Pretender fic recs
Nov. 19th, 2010 01:42 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
doranwenAimee - Angel
This one is definitely not my typical favorite rec, so if you're just starting out, might want to check out some of the others first! It has a lot more language than I'm comfortable with, and it touches on non-consensual incest (as a warning for anyone who is easily squicked). However, I have to agree with the author when she said, "when I asked myself what aspect of Miss Parker's character might we not know about, this is the story that was there waiting for me." I really see that there too. (The way it was portrayed is absolutely perfect for the characters and the whole situation.)
Blade Mistress - Cryptography
I just love the whole translation theme--I can totally see it in the show.
Blade Mistress - Maternal Instinct
This one just makes your heart break because it's so realistic. The summary says Jarod came home "thirty years late", and it makes me think of all the parent/child relationships when a child is found and returns home . . . their relationship is never the same. There are always parts that don't mesh. Imagine how much more so with Jarod and what he went through.
Brightfeather - Alone in the Night / Late Night Confessions
They're not like MMB's expert prose but the Jarod/MP h/c is my guilty pleasure. :)
Brightfeather - Season of Hope
A sweet holiday Jarod/MP fic.
Catherine - Anything For You
An adorable AU rendition of the clone's escape. It makes me want to huggle Miss Parker and bring her spirit back.
Deb (Patrickphile) - Monday Morning Oasis
Short, sweet, in-character . . . and it focuses on Sydney, who is such an interesting character to watch. :)
Elliott Silver - On Red Wax and Relics
This is an interesting way for things to go . . . I love Miss Parker's thoughts and the step-by-step of how she implements her plan.
Elliott Silver - What Hour Come
A-plot and Jarod and Miss Parker end up together. A little more language than I'd like, but not really OOC.
Ginger - A Tuesday, 9-30 a.m., Boardroom
I love the look at Miss Parker's thoughts throughout this whole fic.
Ginger - Brand New Year
This has so many of my favorite things--Jarod with his family, Miss Parker escaping the Centre, her little brother turning out to be their child . . . :D
Ginger - I'm Keeping the Bunny--A Pretender Christmas Story
I love the Jarod/MP h/c, I love Jarod's speech at the end, Miss Parker letting down the walls . . . it's incredibly sweet without being overdoing the romance.
Jill Kirby - Just Close Your Eyes
In which we get to see multiple (and sickening) sides of Lyle, and Jarod is there for Miss Parker in a couple of ways. This feels SO in-character it's almost chilling.
Jill Kirby - Stars Fall Silent
I have to cry for the characters who don't survive, but I love the contrast at the end, the turnabout in regards to Jarod and Miss Parker's respective families, the almost-hope . . .
Jill Kirby - Words
It's all the reading-between-the-lines that I love here, and the hinting, and the sometimes plainspokenness . . . Reading it makes me all warm and fuzzy, despite this not being THAT warm and fuzzy of a fandom.
Julie Fortune - Close
I love the ending of this fic--the discussion between the other FBI people, some of the convo between Jarod and Miss Parker . . . it's delightful.
Julie Fortune - Permanent Vacation
Mmm, I love the way Miss Parker reacts to the situation with the boys from the bar (very in-character, I think), and how Jarod responds to her . . . it's heartbreakingly real and lovely.
KB - Mysterious Connections
This one's lovely for the Jarod & Sydney interaction.
KB - Walk Beside Me; Be My Friend
The Jarod/Miss Parker here is lovely, I love the hypothermia thing (it always makes for a fun fanfic even if it is a common trope), and there's even some Sydney & Miss Parker connection.
Leah - Counterpoint
Ooh, this one reminds me of a favorite L&C fic, because both of them are crossovers with Beauty and the Beast, a fandom I know little to nothing about. In fact, all I *do* know of it I learned from reading these fics. The writer did a great job at blending it into Pretender--I enjoyed the story without having to know Beauty and the Beast ahead of time.
Mareen - The Best of the Centre
This is a cute little piece (cute? Pretender? amazingly that is possible) that shows us who cuts the DSAs. I mean, they don't just magically appear all perfectly shot and all that, do they? *g*
Melanie Anne - A Moment of Weakness / Twilight
The Jarod/Miss Parker is sweet . . .
Melanie Anne - Dejà Vu
I love that Miss Parker finally leaves the Centre. And Baby Parker! He's always cute to see.
Melanie Anne - Home for Christmas
A little unrealistic, but it's a plain fun read (and an awfully good job for a challenge fic based off a list of items)
Melanie Anne - Sun and Candlelight
Oh, the things I love about this one! The two biggest are the use of poetry, and the surprise at the end. :D
Melanie Anne - Where the Heart Is
The character death is depressing, but the scenes of Jarod and Miss Parker comforting each other are like getting a hug when you're crying.
MMB - A Shoulder To Lean On
I love that in this fic Miss Parker finally connects and reaches out, and lets down some of those walls.
MMB - A Time for Everything
I always felt Miss Parker got over Thomas too quickly in the show. *This* is what we should have seen (but didn't).
MMB - All in a Day's Work
Funny little piece about Sam--you gotta love Debbie! :D
MMB - Another Day at the Centre
I love the contrast of the two "fathers"--her real one and his treatment of her versus Sydney and his caring for her. And of course the h/c aspect of it in that totally platonic way.
MMB - Filling the Gap / Life Goes On
Amazing two-part story; I love seeing Sydney save Miss Parker and help her develop the kind of relationship with him--and with Broots and Debbie--that should have always been there. :)
MMB - Heirloom
Another favorite Sydney & Miss Parker interaction.
MMB - Home for the Holidays
In which we have the treat of Miss Parker being the one to be there for Sydney, for once.
MMB - In Transit
This one's fairly short, but I love the little glimpses of interaction, and how the relationships change just in that little bit. Somewhat subtle, meaningful, and delicious.
MMB - Line in the Sand
Sydney is there for Miss Parker again. :)
MMB - Minding Debbie / Nightmare / Picnic
I love this little trilogy! We get a lot of Sydney & Debbie interaction (something that's not that common to see) and it ties in Miss Parker at the end.
MMB - Refuge
A shorter fic (but still several chapters!) focusing on Jarod's mother Margaret, and her relationship to Sydney.
MMB - Retrospective / Picking Up the Pieces / Family Ties / Balancing the Scales / Truth and Consequences / Resolutions
WOW. What can I say about this one? This is definitely her magnum opus, and the ultimate series of fics for dealing with the end of the Centre. In some ways, I think of her series as the canon of the story ending that should have been. (Mind you, I've always liked alternate endings so hers isn't the only ending I like to read, but it just feels RIGHT.) I love how she ties up all the loose ends, gets Jarod and Miss Parker together, and even ****! (I'll avoid spoiling you.)
MMB - Terror
Rape is one subject I don't see too much fic about, and what I do see tends to be of poor quality, but this one was incredibly well done, I think. It's not the easiest subject matter to read about but the father/daughter relationship that develops between Sydney and Miss Parker is beautiful.
MMB - The Spirit of the Season
The Pretender is not a happy/everything's wonderful sort of fandom, but this fic actually *works* for the holidays and it isn't depressing!
MMB - The Visit
This one I'm really torn about. On one hand I love some of the scenes between Sydney and Miss Parker, but I really wish she ended up with Jarod at the end! (When I re-read, I often stop as Miss Parker starts getting involved with the other guy.)
MMB - Toxic
Mmm, this one's awesome. You have Sydney & Debbie interaction, amnesia (which is always fun to read about), and Miss Parker having Jarod's baby. Fun themes and well-written!
MMB - When the Bough Breaks
This one is both similar to and different from Toxic. It has the same sort of happily-ever-after ending, but the method for getting there is definitely unique, and they vary in how much Jarod's family gets into it. I particularly like the revelations both Jarod and Miss Parker come to about themselves and who they've become, and the process of them all becoming a family.
MMB - With a Wink and a Nod
I love it when they get Miss Parker to be a part of a family . . . :)
Nicky - Silent Declarations
I love their inner thoughts . . .
Phenyx - A Not So Perfect World
I love how Miss Parker is the key, the one person who truly understands Jarod. (Well, besides Sydney, but he's not present in much of this story for reasons you'll discover as you read.) Some of the dialogue is priceless.
Phenyx - A Voice Heard in Ramah
I love the whole premise; it's totally something Raines might do. And the author did a great job at giving all of them individual personalities.
Phenyx - Bridge of the Abyss
I love the déjà vu bit in this, and of course all the Jarod/Miss Parker.
Phenyx - Living in Algernon
This one's really sad! I don't read it that often, but the premise is interesting.
Phenyx - Reconstructing Jarod
This story deserves the warning. I should note that in re-reading it I tend to skip the first part of it until the meeting with the Triumverate. Beyond that, I love how Miss Parker takes care of him, Sam's interaction with him, and the realism of how all of that has affected Jarod's desire for escape and all.
Phenyx - The Straight Path Lost
Mmm, I love the glimpses of Jarod through his mother's eyes, the tense moments when Jarod's on the phone with Miss Parker, bringing Miss Parker and Jarod's family together . . . it's a fun read!
Phenyx - Veil of Contentment
I'm not too fond of Zoe, so I don't mind the characterization she gets in this fic. And some of the dialogue is too funny, even if a little risqué. This is one of the careers I could totally see Jarod going for, because of how it hits close to home.
Pouncer - Eyes Turned Skyward
This is a bit edgy in the content for me, but I just love how the author captured the moods, the characters' personalities, and the little turns in the storyline . . .
RRP - Broken Times / Goodbye, Goodnight
It's easy to forget about Sam, and what his relationship with Miss Parker might be. I like seeing them as friends like this.
Sezzie - En Pointe
I've never done any sort of ballet dancing but this was a lovely inclusion--the thematic element of it seemed to really fit.
Sezzie - The Girl Who Was Anne Frank
We don't think about Emily's life too often, but I have to wonder what it was like, growing up the way she did.
Sezzie - Troy
The Helen of Troy references are awesome in this. And I like the look at Miss Parker through Gemini's eyes.
slowly - Free Falling
This is another Jarod w/family, Miss Parker contrasted with Zoe . . . makes for a good read.
The Lurker - A Matter of Time / Le Secret
This set makes me want to sniff and cry but in a good way because of the Sydney & Miss Parker friendship at the end.
The Lurker - Blue Moonlight
There's a little exchange between Miss Parker and Sydney, in the most emotional part of the fic, that always gets me . . .
The Lurker - Coffee Grounds
I like the conversation between Sydney and Miss Parker at the end of this.
The Lurker - Empty Hallways / Empty Spaces
The second fic in this series makes me cry for the character death, but I love the Sydney/Miss Parker friendship that is built. And that last line or two really makes me wonder what it was about; they left it so open . . .
The Lurker - Gentle Rocking
Aww, the Sydney/Jarod father-son relationship is so sweet . . . tinged with the uncertainty and bittersweetness of Jarod's view of Sydney these days . . .
The Lurker - Go Fish
This is an awesome parody--it has this veneer of reality until you take a closer look and start laughing because there's NO WAY . . . *g*
The Lurker - One at a Time
The Miss Parker/Sydney friendship is the best part of this one.
The Lurker - Only the Lonely
I think this writer's specialty is the Sydney/Miss Parker friendship. Maybe 'tis why I have so many of their fics rec'd. :D
The Lurker - Presence
Sydney and Angelo! We don't see them interact much in fic, but I do like this one.
The Lurker - Something More
More of the lovely Sydney/Miss Parker friendship and caring that I love . . .
The Lurker - Surrounded by Strangers
And even more of the same sort of Sydney/Miss Parker relationship as before. I just love these! :D
The Lurker - The Damage People Do
Once more, we have Sydney and Miss Parker . . . :)
The Lurker - To Jacob
Jacob does play a tiny part in this (absently), but the story is, once again, about Sydney and Miss Parker. :)
The Lurker - Unforgettable
Want to guess which two characters this might possibly be about?
The Lurker - Wet Pavement / The Phoenix
Sydney's life is at stake, and Jarod tries to help him. (And of course we have to have some Sydney/Miss Parker friendship!) Another nice pair of fics.
the_rck - Autumn Over Her
Besides being a giftfic for Yuletide, this one's a lovely gen piece. The summary says it all. "When Sydney asks for help, Jarod answers." (And who would Sydney need Jarod to help with, of course?)
This one is definitely not my typical favorite rec, so if you're just starting out, might want to check out some of the others first! It has a lot more language than I'm comfortable with, and it touches on non-consensual incest (as a warning for anyone who is easily squicked). However, I have to agree with the author when she said, "when I asked myself what aspect of Miss Parker's character might we not know about, this is the story that was there waiting for me." I really see that there too. (The way it was portrayed is absolutely perfect for the characters and the whole situation.)
Blade Mistress - Cryptography
I just love the whole translation theme--I can totally see it in the show.
Blade Mistress - Maternal Instinct
This one just makes your heart break because it's so realistic. The summary says Jarod came home "thirty years late", and it makes me think of all the parent/child relationships when a child is found and returns home . . . their relationship is never the same. There are always parts that don't mesh. Imagine how much more so with Jarod and what he went through.
Brightfeather - Alone in the Night / Late Night Confessions
They're not like MMB's expert prose but the Jarod/MP h/c is my guilty pleasure. :)
Brightfeather - Season of Hope
A sweet holiday Jarod/MP fic.
Catherine - Anything For You
An adorable AU rendition of the clone's escape. It makes me want to huggle Miss Parker and bring her spirit back.
Deb (Patrickphile) - Monday Morning Oasis
Short, sweet, in-character . . . and it focuses on Sydney, who is such an interesting character to watch. :)
Elliott Silver - On Red Wax and Relics
This is an interesting way for things to go . . . I love Miss Parker's thoughts and the step-by-step of how she implements her plan.
Elliott Silver - What Hour Come
A-plot and Jarod and Miss Parker end up together. A little more language than I'd like, but not really OOC.
Ginger - A Tuesday, 9-30 a.m., Boardroom
I love the look at Miss Parker's thoughts throughout this whole fic.
Ginger - Brand New Year
This has so many of my favorite things--Jarod with his family, Miss Parker escaping the Centre, her little brother turning out to be their child . . . :D
Ginger - I'm Keeping the Bunny--A Pretender Christmas Story
I love the Jarod/MP h/c, I love Jarod's speech at the end, Miss Parker letting down the walls . . . it's incredibly sweet without being overdoing the romance.
Jill Kirby - Just Close Your Eyes
In which we get to see multiple (and sickening) sides of Lyle, and Jarod is there for Miss Parker in a couple of ways. This feels SO in-character it's almost chilling.
Jill Kirby - Stars Fall Silent
I have to cry for the characters who don't survive, but I love the contrast at the end, the turnabout in regards to Jarod and Miss Parker's respective families, the almost-hope . . .
Jill Kirby - Words
It's all the reading-between-the-lines that I love here, and the hinting, and the sometimes plainspokenness . . . Reading it makes me all warm and fuzzy, despite this not being THAT warm and fuzzy of a fandom.
Julie Fortune - Close
I love the ending of this fic--the discussion between the other FBI people, some of the convo between Jarod and Miss Parker . . . it's delightful.
Julie Fortune - Permanent Vacation
Mmm, I love the way Miss Parker reacts to the situation with the boys from the bar (very in-character, I think), and how Jarod responds to her . . . it's heartbreakingly real and lovely.
KB - Mysterious Connections
This one's lovely for the Jarod & Sydney interaction.
KB - Walk Beside Me; Be My Friend
The Jarod/Miss Parker here is lovely, I love the hypothermia thing (it always makes for a fun fanfic even if it is a common trope), and there's even some Sydney & Miss Parker connection.
Leah - Counterpoint
Ooh, this one reminds me of a favorite L&C fic, because both of them are crossovers with Beauty and the Beast, a fandom I know little to nothing about. In fact, all I *do* know of it I learned from reading these fics. The writer did a great job at blending it into Pretender--I enjoyed the story without having to know Beauty and the Beast ahead of time.
Mareen - The Best of the Centre
This is a cute little piece (cute? Pretender? amazingly that is possible) that shows us who cuts the DSAs. I mean, they don't just magically appear all perfectly shot and all that, do they? *g*
Melanie Anne - A Moment of Weakness / Twilight
The Jarod/Miss Parker is sweet . . .
Melanie Anne - Dejà Vu
I love that Miss Parker finally leaves the Centre. And Baby Parker! He's always cute to see.
Melanie Anne - Home for Christmas
A little unrealistic, but it's a plain fun read (and an awfully good job for a challenge fic based off a list of items)
Melanie Anne - Sun and Candlelight
Oh, the things I love about this one! The two biggest are the use of poetry, and the surprise at the end. :D
Melanie Anne - Where the Heart Is
The character death is depressing, but the scenes of Jarod and Miss Parker comforting each other are like getting a hug when you're crying.
MMB - A Shoulder To Lean On
I love that in this fic Miss Parker finally connects and reaches out, and lets down some of those walls.
MMB - A Time for Everything
I always felt Miss Parker got over Thomas too quickly in the show. *This* is what we should have seen (but didn't).
MMB - All in a Day's Work
Funny little piece about Sam--you gotta love Debbie! :D
MMB - Another Day at the Centre
I love the contrast of the two "fathers"--her real one and his treatment of her versus Sydney and his caring for her. And of course the h/c aspect of it in that totally platonic way.
MMB - Filling the Gap / Life Goes On
Amazing two-part story; I love seeing Sydney save Miss Parker and help her develop the kind of relationship with him--and with Broots and Debbie--that should have always been there. :)
MMB - Heirloom
Another favorite Sydney & Miss Parker interaction.
MMB - Home for the Holidays
In which we have the treat of Miss Parker being the one to be there for Sydney, for once.
MMB - In Transit
This one's fairly short, but I love the little glimpses of interaction, and how the relationships change just in that little bit. Somewhat subtle, meaningful, and delicious.
MMB - Line in the Sand
Sydney is there for Miss Parker again. :)
MMB - Minding Debbie / Nightmare / Picnic
I love this little trilogy! We get a lot of Sydney & Debbie interaction (something that's not that common to see) and it ties in Miss Parker at the end.
MMB - Refuge
A shorter fic (but still several chapters!) focusing on Jarod's mother Margaret, and her relationship to Sydney.
MMB - Retrospective / Picking Up the Pieces / Family Ties / Balancing the Scales / Truth and Consequences / Resolutions
WOW. What can I say about this one? This is definitely her magnum opus, and the ultimate series of fics for dealing with the end of the Centre. In some ways, I think of her series as the canon of the story ending that should have been. (Mind you, I've always liked alternate endings so hers isn't the only ending I like to read, but it just feels RIGHT.) I love how she ties up all the loose ends, gets Jarod and Miss Parker together, and even ****! (I'll avoid spoiling you.)
MMB - Terror
Rape is one subject I don't see too much fic about, and what I do see tends to be of poor quality, but this one was incredibly well done, I think. It's not the easiest subject matter to read about but the father/daughter relationship that develops between Sydney and Miss Parker is beautiful.
MMB - The Spirit of the Season
The Pretender is not a happy/everything's wonderful sort of fandom, but this fic actually *works* for the holidays and it isn't depressing!
MMB - The Visit
This one I'm really torn about. On one hand I love some of the scenes between Sydney and Miss Parker, but I really wish she ended up with Jarod at the end! (When I re-read, I often stop as Miss Parker starts getting involved with the other guy.)
MMB - Toxic
Mmm, this one's awesome. You have Sydney & Debbie interaction, amnesia (which is always fun to read about), and Miss Parker having Jarod's baby. Fun themes and well-written!
MMB - When the Bough Breaks
This one is both similar to and different from Toxic. It has the same sort of happily-ever-after ending, but the method for getting there is definitely unique, and they vary in how much Jarod's family gets into it. I particularly like the revelations both Jarod and Miss Parker come to about themselves and who they've become, and the process of them all becoming a family.
MMB - With a Wink and a Nod
I love it when they get Miss Parker to be a part of a family . . . :)
Nicky - Silent Declarations
I love their inner thoughts . . .
Phenyx - A Not So Perfect World
I love how Miss Parker is the key, the one person who truly understands Jarod. (Well, besides Sydney, but he's not present in much of this story for reasons you'll discover as you read.) Some of the dialogue is priceless.
Phenyx - A Voice Heard in Ramah
I love the whole premise; it's totally something Raines might do. And the author did a great job at giving all of them individual personalities.
Phenyx - Bridge of the Abyss
I love the déjà vu bit in this, and of course all the Jarod/Miss Parker.
Phenyx - Living in Algernon
This one's really sad! I don't read it that often, but the premise is interesting.
Phenyx - Reconstructing Jarod
This story deserves the warning. I should note that in re-reading it I tend to skip the first part of it until the meeting with the Triumverate. Beyond that, I love how Miss Parker takes care of him, Sam's interaction with him, and the realism of how all of that has affected Jarod's desire for escape and all.
Phenyx - The Straight Path Lost
Mmm, I love the glimpses of Jarod through his mother's eyes, the tense moments when Jarod's on the phone with Miss Parker, bringing Miss Parker and Jarod's family together . . . it's a fun read!
Phenyx - Veil of Contentment
I'm not too fond of Zoe, so I don't mind the characterization she gets in this fic. And some of the dialogue is too funny, even if a little risqué. This is one of the careers I could totally see Jarod going for, because of how it hits close to home.
Pouncer - Eyes Turned Skyward
This is a bit edgy in the content for me, but I just love how the author captured the moods, the characters' personalities, and the little turns in the storyline . . .
RRP - Broken Times / Goodbye, Goodnight
It's easy to forget about Sam, and what his relationship with Miss Parker might be. I like seeing them as friends like this.
Sezzie - En Pointe
I've never done any sort of ballet dancing but this was a lovely inclusion--the thematic element of it seemed to really fit.
Sezzie - The Girl Who Was Anne Frank
We don't think about Emily's life too often, but I have to wonder what it was like, growing up the way she did.
Sezzie - Troy
The Helen of Troy references are awesome in this. And I like the look at Miss Parker through Gemini's eyes.
slowly - Free Falling
This is another Jarod w/family, Miss Parker contrasted with Zoe . . . makes for a good read.
The Lurker - A Matter of Time / Le Secret
This set makes me want to sniff and cry but in a good way because of the Sydney & Miss Parker friendship at the end.
The Lurker - Blue Moonlight
There's a little exchange between Miss Parker and Sydney, in the most emotional part of the fic, that always gets me . . .
The Lurker - Coffee Grounds
I like the conversation between Sydney and Miss Parker at the end of this.
The Lurker - Empty Hallways / Empty Spaces
The second fic in this series makes me cry for the character death, but I love the Sydney/Miss Parker friendship that is built. And that last line or two really makes me wonder what it was about; they left it so open . . .
The Lurker - Gentle Rocking
Aww, the Sydney/Jarod father-son relationship is so sweet . . . tinged with the uncertainty and bittersweetness of Jarod's view of Sydney these days . . .
The Lurker - Go Fish
This is an awesome parody--it has this veneer of reality until you take a closer look and start laughing because there's NO WAY . . . *g*
The Lurker - One at a Time
The Miss Parker/Sydney friendship is the best part of this one.
The Lurker - Only the Lonely
I think this writer's specialty is the Sydney/Miss Parker friendship. Maybe 'tis why I have so many of their fics rec'd. :D
The Lurker - Presence
Sydney and Angelo! We don't see them interact much in fic, but I do like this one.
The Lurker - Something More
More of the lovely Sydney/Miss Parker friendship and caring that I love . . .
The Lurker - Surrounded by Strangers
And even more of the same sort of Sydney/Miss Parker relationship as before. I just love these! :D
The Lurker - The Damage People Do
Once more, we have Sydney and Miss Parker . . . :)
The Lurker - To Jacob
Jacob does play a tiny part in this (absently), but the story is, once again, about Sydney and Miss Parker. :)
The Lurker - Unforgettable
Want to guess which two characters this might possibly be about?
The Lurker - Wet Pavement / The Phoenix
Sydney's life is at stake, and Jarod tries to help him. (And of course we have to have some Sydney/Miss Parker friendship!) Another nice pair of fics.
the_rck - Autumn Over Her
Besides being a giftfic for Yuletide, this one's a lovely gen piece. The summary says it all. "When Sydney asks for help, Jarod answers." (And who would Sydney need Jarod to help with, of course?)
