samvara

So it turns out I'm now an every-six-months kind of reccing person. Oh well, I read some good stuff - here's the highlights.

( The Avengers (2012), X-Men: First Class (2011)  )

( Marvel Avengers Movies Universe, The Losers (2010)  )

( Cyteen – C.J. Cherryh )

( Discworld – Terry Pratchett )

( Dogma (1999) )

( Meta - Fandom  )

( Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen  )

( Prometheus (2012)  )

( Supernatural RPF )

( Teen Wolf (TV)  )

( X-Men: First Class (2011)  )

Persephone (22902 words) by Yahtzee
Fandom: Prometheus (2012)
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: David 8/Elizabeth Shaw
Summary: Elizabeth repairs David - but slowly he begins to realize he is malfunctioning in a way she can't fix.
And he doesn't want her to.

No rec posts for... six months... yea gods what happened?

( Read more... )

I did my best to download ALL THE VIDS for the monthly slash gathering. We watched a lot and I've been watching the rest over the last week. I can't possibly do justice to all of them but I can pick out some that struck me for various reasons. Organised by playlist vidshow: friday (2011) and vidshow: saturday (2011)

Nearly New Part 1
Whole New Way by mresundance. Sherlock Holmes (BBC, 2009 film, ACD canon). Holmes/Watson/Fandom. Epic romance since 1887.
Counterpoint (Concerto No 1 in D Major ("Allegro")) by Deejay. The King's Speech. Voices don't have to be vocal. I haven't seen this movie but now I want to, there was so much love in this.

Nearly New Part 2
The River Flows in You by jspencer1986. Fingersmith. This is visually beautiful, the music is haunting and it has pretty girls falling love.
Better by WiliQueen. Desperate Romantics. Beautiful. Another fandom I'm unfamiliar with and now desperately want to watch.
Losing My Religion by akemi42. Supernatural. Castiel struggles with defining his relationships, his faith, his reality. Hee, I probably shouldn't find this amusing but I do.
Friends by f1renze. How I Met Your Mother. Pop and lock together. Love the song choice.
Things That Go Bump in the Light (Montezuma) by Luminosity. Blueberry. Enigmatic and visually lovely.
What About Love by Greensilver. Youngblood.  Don't you want someone to care about you? OK we're gonna get this and we're gonna watch it, possibly back to back with Blades of Glory and it's gonna be FUN

Constructed Reality
I love this as a genre so if it's your thing, go check them out, my favourite is still probably Papa Don't Preach by Greensilver & Eunice. Doctor Who & Torchwood. Uses a story-specific song to build a non-canon plot.

History of Vidding: Vividcon
Black Cat by Seah and Margie. The Sentinel. Who says a black cat has to ruin your day? (2002 premiere) This was pure nostalgia.
To Touch the Face of God (Nasivern Pi) by Destina. Multi. This kind of makes me want to cry, I am invested :)

Triangles, 3-somes, and Trios
there still remains the cocaine bottle (We Insist) by skud. Sherlock Holmes (2009). Sherlock Holmes is never alone. (Holmes/Watson/Adler)
Let's Misbehave by Greensilver. White Collar.  It's not a crime. It's not even a poor life choice. (Peter hopes.) (Elizabeth/Peter/Neal)

Heavy Metal
Shock the Monkey by giandujakiss. Hawaii Five-0. On the surface, this is a vid about Five-0 using full immunity and means, but when you look a bit more closely, it's about the way the show fetishizes and glamorizes violence. Yeah, that :)

Setting: It's Where You Are
All of these are worth seeing and are gorgeously lush in the choice of landscapes or environment. Standouts for me were
Ghost of a Shark by SE. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. Intercutting landscape and shadowed rooms with the quiet interplay between Jesse James and Robert Ford adds to the vid's overall sense of regret and longing.
Compass Points (Comfortable Mystery) by newkidfan. Stargate Atlantis. The construction of new, surreal settings works to alter the story told by what might be, in their original context, familiar clips.
Anomie (People Are Strange (Infected Mushroom Mix)) by Charmax. Sherlock (BBC). London serves as the framework for this perspective on societal dysfunction (and also serves as a character in its own right).

I have a spreadsheet again just to keep track of what I've read and I promised myself I'd do a rec post once we hit 50% bigbangs posted (based on an estimate of 244). At this time 123 have been posted of which 61 are CW:RPF and 62 are Supernatural and 107 are slash. There is much to admire and here are a few that made me happy in different ways.

Crossing the Double Yellow by mia6363 J2 NC-17
I'd vaguely expected realism based on the description but this is not what it looks like, half myth, half urban fantasy. The world building is whimsical, darkish, weird and most of all, interesting. I loved many, many things about this.
34,000. Jared was just a country boy who moved to the big city. Jensen was just another jaded city boy. When they meet, neither of them knew about the culture they would create and the legacy they would leave in their wake.

The Allegory of the Cave by tryfanstone (Sam/Dean) R
Solid, gorgeous case fic with haunting, hot wincest build
36,00. Set in the New York subway, The Allegory of the Cave is a reflective account of images real and imagined, remembrance, desire and obsession. Leaching memory, capturing souls, somewhere a hundred and thirty feet below the streets of Manhattan is an evil the Winchester brothers must face. But there's a fine line between reality and imagination, and neither brother can be sure of their footing in this upside down world.

The Jungle Book by beadslut jenna_thorn J2 NC-17
Fun! Fannishly witty action adventure romp with bonus geek references. I shall treasure the mental image of Jared hopping around taking his shorts off in order to use his underwear to make Molotov cocktails for a long time.
41,000. When Jensen Ackles, CEO of Ackles Corporation, travels to South America, he's expecting another routine business trip. What he gets is a plane crash in the jungle and pursuit by thugs from of one of the largest drug cartels in Colombrador. At least he has Jared, the plane's pilot, to help him survive - although Jared has some secrets of his own.

This Long Silence by dugindeep J2 R
Lovely interweaving of slow build zombie infection and J2 relationship
54,000. Jensen serves as the young sheriff of Morgan Falls, a town in the middle of nowhere that never has much happen. Until the residents start to turn, becoming violent and attacking one another. While trying to manage the chaos, Jensen is concerned with tracking down his neighbor, Jared, who's been hauled out of town with others in the quarantine. As Jensen becomes more desperate, those around him are clueless to his obsession, and he begins to recall how he and Jared became so close. Their sleepy town will never be the same, nor will Jensen and Jared.

Hell House by narukyu (Sam/Gabriel) R - not central to the story
AU from pre-S1. Deliciously creepy and one of the better Sam alone stories I've read. Looking forward to sequel
60,000. A devotedly unreligious man sends his youngest son to a private religious school. If that wasn't suspicious enough, Sam can't get a hold of John or Dean, people are disappearing right and left, and, in the night, something whispers in the silence of the old chapel. Soon enough, Sam discovers that something terrible lingers behind the doors to the sacristy--something that sheds a light on the secret holy mission of the Soldiers of Christ as well what happened to his family so many years ago.

Hawaii Five-0
Escape Routes by slipthroughknot (Steve/Danno) T
1,144. "You know, ever since I've known you, I've been locked into the trunk of a car three times," Danny said.
Adorable.

Inked by thehoyden (Steve/Danno) T
6,541. Of course Steve is enjoying himself. They're bait for a serial killer who has some sort of serious hangup about tattooing loved ones' names on their skin -- of course Steve thinks this is practically like a vacation, but better, because the chances of collateral damage are higher.
This should happen ALL THE TIME.

Down the Shore Everything's All Right by thehoyden (Steve/Danno) T
3,532. There's a better than average chance that Danny is getting crazier by association -- and he wouldn't change it for the world (although he could do without the head injuries, thanks).
Or, you know THIS.

Inception
I bet Nureyev never had to deal with this shit. by cobweb_diamond (Arthur/Eames) T
21,409. Modern-day AU. Arthur is a ballet dancer recovering from a serious injury, and is lucky enough to land the role of Oberon in Dom Cobb's reimagining of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
This is a bit of a romp, I liked the flavour.

we were once cinema gods in the night by gyzym (Arthur/Eames) M
21,304. That's the thing about Hollywood--everyone has a Hollywood story.
AU where Arthur is the incredibly anal guy who makes everything happen, Cobb is the brilliant director who launched them into stardom and Eames is the fantastic actor that Arthur recruited - love the pacing.

Merlin
Pairing Pendragon/Merlin by Anon (Arthur/Merlin) M
24,500. Arthur is a BNF and Merlin is his prized beta
Modern fannish AU, love the tone.

Sherlock Holmes
Intemperance by Basingstoke (Sherlock and Holmes/Mary) M
17,847. "Intemperance," a story from the secret journals of Doctor John H. Watson, intimate friend and long-time companion of the infamous Sherlock Holmes: A most curious and instructive report of the great man's improbable fecundation, gestation, and parturition.
Thoroughly awesome transsexual!Holmes, blew me away.

Vorkosigan Saga
The World That You Need by Dira Sudis (dsudis) (Aral/Cordelia, Aral/Jole) E
45,602. In which a Countess renowned for her shopping discovers a gift she would like to give her husband and wonders how it may be arranged.
Polyamory Barrayarian style... or would that be Betan? This is just beautiful.

light from a lonely window by Molly (Miles/Gregor) M
6,617. "Miles," Raven says, "say something to prove your brain isn't scrambled. You're upsetting the Emperor. And your mother."
My OTP, also; Love!

White Collar
And anyone who's ever had a heart by Liviapenn (Ell/Peter/Neal) M
7,265. Before seeing the picture, she'd just slotted Neal Caffrey in as one more thing Peter's brain couldn't let go of, and amusing yourself while your spouse hunted down the greatest international art thief of the age was certainly classier than being a football widow.
Ell is just so awesome in this.

I've been surfing the AO3 and finding old friends and new ones.

Supernatural
The Girlfriend Experience by rageprufrock (Dean/Castiel) E
15,393. While it's not like Dean hasn't had a couple of truly regrettable hit-and-runs in his sexual history, this is probably the saddest fucking thing that has ever happened to him. Crack, but the kind that breaks your heart while you laugh.
I Got Soul but I'm Not a Soldier by starandrea (Dean/Castiel) T
100,014. AU: Castiel is on the road (saving people, helping things) when he meets Dean and realizes that his soul is different - and not just because he's the pastor's son. I didn't know what to expect, and this is really AU and well, it's kind of gorgeous.

Supernatural RPF
Butterflies and Hurricanes by audrarose (Jared/Jensen) T
13,346. Genetically-enhanced psychic assassins. I am not sure I can express how happy this makes me.
The Death of Jensen Ackles by james (Jared/Jensen) T
10,195. This is NOT a death story. Jensen and Jared are friends-with-benefits until something happens that changes everything. I really like the way this plays out.

Pride and Prejudice
Season of Courtship by Elizabeth (anghraine) (Elizabeth/Darcy) T
40,119. Set just after Pride and Prejudice. Made of awesome, I didn't know how much I wanted this until I read it. Later parts make me squeal with laughter.
Five Sons Mr and Mrs Bennet Never Had by biichan (you're going to have to go look) G
3,929. A series of what-ifs exploring in turn the possibilities had any of the Bennet girls been born male. Seriously good stuff.

Sherlock (TV)
A Priori by rubberbutton (Sherlock/Watson)T
6,659. In which vampires have enslaved humans and control, well, everything. Tres cool vampire AU.

Merlin (BBC)
Like a Fish Needs a Bicycle by Netgirl_y2k (Morgana/Vivian) T
8,860. In which Morgana is the gayest girl in Camelot, Uther wants a wedding, Arthur tries to be helpful, Gwen's wasted on men and Vivian getting hit by that love spell ruins everything. Morgana FTW!

I tried to read all the spn_j2_bigbangs this year but my stamina gave out at 251/289. It was really good fun though :)

The Time Traveller's Brother by gretazreta (Sam/Dean) R
44,000. Inspired by Audrey Niffenegger's The Time-Traveler's Wife and beautifully put together. His whole life, Dean Winchester travels through time, forwards and backwards, but he always comes back to Sam. Dean doesn't believe in destiny, but if it does exist, his is Sam

The Things We Carry With Us by lovesrain44 (Sam/Dean) PG-13
47,654. Sam and Dean are on the road, saving people and hunting things, like they always do. Dean discovers that Sam is attempting to turn himself into a monk, and so he does his best to get Sam laid. Sam resists because, of course, who needs to have sex with a girl when Dean’s around? It's about going on a roadtrip with your brother. It's about the food you eat, and the maps you follow. It's about the things you carry with you.

The Sea With Its Deepness by zeuben_eschamali (Jared/Jensen) NC-17
44,486. Pirates! This was fun, fun, fun and I loved it for many reasons including how much it was it's own thing. Captain Jensen Ackles was one of the most successful privateers in the Caribbean. Then he encountered the ship captained by the pirate Jared Padalecki, and nothing in his life would ever be the same. Featuring captive!Jensen, stranding on a desert island, ghosts (but no ghost ships), deep, dark caves, and more than one man hell-bent on revenge.

The Student Prince by FayJay (Arthur/Merlin) R
147,049. All kinds of fantastic, modern UK college AU that had me swept up, entranced and sometimes, giggling helplessly.

...featuring teetotal kickboxers, secret wizards, magnificent bodyguards of various genders, irate fairies, imprisoned dragons, crumbling gothic architecture, arrogant princes, adorable engineering students, stolen gold, magical doorways, attempted assassination, drunken students, shaving foam fights, embarrassing mornings after, The Hammer Dance, duty, responsibility, friendship and true love...

Ours is a Reciprocal Gravitation Orbit by silver_arial  (Jared/Jensen) NC-17
70,000. The summary for this does not do it justice, it was sweet and fun. Jared and Jensen are in love, have been for most of their lives. There is just one tiny little problem: Jensen is imaginary and they can only be together in Jared's dreams. How can Jared ever find true love in the real world when his heart belongs to a figment of his imagination?

I See the Moon by kaylennz (Sam/Dean, Sam/Jess Dean/OFC) PG-13
88,097. I kind of adore this, I don't want to spoil it but I loved the relationship building. It made me happy. Sam had known how Dean felt about him when he'd left for Stanford. His own feelings weren't so clear. He'd needed time away from it all, hunting, his father, and especially Dean. It took him five years and a degree he hadn't planned on to realize there was only one person he wanted to share his life with. He'd never considered the possibility that Dean would move on without him...or that something could happen that would erase him from his brother's life completely.

Hail Mary by rhythmsextion (Jared/Jensen) R
116,000. Stands out like a shining jewel of layered writing. Three years since becoming the first openly gay coach of a Division I collegiate football team, Jensen Ackles is hired by the Dallas Cowboys as their new quarterbacks coach.

Reanimated by tigbit (Jared/Jensen) NC-17
80,000. In which Jared manages real estate in Heaven and Jensen works as Hell’s attorney in Death Trials. No, seriously. And now you should go read it.

From the Ruined Tower to the Caves of Unknown Horror byannella (Jared/Jensen) R
30,500. D&D fantasy novel in which Jared is a barbarian warrior and Jensen is a scrawny half-elf wizard. Light-hearted and delightfully accurate. Good times!

a theory of convergence by _tiana_  (Jared/Jensen) R.
24,470. RPF AU where Jared is a sociable, expansive local boy and Jensen is an isolated intellectual who over-thinks things. Sweet and gentle romance. Good for the soul.

Praise The Lord (And Pass The Ammunition) by faire_estela  (Dean/Castiel) R
28,500. Supernatural futurefic. Dean dies again and Heaven promotes him... eventually... to a vital role involving embarrassing rashes and lice. Cracktastic, fun and thoroughly worth reading.

Supercross bylazy_daze  (Sam/Dean) NC-17.
51,500. AU where Sam and Dean are team freestyle motocross stunt bikers. You have to respect someone who invents an entire sport to write smoking hot motorcycle porn. I do.

In Becoming Who We Are by elizah_jane  (Jared/Jensen, Jensen/Jeff) NC-17.
82,700. RPF AU in which Jensen has given up on relationships after Jeff turns out not to be the perfect guy. Jared is, however, the perfect room mate and unspeakably awesome so clearly Jensen should spend his time in utter denial. This is a fabulous slow building romance and handles the inevitable miscommunication really well; it deserves vast amounts of love.

To Dream, Perchance to Live by peppervl  (Jared/Jensen) NC-17.
161,744. RPF AU in which Jared is a psychic Dreamer cruelly kept as a slave then abandoned for dead and Jensen is the Bondless man who cares for him. Science Fiction! *clutches to bosom* Lovely, solid writing with occasional sharp jumps.

For The Heart I Once Had by epeeblade  (Jensen/Jeff) NC-17.
52,500. RPF AU in which Jensen is in the SexCorps and Jeff is in the Military. Part of Sex Corps Verse. If you want the context you'll need to read back a fair way which means warnings for for non-con, rape, violence, torture, body modification (non con) and forced disability. If you start here you can stop at warnings for mention of previous non-con and torture, some light BDSM, angst, disability, prejudice and homophobia. Not only am I fond of Science Fiction but I think this is a fascinating look at recovery from trauma.

a spotlight on these desolate dreams by _mournthewicked  (Jared/Jensen) R.
50,000. RPF AU in which Jared left ten years ago to be a grumpy detective in Manhattan and left his perky side-kick Jensen behind to be a billionaire. Now he must return to California, solve a crime and face his past. Has a lovely detective noir feeling to it, I felt all tired and gritty with poor Jared. My only complaint is the fate of the female characters and I console myself this writer has written fabulous women in the past.