"How Can We Make Our Readers Happier" closing today

[meishali.livejournal.com]

Just a reminder to everyone that the "How Can We Make Our Readers Happier" poll will be closing at the end of today.The mods will be discussing the poll results and changes/improvements to the comm in the upcoming weeks. A big THANK YOU to those who have voted already; your feedback will help us make epic_recs a better place.

If you haven't completed the poll and would really like to have your voice heard, you can find it here.

"How Can We Make Our Readers Happier" closing today

[meishali.livejournal.com]

Just a reminder to everyone that the "How Can We Make Our Readers Happier" poll will be closing at the end of today.The mods will be discussing the poll results and changes/improvements to the comm in the upcoming weeks. A big THANK YOU to those who have voted already; your feedback will help us make epic_recs a better place.

If you haven't completed the poll and would really like to have your voice heard, you can find it here.

"How Can We Make Our Readers Happier" closing today

[meishali.livejournal.com]

Just a reminder to everyone that the "How Can We Make Our Readers Happier" poll will be closing at the end of today.The mods will be discussing the poll results and changes/improvements to the comm in the upcoming weeks. A big THANK YOU to those who have voted already; your feedback will help us make epic_recs a better place.

If you haven't completed the poll and would really like to have your voice heard, you can find it here.

"How Can We Make Our Readers Happier" closing today

[meishali.livejournal.com]

Just a reminder to everyone that the "How Can We Make Our Readers Happier" poll will be closing at the end of today.The mods will be discussing the poll results and changes/improvements to the comm in the upcoming weeks. A big THANK YOU to those who have voted already; your feedback will help us make epic_recs a better place.

If you haven't completed the poll and would really like to have your voice heard, you can find it here.

"How Can We Make Our Readers Happier" closing today

[meishali.livejournal.com]

Just a reminder to everyone that the "How Can We Make Our Readers Happier" poll will be closing at the end of today.The mods will be discussing the poll results and changes/improvements to the comm in the upcoming weeks. A big THANK YOU to those who have voted already; your feedback will help us make epic_recs a better place.

If you haven't completed the poll and would really like to have your voice heard, you can find it here.

"How Can We Make Our Readers Happier" closing today

[meishali.livejournal.com]

Just a reminder to everyone that the "How Can We Make Our Readers Happier" poll will be closing at the end of today.The mods will be discussing the poll results and changes/improvements to the comm in the upcoming weeks. A big THANK YOU to those who have voted already; your feedback will help us make epic_recs a better place.

If you haven't completed the poll and would really like to have your voice heard, you can find it here.

Jack Bristow at the Edge of Reason by Yahtzee (PG-13)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

Recced by aurilly 

Title: Jack Bristow at the Edge of Reason by Yahtzee
Fandom: Alias/Bridget Jones's Diary
Pairing: None really, but you could say one-sided Bridget/Jack
Categories: Crossover, humour, action/adventure, epistolary?
Length: Medium (~5000 words)
Warnings: One-sentence character death at the beginning

Author on LJ: yahtzee63 
Website: http://archiveofourown.org/users/Yahtzee

Review:
After terrorists raid her office looking for a rare book, Bridget enters Jack Bristow's custody (and develops an unrequited, but hilarious, crush on him). Together they have to rescue Sydney from Sark's custody.

This story couldn't be more fun if it tried. The tone is a perfect imitation of the books, with the time of day, weight, cigarette counts, random observations, and just everything. Bridget's banter with an annoyed Jack is gold, but my favorite part is when she meets up with Sydney for some girly good times. The author's Bridget voice is perfect, but even more, the pacing (with fast-and-furious diary writing, as well as how the plot progresses) is ace.

Jack Bristow at the Edge of Reason

Jack Bristow at the Edge of Reason by Yahtzee (PG-13)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

Recced by aurilly 

Title: Jack Bristow at the Edge of Reason by Yahtzee
Fandom: Alias/Bridget Jones's Diary
Pairing: None really, but you could say one-sided Bridget/Jack
Categories: Crossover, humour, action/adventure, epistolary?
Length: Medium (~5000 words)
Warnings: One-sentence character death at the beginning

Author on LJ: yahtzee63 
Website: http://archiveofourown.org/users/Yahtzee

Review:
After terrorists raid her office looking for a rare book, Bridget enters Jack Bristow's custody (and develops an unrequited, but hilarious, crush on him). Together they have to rescue Sydney from Sark's custody.

This story couldn't be more fun if it tried. The tone is a perfect imitation of the books, with the time of day, weight, cigarette counts, random observations, and just everything. Bridget's banter with an annoyed Jack is gold, but my favorite part is when she meets up with Sydney for some girly good times. The author's Bridget voice is perfect, but even more, the pacing (with fast-and-furious diary writing, as well as how the plot progresses) is ace.

Jack Bristow at the Edge of Reason

Jack Bristow at the Edge of Reason by Yahtzee (PG-13)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

Recced by aurilly 

Title: Jack Bristow at the Edge of Reason by Yahtzee
Fandom: Alias/Bridget Jones's Diary
Pairing: None really, but you could say one-sided Bridget/Jack
Categories: Crossover, humour, action/adventure, epistolary?
Length: Medium (~5000 words)
Warnings: One-sentence character death at the beginning

Author on LJ: yahtzee63 
Website: http://archiveofourown.org/users/Yahtzee

Review:
After terrorists raid her office looking for a rare book, Bridget enters Jack Bristow's custody (and develops an unrequited, but hilarious, crush on him). Together they have to rescue Sydney from Sark's custody.

This story couldn't be more fun if it tried. The tone is a perfect imitation of the books, with the time of day, weight, cigarette counts, random observations, and just everything. Bridget's banter with an annoyed Jack is gold, but my favorite part is when she meets up with Sydney for some girly good times. The author's Bridget voice is perfect, but even more, the pacing (with fast-and-furious diary writing, as well as how the plot progresses) is ace.

Jack Bristow at the Edge of Reason

Jack Bristow at the Edge of Reason by Yahtzee (PG-13)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

Recced by aurilly 

Title: Jack Bristow at the Edge of Reason by Yahtzee
Fandom: Alias/Bridget Jones's Diary
Pairing: None really, but you could say one-sided Bridget/Jack
Categories: Crossover, humour, action/adventure, epistolary?
Length: Medium (~5000 words)
Warnings: One-sentence character death at the beginning

Author on LJ: yahtzee63 
Website: http://archiveofourown.org/users/Yahtzee

Review:
After terrorists raid her office looking for a rare book, Bridget enters Jack Bristow's custody (and develops an unrequited, but hilarious, crush on him). Together they have to rescue Sydney from Sark's custody.

This story couldn't be more fun if it tried. The tone is a perfect imitation of the books, with the time of day, weight, cigarette counts, random observations, and just everything. Bridget's banter with an annoyed Jack is gold, but my favorite part is when she meets up with Sydney for some girly good times. The author's Bridget voice is perfect, but even more, the pacing (with fast-and-furious diary writing, as well as how the plot progresses) is ace.

Jack Bristow at the Edge of Reason

Jack Bristow at the Edge of Reason by Yahtzee (PG-13)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

Recced by aurilly 

Title: Jack Bristow at the Edge of Reason by Yahtzee
Fandom: Alias/Bridget Jones's Diary
Pairing: None really, but you could say one-sided Bridget/Jack
Categories: Crossover, humour, action/adventure, epistolary?
Length: Medium (~5000 words)
Warnings: One-sentence character death at the beginning

Author on LJ: yahtzee63 
Website: http://archiveofourown.org/users/Yahtzee

Review:
After terrorists raid her office looking for a rare book, Bridget enters Jack Bristow's custody (and develops an unrequited, but hilarious, crush on him). Together they have to rescue Sydney from Sark's custody.

This story couldn't be more fun if it tried. The tone is a perfect imitation of the books, with the time of day, weight, cigarette counts, random observations, and just everything. Bridget's banter with an annoyed Jack is gold, but my favorite part is when she meets up with Sydney for some girly good times. The author's Bridget voice is perfect, but even more, the pacing (with fast-and-furious diary writing, as well as how the plot progresses) is ace.

Jack Bristow at the Edge of Reason

Jack Bristow at the Edge of Reason by Yahtzee (PG-13)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

Recced by aurilly 

Title: Jack Bristow at the Edge of Reason by Yahtzee
Fandom: Alias/Bridget Jones's Diary
Pairing: None really, but you could say one-sided Bridget/Jack
Categories: Crossover, humour, action/adventure, epistolary?
Length: Medium (~5000 words)
Warnings: One-sentence character death at the beginning

Author on LJ: yahtzee63 
Website: http://archiveofourown.org/users/Yahtzee

Review:
After terrorists raid her office looking for a rare book, Bridget enters Jack Bristow's custody (and develops an unrequited, but hilarious, crush on him). Together they have to rescue Sydney from Sark's custody.

This story couldn't be more fun if it tried. The tone is a perfect imitation of the books, with the time of day, weight, cigarette counts, random observations, and just everything. Bridget's banter with an annoyed Jack is gold, but my favorite part is when she meets up with Sydney for some girly good times. The author's Bridget voice is perfect, but even more, the pacing (with fast-and-furious diary writing, as well as how the plot progresses) is ace.

Jack Bristow at the Edge of Reason

The Kakashi Mission by JBMcDragon (NC-17)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

Recced by tingel 

Title: The Kakashi Mission by JBMcDragon
Fandom: Naruto
Pairing: Kakashi/Iruka
Categories: angst, drama, humor, romance
Length: epic (~70,000 words)
Warnings: angst (it deserves a warning here), some violence, character death (not in the present)

Author on LJ: jbmcdragon 
Website: http://tentative.net/JBMcDragon/livingroom.html

Review:
The third hokage is worried that Kakashi may snap after losing his genin team. So he suspends him from ANBU and asks Iruka to befriend him. Romance follows, but it isn't easy as Kakashi is truely neurotic and Iruka is stubborn.

This story twists and turns through moods (from highly hilarious to extreme angst) and time (jumping from past to present and back) which works wonderfully to shed light on the characters, especially Kakashi. In this story he is even weirder than the anime/manga. He can't connect to others, is obsessively clean and private. This drives to plot in the present because Iruka has to overcome it. The terrifying thing is that Kakashi's character makes perfect sense through the flashbacks and stays in character. JBMcDragon really knows her canon.

The story doesn't ignore the realities and consequences of the way of the ninja. Even Iruka has to battle his own demons. Luckily the heavy angst is contrasted by the interaction between the two protagonists and a crew of other chuunin and jounin which at times had me laughing out loud while reading.

In the end this is a very, very satisfying read, funny and heart-breaking, with well written action and deep understanding for the characters.

The Kakashi Mission

The Kakashi Mission by JBMcDragon (NC-17)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

Recced by tingel 

Title: The Kakashi Mission by JBMcDragon
Fandom: Naruto
Pairing: Kakashi/Iruka
Categories: angst, drama, humor, romance
Length: epic (~70,000 words)
Warnings: angst (it deserves a warning here), some violence, character death (not in the present)

Author on LJ: jbmcdragon 
Website: http://tentative.net/JBMcDragon/livingroom.html

Review:
The third hokage is worried that Kakashi may snap after losing his genin team. So he suspends him from ANBU and asks Iruka to befriend him. Romance follows, but it isn't easy as Kakashi is truely neurotic and Iruka is stubborn.

This story twists and turns through moods (from highly hilarious to extreme angst) and time (jumping from past to present and back) which works wonderfully to shed light on the characters, especially Kakashi. In this story he is even weirder than the anime/manga. He can't connect to others, is obsessively clean and private. This drives to plot in the present because Iruka has to overcome it. The terrifying thing is that Kakashi's character makes perfect sense through the flashbacks and stays in character. JBMcDragon really knows her canon.

The story doesn't ignore the realities and consequences of the way of the ninja. Even Iruka has to battle his own demons. Luckily the heavy angst is contrasted by the interaction between the two protagonists and a crew of other chuunin and jounin which at times had me laughing out loud while reading.

In the end this is a very, very satisfying read, funny and heart-breaking, with well written action and deep understanding for the characters.

The Kakashi Mission

The Kakashi Mission by JBMcDragon (NC-17)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

Recced by tingel 

Title: The Kakashi Mission by JBMcDragon
Fandom: Naruto
Pairing: Kakashi/Iruka
Categories: angst, drama, humor, romance
Length: epic (~70,000 words)
Warnings: angst (it deserves a warning here), some violence, character death (not in the present)

Author on LJ: jbmcdragon 
Website: http://tentative.net/JBMcDragon/livingroom.html

Review:
The third hokage is worried that Kakashi may snap after losing his genin team. So he suspends him from ANBU and asks Iruka to befriend him. Romance follows, but it isn't easy as Kakashi is truely neurotic and Iruka is stubborn.

This story twists and turns through moods (from highly hilarious to extreme angst) and time (jumping from past to present and back) which works wonderfully to shed light on the characters, especially Kakashi. In this story he is even weirder than the anime/manga. He can't connect to others, is obsessively clean and private. This drives to plot in the present because Iruka has to overcome it. The terrifying thing is that Kakashi's character makes perfect sense through the flashbacks and stays in character. JBMcDragon really knows her canon.

The story doesn't ignore the realities and consequences of the way of the ninja. Even Iruka has to battle his own demons. Luckily the heavy angst is contrasted by the interaction between the two protagonists and a crew of other chuunin and jounin which at times had me laughing out loud while reading.

In the end this is a very, very satisfying read, funny and heart-breaking, with well written action and deep understanding for the characters.

The Kakashi Mission

The Kakashi Mission by JBMcDragon (NC-17)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

Recced by tingel 

Title: The Kakashi Mission by JBMcDragon
Fandom: Naruto
Pairing: Kakashi/Iruka
Categories: angst, drama, humor, romance
Length: epic (~70,000 words)
Warnings: angst (it deserves a warning here), some violence, character death (not in the present)

Author on LJ: jbmcdragon 
Website: http://tentative.net/JBMcDragon/livingroom.html

Review:
The third hokage is worried that Kakashi may snap after losing his genin team. So he suspends him from ANBU and asks Iruka to befriend him. Romance follows, but it isn't easy as Kakashi is truely neurotic and Iruka is stubborn.

This story twists and turns through moods (from highly hilarious to extreme angst) and time (jumping from past to present and back) which works wonderfully to shed light on the characters, especially Kakashi. In this story he is even weirder than the anime/manga. He can't connect to others, is obsessively clean and private. This drives to plot in the present because Iruka has to overcome it. The terrifying thing is that Kakashi's character makes perfect sense through the flashbacks and stays in character. JBMcDragon really knows her canon.

The story doesn't ignore the realities and consequences of the way of the ninja. Even Iruka has to battle his own demons. Luckily the heavy angst is contrasted by the interaction between the two protagonists and a crew of other chuunin and jounin which at times had me laughing out loud while reading.

In the end this is a very, very satisfying read, funny and heart-breaking, with well written action and deep understanding for the characters.

The Kakashi Mission

The Kakashi Mission by JBMcDragon (NC-17)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

Recced by tingel 

Title: The Kakashi Mission by JBMcDragon
Fandom: Naruto
Pairing: Kakashi/Iruka
Categories: angst, drama, humor, romance
Length: epic (~70,000 words)
Warnings: angst (it deserves a warning here), some violence, character death (not in the present)

Author on LJ: jbmcdragon 
Website: http://tentative.net/JBMcDragon/livingroom.html

Review:
The third hokage is worried that Kakashi may snap after losing his genin team. So he suspends him from ANBU and asks Iruka to befriend him. Romance follows, but it isn't easy as Kakashi is truely neurotic and Iruka is stubborn.

This story twists and turns through moods (from highly hilarious to extreme angst) and time (jumping from past to present and back) which works wonderfully to shed light on the characters, especially Kakashi. In this story he is even weirder than the anime/manga. He can't connect to others, is obsessively clean and private. This drives to plot in the present because Iruka has to overcome it. The terrifying thing is that Kakashi's character makes perfect sense through the flashbacks and stays in character. JBMcDragon really knows her canon.

The story doesn't ignore the realities and consequences of the way of the ninja. Even Iruka has to battle his own demons. Luckily the heavy angst is contrasted by the interaction between the two protagonists and a crew of other chuunin and jounin which at times had me laughing out loud while reading.

In the end this is a very, very satisfying read, funny and heart-breaking, with well written action and deep understanding for the characters.

The Kakashi Mission

The Kakashi Mission by JBMcDragon (NC-17)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

Recced by tingel 

Title: The Kakashi Mission by JBMcDragon
Fandom: Naruto
Pairing: Kakashi/Iruka
Categories: angst, drama, humor, romance
Length: epic (~70,000 words)
Warnings: angst (it deserves a warning here), some violence, character death (not in the present)

Author on LJ: jbmcdragon 
Website: http://tentative.net/JBMcDragon/livingroom.html

Review:
The third hokage is worried that Kakashi may snap after losing his genin team. So he suspends him from ANBU and asks Iruka to befriend him. Romance follows, but it isn't easy as Kakashi is truely neurotic and Iruka is stubborn.

This story twists and turns through moods (from highly hilarious to extreme angst) and time (jumping from past to present and back) which works wonderfully to shed light on the characters, especially Kakashi. In this story he is even weirder than the anime/manga. He can't connect to others, is obsessively clean and private. This drives to plot in the present because Iruka has to overcome it. The terrifying thing is that Kakashi's character makes perfect sense through the flashbacks and stays in character. JBMcDragon really knows her canon.

The story doesn't ignore the realities and consequences of the way of the ninja. Even Iruka has to battle his own demons. Luckily the heavy angst is contrasted by the interaction between the two protagonists and a crew of other chuunin and jounin which at times had me laughing out loud while reading.

In the end this is a very, very satisfying read, funny and heart-breaking, with well written action and deep understanding for the characters.

The Kakashi Mission

like explosions in the sky by flimsy (R)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

Recced by anowlinsunshine 

Title: like explosions in the sky by flimsy (R)
Fandom: Bandom
Pairing: Jon/Spencer, primary; secondary Ryan/Brendon, Frank/Gerard, and Pete/Patrick
Categories: angst, au, sad stories
Length: Medium (~7,200 words)
Warnings: implied character death, heavy angst

Author on LJ: flimsy 
Website: n/a

Review:
Shortly after the day that officially recognizes that he has only five more years to live, Spencer Smith meets Jon Walker and falls in love. Their relationship is dampened, however, by the knowledge that Jon has only four months left. Determined not to lose him, Spencer takes Jon and leaves in search of a way to keep Jon alive and with him, no matter the cost.

I first read this story about two years ago, and despite it blatantly defying almost every rule I have for personally enjoying a fic, it is one of the few that I still reread regularly. As the author describes it, this fic is an AU combining dystopian and magical realist elements. It is certainly not a happy or feel-good fic, and with good reason. The central premise of the story and the world in which it plays out is a chilling one: what if everyone lived for a maximum of twenty-five years and age was measured not by how long you lived, but by how many years you had left? From the start, this constructs a bleak, almost oppressive atmosphere, which flimsy captures and maintains to perfect effect.

For me, what is most interesting about this story is how it explores defiance of the rule of absolute mortality that defines its setting, tone, and characters' personalities and worldviews. In the three couples Spencer encounters throughout the fic, flimsy shows us three possible ways to beat the system at the story's core, none of them truly positive and all of them uniquely, distinctly heartbreaking. And while I am not sure if the characterization of everyone involved is entirely spot-on, the result of these meetings and the knowledge they bring is a quiet, aching, beautiful look at not only the nature of human defiance, but also the power of love to inspire it and the bitersweet consequences we face from any act of passion, romantic or otherwise.

like explosions in the sky

like explosions in the sky by flimsy (R)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

Recced by anowlinsunshine 

Title: like explosions in the sky by flimsy (R)
Fandom: Bandom
Pairing: Jon/Spencer, primary; secondary Ryan/Brendon, Frank/Gerard, and Pete/Patrick
Categories: angst, au, sad stories
Length: Medium (~7,200 words)
Warnings: implied character death, heavy angst

Author on LJ: flimsy 
Website: n/a

Review:
Shortly after the day that officially recognizes that he has only five more years to live, Spencer Smith meets Jon Walker and falls in love. Their relationship is dampened, however, by the knowledge that Jon has only four months left. Determined not to lose him, Spencer takes Jon and leaves in search of a way to keep Jon alive and with him, no matter the cost.

I first read this story about two years ago, and despite it blatantly defying almost every rule I have for personally enjoying a fic, it is one of the few that I still reread regularly. As the author describes it, this fic is an AU combining dystopian and magical realist elements. It is certainly not a happy or feel-good fic, and with good reason. The central premise of the story and the world in which it plays out is a chilling one: what if everyone lived for a maximum of twenty-five years and age was measured not by how long you lived, but by how many years you had left? From the start, this constructs a bleak, almost oppressive atmosphere, which flimsy captures and maintains to perfect effect.

For me, what is most interesting about this story is how it explores defiance of the rule of absolute mortality that defines its setting, tone, and characters' personalities and worldviews. In the three couples Spencer encounters throughout the fic, flimsy shows us three possible ways to beat the system at the story's core, none of them truly positive and all of them uniquely, distinctly heartbreaking. And while I am not sure if the characterization of everyone involved is entirely spot-on, the result of these meetings and the knowledge they bring is a quiet, aching, beautiful look at not only the nature of human defiance, but also the power of love to inspire it and the bitersweet consequences we face from any act of passion, romantic or otherwise.

like explosions in the sky

like explosions in the sky by flimsy (R)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

Recced by anowlinsunshine 

Title: like explosions in the sky by flimsy (R)
Fandom: Bandom
Pairing: Jon/Spencer, primary; secondary Ryan/Brendon, Frank/Gerard, and Pete/Patrick
Categories: angst, au, sad stories
Length: Medium (~7,200 words)
Warnings: implied character death, heavy angst

Author on LJ: flimsy 
Website: n/a

Review:
Shortly after the day that officially recognizes that he has only five more years to live, Spencer Smith meets Jon Walker and falls in love. Their relationship is dampened, however, by the knowledge that Jon has only four months left. Determined not to lose him, Spencer takes Jon and leaves in search of a way to keep Jon alive and with him, no matter the cost.

I first read this story about two years ago, and despite it blatantly defying almost every rule I have for personally enjoying a fic, it is one of the few that I still reread regularly. As the author describes it, this fic is an AU combining dystopian and magical realist elements. It is certainly not a happy or feel-good fic, and with good reason. The central premise of the story and the world in which it plays out is a chilling one: what if everyone lived for a maximum of twenty-five years and age was measured not by how long you lived, but by how many years you had left? From the start, this constructs a bleak, almost oppressive atmosphere, which flimsy captures and maintains to perfect effect.

For me, what is most interesting about this story is how it explores defiance of the rule of absolute mortality that defines its setting, tone, and characters' personalities and worldviews. In the three couples Spencer encounters throughout the fic, flimsy shows us three possible ways to beat the system at the story's core, none of them truly positive and all of them uniquely, distinctly heartbreaking. And while I am not sure if the characterization of everyone involved is entirely spot-on, the result of these meetings and the knowledge they bring is a quiet, aching, beautiful look at not only the nature of human defiance, but also the power of love to inspire it and the bitersweet consequences we face from any act of passion, romantic or otherwise.

like explosions in the sky

like explosions in the sky by flimsy (R)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

Recced by anowlinsunshine 

Title: like explosions in the sky by flimsy (R)
Fandom: Bandom
Pairing: Jon/Spencer, primary; secondary Ryan/Brendon, Frank/Gerard, and Pete/Patrick
Categories: angst, au, sad stories
Length: Medium (~7,200 words)
Warnings: implied character death, heavy angst

Author on LJ: flimsy 
Website: n/a

Review:
Shortly after the day that officially recognizes that he has only five more years to live, Spencer Smith meets Jon Walker and falls in love. Their relationship is dampened, however, by the knowledge that Jon has only four months left. Determined not to lose him, Spencer takes Jon and leaves in search of a way to keep Jon alive and with him, no matter the cost.

I first read this story about two years ago, and despite it blatantly defying almost every rule I have for personally enjoying a fic, it is one of the few that I still reread regularly. As the author describes it, this fic is an AU combining dystopian and magical realist elements. It is certainly not a happy or feel-good fic, and with good reason. The central premise of the story and the world in which it plays out is a chilling one: what if everyone lived for a maximum of twenty-five years and age was measured not by how long you lived, but by how many years you had left? From the start, this constructs a bleak, almost oppressive atmosphere, which flimsy captures and maintains to perfect effect.

For me, what is most interesting about this story is how it explores defiance of the rule of absolute mortality that defines its setting, tone, and characters' personalities and worldviews. In the three couples Spencer encounters throughout the fic, flimsy shows us three possible ways to beat the system at the story's core, none of them truly positive and all of them uniquely, distinctly heartbreaking. And while I am not sure if the characterization of everyone involved is entirely spot-on, the result of these meetings and the knowledge they bring is a quiet, aching, beautiful look at not only the nature of human defiance, but also the power of love to inspire it and the bitersweet consequences we face from any act of passion, romantic or otherwise.

like explosions in the sky

like explosions in the sky by flimsy (R)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

Recced by anowlinsunshine 

Title: like explosions in the sky by flimsy (R)
Fandom: Bandom
Pairing: Jon/Spencer, primary; secondary Ryan/Brendon, Frank/Gerard, and Pete/Patrick
Categories: angst, au, sad stories
Length: Medium (~7,200 words)
Warnings: implied character death, heavy angst

Author on LJ: flimsy 
Website: n/a

Review:
Shortly after the day that officially recognizes that he has only five more years to live, Spencer Smith meets Jon Walker and falls in love. Their relationship is dampened, however, by the knowledge that Jon has only four months left. Determined not to lose him, Spencer takes Jon and leaves in search of a way to keep Jon alive and with him, no matter the cost.

I first read this story about two years ago, and despite it blatantly defying almost every rule I have for personally enjoying a fic, it is one of the few that I still reread regularly. As the author describes it, this fic is an AU combining dystopian and magical realist elements. It is certainly not a happy or feel-good fic, and with good reason. The central premise of the story and the world in which it plays out is a chilling one: what if everyone lived for a maximum of twenty-five years and age was measured not by how long you lived, but by how many years you had left? From the start, this constructs a bleak, almost oppressive atmosphere, which flimsy captures and maintains to perfect effect.

For me, what is most interesting about this story is how it explores defiance of the rule of absolute mortality that defines its setting, tone, and characters' personalities and worldviews. In the three couples Spencer encounters throughout the fic, flimsy shows us three possible ways to beat the system at the story's core, none of them truly positive and all of them uniquely, distinctly heartbreaking. And while I am not sure if the characterization of everyone involved is entirely spot-on, the result of these meetings and the knowledge they bring is a quiet, aching, beautiful look at not only the nature of human defiance, but also the power of love to inspire it and the bitersweet consequences we face from any act of passion, romantic or otherwise.

like explosions in the sky

like explosions in the sky by flimsy (R)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

Recced by anowlinsunshine 

Title: like explosions in the sky by flimsy (R)
Fandom: Bandom
Pairing: Jon/Spencer, primary; secondary Ryan/Brendon, Frank/Gerard, and Pete/Patrick
Categories: angst, au, sad stories
Length: Medium (~7,200 words)
Warnings: implied character death, heavy angst

Author on LJ: flimsy 
Website: n/a

Review:
Shortly after the day that officially recognizes that he has only five more years to live, Spencer Smith meets Jon Walker and falls in love. Their relationship is dampened, however, by the knowledge that Jon has only four months left. Determined not to lose him, Spencer takes Jon and leaves in search of a way to keep Jon alive and with him, no matter the cost.

I first read this story about two years ago, and despite it blatantly defying almost every rule I have for personally enjoying a fic, it is one of the few that I still reread regularly. As the author describes it, this fic is an AU combining dystopian and magical realist elements. It is certainly not a happy or feel-good fic, and with good reason. The central premise of the story and the world in which it plays out is a chilling one: what if everyone lived for a maximum of twenty-five years and age was measured not by how long you lived, but by how many years you had left? From the start, this constructs a bleak, almost oppressive atmosphere, which flimsy captures and maintains to perfect effect.

For me, what is most interesting about this story is how it explores defiance of the rule of absolute mortality that defines its setting, tone, and characters' personalities and worldviews. In the three couples Spencer encounters throughout the fic, flimsy shows us three possible ways to beat the system at the story's core, none of them truly positive and all of them uniquely, distinctly heartbreaking. And while I am not sure if the characterization of everyone involved is entirely spot-on, the result of these meetings and the knowledge they bring is a quiet, aching, beautiful look at not only the nature of human defiance, but also the power of love to inspire it and the bitersweet consequences we face from any act of passion, romantic or otherwise.

like explosions in the sky

Tea and Biscuits by WesleysGirl, Byrne, and Magpie (NC-17)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

(And that's a wrap, folks. Recapalooza has come to an end. And now I'm taking a few much needed days off:)

Recced by cheetahanabel 

Title: Tea and Biscuits by WesleysGirl, Byrne, and Magpie
Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Pairing: Spike/Giles, Wesley/Giles, Wesley/Spike, Wesley/Spike/Giles, Angel/Wesley, Angel/Spike, Angel/Spike/Wesley, Giles/Ethan, Spike/Ethan, Giles/Spike/Ethan
Categories: angst, bdsm, epistolary, hurt/comfort, romance
Length: VERY Epic (I could do a word count, but I’m not sure how to make an accurate one…you’ll see)
Warnings: n/a

Author on LJ: wesleysgirl , byrne 
Wesleysgirl's Website: http://home.comcast.net/~wesleysgirl/
Byrne's Website: http://www.prettymuses.com/crypt.html

Review:
After Buffy’s death, Wesley writes an email of condolence to Giles. Giles writes back. The two of them continue corresponding until one night, when Giles is rather drunk, Spike intercepts the emails and begins his own conversation with Wesley. Eventually a few others join them. (The name Tea and Biscuits comes from the fact that all of the gentlemen originate in the UK.)

I am not much one for epistolary fic, simply because it’s generally not true to life. When I was fourteen I had a correspondence with Freddie, a friend I had met at summer camp. Yes, we wrote weekly (and this was before internet was big enough for him to have it), long, flowing, hand-written letters, but besides that, we also called each other on the phone, and occasionally met up for a lunch.

This feels like my relationship with Freddie (plus the gay sex). There is internet correspondence between the boys that is beautifully wordy and which has each of the boys providing satisfactory answers to any questions raised by the other. There are stories where each of them meets up with at least one other. No, this is not the most realistic relationship(s), but it is the most realistically written epistolary relationship you’ll ever see.

Tea and Biscuits

Tea and Biscuits by WesleysGirl, Byrne, and Magpie (NC-17)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

(And that's a wrap, folks. Recapalooza has come to an end. And now I'm taking a few much needed days off:)

Recced by cheetahanabel 

Title: Tea and Biscuits by WesleysGirl, Byrne, and Magpie
Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Pairing: Spike/Giles, Wesley/Giles, Wesley/Spike, Wesley/Spike/Giles, Angel/Wesley, Angel/Spike, Angel/Spike/Wesley, Giles/Ethan, Spike/Ethan, Giles/Spike/Ethan
Categories: angst, bdsm, epistolary, hurt/comfort, romance
Length: VERY Epic (I could do a word count, but I’m not sure how to make an accurate one…you’ll see)
Warnings: n/a

Author on LJ: wesleysgirl , byrne 
Wesleysgirl's Website: http://home.comcast.net/~wesleysgirl/
Byrne's Website: http://www.prettymuses.com/crypt.html

Review:
After Buffy’s death, Wesley writes an email of condolence to Giles. Giles writes back. The two of them continue corresponding until one night, when Giles is rather drunk, Spike intercepts the emails and begins his own conversation with Wesley. Eventually a few others join them. (The name Tea and Biscuits comes from the fact that all of the gentlemen originate in the UK.)

I am not much one for epistolary fic, simply because it’s generally not true to life. When I was fourteen I had a correspondence with Freddie, a friend I had met at summer camp. Yes, we wrote weekly (and this was before internet was big enough for him to have it), long, flowing, hand-written letters, but besides that, we also called each other on the phone, and occasionally met up for a lunch.

This feels like my relationship with Freddie (plus the gay sex). There is internet correspondence between the boys that is beautifully wordy and which has each of the boys providing satisfactory answers to any questions raised by the other. There are stories where each of them meets up with at least one other. No, this is not the most realistic relationship(s), but it is the most realistically written epistolary relationship you’ll ever see.

Tea and Biscuits

Tea and Biscuits by WesleysGirl, Byrne, and Magpie (NC-17)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

(And that's a wrap, folks. Recapalooza has come to an end. And now I'm taking a few much needed days off:)

Recced by cheetahanabel 

Title: Tea and Biscuits by WesleysGirl, Byrne, and Magpie
Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Pairing: Spike/Giles, Wesley/Giles, Wesley/Spike, Wesley/Spike/Giles, Angel/Wesley, Angel/Spike, Angel/Spike/Wesley, Giles/Ethan, Spike/Ethan, Giles/Spike/Ethan
Categories: angst, bdsm, epistolary, hurt/comfort, romance
Length: VERY Epic (I could do a word count, but I’m not sure how to make an accurate one…you’ll see)
Warnings: n/a

Author on LJ: wesleysgirl , byrne 
Wesleysgirl's Website: http://home.comcast.net/~wesleysgirl/
Byrne's Website: http://www.prettymuses.com/crypt.html

Review:
After Buffy’s death, Wesley writes an email of condolence to Giles. Giles writes back. The two of them continue corresponding until one night, when Giles is rather drunk, Spike intercepts the emails and begins his own conversation with Wesley. Eventually a few others join them. (The name Tea and Biscuits comes from the fact that all of the gentlemen originate in the UK.)

I am not much one for epistolary fic, simply because it’s generally not true to life. When I was fourteen I had a correspondence with Freddie, a friend I had met at summer camp. Yes, we wrote weekly (and this was before internet was big enough for him to have it), long, flowing, hand-written letters, but besides that, we also called each other on the phone, and occasionally met up for a lunch.

This feels like my relationship with Freddie (plus the gay sex). There is internet correspondence between the boys that is beautifully wordy and which has each of the boys providing satisfactory answers to any questions raised by the other. There are stories where each of them meets up with at least one other. No, this is not the most realistic relationship(s), but it is the most realistically written epistolary relationship you’ll ever see.

Tea and Biscuits

Tea and Biscuits by WesleysGirl, Byrne, and Magpie (NC-17)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

(And that's a wrap, folks. Recapalooza has come to an end. And now I'm taking a few much needed days off:)

Recced by cheetahanabel 

Title: Tea and Biscuits by WesleysGirl, Byrne, and Magpie
Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Pairing: Spike/Giles, Wesley/Giles, Wesley/Spike, Wesley/Spike/Giles, Angel/Wesley, Angel/Spike, Angel/Spike/Wesley, Giles/Ethan, Spike/Ethan, Giles/Spike/Ethan
Categories: angst, bdsm, epistolary, hurt/comfort, romance
Length: VERY Epic (I could do a word count, but I’m not sure how to make an accurate one…you’ll see)
Warnings: n/a

Author on LJ: wesleysgirl , byrne 
Wesleysgirl's Website: http://home.comcast.net/~wesleysgirl/
Byrne's Website: http://www.prettymuses.com/crypt.html

Review:
After Buffy’s death, Wesley writes an email of condolence to Giles. Giles writes back. The two of them continue corresponding until one night, when Giles is rather drunk, Spike intercepts the emails and begins his own conversation with Wesley. Eventually a few others join them. (The name Tea and Biscuits comes from the fact that all of the gentlemen originate in the UK.)

I am not much one for epistolary fic, simply because it’s generally not true to life. When I was fourteen I had a correspondence with Freddie, a friend I had met at summer camp. Yes, we wrote weekly (and this was before internet was big enough for him to have it), long, flowing, hand-written letters, but besides that, we also called each other on the phone, and occasionally met up for a lunch.

This feels like my relationship with Freddie (plus the gay sex). There is internet correspondence between the boys that is beautifully wordy and which has each of the boys providing satisfactory answers to any questions raised by the other. There are stories where each of them meets up with at least one other. No, this is not the most realistic relationship(s), but it is the most realistically written epistolary relationship you’ll ever see.

Tea and Biscuits

Tea and Biscuits by WesleysGirl, Byrne, and Magpie (NC-17)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

(And that's a wrap, folks. Recapalooza has come to an end. And now I'm taking a few much needed days off:)

Recced by cheetahanabel 

Title: Tea and Biscuits by WesleysGirl, Byrne, and Magpie
Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Pairing: Spike/Giles, Wesley/Giles, Wesley/Spike, Wesley/Spike/Giles, Angel/Wesley, Angel/Spike, Angel/Spike/Wesley, Giles/Ethan, Spike/Ethan, Giles/Spike/Ethan
Categories: angst, bdsm, epistolary, hurt/comfort, romance
Length: VERY Epic (I could do a word count, but I’m not sure how to make an accurate one…you’ll see)
Warnings: n/a

Author on LJ: wesleysgirl , byrne 
Wesleysgirl's Website: http://home.comcast.net/~wesleysgirl/
Byrne's Website: http://www.prettymuses.com/crypt.html

Review:
After Buffy’s death, Wesley writes an email of condolence to Giles. Giles writes back. The two of them continue corresponding until one night, when Giles is rather drunk, Spike intercepts the emails and begins his own conversation with Wesley. Eventually a few others join them. (The name Tea and Biscuits comes from the fact that all of the gentlemen originate in the UK.)

I am not much one for epistolary fic, simply because it’s generally not true to life. When I was fourteen I had a correspondence with Freddie, a friend I had met at summer camp. Yes, we wrote weekly (and this was before internet was big enough for him to have it), long, flowing, hand-written letters, but besides that, we also called each other on the phone, and occasionally met up for a lunch.

This feels like my relationship with Freddie (plus the gay sex). There is internet correspondence between the boys that is beautifully wordy and which has each of the boys providing satisfactory answers to any questions raised by the other. There are stories where each of them meets up with at least one other. No, this is not the most realistic relationship(s), but it is the most realistically written epistolary relationship you’ll ever see.

Tea and Biscuits

Tea and Biscuits by WesleysGirl, Byrne, and Magpie (NC-17)

[jane-elliot.livejournal.com]

(And that's a wrap, folks. Recapalooza has come to an end. And now I'm taking a few much needed days off:)

Recced by cheetahanabel 

Title: Tea and Biscuits by WesleysGirl, Byrne, and Magpie
Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Pairing: Spike/Giles, Wesley/Giles, Wesley/Spike, Wesley/Spike/Giles, Angel/Wesley, Angel/Spike, Angel/Spike/Wesley, Giles/Ethan, Spike/Ethan, Giles/Spike/Ethan
Categories: angst, bdsm, epistolary, hurt/comfort, romance
Length: VERY Epic (I could do a word count, but I’m not sure how to make an accurate one…you’ll see)
Warnings: n/a

Author on LJ: wesleysgirl , byrne 
Wesleysgirl's Website: http://home.comcast.net/~wesleysgirl/
Byrne's Website: http://www.prettymuses.com/crypt.html

Review:
After Buffy’s death, Wesley writes an email of condolence to Giles. Giles writes back. The two of them continue corresponding until one night, when Giles is rather drunk, Spike intercepts the emails and begins his own conversation with Wesley. Eventually a few others join them. (The name Tea and Biscuits comes from the fact that all of the gentlemen originate in the UK.)

I am not much one for epistolary fic, simply because it’s generally not true to life. When I was fourteen I had a correspondence with Freddie, a friend I had met at summer camp. Yes, we wrote weekly (and this was before internet was big enough for him to have it), long, flowing, hand-written letters, but besides that, we also called each other on the phone, and occasionally met up for a lunch.

This feels like my relationship with Freddie (plus the gay sex). There is internet correspondence between the boys that is beautifully wordy and which has each of the boys providing satisfactory answers to any questions raised by the other. There are stories where each of them meets up with at least one other. No, this is not the most realistic relationship(s), but it is the most realistically written epistolary relationship you’ll ever see.

Tea and Biscuits