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nia_kantorkaToday's rectober post is about fics with masks, phantoms and beasts... Of course I've read a lot more of those, but here are the first three stories that came to my mind.
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raitala
Title: This Man's Heart
Author/Artist:
ellie_hell
Fandom: Sherlock BBC
Pairing(s) Sherlock/John
Rating: R
Word Count: 72,991
Warnings/Tags: Alternate Universe, Friends to Lovers, Pre-Slash, Friendship, Slash, Angst, Fluff
Summary: In the latter part of the 19th century, a peculiar solitary man and an ex-army doctor disfigured at war live in a small village, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. When they first meet, they have no idea their lives are about to change forever and, over the months, they will form an unusual friendship, discover more about each other and themselves, and maybe fall a little in love along the way.
Why I loved it: This story gives its readers not only a wonderful historical setting of the French part of Canada in the 19th century, but some of the best descriptions of its landscapes during the seasons and its inhabiting animals I've ever read.
Then there are the characters. How Sherlock's and John's relationship develops is a treat. There is a treasure hunt involved that is too lovely to talk much about to not spoil the fun. Let's just say it's sort of a wonderful courtship which in the end doesn't go like planned. And then there's heartbreak. Oh yes, so much heartbreak on both sides. But they'll manage to sort things out, becoming stronger together. And then there are the side characters. How I loved Greg Lestrade in this story. He's the best friend ever. Oh, and don't forget some of the villains from canon who play a very different role here. That was so cute and I loved the part with the waltz.
Oh, and there's another thing I loved very much about this fic. It's always wonderful when an author writes about music or art or writing itself and manage to show their love for the topic. When they bring it to live before my eyes, making me see a picture with their words, experiencing a dance sequence I've never seen for real or - in this case - letting me feel music and winter only with their words.
I highly recommend this story for Sherlock fans, Beauty and the Beast lovers and everybody else too. The writing is too stunning to be ignored!
Excerpt: Sherlock missed the warmth of John’s hand, but he found it was suddenly rather easier to breathe and think now they weren’t touching. He opened his violin case, delicately picked up the instrument, and rested it against his chin while he tried to decide what to play. His eyes caught the light coming from the small window, and he looked out, hoping the inspiration would shine through. The storm was still raging outside, snowflakes were being thrown around mercilessly by the wind, and suddenly Sherlock knew exactly what he wanted to play. For John. Who had taken a seat on a cushion, his legs stretched out in front of him as he watched Sherlock intently, his full attention focused on him.
After one last glance at the storm outside, the bow finally hit the strings as Sherlock started playing small saccadic notes. At first very quietly, but getting stronger as the tension built. Then, suddenly, the notes seemed to be flying everywhere, and to John, it felt as though Sherlock had brought the wind inside the room, a cold and icy winter wind, the kind that enters your body and clutches at your bones. He played three dishevelling gusts of wind, then the saccades were back, but with much more tension, and for a moment it seemed as though nature was holding its breath, and so was John. When Sherlock attacked the next section, the wind was thick with snowflakes, and John let out a breath, relief running through him, and somehow he knew what it felt like for nature to be so heavy, to feel so much pressure and finally to let it go all at once, spraying the air with sudden snow so thick it resembled tufts of hare fur.
In John’s head, snow was filling the small library, obscuring everything except Sherlock. Then, as it was often the case in nature, the snow subsided, and now John could only see little white flakes dancing in a wind that wasn’t blowing as violently as before. After the wave of relief he had felt moments before, he was now filled with a sense of calm apprehension. He had seen many snow storms in Québec; he knew not to let himself be lulled into a false sense of calm, that the storm was bound to pick up strength again. It did, and at first it was barely noticeable, a slight change in the biting cold notes, but soon pressure was building again, and after the drop of a few teasing flakes, the sky overflowed again, painting everything white until nature – and John – finally let out a sigh, and it was over.
xox
Title: A Prayer for the Spinder on LJ │ A Prayer for the Spider on AO3
Author/Artist:lomonaaeren │ Lomonaaeren
Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairing(s) Harry/Draco
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 6266
Warnings/Tags: Angst, Beauty and the Beast Elements, Curses, Mystery, Suicidal Thoughts
Summary: Harry has a month to undo the hardest curse he's ever worked with, a curse that has turned a man into the equivalent of a spider--except for his eyes.
Why I loved it: The stakes are high in this story. The cursed Darco is so desperate to leave this ugly, plump, and monstrous body of his behind, that he plans to commit suicide if Harry isn't able to break the curse within a month. Draco doesn't want to reveal who he is, so Harry meets him as M. And though the grotesque figure really looks horrible and disgusting Harry sees so much pain and dispear in M's silver eyes that he vows to give everything to break the curse. The atmosphere in this fic is creepy, luxurious, and forsaken - a really wonderful combination. I loved the descriptions of Draco's uglyness and the wonders of his house and garden which were so rich and beautiful. And I loved Harry here. He's a Healer, specalised on curses who alternate peoples appearance and he is smart and determined. Tbh, I love to read fics where he's got a grib on his temper, and his strength and kind heart are the main traits driving his character forward. This is such a story.
Excerpt: M touched him on the knee. When Harry looked up, he gestured at himself and shook his head. Then he drew one mandible down and across his throat.
"Because I don't want you to, that's why," Harry snapped. "I want you to live."
M gave him the sort of calming, chiding look from those silver eyes that Harry was growing used to. M thought that it was useless for him to try and live, that Harry might do something more valuable with his time. All of that was as clear as though M spoke aloud, and Harry had wondered if there was a component to the curse that managed to translate his thoughts.
But he didn't think so. Whoever had cast this curse had wanted to cut M off from all possible means of easing his loneliness. They wouldn't have done something like that consciously, and if this was a spell that had unwanted side-effects--unwanted by the caster, that was--Harry had yet to figure them out.
"I'll find something," he told M, who looked at him in silent, gentle doubt. "I promise. I'll find something."
It was the tenth of December.
xox
Title: Bel Canto
Author/Artist: bendingsignpost
Fandom: Sherlock BBC
Pairing(s) Sherlock/John
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 127,481
Warnings/Tags: Alternate Universe - Historical, phantomlock, Secret Identity, Identity Porn, Alternate Universe - Classical Music, Music, Singing, Sherlock's Violin, Operas, Aristocracy, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Disguise, Inheritance
Summary: After years of waiting for wealthy patrons to faint, Dr John Watson discovers a far more interesting patient in the opera house basement. (AU through a Phantom of the Opera lens.)
Why I loved it: This story is quite complex with a Sherlock who disguises himself as mysterious Mr Vernet to compose an opera and who wears a mask at all times around John (except in the dark). John gets into a catch-22 situation and falls a bit more for Mr Vernet than Lord Holmes younger brother Sherlock - therefore the part with the feelings is a huge mess. The story has also a vexing case as a villain has set their goal to destroy Lord Holmes opera house and is quite successful in doing so.
Again a story that made my heart ache by turning the music and storyline of an opera into the most wonderful words. I loved John here. As the opera houses' doctor he is so passionate about keeping all his possible patients at good health. He is seriously angered about that someone who tries to bring the opera house down. Therefore he helps Sherlock and Lestrade as good as possible. The funny thing is, John doesn't even like operas. Well, except the one of Vernet which is a special case right from the start. I can't tell much more without spoiling the story.
I loved the historical, very Victorian setting and how it was mixed up with the modern interpretation of the characters. The rest of the cast was woven well into the story and I loved the roles Mrs Hudson and Irene played here. There are some horrid attacks taking place in the story, so be prepared that not everybody will reach the end of the story alive - not the MCs, it made me sad nonetheless. Once started I couldn't put the story down. So, better bring some time when starting this fic as it's a longer one. I loved it. All of it, even its gruesome parts. And the ending, swoon, that was an ending for the win.
Excerpt: Rather than answer, Vernet says, “Once I finish, I’ll play you the first act. As much as it can be played on violin.”
Mollified, John struggles for a proper response of his own. Rather than find one, he asks, “How long has the first act taken? You’d already been down here for two months when we met.” At this rate, they’ll be at this for years. The thought of it fails to intimidate.
Vernet shakes his head. “I’ve put aside the vast majority of my initial work. This is better.”
“So you’ve composed an act in, what, a month?”
Vernet shrugs. “The Barber of Seville took Rossini thirteen days.”
“That one’s fairly short, though,” John points out. Though John knows very little about opera, he pays very close attention to the length of each performance. Honestly, he has little choice but to pay attention. John quite likes the Barber of Seville: it has only two acts.
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raitalaTitle: This Man's Heart
Author/Artist:
Fandom: Sherlock BBC
Pairing(s) Sherlock/John
Rating: R
Word Count: 72,991
Warnings/Tags: Alternate Universe, Friends to Lovers, Pre-Slash, Friendship, Slash, Angst, Fluff
Summary: In the latter part of the 19th century, a peculiar solitary man and an ex-army doctor disfigured at war live in a small village, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. When they first meet, they have no idea their lives are about to change forever and, over the months, they will form an unusual friendship, discover more about each other and themselves, and maybe fall a little in love along the way.
Why I loved it: This story gives its readers not only a wonderful historical setting of the French part of Canada in the 19th century, but some of the best descriptions of its landscapes during the seasons and its inhabiting animals I've ever read.
Then there are the characters. How Sherlock's and John's relationship develops is a treat. There is a treasure hunt involved that is too lovely to talk much about to not spoil the fun. Let's just say it's sort of a wonderful courtship which in the end doesn't go like planned. And then there's heartbreak. Oh yes, so much heartbreak on both sides. But they'll manage to sort things out, becoming stronger together. And then there are the side characters. How I loved Greg Lestrade in this story. He's the best friend ever. Oh, and don't forget some of the villains from canon who play a very different role here. That was so cute and I loved the part with the waltz.
Oh, and there's another thing I loved very much about this fic. It's always wonderful when an author writes about music or art or writing itself and manage to show their love for the topic. When they bring it to live before my eyes, making me see a picture with their words, experiencing a dance sequence I've never seen for real or - in this case - letting me feel music and winter only with their words.
I highly recommend this story for Sherlock fans, Beauty and the Beast lovers and everybody else too. The writing is too stunning to be ignored!
Excerpt: Sherlock missed the warmth of John’s hand, but he found it was suddenly rather easier to breathe and think now they weren’t touching. He opened his violin case, delicately picked up the instrument, and rested it against his chin while he tried to decide what to play. His eyes caught the light coming from the small window, and he looked out, hoping the inspiration would shine through. The storm was still raging outside, snowflakes were being thrown around mercilessly by the wind, and suddenly Sherlock knew exactly what he wanted to play. For John. Who had taken a seat on a cushion, his legs stretched out in front of him as he watched Sherlock intently, his full attention focused on him.
After one last glance at the storm outside, the bow finally hit the strings as Sherlock started playing small saccadic notes. At first very quietly, but getting stronger as the tension built. Then, suddenly, the notes seemed to be flying everywhere, and to John, it felt as though Sherlock had brought the wind inside the room, a cold and icy winter wind, the kind that enters your body and clutches at your bones. He played three dishevelling gusts of wind, then the saccades were back, but with much more tension, and for a moment it seemed as though nature was holding its breath, and so was John. When Sherlock attacked the next section, the wind was thick with snowflakes, and John let out a breath, relief running through him, and somehow he knew what it felt like for nature to be so heavy, to feel so much pressure and finally to let it go all at once, spraying the air with sudden snow so thick it resembled tufts of hare fur.
In John’s head, snow was filling the small library, obscuring everything except Sherlock. Then, as it was often the case in nature, the snow subsided, and now John could only see little white flakes dancing in a wind that wasn’t blowing as violently as before. After the wave of relief he had felt moments before, he was now filled with a sense of calm apprehension. He had seen many snow storms in Québec; he knew not to let himself be lulled into a false sense of calm, that the storm was bound to pick up strength again. It did, and at first it was barely noticeable, a slight change in the biting cold notes, but soon pressure was building again, and after the drop of a few teasing flakes, the sky overflowed again, painting everything white until nature – and John – finally let out a sigh, and it was over.
Title: A Prayer for the Spinder on LJ │ A Prayer for the Spider on AO3
Author/Artist:
lomonaaeren │ Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairing(s) Harry/Draco
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 6266
Warnings/Tags: Angst, Beauty and the Beast Elements, Curses, Mystery, Suicidal Thoughts
Summary: Harry has a month to undo the hardest curse he's ever worked with, a curse that has turned a man into the equivalent of a spider--except for his eyes.
Why I loved it: The stakes are high in this story. The cursed Darco is so desperate to leave this ugly, plump, and monstrous body of his behind, that he plans to commit suicide if Harry isn't able to break the curse within a month. Draco doesn't want to reveal who he is, so Harry meets him as M. And though the grotesque figure really looks horrible and disgusting Harry sees so much pain and dispear in M's silver eyes that he vows to give everything to break the curse. The atmosphere in this fic is creepy, luxurious, and forsaken - a really wonderful combination. I loved the descriptions of Draco's uglyness and the wonders of his house and garden which were so rich and beautiful. And I loved Harry here. He's a Healer, specalised on curses who alternate peoples appearance and he is smart and determined. Tbh, I love to read fics where he's got a grib on his temper, and his strength and kind heart are the main traits driving his character forward. This is such a story.
Excerpt: M touched him on the knee. When Harry looked up, he gestured at himself and shook his head. Then he drew one mandible down and across his throat.
"Because I don't want you to, that's why," Harry snapped. "I want you to live."
M gave him the sort of calming, chiding look from those silver eyes that Harry was growing used to. M thought that it was useless for him to try and live, that Harry might do something more valuable with his time. All of that was as clear as though M spoke aloud, and Harry had wondered if there was a component to the curse that managed to translate his thoughts.
But he didn't think so. Whoever had cast this curse had wanted to cut M off from all possible means of easing his loneliness. They wouldn't have done something like that consciously, and if this was a spell that had unwanted side-effects--unwanted by the caster, that was--Harry had yet to figure them out.
"I'll find something," he told M, who looked at him in silent, gentle doubt. "I promise. I'll find something."
It was the tenth of December.
Title: Bel Canto
Author/Artist:
Fandom: Sherlock BBC
Pairing(s) Sherlock/John
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 127,481
Warnings/Tags: Alternate Universe - Historical, phantomlock, Secret Identity, Identity Porn, Alternate Universe - Classical Music, Music, Singing, Sherlock's Violin, Operas, Aristocracy, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Disguise, Inheritance
Summary: After years of waiting for wealthy patrons to faint, Dr John Watson discovers a far more interesting patient in the opera house basement. (AU through a Phantom of the Opera lens.)
Why I loved it: This story is quite complex with a Sherlock who disguises himself as mysterious Mr Vernet to compose an opera and who wears a mask at all times around John (except in the dark). John gets into a catch-22 situation and falls a bit more for Mr Vernet than Lord Holmes younger brother Sherlock - therefore the part with the feelings is a huge mess. The story has also a vexing case as a villain has set their goal to destroy Lord Holmes opera house and is quite successful in doing so.
Again a story that made my heart ache by turning the music and storyline of an opera into the most wonderful words. I loved John here. As the opera houses' doctor he is so passionate about keeping all his possible patients at good health. He is seriously angered about that someone who tries to bring the opera house down. Therefore he helps Sherlock and Lestrade as good as possible. The funny thing is, John doesn't even like operas. Well, except the one of Vernet which is a special case right from the start. I can't tell much more without spoiling the story.
I loved the historical, very Victorian setting and how it was mixed up with the modern interpretation of the characters. The rest of the cast was woven well into the story and I loved the roles Mrs Hudson and Irene played here. There are some horrid attacks taking place in the story, so be prepared that not everybody will reach the end of the story alive - not the MCs, it made me sad nonetheless. Once started I couldn't put the story down. So, better bring some time when starting this fic as it's a longer one. I loved it. All of it, even its gruesome parts. And the ending, swoon, that was an ending for the win.
Excerpt: Rather than answer, Vernet says, “Once I finish, I’ll play you the first act. As much as it can be played on violin.”
Mollified, John struggles for a proper response of his own. Rather than find one, he asks, “How long has the first act taken? You’d already been down here for two months when we met.” At this rate, they’ll be at this for years. The thought of it fails to intimidate.
Vernet shakes his head. “I’ve put aside the vast majority of my initial work. This is better.”
“So you’ve composed an act in, what, a month?”
Vernet shrugs. “The Barber of Seville took Rossini thirteen days.”
“That one’s fairly short, though,” John points out. Though John knows very little about opera, he pays very close attention to the length of each performance. Honestly, he has little choice but to pay attention. John quite likes the Barber of Seville: it has only two acts.
