Five Fics I Really Enjoyed in 2012 (and yes, they were very good too)

[shapinglight]

I couldn't think of another way to link these five fics together. I just enjoyed them. They're all great.

What It Is To Burn by quinara. Spike/Buffy, R (I'm guessing). Set post Chosen, after three years in a long distance relationship with Spike, Buffy's the one who cracks first. I love the way quinara writes both these characters. They're them but with a thoughtful, deeper edge.



Intimate by hello_spikey. Spike/Angel, PG-13. Written for Challenge Your Mod on nekid_spike, this is a lovely, playful example of just how good hello_spikey is at character voices. Also, it's really sexy.

Tread Lightly Into the Arms of Gods by hello_spikey. Spike/Illyria, NC17. Another mod challenge for nekid_spike, this one features a Spike who bites off a little more than he can chew when he takes on Illyria (yes, I do mean like that). Again, it's very sexy, and funny too, with lots of hello_spikey's trademark witty, characterful dialogue.

Love Me, Love My Dog by rebcake. Season 2 ensemble, PG. Written for a Halloween month prompt on sb_fag_ends, this is a hilarious what-if for the BtVS season 2 episode Halloween, in which Spike, too, is caught up in Ethan's spell.

Speaking of Ethan, a fifth thing I really enjoyed in 2012 was the return of estepheia to the LJ fandom and the continuation of her wonderful Giles/Ethan fic, Broken English. Giles/Ethan, rated R. Set post-series (and post Ethan's death in the Buffy comics), this WIP is now very close to completion and so worth catching up with. The link takes you to the latest chapter, but of course you should start at the beginning.

Comments

[petzipellepingo.livejournal.com]

Excellent choices! And it was really great to see the return of estepheia.

[shapinglight]

It was indeed.

[yourlibrarian]

No need to find a theme if one doesn't come to mind! I'm sure these are all going to be great :)

One thing -- for estepheia's story this link would be better as it's directly to the final chapter with earlier links: http://estepheia.livejournal.com/635213.html

[shapinglight]

Oops! I thought that's what I'd done. Will change it.

[red-satin-doll.livejournal.com]

What it is to Burn is such a beautiful hurt - but most of the others here I'm completely unfamiliar with, thanks for posting these.

[shapinglight]

I hope you enjoy them. :)

[spuffy-luvr.livejournal.com]

Heh, you got me to read some non-Spuffy ones, and I agree, all good choices!

[shapinglight]

Heh, you got me to read some non-Spuffy ones

Then my work here is done. :)

[velvetwhip.livejournal.com]

Stories you like is a good enough grouping for me!


Gabrielle

[shapinglight]

It'll do perfectly well, I think. :)

[rebcake.livejournal.com]

Oh, thanks for the rec! I am honored to be listed alongside three of the most amazing writers still working in the buffyverse! (Though I had better hurry with my lists before you scoop me again.)

[shapinglight]

Well, if it helps, I only really have one list left. My reading was very narrow for the most part last year. I just kept going back to my favourite authors.

[snogged.livejournal.com]

I heart hello_spikey. :)

[shapinglight]

Me too. I was so thrilled to see her post something longer for rekindlespangel.

[quinara]

Thank you very much, Deb! I'm thrilled to make this list. :D

[shapinglight]

I'll rec everything you've written this year if I get the chance.

[quinara]

You're far too kind. :D