Jaina (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
effervescible) wrote2007-12-29 03:24 pm
effervescible) wrote2007-12-29 03:24 pm
2007 Must Read list
This year, I decided to do a recs list of what I found to be the most enjoyable fics I read in 2007. I'd like to call it a best of the best list, but I'll be honest and say hey—I'm not totally impartial and objective. If your taste is the opposite of mine, well, flee now! Plus my fic exposure is pretty limited to what comes across the flist, what gets recced to me and what I see on The Pit, so this isn't all the good stuff from 2007. Also, some of these were written for me in ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
bleach_flashfic so I'm even more biased there. But I think these are pretty damn good reads. Spoilers within for various canons.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Title: "Male Bonding" by![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
ali_wildgoose and rawles
Summary: As much as she intensely dislikes it, Katara understands why Zuko had to join them. What she doesn't understand is why he and Sokka have to spend every waking moment in each other's company.
Why you should read it: It's tremendously funny and brings out the utter dorkiness that resides within both Sokka and Zuko, Sokka's pimpness aside. It's also wonderfully touching, and shows perfectly why Sokka and Zuko could end up getting along a lot better than either ever expected.
Bleach
Title: "All We Know of Heaven (That Which We Are Not Meant to Grasp)" byraynos
Summary: Young Rukia and a mysterious shinigami make a deal.
Why you should read it: Maybe it's egotistical to include a remix of one of my own fics, but frankly, I think Ray did it better. So, how did Rukia end up with the hogyoku? I love believable fics with characters in their younger days. Spot-on portrayal of Urahara.
Title: "Annoying Acquaintances" bysaucy_kate
Summary: Post-overlord Aizen gets drunk with Urahara, Isshin and Kyouraku
Why you should read it: Did you READ the title? Some of the best crack humor of the year.
Title: "Diamond Girl" bykay_willow
Summary: Ishida has to bring a date to his father's fundraising gala. Only one girl will do.
Why you should read it: Ishida and Rukia! ISHIDA AND RUKIA. It's a date of convenience, not exactly a romance, but it hints at why these two would be evil together if they ever joined forces. Be still my heart.
Title: "Dinner Party" by_debbiechan_
Summary: Ishida Orihime throws her first grown-up dinner party. Duck and cover.
Why you should read it: Rarely do futurefics get the dynamic between all parties down well, but this fic really nails it. Sweet but not cloying, funny but not a parody, this is an all-around great read. The mix of emotions that occur when one starts to grow up is palpable. I could really relate to this one. One of my absolute favorites of the whole year.
Title: "Emptying the Nest" bycccpirate
Summary: There's a lot to do to prepare Rukia for her impending wedding. Ever the dutiful older brother, Byakuya makes it happen.
Why you should read it: Unless and until more Byakuya+Rukia sibling fics are posted, this is the quintessential version of awkward, awkward Kuchiki brotherly love. With so many preparations to make, there are countless funny bits (just wait until Rukia gets to the lessons on bridal decorum) but it also twists one's heart at how much Byakuya loves her without really being very good at showing it.
Title: "Fever" bykatsudon
Summary: When Rukia falls ill, Renji does what he can to help her.
Why you should read it: Rukongai childhood fic! Beautifully woobie Renji! Captures their younger dynamic very well, with a heart-twisting end that just makes you want to give Renji a good squeeze.
Title: "Forty-Six" bymaeveth
Summary: So, how did the murders of the Central Forty-Six go down?
Why you should read it: Because it's creepy in a way rarely seen in Bleach fic, despite the series being about a bunch of ghosts.
Title: "How Yachiru Got Her Man" byoarthesecond
Summary: Yachiru's on a mission. Her target: sweet Byakushi.
Why you should read it: Sweet, delicious crack. (This is grown-up Yachiru, by the way.) If you like funny, you'll probably like this. DON'T YOU LIKE FUNNY?
Title: "Hush" byhallowd
Summary: Rukia sleeps with her ghosts that rest ill at ease. Byakuya looks after her as he best knows how.
Why you should read it: Quiet and melancholy in that way Byakuya can be, this is my other favorite Kuchiki sibling fic. Short, but it says exactly what it needs to.
Title: "Ichigo's Funeral" by_debbiechan_
Summary: A shinigami captain doesn't need a living body, but shuffling off the mortal coil is only the beginning for Ichigo.
Why you should read it: This provokes a lot of the same true-to-life emotions that "Dinner Party" does, which is fitting since it takes place prior to that fic, but if you yearn for fic dealing with Ichigo and Tatsuki's friendships and the fallout his new lifestyle has had on it, this is the fic for you.
Title: "Janken" byempath_eia
Summary: Renji learns to let go.
Why you should read it: If you are a sucker for the Renji->Rukia dynamic and enjoy believe doggie angst without it being gratuitous torture, this is the one for you. Made all the better for the presence of the academy trio, whose enduring friendship is a welcome dynamic.
Title: "Keepsake" byovertoned (f-locked, but it's easy to join the comm)
Summary: Once, a long time ago, Kuchiki Rukia gave something to Hisagi Shuuhei that he's always kept safe.
Why you should read it: Because it makes the crack pairing of Shuuhei/Rukia actually believable. Not exactly a happy fic, but beautiful in its way.
Title: "The Language of Flowers" byscathachdhu
Summary: Urahara pisses off Yoruichi. She reacts accordingly.
Why you should read it: Ever wonder what the characters are off dorking about when we don't see them? This is one perfectly believable answer. Utterly nails their long-suffering best friendship.
Title: "Pirate House" byscathachdhu
Summary: It's Yachiru's birthday and the Eleventh Division knows how to party.
Why you should read it: Because I nearly wet myself laughing at it. Scathach takes the nuttiness of the Eleventh and bounces it off a bunch of other characters, to great effect. Each division's choice of present is especially fun.
Title: "Shinigrimmy" byscathachdhu
Summary: Grimmjow's been purified and forced into service as a shinigami. He finds his own ways of coping.
Why you should read it: More excellent yet oddly believable (if you tilt your head sideways) crack pairing fic. Grimmjow's personal habits once he becomes a shinigami are fabulous. Combine that with Rukia's irritation at being his babysitter and this has all sorts of potential as a ficverse.
Title: "Special Training" bylovediamond
Summary: Ukitake has to have a talk with his young subordinate's significant other.
Why you should read it: It's too short for me to describe without ruining it, but let's say it's a damn funny all-dialogue fic that shows just how diplomatic Ukitake can be.
Title: "Through Endless Sands" bygeofount
Summary: Orihime talks to ghosts. Sometimes, Ulquiorra listens.
Why you should read it: This is a difficult fic to read, but it's got everything I find intriguing about the dynamic between Orihime and Ulquiorra. Haunting and lovely.
Title: "True Love and Swirly Skirts" by_debbiechan_
Summary: How Orihime falls in love and how she just falls.
Why you should read it: This is an excellent character study that isn't just a bunch of rambling on a character's thoughts. Some very nice insights into why Orihime is who she is, why she falls for Ichigo, and the process of heartbreak. Even if you are not an Orihime fan, if you can read this and not have even a smidge of sympathy for her, you have no heart.
Title: "A Winter's Tale" byhallowd
Summary: In the end, Ichigo breaks. Rukia tries to pick up the pieces.
Why you should read it: Now this is what a one-shot should be. Self-contained but with a feeling of expansiveness that makes the world it's in truly believable, it explores an interesting question: what if death isn't the worst thing that could happen to Ichigo in the winter war? Rukia gets to be awesome and we get to see some new sides of different characters and enjoy Aino's gift for great dialogue. A very cozy story to enjoy with hot chocolate.
Supernatural
Title: "Salvation Lets Their Wings Unfold" byraynos
Summary: Mary Winchester had a past.
Why you should read it: I don't read a lot of SPN fic, but I love this version of Sam and Dean's mother and where exactly the Impala came from. Good reading.
bleach_flashfic so I'm even more biased there. But I think these are pretty damn good reads. Spoilers within for various canons.Avatar: The Last Airbender
Title: "Male Bonding" by
ali_wildgoose and rawlesSummary: As much as she intensely dislikes it, Katara understands why Zuko had to join them. What she doesn't understand is why he and Sokka have to spend every waking moment in each other's company.
Why you should read it: It's tremendously funny and brings out the utter dorkiness that resides within both Sokka and Zuko, Sokka's pimpness aside. It's also wonderfully touching, and shows perfectly why Sokka and Zuko could end up getting along a lot better than either ever expected.
Bleach
Title: "All We Know of Heaven (That Which We Are Not Meant to Grasp)" by
raynosSummary: Young Rukia and a mysterious shinigami make a deal.
Why you should read it: Maybe it's egotistical to include a remix of one of my own fics, but frankly, I think Ray did it better. So, how did Rukia end up with the hogyoku? I love believable fics with characters in their younger days. Spot-on portrayal of Urahara.
Title: "Annoying Acquaintances" by
saucy_kateSummary: Post-overlord Aizen gets drunk with Urahara, Isshin and Kyouraku
Why you should read it: Did you READ the title? Some of the best crack humor of the year.
Title: "Diamond Girl" by
kay_willowSummary: Ishida has to bring a date to his father's fundraising gala. Only one girl will do.
Why you should read it: Ishida and Rukia! ISHIDA AND RUKIA. It's a date of convenience, not exactly a romance, but it hints at why these two would be evil together if they ever joined forces. Be still my heart.
Title: "Dinner Party" by
_debbiechan_Summary: Ishida Orihime throws her first grown-up dinner party. Duck and cover.
Why you should read it: Rarely do futurefics get the dynamic between all parties down well, but this fic really nails it. Sweet but not cloying, funny but not a parody, this is an all-around great read. The mix of emotions that occur when one starts to grow up is palpable. I could really relate to this one. One of my absolute favorites of the whole year.
Title: "Emptying the Nest" by
cccpirateSummary: There's a lot to do to prepare Rukia for her impending wedding. Ever the dutiful older brother, Byakuya makes it happen.
Why you should read it: Unless and until more Byakuya+Rukia sibling fics are posted, this is the quintessential version of awkward, awkward Kuchiki brotherly love. With so many preparations to make, there are countless funny bits (just wait until Rukia gets to the lessons on bridal decorum) but it also twists one's heart at how much Byakuya loves her without really being very good at showing it.
Title: "Fever" by
katsudonSummary: When Rukia falls ill, Renji does what he can to help her.
Why you should read it: Rukongai childhood fic! Beautifully woobie Renji! Captures their younger dynamic very well, with a heart-twisting end that just makes you want to give Renji a good squeeze.
Title: "Forty-Six" by
maevethSummary: So, how did the murders of the Central Forty-Six go down?
Why you should read it: Because it's creepy in a way rarely seen in Bleach fic, despite the series being about a bunch of ghosts.
Title: "How Yachiru Got Her Man" by
oarthesecondSummary: Yachiru's on a mission. Her target: sweet Byakushi.
Why you should read it: Sweet, delicious crack. (This is grown-up Yachiru, by the way.) If you like funny, you'll probably like this. DON'T YOU LIKE FUNNY?
Title: "Hush" by
hallowdSummary: Rukia sleeps with her ghosts that rest ill at ease. Byakuya looks after her as he best knows how.
Why you should read it: Quiet and melancholy in that way Byakuya can be, this is my other favorite Kuchiki sibling fic. Short, but it says exactly what it needs to.
Title: "Ichigo's Funeral" by
_debbiechan_Summary: A shinigami captain doesn't need a living body, but shuffling off the mortal coil is only the beginning for Ichigo.
Why you should read it: This provokes a lot of the same true-to-life emotions that "Dinner Party" does, which is fitting since it takes place prior to that fic, but if you yearn for fic dealing with Ichigo and Tatsuki's friendships and the fallout his new lifestyle has had on it, this is the fic for you.
Title: "Janken" by
empath_eiaSummary: Renji learns to let go.
Why you should read it: If you are a sucker for the Renji->Rukia dynamic and enjoy believe doggie angst without it being gratuitous torture, this is the one for you. Made all the better for the presence of the academy trio, whose enduring friendship is a welcome dynamic.
Title: "Keepsake" by
overtoned (f-locked, but it's easy to join the comm)Summary: Once, a long time ago, Kuchiki Rukia gave something to Hisagi Shuuhei that he's always kept safe.
Why you should read it: Because it makes the crack pairing of Shuuhei/Rukia actually believable. Not exactly a happy fic, but beautiful in its way.
Title: "The Language of Flowers" by
scathachdhuSummary: Urahara pisses off Yoruichi. She reacts accordingly.
Why you should read it: Ever wonder what the characters are off dorking about when we don't see them? This is one perfectly believable answer. Utterly nails their long-suffering best friendship.
Title: "Pirate House" by
scathachdhuSummary: It's Yachiru's birthday and the Eleventh Division knows how to party.
Why you should read it: Because I nearly wet myself laughing at it. Scathach takes the nuttiness of the Eleventh and bounces it off a bunch of other characters, to great effect. Each division's choice of present is especially fun.
Title: "Shinigrimmy" by
scathachdhuSummary: Grimmjow's been purified and forced into service as a shinigami. He finds his own ways of coping.
Why you should read it: More excellent yet oddly believable (if you tilt your head sideways) crack pairing fic. Grimmjow's personal habits once he becomes a shinigami are fabulous. Combine that with Rukia's irritation at being his babysitter and this has all sorts of potential as a ficverse.
Title: "Special Training" by
lovediamondSummary: Ukitake has to have a talk with his young subordinate's significant other.
Why you should read it: It's too short for me to describe without ruining it, but let's say it's a damn funny all-dialogue fic that shows just how diplomatic Ukitake can be.
Title: "Through Endless Sands" by
geofountSummary: Orihime talks to ghosts. Sometimes, Ulquiorra listens.
Why you should read it: This is a difficult fic to read, but it's got everything I find intriguing about the dynamic between Orihime and Ulquiorra. Haunting and lovely.
Title: "True Love and Swirly Skirts" by
_debbiechan_Summary: How Orihime falls in love and how she just falls.
Why you should read it: This is an excellent character study that isn't just a bunch of rambling on a character's thoughts. Some very nice insights into why Orihime is who she is, why she falls for Ichigo, and the process of heartbreak. Even if you are not an Orihime fan, if you can read this and not have even a smidge of sympathy for her, you have no heart.
Title: "A Winter's Tale" by
hallowdSummary: In the end, Ichigo breaks. Rukia tries to pick up the pieces.
Why you should read it: Now this is what a one-shot should be. Self-contained but with a feeling of expansiveness that makes the world it's in truly believable, it explores an interesting question: what if death isn't the worst thing that could happen to Ichigo in the winter war? Rukia gets to be awesome and we get to see some new sides of different characters and enjoy Aino's gift for great dialogue. A very cozy story to enjoy with hot chocolate.
Supernatural
Title: "Salvation Lets Their Wings Unfold" by
raynosSummary: Mary Winchester had a past.
Why you should read it: I don't read a lot of SPN fic, but I love this version of Sam and Dean's mother and where exactly the Impala came from. Good reading.