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ficinaboxRec Post
This post is for anyone to post recommendations from the 2023 collection! There are currently 984 works in the collection, so it's a lot to go through and also a lot that could be highlighted! You can choose to post things for whatever reason you want, and can post as many different recs as you want. There is no minimum number of recs that need to be in a post, so if you have one thing you want to highlight you can post that one! You also may post anonymously.
Your posts need to have some indication of what you're reccing (so not just a list of links), but otherwise how much information you include is up to you! Suggestions of things to include:- Fandom
- Title
- Medium
- Category (e.g. m/m)
- Warnings
- Relationship or characters
- Tags
- Summary
- Why you're reccing it (or, alternatively, if you're posting a list on a theme, include the theme/trope/kink at the top of the list!)
And of course, don't forget to link to the work(s)!
On December 16th we'll be making a reading list of any recs here that wish to be included. If you wish for your recommendations to be included in that reading list, please have "Include in final reading list" somewhere in your post.
Fic Recs
Date: 2023-12-05 01:58 pm (UTC)Rewind, Begin Again
Dream SMP | Fic, 2k | Quackity/Wilbur Soot, Quackity & Wilbur Soot
https://archiveofourown.org/works/51201388
This fic blew me out of the water in so many ways. The POV work is absolutely incredible, the characterization is really spot-on, and the perspective writing is gorgeous. It was a really solid take on one of my prompts. Truly one of my favorite pieces for this fandom ever, I'd highly recommend giving it a look if you're interested in tntduo.
there are worse ways to stay alive
Dream SMP | Fic, 2.5k | Quackity & Tubbo
https://archiveofourown.org/works/51392179
This one requires a little extra reading (less than 2k); it's the direct sequel to another work by the same author that was also a gift to me (which I opted into, medium-wise), and you can access the prequel by clicking the "previous work" button in the fic's series.
this is a must-read if you like cabinetduo. this author truly has such a flair for character studies down, and its a great exploration of their dynamic with each other and the baggage their relationship holds. full of sophistication and worldbuilding, incredible references, and an iconic tntduo psycho-competitive rivalry, you definitely shouldn't miss this one.
[Art] Visit Missy
Doctor Who (2005) | Art / Propaganda Poster | Twelfth Doctor & Missy & Bill Potts
This art was so good I told my therapist about it. I cannot fathom the effort that went into creating such a high-quality work. Also I practically begged someone to make content about these characters, and the fact that the tag has been added to makes me deeply happy. It's super narratively cohesive, as well! Take a look, it'll astonish you.
A Story About You (Not You, the one from before, a different one. You know who you are.)
Welcome to Night Vale | Fic, 3k | Cecil Palmer/Carlos Robles
I think this fic encapsulates the spirit of Welcome to Night Vale in a way that is rare, through POV, format, and general thematic brilliance. I think that it really fits like a glove into the universe that WTNV has created, and if you like the style of the podcast, you will like this fic. I definitely recommend all those passionate about WTNV's weirdness to check this one out.
Re: Fic Recs
Date: 2023-12-05 02:02 pm (UTC)https://archiveofourown.org/works/50418247
and here's the link for A Story About You (Not You, the one from before, a different one. You know who you are.)
https://archiveofourown.org/works/50264491
I promise I proofread this post. Sorry about that!
no subject
Date: 2023-12-05 11:22 pm (UTC)Severance (TV), fic (4.7k), M/M, Irving/Burt missing scene
It would be so easy to call this fic tragic, but (much like the show it's based on) it is defiantly loving and hopeful. This fic is one in a series of stolen moments between two characters in a limited, rigid world, and it is unbelievably warm and beautiful. It emulates the tone of the show perfectly. In a world where there is next to no love, these two men determinedly love one another, and I found this fic to be so, so lovely.
no subject
Date: 2023-12-13 01:33 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2023-12-06 12:09 am (UTC)It's completely amazing ow fic with hero/villain coffee shop ship, identity porn, in universe rpf and there's something most heartwarming about it that's difficult to explain, but it's one of the best stories I read in a while. And I read a lot of really good fics recently.
no subject
Date: 2023-12-06 01:39 am (UTC)Title: All Together Getting Out Of The Hole Together
Dream SMP | Ranboo & Technoblade & Phil Watson | Philza
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/51855616/chapters/131111584
This fic has absolutely incredible relationship building and characterization. It's really realistic when it comes to mental health and how different people handle difficult times in their lives. It also has some very funny parts.
The second one:
Title: A Door Opened
Dream SMP | Ranboo & Technoblade & Phil Watson | Philza
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/51803515
A fantastic hurt/comfort focused story with some sudden found family acquisition. On point characters and both funny and sweet moments.
no subject
Date: 2023-12-06 01:43 pm (UTC)clerical work don’t burn
https://archiveofourown.org/works/51040330
- blaseball
- gen & G
- logic puzzle
a very funny and fun puzzle about organizing your dead coworker’s office and figuring out all the stuff they used to do. no blaseball background needed!!
no subject
Date: 2023-12-06 09:58 pm (UTC)Title: So Much Fun It's Scary
Medium: Fic
Category (e.g. m/m): Gen
Warnings: None
Relationship or characters: Enthusiastic Spirit Halloween Staff Member & Confused Monster
Summary: This is the strangest place Master has ever sent Og.
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/51394942
Why you're reccing it: This is such a delightful story that takes a very interesting perspective on the human world (I love the descriptions that leads to of something like a sidewalk). It features the kindness of strangers and a tight little plot that will leave the reader both very satisfied and wanting more with these characters. Do you peel your chocolate coins when you eat them, or just eat them whole?
no subject
Date: 2023-12-07 01:59 pm (UTC)Star Trek: Deep Space Nine | Fic, 13K | Ro Laren & Kira Nerys & Jadzia Dax
https://archiveofourown.org/works/51347875
I loved this gift of mine SO MUCH – a gorgeously detailed exploration of Ro working on DS9 alongside Dax and Kira. Beautifully written female friendship.
Please include in final reading list :)
no subject
Date: 2023-12-07 07:55 pm (UTC)BidgePort Brewery Review
https://archiveofourown.org/works/51316306
Fandom: Leverage
Rating: Teen
Category: Gen
Length: 2k
Fantastic in-world restaurant review that both made me super hungry and also made me chortle with laughter at the end. Really felt the lack of a decent dinner myself when I was reading it.
Interchange
https://archiveofourown.org/works/51972163
Fandom: Humans Are Space Orcs
Rating: Teen
Category: Gen
Relationship: Original Alien/Original Human
Length: 5k
Brilliant original work about a developing friendship between an alien and a human, with tons of worldbuilding around language and communication and even the concept of making connections between beings. Simply beautiful writing, made me nostalgic for some of the best space opera of my past. It's really good.
in deference to saint george
https://archiveofourown.org/works/50718445
Fandom: Original Work
Rating: Teen
Category: M/M
Relationship: Superhero who works at a coffee shop/Supervillain in need of a caffine fix
Length: 42K
Absolutely brilliant novelette, this feels like something that could be published. The main characters are richly realized and I love them so much, and even the side characters feel like real, believeable people. Structured wonderfully, and a fantastic bittersweet ending. You ever get a book hangover where you're like "i can't believe it's over, I need to stare into a mug for a while, my guys, I love them so much"? This one gave me that sort of experience. And it did something that's hard to do, made me believe that this guy is the sort of person to put himself between the punch and the target repeatedly, that he's a Hero. And I loved him. Absolutely worth the read.
Jimmy Solidarity and The Pantry of Self-Discovery
https://archiveofourown.org/works/51275764
Fandom: Empires SMP
Rating: Teen
Category: M/M
Length: 1.2k
Okay this one is just hilarious. I don't think it requires any knowledge of the source material, I am barely familiar and I was still laughing the whole time. A guy tries to work out on two sticky notes if he's possibly not straight, using a list of men he's flirted with (and kissed, you've been kissing men, Jimmy), while literally in a closet. It's very funny.
The Keen Edge Of The Soul
https://archiveofourown.org/works/51191701
Fandom: Original Work
Rating: Mature
Category: M/M
Relationship: Traumatised but Loyal Male Human Weapon/His Friendly New Male Master
Length: 7K.
Absolutely a masterclass in how to establish so much worldbuilding so fast, I was in awe, and then a fantastic character piece. On the edge of my seat as it got towards the ending and me desperately hoping that the author had DNWed MCD, and then well— I don't want to spoil the ending because it IS choose not to warn, but I'll say I found the ending very satisfying.
Also seconding rec for so much fun it's scary above, that's very fun.
I'm good with all of these being Included in final reading list!
Recipe Rec
Date: 2023-12-10 06:34 am (UTC)A Batter Way to Eat (https://archiveofourown.org/works/51006706) (1675 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: The Haunting of Bly Manor (TV) (https://archiveofourown.org/tags/The%20Haunting%20of%20Bly%20Manor%20(TV))
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Hannah Grose/Owen Sharma, (but only if you squint) - Relationship
Characters: Owen Sharma, Original Female Character(s)
Additional Tags: Cookbook, Recipes, Future Fic
Summary:
A Batter Way to Eat: Vegan and Vegetarian Selections from A Batter Place
Re: Recipe Rec
Date: 2023-12-10 06:35 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2023-12-12 04:52 am (UTC)My gifts were all absolutely superb, and I recommend them wholeheartedly!
Why does the cat drink from weird places?
Golden Kamuy | G | Art | Ogata Hyakunosuke
https://archiveofourown.org/works/51480997
This makes me crack up every time I look at it, it’s incredible. In case you were wondering, Ogata is a deadly assassin in canon, and yes, this is very in line with how he’s portrayed - half the time he’s an unbelievably skilled and ruthless sniper, and the rest of the time he’s doing weird cat things like this.
Drawn in Graphite
Alice in Borderland | T | 5k | Chishiya Shuntarou/Kuzuryu Keiichi
https://archiveofourown.org/works/51363178
Yesss, I keep getting banger after banger of these two side characters, deeply exploring their contrasting morality and genius, and showing how they come together and affect one another. This one includes an original death game (in the style of the canon, or Squid Game, etc) that has a very cool chess theme and hospital setting.
the surveillance state of 5738
Dr. Stone | T | 5k | Saionji Ukyou & Shishiou Tsukasa
https://archiveofourown.org/works/51392776
This story basically takes canon and flips it over to show what was happening on the reverse side, while we were busy watching the main characters. In addition to being an awesome character study of some of my faves, also includes great world building of how it might look if a teenager resurrected a bunch of other teenagers after the apocalypse and tried to make a society of it.
I only had a chance to read through a small portion of the collection, but came across a ton of great stuff. Here are some of my favorites:
The Students
Animorphs | G | 3k | Marco &/ Rachel
https://archiveofourown.org/collections/Fic_In_A_Box_2023/works/50758102
Both of the Animorphs fics were great. This one in particular felt like canon - except canon, for all its grimness, leaves out hopeless missions like this. Marco’s narrative was pitch perfect.
hide inside your house
The Goblin Emperor | G | 1.5k | Echelo Esaran & Varenechibel IV
https://archiveofourown.org/collections/Fic_In_A_Box_2023/works/51392233
Really engrossing and empowering POV of a servant character who took the backstage in canon. I admired both the characterization and the prose.
reflect / refract / diffract
Hunger Games | T | 4k | Katniss/Peeta, Katniss & OFC, Haymitch & Katniss
https://archiveofourown.org/collections/Fic_In_A_Box_2023/works/51950851
After Katniss’s Hunger Games, she becomes a mentor for the next one. I’ve never considered how she would live through this, and the story explores that perfectly - and in doing so, shines a light on how much Haymitch has lived through himself.
i see it in you (so we gonna walk it out)
Fire Emblem: Three Houses | T | 2k | Dimitri/Byleth
https://archiveofourown.org/collections/Fic_In_A_Box_2023/works/51395110
A grim sort of caretaking story. Dimitri is in a dark place, and Byleth can't do much to change that, but the caretaking is no less soothing for it.
watch for constellations
Spider-Man: Spider-Verse (Sony Animated Movies) | T | 1k | Hobie & Miles & Pavitr & Gwen
https://archiveofourown.org/collections/Fic_In_A_Box_2023/works/50560813
Fantastic Hobie narrative - punk anarchist, but as the eldest, also kinda the responsible big brother? Really enjoyed his interactions with the other Spiders.
The Great Bondman Card Tournament
Spy x Family | G | 2k | Anya & others
https://archiveofourown.org/collections/Fic_In_A_Box_2023/works/51769597
Super fun slice of life! Anya, and the whole school, get into a new TCG. Things escalate from there. Felt just like another episode of canon, and just as enjoyable.
You Can't Kill Us: an Profile of the Raiser of the Razed
Original Work | T | 4k | Superhero with powers better suited for a villain
https://archiveofourown.org/collections/Fic_In_A_Box_2023/works/51320116
How a girl with necromancy powers might be treated in a world of superheroes - and how she might make her mark.
Interchange
Humans Are Space Orcs | T | 5k | Original Characters
https://archiveofourown.org/collections/Fic_In_A_Box_2023/works/51972163
Lush and deft world- and species-building. The narrator is fascinating and well-developed, both as a member of an intriguing alien race and as a character. Very enjoyable story of discovery.
no subject
Date: 2023-12-13 08:56 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2023-12-16 02:15 am (UTC)The Gentle Drowners
https://archiveofourown.org/collections/Fic_In_A_Box_2023/works/52019086
36k, f/f Original Work, Murder Victim Returning as Monster/Their Monster Hunter Lover
Summary: In a city in a saltmarsh, there lived a dead woman and her wife.
Rec: pls read this novella! it's about murderous women and protecting your haunted marsh home from people who want to get rid of it, and has excellent magic including a woman returned from the dead. love the undead wife. great necromancy. fun worldbuilding. I am still somewhat incoherent about this!
such stuff as dreams are made
https://archiveofourown.org/works/50859556
2.2k, f!JZX/m!JYL/Mianmian!
Rec: Jin Zixuan POV of the Cloud Recesses in an AU that doesn't just genderswap JZX and JYL but also WWX and JC, which leads to some fun dynamics! :D
trophies
https://archiveofourown.org/works/51207586
3k, JGY/NHS
Rec: NHS discovers JGY's treasure room. I love this as a character study, and there's some fantastic moments of creeping dread.
Calling All Angels
https://archiveofourown.org/works/50991643/chapters/128827669
Leverage, 2.3k, Maggie & Eliot
Rec: a Maggie-centric fic about Maggie's place in the crew-family with a particular focus on Maggie & Eliot.
equal footing
https://archiveofourown.org/collections/Fic_In_A_Box_2023/works/51321682
SWOT, 3k, Luke & Lando after Endor.
Rec: Two people with no particular reason to like each other put in a circumstance where they finally need to talk. I love this look at Luke's ability to hold a grudge and Lando's understanding of why he's doing that.
the year's first snow
https://archiveofourown.org/collections/Fic_In_A_Box_2023/works/51992794
CQL, 3.1k, JYL & LQR, JYL & LXC
Rec: Jiang Yanli goes to the Cloud Recesses after they burn to offer what help she can. I love these quiet moments and the little changes from canon that point towards a kinder possible outcome for these characters.
You Can't Kill Us: an Profile of the Raiser of the Razed
https://archiveofourown.org/collections/Fic_In_A_Box_2023/works/51320116
3.6k, OW, "Superhero with powers better suited to a villain"
Summary: An article about the necromantic hero Revenant and her journey to heroism, friendship, and her iconic protest against facilities that claim to "fix" powers.
Rec: I love how this uses the format to its advantage! We're shown glimpses of our protag throughout time, with analysis of the society that created her and the prejudices she stands against. Fantastic work!
It is the crowded home of ghosts
https://archiveofourown.org/collections/Fic_In_A_Box_2023/works/51205678
4.5k, MDZS/CQL, NHS-centric, NHS & WWX
Rec: Post-canon, there's a mysterious town killing people with hallucinations of their past. WWX is caught up with it. NHS takes it upon himself to investigate as well. An excellent character study with fantastic atmosphere and an optimistic ending.
laying the foundation
https://archiveofourown.org/collections/Fic_In_A_Box_2023/works/50680411
CQL, 5.8k, CSSR/LQR(/WCZ)
Rec: Lan Yi and Baoshan Sanren arrange a marriage between two young teens who aren't particularly thrilled about it. However, the draw between a Lan and their gremlin is still pretty hard to resist. I had a ton of fun reading this look at Cangse Sanren and Lan Qiren in their youth, and the worldbuilding is lovely!
no subject
Date: 2023-12-16 04:53 am (UTC)https://archiveofourown.org/works/50143243
Title: Where the Heart Finds Nourishment
Fandom: Dimension 20 - A Crown Of Candy
Ship: Saccharina Frostwhip & Caramelinda Rocks
Incredibly on point exploration of why Caramelinda would adopt Saccharina and what it all implies, both politically and personally for these characters.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/51176413
Title: Good Neighbours
Fandom: Grimm (TV)
Ship: Bud Wurstner & Juliette Silverton, Juliette Silverton/Nick Burkhardt/Sean Renard
A lovely look at Bud bringing the neighbourhood Wesen boy scouts over to the Grimm's house. (Will also absolutely recommend the other 3 Grimm fics by the same author, they paint a beautiful alternate canon together).
https://archiveofourown.org/works/50098336
Title: Feedback for NFG Conference 2023
Fandom: Guardian (TV 2018)
Ship: Professor Zhou & Shen Wei & Li Qian & SCIENCE
A feedback email from a scientific conference telling of the supernatural shenanigans that were happening there from a mundane lense (for the most part) to hilarious effect.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/51392608
Title: [Logic Puzzle] Of Truths & Falsehoods
Fandom: Deja Vu - Dreamcatcher (Music Video)
Ship: Jiu/Yoohyeon
This logic grid puzzle makes perfect use of the multiple timelines of this canon to create a variety of situations the solver gets to put together. The hints were lovely and full of fun little worldbuilding, and I really loved the 3T1L set-up of the last list of clues!
https://archiveofourown.org/works/51890836
Title: the bridge that always burns behind us
Fandom: Naruto
Ship: Hatake Kakashi & various friends
Fantastic time travel fix-it developing Kakashi as a character and his relationships to the various people in his life, all while exploring how one person can change politics.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/51200974
Title: Foresight
Fandom: Naruto
Ship: Hatake Kakashi & Namikaze Minato & Nohara Rin & Uchiha Obito
In this one, Obito travels back to fix things, but told from young!Kakashi's PoV, with all the fun misunderstanding that leads to.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/51320116
Title: You Can't Kill Us: an Profile of the Raiser of the Razed
Fandom: Original Work
Character: Superhero with powers better suited for a villain
Content Warning: child abuse, conversion camps, child deaths, bigotry
An interesting look at how a necromancer can be a hero, and what stigma such powers bring with them, and how society might react.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/50994376
Title: A World Away (A Step Apart)
Fandom: Original Work
Ship: Male Supervillain with Day Job at a Coffee Shop/Tired Male Superhero In Need of Caffeine
Amazing worldbuilding, and a fantastic slow-burn relationship that is both tense sexually but also tense in the way it could go wrong if these people were just a little different or surprised with the reveal! The in-universe fandam discourse and discussions are hilarious and fantastically tied into the plot towards the end in a way that surprised me :D
https://archiveofourown.org/works/51454582
Title: Always Finding New Things About Me, With You
Fandom: Good Omens
Ship: Aziraphale/Crowley
A+ hot af smutty fancomic 🔥👌
https://archiveofourown.org/works/51364240
Title: new feathers
Fandom: The Untamed
Ship: Qin Su/Nie Huaisang
A time travel fic that explores the grief of a mother who just found out her child was murdered and will now never exist as she avoids making that same mistake twice, and how hard it is to grieve a non-existence only you remember with a surprisingly hopeful ending.
no subject
Date: 2023-12-16 05:06 am (UTC)Destiny's Overrated
Crossover: Lucifer (TV), Supernatural (TV) | Fic, 2.6k | Lucifer Morningstar (Lucifer TV)/Sam Winchester Dean Winchester & Sam Winchester
Summary: Lilith is dead, the Cage is open. Sam and Dean look on in horror as the last seal breaks. Instead of the expected death, destruction, and devil, a note materializes at the center: On vacation in L.A. Back never. Sod off. ~L
https://archiveofourown.org/works/50760598
Final Speaking Exam
Humans Are Space Orcs (meme) | Fic, 2.2k | Original Human Character & Original Alien Characters
Summary: Or: in which an ability to eat hot peppers and toss back shots comes in really handy.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/51964903
Return To Sender
Assassin's Creed | Fic, 3.5k | Claudia Auditore da Firenze & Ezio Auditore da Firenze Claudia Auditore da Firenze/Desmond Miles
Summary: Over the years, Ezio and Claudia exchanged many letters. These are the ones concerning Claudia's husband, then-stranger, Desmond.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/49989133
In Memoriam
Star Wars Prequel Trilogy | Fic, 10k | Padme Amidala & Royal Handmaidens
Summary: Padmé Amidala is dead. Her legacy lives on.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/51034483
our hands our hearts are empty
Nirvana in Fire | Fic, 9.6k | Lin Shu | Mei Changsu | Su Zhe/Xiao Jingyan
Summary: Twelve years after the Chiyan massacre Jingyan, bitter and grieving, is urgently called back to the capital and presented by unexpected marching orders by his mother: he's to leave his military career and marry Mei Changsu, an eighteen-years-old maiden who claims to be a daughter of his mother's old friend, mysterious Mei Shinan. Jingyan is furious, but he's too filial a son to disobey his mother...
https://archiveofourown.org/works/51387790
Where In Mentopolis Are The Prefrontal P.I.s?
Dimension 20: Mentopolis | Logic Puzzle | Anastasia Tension, Conrad Schintz, Daniel Fucks, Hunch Curio, Imelda Pulse, The Fix
Summary: It’s the Grand Opening of Daniel Fucks’ new Emporium of Exquisite Pleasures, but none of the other Prefrontal P.I.s have shown up! However, through his criminal network, Daniel hears some rumours about what they’re each up to. Can you help him find them and drag them away from whatever they’re doing for this most important of all events?
https://archiveofourown.org/works/50612428
no subject
Date: 2023-12-16 03:42 pm (UTC)Fandom: Fire Emblem Three Houses
Title: When I Cry (I Cry For You)
Medium: Fic
Category: F/M
Relationship: Lysithea von Ordelia/Claude von Riegan
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/51974587
A sweet little grad school AU for these two, it was very fun to see the little game references but it works perfectly well fandom blind too! Read if you like a teasing but secretly sincere guy and a hardworking tsundere girl!
Fandom: Unwind Dystology
Title: watching the watchmen
Medium: Fic
Category: F/M
Relationship: Miracolina Roselli/Lev Calder
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/51065086
A deleted scene fic between one of my first OTPs <3 Unwind Dystology is a great series, I'm sure there's someone else out there who liked them as much as I did...!