Five "Do Over" Fics

[draconin.livejournal.com]

The HP 'verse is the commonest one for fics where the author re-writes history by inserting a character (internal or external) who knows what's supposed to happen and is determined to change things but the Buffy 'verse has its examples too...

1. Martian Manhunter by Mediancat
Rating: PG, Worksafe
As the result of a bet that we spend most of the story waiting to find out the nature of, Veronica Mars is in the Buffyverse, knowing what's coming and unable to do anything about it... or can she? If you're familiar with mediancat's work then you're probably already anticipating wonderful writing. If you're a fan of the Veronica Mars series then look no further: this is for you! :-)


2. Shadow Though It Be by LInman
Rating: M, NWS
Here I'm going to simply quote from the rec that put me onto this fic: This title above is the first of a large series in which one Elisabeth, itinerant academic and BtVS fan, stumbles into Sunnydale and can't figure out how to leave. Elisabeth is so fully realized a character, so rich in flaws and quirks, that I can't be bothered to care that according to the author this is technically a self-insert fic. The writing is intelligent and hilarious and wonderful, Elisabeth's frequent metafictional observations are great fun, and her gradual relationship with Giles totally worked perfectly.

3. As I'm Leaving by spinning_yarn
Rating: PG, WS
After Buffy's death a magical artifact sends Spike back in time, causing him to apparently randomly bounce through S1 to S5. He spends several hours in post- School Hard and in post-Innocence timelime, lands in the middle of Becoming 2 events, visits Buffy in pre-Anne timeline. As he jumps from one crucial moment of Buffy's journey to another, he realises that there must be a reason for his journey. This is a highly original idea and very different to the general time travel fics in that they are almost always used for 'making things right' whereas this writer shows another way and makes it look convincing. The writing and character voices are also outstanding.

4. Second Youth
by Ariel Dawn
Rating: PG13, Worksafe
Willow does a spell shortly after bringing Buffy back to life. Instead of making her forget heaven it brings/substitutes the memories of Buffy from long in the future... who's going to make sure it all goes right this time... and have a damn sight more fun in the process! Comedy, full of joy and really worth reading. Sequel is Love, Keyness and Impending Marriage.

5. Time Quake
by DarkWiccan
Rating: MA, NWS
An unusual and entertaining story. A government time traveller comes from 25 years in the future to stop a certain tragic event from happening that would jeopardise that person's own existence.

Comments

[petzipellepingo.livejournal.com]

Very interesting and unique tales here.

Thanks for posting.

[velvetwhip.livejournal.com]

Gosh! I've never read any of these. Thanks for posting this list and giving me a bunch of new stories to enjoy!

Gabrielle

[endeni]

OMG yes I love this trope so much! *_*

[draconin.livejournal.com]

I've always found it puzzling that, given how popular this style of fic is in the Potterverse, it never really gained much of a foothold in BtVS. God knows, there was a LOT that could have stood with being done differently the second time around!

[endeni]

Oh yes, I could never get tired of the PeggySue trope and all the many fascinating possibilities it allows you to play with! My favorite examples in the Buffyverse are The Compelled series by Hotpoint (because if anyone has the power to fix things and meddle with time is a God-King of the Primordium LOL) and I Am What I Am by M. McGregor (which is so imaginative and unapologetically wish-fulfilling, I have a deep love for the commentary and deleted scenes too. *g*)

ETA: Sorry I wanted to post links but the comment keeps being marked as spam. But here's my Peggysue tag on pinboard: pinboard (dot) in/u:endeniem/t:content:PeggySue ;)

[draconin.livejournal.com]

I think I Am What I Am would have to rate right up there in the top few of my all time favourites. If not the top. The only reason I didn't include it was that it is so well known that most people would have read it. The series by Hotpoint is awesome - I just wish it wasn't a WiP.
If you're interested my rec site Draclinks can be found here (http://community.livejournal.com/draclinks/).

[endeni]

Eheh, agreed they're super popular (and for a good reason) it's just that I always include links when I reference something (for completeness sake) and it bugs me when LJ won't allow me to do that... *sighs* Thanks so much for the link to your recs BTW, can't wait to dig in! *g*

[rbfvid.livejournal.com]

Oh, I loved Linman's story and can't wait to read the other, thanks!

[draconin.livejournal.com]

I assume you'd read it before? Because the entire series that that story is the first part of is *huge*. :-)

[rbfvid.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I've read it before. It was the first actually working self-insert fic I've ever read (probably still the only one, if you don't count the parodies).

[chasingdemons.livejournal.com]

These are premises I've never imagined and authors I've never read. An awesome list!

[dragonyphoenix.livejournal.com]

Yes! LIneman’s Tenebrae series. I adore this series. It’s so nice to see that someone else loves it too.

[sparrow2000.livejournal.com]

As you know I love LInman's Tenebrae series, but the rest are new to me, so thank you for the recs. I'll definitely put them on my list.

[draconin.livejournal.com]

Were you the one who's rec I'm quoting above? I couldn't remember who it was but I'd like to give attribution if it is.

[sparrow2000.livejournal.com]

Nope that wasn't me. I have recced it, but not with those words. I think when I recced it, it reminded you again of the story and then you rerecced, but someone else got there before me first time around for you.

[yourlibrarian]

What an interesting choice for a theme. I agree, I haven't seen the trope much in Buffyverse fic, even though Sahjhan plays that role to some degree in Angel.

[relurker.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Never heard of some of these, I'm looking forward to trying them!