Five More Fics I Really Enjoyed in 2013

[shapinglight]

Again, couldn't think of an overrarching theme except the above.

It doesn't look like anyone else is going to rec these, so I am.

The Act of Losing, by brutti_ma_buoni, Spike/Buffy, PG. Warnings for major character death. I had to miss this out from my previous post of sb_fag_ends ficlets by this author, but as I said before, I could have chosen any of her work for the comm, because they're all wonderful. This one is just too good to miss. Very, very sad, though.



On a more cheerful note (though still involving major character death), Not in the Brochure by beer_good_foamy, Spike/Buffy, PG. The First has been defeated, Spike is burning up in the Hellmouth. Buffy has something very important to tell him - if he'll only let her get a word in egdewise.

Also by beer_good_foamy (because I love his work, can't you tell?) Telling Porkies, set in BtVS season 2 (the post-interfering monks version with Dawn in it), Dawn, Mr Gordo, background Buffy/Angel. PG. Jenny Calendar's soul-restoring spell goes a little awry and there's one stuffed pig whose not gonna take it any more!

Also on a lighter note (even though it includes incest - or kind of) is Randy and His Dad by hello_spikey, Spike/Giles, NC17. Willow's spell in Tabula Rasa doesn't get broken so quickly and so follows 'the lovely story of Giles and his son Randy.'

Finally, on a serious note again, another story from hello_spikey, The R Word, Spike/Buffy, early season 6. Contains the aftermath of non-graphic rape, but it's Spike whose been raped. It's always jarring when RL horrors intrude into the Buffyverse. This story worked really well for me in the way the subject matter was dealt with character-wise. As always, hello_spikey's character voices are wonderful.

Comments

[kikimay]

Interesting fics! I read two of them, if I remember correctly, but I'm really curious about the others.

[shapinglight]

I hope you like them (or some of them). :)

[red-satin-doll.livejournal.com]

Great list! The first one was one of the best things this year (not that we've lacked for great fics) and I have a special fondness for Not in the Brochure - but I'm biased. I haven't checked out the others yet, so thanks for the pimpage!

And thank you for all these lists and helping to keep this round going. It's been a lot of fun and I love seeing the variety of choices here!

[shapinglight]

No problem, though I do wish more people would rec stuff by new writers too. As I said, I rarely step out of my comfort zone these days so I'm probably missing stuff.

But these three writers are always good value (if that's the right word).

[red-satin-doll.livejournal.com]

I'm working on another post of clockwork_hart1's fics right now; I think she's newish to the fandom (two years, a little longer than me?) and certainly new-to-me.

The thing about new writers is, well, we have to find them. I'm starting to step outside my comfort zone lately into new areas, which I think is a good thing. It's back to "maybe not new but new to me." I think focusing too hard or exclusively on any one character, ship (ESPECIALLY this), season or aspect of the show creates an insularity that oddly enough, reminds me of the SG esp in S7: the closed circle.

But these three writers are always good value (if that's the right word).

I don't believe that "talent will always out" but when it does happen and truly talented writers are recognized and celebrated , it's a thing of beauty. We're all (or rather most of us) working for free here so appreciation is coin-of-the-realm.

[shapinglight]

This is true.

[velvetwhip.livejournal.com]

Great choices!


Gabrielle

[shapinglight]

:)

[petzipellepingo.livejournal.com]

Another excellent list, thanks for posting.

[shapinglight]

My pleasure. I still have one to go.

[yourlibrarian]

Wonderful list, thanks!

[shapinglight]

My pleasure. I've just posted my last one too.

[slaymesoftly.livejournal.com]

Excellent choices! I could have chosen any of her work for the comm, because they're all wonderful. This one is just too good to miss Seriously! So true.

[shapinglight]

Yes, I hope she'll be inspired to write some more for us this year.

[snogged.livejournal.com]

Great choices!

[shapinglight]

Thanks. :)