Reading & Recs

 On December 11 I posted my final list from the Goodreads Around the World in 52 books challenge. I read even more than that: 81 books in 2017 as compared to 6 in 2016. And in the first few weeks of 2018 I've already finished 8. I'm well on my way to my goal of 120 for the year.

I've been squeezing in some fanfiction as well and a few of these stories are well worth recommending. Two of them I posted on merlin-hotrecs: 

Title: Forging Destiny
Author: barbitone
Reviewer: matchboximpala
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Characters: Merlin, Arthur, Gwen, Percival, Lancelot, Merlin, Cenred, Elyan, Cedric, Freya, Gaius, Geoffrey of Monmouth, Gwaine, Nimueh
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 35776
Warnings: None
Summary: Nimueh told him to make a sword, so he made a sword, all right? Though that’s strong words for stealing a sword from a nearby smithy and asking Kilgharrah to breathe fire on it. And then Camelot was sacked and the Pendragon line ended and he’d had to hide the sword away and – well Merlin really didn’t like to think about the whole thing.
Time passed, things happened, and Merlin was not at all prepared for a young knight named Arthur to come asking about the blasted sword. He’s a bit of a clot, sure, but there’s something about him. Merlin can’t quite put his finger on it.
Why I loved it: I feel like this story has somehow slipped under the radar because it doesn't have a lot of hits. It definitely deserves a look because it is a well-constructed and beautifully written story. It's an action adventure with drama, humor, danger, and romance. The characterizations are terrific and even woman!Gwaine is spot-on.

Title: Fried Chicken for Christmas
Author: BlueSimplicty
Reviewer: matchboximpala
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Characters: Merlin, Arthur, Morgana, Gwen, Uther, Vivian
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 27790
Warnings: Here are the author's warnings: "This story contains an exploded microwave, opaque blob, a blorp, and mentions of inappropriate sexual acts performed on turkeys. But also, a little bit of holiday cheer and a whole lot of love."
Summary: When Vivian makes a comment to their friends, insinuating that Arthur is not the most passionate of people, hurt and embarrassed, Arthur decides to make her a homemade Christmas feast to prove that he can be romantic. After he almost sets the building on fire three times, help comes to him in the form of his neighbour from 514, a tall lanky fellow named Merlin, with two of the worst behaved dogs Arthur has ever encountered, who offers to teach him how to cook.
Except, as their lessons progress, Arthur slowly comes to realise that Vivian may not be the one he really wants to cook for. But only if he has the courage to let go of all of his fears, and reach for the one thing he truly wants for Christmas.
Why I loved it: The notes say that the author is a "relative newbie to the fandom as well as writing," and I have to say, WELCOME. This story was brilliant -- funny, touching, sad, happy, sweet, and did I say funny already? I loved the structure, the central premise, the build-up of the relationship, and the truly quality writing. Now I can't wait to read this author's other Merlin stories.

Over here on DW I've been following the fancake comm, and while I'm not jumping into new fandoms, I do appreciate the recs of really good fanfic. Dragon Verse by lupinus is well worth a read if you are a Sterek fan, or even if you are not. The characterizations are just excellent, especially Stiles. 

More recs to come...