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Title: Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)
Fandom: Star Trek XI
Pairing: Jim Kirk/Spock
Categories/Genres: Slow burn, Romance
Length: Medium (10927 words)
Warnings: N/A
Author on LJ:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
kianspo
Author Website: kianspo
Summary:
In which Spock contemplates the laws of attraction and realizes what a slippery slope that is only after he has already fallen. There's no help for him now.
Review:
To be honest, I probably found this fic more amusing than the author intended it to be, because the entire time I was reading it, I was imagining a traffic accident in slow motion, two big rigs smashing head on, where one is logic and the other is emotion. Spock comes to reconcile the two by fits and starts, but it's not an elegant process, not logical nor instinctual. He stumbles into it, trips and tumbles his way into a seemingly resigned acceptance of his feelings toward Jim. In every way he exemplifies the 'falling' part of the phrase 'falling in love', and it's sort of stupidly adorable.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
Fandom: Star Trek XI
Pairing: Jim Kirk/Spock
Categories/Genres: Slow burn, Romance
Length: Medium (10927 words)
Warnings: N/A
Author on LJ:
kianspo Author Website: kianspo
Summary:
In which Spock contemplates the laws of attraction and realizes what a slippery slope that is only after he has already fallen. There's no help for him now.
Review:
To be honest, I probably found this fic more amusing than the author intended it to be, because the entire time I was reading it, I was imagining a traffic accident in slow motion, two big rigs smashing head on, where one is logic and the other is emotion. Spock comes to reconcile the two by fits and starts, but it's not an elegant process, not logical nor instinctual. He stumbles into it, trips and tumbles his way into a seemingly resigned acceptance of his feelings toward Jim. In every way he exemplifies the 'falling' part of the phrase 'falling in love', and it's sort of stupidly adorable.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)
Title: You'll Get There in the End (It Just Takes a While)
Fandom: Star Trek XI
Pairing: Jim Kirk/Spock, past Nyota Uhura/Spock
Categories/Genres: Post-Canon, Drama, Romance, Angst, Pon Farr, Bonding, Friendship
Length: Long (33465 words)
Warnings: N/A
Author on LJ:seperis
Author Website: seperis
Summary:
"Spock. Just say 'I don't trust Starfleet not to mess up the only captain in the fleet who I can train up to my expectations and enjoys running into danger wearing a blindfold as much as I do'."
Review:
The format of this fic is a little confusing at first, jumping back and forth between two progressing timelines until they meet in the middle. Not to mention, seperis refuses to hold the reader's hand and explain everything in small sentences with smaller words. You'll Get There in the End (It Just Takes a While) demands that the reader think as they read and slot the pieces together. It's not always easy, and there are some recurring threads that are not particularly obvious as such, but in the end, when the story pulls in its loose threads and weaves them all together, there's a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that few authors manage to create in their fic.
The thing is, I can easily imagine this fic being written chronologically, rather than alternating between the immediate post-movie and the onset of Jim's 'pon farr'. It would still be good reading, but it's unlikely that I'd find it fascinating enough to rec it. Its format creates a tension that vibrates like a plucked instrument string through the entire length of the fic, a quiet hum that grows in intensity right up until the climax, when the separate timelines resolve into a single chronological narrative.
seperis also makes the conscious decision not to include any sort of internal contemplation of emotion through the bulk of the fic. As odd as it was to read a romance fic where there was no mention of romantic emotion between Jim and Spock, it gave the climax that much more energy by contrast, their emotions distilled and crisp rather than worn smooth by repetition.
Unfortunately I can't give any sort of recommendation on the rest of The Reboot Series, as I haven't had the opportunity to read it. But going by the quality and complexity of You'll Get There, I'm guessing it's definitely worth checking out.
You'll Get There in the End (It Just Takes a While)
Fandom: Star Trek XI
Pairing: Jim Kirk/Spock, past Nyota Uhura/Spock
Categories/Genres: Post-Canon, Drama, Romance, Angst, Pon Farr, Bonding, Friendship
Length: Long (33465 words)
Warnings: N/A
Author on LJ:
seperis Author Website: seperis
Summary:
"Spock. Just say 'I don't trust Starfleet not to mess up the only captain in the fleet who I can train up to my expectations and enjoys running into danger wearing a blindfold as much as I do'."
Review:
The format of this fic is a little confusing at first, jumping back and forth between two progressing timelines until they meet in the middle. Not to mention, seperis refuses to hold the reader's hand and explain everything in small sentences with smaller words. You'll Get There in the End (It Just Takes a While) demands that the reader think as they read and slot the pieces together. It's not always easy, and there are some recurring threads that are not particularly obvious as such, but in the end, when the story pulls in its loose threads and weaves them all together, there's a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that few authors manage to create in their fic.
The thing is, I can easily imagine this fic being written chronologically, rather than alternating between the immediate post-movie and the onset of Jim's 'pon farr'. It would still be good reading, but it's unlikely that I'd find it fascinating enough to rec it. Its format creates a tension that vibrates like a plucked instrument string through the entire length of the fic, a quiet hum that grows in intensity right up until the climax, when the separate timelines resolve into a single chronological narrative.
seperis also makes the conscious decision not to include any sort of internal contemplation of emotion through the bulk of the fic. As odd as it was to read a romance fic where there was no mention of romantic emotion between Jim and Spock, it gave the climax that much more energy by contrast, their emotions distilled and crisp rather than worn smooth by repetition.
Unfortunately I can't give any sort of recommendation on the rest of The Reboot Series, as I haven't had the opportunity to read it. But going by the quality and complexity of You'll Get There, I'm guessing it's definitely worth checking out.
You'll Get There in the End (It Just Takes a While)
Title: Objective Data
Fandom: Star Trek XI
Pairing: Jim Kirk/Spock
Categories/Genres: Pre-Canon, Alternate Universe, Outside POV, Kid Fic, First Time, Matchmaking, Romance, Fluff, Humor
Length: Long (22368 words)
Warnings: N/A
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: walkandtalk
Summary:
A young Vulcan decides to find a mate for his guardian, Spock. After careful calculations, Cadet Kirk is obviously the superior choice.
Review:
Senik, a nine year old Vulcan Yenta, decides to hook up his cousin Spock and Cadet Jim Kirk forfun profit science. It's hilarious.
Writing children convincingly is a tall order for writers. It's one thing to slip into the mindset of an adult character, someone fully formed with their own unique patterns of reasoning and behavior. But to strike the perfect balance of naivete, innocence, and perceptiveness that belongs solely to children seems to escape most writers, per my observations as a reader. Most seem to either fall short of or overshoot their character's intended age, turning a maturing child into a babyish caricature of a child or giving a child maturity and wisdom much too far beyond their years. Some authors even manage to do both simultaneously.
walkandtalk has a slightly easier job of it, since Senik is Vulcan and can already communicate on the level of adults. But there remains a childishness to his perception. There is lightness and innocence in him that separates him from the many adults he interacts with. Senik is slyly obstinate in a very specific way, weaseling without malice around the rules laid upon him by the adults in the way that children do. It is perhaps that, more than anything else, that cemented walkandtalk's characterization of Senik in my mind as one of the most convincing portrayals of a child I've ever read.
I haven't yet finished reading Objective Data's sequel, Subjective Assessment , but from what I've read so far, the collection of timestamps seems to be a perfectly adorable continuation of Spock, Senik, and Jim's (mis)adventures.
Objective Data
Fandom: Star Trek XI
Pairing: Jim Kirk/Spock
Categories/Genres: Pre-Canon, Alternate Universe, Outside POV, Kid Fic, First Time, Matchmaking, Romance, Fluff, Humor
Length: Long (22368 words)
Warnings: N/A
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: walkandtalk
Summary:
A young Vulcan decides to find a mate for his guardian, Spock. After careful calculations, Cadet Kirk is obviously the superior choice.
Review:
Senik, a nine year old Vulcan Yenta, decides to hook up his cousin Spock and Cadet Jim Kirk for
Writing children convincingly is a tall order for writers. It's one thing to slip into the mindset of an adult character, someone fully formed with their own unique patterns of reasoning and behavior. But to strike the perfect balance of naivete, innocence, and perceptiveness that belongs solely to children seems to escape most writers, per my observations as a reader. Most seem to either fall short of or overshoot their character's intended age, turning a maturing child into a babyish caricature of a child or giving a child maturity and wisdom much too far beyond their years. Some authors even manage to do both simultaneously.
walkandtalk has a slightly easier job of it, since Senik is Vulcan and can already communicate on the level of adults. But there remains a childishness to his perception. There is lightness and innocence in him that separates him from the many adults he interacts with. Senik is slyly obstinate in a very specific way, weaseling without malice around the rules laid upon him by the adults in the way that children do. It is perhaps that, more than anything else, that cemented walkandtalk's characterization of Senik in my mind as one of the most convincing portrayals of a child I've ever read.
I haven't yet finished reading Objective Data's sequel, Subjective Assessment , but from what I've read so far, the collection of timestamps seems to be a perfectly adorable continuation of Spock, Senik, and Jim's (mis)adventures.
Objective Data
Title: Graduate Vulcan for Fun and Profit
Fandom: Star Trek XI
Pairing: Gen
Categories/Genres: Alternate Universe, Original Character, Pre-canon, Mentorship, Friendship
Length: Long (15113 words)
Warnings: Original Character Death, Canonical Character Death
Author on LJ:lazulisong
Author Website: lazulisong
Summary:
It really does take a village to raise a Jim.
The members of the Kelvin's crew watch over Jim as much as he lets them.
Review:
To be frank, lazulisong's summary of the story is misleading almost to the point of inaccuracy. Graduate Vulcan for Fun and Profit is not about a group of people raising Jim so much as it is the story of Jim's relationship with one particular Kelvin survivor, a Vulcan linguist by the name of Sakel.
The two first meet, as far as Jim is concerned, in the immediate wake of Tarsus IV, when the vessel Sakel is stationed on receives a group of survivors, the twelve year-old Jim Kirk among them. From then until Jim passes back into his mother's custody, Sakel mentors him in the Vulcan language as means to help Jim cope with, distract himself from, and heal from what he endured. Alternating between the two weeks Jim and Sakel spent together during Jim's childhood are pieces of Jim and Sakel's adult relationship after Jim enrolls in Star Fleet Academy, per movie canon.
Sakel is a peculiar sort of Vulcan, sentimental almost to the point of un-Vulcan-ly, but in that way he's an excellent match to the wounded, young-but-no-longer-a-child Jim Kirk who thrives on learning but also the unobtrusive warmth that a more rigidly disciplined Vulcan would likely not provide. They build a fond mentor-mentee relationship in the short time that they spend together in Jim's youth. Years later, that relationship picks up almost where it left off, unaffected by time and distance, beyond Sakel's acknowledgment of Jim's increased linguistic competence. It's truly a joy to read their interactions, particularly their final 'interaction', both from Sakel's perspective when Jim is young, and then through Jim's adult perspective while he attends the Academy and on past the events of the movie.
Graduate Vulcan for Fun and Profit
Fandom: Star Trek XI
Pairing: Gen
Categories/Genres: Alternate Universe, Original Character, Pre-canon, Mentorship, Friendship
Length: Long (15113 words)
Warnings: Original Character Death, Canonical Character Death
Author on LJ:
lazulisong Author Website: lazulisong
Summary:
It really does take a village to raise a Jim.
The members of the Kelvin's crew watch over Jim as much as he lets them.
Review:
To be frank, lazulisong's summary of the story is misleading almost to the point of inaccuracy. Graduate Vulcan for Fun and Profit is not about a group of people raising Jim so much as it is the story of Jim's relationship with one particular Kelvin survivor, a Vulcan linguist by the name of Sakel.
The two first meet, as far as Jim is concerned, in the immediate wake of Tarsus IV, when the vessel Sakel is stationed on receives a group of survivors, the twelve year-old Jim Kirk among them. From then until Jim passes back into his mother's custody, Sakel mentors him in the Vulcan language as means to help Jim cope with, distract himself from, and heal from what he endured. Alternating between the two weeks Jim and Sakel spent together during Jim's childhood are pieces of Jim and Sakel's adult relationship after Jim enrolls in Star Fleet Academy, per movie canon.
Sakel is a peculiar sort of Vulcan, sentimental almost to the point of un-Vulcan-ly, but in that way he's an excellent match to the wounded, young-but-no-longer-a-child Jim Kirk who thrives on learning but also the unobtrusive warmth that a more rigidly disciplined Vulcan would likely not provide. They build a fond mentor-mentee relationship in the short time that they spend together in Jim's youth. Years later, that relationship picks up almost where it left off, unaffected by time and distance, beyond Sakel's acknowledgment of Jim's increased linguistic competence. It's truly a joy to read their interactions, particularly their final 'interaction', both from Sakel's perspective when Jim is young, and then through Jim's adult perspective while he attends the Academy and on past the events of the movie.
Graduate Vulcan for Fun and Profit
Title: Twice Shy
Fandom: Star Trek Reboot
Pairing: Kirk/McCoy
Genres: AU, Angst, Romance, Soulmates, Creature, Supernatural, Pining, Friendship, Bonding
Length: Long (20k words)
Warnings: None
Author on LJ:sarkasticfics
Author Website: N/A
Author's Summary:
Written for the following prompt, over at part eight of the StarTrek XI Kinkmeme:
Bones is a werewolf.
The moment he meant James Kirk, got a good whiff of his scent, he knew he was fucked.
He had thought those stories about werewolves scenting their mate were all bullshit.
But the stories about mating for life have got to be fake, right? Right?
Review:
Werewolf!Bones, his species a secret, finds out Jim is his soulmate the first time they meet during their training. Cue angst and pining, as Bones has to deal with the fact that his mate is a slutty commitment-phobe who has no idea werewolves exist. The dynamics between the rest of the crew are also a feature here, giving more depth to a familiar trope. The friendship between Bones and fellow werewolf Uhura is lovely, as is the rallying of the crew as a whole around their non-human members. This is first and foremost a great romance fic that doesn't fall too deep into melodrama, as well as a great retelling of the growth of friendship between all crew members.
Twice Shy
Fandom: Star Trek Reboot
Pairing: Kirk/McCoy
Genres: AU, Angst, Romance, Soulmates, Creature, Supernatural, Pining, Friendship, Bonding
Length: Long (20k words)
Warnings: None
Author on LJ:
sarkasticficsAuthor Website: N/A
Author's Summary:
Written for the following prompt, over at part eight of the StarTrek XI Kinkmeme:
Bones is a werewolf.
The moment he meant James Kirk, got a good whiff of his scent, he knew he was fucked.
He had thought those stories about werewolves scenting their mate were all bullshit.
But the stories about mating for life have got to be fake, right? Right?
Review:
Werewolf!Bones, his species a secret, finds out Jim is his soulmate the first time they meet during their training. Cue angst and pining, as Bones has to deal with the fact that his mate is a slutty commitment-phobe who has no idea werewolves exist. The dynamics between the rest of the crew are also a feature here, giving more depth to a familiar trope. The friendship between Bones and fellow werewolf Uhura is lovely, as is the rallying of the crew as a whole around their non-human members. This is first and foremost a great romance fic that doesn't fall too deep into melodrama, as well as a great retelling of the growth of friendship between all crew members.
Twice Shy
Title: Of Twin Stars and Other Eccentric Satellites
Fandom: Star Trek XI/Reboot
Pairing: Kirk/Spock, Spock/T'Pring, T'Pring/Stonn
Categories: Romance, First Time, Humor
Length: Long (30,874 words)
Warnings: None
Author on LJ:misswinterhill
Website: AO3
Review: A year into the mission, Spock and Jim have got on with things and are well on their way to that great destined friendship -- or maybe more. There’s spanner in the works, though, when a group of colonists exploring an unknown part of New Vulcan go missing, and the Enterprise crew is called in to help. The problem? The Vulcan High Council has insisted they take a guide — Spock’s wife, T’Pring.
This fic is just so funny. When the colonists go missing - one of which is an Ambassador we all know and love - Jim is determined to find them. Unfortunately, their guide is the wife Jim didn't Spock had. I really love all of Jim's relationships here: Bones, Spock, Spock Prime, and even T'Pring. T'Pring is usually written as very selfish and cruel to Spock, and I do understand why, but it does make this take on T'Pring refreshing and fun. She starts off much as you would expect her to, but watching her relationship with Jim unfold was entertaining and one of my favorite things. I'm not going to lie, I'm also fond of how Stonn is potrayed. Jim and Spock's relationship is very sweet, even if Jim is kind of willfully oblivious. I've read this fic several times and it's just as fun each time as it was the first.
Of Twin Stars and Other Eccentric Satellites
Fandom: Star Trek XI/Reboot
Pairing: Kirk/Spock, Spock/T'Pring, T'Pring/Stonn
Categories: Romance, First Time, Humor
Length: Long (30,874 words)
Warnings: None
Author on LJ:
misswinterhillWebsite: AO3
Review: A year into the mission, Spock and Jim have got on with things and are well on their way to that great destined friendship -- or maybe more. There’s spanner in the works, though, when a group of colonists exploring an unknown part of New Vulcan go missing, and the Enterprise crew is called in to help. The problem? The Vulcan High Council has insisted they take a guide — Spock’s wife, T’Pring.
This fic is just so funny. When the colonists go missing - one of which is an Ambassador we all know and love - Jim is determined to find them. Unfortunately, their guide is the wife Jim didn't Spock had. I really love all of Jim's relationships here: Bones, Spock, Spock Prime, and even T'Pring. T'Pring is usually written as very selfish and cruel to Spock, and I do understand why, but it does make this take on T'Pring refreshing and fun. She starts off much as you would expect her to, but watching her relationship with Jim unfold was entertaining and one of my favorite things. I'm not going to lie, I'm also fond of how Stonn is potrayed. Jim and Spock's relationship is very sweet, even if Jim is kind of willfully oblivious. I've read this fic several times and it's just as fun each time as it was the first.
Of Twin Stars and Other Eccentric Satellites
Title: Entering Orbit
Fandom: Star Trek Reboot
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Categories: AU, romance, first-time, fluff, domestic bliss
Length: Long (30,959 words)
Warnings: None
Author on LJ:museaway
Author Website:
Museaway
Author's Summary:
Jim escapes to Iowa to avoid the media frenzy following the Narada incident, but a late-night miscommunication results in Spock turning up on his front porch.
Review:
This is a story about falling in love. Coming in after the events of 2009's Star Trek, Kirk and Spock have already gotten off to a poor start with one another. While the reboot version of Kirk is a little more rough around the edges than Kirk Prime, Museaway imbues him with depth and caring while staying true to the character. The result is a Kirk who makes the first step toward a relationship that will define both Kirk and Spock, just as Spock Prime described.
I'm just a little bit in love with this Kirk. He shows his concern for Spock in so many perfect, meaningful ways. Whether it is going to the trouble of locating Vulcan tea for Spock or preparing plomeek soup for him, he takes care of Spock in a way that I doubt anyone ever has, save his mother...and in the aftermath of what has just happened, he obviously needs it.
Spock, of course, is Spock...stoic and logical as ever, but with a subtle, touching vulnerability. I loved the impulsivity he showed in accepting Kirk's invitation to Iowa, and how in his way, he took care of Kirk, too. Both men are perfectly characterized, and the love between them builds so naturally and in such a lovely, heartwarming way.
This is one of my go-to stories when I want to read something that will just make me feel good. Give it a try, and it might do the same for you. :)
Entering Orbit
Fandom: Star Trek Reboot
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Categories: AU, romance, first-time, fluff, domestic bliss
Length: Long (30,959 words)
Warnings: None
Author on LJ:
museawayAuthor Website:
Author's Summary:
Jim escapes to Iowa to avoid the media frenzy following the Narada incident, but a late-night miscommunication results in Spock turning up on his front porch.
Review:
This is a story about falling in love. Coming in after the events of 2009's Star Trek, Kirk and Spock have already gotten off to a poor start with one another. While the reboot version of Kirk is a little more rough around the edges than Kirk Prime, Museaway imbues him with depth and caring while staying true to the character. The result is a Kirk who makes the first step toward a relationship that will define both Kirk and Spock, just as Spock Prime described.
I'm just a little bit in love with this Kirk. He shows his concern for Spock in so many perfect, meaningful ways. Whether it is going to the trouble of locating Vulcan tea for Spock or preparing plomeek soup for him, he takes care of Spock in a way that I doubt anyone ever has, save his mother...and in the aftermath of what has just happened, he obviously needs it.
Spock, of course, is Spock...stoic and logical as ever, but with a subtle, touching vulnerability. I loved the impulsivity he showed in accepting Kirk's invitation to Iowa, and how in his way, he took care of Kirk, too. Both men are perfectly characterized, and the love between them builds so naturally and in such a lovely, heartwarming way.
This is one of my go-to stories when I want to read something that will just make me feel good. Give it a try, and it might do the same for you. :)
Entering Orbit
Title: In Any Language
Fandom: Star Trek Reboot
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Categories: AU, romance, pining, light angst, Pon Farr, bonding
Length: Medium (5,995 words)
Warnings: None
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website:
Enterprisingly
Author's Summary:
A love story in 10 parts. Based on a tumblr post about relationship words that do not translate to English.
Review:
I was really impressed by how effectively the author really captured the essence of each concept and created such a moving, deeply romantic story out of a list. Each vignette ties perfectly to the corresponding word/phrase...so much so that it almost feels as though the list was made with them in mind. From this we are able to see a wonderfully complete picture of the love that Kirk and Spock share.
Their story follows a logical progression from word to word, building to a profoundly satisfying climax in the heat of Pon Farr, and it was this scene that was the highlight for me. The author beautifully conveys the intensity and depth of Spock's need and Jim's utter refusal to lose his closest friend and love.
I was also very affected by the final glimpse into their lives together, as Spock reflects on the inescapable fact that his lifespan will be much longer than his human bondmate's and the loneliness he will someday endure. That he loves Kirk so fiercely, without holding back despite (or perhaps because of) the knowledge of this future loss is clear and poignant.
While this rec is centered on this particular fic, I do want to mention that the author has a handful of other stories in this 'verse, all of them beautifully written and well worth reading.
In Any Language
Fandom: Star Trek Reboot
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Categories: AU, romance, pining, light angst, Pon Farr, bonding
Length: Medium (5,995 words)
Warnings: None
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website:
Author's Summary:
A love story in 10 parts. Based on a tumblr post about relationship words that do not translate to English.
Review:
I was really impressed by how effectively the author really captured the essence of each concept and created such a moving, deeply romantic story out of a list. Each vignette ties perfectly to the corresponding word/phrase...so much so that it almost feels as though the list was made with them in mind. From this we are able to see a wonderfully complete picture of the love that Kirk and Spock share.
Their story follows a logical progression from word to word, building to a profoundly satisfying climax in the heat of Pon Farr, and it was this scene that was the highlight for me. The author beautifully conveys the intensity and depth of Spock's need and Jim's utter refusal to lose his closest friend and love.
I was also very affected by the final glimpse into their lives together, as Spock reflects on the inescapable fact that his lifespan will be much longer than his human bondmate's and the loneliness he will someday endure. That he loves Kirk so fiercely, without holding back despite (or perhaps because of) the knowledge of this future loss is clear and poignant.
While this rec is centered on this particular fic, I do want to mention that the author has a handful of other stories in this 'verse, all of them beautifully written and well worth reading.
In Any Language
Title: Bonds
Fandom: Star Trek Reboot
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Categories: Fanart, romance, soulmates
Length: N/A
Warnings: none
Artist on LJ:synnesai
Artist Website: SeaTeas
Artist's Summary:
I always liked how author’s described (t’hy’la) bonds in fics and each fic is a bit different, but a lot of it is the same idea. That they are, you know, bonded already they just don’t know it yet (till they touch). It reminded me a lot of the Red String of Fate deal.
Review:
I love the idea of using the red thread of fate to symbolize the destined connection between Kirk and Spock. It seems so appropriate, so them. This gorgeous art depicts Kirk and Spock close, but not touching, as the red thread loops around and over their bodies. It feels as though at any moment, they will touch and wake to their fated bond.
Bonds
Fandom: Star Trek Reboot
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Categories: Fanart, romance, soulmates
Length: N/A
Warnings: none
Artist on LJ:
synnesaiArtist Website: SeaTeas
Artist's Summary:
I always liked how author’s described (t’hy’la) bonds in fics and each fic is a bit different, but a lot of it is the same idea. That they are, you know, bonded already they just don’t know it yet (till they touch). It reminded me a lot of the Red String of Fate deal.
Review:
I love the idea of using the red thread of fate to symbolize the destined connection between Kirk and Spock. It seems so appropriate, so them. This gorgeous art depicts Kirk and Spock close, but not touching, as the red thread loops around and over their bodies. It feels as though at any moment, they will touch and wake to their fated bond.
Bonds
Title: How High the Moon
Fandom: Star Trek Reboot
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Categories: Angst, first time, hurt/comfort, romance
Length: Long (38,757 words)
Warnings: None
Author on LJ:kyliselle
Author Website: kyliselle @ K/S Archive
Author's Summary:
After the destruction of Vulcan, Spock shielded his mind to protect it from his broken bond with T'Pring. Little did he know another bond had already formed in its place. For a![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
st_xi_kink prompt for soulbonding.
Review:
For me, angst is a means to an end. Or, more accurately, a means to a happy ending. Of course, the happiness of the ending must certainly be at least commensurate with or better yet, greater than the misery suffered by the characters. How High the Moon meets that standard and then some. The pre-destined bond Kirk and Spock share and its prominent role in the story ticks all the boxes for fans of the soulbond trope.
It goes without saying that to have hurt/comfort there must be a need for comfort, and the author crafts this scenario to perfection. Spock's callous demeanor toward Kirk is almost painful to read at times, so vividly is Kirk's despair portrayed. The physical effects he suffers as a result of Spock unwittingly blocking their bond are chilling, and Spock is entirely, painfully oblivious.
I like to see a Kirk with some vulnerability beneath the brash exterior. He's positively wrecked and his condition elicits strong reactions from his crew, particularly McCoy, who is perfectly characterized as the gruff but deeply supportive best friend.
Leading up to Spock's discovery of the bond and his reprehensible treatment of his bondmate, we see the cracks forming in the wall of his indifference and the gradual progression to the ultimate realization that he has done a terrible, terrible thing. Even after this revelation, it's no easy fix but Spock perseveres and at length we come to a satisfying conclusion that provides a delightful payoff for all the angst that preceded it.
How High the Moon
Fandom: Star Trek Reboot
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Categories: Angst, first time, hurt/comfort, romance
Length: Long (38,757 words)
Warnings: None
Author on LJ:
kyliselleAuthor Website: kyliselle @ K/S Archive
Author's Summary:
After the destruction of Vulcan, Spock shielded his mind to protect it from his broken bond with T'Pring. Little did he know another bond had already formed in its place. For a
st_xi_kink prompt for soulbonding. Review:
For me, angst is a means to an end. Or, more accurately, a means to a happy ending. Of course, the happiness of the ending must certainly be at least commensurate with or better yet, greater than the misery suffered by the characters. How High the Moon meets that standard and then some. The pre-destined bond Kirk and Spock share and its prominent role in the story ticks all the boxes for fans of the soulbond trope.
It goes without saying that to have hurt/comfort there must be a need for comfort, and the author crafts this scenario to perfection. Spock's callous demeanor toward Kirk is almost painful to read at times, so vividly is Kirk's despair portrayed. The physical effects he suffers as a result of Spock unwittingly blocking their bond are chilling, and Spock is entirely, painfully oblivious.
I like to see a Kirk with some vulnerability beneath the brash exterior. He's positively wrecked and his condition elicits strong reactions from his crew, particularly McCoy, who is perfectly characterized as the gruff but deeply supportive best friend.
Leading up to Spock's discovery of the bond and his reprehensible treatment of his bondmate, we see the cracks forming in the wall of his indifference and the gradual progression to the ultimate realization that he has done a terrible, terrible thing. Even after this revelation, it's no easy fix but Spock perseveres and at length we come to a satisfying conclusion that provides a delightful payoff for all the angst that preceded it.
How High the Moon
Title: Miscommunication
Fandom: Star Trek Reboot
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Categories: Romance, fluff, humor
Length: Medium (3,405 words)
Warnings: None
Author on LJ:sinestrated
Author Website: sinestrated
Author's Summary:
Jim's brain gets scrambled during an away mission gone wrong, with interesting results.
Review:
This whimsical, smile-inducing story was one of my favorites from the recentheysweetheart Valentine's Day challenge. While not specific to that holiday, it delivers a charming, sweet and humorous "get together" story.
The characterizations are spot-on, with each character reacting as you might expect to the oft-hilarious nicknames Kirk gives them, and Kirk himself is obviously amused by the situation. I liked the way the nicknames tied into Kirk's's perceptions of the crew members, and what that revealed about him.
Miscommunication is a fun, fast read and a must for anyone who enjoys Spock, Kirk, and fluff. The opportunity to imagine Kirk calling Spock "sweetheart" in Chris Pine's sexy voice doesn't hurt, either.
Miscommunication
Fandom: Star Trek Reboot
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Categories: Romance, fluff, humor
Length: Medium (3,405 words)
Warnings: None
Author on LJ:
sinestratedAuthor Website: sinestrated
Author's Summary:
Jim's brain gets scrambled during an away mission gone wrong, with interesting results.
Review:
This whimsical, smile-inducing story was one of my favorites from the recent
heysweetheart Valentine's Day challenge. While not specific to that holiday, it delivers a charming, sweet and humorous "get together" story.The characterizations are spot-on, with each character reacting as you might expect to the oft-hilarious nicknames Kirk gives them, and Kirk himself is obviously amused by the situation. I liked the way the nicknames tied into Kirk's's perceptions of the crew members, and what that revealed about him.
Miscommunication is a fun, fast read and a must for anyone who enjoys Spock, Kirk, and fluff. The opportunity to imagine Kirk calling Spock "sweetheart" in Chris Pine's sexy voice doesn't hurt, either.
Miscommunication
Title: Take Refuge in What You Know
Fandom: Star Trek Reboot
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Categories: Angst, Romance, Drama, Academy Era AU
Length: Super Epic (120,334 words)
Warnings: None
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: CorpusInvictus
Author’s Summary:
Written for the Star Trek XI Kink Meme prompt: "AU - Kirk has moved into a apartment/house and wants to get to know his neighbors. He meets his neighbor Spock, a loner who suffers from extreme agoraphobia. Kirk thinks he's beautiful enigma."
Review:
This story deals with some heavy issues, and the author does an excellent job handling the mental health concerns in a sensitive and realistic way. In the wake of a traumatic event, Spock has hidden himself away from the world. As the new tenant in the building, Kirk is curious about his reclusive neighbor. When at last they meet, Kirk is immediately drawn to Spock, reaching out to him and pursuing him determinedly. His brash impulsivity is well-balanced with deep caring and patience as he helps Spock emerge from the prison of his own making.
The romance is a slow build, developing believably and naturally from first meeting to happy ending. While Kirk plays a huge role in helping Spock to overcome his agoraphobia, it's not portrayed as Kirk "fixing" Spock, but rather, supporting him as Spock gains the confidence and learns a way to make a difference for himself.
All of the characterizations were perfect, from Kirk and Spock to Bones as the gruff best friend and Gaila as the fun-loving, free-spirited gossip maven and unofficial love doctor.
This story was beautifully written and absolutely excellent in every way. Highly recommended!
Take Refuge in What You Know
Fandom: Star Trek Reboot
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Categories: Angst, Romance, Drama, Academy Era AU
Length: Super Epic (120,334 words)
Warnings: None
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: CorpusInvictus
Author’s Summary:
Written for the Star Trek XI Kink Meme prompt: "AU - Kirk has moved into a apartment/house and wants to get to know his neighbors. He meets his neighbor Spock, a loner who suffers from extreme agoraphobia. Kirk thinks he's beautiful enigma."
Review:
This story deals with some heavy issues, and the author does an excellent job handling the mental health concerns in a sensitive and realistic way. In the wake of a traumatic event, Spock has hidden himself away from the world. As the new tenant in the building, Kirk is curious about his reclusive neighbor. When at last they meet, Kirk is immediately drawn to Spock, reaching out to him and pursuing him determinedly. His brash impulsivity is well-balanced with deep caring and patience as he helps Spock emerge from the prison of his own making.
The romance is a slow build, developing believably and naturally from first meeting to happy ending. While Kirk plays a huge role in helping Spock to overcome his agoraphobia, it's not portrayed as Kirk "fixing" Spock, but rather, supporting him as Spock gains the confidence and learns a way to make a difference for himself.
All of the characterizations were perfect, from Kirk and Spock to Bones as the gruff best friend and Gaila as the fun-loving, free-spirited gossip maven and unofficial love doctor.
This story was beautifully written and absolutely excellent in every way. Highly recommended!
Take Refuge in What You Know
Title: A Hell of His Making
Fandom: Star Trek XI
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Categories: Soul Bonding, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, First Time
Length: Medium (12,533 words)
Warnings: None
Author on LJ: (This author does not appear to be on LJ.)
Author Website: ObsidianEmbrace
Author's Summary:
To harm one's t'hy'la is an unforgivable offense.
Review:
As much as I like the Kirk/Spock pairing — and it’s one of my favorite pairings across all fandoms — I didn’t really get into it until Star Trek XI came out in 2009. (William Shatner just doesn’t do anything for me, unfortunately.) For that reason, I don’t have an extensive knowledge of original series canon and I don’t know how much the concept of t’hy’la is really covered there. I do know how prevalent it is in Star Trek fan works, and that it is often used to great effect as it is in this story.
The author offers an interesting take on the possible repercussions of the scene in Star Trek XI where Kirk provokes Spock into attacking him to demonstrate that Spock is emotionally compromised so that Kirk can take command of the Enterprise. Spock became aware of the connection between them the moment they touched, and his life thereafter became (as in the title), a hell of his own making.
Spock and Kirk are each hurting in their own ways — Kirk, of course, is recovering from the events at the end of Star Trek: Into Darkness, and Spock is dealing with the intense remorse and self-hatred engendered by strangling Kirk nearly to death only a few months before. These emotions, the pain, the need — they are portrayed so clearly.
Both characters are written perfectly, and the author does a brilliant job of showing just how much they need each other. There is hurt/comfort, angst, misunderstandings, and a Kirk who won’t take “no” for an answer. Spock is stubborn and determined to pursue the course of action he thinks is best…until Kirk turns the tables on him in a way that is just so perfectly “Jim Kirk.” (And very, very hot.)
The voices (including those of the supporting characters such as McCoy and Uhura) in this are perfect; it’s a great example of the use of the soul bonding trope — one of my favorite tropes, too! — and everything feels very in-character and just really well done. It’s the perfect coda to Star Trek: Into Darkness and gives the Kirk/Spock ending I wanted so much. Highly recommended!
A Hell of His Making
Fandom: Star Trek XI
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Categories: Soul Bonding, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, First Time
Length: Medium (12,533 words)
Warnings: None
Author on LJ: (This author does not appear to be on LJ.)
Author Website: ObsidianEmbrace
Author's Summary:
To harm one's t'hy'la is an unforgivable offense.
Review:
As much as I like the Kirk/Spock pairing — and it’s one of my favorite pairings across all fandoms — I didn’t really get into it until Star Trek XI came out in 2009. (William Shatner just doesn’t do anything for me, unfortunately.) For that reason, I don’t have an extensive knowledge of original series canon and I don’t know how much the concept of t’hy’la is really covered there. I do know how prevalent it is in Star Trek fan works, and that it is often used to great effect as it is in this story.
The author offers an interesting take on the possible repercussions of the scene in Star Trek XI where Kirk provokes Spock into attacking him to demonstrate that Spock is emotionally compromised so that Kirk can take command of the Enterprise. Spock became aware of the connection between them the moment they touched, and his life thereafter became (as in the title), a hell of his own making.
Spock and Kirk are each hurting in their own ways — Kirk, of course, is recovering from the events at the end of Star Trek: Into Darkness, and Spock is dealing with the intense remorse and self-hatred engendered by strangling Kirk nearly to death only a few months before. These emotions, the pain, the need — they are portrayed so clearly.
Both characters are written perfectly, and the author does a brilliant job of showing just how much they need each other. There is hurt/comfort, angst, misunderstandings, and a Kirk who won’t take “no” for an answer. Spock is stubborn and determined to pursue the course of action he thinks is best…until Kirk turns the tables on him in a way that is just so perfectly “Jim Kirk.” (And very, very hot.)
The voices (including those of the supporting characters such as McCoy and Uhura) in this are perfect; it’s a great example of the use of the soul bonding trope — one of my favorite tropes, too! — and everything feels very in-character and just really well done. It’s the perfect coda to Star Trek: Into Darkness and gives the Kirk/Spock ending I wanted so much. Highly recommended!
A Hell of His Making
Title: ST vs HP
Fandom: Star Trek Reboot
Pairing: gen
Categories: fan art, crossover
Warnings: none
Artist on LJ:ppierrot
Website: http://ppierrot.deviantart.com/
Review:
Star Trek Characters in the Harry Potter universe. The artist does say that Bones and Spock might be better suited for Ravenclaw, but I think it's interesting to see them end up in Gryffindor. I bet there's a back story there that's just waiting to be written (*hint, hint*).
ST vs HP
Fandom: Star Trek Reboot
Pairing: gen
Categories: fan art, crossover
Warnings: none
Artist on LJ:
ppierrot Website: http://ppierrot.deviantart.com/
Review:
Star Trek Characters in the Harry Potter universe. The artist does say that Bones and Spock might be better suited for Ravenclaw, but I think it's interesting to see them end up in Gryffindor. I bet there's a back story there that's just waiting to be written (*hint, hint*).
ST vs HP
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chasethestars
chasethestars