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

Various

Bellflower and Hellebore by Gileonnen

'Even after nearly a decade of desolation, the wolf can smell that the place had a mistress, and that she used to make soap with rosemary from the rendered fat of infants.' Luscious descriptions mark this disquietening, slippery story, with tales melding into each other in unexpected ways as the wolf adapts to the changes time brings

[Added 27/05/2012; Drama; 1000-2500; Fairy tales – Various]

The Bruise Around the Wound by Rana Eros

'She is the usual shape, her visible skin the normal texture, even if the color is lurid. Her hair, though, her brows and lashes make people doubt. It only takes a little deformity and their imaginations run wild.' A dark reworking of 'Rapunzel' & other tales. Strange, lush & vivid, with overtones of Angela Carter

[Added 18/07/2009; Drama; 1000-2500; Fairy tales – Various]

The Killing Choice by Dizzy Fire

'Jack had always been trouble, ever since he was just a lad. People used to call him Jack the Giant Killer, and I privately suspected that there was some truth to it, although I hadn't been able to make the charges stick.' Goldilocks & Baby Bear [cough] Constable Bruin investigate the death of Jack, of Beanstalk fame, in this fairy tale noir casefile. Nothing too profound, but sweet & charming

[Added 28/05/2012; Humour; 6000-20,000; Fairy tales – Various]

The Silver Ship, or, The Wolf's Quest by Ermigoa

'Once upon a time, when the Earth was still solid beneath our feet and the stars were distant and strange, there was a king whose lands were rich and lush, and whose citadel comprised many gardens.' A really unusual fairy tale, subverting elements from traditional tales in a fresh setting. The frame story just makes this

[Added 27/05/2012; Drama; 2500-6000; Fairy tales – Various]

Under the Skin by Fresne

'His smile made her think of the teeth of ice off the eave of a house. His gray eyes made her feel the bark of the winter wind off an icy mountain. His laughter made her think of the retort of rifles in hunting season.' A rich & atmospheric tale, loosely based on Melusine & other archetypes. A bit rough around the edges, perhaps, but worth a try for the wonderfully realised setting, a faded spa town after WWI

[Added 04/10/2013; Drama; 6000-20,000; Fairy tales – Various; Adult]