dbskyler: (dalek tea)
[personal profile] dbskyler
Story: Happiness
Author: nostalgia
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 3242
Author's Summary: In which John Smith is very happy with his life.
Characters/Pairings: The Eleventh Doctor, Amy Pond, Rory Williams, River Song
Warnings: Swearing

Recced because: John Smith has everything he needs in his life to be happy -- a marriage, a mistress, and a rewarding career as a writer. So what's wrong? It's not clear at first what's going on, but when the truth is revealed, it's devastating.
nonelvis: (DW river's very special birthday)
[personal profile] nonelvis
Story: Scytale
Author: platypus
Rating: Adult
Word Count: 500
Author's Summary: River needs the Doctor's help to read an encrypted message.
Characters/Pairings: Eleven/River

Recced because: Okay, I freely admit this fic was written as a surprise birthday gift for me, and the author is a dear friend, but in my defense, the story makes me laugh every time I read it, and I needed a pick-me-up today. Which this story does flawlessly in a mere 500 words, including an absolutely terrible (and terribly filthy) pun directly related to the titular form of encryption. All I can say without spoiling the story is that it involves River summoning Eleven for help decrypting a message he is uniquely qualified to decrypt -- and at 500 delightful words, you owe it to yourself to find out how that decryption happens. (It's also less dirty that you'd think for an adult-rated story -- not a complaint, honest! -- so if you're uncomfortable with explicit sex but can handle a filthy joke or two, you're fine here.)
[identity profile] a-phoenixdragon.livejournal.com
Story: Elemental
Author: Clocketpatch
Rating: All Ages
Word Count: 2146
Author's Summary: His friends are stars, burning brightly. They are the earth he clings to. They are ripples across the water. They are his reason.
Characters/Pairings: Clara Oswin Oswald, The Doctor (12th), Amy Pond, River Song, Rory Williams
Warnings: None

Recced because: Well, it is no secret (I'm sure!) how much I love this author's work! I love the descriptions, imagery and the way I can see the Doctor (and the Companions!) through her eyes. She always brings her best to the table with every word and sentence - and this is seriously no exception! This fiction describes the Companions (through them, of them) with the image of the elements - and it is extraordinary how she just nails them perfectly...and gives us an ending that is unexpected - and yet makes total sense in the aftermath of the rest of the fiction. I'm not giving this one away - this is definitely (like most of her works!) a Must-Read! Though a little taste to get one started never hurts, yes?

Just a taste... )


Go, read, enjoy - and please let her know how much her fiction rocks! I'm sure she will appreciate the Love!

PhoenixDragon (aka Mandy)
[identity profile] a-phoenixdragon.livejournal.com
Hello, hello all!! I am PhoenixDragon and though I am rather late with it, I am your reccer for the next little while. All apologies for being late this week - but I shall try to make up for this by bringing some of the best work out there! Let me get started with this goodie...

Story: Concentration of Measure
Author: eve11
Rating: All Ages
Word Count: 227
Author's Summary: Trust is information. Information is the inverse of variance. The TARDIS must learn how to understand River Song.
Characters/Pairings: River Song, The Doctor (11th), The TARDIS
Warnings: Character Study, Introspection

Recced because: Not only is this author one of my favorites, but there is a good reason why: she can take concepts and thoughts that are beyond my ken and make them understandable. She can take ideas and facts that are not within my own realm of knowledge and make them simple to understand and grasp. She finds ways to do that with every tale - and this one is no exception. It is short (too short, in my opinion, but I feel that way about a lot of the fiction I read!) yet sweet, and even though I would love more, it says what it needs to within the words it is constructed of (my personal greed aside). This is Time and Events from the view of the TARDIS. That is a hard concept to grapple with in the first place, as we are a very linear species with a rather wonky understanding of time and events, even as they happen! Our memories aren't the best, either, to tell the truth. But here we have a character that has perfect recall (should She so choose) - in ANY event along the timelines. She is only restricted to Her (and Her Pilot's) events and timelines, but that is only because She no longer has access to the broader views and understandings of the TARDISes of Gallifrey.

But I'm getting ahead of myself here. This is a perfect little drabble about Sexy and how She 'sees'. What she CAN see and what She chooses to remember (whether it be the future or the past). I recommend anything from this author. But I'll give you this fic to jump off with.

Just a mere taste to get you going... )


I do hope you enjoy her work as much as I have! Be sure to leave her a review telling her so! And I shall be reccing another beauty here very soon...

PhoenixDragon
ext_13288: pre-raphealite (drwho-river)
[identity profile] paynesgrey.livejournal.com
Story: Revised Memories
Author: Gallifrey Immigrant
Rating: all ages
Word Count: 537
Author's Summary: River stops off to help a little girl who lost her teddy.
Characters/Pairings: River Song
Warnings: None

Recced because: This is such an adorable little character piece for River Song, in more ways than one. It gives good insight on her past too, something we rarely see on the show, and I think it's shaped nicely here. I just like the concept of this, and it's so very much like River to not care about the laws of time and space to help out "a little girl". A cute, enjoyable tale.
[identity profile] dbskyler.livejournal.com
Story: Tributary, Confluence, Distributary, Fork
Author: Nancy Brown
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 4244
Author's Summary: Four hellos and one goodbye.
Characters/Pairings: River Song, Jack Harkness, the Eleventh Doctor
Warnings: None

Recced because: River and Jack are both travellers through time whose lives have been permanently altered through their association with the Doctor. But what if their lives had also been permanently altered through their association with each other? Expertly woven through time and space, this fic shows us their first meetings, the power of friendship, and the importance of being in the right place at the right time.

An excerpt )
but_can_i_be_trusted: from the Wayne & Shuster sketch, 'Rinse the Blood off My Toga' (Smiling)
[personal profile] but_can_i_be_trusted
Story: Easter Bunnies
Author: betawho
Rating: All Ages
Word Count: 775
Author's Summary: The Doctor's caught up in the childlike joy of Easter, to the embarrassment of his companions. So how do they distract him?
Characters/Pairings: Eleventh Doctor, River Song, Amy Pond, Rory Williams
Warnings: None

Recced because: A bit of Easter fun, care of an author who excels at Eleven/River fluff. You're welcome. :D
but_can_i_be_trusted: from the Wayne & Shuster sketch, 'Rinse the Blood off My Toga' (Smiling)
[personal profile] but_can_i_be_trusted
Story: In Which Rory is the Next David Attenborough
Author: promethia_tenk
Rating: All Ages
Word Count: 370
Author's Summary: Rory and Amy make fun of the Doctor's flirting technique.
Characters/Pairings: Amy Pond, Rory Williams, Eleventh Doctor/River Song
Warnings: None.

Recced because: It makes me giggle every single time! It is precious and adorable, and very much in keeping with the characters' personalities. I want to hug them--I want to hug the writer! And I'm just a smidge envious; I wish I'd come up with this, or that I were as good at fluff.
[identity profile] doctorxdonna.livejournal.com
Sorry it's been so long between recs, I've been recovering from a nasty case of the flu.

Story: Welcome to the House!
Author: Masterpwn
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 31896
Author's Summary: Multiple people who have never met each other are selected by a secret organization for unknown reasons and forced to survive in the most terrible place they have ever been in full of traps and monsters. It will take their best to stay alive and find out the truth, but the house will try everything to kill them. Is escape even possible? Will anyone even survive this? 10 go in, 1 comes out... Or so they say.
Characters/Pairing: Amy Pond, Clara Oswald, Donna Noble, Rose Tyler, River Song, Martha Jones, Rory Williams, the 9th Doctor, the 10th Doctor, the 11th Doctor
Warnings: Explicit violence, swearing, several major character deaths

As I've said before, I love a good AU, and this story fits the bill. Perhaps my favorite thing about it though is that we get a whole mess of characters who never got a chance to interact in canon working together towards a common goal. This story is full of surprises, twists, and turns-I never knew what to expect next, which is part of why I loved it so much. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
[identity profile] scripsi.livejournal.com
Title: Near Enough to a Lifetime
Author: nonelvis
Rating: Adult
Word Count: 2243
Author's Summary: The first few hours of night, and the last.
Characters/Pairings: Twelfth Doctor/River Song
Warnings: None

Recc'ed Because: After The Christmas episode I suddenly craved some Twelfth Doctor/River fics. This story filled that craving admirably. It’s fun and sweet and a bit sad.

Excerpt )
[identity profile] scripsi.livejournal.com
Hello! I’m your reccer for the next two weeks. i hope you will enjoy the fics!

Title: She First Spotted Him in Malachite and Vases
Author: annariel
Rating: All ages
Word Count: 1869
Author's Summary: River Song chances upon the First Doctor at the Great Exhibition of 1851.
Characters/Pairings: First Doctor, River Song
Warnings: None

Recc'ed Because: I have a special fondness for stories where River meets past regenerations. I am sure she would see the Doctor out. This story is so charming and the Doctor gets charmed too, while still being much himself. And River is her usual flirty self, ready for some adventure. Then throw in a Armelian Neutron Manipulator in the mix… It’s good fun, but with a touch of sadness too, as is fitting in a story with River Song.

Excerpt )
eve11: (dw_river_tpo)
[personal profile] eve11
Title: Love a Tomb
Author: johne
Rating: All Ages
Word Count: 1001
Author's Summary: Amy accompanies River on a typical workday.
Characters/Pairings: River Song, Amy Pond
Warnings: None

Recc'ed Because: A sharp, witty and fun little adventure with nary a Doctor in sight. I love River and I love to see what she gets up to in the interim of her intersecting timeline with the Doctor. It also makes me wish there was more River and Amy mother-daughter interaction in the show. And the last line is perfect. :D

Excerpt )
merryghoul: river song (river song blue)
[personal profile] merryghoul
Story: Merry Christmas, Simon
Author: TygerTyger
Rating: All Ages
Word Count: 5302
Author's Summary: River and the Doctor are on the trail of the Krampus.
Characters/Pairings: Eleventh Doctor/River Song, Other Characters
Warnings: None

Recced because: For my last rec, I wanted to rec something in the spirit of Christmas and this year's Christmas special, "The Husbands of River Song." I decided upon this fic, told from a viewpoint of a woman who overhears the Doctor and River arguing about capturing something. The woman later finds out the creature the Doctor and River are hunting is targeting her son. The story moves quickly and has equal parts action, suspense, and comedic squabbling between the Doctor and River.
but_can_i_be_trusted: from the Wayne & Shuster sketch, 'Rinse the Blood off My Toga' (Clever)
[personal profile] but_can_i_be_trusted
Story: A Sticky Situation
Author: Rangersyl
Rating: All Ages
Word Count: 5,607
Author's Summary: "This rescue," the Doctor admitted as he dangled over the chasm, "is a work in progress."
Characters/Pairings: The Eleventh Doctor/River Song
Warnings: None

Recced because: It honestly sounds like it could be an episode. There's excitement, suspense, danger, adventure, snark, and Eleven/River cuteness. Pretty much all you need, really. Plus creepy spider-like creatures. Actually? That makes me glad it's not an episode, now that I think about it...I'd much prefer to read about creepy spider-like creatures than see them. ^.^ Because these babies sound much scarier than the real thing! Anyway, it's a great story; I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
ext_13288: pre-raphealite (drwho-river)
[identity profile] paynesgrey.livejournal.com
Story: The Irresistible Future
Author: nostalgia
Rating: All ages
Word Count: 1,329
Author's Summary: Sometimes you can run from the inevitable.
Characters/Pairings: River Song, Tenth Doctor, Donna Noble, River/Ten
Warnings: None

Recced because: I really enjoyed this, and how the author brought Ten and River together with her still being mysterious and him realizing how much she’ll impact his life someday. Brilliant writing too, and solid characterizations.
merryghoul: river song (river song blue)
[personal profile] merryghoul
Story: Sex Storm
Author: nonelvis
Rating: Adult
Word Count: 3400
Author's Summary: Somehow, it took the Doctor three weeks to deliver Clara's coffee. Well, he did say he got distracted ...
Characters/Pairings: Twelfth Doctor/River Song
Warnings: Explicit Sex

Recced because: I tried not reccing this fic, but I like it too damn much to not rec it. This is [livejournal.com profile] nonelvis' take of what happened when the Doctor was three weeks late with Clara's coffee. Here, he intends to get coffee, but he's sidetracked by a younger River, still in uni and still getting into trouble. True to River's nature, this visit doesn't end on a chaste note.
[identity profile] jjpor.livejournal.com
Story: I could never live with me before you came along
Author: Nancy Brown
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 8664
Author's Summary: Canton Everett Delaware III is on a mission from God, er, River to put the band back together.
Characters/Pairings: Amy Pond, Canton Everett Delaware III, Jenny Flint, Madame Vastra, River Song, Rory Williams, The Doctor (11th), plus Anthony Williams and OCs
Warnings: None

Recced because: I was actually planning to rec another fic by this author, and I came across this more or less at random while looking for the other one on her Teaspoon page yesterday...and loved it. And couldn't believe it had no reviews and decided the best way of remedying that with a vengeance was to get it out here on Calufrax. So win/win for me - I get to rec this magnificent fic and still have one in the hole for my next reccing stint! :D

In all seriousness, though, this is a great fic, written with excellent characterisation and just common sense, decency and humanity. You know, like the best fics are. The fact that it also ticks quite a few of my fannish boxes as regards the tail end of the Eleven era (the Capaldinator is obviously brilliant, but I'm unashamed to say Eleven remains "my" NuWho Doctor) certainly doesn't hurt either. I've made no secret of the fact that I was, and am, seriously dissatisfied with the ending Amy and Rory got in The Angels Take Manhattan, not even because of their fates but mainly because of the slapdash way it was all plotted and the way we were expected to swallow rl attempts to plaster over those plot holes by authorial "word of god", so this sort of semi-fix-it (it doesn't actually fix it, but makes its point by illustrating one of the several blatantly obvious ways that it could be fixed) will always hold a certain appeal for me. The fact that it's wise-guy G-Man Canton Everett Delaware III, still one of my all-time favourite one-shot Who guest characters, who gets to be the main instrument of that sort-of-fix-it is, for me, the shiny cherry on top.

The author gives Canton an OC boyfriend, fittingly also a smart-mouthed hard-boiled cop type, who is also the everyman observer of the Doctor's strange world, as they go about reuniting Canton, the Paternoster Row crew, Amy and Rory and their adopted son Anthony, and eventually River and Eleven himself, and even get a bit of fraught adventure along the way. Throughout, we are reminded deftly and thought-provokingly of the difficulties and dangers facing same-sex relationships over the ages, with Vastra and Jenny's relationship also portrayed with great perceptiveness and sensitivity. I think the main thing I like about this, though, is the obvious love for the diverse cast of characters; even the ones that don't get that many lines (Eleven, actually) are vividly portrayed; as I often say of fanfic I find has particularly true-to-life characterisations, you really can hear the voices as you read it.

So get over there and see what you think, and please leave some words of appreciation for the author...!


A Taste )
[identity profile] scripsi.livejournal.com
Story: Backwards the Clock Goes Ticking
Author: Inkfire
Rating: All ages
Word Count: 511 words
Author's Summary: Sunlight burns and water gleams, and River Song stands suspended. Lake Silencio, twice.
Characters/Pairings: River Song, the Eleventh Doctor
Warnings:None

Recced because: I have a penchant for short, emotionally powerful fics and this one fits the bill beautifully. River Song is one of my favourite characters and I’m fascinated by her fragmented and tragic life. And when I read this story I could feel the intensity of the heat and River’s sense of helplessness.
[identity profile] scripsi.livejournal.com
Hello! I’m [livejournal.com profile] scripsi here and Dancingsalome at Teaspoon. This is my first round of reccing and I hope you will enjoy my recs as much as I have!

Story: Friends In High Places
Author: nostalgia
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 1753 words
Author's Summary: In which Torchwood completely fail to locate the Doctor while he's pretty much on their doorstep.
Characters/Pairings: The Third Doctor, Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, Liz Shaw, Jack Harkness, Donna Noble, the Tenth Doctor, The Master (Delgado), River Song, the TARDIS
Warnings: None stated

Recced because: The Doctor is thinking of getting a pet snake, the Brigadier fudge personal files and the Master takes a part time job at Torchwood. What is not to love? The fic consist of a couple of short scenes with various characters that are described spot on and why they want to find, or hide, the Doctor. I laughed out loud several times while reading it.

Excerpt )
[identity profile] romanajo123.livejournal.com
Story: Kiss the Cook
Author: IrishVampire13
Rating: All ages
Word Count: 2189
Author's Summary: "Please tell me these are actual, proper chicken eggs," Rory told the Doctor, fishing a carton out of the refrigerator. "Earth chicken eggs. I don't want to crack one of these things open and have to fight off a fire-breathing Venusian quail, or something!"
Characters/Pairings: Amy Pond, River Song, Rory Williams, The Doctor (11th)
Warnings: From the Author's Note: " A tiny little smidge of light naughtiness, hardly worth upping the rating for."

Recced because: This fic was posted only a few days ago and it already got my attention. A fun slice of life moment with the Eleventh Doctor and his companions (and cookies!) that is well-written and perfectly captures this TARDIS team.
nonelvis: (DW blue TARDIS)
[personal profile] nonelvis
Posting on behalf of Styrofoam monster on Teaspoon.

Story: Force of Nature
Author: nostalgia
Rating: Teen
Word count: 2637
Characters: Missy, 12
Summary: The Doctor reluctantly assists Missy's life of crime.
Warnings: none

Recced because: This story is Classic Master. Missy keeps the Doctor and the reader guessing all the way through - the prose is crisp, the banter is strong, and the characterization fitting. The Master is simultaneously superior and vulnerable, the Doctor frustrated and reluctantly fond, and there is a customary blend of trust and mistrust between them. Good Missy stories are hard to find, and this is a good one.

excerpt: after the cut )
ext_13288: pre-raphealite (drwho-river)
[identity profile] paynesgrey.livejournal.com
Story: Symmetry
Author: JaneTurenne
Rating: All ages
Word Count: 985
Author's Summary: The Doctor has always expected to lose River, but he never expects to find her.
Characters/Pairings: Eleventh Doctor/River Song
Warnings: None.

Recced because: This is a really fantastic and short piece about Eleven and River's relationship, how they meet out of order, and then their moments perfectly coming together in canon. I think the author has the voices down solidly too, and the ending is lovely and hopeful.
but_can_i_be_trusted: from the Wayne & Shuster sketch, 'Rinse the Blood off My Toga' (Stetson)
[personal profile] but_can_i_be_trusted
Story: Sometimes I Wrestle with My Demons, Sometimes We Just Snuggle
Author: betawho
Rating: All ages
Word Count: 302
Author's Summary: Sometimes the best and worst parts of your life are the same thing.
Characters/Pairings: Eleventh Doctor/River Song
Warnings: None

Recced because: I always wait eagerly for this author's fics, and I am never let down when they arrive. This short gem is every bit as sexy-fun-cute as Eleven and River themselves.
[identity profile] dbskyler.livejournal.com
Story: Set Yourself On Fire
Author: Calapine
Rating: All Ages
Word Count: 2634
Author's Summary: River Song, time, stories and choices.
Characters/Pairings: River Song, Tenth Doctor, Eleventh Doctor, Amy Pond, Rory Williams
Warnings: None

Recced because: River is a fascinating character, and this fic really captures her spirit and her life. It's whirlwind and brilliant and glorious, just like River herself.

An excerpt )
[identity profile] dbskyler.livejournal.com
Hello! I will be your reccer for the next two weeks, and I'm excited to share some of my favorite fics with you! I hope you find in these recs at least one new favorite of your own.

First up:

Story: Stories with Swordfights
Author: ClocketPatch
Rating: All Ages
Word Count: 1659
Author's Summary: Rory Williams loves his family. He loves his wife. He loves his son. And he loves his daughter. Of course he does. Except…
Characters/Pairings: Rory Williams/Amy Pond, River Song
Warnings: None

Recced because: Set after "The Angels Take Manhattan," Rory thinks about River, and wishes he could have gotten to know her as her father. It's beautiful and moving, and the ending is wonderful.

A small sample )
but_can_i_be_trusted: from the Wayne & Shuster sketch, 'Rinse the Blood off My Toga' (Twirly Eleven)
[personal profile] but_can_i_be_trusted
Story: A Conversation
Author: Dancingsalome
Rating: All Ages
Word Count: 655
Author's Summary: River Song gets a visit in the Stormcage Containment Facility.
Characters/Pairings: River Song, The Master (Delgado version)
Warnings: None

Recced because: A delightful combination of cute, sexy, and funny, and a great mingling of the Classic and Modern series. It's one of those things that Should Have Happened, if only it were possible. I personally haven't yet seen Delgado's version of the Master, but I don't think that takes away even slightly from the fun of this fic. :)
clocketpatch: (wee!Amy)
[personal profile] clocketpatch
Story: Level Complete
Author: thebigcat
Rating: All Ages
Word Count: 1313
Characters/Pairings:  Ten, Eleven, Amy Pond, Rory Williams, River Song
Author's Summary: AMY POND used SLAP. ELEVENTH DOCTOR has been INJURED FATALLY.


Recced Because:

LOADING…
LOADING…

I am a sucker for hilarious crack, and this is hilarious crack of the first order. Gain new companions while avoiding the nefarious inference of the WILD CRACK. This fic is Eleven's first two series re-imagined as a snarky text adventure game. And did I mention it's really funny?


A taste )
kaffy_r: The TARDIS says hello (Doctor Who)
[personal profile] kaffy_r

Story: A Moment’s Peace

Author: [livejournal.com profile] betawho

Rating: All ages

Wordcount: 268

Author’s Summary: There's no point in running all over time and space, if you can't stop and appreciate the moment. — Includes a hammock and River Song.

Characters/Pairings: the Eleventh Doctor/River Song

Recced because: I’ve rec’ed at least one exquisitely uncomfortable story this week. Having done so,  I find I need to return to an author who has provided me with some of the most comfortable and comforting pieces of fiction it’s been my pleasure to consume. [livejournal.com profile] betawho loves one of my favorite couples, Eleven and River, and reading this particular little piece is definitely a tiny, high-quality gem of the sort that leaves one smiling. (If, like me, you’re an Eleven/River fan who occasionally enjoy pieces of fluff that make you go “awwww” without getting too gummed up in sweetness, I’d recommend a large slice of the author’s oeuvre.)

A taste: Nope, this one is too short — just go and enjoy it!

rec: Cold

Nov. 24th, 2014 02:15 pm
kaffy_r: The TARDIS says hello (Babs and Ian)
[personal profile] kaffy_r

I've fallen down on the job again, and missed a couple of days; my apologies once more. I hope this makes up for it!

Story: Cold

Author: [livejournal.com profile] nostalgia_lj
Rating: Teen
Wordcount: 834
Author’s Summary: The Doctor visits River to ask an important question. (Post-Kill The Moon, so spoilers etc.)
Characters/Pairings: the Twelfth Doctor/River Song

Recced because: Sometimes fic, good fic, makes us uneasy, or leaves us wondering “Is that really the way my beloved characters think?” Every so often that’s a good thing, something spiky and uncomfortable here in the land of fanfic, where we often go for the sunshine and fixit, and quite rightly want the characters we love to be happy. [livejournal.com profile] nostalgia_lj is a past master of writing beautifully uncomfortable stories. Her phraseology and sense of timing are superb, as is her sense of the absurd (and her ability to match transcendence with black or cracky humor.) In this story, matching Twelve with River, we see what could arguably be the most alien part of their relationship; the implacable logic that rules at least part of their minds and souls. (For something incandescently beautiful from this author, try “Blue Roses.”)

A taste:

"Do I have to watch this?" )

kaffy_r: The TARDIS says hello (Doctor Who)
[personal profile] kaffy_r

Story: a message to lead myself here
Author: [livejournal.com profile] wave_of_sorrow
Rating: all ages
Wordcount: 2,105
Author’s Summary: In which Eleven accidentally invites Nine (and, by extension, Jack and Rose) to watch him die.
Characters/Pairings: Amy Pond, Jack Harkness, River Song, Rory Williams, Rose Tyler, The Doctor (11th), The Doctor (9th)
Recced because: Many of [livejournal.com profile] wave_of_sorrow’s stories play with timelines in a way that  I love.  I chose this one to rec because I appreciate it on both a technical and emotional level. [livejournal.com profile] wave_of_sorrow pulled off writing this in a format with many extremely short, one-sentence paragraphs. It’s a format that can often drive me batty because some writers use it to scream "Look! Everything I'm writing is Important!" That wasn’t the case here, because the author wrote with emotional heft as well as economy. The story itself threatened to choke me up at times, with what  I consider a spot on illustration of the relative youth of both the Doctor and River in this situation. And of course River and Nine, two damaged souls, connect in fascinating ways. There was more than one spot where the tears threatened to come, despite the story's brevity.

A taste:

"The Doctor knew he was..." )

[identity profile] luckweaver.livejournal.com
Story: The Impossible Flirts
Author: LordRebeccaSama
Rating: All Ages
Word Count: 4,935
Author's Summary: Captain Jack Harkness and Professor River Song: two people that should never meet, but they do...multiple times across both their timelines. "The biggest flirts in all the universe, and you let them have coffee!"
Characters/Pairings: Other Character(s), River Song, The Doctor (11th), Gwen Cooper, Ianto Jones, Jack Harkness, Owen Harper, Toshiko Sato
Warnings: n/a

Recced because: The amount of relationship building that went into every side of this story is frankly astounding. As is the effort that went into characterisation, particularly at different points in each of the character's lives. Everyone is in character, the voices are crisp, and you can really picture the scene. I like how they've managed to seamlessly fill in some of the gaps in River's backstory to make it work, while still referencing little nods in episodes, like A Good Man Goes to War. The fish and chips nod is a pleasure, too! I also like the amount of work that's gone into both the pop culture references (eg. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy) and into building new planets and species to play around with. Always a plus when there's some of that to add to a brilliant plot.

Another note - sorry that my reccing has been... sporadic. I underestimated the amount of real life that would happen this week and have spent half the week driving forth across the province of Nova Scotia and sewing.
[identity profile] luckweaver.livejournal.com
Author: elisi
Rating: All Ages
Word Count: 41,098
Author's Summary: "Why is it only ever the bad guys who have a proper plan?" The Master's son finally meets the Daleks. And he thought it a good day. (Hugely AU rewrite of TSE/JE with Eleven and Clara and a host of extras.
Characters/Pairings: Eleventh Doctor, The Master (original), River, Jack, Clara, Davros, Daleks, OCs
Warnings: Death, strong language, violence

Recced because: Elisi's work is always an utter gem to read, especially when she delves into the world of AUs. I also have an ulterior motive for reccing this one, because I've been along for the ride all year since she started it. 'A Good Day' is a brilliant AU version of Journey's End, starring Eleven, River, the Master, Clara, Jack and a small host of OCs. It is an emotional roller coaster from start to finish and takes a wildly different approach to the missing Earth than the original story.
[identity profile] jjpor.livejournal.com
Story: Ports of Call
Author: rutsky
Rating: All Ages
Word Count: 1,192
Author's Summary: They eventually discovered he'd lied about New York
Characters/Pairings: Amy Pond/Rory Williams, River Song
Warnings: None as such, but does contain a good dose of grit and reality in its portrayal of Amy and Rory's post-Doctor relationship.

Recced because: I think it would be fair to say that I was, and definitely remain, a huge fan of the Eleventh Doctor and his era. I even, gods help me, genuinely think that New Who would have been very much the poorer without Steven Moffat's tenure as showrunner and that most (most!) of his judgments and instincts as writer and general head-honcho-type have been bang on the money. I recognise that as a whole the era had good stories and bad stories, as every Who era does, but I refuse to subscribe to arguments that it somehow declined in quality over the course of its run or that "it was time for a change". I'm very much enjoying the Twelve era so far and think Peter Capaldi is nothing less than a demigod in human form, but I could have lived with another season or two of Eleven, no problem at all.

Having said all of that (just so you know where I'm coming from)...

I @#&%ing hate The Angels Take Manhattan. Or at least its ill-conceived ending which, imho, fails on so many levels I'd be listing them all night and clocking up more words than the fic I'm theoretically reccing. Your mileage, as they used to say, and as is the case with all things fan-related, may and probably does vary. I consider it a poor exit for the two companions I consider to be probably the best (certainly when considered as a pair) of the 2005 series.

So, having laid my cards so verbosely on the table, I probably wouldn't classify this fic as a fix-it (which the author admits to being in two minds about) so much as a statement of the facts as they stood at the end of said story. One senses perhaps in reading the piece that the author was as nonplussed by that ending and as aware of its gaping plot-holes as I and, going from comments I read at the time, quite a lot of other people were. That's really beside the point, though. I'm not reccing this fic because its author happens to come down on my side in a fanw*nky argument, but because it highlights two really important things about the Eleven era.

The first of these is that Eleven was a bit of a slippery customer, morally. I'm not really convinced by some of the PR efforts to paint Twelve as a particularly edgy and ruthless Doctor, although he's certainly more up front about it, because it always seemed that Eleven got up to some dodgy stuff, more or less constantly and unapologetically (although he did tend to hide it behind his goof-ball exterior) and I think most of the time we the audience were supposed to notice that and think about it. I say most of the time, because some of the dodgiest stuff he did, though, particularly in his personal relationships, went more or less uncommented upon and indeed tacitly condoned "by the show", for want of a better term. I think even as big a fan of Eleven and his era and Moffat's work as I will admit to being, or indeed somebody really invested in the relationships between the characters, can see some of the morally problematic things that are going on there and wonder why "the show" seems unaware of them. It's an important aspect of the era and one I see confronted in too few fanworks. This one takes it head on; this Doctor's a liar, and not always for good reasons.

The other really important thing about the Eleven era this fic highlights and plays homage to, one of its central planks, is the relationship between Amy and Rory. These are two imperfect people (like all of us) and they have this very complicated, not always easy, bond but it ends up being one that they both draw strength from and one that neither of them can live without. This fic examines that complex relationship warts and all and the way Amy's and Rory's situation in Manhattan after parting from the Doctor might have affected it. It also confronts us with the incredible strength both of these characters have shown in adversity and the toll the sorts of adventures they have been involved in have taken upon them. I would say that that is the main selling point of this fic for me, apart from the fact that it is very well-written; it is unflinching in its consideration of how this situation might really play out. For a supposed "fix-it", it pulls few punches, either in its portrayal of the characters, their relationship and their predicament, or in considering the off-screen Doctor and his actions. And it does so not out of a desire to bash but out of a deep concern and investment in the material and the characters. Good stuff, in other words.

Anyway, thanks for reading my rant. Now go and read the fic and tell the author how much you liked it. ;)

A Taste )
[identity profile] ffutures.livejournal.com
Story: River Song, Coda da Capo
Author: Profrobert
Rating: All Ages
Word Count: 3961
Author's Summary: The Twelfth Doctor, while still completing his regeneration, endeavors to rescue River Song from the Library's computer, but he hasn't quite thought things through.
Characters/Pairings: Clara Oswin Oswald, The Doctor (12th), River Song
Warnings: None

Recced because: Although we're only three episodes into the Twelfth Doctor's career, there are already plenty of stories appearing; I decided to check them out. This one interested me because it seems to have the characterization dead right, including the Doctor's confusion immediately after his regeneration, and gives us a neat plot that takes advantage of his mental and emotional state to give us a "fix-it" for River Song that doesn't quite go as planned. As a bonus, it's by an author who hasn't been recced here before; currently he doesn't have any other stories on the archive, but some reviews might encourage him to write more.

A small sample )
[identity profile] ffutures.livejournal.com
I'm [livejournal.com profile] ffutures, Marcus Rowland at Calufrax, and I'll be reccing for the next couple of weeks. I'm going to try for my usual mix of old and new Who, including spin-offs, crossovers and some authors who haven't been seen here before. Let's start with a nice New Who fix-it.

Story: Stories, songs, and gallant girls
Author: Kit
Rating: Adult
Word Count: 9219
Author's Summary: River Song rights a wrong, and finds herself rather charmed in the process.
Characters/Pairings: Donna Noble, Jack Harkness, Jenny Flint, Madame Vastra, River Song, The Doctor (11th), The Ood
Warnings: Explicit Sex, Alternate Universe

Recced because: I'm a sucker for fix-it stories, and one of the biggest things to fix in New Who is the problem of Donna. This story, by an author who hasn't been recced here before, romps through that via a relationship between Donna and River Song. Along the way it visits Oodspace, Victorian London, 1920s Germany, and other fun locations. I'm not sure it says anything especially profound, except that the Doctor should fix his own problems, it's just a lot of fun.

A small extract )

Saved

Aug. 19th, 2014 09:40 pm
[identity profile] a-phoenixdragon.livejournal.com
Story: Saved
Author: mmgage
Rating: All Ages
Word Count: 283
Author's Summary: An unexpected reunion.
Characters/Pairings: River Song, The Doctor (11th)
Warnings: None

Recced because: Recced because of Happy Ending. I know, I know...last thing you expect to see from me, but this was so, so sweet. And it has definitely become my head!canon. I'm not a River/Eleven shipper, but I do love how well they mesh together. And after all their trials and hardships and back-to-front relationship woes, they deserve a happy life.

I find it ironic (in a funny way) that this follows so closely on the heels of my last rec...but then - you'll see why. This is definitely a must read (especially for all those who adore River/Eleven)! This is the perfect ending. This is how it should be. But as always, I will leave a touch of enticement below the cut...

Just a small taste. )


Go! Read! Enjoy! And be sure to thank the author for your new head!canon! *Smiles*
[identity profile] a-phoenixdragon.livejournal.com
Story: Still Waters
Author: Inkfire
Rating: All Ages
Word Count: 833
Author's Summary: In which River exists, a spirit in a web, dressed in white and timeless.
Characters/Pairings: River Song, The Doctor (11th)
Warnings: Angst, Drama, Introspection, Romance

Recced because: Well. River for one. River could be the sole reason for this rec alone. But it isn't just River. It is River lost within the Machine. It is how she is painted, so vivid, so alive and so very, very River within this fiction. 'Inkfire' consistently blows me away with the quality of her work. So very much so, it is difficult to chose just which fiction of hers to recommend. I'm afraid my reviews to her work are never very stellar, as she generally leaves me too flabbergasted and stunned and in awe to come up with actual words to describe the feelings she invokes within me.

This is another one of those fictions. It left me stunned. If left me sad and elated and sighing with the overall perfection within each and every word, sentence, paragraph. She puts you there with River. She shows us River's strength, her calm, her longing for all that she knew, even as she does what she does best - takes what is handed to her and makes do. She deals with the cards she has drawn as best as she knows how. And with River, her best is nothing but her all.

This fiction is River Song. Down to a tee. I am in awe and I could not let this week go by without reccing this story by this (oh-so) phenomenal author. But in case this rec is not enough to convince, I have a taste of this beauty below the cut...


Just a small sample... )



Ahhhh, so, so lovely. See what I mean? A must-read! Do tell her how awesome this is after you get done reading, yes? Let her know how this fiction touched your heart and made you FEEL...
[identity profile] morganfm.livejournal.com
Hello all! This is my first time reccing, like, ever, and I am so excited to share some really excellent stories with all of you! My two ships are Ten/Donna and Doctor/River, but I enjoy anything that's really well written. Fics I enjoy are often of a happier or more emotional persuasion, often containing many giggles and fun banter.
This first fic I'm reccing is by the lovely [livejournal.com profile] starjargon, for whom I am honored to beta and who kindly returns the favor. I think you'll all really like it.

Story: May The Best Woman Win
Author: Starjargon
Rating: All Ages
Word Count: 2948
Author's Summary: Martha and Rose both care deeply for the same man. So of course, the only logical thing to do is fight for him. With jousting poles. AU, obviously.
Characters/Pairings: Amy Pond, Canton Everett Delaware III, Donna Noble, Harriet Jones, Harriet Jones, Jack Harkness, Jack Harkness, Lynda Moss, Martha Jones, River Song, River Song, Rory Williams, Rose Tyler, Rose Tyler, Sarah Jane Smith, The Doctor (10th), The Doctor (11th), The Doctor
Warnings: None

Recced because: This is a very fun, enjoyable fic that has pretty much every nuWho companion out there, as well as three different Doctors. Incredibly well written, with a strong, even representation of opposing characters, and some fantastic plot twists. It's one of my favorites that she's written, because she handles the complexity of dealing with so many different characters and emotions all at once in such a masterful and brilliant way.
thisbluespirit: (dw - amy)
[personal profile] thisbluespirit
Hello, I'm [livejournal.com profile] lost_spook, back for another reccing stint! I'm otherwise known as vvj5 on Teaspoon and I'm very fond of all eras of our show and my recs will hopefully reflect that, with a fair mixture of all fifty years (and counting). So, let's get started...


Story: You Don't Have To Be Mad (But It Helps!)
Author: Roach Patrol
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 1045
Author's Summary: "Doctor, it says right there that it's not supposed to do anything," Amy says. "You've been running scans on it for ages! How do we know it's not some lame time traveling archaeologist joke? 'You don't have to be mad to go running about in time and space but it helps'?"
Characters/Pairings: Eleventh Doctor, Amy Pond, River Song
Warnings: None.

Recced because: What better than a great piece of humour to start off the week? River gives the Doctor a box with a red button on it, which doesn’t do anything at all. Naturally, this is more than the Doctor’s curiosity can stand. It’s very funny, the explanation when it comes is both beautifully simple and very clever, and it’s all completely in character. I loved it; I hope you do, too.
[identity profile] a-phoenixdragon.livejournal.com
Hello, hello [livejournal.com profile] calufrax!! *Waves* My name is [livejournal.com profile] a_phoenixdragon (PhoenixDragon at Teaspoon) and I will be your reccer for the next two weeks.

Some of youse guise know me. This being said, you know I lean towards the darker fictions and my main Doctor meanderings are on Eleven (with smatterings of Eight, respectively). I try to keep my recs broader than that though (so much to love in Who Fandom!), and I will definitely try to share fictions that don't lean so hard into the realms of the bleak that I enjoy (probably more than I should). I'll have a few of those, yes - but I'll try to make sure to cover other areas as well. Like with tonight's rec. *Grins*

Story: New York Minute
Author: rutsky
Rating: All Ages
Word Count: 1086
Author's Summary: Neal Caffrey knows that New York contains a multitude of wonders. But the temptress with the neat ankles and the man with the suspect fashion sense were unexpected even in Central Park. (Crossover with White Collar)
Characters/Pairings: River Song
Warnings: Crossover, Humor, Vignette

Recced because: Humor. No seriously no pun intended. I love to laugh - and this story had me laughing harder than I have in a long while. Even if you don't really know White Collar at all, this is not a tale to give a miss based on that little factoid alone. Seeing River in such a...regular...setting just shows you how wild, beautiful, mysterious and apart she is. And yet, she is so very, very clever she gives you the notion she fits in nowhere else. The easy banter between her and Neal, the recognition of the 'from one witty con-man to another' type of give and take is worth a read. Seeing her from Neal's view is startling and she is definitely River. And as for the Doctor - well - that's when things get...odd. *Laughs*

I love my dark!fic. I love it with a mad, insatiable passion. But I'm very serious about my comedy again, no pun intended. I like it to be funny. I like it to be engaging, razor-witted and unself-conscious. This fic more than delivers. It's almost like it invented the concept. And who knows? Maybe it did.

Just a little sample... )


Now go and tell the author how clever and awesome they are! I know they'll love to hear from you!

*HUGS*

Mandy

reccity-rec-rec

[community profile] calufrax is sleeping in your mind. One day, it may be brought back in front of your eyes.

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