kristensk: reading (fma bookworm)
kristensk ([personal profile] kristensk) wrote2014-10-20 11:22 pm

Some More Fanfic Recs

It's been an age since I've posted any fanfic recommendations. So, here are a few including recent reads as well as older ones. They're all still good.


Blood Ties by Jordanna Morgan
Series: Fullmetal Alchemist
Rating: T
Warnings: Violence/blood.
Location: Fanfiction.net or her site Brotherly Love
Status: Complete - 15 chapters
Summary: An old enemy plunges Ed into the dark secrets of his new world, linked to the alchemy he thought lost to him - while in Amestris, Al faces a dire choice. Will the nightmare Ed is drawn into provide the key to both their fates? First anime, alternative storyline to the "Conqueror of Shamballa" movie.
Comments: As is probably obvious if you've read my previous FMA entries, I love stories that find some way to send Ed (or Ed and Al, if it's post-movie) home after the end of the first anime. And, "Blood Ties" is one of the most unique takes on the idea I've ever read. Rather than re-visiting the Thule Society villains of "Conqueror of Shamballa", it strikes out on a supernatural/horror bent. And, it works beautifully. The story deftly ties itself back to the themes and ideas of canon even as it draws Ed down into its dark, new world. A new world nonetheless filled with old faces. Because where "Conqueror" was a bit stingy with the alternate characters, "Blood Ties" makes sure to cover a host of familiar faces in new roles. On the other side of the Gate, Al's trials are less action-packed, but possibly even more poignant. But, when all is said and done, loose ends are tied and a happy ending is finally realized... with just enough leeway for a possible sequel that isn't a requirement but would be welcomed all the same.

Enough by Jordanna Morgan
Series: Fullmetal Alchemist
Rating: K/G
Warnings: None.
Location: Fanfiction.net or her site Brotherly Love
Status: Complete/Oneshot
Summary: Equivalent Exchange is measured in more than alchemy. Eighth entry in the "Things That Never Happened" series. Animeverse.
Comments: I've read quite a few FMA fanfics where the Elrics' quest continued on into adulthood. Often, they're an interesting exercise in "what if?" but too depressing for my tastes. Rarely, they find a bittersweet balance that leaves me saddened, but accepting. This, however... This, I think, is the story, the outcome I've always wanted when I clicked on the others. This one made me smile.

My Responsibility by MoDaD
Series: SWAT Kats
Rating: T
Warnings: Violence
Location: Fanfiction.net and the SWAT Kats Fanfiction Archive
Status: Complete - 22 chapters
Summary: Callie Briggs's support of the SWAT Kats is no secret, even though the masked duo's identities are to her. When the SWAT Kats disappear, trouble arises in Megakat City, and Callie must rely on a reluctant ally to help her discover what happened.
Comments: The single best Callie-centric story I've ever read plus a gripping mystery/adventure all rolled into one fantastic package. Best of all, the story strikes a perfect balance between giving Callie a strong role even through the action while maintaining her status as a "normal". Which is what I've always liked about Callie. She never had military training, martial arts skills, an arsenal of gadgets or magical powers. And, she still helped where she could. The story also shines in its slow-building mystery around the SWAT Kats' disappearance. As soon as Callie's search really begins in earnest, there's a tension singing through every chapter. It all builds to a suitably exciting reveal with a climax that had me cheering.

Trial and Error by Nightsmoke
Series: Blue Exorcist
Rating: K+/PG
Warnings: None.
Location: Fanfiction.net
Status: Complete/Oneshot
Summary: Rin's thoughts and woes on tail binding during his first weeks at True Cross Academy. Mephisto provides some useful tips. Any continuity.
Comments: A little bit of hilarity at Rin's expense as he struggles to deal with his new appendage. What really sells this one is the witty narration: "Yukio was going to kill him. Silently. With his eyes." And, well, Mephisto being Mephisto.

possession of the earth by the blonde bunny
Series: Blue Exorcist
Rating: K+/PG
Warnings: Spoilers for the Illuminati Arc, especially chapters 54 and up.
Location: Fanfiction.net
Status: Complete/Oneshot
Summary: She holds the world in her hands. Mangaverse.
Comments: This is the sort of fanfic that usually flies right over my head. It's a flash of imagery and emotions that reads more like poetry than a standard narrative. And, I confess, I very rarely "get" poetry. But, this is one of the rare cases. With just a few words and carefully chosen scenes, it paints a vivid, insightful image of Shiemi in all her quiet strength.

We'll Be Counting Stars by Amulet Misty
Series: World Trigger
Rating: K/G
Warnings: None beyond series spoilers if you aren't caught up on the recent-ish manga.
Location: Fanfiction.net
Status: Complete/Oneshot
Summary: It's the night before Yuma and Chika's official Enlistment, and Osamu finds himself unable to sleep. Worrying that they may not make it, his friends are there to reassure him that anything is possible. [Mikumo Squad friendship fic.] Mangaverse.
Comments: I recently started the "World Trigger" anime and, frustrated with the slow pace and terrible animation, went off to try the manga. It's excellent. I burned through what chapters were available in a single evening. Then, when I ran out of manga, I went to find some fanfiction. Sadly, there's very little fanfiction to be found, but there is this little gem. It's one of those note-perfect little scenes that feels like a moment of canon I somehow missed. Best of all, the trio's comraderie is genuine and heartwarming. There need to be more friendship fics like this.
jordannamorgan: Edward Elric, "Fullmetal Alchemist". For my "Blood Ties" fanfiction novel. (FMA Blood Ties)

[personal profile] jordannamorgan 2014-10-21 03:43 am (UTC)(link)
*glees* I am highly flattered by your recs of my fics--and appreciate the plug! :D

(And yes, that sequel is coming. I'm determined to finish *something* substantial, like "Steel Town", before I let myself start it... but I'm frequently playing through its scenarios in my head, building up my plan of attack.)