Apologies for posting a day late!

Title: Choices
Fandom: Dresden Files
Pairing: Harry Dresden/John Marcone
Categories: AU, Angst, Drama, Romance, Bonding, Hurt/Comfort, kids/family
Length: Long (28,325 words)
Warnings: Dubcon/consent issues, contains non-explicit reference to past child abuse and rape, references to canon character deaths, major spoilers through Changes

Author on LJ: kethrua
Author Website: Kethrua

Review:
Instead of making a pact with Winter during Changes, Harry sells himself to John Marcone, performing a binding ritual and getting the help of Marcone's whole organization. In the aftermath of the events of the book, both Harry and Maggie are traumatized and, with John, they have to adjust to all the changes that have happened and deal with the fall out.

The binding ritual has long lasting effects, affecting Harry's friendships, changing is alliances, and complicating his already complicated association with Marcone. Most of the regular series characters get cameos, and I really liked Thomas' and Hendricks' roles. It's told from Harry's point-of-view, and even though he's oblivious to certain things, you can practically hear Hendrick rolling his eyes sometimes. The few scenes with Maggie are great; she's been through a lot, and is of course is affected, but with help from Mouse, Toot, Harry and John, you feel like she'll be okay.

Kethrua really sinks her teeth into all the problematic issues expressed or implied in the Dresden Files (and some her own devising) and works through them thoughtfully and cleverly. I love her version of events; I was rather disappointed by the actual canon resolutions of this and the following book, and really like Kethrua's take on things (and of course that it's Dresden/Marcone doesn't hurt). The title is particularly apt, with the story focused both on the choices characters have made in the past and make, and the times when choice is taken away. This, as far as I know, is the only fanfic the author has written, and she really knocked it out of the park. The narrative, mostly happening after the book, occasionally weaves back to the places it deviated from canon to give you interesting glimpses into how the characters got where they are. My only complaints are a few minor typos and that the ending is a bit abrupt.

Fair warning, the main focus of the story is issues of consent, with a large side portion of Harry's issues (including child abuse and rape) and how he deals with that, as well as the traumas Maggie faced.

"You've always wanted this" I accused, bewildered. "You've always wanted me to have to take your orders."

"I wanted you to want to take my orders. I wanted... an eagle to land on my wrist, of its own free will. And instead I broke your wings." My weight fell on the back of the chair, the depth of regret and bitterness in his voice was staggering. "I'd have been... content... to watch you fly."

Choices (AO3) (or originally posted to dresden_kink: Parts 1-11 and Parts 12-23)