![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Yuletide Recs, Round 3
+Anima
Strength of the Bear (3273 words) by
Fandom: +Anima
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warning: Major Character Death
Relationships: Fly/Igneous
Characters: Fly Aight, Igneous
Summary: Igneous dreamed. From Moss Mountain, to the end of the series, Igneous's experiences.
From the covers of the manga, you would think this was a cutesy fantasy series about the +Anima, children with animal characteristics: for example, Cooro is a bird +Anima, which means that he can sprout wings and fly. There is a lot of humor in the series, but that surface impression is deceptive, because it also contains some dark and serious themes. The +Anima are regarded with fear and prejudice by normal humans, very similar to the way mutants are treated in the X-Men series. Sometimes they're just shunned and treated like outcasts, but in the country of Sailand, they are automatically enslaved. The series is mainly about Cooro and his other +Anima friends, but there are two adult characters that are very interesting: Igneous, a soldier who hates +Anima because one of them killed his grandfather, and his friend Fly, a researcher who is studying +Anima in the hopes of harnessing their powers. Fly is more gregarious than the stern and brooding Igneous, but his outwardly humorous and friendly manner hides an underlying streak of ruthlessness, while Igneous is honorable in spite of his prejudice, and gradually begins to see that the +Anima might not be evil after all.
I would have liked to have seen more of Igneous and Fly in the manga, and I secretly kind of shipped them in the back of my mind, so I enjoyed reading this bittersweet Fly/Igneous story, in which Igneous dreams of saving Fly from the tragic ending he suffered in the manga.
***
Blue Exorcist
Subtlety Isn't Exactly Their Forte (1795 words) by
Fandom: Ao no Exorcist | Blue Exorcist
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Okumura Rin/Suguro "Bon" Ryuuji
Summary: It's Suguro and Rin's first mission together as exorcist partners and it's going as well as expected. Which is to say, not at all.
This was a fun story that really captured Rin's and Bon's personalities. One of my favorite lines (which is so typically Rin) is "I'm going to be an awesome exorcist!" ^_^ Their (somewhat adversarial) friendship is one of my favorite things in the manga, so I really enjoyed seeing them as partners and a couple here.
***
A Bride's Story
5 excerpts from Smith's journal, and 6 stories they didn't tell him (1103 words) by
Fandom: Otoyomegatari | The Bride's Stories
Rating: General Audiences
Warning: Author Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Amira Hergal/Karluk Eihon
Characters: Amira Hergal, Karluk Ayhan, Henry Smith, Tileke (Otoyomegatari), Pariya (Otoyomegatari)
Summary: After five years, Smith goes back to stay with the Eihons again. Some things have changed; some things stay the same. The baby's wail barely split the comfortable quiet of the pre-dawn morning before the blankets rustled and Amira was out of the bed.
I had just finished reading the two English volumes and was craving more story--I wanted to know what happened to Pariya and to Smith, and to see Amir and Karluk when they are older and can truly be husband and wife. And this story satisfied that craving nicely! I love Pariya, who is so much in character--slightly defensive and blunt as always. I love Amir, too, rushing out to hunt rabbits, and I love seeing Karluk as a young man. I also loved the talk that the women have with Tileke and Amir, and how Seleke gives Amir some motherly advice. I particularly liked that scene because I love (in canon and in the fic) the way that the Eihon family accepts Amir into their family, and love and protect her as one of their own.
Btw, if you haven't read this manga yet, you definitely should, especially if you are a fan of Kaoru Mori's other series, Emma. Amir, a young woman from a nomadic tribe is given in marriage to a twelve-year-old boy who is eight years her junior, presumably as part of an alliance between their two tribes. The art is gorgeous and detailed, particularly the elaborately embroidered clothing of the nomadic characters, and the relationship between Amir and her young husband Karluk is surprisingly sweet and touching. A deep bond of affection and loyalty soon develops between them, although at this point, their relationship is more like older sister/young brother than romantic. Which is fine, since it would be rather squicky for modern readers otherwise, and there are hints that their relationship will develop into a true and loving marriage when Karluk is older.
It's mainly a slice-of-life type of story, showing scenes of Amir adapting to her new life: Amir sewing and baking with the women of her new tribe, or going hunting (much to the shock of her in-laws), or traveling with Karluk to visit some of his relatives. There are a few action scenes, mostly in the second volume when Amir's family decides to take her back (by force, if necessary) in order to make a more advantageous marriage. I was very happy when Amir's in-laws fiercely defended her as part of their family rather than taking the opportunity to be rid of a bride who's a bit old by their standards. They are taken aback at first by Amir's unfamiliar customs and habits (particularly her penchant for hunting), but embrace and accept her for whom she is. I particularly enjoyed the scenes where she is bonding with the women of the tribe, including her friendship with the outspoken young Pariya, who is regarded as "cheeky" by her elders, but her defiant and prickly manner hides an underlying kindness. The boys and men also play significant roles, but this is definitely a story that easily passes the Bechdel test, and I loved that there were so many strong female characters in it.
***
Dragonriders of Pern - Anne McCaffrey
Dragonsearch (8465 words) by
Fandom: Dragonriders of Pern - Anne McCaffrey
Rating: General Audiences
Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Mirrim, Menolly, F'lar, Lessa, Path
Summary: Mirrim and Path encounter unexpected dangers while on Search for girls to Impress green dragons.
This was so awesome! I love it that there were so many Yuletide stories this year with strong and awesome female protagonists! This story is about Mirrim, the sole female green dragonrider, who would naturally like to recruit more female riders. However, no else seems to consider it a priority, so Mirrim sets out to do it herself.
I was a little surprised that Lessa was initially reluctant to help Mirrim, and didn't see the need to change a system that seemed to be working perfectly well. But upon further thought, I realized that although Lessa is a strong female character, she holds a traditional role as a gold rider and Weyrwoman, so perhaps it is natural that she would support the status quo. Anyway, in hindsight, I liked that the story took a slightly unexpected twist.
Mirrim eventually gets permission to go on Search, and finds a couple of female candidates, along with one male candidate. I don't want to spoil the delightful surprise at the end of the fic, but let's just say that everything turns out great in a completely unexpected way, leaving Mirrim slightly chagrined (but ultimately content) that nothing went the way she had planned.
***
Faerie Wars - Herbie Brennan
A Halfway Decent Proposal (1424 words) by
Fandom: Faerie Wars - Herbie Brennan
Rating: General Audiences
Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Pyrgus Malvae/Nymphalis "Nymph" Antiopa
Characters: Pyrgus Malvae, Nymphalis "Nymph" Antiopa, Holly Blue, Cynthia Cardui
Summary: Wherein Pyrgus has a plan and also kittens.
A delightful story about one of the supporting characters from the Faerie Wars fantasy novel series. Pyrgus, a Prince of Faerie and younger brother to Queen Holly Blue, is basically a nice young man, although he was spoiled as a child and can be pompous at times. Here, he sets out--with the best of intentions--to woo his love interest, Nymph, but because Pyrgus is a bit clueless, things go comically wrong. A really funny and sweet story that really captures the mood of the books.
***
In Death - J.D. Robb
Weekend in Death (11930 words) by
Fandom: In Death
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warning: Author Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Eve/Roarke, Peabody/McNab
Characters: Eve Dallas, Roarke, Delia Peabody, Ian McNab, Feeney, Trueheart, Charlotte Mira, Morris, Nadine Furst
Summary: A computer game graphics designer is shot while waiting with his daughter to buy tickets for the latest G-Flick. Can Eve and her detectives find out why and whodonit?
I would've recced this in the first round pre-reveal, but since there were only two In Death fics, I thought it might be a giveaway that I wrote the other fic if I only recced one. Or maybe I was just over-thinking the whole thing, but anyway, now I can finally rec this wonderful fic! It's a really great casefic that reads like canon--an intriguing mystery, and I was kept guessing about whom the killer was right up until the end. It also has an awesome OC, the victim's young daughter. Meka is a great character, who feels as real as the canon characters do, and it's always fun to see Eve having to deal with a kid!
***
NCIS: Los Angeles
Discovery (2588 words) by
Fandom: NCIS: Los Angeles
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Kensi Blye/Marty Deeks
Characters: Kensi Blye, Marty Deeks, Sam Hanna, G Callen, Eric Beal, Nell Jones, Hetty Lange
Summary: Four ways Kensi and Deeks might be found out.
Hilarious fic with everyone completely in character! I loved all the different scenarios, but the first was my favorite with Sam's double take and Deeks trying to think up excuses and Sam talking to Monty the wonder dog!
***
Rizzoli & Isles
Christmas Eve Eve (1211 words) by ninamazing
Fandom: Rizzoli & Isles
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Jane Rizzoli, Maura Isles
Summary: If Angela Rizzoli thought her daughter would quietly accept the prospect of two nights in a row with irritating cousins, insane aunts, and brothers fighting over everything from tree ornaments to who would have to drive out for more beer—well, then Angela was making the wrong holiday wish.
A great fic that perfectly demonstrates the friendship between Jane and Maura, with their personalities and voices spot-on. Maura shows up on Jane's doorstep, needing a little comfort and companionship while she tries to figure out why a recent relationship just ended. She worries that people find her frightening, and sometimes they do, but Jane gets Maura in a way that those others don't, which is a really sweet and "awww" moment.
Scientific Inquiry (1128 words) by botherd
Fandom: Rizzoli & Isles
Rating: General Audiences
Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Maura Isles/Jane Rizzoli
Characters: Jane Rizzoli, Maura Isles, Barry Frost, Frankie Rizzoli Jr.
Summary: "You're saying you kissed me... for science?"
A fun bit of femslash in which Maura kisses Jane as part of a scientific experiment--or at least, that's the excuse she gives! The author does the character voices extremely well; I could almost hear them bantering in my head while I was reading.
That's what friends are for (1016 words) by rinkle
Fandom: Rizzoli & Isles
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Jane Rizzoli, Maura Isles
Summary: Jane's not feeling well.
A really sweet and funny story about Maura taking care of a sick Jane. I love it that Bass (Jane's pet turtle tortoise) puts in an appearance!
Unasked (3100 words) by Doranwen
Fandom: Rizzoli & Isles
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Maura Isles/Jane Rizzoli
Characters: Jane Rizzoli, Maura Isles
Summary: Post-1x08 and the corresponding deleted scene. Aliens, reassurance, and the mechanics of spooning.
A sweet and touching fic in which Maura wants comfort but doesn't know how to ask for it, and Jane does her best to supply it even though she isn't very good with emotions, either. There's also a great scene in which Jane demonstrates the concept of spooning for Maura with actual spoons.
***
Seven Kingdoms Trilogy - Kristin Cashore
White Rabbit (2150 words) by Morbane
Fandom: Seven Kingdoms Trilogy - Kristin Cashore
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Fire (Fire), Cansrel, Liddy (Fire), Brocker (Fire), Archer (Fire)
Summary: Friendship, interests, daily lessons: when Fire was younger, everything she did came back to Cansrel.
This is a story about Fire's childhood and her relationship with her charismatic but ruthless father that feels like it could be a missing chapter from the book. It's both lovely and heartbreaking: Fire's friendship with Liddy, and her mixed feelings towards her father, whom she both fears and loves.
***
Ship Series - Anne McCaffrey
Chess, Charades and the Body in the Next Room (4273 words) by notannette
Fandom: Ship Series - Anne McCaffrey
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Summary: The first trip after Tia gets her new body brings some changes to her and Alex's relationship.
This is a sequel to my favorite book in the series, The Ship Who Searched, which was co-authored by Mercedes Lackey. By the end of the book, Tia (the Brainship) and Alex (her partner or "Brawn") had solved the problems of a Brain/Brawn romance by developing an artificial human body for Tia. This fic explores what happens to Tia and Alex after their "happily ever after" ending, and comes up with some complications that neither of them had predicted. For example, what to do with Tia's body when she's not using it, and the fact that Tia (having been a spaceship for most of her life) has no idea of how to be in a romantic relationship. Quite logically, the scholarly Tia (who is named after Hypatia, the librarian of Alexandria) decides to look up books on relationships--including Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, which really made me laugh!
***
Tillerman Cycle - Cynthia Voigt
Neither Have I Wings To Fly (2053 words) by lyricalnights
Fandom: Tillerman Cycle - Cynthia Voigt
Rating: General Audiences
Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Summary: Ab and Millie grow up, grow apart, and grow back together in the end.
I loved the books in this series, especially the first one, Homecoming, and my favorite character is Dicey, who is determined to keep her family together and not be separated from her siblings after their mother disappears (their father left years ago). However, this story focuses on Dicey's grandmother Abigail (Ab) and Ab's friend Millie, the butcher at the local grocery store.
Millie has only a small role in the books, but the author expands on her character nicely, showing us that while Millie is a bit slow and "not exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer," she is much more perceptive and sees a lot more than people give her credit for. From Millie's POV, we see her childhood friendship with the sharp-tongued, strong-willed Ab, and we see how Ab's spirit is slowly stifled during her marriage to John Tillerman. We know from the books that John is a hard, stubborn, and unyielding man, and Millie, for all that people call her slow, is smart enough to realize that she's much better off with her own husband Herbie, who isn't as handsome, but is much more patient and kind than John.
Millie only rarely sees Ab after her marriage, and Ab grows even more solitary after her children all leave home (driven away by her husband) and John dies. Still, Millie watches over Ab and continues to think about her until one day Dicey shows up at the grocery store. Some instinct that she only half-understands moves Millie to give Dicey directions to Ab's farm, even though she doesn't yet know that Dicey is Ab's granddaughter.
It's really a beautiful, moving character piece, and shows how deep their friendship runs, in a very subtle way, even though the two women have barely spoken in years.
***
Tokyo Babylon
House and Home (2625 words) by Rose Argent
Fandom: Tokyo Babylon
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Sumeragi Subaru
Summary: Sometimes, Subaru's job breaks his heart. And other times everyday life does, too.
A lovely, bittersweet story about Subaru being typical Subaru: feeling other people's pain so deeply, to the point of feeling guilty when he isn't able to help others (in this case, a spirit and a young boy). He isn't the one who caused their pain, but feels responsible nonetheless. It's also a subtle crossover with Natsume's Book of Friends, with Subaru attempting to comfort a young Natsume. I had never imagined merging those two series, but they really fit together nicely.
***
Vorkosigan Saga - Lois McMaster Bujold
A Soldier's Death (434 words) by keerawa
Fandom: Vorkosigan Saga - Lois McMaster Bujold
Rating: General Audiences
Warning: Major Character Death
Characters: Miles Naismith Vorkosigan, Piotr Pierre Vorkosigan
Summary: Most men accepted their own death, after the fact, with a certain tranquility; Miles seemed determined to argue his way out of it.
One doesn't normally expect "humor" and "character death" to go together, but they make a perfect combination in this story! Miles is killed, but in typical Miles fashion, he is convinced that he can talk his way out of death. Along with the humor, there are some moving moments when Miles meets his late grandfather Piotr, who had never been able to fully accept his "mutie" grandson in life. It was lovely to see that Piotr is now proud of Miles, and it's both amusing and touching that he understands Miles so well.
***
Windmaster's Bane Series - Tom Deitz
Dreamweaver's Lament (2772 words) by Ashura
Fandom: Tom Deitz - Windmaster's Bane Series
Rating: General Audiences
Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: David Sullivan/Liz Hughes
Characters: Liz Hughes, David Sullivan, Alec McLean
Summary: Faerie is split away from the lands of men, and David and Liz are getting on with their lives. But they've been changed, and will always be connected.
To be honest, I read the books years ago, but don't remember them very well, so I'm a bit fuzzy on the canon details. However, I do remember that it was pretty unique: the premise of the first book is that a Georgia teenager gets drawn into the world of Faerie. It sounds implausible, but the author manages to pull it off believably. Anyway, I really enjoyed revisiting the series in this fic, and it was nice to see David and Liz again, and to see what might have happened to them post-canon. Liz's haunting dreams of Faerie are sad and beautiful, as is the reason behind the dreams, which is a surprise twist that I won't give away here, but I will say that it makes perfect sense in hindsight.
no subject
Mum
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject