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

Bible

In the Shadow of Her Wings by Sinope

'She clung to the fragments of tales she overheard while learning how to carry a full vessel of water without spilling a drop, or how to pound barley grains into flour as smooth as her mother's kiss.' A lyrical version of the Book of Ruth. Highly recommended

[Added 03/01/2007; Drama; 1000-2500; Bible]

Made the Lord God to Grow by Viola Coye

'He -- and I say he, of course, because even though the young god had both beard and breasts I have to call him something, and he had no name yet -- was compassionate and cruel, curious and practical.' An original take on the creation story, weaving in Babylonian mythology. Clever & memorable

[Added 28/01/2011; Drama; 1000-2500; Bible]

Noah's Arkangel by Abluestocking

'Yaffy makes a face. "I interrupted him while he was..." He seems to notice Keziah for the first time, which is ridiculous considering he was just hiding behind her. But then Lia is quite used to her scientific brethren neglecting to notice the nose on their face. "...talking to God," he finishes awkwardly.' Imaginative recasting of the Noah's flood myth as space opera, with something of the feel of a TNG episode. Not all aspects of this novella worked equally well for me, but it's worth a try for the God jokes alone

[Added 04/10/2013; Drama; 20,000-50,000; Bible]

The Road to Jerusalem by Lakester

'The fish sizzled behind her, gutted and chopped. The fish that hadn't spoken to her as she lay there, that she hadn't cut small enough that she could be sure it wouldn't do so again.' Wonderful gritty portrait of Mary Magdalene, before & after she meets Jesus

[Added 21/07/2009; Character Piece; 2500-6000; Bible]

She Will Place on Your Head a Graceful Garland; She Will Bestow on You a Beautiful Crown by Raspberryhunter

'The figure unwraps the shawl from her head, and Bathsheba gasps. It is Abigail, the king's third wife. The one who was said to be the most beautiful of his wives when she was young; the one who is said to be the wisest.' David & Bathsheba refocused as a tale of trust, and mistrust, between the king's wives. Strong characterisations make the story as relevant now as when it was first told, and Raspberryhunter weaves together several sources to add twists to the familiar events. Highly recommended

[Added 27/05/2012; Drama; 2500-6000; Bible]