My Top Five Ensemble Fics of 2005

[lillianmorgan.livejournal.com]

I am always very impressed by a well-written ensemble piece, not only keeping the strands of a story going but also getting so many characters' voices strong and convincing. All of these fics qualify for that. (And, perhaps, unsurprisingly these fics are all still WIPs.)

Here are my Top 5 Ensemble fics (thinly veiled as My Top 5 fics) of 2005

Item Title or Description: “The Cut” - WIP
Creator’s Name: denny_dc
Rating: NC-17
Warning: rape, extreme violence, adult sexual situations
Link: http://www.mymetaphor.com/The%20Cut/cuthome.html
Ensemble: BtVS Season 6
Why I chose this: The pairings of this fic are ostensibly Spike/Buffy, Dawn/Other and Spike&Dawn, but as this fic goes AU (and how) from the beginning of Season 6, all the other characters from that period are also here. Immensely enjoyable, you will be on the edge of your seat, pondering why each character is doing what he or she is, and a highly imaginative premise for the story. A really memorable OC too.

Item Title or Description: “The Other Side of the Tracks” - WIP
Creator’s Name: frimfram
Rating: Mature
Warning: elements of horror, sexual situations, violence
Link: http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=frimfram&keyword=The+Other+Side+of+the+Tracks&filter=all
Ensemble: Fanged Four
Why I chose this: This has been recced a few times, and if you're not reading it, then I'm asking you why. Heh. One of the best fics of the year, intelligent, smart, lyrical and funny, we follow William's progress to becoming Spike, all the while considering how Arthur Conan Doyle got his talent for the macabre. Wonderful Angelus, Drusilla and Darla characterisations, and a brilliant naive but dangerous William.

Item Title or Description: “Soul Searching” - WIP
Creator’s Name: hesadevil
Rating: PG (for language)
Link: http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=hesadevil&keyword=Soul+Searching&filter=all
Ensemble: characters from AtS and BtVS, post-NFA (er, for the most part, though the author has fun with timelines)
Why I chose this: Immense in scope and breadth, this fic investigates what could have happened post-NFA if things had been ever so slightly different. An amazing story with all the characters (death is no barrier) and some really intriguing interactions and developments. It's the kind of fic to get lost in.

Item Title or Description: “Kept” - WIP
Creator’s Name: sexymermaid
Rating: NC-17
Warning: extreme sexual situations, violence, strong language, NC-17 artwork
Link: http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=sexymermaid&keyword=Kept&filter=all
Ensemble: Primarily Spike/Xander, but characters also appearing are Angel, Wesley, Riley, Fred, Willow, Gunn, Connor, Lilah, Giles
Why I chose this: An AU story that could be plausible had the Initiative won in BtVS Season 4, and fast forward a few years, this is a love story, an adventure, a tale of immense woe, suffering and heartache. But also one of redemption and love regained. Every part of the story is woven in to create something completely new.

Item Title or Description: “Three Deep” - WIP
Creator’s Name: virtual_ford
Rating: Teen
Link: http://www.teaattheford.net/virtual/index.php
Ensemble: Post-NFA everyone
Why I chose this: Each chapter is so rich and detailed, you'll be on the edge of your seat. The format is set up to create an atmosphere similar to that of an episode of AtS or BtVS so there is a lot to get your teeth into. Amazing art, very well-written and seamless considering how many authors there are involved. Highly recommended.