Index NSWFF Recommended Reading: January 2016

Hello, and welcome to our new monthly recommended reading thread! Some of you may remember when we did this a few years ago, and we thought it was time to bring it back! This is a place for the mod team to highlight a few of our favorites and gives you a chance to check out some great stories or re-read some old classics!

This time, we're just doing NSWFF stories, and Mira and I decided that we need a hand. To that end, we're inviting one person to join us every month and give their own recommendation! If you want to recommend a story, PM us, and we'll add you to our list!

So, without further ado ...

Mira_Jade: [Star Trek 2009] Ever the Stars Burn series (http://boards.theforce.net/threads/star-trek-into-darkness-the-scars-on-our-hearts-john-harrison-ofc-completed-26-july.50012566/]The[/url] Scars on Our Hearts, http://boards.theforce.net/threads/star-trek-into-darkness-the-life-to-my-soul-khan-ofc-completed-12-september.50013956/]The[/url] Life to My Soul, and http://boards.theforce.net/threads/star-trek-into-darkness-the-space-between-khan-ofc-chapter-17-up-8-june-complete.50015124/]The[/url] Space Between) by http://boards.theforce.net/members/dantana-skywalker.659821/]Dantana[/url] Skywalker

One of the beautiful opportunities that fan fiction affords us is the ability to introduce rich and vibrant original characters into the canon worlds we love and adore so much. Anthea Mackintosh is one of those characters, and in Dantana Skywalker's 'Even the Stars Burn' series we are able to glimpse a much beloved story through a different set of eyes - namely, through the eyes of the 'villain'.

Yes, this is a Khan Noonien Singh/OC story set in the rebooted Star Trek universe, and it is one of my favorites. While this series can certainly be called a romance in the best of ways, it is more a fantastic story that fleshes out and develops Khan's character until he is more than just your typical 'bad guy' - while still refusing to sugar coat or conveniently gloss over moments or actions that may reflect badly upon his character. Anthea is a wonderful match for Khan in every way, while still being an amazing, fully realized character in her own right. Couple that with excellent plotting, a wonderful supporting cast, and an intricate examination of the good, the bad, and the ugly of Starfleet and the galaxy as a whole, and you have nothing less than a fascinating read as a result. While I absolutely love the Into Darkness expansion, it is the stories that follow - with their family as it grows, and their colony as it develops - that are the absolute gems of this collection. Give it a try; you'll be happy that you did!


NYCitygurl: http://boards.theforce.net/threads/lotr-the-two-towers-balrog-durins-bane-poem.50028781/][LOTR][/url] Balrog - Durin's Bane by http://boards.theforce.net/members/the-sith-camp.1398927/]The[/url] Sith Camp

Deep in the Halls of Khazad-Dum,
An Ancient Horror Loomed,
Seduction of Doom,
Made Evil Gloom,
A Darkness Loomed,
For Khazad-Dum,
Where Dwarves Once Boomed,
It Is Now Their Tomb…

I love poems, and I especially love the way this epic one draws you in from the start! The Sith Camp has written a lot of good poems, but this one is one of my favorites. The balrog's fire and rage are evident in each stanza. I've never paid that much attention to the creature, but this poem intrigued me. I flew through it and wanted more at the end!


Nyota's Heart: http://boards.theforce.net/threads/dragon-age-origins-mirror-mirror-grey-wardens-brosca-and-amell-alistair-theirin.50027611/][Dragon[/url] Age: Origins] Mirror, Mirror by http://boards.theforce.net/members/idrelle_miocovani.1162416/]Idrelle_Miocovani[/url]

A fascinating tale of two timelines converging briefly. The author brings the audience into the tale and captures your attention and interest immediately.

You don't feel a sense of baffling "what is going on?" Enough detail is provided so you can follow, and you also get a sense of rich back-stories in the fandom.

 

Well NYCitygurl - not that I'm being rude or boasting BUT I'm working on an EVEN BIGGER POEM than the longest 10K word poem I posted then a few days ago about Godzilla Big-G hehe ... and I'm planning also another poem (more than 10K words too) on the Indominus Rex from Jurassic World

 

I completely agree! And this is just the tip of the iceberg ...

Don't forget -- if you want to volunteer to help us out one month and review your favorite story, shoot us a PM!

 

A little later than planned due to the holiday, but we would like to present our recommended reading for July, including one from special guest earlybird-obi-wan!

Remember, if you'd like to recommend a story one month, just shoot us a PM!



Mira_Jade: http://boards.theforce.net/threads/final-fantasy-viii-x-love-dont-die-squall-rinoa-tidus-yuna-chap-20-6-19.50021476/][Final[/url] Fantasy VIII/X] Love Don't Die by Tarsier

As far as crossovers go, you don't get any better than this. Tarsier does an amazing job setting up an intricate and colorful world, with characters whom you cannot help but relate with, and wish to root for. If you are looking for friendship, banter, romance - all with a big side of heart, and some truly stunning visuals when it comes to the 'fantasy' elements, then this is the story for you.


NYCitygurl: http://boards.theforce.net/threads/comic-neverwinter-online-capricorn-star-the-story-of-nashira-goodhope.50029269/][Neverwinter[/url] Online] Capricorn Star: The Story of Nashira Goodhope by Harpalyce

This story is so incredibly unique for NSWFF in that it's actually a comic! Harpalyce does an amazing job of drawing every panel with incredible detail even in black and white! And even moreso, her tiny little foundling, Nashira, has already captured readers' hearts, even though the story has less text than the more traditional stories. I'm incredibly impressed with Harpalyce's dual talents and can't wait to read more of Nashira's story!


earlybird-obi-wan: http://boards.theforce.net/threads/star-trek-nys-nummy-sweets-s-u-more-post-up-on-july-10.50018156/][Star[/url] Trek]Ny's Nummy Sweets by Nyota's Heart

A series of short and longer stories about Spock and Nyota Uhura and their relationship that’s giving more depth to the other canon characters and gives additional fan invented characters a moment of their own to shine.

Full of humor and mush and the trademark style of Nyota’s Heart.

 

Wowsers thanks!
I agree about "Final Fantasy, Love Don't Die" - Tarsier gives great details without you feeling like you have to know every detail of the fandom. You are immersed right away.

 

Oh, wow, I was very surprised to see my story here! Thanks so, so much! (Now I just hope it lives up to the hype)

It's awesome to see a comic posted here, I will definitely have to check that out!

And of course no reading list is complete without Ny's signature mush.

 

I second Mira -- all three of these stories are great! We're very lucky to have so many talented writers here!

 

After taking a month off, we're back with special guest divapilot and three awesome stories!


Mira_Jade: [Tolkien] The Children of Aulë and Other Tales by laurethiel1138

Sentences have always been a favourite medium of writing for me, and these snippets are especially delightful to read. Proving, once more, that the best things in Middle-earth sometimes come in small packages, laurethiel1138's prose brings light and life to Tolkien's characters - and, in particular, the Dwarves of Durin's line - with just a few words. From the humorous to the somber to the thought-provoking, this collection of (very) short stories is not one to be missed!

NYCitygurl: [Harry Potter] http://boards.theforce.net/threads/harry-potter-about-cats-post-book-one-post-harry-and-ginny.50025944/]About[/url] Cats by ardavenport

After the Battle of Hogwarts, Harry (with Ginny in tow) returns to Pivot Drive one last time. I absolutely love this one-post! I won't give too much away, but it's good to see that some things have changed (and sad -- and oddly comforting -- to know that in a crazy world, some things haven't). I've admired ardavenport's writing for many years, and this piece is no exception! We get to reunite with old acquaintances as Harry ties up loose ends in a way that left me very satisfied and hopeful for his future. Ardavenport's characters are true to the universe and written so well that I'm on pins and needles waiting for her next HP fic!

divapilot: [Vikings] With My Lost Saints by Mira_Jade

Mira_Jade’s work is always interesting, eloquent, and thoughtful, and this short story is no exception. She creates a vivid world that reflects both storytelling and actual history. Based on the History Channel’s series The Vikings, the story “With My Lost Saints” imagines the complex relationship between the ruthless Viking prince Rollo and the Parisian princess Gisla. They are adversaries, yet well matched in intelligence and loyalty to their people. At first she despises him and bitterly resents her political marriage to this “barbarian,” but she comes to understand that Vikings and princesses are often not what they first appear. Mira_Jade creates a rich and beautifully detailed world, with believable and relatable characters who transcend their cultural differences to see each other's value.

 

Yuppers, anything Tolkien is a treat.

Agreeing one million percent with divapilot's assessment. Like, always. Ardavenport is a great writer in the SW-verse as well. Setting scenes up and providing characters with vital life-lessons.

 

We really are lucky to have such amazing writers here

 

After a slight delay (someone thought they did this last Friday and apparently did not ), we have the October recs!!

Mira_Jade: [Jack the Giant Slayer] http://boards.theforce.net/threads/jack-the-giant-slayer-between-heaven-and-earth-updated-10-6.50011166/]Between[/url] Heaven and Earth by serendipityaey

Romances do not come better penned than this one! serendipityaey does a great job of presenting her OC Elleree Rowan as if she has always been a part of the story, and her romance with Elmont is beautifully portrayed in tantalizing bits of pieces, through the use of flashbacks. Add in the wonderful backdrop of a fantasy setting, and beautiful, beautiful prose, this story is not one to be missed.

NYCitygurl: [Tolkien] http://boards.theforce.net/threads/tolkien-i-have-been-hungry-all-these-years-celebrimbor-epic-one-shot.50029482/][/url]"I have been hungry all these years" by Mira_Jade

I have to give mad props to Mira -- this is an epic 28-thousand-word story! And every one of the nine chapters, posted together and counting back (which I think is neat) about Celebrimbor, creator of the One Ring, is absolutely amazing! Mira is an extremely talented writer, and I love how she weaves the elf's story through the ages. I learned a lot about Tolkien's world and fell in love with this character. It is an amazing feat and a beautiful story!

Nyota's Heart: [Frozen] http://boards.theforce.net/threads/frozen-the-snow-queen-chapter-eighteen-posted-3-5-14-story-completed.50016859/]The[/url] Snow Queen by mrjop2

This is an excellent telling of "Frozen." The unfolding of the plot, the inner struggles, richly detailed.

It is a super-duper and vibrant expansion of Disney's tale, in the character development and lessons learned by them on their crucial quest. Many edge-of-seat moments & a very gratifying conclusion.




Do you have a recommendation? PM us, and we'll post it!

 

Oh, superb recommendations & I agree with all the points as to why these are great reads! Especially serendipityaey - she is one of the best, very very best at showing the process of growth towards romance with delicious pacing.

 

Mira_Jade Nyota's Heart Awwwwwwww thank you guys!! <3 I have more I need to post too, I need to tell work to just take a back seat! Soon. You humble me <3 And I'm only okay from learning from you all!

 

November is already here! And with it, more awesome stories Here are some of our favorites!


Mira_Jade: [Leverage/Burn Notice] http://boards.theforce.net/threads/leverage-burn-notice-crossover-common-ground-part-3-posted-complete.50023238/][/url]"Common Ground" by madman007

Because of course Elliot already knows Michael Westen. This story covers the idea of the Leverage crew running into the Burn Notice gang while on a job in Miami, and the adventure to follow is completely plausible, wonderfully in character for both fandoms, and an utter joy to read.

NYCitygurl: [Various] http://boards.theforce.net/threads/various-olympic-entries-drabbles.50033391/]Olympic[/url] Entries Drabbles by @Moonspun_Dragon

These awesome entries for the Olympics challenge are all good. Some made me laugh ("Fart" from Sherlock and "Beard" from Avengers), some made me cry ("Heartbroken" from Dragon Riders of Berk), and some warmed my heart (particularly the Thor entries). This is an awesome mix of bite-size stories! I can't wait to read more.

DaenaBenjen42: [Guardians of the Galaxy] http://boards.theforce.net/threads/guardians-of-the-galaxy-mcu-long-way-around-peter-quill-introspection.50026876/'}http://boards.theforce.net/threads/...ay-around-peter-quill-introspection.50026876/{/URL}]Long[/url] Way Round by DreamingIce

This is a nice character exploration piece on Peter Quill, who hasn't been back to Earth/Terra in far too long because he thinks there's nothing there for him. Not having actually seen the movie yet, this story provides interesting insight on a character that I otherwise might not understand just watching his actions play out in the movie, and I like exploration pieces like that.

 

Great monthly picks. The fic "Common Ground" is /was also on my list of recommendations LOL because these two fandoms just mesh and madman007 is great at the snarky banter and the setup of the plot.

 

It's First Friday already, which means it's time for our December picks! Remember, if you want to be a guest recommender, please PM Mira and I with the story you want to share!

Mira_Jade: [Tolkien] http://boards.theforce.net/threads/tolkien-assortment-of-sketches-prompt-responses-post-july-21.50026400/]Assortment[/url] of Sketches by Nyota's Heart

Stories by Nyota's Heart always guarantee a positive outlook and a sweet depth of emotion, and these are no exception. In a few words, these drabbles and ficlets manage to convey a novel's worth of feeling, and perfectly capture the warmth and heart of the world they are set in.

NYCitygurl: [Thor/Avengers] http://boards.theforce.net/threads/mcu-thor-avengers-okie-dokie-loki-mlp-song-parody.50032898/]Okie[/url] Dokie Loki by Lazy K

I have a particular fondness for song parodies, and this one is hilarious! It makes me laugh and feel bad for poor Loki, who always seems to get the short stick -- but mostly, I just laughed!

Chyntuck: [Harry Potter] http://boards.theforce.net/threads/harry-potter-reflections-snape-and-dumbledore-beginning-of-hps-4th-year-one-post.50023304/]Reflections[/url] by ardavenport

I'm one of those people who root as much for the villains as they do for the heroes, especially for the not-entirely villainous villains, and ardavenport does an extraordinary job at delving into the thoughts and motivations of my favourite Harry Potter character, Severus Snape. This one-shot inserts itself flawlessly in the storyline of Goblet of Fire -- except of course for the fact that, if we had read this scene before reaching the end of Deathly Hallows, much of the mystery surrounding Snape would be gone -- and gives us a unique analysis of Snape's psychology, actions and attitude towards Harry throughout the series. And as an added bonus, the title can be read on so many different levels: the various characters' thought process, the way they mirror each other (or resemble some who are absent), and the way ardavenport masterfully adjusts to J. K. Rowling's writing style, so masterfully indeed that you would think you're reading a short piece by Rowling herself. It's a beautiful little fic that I most highly recommend to all Harry Potter fans out there!

 

Wonderful to see Ardavenport and Lazy K represented. And wow, just wow. Thanks oodles on the commentary on Sketches.

 

Three fantastic authors!!

 

It's already 2016! And we have some awesome new recommendations for you


Mira_Jade: [Multifandom] http://boards.theforce.net/threads/multi-fandom-its-a-drabble-12-31-the-giving-of-thanks-guardians-of-the-galaxy.50017455/]It's[/url] a Drabble! by Admiral Drabblar

I will never not be amazed by the sheer scope of fandoms, brilliantly in-character dialogue, and endlessly creative scenarios that Admiral Drabblar can fit into a hundred words. Endlessly entertaining in little bite sized pieces, there is something for everyone in this collection, and not a single one of these should be missed.

NYCitygurl: [Married ... With Children] http://boards.theforce.net/threads/married-with-children-fire-away-nswff-prompt-challenge-responses-updated-10-2.50018869/]Fire[/url] Away by amidalachick

I've loved amidalachick's writing for years, but this series of prompt responses absolutely cracks me up! She gives readers a hilarious look into the lives of the Bundys, always with a snappy catch. Every entry makes me want more!

Moonspun Dragon: [Hobbit] http://boards.theforce.net/threads/hobbit-clothes-make-the-king.50023985/]Clothes[/url] Make the King by Yeade

It's a Hobbit fanfic and takes place after Battle of Five Armies. Bard is rebuilding Dale and learning, and getting used to, his new office as King. As well as getting ready for the one year anniversary of the Battle of Five Armies. It's a pretty well thought out multi- chapter that, also, comes with a timeline to keep events in prospective.

Yeah. I particularly like how Bard's portrayed, the timeline, the general writing style, and the humor that's there.