I Recommend This...

Title: [podfic] Good Name for a Horse by allfireburns
Reader: curiously_me

Fandom: Doctor Who / Valdemar series
Pairing: Gen
Rating: General

Rec:

This podfic is one of those stories that makes you wonder "yeah, but what if?" and was so much fun to record! It's really short, but it was fun to work in the sound effects for Arthur's "voice" and trying to get the bells to sound something-close-to hoof-beats. It was also a pleasure to work with Reena_Jenkins, who provided the beautiful cover art.

Day 3 - In your own space, post a rec for at least three fanworks that you did not create. See if you can rec fanworks that are less likely to be praised: tiny fandoms, rare pairings, fanworks other than stories, lesser-known kinks or tropes. Find fanworks that have few to no comments, or creators new to a particular fandom who maybe aren't well known or appreciated. Appreciate them.



Title: Sansûkh
Author: determamfidd

Fandom: The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings
Pairing: Bilbo Baggins/Thorin Oakenshield, Gimli/Legolas Greenleaf
Rating: Teen and Up

Author Summary:

The battle was over, and Thorin Oakenshield awoke, naked and shivering, in the Halls of his Ancestors.

The novelty of being dead fades quickly, and watching over his companions soon fills him with grief and guilt. Oddly, a faint flicker of hope arises in the form of his youngest kinsman, a Dwarf of Durin's line with bright red hair.

(Follows the story of the War of the Ring).

Review:

This is what I like to call "epic fanfic." With over two hundred thousand words already written and more to come, you are in for the long haul when reading Sansûkh.

This story focuses on Thorin and how he deals with the fact that he is dead and that he has not only failed in his quest, but that he has failed his family as well. It is death fic, but purposefully so, and describes what the afterlife might be for the Dwarves in the Halls of Aulë. It is the story of how he begins to heal and how he helps guide those still alive in Middle-earth, the ones that he loves and wishes to spare from the horrors he has been through... It doesn't always work out.

Each and every character is well written, my favorites would have to be Thorin, Frerin, and Gimli. The relationship that Thorin and Frerin have in death is a bittersweet one, filled with the regret of Frerin's death at so young an age and Thorin's guilt over the loss of his brother. Gimli is extremely caring and, as expected, strong. He cares deeply for his friends and family and is the only person alive who can hear Thorin's voice clearly.

Although there are two "main" pairings listed, the story is so much more than a romance. It is about the sadness one feels over missed opportunities and the hope that the end isn't really the end at all (Kili is particularly adorable in his attempts to convince Aulë to change the rules). It is also about new beginnings and the difficulties a person faces when they find themselves getting closer to someone that their societies says they shouldn't be involved with.

determamfidd has also written a number of wonderful Dwarven women, from Frís and Dís to Gimris (Gimli's younger sister) and Bomfris (Bombur's daughter). These are Dwarven women that I would love to read more of, they are loving and resilient women who will do anything for the ones they love.

Other Notes:

I believe that themusecalliope linked me this story, an act that I am exceedingly grateful for, as I have really enjoyed reading this story.

This is a work in progress, but each new chapter is well worth the wait.

Also, I just discovered the Sansûkh Masterpost on Tumblr. You will find fanart, podfic, songs, and side-stories linked there.

Day 3 - In your own space, post a rec for at least three fanworks that you did not create. See if you can rec fanworks that are less likely to be praised: tiny fandoms, rare pairings, fanworks other than stories, lesser-known kinks or tropes. Find fanworks that have few to no comments, or creators new to a particular fandom who maybe aren't well known or appreciated. Appreciate them.



Title: we ::are pilots::
Artist: Shirozora

Fandom: Tron: Legacy
Pairing: TRON/Sam Flynn
Rating: G

Author Summary:

Overnight SAI rough paint doodle. This is the one I decided will be called "we are pilots" because this, I think, captures Sam and Tron and Pilots!verse better than anything else I ever doodled/painted for the 'verse.

Review:

Before I get into reviewing this piece of art, I feel that I should add a disclaimer that I am not in the slightest artsy, so anything I say will be coming from an uneducated-in-the-arts person, sorry. :$

Every once in awhile, I will indulge myself when I hop online and browse through Shirozora's art. In many of their pieces, you can see the emotion shared between the characters and it just makes me smile to see it. I really appreciate all of their work. The Fandom Snowflake Challenge was the perfect reminder to me to let the world know that.

I am particularly fond of Shirozora's TRON/Sam Flynn fanart (I totally ship it, lol) and, as you can see here, there is a certain sweetness to this piece that speaks of a history full of so much more than you can actually see in the picture. It's nearly overwhelming. I love the way that Sam is stretching up to meet TRON's kiss and how his hands linger on the disc, almost like he's forgotten what he was doing with it, distracted as he is by TRON and those sweet, sweet kisses. And look at the way TRON is sort of perched above Sam, like he's been sitting by quietly as Sam works and just needed to kiss him...

OMG! I'm having feels just typing this review!

Anyways, feels aside, if you are a fan of TRON or enjoy the work of talented artists, I suggest that you check out the rest of Shirozora's work and let them know how awesome they are, yeah?

Other Notes:

shirozora also writes fanfiction, which can be read on AO3.

Title: The Illogical Series [anthology] by waldorph
Reader: 2naonh3_cl2

Fandom: Star Trek (2009)
Pairing: Predominantly Jim Kirk/Spock, but has numerous other pairings featured throughout.
Rating: G for general to E for explicit

Author Summary:

If Kirk was a maths genius, and never took Pike up on the dare to do better, but still managed to get to Starfleet? This is what that would look like.

Review:

With the new Star Trek movie Into Darkness having hit theaters, I've been feeling the need to immerse myself in the fandom and this podfic is the most enjoyable way to do so.

In my opinion, 2naonh3_cl2 has created one of the masterpieces of the podfic world with this series. The way she reads each character is perfect and so very believable. From the very first minute, she has you believing that Jim Kirk is a math genius who is both a good guy and a guy who doesn't want people to know that he's a good guy.

The character interactions are amazing. You can literally tell who is speaking or thinking at any given moment. You can hear Bones' voice scolding Jim inside his head, just as you might hear your mother's voice scolding you in that exact tone she used when you were little.

Like I said, perfection.

My absolute favorite thing about this podfic is near the end. It's in Mockingbird, which is a story about Number One from the Original Series Pilot episode.

While waldorph has created a brilliantly believable history for Number One, 2naonh3_cl2's reading brings her story to life in the best of ways. She reads this character so well that you may feel that you've transported to her world yourself. (Which would be problematic given the local views on individuality.) In a world without individuals, 2naonh3_cl2 makes Number One one of the most memorable beings in the entire Illogical Series.

Other Notes:

Interestingly enough, as much of a Star Trek fan as I am (and I am a HUGE Trekker), I would never have come across this story if it hadn't been for 2naonh3_cl2's podfic. I owe her many, many thanks for creating such a wonderful podfic that I can enjoy over and over and over again. Thank you!

Each time I start this podfic, I know that I'm in for a world of laughs and heartbreak and all the feelings in-between for characters that I know and have loved since I was a child. It's a wonderful way to 'escape' from the world while at work, since people tend to leave me alone if I have earphones in and I enjoy every single moment of the experience. :)

At times sweet and moving in the emotions of each character and at other times quite shivery with the eroticism of the simplest touches, The Illogical Series can be downloaded from the Audiofic Archive in parts or as an anthology which runs about 14+ hours.

Other, Other Notes:

Thank you to HuskersLaura on twitter for making sure I didn't sound to fact-ish. Also, many thanks to themusecalliope for giving me valuable advice on how to make this review the best review it can be. You both rock!

Here are some of the more random titles from my original Amplirecathon post. Lol, I somehow managed to delete my original post BEFORE I posted it. *headdesk*

Anyways, I hope you enjoy these stories as much as I have. They are all very well-read examples of podfic.
While some titles are read by easily recognizable voices, there IS a hidden gem included in this post and a reader that I consider new (but has been around for about a year, being sneaky and AWESOME)...
Sorry, my post is a wee bit late. I type SLOW when de-caffeinated.


STARGATE ATLANTIS/TORCHWOOD: Everybody Loves Ianto
--read by reena_jenkins
--written by pennyplainknits
--notes: Rodney’s reaction to his first taste of Ianto’s coffee is so perfect and the way that reena_jenkins reads it makes me want my own cup of coffee so much! I found myself smiling as soon as Ianto arrived on Atlantis and didn’t stop for about an hour after the podfic finished. It will leave you with a smile on your face and warm fuzzies all through your insides.


GOOD OMENS: Twofish
--read by sekamumaya
--written by grindylowe
--notes: I wish I could find more podfic read by sekamumaya, because she reads so exuberantly that it is just ridiculous. Really, the way she reads Crowley's interactions with Aziraphale about his fish is amazing... Here, have a listen,

HARRY POTTER: Catch and Release
--read by fire_juggler
--written by roozette
--notes: Good god, this podfic just kills me. Fire_juggler has this way of reaching out with her voice and just yanking on my heartstrings in this podfic (be warned, she doesn't let go until the very end). Every single time I listen to this podfic, I think that this is the sort of relationship I want... where you don't have to speak because you are so very in tune with your partner that just a mere touch says it all.


AVENGERS: The Nesting Habits of the Wild North American Barton
--read by kalakirya
--written by sabinelagrande
--notes: 2012 has been the perfect year for me to fall in love with kalakirya's podfic and this is one of my favorites. Her voice is so very soothing and the way she reads Clint in this story just makes me want to cuddle something. He sounds so very tired and grumpy near the end, it's just cute and kalakirya's voice & reading style is so very, very soothing. I will admit, guiltily, that I have included this podfic in "Bedtime Stories"...the playlist I fall asleep to. ;)


THOR: Everything’s Better With Bunnies
--read by kalakirya
--written by khilari & persephone_kone
--notes: My second rec that was read by kalakirya. If you aren't drawn to this podfic just because of who it's read by (and you should be, lol) then let me make this decision very simple by including the summary:
When frightened or stressed, Loki transforms into a bunny and sometimes he needs to be cuddled to calm down enough to turn back. Unfortunately, the events of the movie are extremely stressful. - Five times he transformed into a rabbit and needed cuddling and one time he didn't and got cuddled anyway.


TEEN WOLF: Nothing Gets By a Stilinski
--read by paraka
--written by goddessofbirth
--notes: BAMF Papa Stilinksi + Paraka's voice = An epic podfic, made of win.


X-MEN FIRST CLASS: Charles’ Killer
--read by lunchee
--written by hero_for_ghosts
--WARNING: this podfic contains Graphic Depictions of Violence
--notes: This one has already made it's way into a rec post this year, so just consider it a bonus rec. :)
I had the pleasure of beta listening to this work and from the very first word, lunchee's voice had me absolutely hooked. This entire series is SO creepy! lunchee has managed to create some sort of magic with this podfic, channeling each character and interaction perfectly. The subtle changes in how certain situations are dealt with send shivers up my spine. Go ahead and listen to that first streaming link lunchee has in her master post... In less than ten minutes you'll be hooked. ;)

Title: Transparent Belt of Ether
Artist: keiran121

Fandom: Chronicles of Narnia
Pairing: Caspian X/Edmund Pevensie
Rating: PG?

Artist Summary:

Edmund Pevensie and King Caspian, from Voyage of the Dawn Treader. :>

Rec/Review:

M'kay, now I'm not very artsy, so I probably won't have anything "smart" to say about this, BUT...

I love everything about this picture. My favorite bits would have to be Edmund's hand grasping at Caspian's shirt and the suggestion of Caspian's hand holding onto Edmund in return. *sigh* Oh! and (I don't know if I'm imagining it) that little furrow on Edmund's forehead like he's trying to memorize every single moment.

I like the lighting effect in the picture, I don't know, it just seems to fit the scene/mood of this kiss and I also really like that they are obviously kissing outside in a thunderstorm.

A list of nine/five/six cuddly fics for my friend torra , who is feeling poorly tonight/day. Hope you feel better soon, my dear.



Title: For A Good Cuddle Call Stilinski
Author: PapaArgent

Fandom: Teen Wolf
Pairing: various and sundry, but my fav is Derek/Stiles (of course)
Rating: Teen and Up Audiences

Author Summary:

'20 y.o. male seeks 18-30 y.o. male with which to cuddle contact 123-4567 for more'

Stiles is sick of sleeping alone and cuddling his pillow, he just wants someone to cuddle with, so after a little encouragement from Scott he takes a personal ad in the newspaper. The results are interesting, but no one lasts long enough, except for the last one (well duh...)

Rec/Review:

(human au) All Stiles wants is for someone to cuddle him! I know the feeling, lol. Now, if only this method worked so well in the real world.

One of the things I love most about Stiles' presence in the Teen Wolf fandom is when he is written in this way; as a good friend/person who just wants the people around him to be happy. Of course, if that means that Derek has to come and save the day by making Stiles' life wonderful, all the better for the story!

Title: Happiness is somebody to lean on
Author: Whit Merule

Fandom: Supernatural
Pairing: Gabriel/Dean Winchester; cat!Castiel/dog!Sam Winchester
Rating: G for General Audiences

Author Summary:

Poor, bedraggled Sam, lost and hungry, runs into an unexpected precise, blue-eyed feline. Who promptly rearranges the world so that everyone, including both their owners, have sufficient cuddles.

Rec/Review:

cat!Castiel adopts dog!Sam when said puppy-eyed cuddle-monster finds himself lost and alone without his Dean. Apparently, this is a "thing" Castiel does, starting with his owner Gabriel, who is just a little bit crazy.

One of my favorite parts of this story is a paragraph near the end which manages to pull everything about a summer's day spent with those who care about you into words on a page. It is just wonderful!

Title: The Metaphor That Made You
Author: Dira Sudis

Fandom: Teen Wolf
Pairing: no pairing, pack fic
Rating: Teen and Up Audiences

Author Summary:

Circa "Abomination", Derek tells his betas a story after they're too beaten up to train any more.

Rec/Review:

Oh, oh, oh! Pack feels! So, after beating the living daylights out of his betas, Derek sets their bones, makes them more comfortable while they heal, and tells them a story of the first werewolves. He is so very in tune with Boyd, Erica, and Isaac in this story. It almost hurts to see how well he knows his pack, knows when to pet Isaac or allow Erica and Boyd to cuddle closer (but not too close, lol).

I absolutely adore caretaker!Derek and DiraSudis is one of my all-time favorite authors, so insta-rec for anything of theirs!

Title: Safe
Author: Pianogirl

Fandom: Avengers
Pairing: Bruce Banner/Tony Stark
Rating: T for Teen and Up Audiences

Author Summary:

Tony finally gets Bruce to sleep over, but Bruce has trouble handling it when he wakes up screaming from nightmares. Or, Who needs a night-light when you have the Hulk?

Rec/Review:

Tony and Bruce are boyfriends, but don't really admit it until the end of the story. Hulk is amazing at just wanting to keep Tony safe from his nightmares. It's just all so very sweet and heart-wrenching and I am way too tired to write anything coherent about the FEELS I am having.

Title: Sweet Respite
Author: harlequindreaming

Fandom: Sherlock
Pairing: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Rating: G for General Audiences

Author Summary:

In which Sherlock interrupts John's sleep, and John's reminded once again why he loves the maddening git.

Rec/Review:

This is a really cute story and very true to my view of Sherlock as a character. Of COURSE he wouldn't just come out and ask for cuddles. Nope, he has to remind John that there are serial killers out there who might sneak into his bed and then what would he do? As usual, John knows exactly what Sherlock is up to and is more than happy to indulge his detective with cuddles and declarations of love (though he pretends to be annoyed). <3

I, also, like how warm and snuggly this fic feels. I enjoy reading stories that make me feel like I'm curled up in my bed, snuggling with a friend or my puppies, just content to enjoy the quiet.

Title: You Belong With Me
Author: lynxzpanther

Fandom: Supernatural
Pairing: Castiel/Dean Winchester
Rating: G for General Audiences

Author Summary:

In which Adam was never eaten by ghouls and Dean and Cas get turned into kittens by a witch the Winchesters are hunting. And they cuddle.

Rec/Review:

I'm not sure what it is about Castiel as a kitten (or cat) fic that just makes me want to have him cuddling with Dean, but this fic manages to fill that desire in less than 700 words. True to character, but still oh so sweet, once Dean has decided on a cuddle-buddy, there is just no stopping him from cuddling... even if he won't admit to it in the morning. :)

Title: When the Sun Goes Down
Author: lucdarling

Fandom: Avengers
Pairing: Clint Barton/Natasha Romanov
Rating: ao3: Teen and Up Audiences

Author Summary:

There's four hours until the end and it's time to stop dancing around this thing between them.

Cross-posted:

sly_hostetter

Rec/Review:

Wow, for what amounts to a death fic (which I don't normally read), this is insanely well done.

Obviously, they've waited long enough and the best time to give in and f*ck like bunnies would be right before blowing the hell out of a Hydra base. This is exactly what one would expect from Clint and Natasha, lol.

Other Notes:

warnings: character death

Title: Idiot's Rescue
Author: lucdarling

Fandom: Avengers
Pairing: Clint Barton/Natasha Romanov
Rating: ao3: G for general audience

Author Summary:

She bails him out of jail, again.

Cross-posted:

sly_hostetter

Rec/Review:

The way Natasha just deals with Clint's behavior like it's an everyday occurrence (which, with Clint, it probably is) is so very her in this story. She's just a little long-suffering, but for the most part you can tell how affectionate she is of Clint.

Title: The Five Times Clint Barton Proposed to Natasha Romanov (And The One Time She Said Yes)
Author: eiluned

Fandom: Avengers
Pairing: Clint/Natasha
Rating: ao3: E for explicit

Author Summary:

The title says it all, folks. ;)

Cross-posted:

sly_hostetter

Rec/Review:

I adore sweet things in my fanfic diet and this is one of the sweetest I have seen. *smishes to self*

Other Notes:

warnings: none given by author, but I think it's particularly fluffy. if you have to warn for that, lol.