Post by Cass on Dec 28, 2011 14:16:49 GMT 10
Eleven Authors of 2011
by Cassandra and Rosie
1. Rachy
Title: Seal of Approval
Rating: PG
Summary: Jonathan asks Buri for her approval to marry Thayet.
Because: The situation here is great, and Buri's dialogue is a little snappish, heartfelt, and just perfect.
On: TKO
Link: Here
Title: Aftermath Wishes
Rating: PG
Summary: In the aftermath of the Duke's heart attack, Sandry thinks.
Because: Sandry's loneliness is palpable, and the imagery is fabulous.
On: TKO
Link: Here
2. Seek
Title: Never Been To Spain
Rating: G
Summary: Nestor and Mattes talk about the hill country.
Because: This is a combination of characters not seen too often, and the execution and ending work excellently.
On: Goldenlake
Link: Here
Title: Staying Alive
Rating: R
Summary: Part of being a Puppy, Mattes learns, is about staying alive to make sure the Rats get theirs. It’s about learning that sometimes, it’s them or you.
Because: Seek's writing here is grim in a very good sort of way.
On: Goldenlake
Link: Here
3. Griff
Title: A Bitter Taste
Rating: R
Summary: They were happy, once. But now, all they have left is a bitter taste they won't forget.
Because: I might be biased because this fic was written for me, but Griff writes longing and tension so well-- she really captures the dynamic
On: Goldenlake
Link: Here
Title: The One With the Hair
Rating: PG
Summary: He stands as a bastion of goodness in a land of neglect, brave Faleron; the One With the Hair.
Because: Have we mentioned how Griff is absolutely hilarious? Because she is, and this fic proves it.
On: Goldenlake
Link: Here
Carbon Kiwi
Title: Lungs
Rating: PG-13
Summary: “Use our lungs.”
Because: Kiwi does a lot with a little here-- there's a great economy of language.
On: Goldenlake
Link: Here
Title: Getting Personal
Rating: PG-13
Summary: "You two make quite the pair."
Because: Her Rosethorn! Her Rosethorn is fabulous, and it's a great exploration of the Rosethorn/Lark relationship
On: Goldenlake
Link: Here
Muse
Title: Cockroach
Rating: PG
Summary: Gary
Because: Muse gets Roger's characterization down perfectly. And poor Gary.
On: Goldenlake
Link: Here
Title: The Price of Dreaming
Rating: PG
Summary: In Gainel's experience, he rarely gets the opportunity to interact with humans...until now. Where does one draw the line between safety and meddling too much in the Mortal Realms?
Because: This fic is utterly captivating.
On: TKO
Link: Here
Shhasow
Title: Old White's Tale
Rating: G
Summary: From beginning to completion, the birth of a god to fulfillment.
Because: Nat writes this origin story very well-- it's a creation myth for Tortall!
On: Goldenlake
Link: Here
Title: Torn
Rating: PG
Summary: Both are torn apart by the other.
Because: Sarra/Weiryn fic! Nat writes both perspectives beautifully.
On: Goldenlake
Link: Here
7. Sidonie
Title: Goldenlake
Rating: G
Summary: On a lazy summer day, Gary discovers how Raoul's home got its name.
Because: Hard to resist a fic about the fief we take our name from, and Sidonie delivers in spades with gorgeous description. And I love the dynamic between the boys.
On: TKO
Link: Here
Title: Northern Line
Rating: PG
Summary: On a chill day in London, Roald Conté meets a tall, dark, and handsome stranger.
Because: As somebody who gets the Northern Line all the time, alas, this struck a massive chord with me. I am fond of the occasional modern AU, and sidonie produces plausible and fun variations on the POTS cast.
On: Goldenlake
Link: Here
8. gear
Title: Begin
Rating: PG-13
Summary: So I’ve heard that your young mages decided to begin acting like teenagers for once by jumping straight into the mass destruction of property and underage drinking scene.
Because: Wonderful glimpse of the good side of Rosethorn and Crane's relationship
On: Goldenlake
Link: Here
Title: Staying Alive
Rating: G
Summary: Some heroes do great deeds. Handsome knights in shining armour, mages in splendid robes. But then there are other types of heroes. Sharp tongued green mages. Loving stitch witches. Cook mages with big hearts.
Because: lovely fic about a character whose worth might be underestimated
On: Goldenlake
Link: Here
9. rosaxx50
Title: Morning Conversations
Rating: G
Summary: Sandry, Tris and Daja lay down some house rules for Briar's new girl.
Because: I don't think I've read another piece of fanfic that's delighted me so much with regards to the foster siblings' interactions with one another and outsiders. Made me smile, and feels utterly perfect.
On: Goldenlake
Link: Here
Title: Bedlam Waits
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Niko's best friend was scarred beyond help. Tris has just told him she plans to follow the same career path.
Because: Another modern fic, and this one strikes a vastly different and hugely effective, chilling tone.
On: Goldenlake
Link: Here
10. OpalGirl
Title: Family in Four Themes
Rating: PG
Summary: Four Conte-family snippets, following the themes given for the relay.
Because: Val uses the relay theme to great effect to showcase the senior Contes and their family interactions.
On: Goldenlake
Link: Here
Title: The Ones Left Behind
Rating: PG
Summary: “He is your father. If he brings this palace down around his foolish head, I would not wish for you to be here.”
Because: Val really packs a punch with this piece, of Kalasin I's final day, and we get a great insight into her character.
On: Goldenlake
Link: Here
11. naxensfancy
Title: Snow for Leaves
Rating: PG-13
Summary: After Gyongxe, Rosethorn is having some trouble coping.
Because: This piece is just stunning. We find ourselves so thoroughly in Rosethorn's head, and it's a messy place to be, and Chrissy works Crane into this fic beautifully. His actions really reflect the way these two understand one another.
On: Goldenlake
Link: Here
Title: Bright Flame, Light Flame
Rating: PG
Summary: The first spell a Naxen learns isn't always a useful one.
Because: We're so used to seeing Duke Gareth as utterly composed and making all the right decisions, and Chrissy gives us a scenario where it all goes painfully wrong for him.
On: Goldenlake
Link: Here