Title: Sinking Ships
Fandom: Teen Wolf
Pairing: Derek Hale/Stiles Stilinski
Categories: Angst, AU,Slash, First Time, Drama, Hurt/comfort, Marriage of Convenience.
Length: Super! Epic [106646 words]
Warnings: Racism, Non-Con Elements. Arranged Marriege, Slavery, Werewolves as the dominant class, Abuse, Exposure to Cold and Hunger, Sub-Human Life Conditions.

Author Website: standinginanicedress(on AO3)

Summary: Derek Hale has never met a human before.
Throughout his life, he's probably encountered, give or take, a hundred or so. A mere hundred human beings in his twenty-three years walking around on earth, compared to the millions of weres he's seen. And, even then, encountered them he might have, but met? Not even close.
He's had his dry cleaning handed off to him by a mousy looking human girl in a shirt three sizes too big for her with huge eyes and shaking hands while a beta werewolf yelled at her in the background for being too skittish (wonder why that could possibly be), he's walked past teenage humans cleaning windows and sweeping pebbles off of sidewalks, he's had the door opened up for him by older humans in pristine uniforms outside of restaurants – but never, never once, has he stuck his hand out to a human and said hi, my name is…
He could probably count on one hand the number of times he's even been made aware that a human within a hundred feet of him even had a name. [original summary]

Review: Oh, this fic is incredibly throat closing and hope to let that feeling die. It’s a hard fic to read, because is full of feelings and so realistic in portraying a classist society base on slavery, that almost cuts you heart. This AU shows us a world where the werewolves are known and the ruling class, and the humans are bred for their entertainment, becoming pets and slaves.

Stiles is still a human and also his father, Derek, his family, Scott, Allison and the Argents are all weres. In this context, I wish the fic showed more humans, because pretty much all canon characters are weres and we only see Stiles side. On the other hand, there is so much detail and variety in the sorrows he passed, we get an ample vision of what might happen to the other humans.

While the Argents are certainly opposition to the Hales, the true villain in this fic is Talia Hale, and I confess I had a hard time believing her character; the reason being, I always seen Talia as a good alpha, someone that cared for her children and someone that wanted them happy - she is not like this in the fic! The Hales are highly dysfunctional and there aren’t many fuzzy feelings of family.

Derek gets Stiles because of a maneuver in Talia’s career and he and Stiles start a relationship that is fake, but goes on to evolve to a careful friendship and later a romantic one. The highlights of this fic are confined mostly to Derek and Stiles, and one brief scene with the Sheriff, but there is plenty of interaction with the other characters.

This is a fic to be revolted by and at the same time to make you feel sad and make you think. Proceed with caution.


Sinking Ships

Title: Marry Me A Little
Fandom: Hockey RPF
Pairing: Patrick Kane/Jonathan Toews
Categories/Genres: Alternate Universe, Harlequin, Marriage of Convenience, Fake Relationship, Coming Out, First Time, Miscommunication, Romance, Family, Fluff, Angst, Drama, Friendship, Domestic
Length: Super Epic (154814 words)
Warnings: N/A

Author on LJ: bessyboo, thisissirius
Author Website: bessyboo, thisissirius


Summary:

When NHL star Patrick Kane's off-ice antics finally get him into trouble for the last time, captain and best friend Jonathan Toews has one final trump card to keep him from being traded: marriage...to each other. But between being the first openly gay hockey players, facing down a lockout, and the fact that Patrick has been in love with Jonny for years, will these two ever be able to work past their miscommunication to realize that their marriage may not be as much of a sham as they think it is?

Review:

First things first, a disclaimer: I am very new to hockey fandom. As such, I consider myself utterly unqualified to review the authors' characterization of the people appearing in this fic. I'll be reccing this almost as an original work.

But if you're fine with that, and if you love the fake relationship trope and all that it entails, then Marry Me A Little is the fic for you. It features such timeless classics as 'I've been in love with you since we first met', tooootally platonic sleep cuddling, emotional constipation, 'all our friends/family are surprisingly unsurprised by our relationship', fear of exposing one's unrequited feelings, the angstful suppression of said feelings for the sake of the fake relationship, running hot and cold in the attempt to suppress said feelings, and more communication failure than you can shake a hockey stick at. And let's not forget the dramatic reveal of fully requited feelings and the ensuing Happily Ever After.

But seriously, folks. So much communication failure. So much communication failure that multiple side characters in the fic make a point to tell the two of them to pull their heads out of their asses and actually communicate about important things. In fact, my only serious gripe with the fic is how bafflingly resistant Patrick and Jonny are to calmly talking things out. They go through multiple cycles of conflict and resolution throughout the fic, but with so little genuine discussion going on, the resolutions to their issues feel superficial and incomplete, provided that they're resolved at all.

What makes up for it is the sense that other characters notice and have opinions on the miscommunication roller coaster that is Jonny and Patrick's marriage. bessyboo and thisissirius don't just make the rest of the cast silent or blindly supportive bystanders. The vast majority of the people that appear in this fic have their own observations and opinions on the marriage, and though they're all supportive of the relationship, that doesn't stop some of them from expressing reservations about this or that consequence of the two of them being married and out while still being prominent hockey players. That level of detail and consideration creates a wondrously complex narrative that keeps the fic from becoming hyperfocused on Jonny and Patrick and their respective emotional struggles.

But that attention to detail isn't restricted to the people that appear in the fic. Even various news outlets offer their two cents on the relationship through a series of mock articles. Personally, I doubt that the media would be as kind to the first out and married hockey players in the league as they are in the fic, (which is probably why there's no mock FOX News article), but hey, this is fanfiction. We're only required to abide by reality as much as is necessary for the purposes of the story.

Honestly, I wouldn't recommend this fic to every hockey RPF fan out there, because obviously YKINMK and I won't assume that everyone is a fan of the fake relationship trope. But if you are, and you've been hesitating to read this because of reasons that may or may not include its prodigious length, then I would definitely say to take the leap. Don't worry, I won't chirp you (much) for taking more than four days to finish it.

Marry Me A Little

Title:King and Lionheart
Fandom: Hockey RPF
Pairing: Sidney Crosby/Evgeni Malkin
Categories: AU, Domestic, Marriage of Convenience, Romance
Length: Epic (56k)
Warnings:

Author on LJ: thehoyden
Website: The Hoyden A03

Summary: Sidney’s wedding day doesn’t go quite as he’d planned. When he’d bothered to imagine it at all, he’d thought of a nice June wedding in Nova Scotia, outdoors with the sun streaming down. He hadn’t imagined this hurried affair on the tarmac on a rainy and unseasonably cool day in early September, a month after his twenty-fifth birthday.

Review: This is an awesome Marriage of Convenience fic. Both Sidney and Evegeni care about each other and their relationships grows and deepens throughout the fic.

Sidney's POV is really solid throughout the fic and carries the storyline. You'll have a hard time putting it down to do anything else.

If you aren't familiar with the hockey rpf fandom, then this might not be the fic for you. It is in an alternate history AU, but it is still based on present day hockey.

King and Lionheart

Title: A Marriage of Convenience
Fandom: Marvel
Pairing: Bruce Banner/Tony Stark
Categories/Genres: Romance, Drama, Slow Burn, Fluff, Friendship, Fake Relationship
Length: Epic (43972 words)
Warnings: N/A

Author on LJ: enigmatic_blue
Author Website: enigmaticblue

Summary:

Scenes from two lives, intertwining. Also, what the title says.

Review:

Haters can say what they like about overused tropes, that they're boring and repetitive and, well, overused, but by god, there's a reason that these tropes get used so often and that's because they're great. And honestly, who doesn't love a marriage of convenience that grows into a love match?

Aside from General Thaddeus Ross, that is.

A Marriage of Convenience fills a bit of a niche in the Marvel movie fandom in that it actually addresses Ross' pursuit of Bruce, proposing a unique solution to a problem that seems to have been generally swept under the rug. To be honest, I'd utterly forgotten about Ross myself long before the Avengers movie, so thoroughly had the Hulk movies faded from my mind. So when enigmaticblue approaches the issue and brings the whole of the Avengers into the plot, I was pleased to see an old loose end tied up.

The premise itself seems a bit silly, that Bruce getting hitched to Tony will make him too visible to get kidnapped by Ross. enigmaticblue plays it off well enough, presenting a few logical arguments, but not shying away from mentioning that everyone thinks Tony's insane for suggesting it. But the story quickly turns away from the convenient aspect of the marriage itself, delving into the relationship that develops between Tony and Bruce within the context of their faked marriage.

That relationship forms the core of the fic as the two move from friendly affection to something more, each becoming more invested in the other's safety, happiness, and, (Tony being Tony), sexual gratification. The camaraderie and protectiveness of the other Avengers fills out the rest of the story, and their dedication to protecting their own is heartwarming and almost familial.

If you're looking for some rough-and-tumble Avengers-style action, maybe give this one a pass. But if you're in the mood for slow-burn warm and fuzzies and domestic Science Boyfriends, you'll want to give this one a shot.

A Marriage of Convenience

Title: Fundamental Principles
Fandom: Man of Steel (DC Comics)
Pairing: Jor-El/Dru-Zod
Genres: AU, Arranged marriage, Romance, Family, Drama
Length: Epic (50,322 words)
Warnings: Major character death

Author on LJ: manic_intent
Author Website: manic_intent @ AO3

Author's Summary:
Jor-El first learns of Dru-Zod's existence on the eighth cycle of his existence, and quite by chance. He had been on his way to the eastern cryst terrace of the El estates, to watch sundown with his twin, and had cut past the sunward planarform on a whim. His parents were leaning by the balustrade at the furthest swing of the curved planarform, and their voices barely carried over the evening wind.

"... he is hardly yet of age, Seyg," his mother looks agitated, and out of concern, Jor-El hesitates at the archway, just out of sight.

Review:
Thanks to chibifukurou for letting me rec in their claimed fandom this week.

To be honest, I didn't enjoy Man of Steel enough to really look for fic about it, and no pairing (and definitely not this one) jumped out at me. The only reason I bothered to take a look at this fic was the fact that it's long and written by the goddess that is manic_intent. There's also my love of the arranged-marriage-turning-into-love trope. And I am so glad that I did take a chance on this fic.

I've only ever seen Superman in movies and Smallville; the comic canon is a bit of a mystery to me. Rest assured that this is a lovely fic, but I'm not sure how true to the Superman canon characterisations it is. We didn't see much character building for Zod in the movie, but I feel that the blanks manic_intent has filled in fit with what we did see of him. Zod is pragmatic and tough and acts as though he doesn't have time for the budding scientist Jor-El, who nevertheless worms his way into Zod's heart with his charm, intelligence, and pure stubbornness.

The romance is gradual enough to be believable, with Zod annoyed at his weakness when it comes to Jor-El, and yet so clearly in love with him that his attempts at appearing aloof are more cute than anything. Jor-El is charming and funny whilst also being adorably idealistic, and I loved his characterisation. They end up being much more enthusiastic about their marriage than their parents ever were, and have to fight against political machinations, Zod's own family, and the systemic problems present on Krypton as they try to stay together. Both the political plot and the romance are well written and compelling. The side characters are well written also, with Jor-El's brothers and his friend Faora-Ul standouts.

Fundamental Principles

Title: For Better Or For Worse
Fandom: Glee
Pairing: Blaine/Kurt
Categories: AU, arranged marriage, romance
Length: Epic (66,395)
Warnings: Arranged marriage, dystopian world.

Author on LJ: alianne
Author's website: alianne on tumblr

Summary: Kurt and Blaine are the perfect match - according to their test scores. Reality looks a little bit different.
In this world, your spouse gets picked for you by the government. Kurt is a boy with big dreams and Blaine is McKinley High’s resident bad boy. This is the story of what happens when they’re suddenly thrown into each other’s lives.

Review:
Ah, arranged marriages--the good old trope that gets me every time. Forcing two people who barely know each other to permanently commit to spending their lives together. What a brilliant recipe for a wonderful romance tale.

Take that, add a dash of badboy, a handful of unlikely friendship, a heaping of romance and a sprinkle of unresolved sexual tension, and you know you're in for a hella good ride.

This is the story of the growth between two people who we would never expect to grow together, the story of two boys discovering what it means to be together, the story of a relationship determined by the system but destined by fate. It's about coming to accept your circumstances and look at them positively, despite the lack of freedom that they hold. It's about learning to look past the exterior and into the heart, as closed off as it may be. It's about growing up and growing into yourself.

But mostly, it's a tale about love.

For Better Or For Worse

Title: Nautilus
Fandom: Pacific Rim
Pairing: Newton Geiszler/Hermann Gottlieb
Categories: Angst, AU, Marriage of Convenience, Romance,
Length: Long (30.5k)
Warnings:

Author on LJ: euphorion
Website: Euphorion

Summary:Newt really, really wants to go to the convention for the best scifi film of the last 20 years, Atlantic Edge, but he doesn't have the money.

Or: Newt and Hermann have to pretend to be engaged, everyone has a sad past, Mako owns a coffee shop, Raleigh's a giant puppy, and Hannibal Chau writes self-insert fanfic.

Review: Geeks in Love mixed with Marriage of convenience. I love this story and how it uses a setup for a movie called 'Atlantic Rim' that mirrors Pacific Rim. And then takes it to the next step when it adds to scientific prowess of Newton and Herman which makes Drift Technology come to life.

Also both of them are really believable geeky, which as a geek at heart makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Even if you aren't familiar with the Pacific Rim fandom, definitely consider this as a gateway story into the fandom.

Nautilus

Title: Then You Think Again
Fandom:  Teen Wolf
Pairing:  Derek/Stiles
Categories:  Marriage of Convenience, Romance
Length:  Long (22,552)
Warnings:  Implied underage because Stiles is 16

Author on LJ:  N/A
Author Website:  AO3

Summary:"Holy crap! Why the hell did you lie to incredibly powerful magical beings with trust issues? How was that Plan A?"

Derek says, "We're not arguing about this, it's already done."

"Like hell we're not fighting about this," Stiles says, indignant. "What were you thinking?"

"I was thinking it was worth the risk if it kept you alive! And it worked, so drop it."

"You had no idea that it was going to work!" Stiles throws his hands up. Why is Derek the most frustrating werewolf in the history of ever, why is Stiles even helping him, why is this his life? "Why did they even believe you in the first place?"

Derek says, "You reeked of me," which is unfair. Stiles only smelled because he'd gotten covered in Derek's bodily fluids trying to staunch the bleeding.

Review: After an encounter with a group of hags forces Derek to claim Stiles as his mate, Stiles finds himself living a crash-course in Werewolf Marriage 101. The author uses the mystical werewolf mating bond to great effect here. This is no Pretend Mates fic -- for all intents and purposes, Derek is bonded to Stiles for life. That is where a lot of Teen Wolf mating bond stories end, but in "Then You Think Again," that's only the beginning.

Leah K. charmingly (and sometimes hilariously!) introduces Derek as a permanent fixture in Stiles's life, with all of the difficulties you might expect. The reactions from the secondary characters are perfect. Scott, especially, is well-characterized in his post-season two attitudes towards Derek. I also loved the interactions between Derek and the sheriff. But my favorite thing about this story is the developing relationship between Derek and Stiles as they slowly fall for each other, despite their initial plans to keep their relationship platonic. For the most part, this is a light-hearted read, but there are some bittersweet moments that really spoke true to my own experiences of being in a relationship, the sting of arguments and words snapped without thinking. Leah K. does a great job of illustrating that marriage is work, although entirely worth it. Because of that, I think this story might appeal to readers who typically prefer established relationship stories, as well as to first-time fans like me. This story includes the thrill and obsession of first love, but it's layered over quiet domestic moments (and the occasional supernatural menace). This is a story I turn to again and again when I need a pick-me-up.

Then You Think Again

Title: The Snow is Always Better on the Outside (And it Always is With You)
Fandom: Bandom
Pairing: Mikey/Frank
Categories: AU, Friendship, Marriage of Convenience, Romantic Comedy
Length: Medium (6k)
Warnings:

Author on LJ: ermengarde
Website: ermengarde

Summary:Mikey hates that they're so desperate that Frank's resorting to Gabe's weird drugs to get better. Frank needs fucking health insurance.

Review: This is a sweet and believable modern day marriage of convenience fic. I love how it takes advantage of current events and present day circumstances to make the genre fit. So many of the marriage of convenience fics I've read happen in a murky regency-esk setting, that its nice to see things done a little differently.

The Snow is Always Better on the Outside (And it Always is With You)

Title: God Only Knows Series
Fandom: Bandom
Pairing: Ryan Ross/Spencer Smith/Brendon Urie/Jon Walker
Categories: AU, Marriage of Convenience, Polygamy, Romance
Length:Epic (65,500)
Warnings:Polygamy and Arranged Marriages

Author on LJ: katarin
Website: Katarin's A03

Summary:Jon Walker and his boywives, a Big Love AU

Review: This is a sweet and sad series that's based around the idea of the boys from Panic at the Disco all growing up in a polygamist community.

I first read it years ago, and have been meaning to rec it for forever. In fact I thought I already had, but a search through the bookmarks shows know sign of it.

What makes this such an interesting series for me is that it doesn't romanticize the practice of Polygamy, but it does allow for romance to grow within the confines of the religious and practical concerns of such an arrangement. Part of how Katarin manages this is by giving each of the four members of the relationship their own feelings about the practice.

Brendon has never questioned his place in life or the righteousness of plural marriage. Spencer was raised in a traditional household and feels comfortable with his designation as a 'boy wife', but is best friends with a rebel as a teenager and wanted more for himself than he could get as a traditional marriage. Ryan is a rebel from a family that defied the prophet and were punished severely for it, nobody is sure if his designation as boywife was true or if he was meant to be Spencer's husband. Jon hates what the religion stands for, but still falls in love with a boywife, Spencer, and then because that love is so strong goes on to take on Ryan and Brendon. He becomes a elder in a faith he doesn't believe in.

These four together make a home for themselves where they can ignore the problems raised by their religion and the secular world they live in, but they never lose sight of their past or how it effects them.

God Only Knows

Title: ad We But World Enough
Fandom: Avengers (2012)
Pairing: Thor/Loki
Categories: Action/Adventure,AU, Domestic, First Time, Mpreg
Length: Epic (61,500)
Warnings: Arranged Marriage

Author on LJ:smuttysmutwriter
Website: Smuttysmutwriter's A03

Summary: Loki and Thor have been married since they were little and they grew up sharing a palace wing. The boys never shared a bed because Odin and Frigga wanted to make sure nothing inappropriate could happen while they were still young. They also used to get chaperoned a lot so that there could be no hanky panky. Everyone assumes that Loki and Thor’s marriage has progressed to include sex now that they’re adults and if the maids notice that there are still two beds being used in the princes’ wing, they know better than to gossip about it. Loki and Thor both desperately want to move their relationship to the next level. It’s just really awkward to change up a centuries old platonic relationship with your spouse. Neither of them ever had a change to figure out this romance stuff naturally and neither of them wants to pressure the other.

It all comes to a head when the boys take a trip to another realm and are given a single room when their hosts hears that they’re married.

Review: This is a hilarious fusion of a regency arranged marriage fic and a fix-it fic of the Avengers in which Loki woos his husband with the help of regency dresswear, pregnancy tests, and 'The Joy of Sex'.

Nataha is awesome as Loki's Agony aunt, Pepper remains the best PA the Avengers could ask for, Coulson manages to fend off Thor's accidental advances, and everybody gets their happily ever after

Had We But World Enough

Title: ad We But World Enough
Fandom: Avengers (2012)
Pairing: Thor/Loki
Categories: Action/Adventure,AU, Domestic, First Time, Mpreg
Length: Epic (61,500)
Warnings: Arranged Marriage

Author on LJ:smuttysmutwriter
Website: Smuttysmutwriter's A03

Summary: Loki and Thor have been married since they were little and they grew up sharing a palace wing. The boys never shared a bed because Odin and Frigga wanted to make sure nothing inappropriate could happen while they were still young. They also used to get chaperoned a lot so that there could be no hanky panky. Everyone assumes that Loki and Thor’s marriage has progressed to include sex now that they’re adults and if the maids notice that there are still two beds being used in the princes’ wing, they know better than to gossip about it. Loki and Thor both desperately want to move their relationship to the next level. It’s just really awkward to change up a centuries old platonic relationship with your spouse. Neither of them ever had a change to figure out this romance stuff naturally and neither of them wants to pressure the other.

It all comes to a head when the boys take a trip to another realm and are given a single room when their hosts hears that they’re married.

Review: This is a hilarious fusion of a regency arranged marriage fic and a fix-it fic of the Avengers in which Loki woos his husband with the help of regency dresswear, pregnancy tests, and 'The Joy of Sex'.

Nataha is awesome as Loki's Agony aunt, Pepper remains the best PA the Avengers could ask for, Coulson manages to fend off Thor's accidental advances, and everybody gets their happily ever after

Had We But World Enough

Title:Sustain Series
Fandom: Sherlock BBC
Pairing: Sherlock Holmes/Molley Hooper
Categories: AU, Post-series, Pregnancy, Marriage of Convenience
Length: Super!Epic (100,000+)
Warnings: Unhealthy relationships

Author on LJ:n/a
Website: Maybe_amanda's Ao3 page

Summary"So now you're behaving like a six year old 'cause he didn't take you along on his honeymoon?" Lestrade said. "Grow the hell up."

Review: After John's marriage, Sherlock is alone for a year and doesn't know what to do with himself. Molly makes a resolution to stop being so pathetic when it comes to Sherlock Holmes and find a life of her own.

Neither of them get what they expected. 

I think the setting for this story can best be explained as the Sherlock BBC story that took right turn into another universe after the events of the first series (which makes sense, since it was written before series 2 came out).

What truly makes this story is the characterization of both Sherlock and Molly. Sherlock is autistic; a fact which is shown through the way his actions and behaviors are a little out of step with the world around him. Which is a detail I think a lot of writers miss. Molly is remarkably normal. Which just makes the story more dynamic. Because she's not the person who's out to save Sherlock, or the person who enjoys getting wrapped up in his adventures. She knows who she is and she's not afraid to tell Sherlock when he's stepped out of line. 

Once they through themselves together in a not!relationship their two viewpoints begin to clash. (I can't really tell you more without giving away the plot.)

But what I can tell you is that this series is certainly worth a few minute of your time to try, with the understanding that you might not be able to stop reading until 2 o'clock in the morning. (Take it from me.)

Sustain (or Concerto for the Famished in D Minor)
Sustain II - Refrain

Title:Sustain Series
Fandom: Sherlock BBC
Pairing: Sherlock Holmes/Molley Hooper
Categories: AU, Post-series, Pregnancy, Marriage of Convenience
Length: Super!Epic (100,000+)
Warnings: Unhealthy relationships

Author on LJ:n/a
Website: Maybe_amanda's Ao3 page

Summary"So now you're behaving like a six year old 'cause he didn't take you along on his honeymoon?" Lestrade said. "Grow the hell up."

Review: After John's marriage, Sherlock is alone for a year and doesn't know what to do with himself. Molly makes a resolution to stop being so pathetic when it comes to Sherlock Holmes and find a life of her own.

Neither of them get what they expected. 

I think the setting for this story can best be explained as the Sherlock BBC story that took right turn into another universe after the events of the first series (which makes sense, since it was written before series 2 came out).

What truly makes this story is the characterization of both Sherlock and Molly. Sherlock is autistic; a fact which is shown through the way his actions and behaviors are a little out of step with the world around him. Which is a detail I think a lot of writers miss. Molly is remarkably normal. Which just makes the story more dynamic. Because she's not the person who's out to save Sherlock, or the person who enjoys getting wrapped up in his adventures. She knows who she is and she's not afraid to tell Sherlock when he's stepped out of line. 

Once they through themselves together in a not!relationship their two viewpoints begin to clash. (I can't really tell you more without giving away the plot.)

But what I can tell you is that this series is certainly worth a few minute of your time to try, with the understanding that you might not be able to stop reading until 2 o'clock in the morning. (Take it from me.)

Sustain (or Concerto for the Famished in D Minor)
Sustain II - Refrain

Title:Sustain Series
Fandom: Sherlock BBC
Pairing: Sherlock Holmes/Molley Hooper
Categories: AU, Post-series, Pregnancy, Marriage of Convenience
Length: Super!Epic (100,000+)
Warnings: Unhealthy relationships

Author on LJ:n/a
Website: Maybe_amanda's Ao3 page

Summary"So now you're behaving like a six year old 'cause he didn't take you along on his honeymoon?" Lestrade said. "Grow the hell up."

Review: After John's marriage, Sherlock is alone for a year and doesn't know what to do with himself. Molly makes a resolution to stop being so pathetic when it comes to Sherlock Holmes and find a life of her own.

Neither of them get what they expected. 

I think the setting for this story can best be explained as the Sherlock BBC story that took right turn into another universe after the events of the first series (which makes sense, since it was written before series 2 came out).

What truly makes this story is the characterization of both Sherlock and Molly. Sherlock is autistic; a fact which is shown through the way his actions and behaviors are a little out of step with the world around him. Which is a detail I think a lot of writers miss. Molly is remarkably normal. Which just makes the story more dynamic. Because she's not the person who's out to save Sherlock, or the person who enjoys getting wrapped up in his adventures. She knows who she is and she's not afraid to tell Sherlock when he's stepped out of line. 

Once they through themselves together in a not!relationship their two viewpoints begin to clash. (I can't really tell you more without giving away the plot.)

But what I can tell you is that this series is certainly worth a few minute of your time to try, with the understanding that you might not be able to stop reading until 2 o'clock in the morning. (Take it from me.)

Sustain (or Concerto for the Famished in D Minor)
Sustain II - Refrain

Title:Sustain Series
Fandom: Sherlock BBC
Pairing: Sherlock Holmes/Molley Hooper
Categories: AU, Post-series, Pregnancy, Marriage of Convenience
Length: Super!Epic (100,000+)
Warnings: Unhealthy relationships

Author on LJ:n/a
Website: Maybe_amanda's Ao3 page

Summary"So now you're behaving like a six year old 'cause he didn't take you along on his honeymoon?" Lestrade said. "Grow the hell up."

Review: After John's marriage, Sherlock is alone for a year and doesn't know what to do with himself. Molly makes a resolution to stop being so pathetic when it comes to Sherlock Holmes and find a life of her own.

Neither of them get what they expected. 

I think the setting for this story can best be explained as the Sherlock BBC story that took right turn into another universe after the events of the first series (which makes sense, since it was written before series 2 came out).

What truly makes this story is the characterization of both Sherlock and Molly. Sherlock is autistic; a fact which is shown through the way his actions and behaviors are a little out of step with the world around him. Which is a detail I think a lot of writers miss. Molly is remarkably normal. Which just makes the story more dynamic. Because she's not the person who's out to save Sherlock, or the person who enjoys getting wrapped up in his adventures. She knows who she is and she's not afraid to tell Sherlock when he's stepped out of line. 

Once they through themselves together in a not!relationship their two viewpoints begin to clash. (I can't really tell you more without giving away the plot.)

But what I can tell you is that this series is certainly worth a few minute of your time to try, with the understanding that you might not be able to stop reading until 2 o'clock in the morning. (Take it from me.)

Sustain (or Concerto for the Famished in D Minor)
Sustain II - Refrain

Title:Sustain Series
Fandom: Sherlock BBC
Pairing: Sherlock Holmes/Molley Hooper
Categories: AU, Post-series, Pregnancy, Marriage of Convenience
Length: Super!Epic (100,000+)
Warnings: Unhealthy relationships

Author on LJ:n/a
Website: Maybe_amanda's Ao3 page

Summary"So now you're behaving like a six year old 'cause he didn't take you along on his honeymoon?" Lestrade said. "Grow the hell up."

Review: After John's marriage, Sherlock is alone for a year and doesn't know what to do with himself. Molly makes a resolution to stop being so pathetic when it comes to Sherlock Holmes and find a life of her own.

Neither of them get what they expected. 

I think the setting for this story can best be explained as the Sherlock BBC story that took right turn into another universe after the events of the first series (which makes sense, since it was written before series 2 came out).

What truly makes this story is the characterization of both Sherlock and Molly. Sherlock is autistic; a fact which is shown through the way his actions and behaviors are a little out of step with the world around him. Which is a detail I think a lot of writers miss. Molly is remarkably normal. Which just makes the story more dynamic. Because she's not the person who's out to save Sherlock, or the person who enjoys getting wrapped up in his adventures. She knows who she is and she's not afraid to tell Sherlock when he's stepped out of line. 

Once they through themselves together in a not!relationship their two viewpoints begin to clash. (I can't really tell you more without giving away the plot.)

But what I can tell you is that this series is certainly worth a few minute of your time to try, with the understanding that you might not be able to stop reading until 2 o'clock in the morning. (Take it from me.)

Sustain (or Concerto for the Famished in D Minor)
Sustain II - Refrain

Title: The Chosen
Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairing: Crabbe/Harry
Categories: Marriage of Convenience, bonding, humor, drama
Length: Medium (9,869 words)
Warnings: Death-fic

Author on LJ: allecto
Author Website: Home of Scribblings

Summary/Excerpt: Numbers never lied. Vincent learned that at an early age, learned that numbers were the only things that didn't lie. Mothers lied, and fathers home from Azkaban, they lied a lot, and friends certainly lied. Numbers, though. Numbers never called him names, or sold him out to tall, cold men. Numbers were exactly what they claimed to be, and rather than manipulate him, Vincent could manipulate them. Numbers were cold, hard fact.

Numbers were telling him to marry Harry Potter.

Well, to be accurate (Vincent placed great store in accuracy), Hermione Granger was telling him to marry Potter. But she was using Arithmancy to do it, and having gotten his only N.E.W.T. O in Arithmancy, Vincent was inclined to believe her. Unfortunately.

Review: The Chosen is haunting and utterly superb. Allecto weaves a stunning Crabbe POV that is both gripping and engaging. She gives you a new, previously unseen side to Crabbe and Slytherin/pureblood mentality while still managing to keep a canon root. She gives you a glimpse into their strict sense of honor, lineage, and traditions (while still maintaining their anti-Voldemort POV) that Harry's never seen more than the fringe of and seamlessly makes you believe.

Crabbe is so well done and completely in character that it's almost disappointing when you finally finish the fic and realize it's most likely the first and last fic you'll ever find with such a perfect portrayal of him. Harry is exactly himself here as he is in canon-- stomping around in anger, oblivious to others, ignorant in his immaturity, and yet unable to stop himself from caring as he's swept into this mess against his will without full knowledge of what it all entails until it's too late.

Oh, and in case you missed the warning above, this is a death fic (where the characters die and stay dead.)-- something you will only ever see me recommend once or twice (ever), but please do not let that stop you because this fic is worth the angst. In the very beginning, there are hints that this bond Crabbe creates with Harry are damaging him-- not to mention the ominous phrase, "A life for a life."

The Chosen gives you more than enough time to prepare yourself for the upcoming death as Harry finds out the consequences of their bond about halfway through as Crabbe grows progressively more ill. While he's shocked to learn the full extent of the spell and how much Crabbe's giving up for him, Crabbe (and Snape) have known it all along and have long since accepted it. The ending is still a little tearjerking, however, so keeping a box of tissues nearby is recommended. All in all, this fic is absolutely one of my most favorite HP fics despite the sad (and somehow perfect) ending.


The Chosen :: (Back-Up)

Title: The Chosen
Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairing: Crabbe/Harry
Categories: Marriage of Convenience, bonding, humor, drama
Length: Medium (9,869 words)
Warnings: Death-fic

Author on LJ: allecto
Author Website: Home of Scribblings

Summary/Excerpt: Numbers never lied. Vincent learned that at an early age, learned that numbers were the only things that didn't lie. Mothers lied, and fathers home from Azkaban, they lied a lot, and friends certainly lied. Numbers, though. Numbers never called him names, or sold him out to tall, cold men. Numbers were exactly what they claimed to be, and rather than manipulate him, Vincent could manipulate them. Numbers were cold, hard fact.

Numbers were telling him to marry Harry Potter.

Well, to be accurate (Vincent placed great store in accuracy), Hermione Granger was telling him to marry Potter. But she was using Arithmancy to do it, and having gotten his only N.E.W.T. O in Arithmancy, Vincent was inclined to believe her. Unfortunately.

Review: The Chosen is haunting and utterly superb. Allecto weaves a stunning Crabbe POV that is both gripping and engaging. She gives you a new, previously unseen side to Crabbe and Slytherin/pureblood mentality while still managing to keep a canon root. She gives you a glimpse into their strict sense of honor, lineage, and traditions (while still maintaining their anti-Voldemort POV) that Harry's never seen more than the fringe of and seamlessly makes you believe.

Crabbe is so well done and completely in character that it's almost disappointing when you finally finish the fic and realize it's most likely the first and last fic you'll ever find with such a perfect portrayal of him. Harry is exactly himself here as he is in canon-- stomping around in anger, oblivious to others, ignorant in his immaturity, and yet unable to stop himself from caring as he's swept into this mess against his will without full knowledge of what it all entails until it's too late.

Oh, and in case you missed the warning above, this is a death fic (where the characters die and stay dead.)-- something you will only ever see me recommend once or twice (ever), but please do not let that stop you because this fic is worth the angst. In the very beginning, there are hints that this bond Crabbe creates with Harry are damaging him-- not to mention the ominous phrase, "A life for a life."

The Chosen gives you more than enough time to prepare yourself for the upcoming death as Harry finds out the consequences of their bond about halfway through as Crabbe grows progressively more ill. While he's shocked to learn the full extent of the spell and how much Crabbe's giving up for him, Crabbe (and Snape) have known it all along and have long since accepted it. The ending is still a little tearjerking, however, so keeping a box of tissues nearby is recommended. All in all, this fic is absolutely one of my most favorite HP fics despite the sad (and somehow perfect) ending.


The Chosen :: (Back-Up)

Title: The Chosen
Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairing: Crabbe/Harry
Categories: Marriage of Convenience, bonding, humor, drama
Length: Medium (9,869 words)
Warnings: Death-fic

Author on LJ: allecto
Author Website: Home of Scribblings

Summary/Excerpt: Numbers never lied. Vincent learned that at an early age, learned that numbers were the only things that didn't lie. Mothers lied, and fathers home from Azkaban, they lied a lot, and friends certainly lied. Numbers, though. Numbers never called him names, or sold him out to tall, cold men. Numbers were exactly what they claimed to be, and rather than manipulate him, Vincent could manipulate them. Numbers were cold, hard fact.

Numbers were telling him to marry Harry Potter.

Well, to be accurate (Vincent placed great store in accuracy), Hermione Granger was telling him to marry Potter. But she was using Arithmancy to do it, and having gotten his only N.E.W.T. O in Arithmancy, Vincent was inclined to believe her. Unfortunately.

Review: The Chosen is haunting and utterly superb. Allecto weaves a stunning Crabbe POV that is both gripping and engaging. She gives you a new, previously unseen side to Crabbe and Slytherin/pureblood mentality while still managing to keep a canon root. She gives you a glimpse into their strict sense of honor, lineage, and traditions (while still maintaining their anti-Voldemort POV) that Harry's never seen more than the fringe of and seamlessly makes you believe.

Crabbe is so well done and completely in character that it's almost disappointing when you finally finish the fic and realize it's most likely the first and last fic you'll ever find with such a perfect portrayal of him. Harry is exactly himself here as he is in canon-- stomping around in anger, oblivious to others, ignorant in his immaturity, and yet unable to stop himself from caring as he's swept into this mess against his will without full knowledge of what it all entails until it's too late.

Oh, and in case you missed the warning above, this is a death fic (where the characters die and stay dead.)-- something you will only ever see me recommend once or twice (ever), but please do not let that stop you because this fic is worth the angst. In the very beginning, there are hints that this bond Crabbe creates with Harry are damaging him-- not to mention the ominous phrase, "A life for a life."

The Chosen gives you more than enough time to prepare yourself for the upcoming death as Harry finds out the consequences of their bond about halfway through as Crabbe grows progressively more ill. While he's shocked to learn the full extent of the spell and how much Crabbe's giving up for him, Crabbe (and Snape) have known it all along and have long since accepted it. The ending is still a little tearjerking, however, so keeping a box of tissues nearby is recommended. All in all, this fic is absolutely one of my most favorite HP fics despite the sad (and somehow perfect) ending.


The Chosen :: (Back-Up)