Compiled by the Espresso Addict

Espresso Recommendations

Innovative and stylish fanfiction, showcasing the very best across multiple sf, fantasy & literature fandoms. Good writing in all its forms can be found here, including gen, het, slash, OCs, AUs, crossovers, future fics, humour & pastiche

Contents: 1010 recs in 235 fandoms; 65 links

American Gods

Do Zla Boga by Kangeiko

'So why, astute readers may wonder, do some older gods survive?...If I tell you it is good deeds and miracles, you will know that I am lying.' A dark Gaimanesque tale, with a wonderful narrative voice

[Added 01/02/2011; Drama; 1000-2500; Neil Gaiman – American Gods]

the green, green grass of home by Apricot

'Shadow wondered if she'd come to Los Angeles to be an actress, or a dancer. ... The woman sitting next to him wasn't unattractive, but she had a face that ought to have been captured in marble, rather than in film.' Apricot creates a real feel of canon in miniature here, with a road trip, potent dreams & plenty of new gods to meet

[Added 23/12/2017; Drama; 2500-6000; Neil Gaiman – American Gods]

How Spider Came to America by Taz

'Spider... was thinking of a trick he could play on her. He would spin himself into a handsome man, seduce her and then when her mind was on the pleasure his penis was bringing her, he would steal the bag and the gourds in it.' Lovely rhythmical writing which could fit straight into the novel

[Added 03/01/2007; Drama; 1000-2500; Neil Gaiman – American Gods]

The Journey West by Oyce

'They forget Monkey was born of stone, not womb, they forget Monkey creates new monkeys from handfuls of fur, chewed up and spat out.' Original & beautifully crafted, 'The Journey West' packs a surprising amount into very few words

[Added 11/11/2008; Drama; <1000; Neil Gaiman – American Gods]

The Man in the Gaberdine Suit by Merlin Missy

'He doesn't have a plan. Plans shatter regularly, teacups on a parquet floor. Instead of planning Shadow visualizes an image, not as sharp as snow, but simple like the smell of fresh pie.' Lovely tone with a real feel of the original, working inevitably towards the perfect ending. One of my favourites from Yuletide 2011

[Added 28/05/2012; Drama; 2500-6000; Neil Gaiman – American Gods]

A Way Out by Empy

'Not even fair-metal hair, magically spun and crafted by dwarves could outlast the march of time and their slow fall out of memory and grace.' Empy expands a throwaway line in the novel, and gives us a much darker Loki than is found in most fanfiction

[Added 25/11/2011; Drama; 1000-2500; Neil Gaiman – American Gods]