review: The idea of elves beeing amongst us amazes me and the story is very well written. It kept me glued to the screen for weeks! Grammar and spelling is very good, which is rather important to me. This is definitely one of my favourite LOTR stories - some will call it a Mary Sue, but who cares!?
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Fanfiction.Net: Darma Druid
FirstMate
Lost
Fandom: Lord of the Rings
Rating: PG-13
Type: Gen
Pairing: n/a
Themes: Angst, drama
Reviewed by: paranoidangel
Reviewer's home URL: Angelic Paranoia
Dated added: 17-02-2004
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: While on a trip to purchase horses from Rohan, Elrohir vanishes without a trace. He is lost for over two years when he finally found, but without his memories. The story follows his journey home and Elrohir's attempts to rediscover his lost life.
Review: First there's the mystery of what happened to Elrohir and then there's the angst of recovery. There are a few odd canon hiccups but they can be forgiven given the quality of the writing. Each chapter is long enough to suck you in so it's impossible to stop reading - the only problem being the story is a WiP.
There is really nothing to criticise about the writing - the POV always seems to naturally be the right one, the changing relationships between the characters are well done and the angst is so beautifully written.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Stories of Arda: Lost
Isabeau of Greenlea
Captain My Captain
Fandom: Lord of the Rings
Rating: PG-13
Type: Het
Pairing: Canon pairings
Themes: Action/adventure, drama, romance
Reviewed by: paranoidangel
Reviewer's home URL: Angelic Paranoia
Dated added: 17-02-2004
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: Events in RoTK as experienced by a young Ranger of Ithilien.
Review: The main character - who narrates the story - has all the characteristic of a Mary Sue, yet she isn't one. Through it you come to care about what happens to her, and to the characters around her. Isabeau has developed Imrahil and his family wonderfully. The characterisations of other major characters are perfect so their actions are never unexpected (at least not to the reader) which is impressive given it is written in first person POV. It is very long but impossible to put down.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Fanfiction.Net: Isabeau of Greenlea
Lady Alyssa and Random Dent
Bagenders
Fandom: Lord of the Rings
Rating: R
Type: Slash
Pairing: Multiple
Themes: AU, humor
Reviewed by: paranoidangel
Reviewer's home URL: Angelic Paranoia
Dated added: 17-02-2004
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: 2001 (in an AU) and the now immortal Fellowship are living in the house-share from hell.
Review: This is a series of fics that are laugh-out-loud funny. Although there are random slashly interludes with various pairings, the rest is not so slashy. The characters are parodies but they're based in canon - the only semi-sane characters being Legolas and Sam. Other characters occasionally appear and it is safe to say they are even more insane - and funny.
Bagenders owes a lot to British humour as well - there being definite shades of Father Ted in there (especially when Gandalf is involved).
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Bagenders
Nilmandra
History Lessons
Fandom: Lord of the Rings
Rating: PG-13
Type: Gen
Pairing: n/a
Themes: Angst, drama
Reviewed by: paranoidangel
Reviewer's home URL: Angelic Paranoia
Dated added: 17-02-2004
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: Elladan and Elrohir learn the history of the first age from Glorfindel and others who lived through it, while Elrond reflects upon his past and parenting elflings.
Review: There are two stories within one here. One takes place in the Third Age when the twins are young, the other starts when Elrond is young and goes up until the end of the First Age. It's a great introduction to the Silmarillion for those who haven't read it and fills in the gaps for those who have. It's also the story of Elrond and what makes him the way he is. Nilmandra also writes lovely Elrond angst and there are several moments that will make you cry.
There's a sequel being written called History Lessons: The Second Age, and a Third Age one to follow.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Stories of Arda: History Lessons
Gina L. Dartt
Just Between (series)
Fandom: Star Trek: Voyager
Rating: NC-17
Type: Slash
Pairing: Janeway/Seven of Nine
Themes: Action/adventure, drama, romance
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 01-05-2003
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: A long series of 50 stories broke down in five 'seasons' following the trials and tribulations of a relationships between Janeway and Seven.
Review: Why do I love this series? Let me count the ways...
First of all, there is the characterisation. Gina's characters grow and develop over time and you just can't help loving them. It's not just Janeway and Seven - she creates creat original characters and does a lot of work on all the Voyager characters. Everyone gets 'screen' time, a rare thing in fanfiction.
Next there is the way this series is organised. Having individual stories means that you can dip in and out whenever you feel the need to read J/7 stuff. They're best read in order but each one is realtively self-contained so you don't feel the need to read all 50 at once! There's also the joy of knowing that she's writing a follow-up series, Millenium. The individual stories also means that you get lots of different kinds of stores - my themes field could have included every ticky box on the form because there are so many different stories. That makes for lots of variety.
Last, these are addictive. Janeway/Seven is the main relationship, but because Gina gives other characters 'screen' time there is time to develope other relationships. B'Elanna's development is particularly fun. I always want to read the next one in the series to find out what happens to our characters next. In one story I can be splitting my sides with laughter, the next will have me near tears. They're all incredibly satisfying but I always want to read te next one.
Now, have I whittered enough to make you go and read this?
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Novel Expectations
Mrs Hamill (and guest authors)
Riding the Wheel of If (series)
Fandom: Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
Rating: NC-17
Type: Slash
Pairing: Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon
Themes: Action/adventure, angst, AU, drama, humor, romance
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 08-09-2003
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: Qui-Gon is dead, and in building a new lightsaber, Obi-Wan accidentally finds a way to move to different realities, where he discovers many strange and wondrous things in his quest to be with his beloved Master again.
Review: The first thing that I must mention is that this is based on a fascinating premise that I've never seen done in fanfic. I also have to mention that this is very well written.
To move on...
This series had me in stitches and in tears at various points throughout it. I couldn't help rooting for Obi-Wan, hoping he'd find a reality he could stay in, but I also fell in love with a lot of the alternate reality characters he met. There were some fascinating realities explored - most were complete inventions by MrsHamill et al and a few were fandom universes created by other authors. In all cases I was enthralled. The characterisations, the differences and the similarities, were all done brilliantly.
To end my gushing, go and read this because you won't be disappointed.
Warning: Click here to view warnings in a pop-up window
Archive: Mom's Kitchen
Alli Snow
Andromeda
Fandom: Stargate
Rating: R
Type: Het
Pairing: Sam/Jack
Themes: Angst, drama, romance
Reviewed by: paranoidangel
Reviewer's home URL: Angelic Paranoia
Dated added: 17-02-2004
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: In the future the Stargate program has been revealed to the public.
Review: The story starts off in the future but gradually reveals what happened in the past - and what happened to Sam and Jack. It's angsty because they don't start off together. It's also something of a mystery as we work out what has happened along with a reporter who starts the whole thing off.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: salmonczar: alli snow
Anais
Doctor Jackson's Diaries series
Fandom: Stargate
Rating: NC-17
Type: Slash
Pairing: Jack/Daniel
Themes: Action/adventure, angst, humor, parody, romance
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 19-02-2003
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: Daniel's diary over a year at the SGC.
Review: Um, what can I say about this? I have yet to meet a J/D fan who didn't get a giggle out of this, if not an outright guffaw. We've cleared coffee shops discussing this series at the tops our voices. We've all had bleary eyed mornings after staying up until 4am on a work night reading (well, I have). The characters are exaggerations of the characters we all love and the situations are just side-splitting. It's closer to a parody than a serious fic but it's almost impossible not to love it. You'll laugh, you'll cheer, you'll yell at your screen sometimes, but you'll keep reading until the last word.
Not for the humour impaired :)
There's also a parallel 'Jack's Journal' at the same site.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Anais' Index
Brenda and ELG
Twelve Days of Bunnyfic series
Fandom: Stargate
Rating: NC-17
Type: Slash
Pairing: Jack/Daniel
Themes: Angst, humor, PWP, romance
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 19-02-2003
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: A series of 12 short J/D stories of all descriptions.
Review: How to describe these? They're slightly more than PWPs but they're not really connected stories. There's a little something here for everyone, especially and H/C lovers. 'Alpha Jack' remains my favourite, although the first timer in me also adores 'Command Performance'. They're all sweet, Jack and Daniel are in love and I use them as comfort food whenever I'm feeling uninspired or down.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Area 52
Joy
Intervals (series)
Fandom: Stargate
Rating: NC-17
Type: Slash
Pairing: Jack/Daniel
Themes: Angst, drama, episode tag or fix (most episodes), humor, romance
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 24-07-2003
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: A series of episode tags from season 1 on, charting a growing relationship between Jack and Daniel.
Review: You know my thing about reccing WIPs? Well, I'm waiving that in order to rec this :-)
It's not really a WIP in a conventional sense. Each Interval can be read on its own, but they work much better in the series. The relationship between Jack and Daniel is fascinating and Joy has done a wonderful job of exploring the psychology and dynamic between them. The characterisation is spot-on and the dialogue is fantastic. What puts this above other series, for me, anyway, is that there are no rose-tinted glasses here - they make mistakes, they have to live with them and work out a way of getting past them. Joy doesn't change any of the canon events but she looks hard at the motivations behind them and ends up with an absorbing series.
Should I also mention that the sex is very hot? :-)
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Joy's Stargate Fanfic: Intervals
Pink Rabbit Productions
Bits and Pieces series
Fandom: Stargate
Rating: PG-13
Type: Slash
Pairing: Sam/Janet
Themes: Action/adventure, angst, drama, romance
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 30-03-2003
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: Series follows Janet and Sam's relationship through the show.
Review: The author calls this an oddball of a series. I think it's a gem. She focuses on the relationship between Sam and Janet through the series, writing around some episodes and adding adventures of their own. The characterisation is spot-on and the chemistry between Sam and Janet sparkles. She even writes the other characters well, which is sometimes rare in slash. It's great to see friendship blossom and mature and I haven't been able to tear myself away from this for the past few evenings. Go read, now :)
Warning: No warnings
Archive: The Pink Rabbit Consortium
sideburns
Guys Just Want To Have Fun
Fandom: Stargate
Rating: R
Type: Slash
Pairing: Jack/Daniel
Themes: Humor, PWP, romance
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 19-02-2003
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: Jack thinks that Daniel needs to be silly
Review: Sideburns is always a reliably good writer. This is warm and humorous with the affection between our guys clearly visible. I guarantee that you'll have a grin on your face by the end.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Feisty Daniel Appreciation Society
Zebra 3 Productions
Starsky and Hutch Slash Virtual Seasons
Fandom: Starsky and Hutch
Rating: NC-17
Type: Slash
Pairing: Starsky/Hutch
Themes: Action/adventure, drama, romance, virtual season/series
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 22-10-2003
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: Picking up where the show ended, this is a virtual show following Starsky and Hutch as the subtext becomes text.
Review: Virtual series are difficult to do, requiring a large staff and someone to stear them. By nature they can be patchy affairs due to different authors and standards. Good virtual series are gems because the writers care enough about the show to really make an effort at them. They have great graphics, interesting episodes and good continuity. Just as with the aired show, you know that even if you didn't particularly enjoy one episode you'll probably still enjoy the next one and a lot of hard work goes into every one. This is a great virtual series.
Slash VS's might actually be harder than gen ones, even for shows with a lot of subtext already there, but this S&H one is more than up to the task. The relationship between Starsky and Hutch is developed well, there is a lot of attention to detail (particularly impressive when the show has to be set in the late seventies) and the secondary characters are as well thought-out as the leads. As is normal with a VS like this, the style of some episodes will suit you better than others because several authors pen them, but I've found something to enjoy in all of them. If you ever noticed the slashy vibes between Starsky and Hutch on-screen, you'll enjoy this.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Starsky and Hutch Slash Virtual Seasons
Maud Walter
The Choice
Fandom: The O.C.
Rating: PG-13
Type: Gen
Pairing: n/a
Themes: Angst, drama
Reviewed by: paranoidangel
Reviewer's home URL: Angelic Paranoia
Dated added: 15-11-2004
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: Seth and Ryan get in trouble, and the Cohens-plus-1 are forced to examine and redefine their relationships.
Review: I never meant to read OC fanfiction at all, but stumbled on this one and carried on reading because it reads like an episode. Well, perhaps a few episodes, but what strikes me is that the characterisation is spot on. I can totally see the characters doing these things. And the worst part is the horrible situation they all find themselves in, but you can't fault them for their decisions - they all seemed right at the time.
You also can't help feeling for the characters as they find themselves in situations they never wanted and never meant to happen. And it changes them and their relationships with the other characters. Which is what The OC does best, really.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Fanfiction.net: Maud Walter
Llachlan
Silent Legacy
Fandom: Uber-Xena
Rating: R
Type: Slash
Pairing: Reed/Jae (Xena/Gab)
Themes: Angst, drama, romance
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 10-11-2002
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: Jae is a co-director working to bring 'Tropical Storm' to the big screen. Reed is the lead actress. When the first director dies and Jae becomes the main director, she has to deal with actors, location shoots...and Reed.
Review: Trying to catagorise this is difficult. Is there such a thing as Uber-Uber fiction? The central plot is the filming of 'Tropical Storm', a film of Missy Good's Uber-fiction. As such there are in-jokes for regular readers of Missy's work and cameos for her and some notorious Pups.
More centrally is the story being told between Jae and Reed. This is developed beautifully, with a lot of care and attention to the subtleties of their friendships as well as the romance. Sometimes I was almost in tears and I had several late nights when I just couldn't put the laptop down from reading this.
The story is addictive and well-written. I could see and hear everything that the author wrote. I highly recommend this to anyone, whether you have read Tropical Storm or not.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: The Bard's Corner
Merwolf
Tropical Storm
Fandom: Uber-Xena
Rating: PG-13
Type: Slash
Pairing: Dar/Kerry (Xena/Gab)
Themes: Action/adventure, drama, romance
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 10-11-2002
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: To quote the author, 'This is about two people who meet and happen to change each other's lives.' I can't think of anything to add to that.
Review: I will rave about Dar and Kerry to anyone I know :) The characters jump off the page and I don't think there's a fan out there who isn't a little bit in love with them. It's not just the main characters who are so well developed. Missy has populated her world with a series of secondary characters who are as captivating as her heroines. Dar's slow thaw as she befriends Kerry is particularly well-developed.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Merwolf's Den
Merwolf
Journey of Soulmates (series)
Fandom: Xena
Rating: PG-13
Type: Slash
Pairing: Xena/Gabrielle
Themes: Action/adventure, drama, romance
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 22-10-2003
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: A series of stories exploring the growing relationship between Xena and Gabrielle, with a few swash-buckling adventures along the way.
Review: Merwolf has a talent for creating real, believable, beautiful relationships, whether it's Xena and Gabrielle or Dar and Kerry, their modern counterparts. The stories she writes in this series are so vivid you can see them and could almost be episodes of the TV series. Initially the stories shadow the events in the show, but the series goes AU after The Rift and succeeds wonderfully - in a way, this is a series that cancels out a lot of what fans didn't like about The Rift storyline and provides and wonderful alternative. The relationship between Xena and Gabrielle is well thought out and believable and their dialogue sounds just right. Merwolf's trade-mark flashback scenes are great for adding substance to the series without distracting from what's going on.
If you want to know my favourite story in the series, it is 'At a Distance' (you'll probably work out why when you read it), but they are all must-reads.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: Merwolf's Den
Various authors
Xena Virtual Subtext Seasons
Fandom: Xena
Rating: PG-13
Type: Slash
Pairing: Xena/Gabrielle
Themes: Action/adventure, angst, drama, humor, romance, virtual season/series
Reviewed by: Selenay
Reviewer's home URL:
Dated added: 11-05-2003
Length: 10+ chapters, most parts over 25KB
Plot: Picking up from the end of season six, these are virtual seasons with a full compliment of episodes where the subtext between Xena and Gabrielle is main text.
Review: This is organised and written by some of the most talented writers and graphical artists in the Xena fandom so the results were bound to be good. Each part is presented as an episode in script form, illustrated with beautiful graphics. There is the usual mix of drama and humour but with the added bonus of the relationship betwen Xena and Gabrielle being developed fully. This is well-written with great characterisation and dialogue. I loved every episode of it, and as I write season nine is due to debut in the fall.
Warning: No warnings
Archive: XWP Subtext Virtual Seasons