Title: Dead of Knight
Fandom: Merlin
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Categories: Modern Magic AU, Vampires, Supernatural, Crime Drama
Length: Epic (43,212 words)
Warnings: Violence, Minor Character Death, Crime Scenes

Author on LJ: castmeaway
Author Website: jsea

Author's Summary:
Merlin Emrys, supernatural expert and consultant for the local police, knows that going to the opening night of a vampire bar isn't a good idea, not with anti-vampire sentiments running rampant. So when he draws the eye of the bar's charismatic owner, and the new Master of the City, Arthur Pendragon, he's not exactly pleased.
When a series of murders, seemingly the work of vampires, forces them to work together anyway, Merlin unwittingly finds himself falling in love. Suddenly, the lines between work and love are not as cut and dry as they seem.


Review:
Fans of vampire-themed stories have a plethora of interesting and well-written fics to choose from in the Merlin fandom. Of all that I've read, Dead of Knight is one of my favorites. It features strong characterizations, both of Arthur and Merlin, as well as the supporting cast, and excellent world-building.

As the author mentions, it's apparent that she drew inspiration from Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter series, as well as the Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris, but it never feels derivative. The author blends these elements with BBC's Merlin to create a modern magic/vampire AU that serves as a really interesting setting for the story, which is part romance, and part mystery/crime drama.

The author's interpretation of Arthur as a vampire feels very spot-on; he's a chivalric medieval knight in the modern era with just a shade of darkness that makes him believable as a vampire without compromising his innate nobility and goodness. I really liked Merlin in this story too -- although he holds a degree in Supernatural Studies and a doctorate in Forensic Pathology, his dislike of the crime scenes at which he consults shows a more vulnerable side despite his expertise. The friendships he has with Gaius and Will are obviously very important to him, and lend authenticity to his characterization as well.

The romance between Arthur and Merlin is well-developed and very engaging. Merlin is understandably wary about getting involved with a vampire, not only because of the perceived risks associated with such a relationship, but because of the necessity to keep his magic secret. It's obvious that there is a connection between them from the moment of their first meeting, and Arthur pursues Merlin with an intensity that is both very in-character for this interpretation of Arthur, and also hows just how strongly he desires him. For his part, it's clear that Merlin has feelings for Arthur as well, but he has a bit more to overcome before he can accept it, which is also very in-character for this Merlin.

This story ticks all the boxes on the checklist for a great vampire story without ever feeling formulaic or trite, and is highly recommended.


Dead of Knight