X-Men fanfic recommendations
Aug. 14th, 2007 07:02 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
A/N: Started this list a couple months ago. I figure now that I've slowed down reading and gotten back into doing a million other things, that I should post this.
2nd A/N: I am "updating" the time and date of this post periodically, to keep it easy to find.
I'm going to start forgetting my favorite X-Men fics, in the mound of them that I'm reading, so I'm going to list them here along with links so they can always be found--and so I can share, when I decide this post is done. All of the below are ones that I re-read over for some reason, or that struck me really hard when I first read 'em, or were excellent treatments of an idea or a situation, or that were just funny good ones that had to be shared.
I believe there is a distinction between my favorites and the very best stories, although I'm sure there is some overlap. *g* For those who do not have time to read much, I'm starting this with a "top five" list, of the stories that I've read so far that I would consider must-reads for this fandom, followed by a highly recommended list of five more.
Top Five List:
1. Letters & Papers from Prison - by Minisinoo - post-X1, unrated except for warning of heavy subject matter
This is one of the most thoughtful fics I've run across yet. In it, Rogue is dealing with some of Erik's memories of the Holocaust. This one always leaves me thoughtful.
2. Jus Ad Bellum - by jenn - post-X1 but also AU (see below for explanation), rated Mature (cover art here and here)
Author's summary and warning: "One Rogue. Two timelines. Three personalities. Every possibility. Rogue discovers who she is, could have been, and everything she can become.
Warning: This story deals with many controversial themes; racism, terrorism, war, violence, sexual situations, both consensual and non; and mature situations. Adults only, please."
That said, I love this story--the what-if this explores is chilling, very very chilling indeed . . . and the story is so good. Very well done, imho.
3. Alive and Dying - by darkstar - post-X1 poem, PG-13
This author is one of the best at poetry, I think. This poem is dark and makes me shiver--and it feels so real, so very real, all the emotions intense within me as I read. A futuristic Logan/Marie dark!ficpoem. I keep re-reading it and finding more awesomeness in it . . . *so* good.
4. The Busy Griefs - by Karabair, post-X2, PG-13
One of the very best post-X2 fics--the story of grief we didn't get to see in X3, as the author essentially said in her intro to it. Absolutely *love* it. The first para is powerful. The sequel is Bad Day, set 6 months after The Busy Griefs.
5. For Now (The F*** Waiting Remix) - by Katherine, remix to For Now - part 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 (by jenn), post-X1, PG-13
Both the original fic and the remix are *excellent*. I like the remix better because it's done from Logan's POV instead of Marie's, and gives more insight--he sees things about her she doesn't face instantly, and it's easier for the reader to be omniscient with that than to take what Marie thinks and analyze it for what she's *not* saying. Possibly the best Logan/Marie start-of-relationship fic, and shows a nice progression.
Highly Recommended:
6. Every Second Wednesday - by jenn - post-X1, PG-13
This story's rather creepy/chilling. Rogue's mind and all the personalities that live in it--mostly focusing on Logan and Erik. And meetings with Xavier . . .
7. The Great Marriage Boondoggle - by Mara Greengrass - blend of post-X1 with bits of comicverse, PG
This one cracks me up in places, and is a great lighthearted read. Even the action isn't intense, and it's just a fun fic. (Note that Hank and Warren are there as staff, more like their comic roles.)
8. Like Water - by Minisinoo - post-X1, unrated
This one's not a favorite so much as a very good treatment of the S/J/L triangle. And I love the last line, the way it finishes off everything before.
9. Climb the Wind - by Minisinoo - post-X1, unrated (but dark)
This one brought tears to my eyes on the first read. *Very* intense, action/adventure with character study, and dark--there's some character death in there, and definite graphic violence. Starts off with a big one, and there are more before the end. And lines of it still come back to me, and I have to re-read parts, even as my eyes tear up again and my gut clenches . . .
10. Flight - by Apathy, X2, unrated (bit of violence, nothing too bad)
Excellent fic from Kitty's POV of the students escaping the mansion.
The rest of the recs:
Light / Blackout (series) - by Gaineewop - post-X2, NC-17
The link goes to the author's profile on the RoLo Realm (site for Logan/Ororo shippers). I like post-X3 Logan/Ororo fic (X3 set it up *so* well, imho). These fics are post-X2 (which, imho, leaves Rogue less tied to my default preference of Logan than X1 or even X3 do), but still have enough romance (plus plenty of action/adventure combined). I also like others by this author (Fade is a good one), but I think those two are my favs.
Altruistic - by jenn - AU for X1, 1st part PG-13, parts 2, 3, 4, and 5 are R
Warning: this is a WIP, much to my disappointment. I would *love* to see this one completed--I absolutely love it, one of the very favorites, and one I already re-read occasionally, lol. A bit darker than X1, but that's fine with me. I'm getting very used to dark!fic.
An Unusual Situation, by jenn - AU for X1, PG-13 to NC-17
Another WIP that's *so* good so far, I wish I could find the author to bug 'em about it, lol. I also re-read this one occasionally, but not as much as I do Altruistic.
Bugs - by jjblazer - AU only 'cause Hank's part of staff there (otherwise appears to be post-X1), R
A funny little fic of Rogue's "buggy" plan to get Logan to notice her . . .
It's Raining Men - by jjblazer - AU, R
This is one of the best AU Logan/Marie meeting fics ever. I love the whole style of the writing, and the little things that make it funny or sweet or just plain *good* here and there . . .
Northern Territories - by jjblazer - post-apocalyptic AU, NC-17
Awesome AU . . . not sure how to describe it. Long and good.
Broken - by Minisinoo - post-X1, unrated
"Friendships, like marriages, are dependent on avoiding the unforgivable." (John D. MacDonald) - quote used by author as summary
A very good fic exploring Scott and Jean's relationship, and leaving one thinking . . .
Mutant Darwin Awards - by Minisinoo - post-X1, unrated
Funny glimpse into the lives of the X-Men when they're not saving the world.
Agonia - by Minisinoo - post-X2, unrated
An excellent fic of Scott dealing with Jean's death.
Grail - by Minisinoo - AU for X3, unrated, sequel to Special: The Genesis of Cyclops, an alternate history for Scott
This one's possibly the best AU X3 (though Blackout is also good), and incorporates the Legacy virus. Excellent long fic.
Heyoka Series - by Minisinoo - AU after X1, unrated
This one has a lot of Native American themes, an original character, and is only two parts into--the third is shelved indefinitely, and from last I spoke with the author, she does not yet have any inspiration or inclination to write more to it. I like it because of the character, and because of the butterfly effect idea. The author's summary: "A single rock thrown into a river can alter everything."
A Heap of Broken Images - by Musamea - post-X3, unrated
Excellent story of Rogue, post-X3 and when the cure starts failing . . . I especially like the use of the T.S. Eliot poem--another set of favorite fics are named after the same parts that the sections within this one are--only those were Tolkien fics. Some of the very best, too . . .
Outsiders - by Pat Phillips - post-X2, PG
This fic isn't outstanding . . . but it has some lines that stick with me. Logan talks with Marie and reveals a decision he's made.
Rooftop, by Pat Phillips - post-X2, PG-13
Another ordinary fic with some lines that stick with me, particularly the last thing Kurt says. In it, Logan and Kurt have a conversation they might have had if Kurt stayed with the X-Men.
Value - by TriplePirouette - post-X1, PG-13
"Fiat experimentum in corpore vili: (Translation) Let the experiment be made on a body of no value."
This fic is another one that sends me away with a slightly thoughtful feeling.
32 Flavors - by Victoria P. - post-X1, PG
This one I like because of the way it portrays the characters and gives some insights. The writing's not perfect (the author has great difficulty with the end lines to fics, I've noticed), but it connects in places . . .
The Last of the Jedi - by Artaxastra, pre-X1, unrated
Interesting fic of what Jean's life could have been like at the beginning of Xavier's School.
Back For You - by Diebin, X1, PG-13
Remember the lovely end scene with Marie and Logan before he takes off for Alkali Lake? This gives a little more depth to it . . .
Atmospheric Breach - by darkstar, X1, PG
Another amazing poem, this one of Logan's thoughts after losing Rogue to Magneto, and during the Statue scene.
Slow Burn - by windrider1, post-X3, unrated (probably R or NC-17)
Possibly the best post-X3 Logan/Ororo fic I've seen yet. Still a WIP, but think the author will be finishing it.
Child's Play - by Jamie, post-X1, PG-13
A cute funny Logan/Rogue fic with a scheming kid thrown in . . . had me giggling madly at points.
Clamor - by Molly, post-X1, PG-13
A fic that specifically deals with Rogue and how she handles the aftermath of the Statue of Liberty incident. She's got strong doses of both Erik and Logan in her now, and it makes things interesting . . .
Do Not Disturb - by MollyTM, post-X1, PG-13
A good take on a depressing possibility. I particularly like the last line.
Definitely Someday - by Peter Meilinger, post-X1, PG
A sweet little fic featuring Logan and Rogue, and Logan actually *cooks*.
Bells Over London - by darkstar, post-X1, PG
Author's Summary: What are our best memories? The things we have done or the things we have dreamed? Is there really that much of a distinction? Marie reflects on a very special Christmas.
A fic so full of detail you can feel every bit of it . . . A snapshot in time of Logan and Rogue.
Eight Blues - by darkstar, post-X1, PG-13
This one's done in prose poetry, and explores a darker side to Logan and Marie's relationship.
Eurydice Alone - by darkstar, post-X1, PG-13
Another amazing poem by this talented writer; my favorite line is "trust is the stained glass mirror / you don't know yet that i've cracked."
All of Heaven Away - by Victoria P., post-X1, G-R (multiple stories)
This is one of the best series dealing with the S/J/L/R quadrangle (and throw Ororo and Hank in the right places too). The ending always sticks with me somehow . . .
Loss of Composure series - by Titaniafae (aka Diana), post-X1, PG-R
Awesome Scott/Ororo fic. I've decided now that they are my favorite pairing, even over Logan/Rogue. Next in order would probably be Logan/Ororo and Scott/Rogue . . .
Hush - by Rei Kinneas, post-X1, NC-17
A good fic, not so much for the writing, but for the way it interprets characters and raises some possible issues that I haven't seen raised in any other fic to date. Warning: This one may be very disturbing to some, as it contains some definitely adult themes.
The Martyr of the Mutant Race - by Ash, X1-X2, PG-13
This one chills me because of the little things. Not the big evils of world domination or genocide, but the little evils of simple hatreds and snide remarks. And then there's this para, which I can't get out of my head sometimes (my emphasis in italics): "But if she learned anything from having all of them, from John to Bobby to Logan to Erik, in her head, it was that everyone hated the extraordinary, no matter how hard you tried or how hard you gave, or how brightly you smiled. They would always scorn you, always make snide remarks, they would always spit at you and call you a martyr simply because you’re not like them."
Afterwards - by xfan, post-X2, R
This one isn't spectacular in anything at first glance, really--except that it's one of a very very small number of fics that really deals with people in the aftermath of the events of X2--and realistically, I think. Oh, there are plenty fics of Scott dealing with Jean's death, but few that deal with what Ororo's feeling--and fewer still that do it from Logan's perspective. An added bonus is that it stays true to character, afaik, and doesn't have the feel of someone trying to force a ship on characters. My only wish were that it would be *longer*.
A Mutant Christmas Carol - by moowithme113, AU, PG
A cute, funny little fic where Xavier's School puts on A Christmas Carol. Guess who's Scrooge?
Rules - by Kate Bolin, post-X1, PG
A funny little fic about the spoken and unspoken rules at Xavier's School, from Rogue's POV.
Sugar and spice and . . . - by Te, AU X2, PG
I'd say this one was post-X1, except it's based off of a certain conversation between Charles and Logan in Cerebro during X2. Meet "Loganette", in one of the funniest X-Men fics I've read yet.
Lazarus Undone - by darkstar, which she wrote after reading the Untitled series by Dianna, post-X1, PG-13
A powerful (and very sad) poem.
las bas: song of the drowned - by darkstar, post-X1, PG-13
Possibly *the* best post-MRA fic I've read yet. Incredibly powerful and sad. Lines like "we all measure our sanity by the illusions we keep" and the end of chapter 16 . . . I have the last three paras *memorized*, the words struck me so much. She has a distinct writing style that really draws me in, more like prose poetry than regular fic.
I would also recommend just about *anything* by darkstar; several of her poems and fics are on this list already, but there's more I haven't mentioned, and her writing skill is fairly consistent. Same goes for fic by Minisinoo and jenn. One could spend *ages* reading from just these three authors and not lack for high quality fanfic.
2nd A/N: I am "updating" the time and date of this post periodically, to keep it easy to find.
I'm going to start forgetting my favorite X-Men fics, in the mound of them that I'm reading, so I'm going to list them here along with links so they can always be found--and so I can share, when I decide this post is done. All of the below are ones that I re-read over for some reason, or that struck me really hard when I first read 'em, or were excellent treatments of an idea or a situation, or that were just funny good ones that had to be shared.
I believe there is a distinction between my favorites and the very best stories, although I'm sure there is some overlap. *g* For those who do not have time to read much, I'm starting this with a "top five" list, of the stories that I've read so far that I would consider must-reads for this fandom, followed by a highly recommended list of five more.
Top Five List:
1. Letters & Papers from Prison - by Minisinoo - post-X1, unrated except for warning of heavy subject matter
This is one of the most thoughtful fics I've run across yet. In it, Rogue is dealing with some of Erik's memories of the Holocaust. This one always leaves me thoughtful.
2. Jus Ad Bellum - by jenn - post-X1 but also AU (see below for explanation), rated Mature (cover art here and here)
Author's summary and warning: "One Rogue. Two timelines. Three personalities. Every possibility. Rogue discovers who she is, could have been, and everything she can become.
Warning: This story deals with many controversial themes; racism, terrorism, war, violence, sexual situations, both consensual and non; and mature situations. Adults only, please."
That said, I love this story--the what-if this explores is chilling, very very chilling indeed . . . and the story is so good. Very well done, imho.
3. Alive and Dying - by darkstar - post-X1 poem, PG-13
This author is one of the best at poetry, I think. This poem is dark and makes me shiver--and it feels so real, so very real, all the emotions intense within me as I read. A futuristic Logan/Marie dark!ficpoem. I keep re-reading it and finding more awesomeness in it . . . *so* good.
4. The Busy Griefs - by Karabair, post-X2, PG-13
One of the very best post-X2 fics--the story of grief we didn't get to see in X3, as the author essentially said in her intro to it. Absolutely *love* it. The first para is powerful. The sequel is Bad Day, set 6 months after The Busy Griefs.
5. For Now (The F*** Waiting Remix) - by Katherine, remix to For Now - part 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 (by jenn), post-X1, PG-13
Both the original fic and the remix are *excellent*. I like the remix better because it's done from Logan's POV instead of Marie's, and gives more insight--he sees things about her she doesn't face instantly, and it's easier for the reader to be omniscient with that than to take what Marie thinks and analyze it for what she's *not* saying. Possibly the best Logan/Marie start-of-relationship fic, and shows a nice progression.
Highly Recommended:
6. Every Second Wednesday - by jenn - post-X1, PG-13
This story's rather creepy/chilling. Rogue's mind and all the personalities that live in it--mostly focusing on Logan and Erik. And meetings with Xavier . . .
7. The Great Marriage Boondoggle - by Mara Greengrass - blend of post-X1 with bits of comicverse, PG
This one cracks me up in places, and is a great lighthearted read. Even the action isn't intense, and it's just a fun fic. (Note that Hank and Warren are there as staff, more like their comic roles.)
8. Like Water - by Minisinoo - post-X1, unrated
This one's not a favorite so much as a very good treatment of the S/J/L triangle. And I love the last line, the way it finishes off everything before.
9. Climb the Wind - by Minisinoo - post-X1, unrated (but dark)
This one brought tears to my eyes on the first read. *Very* intense, action/adventure with character study, and dark--there's some character death in there, and definite graphic violence. Starts off with a big one, and there are more before the end. And lines of it still come back to me, and I have to re-read parts, even as my eyes tear up again and my gut clenches . . .
10. Flight - by Apathy, X2, unrated (bit of violence, nothing too bad)
Excellent fic from Kitty's POV of the students escaping the mansion.
The rest of the recs:
Light / Blackout (series) - by Gaineewop - post-X2, NC-17
The link goes to the author's profile on the RoLo Realm (site for Logan/Ororo shippers). I like post-X3 Logan/Ororo fic (X3 set it up *so* well, imho). These fics are post-X2 (which, imho, leaves Rogue less tied to my default preference of Logan than X1 or even X3 do), but still have enough romance (plus plenty of action/adventure combined). I also like others by this author (Fade is a good one), but I think those two are my favs.
Altruistic - by jenn - AU for X1, 1st part PG-13, parts 2, 3, 4, and 5 are R
Warning: this is a WIP, much to my disappointment. I would *love* to see this one completed--I absolutely love it, one of the very favorites, and one I already re-read occasionally, lol. A bit darker than X1, but that's fine with me. I'm getting very used to dark!fic.
An Unusual Situation, by jenn - AU for X1, PG-13 to NC-17
Another WIP that's *so* good so far, I wish I could find the author to bug 'em about it, lol. I also re-read this one occasionally, but not as much as I do Altruistic.
Bugs - by jjblazer - AU only 'cause Hank's part of staff there (otherwise appears to be post-X1), R
A funny little fic of Rogue's "buggy" plan to get Logan to notice her . . .
It's Raining Men - by jjblazer - AU, R
This is one of the best AU Logan/Marie meeting fics ever. I love the whole style of the writing, and the little things that make it funny or sweet or just plain *good* here and there . . .
Northern Territories - by jjblazer - post-apocalyptic AU, NC-17
Awesome AU . . . not sure how to describe it. Long and good.
Broken - by Minisinoo - post-X1, unrated
"Friendships, like marriages, are dependent on avoiding the unforgivable." (John D. MacDonald) - quote used by author as summary
A very good fic exploring Scott and Jean's relationship, and leaving one thinking . . .
Mutant Darwin Awards - by Minisinoo - post-X1, unrated
Funny glimpse into the lives of the X-Men when they're not saving the world.
Agonia - by Minisinoo - post-X2, unrated
An excellent fic of Scott dealing with Jean's death.
Grail - by Minisinoo - AU for X3, unrated, sequel to Special: The Genesis of Cyclops, an alternate history for Scott
This one's possibly the best AU X3 (though Blackout is also good), and incorporates the Legacy virus. Excellent long fic.
Heyoka Series - by Minisinoo - AU after X1, unrated
This one has a lot of Native American themes, an original character, and is only two parts into--the third is shelved indefinitely, and from last I spoke with the author, she does not yet have any inspiration or inclination to write more to it. I like it because of the character, and because of the butterfly effect idea. The author's summary: "A single rock thrown into a river can alter everything."
A Heap of Broken Images - by Musamea - post-X3, unrated
Excellent story of Rogue, post-X3 and when the cure starts failing . . . I especially like the use of the T.S. Eliot poem--another set of favorite fics are named after the same parts that the sections within this one are--only those were Tolkien fics. Some of the very best, too . . .
Outsiders - by Pat Phillips - post-X2, PG
This fic isn't outstanding . . . but it has some lines that stick with me. Logan talks with Marie and reveals a decision he's made.
Rooftop, by Pat Phillips - post-X2, PG-13
Another ordinary fic with some lines that stick with me, particularly the last thing Kurt says. In it, Logan and Kurt have a conversation they might have had if Kurt stayed with the X-Men.
Value - by TriplePirouette - post-X1, PG-13
"Fiat experimentum in corpore vili: (Translation) Let the experiment be made on a body of no value."
This fic is another one that sends me away with a slightly thoughtful feeling.
32 Flavors - by Victoria P. - post-X1, PG
This one I like because of the way it portrays the characters and gives some insights. The writing's not perfect (the author has great difficulty with the end lines to fics, I've noticed), but it connects in places . . .
The Last of the Jedi - by Artaxastra, pre-X1, unrated
Interesting fic of what Jean's life could have been like at the beginning of Xavier's School.
Back For You - by Diebin, X1, PG-13
Remember the lovely end scene with Marie and Logan before he takes off for Alkali Lake? This gives a little more depth to it . . .
Atmospheric Breach - by darkstar, X1, PG
Another amazing poem, this one of Logan's thoughts after losing Rogue to Magneto, and during the Statue scene.
Slow Burn - by windrider1, post-X3, unrated (probably R or NC-17)
Possibly the best post-X3 Logan/Ororo fic I've seen yet. Still a WIP, but think the author will be finishing it.
Child's Play - by Jamie, post-X1, PG-13
A cute funny Logan/Rogue fic with a scheming kid thrown in . . . had me giggling madly at points.
Clamor - by Molly, post-X1, PG-13
A fic that specifically deals with Rogue and how she handles the aftermath of the Statue of Liberty incident. She's got strong doses of both Erik and Logan in her now, and it makes things interesting . . .
Do Not Disturb - by MollyTM, post-X1, PG-13
A good take on a depressing possibility. I particularly like the last line.
Definitely Someday - by Peter Meilinger, post-X1, PG
A sweet little fic featuring Logan and Rogue, and Logan actually *cooks*.
Bells Over London - by darkstar, post-X1, PG
Author's Summary: What are our best memories? The things we have done or the things we have dreamed? Is there really that much of a distinction? Marie reflects on a very special Christmas.
A fic so full of detail you can feel every bit of it . . . A snapshot in time of Logan and Rogue.
Eight Blues - by darkstar, post-X1, PG-13
This one's done in prose poetry, and explores a darker side to Logan and Marie's relationship.
Eurydice Alone - by darkstar, post-X1, PG-13
Another amazing poem by this talented writer; my favorite line is "trust is the stained glass mirror / you don't know yet that i've cracked."
All of Heaven Away - by Victoria P., post-X1, G-R (multiple stories)
This is one of the best series dealing with the S/J/L/R quadrangle (and throw Ororo and Hank in the right places too). The ending always sticks with me somehow . . .
Loss of Composure series - by Titaniafae (aka Diana), post-X1, PG-R
Awesome Scott/Ororo fic. I've decided now that they are my favorite pairing, even over Logan/Rogue. Next in order would probably be Logan/Ororo and Scott/Rogue . . .
Hush - by Rei Kinneas, post-X1, NC-17
A good fic, not so much for the writing, but for the way it interprets characters and raises some possible issues that I haven't seen raised in any other fic to date. Warning: This one may be very disturbing to some, as it contains some definitely adult themes.
The Martyr of the Mutant Race - by Ash, X1-X2, PG-13
This one chills me because of the little things. Not the big evils of world domination or genocide, but the little evils of simple hatreds and snide remarks. And then there's this para, which I can't get out of my head sometimes (my emphasis in italics): "But if she learned anything from having all of them, from John to Bobby to Logan to Erik, in her head, it was that everyone hated the extraordinary, no matter how hard you tried or how hard you gave, or how brightly you smiled. They would always scorn you, always make snide remarks, they would always spit at you and call you a martyr simply because you’re not like them."
Afterwards - by xfan, post-X2, R
This one isn't spectacular in anything at first glance, really--except that it's one of a very very small number of fics that really deals with people in the aftermath of the events of X2--and realistically, I think. Oh, there are plenty fics of Scott dealing with Jean's death, but few that deal with what Ororo's feeling--and fewer still that do it from Logan's perspective. An added bonus is that it stays true to character, afaik, and doesn't have the feel of someone trying to force a ship on characters. My only wish were that it would be *longer*.
A Mutant Christmas Carol - by moowithme113, AU, PG
A cute, funny little fic where Xavier's School puts on A Christmas Carol. Guess who's Scrooge?
Rules - by Kate Bolin, post-X1, PG
A funny little fic about the spoken and unspoken rules at Xavier's School, from Rogue's POV.
Sugar and spice and . . . - by Te, AU X2, PG
I'd say this one was post-X1, except it's based off of a certain conversation between Charles and Logan in Cerebro during X2. Meet "Loganette", in one of the funniest X-Men fics I've read yet.
Lazarus Undone - by darkstar, which she wrote after reading the Untitled series by Dianna, post-X1, PG-13
A powerful (and very sad) poem.
las bas: song of the drowned - by darkstar, post-X1, PG-13
Possibly *the* best post-MRA fic I've read yet. Incredibly powerful and sad. Lines like "we all measure our sanity by the illusions we keep" and the end of chapter 16 . . . I have the last three paras *memorized*, the words struck me so much. She has a distinct writing style that really draws me in, more like prose poetry than regular fic.
I would also recommend just about *anything* by darkstar; several of her poems and fics are on this list already, but there's more I haven't mentioned, and her writing skill is fairly consistent. Same goes for fic by Minisinoo and jenn. One could spend *ages* reading from just these three authors and not lack for high quality fanfic.