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

The Silmarillion

Across Dark Waters by Zimraphel

Maeglin meets his match in this unique take on the Halls of Mandos, with a decided Greek flavour. Highly recommended

[Added 24/06/2004; Drama; 2500-6000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Aglarrâma by Zimraphel

This engaging vignette gives a rare glimpse of the last days of some of the ordinary inhabitants of Numenor, blithely going about their business as history prepares to overtake them

[Added 13/06/2005; Drama; 1000-2500; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Ailurophobia by Werecat

An amusing vignette starring the Character That Tolkien Forgot: Tevildo, Prince of Cats from The Book of Lost Tales

[Added 25/06/2004; Humour; 1000-2500; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Alqualonde by Joan Milligan

What might a poet make of the aftermath of a massacre? A thought-provoking vignette

[Added 13/01/2005; Drama; 1000-2500; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

As Little Might be Thought by Deborah

Deborah's interpretation of the aside from The Silmarillion which contributes the title. Strong characterisations make this story compulsively readable. The tale is continued in When I am Wise, Naming the Stones & In the Seventh Age, also all well worth a look

[Added 16/12/2003; Drama; 6000-20,000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

At Losgar by Wild Iris

I don't often recommend fan poetry; in the Tolkien fandom, especially, it's hard to find the line between rhyming doggerel & free verse that feels rather disconnected from the source. Wild Iris writes some of the best Tolkien-inspired poetry I've encountered, and this understated lament on the Kinslaying (part of a sequence which can be found at Speak Again) is among my favourites

[Added 27/10/2005; Poetry; <1000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Bargaining for Beginners by Honesty

Tolkien provided a wealth of names in footnotes, and here one of them is brought to life. Along the way, the reader is treated to details of everyday life for elves and dwarves, thoughts on the nature of craftsbeingship, and glimpses into the very different philosophies of the two races. While the slash subplot doesn't quite work with the rest of the piece, in my opinion, the story is well worth reading anyway

[Added 18/10/2002; Drama; 6000-20,000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

A Boy, A Girl & A Dog: The Leithian Script Project. Act I: An Appointment in Menegroth, Act II: The Sojourn in Nargothrond, or Houseguests from Hell, Act III: Tinuviel at Bay: A Caccia of Beleriand by Philosopher at Large

A unique blend of humour & drama, cast in Shakespearean form with modern informal English and priceless anti-fanon characterisations -- P@L's take on Luthien & Beren's tale has simply got to be read to be believed. Acts I-III are complete and stand alone; Act IV languishes incomplete

[Added 21/03/2006; Drama; >50,000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Bringing Gifts by Deborah

A wise man follows a star and finds what he least expects in this moving vignette

[Added 16/12/2003; Character Piece; <1000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Captain Tinkerbell by Lipstick

Believable and almost unbearably poignant. Set in the First World War, but I won't spoil this lovely story by revealing any more of the premise -- suffice to say, it comes highly recommended

[Added 09/09/2003; Drama; 1000-2500; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Carving a Bond by Finch

A meeting of races during the construction of Nargothrond. A great laconic narrative voice together with well-drawn minor characters make this a highly engaging read

[Added 16/12/2003; Drama; 2500-6000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Chance's Strange Arithmetic by Ithilwen

Strange meetings in the trenches of the Somme. Thoughtful and profoundly moving

[Added 09/09/2003; Drama; 6000-20,000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Choices by Vorondis

Elrond and Elros debate their destinies. Of the many variations I've seen on this premise, this struck me as one of the most profound

[Added 18/10/2002; Character Piece; 1000-2500; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Confessions of a Queen Downfallen by Jen Littlebottom

The regrets of Tar-Miriel, last Queen of Numenor. Bleak, beautifully written and very believable

[Added 25/01/2004; Character Piece; <1000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Confessions of a Sharp Glance by Maura Mellon

An excellent version of Maeglin's voice, and some very plausible insights into his character

[Added 06/07/2004; Character Piece; 6000-20,000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

The Difference Between a Seagull and a Phoenix by Lipstick

This clever vignette consigns a whole load of fanon to the bin. Strongly recommended

[Added 09/09/2003; Character Piece; 1000-2500; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

The Dying Stone by Soledad

The anguish of the Kinslaying afflicts the very rocks of Alqualondë. A poetic vignette that approaches the style of The Silmarillion more closely than most fanfiction

[Added 18/10/2002; Drama; 1000-2500; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Eleventh Hour by Zimraphel

Zimraphel's answer to why Tar-Miriel remained behind when Numenor fell. Eleventh Hour successfully lends flesh to the bare bones of Tolkien's narrative, and creates a sympathetic character for the doomed Queen

[Added 09/09/2003; Drama; 6000-20,000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Falling by Maureen Lycaon

A novel viewpoint on an oft-told tale, with some interesting speculation about the origins of Tolkien's werewolves

[Added 24/06/2004; Drama; 2500-6000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Felagund and the Noegyth Nibin by Soledad

The first fanfiction featuring a Petty Dwarf I've encountered, 'Felagund and the Noegyth Nibin' manages to give a sympathetic yet plausible view of the race. Also features a wonderful peek at Finrod Felagund. Highly recommended

[Added 24/06/2004; Drama; 2500-6000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Firimar by Ithilwen

A bittersweet future fic with an ending that surprised me

[Added 18/10/2002; Drama; <1000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Gathering the Pieces by Tehta

A tough view of Maedhros, the undefeated player. Nice understated character study

[Added 24/06/2004; Character Piece; 1000-2500; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Ghost Fires by Earmire

It's an overdone genre, perhaps, but this reflective vignette gives a strong sense of the aftermath of war

[Added 24/06/2004; Character Piece; 1000-2500; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

The Gift by Ithilwen

Maedhros learns lessons about glass-blowing and other matters. Delicate characterisation of the young elf makes this a poignant and memorable story. First part in the author's Maedhros Saga, but can be read independently

[Added 16/12/2003; Character Piece; 2500-6000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

The Glitter of Metal by Ithilwen

An insightful look at Maedhros, as he struggles to regain his sense of self after his escape from Morgoth. Part in the author's Maedhros Saga, but can be read independently

[Added 16/12/2003; Character Piece; 2500-6000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

If We Fall Anew by Le Chat Noir

Complex relationships in the aftermath of war. Convincing characterisation and very moving

[Added 18/10/2002; Drama; 6000-20,000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

In the Halls of Nienna by Artaxastra

'"I need something made which has never been crafted since the beginning of the world," she said firmly. "I need an impossible Thing."' This conversation piece, set in Valinor, has an intriguing take on the problem of orcs (crossover with LotR)

[Added 16/10/2015; Drama; 1000-2500; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion; Crossover]

Lasciate Ogne Speranza? by Finch

A believable and very moving view of Maglor in not-quite-modern times. The 'Maglor in History' challenge has been extraordinarily productive, and this story is among my favourites

[Added 24/06/2004; Drama; 2500-6000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Leaving Bliss by Penknife

'Grandpa Finny (and if you're confusing him already with Uncle Fenny and his brothers Fin and Little Finny, you aren't from Bliss yourself) was always keen on having sons. Definitely sons plural; he had his heart set on populating our little corner of Bliss all by himself.' Southern Gothic retelling of The Silmarillion, with Galadriel as a small-town Southern girl. It works amazingly well

[Added 05/08/2015; Drama; 2500-6000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Leavings by Honesty

The One Ring and the sundering of bonds between elves and men. A compelling story with solid characterisations

[Added 18/10/2002; Drama; 20,000-50,000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Light and Dark by Avanti 90

'She is the maker of the stars; let none forget that the stars are fire.' Unusual AU, brief but powerful

[Added 05/09/2012; Drama; <1000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

A New Song by Mithen

'Beleg Cúthalion heard the airlock decompress behind him with a hiss like an arrow's strike.' A host of unexpected details mark this inventive Elves-in-Space futurefic. It's a bit of a shame the ending goes back to a more Tolkienian mode, but getting there is enormous fun

[Added 15/10/2015; Drama; 2500-6000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Oak and Willow by Marnie

Detailed scene setting and solid characterisations make this tale of Galadriel & Celeborn's courtship a winner. But it's more than just a romance -- Marnie sets the budding relationship against the interracial tensions seeded by the Noldor's arrival in Beleriand. The sequel, Seeds of Old Trees, tells the other end of their story

[Added 13/01/2005; Romance/Erotica; >50,000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Of Bombadil and Peredhel by Meir Brin

Not many authors dare to attempt Tom Bombadil's voice, but Meir Brin succeeds amazingly well here, and the reader is treated to Entwives as well. A real hoot!

[Added 06/07/2004; Humour; 6000-20,000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Of Durin and Kibil-nâla by Mantida

'When Durin awoke from the sleep the Maker laid him, the world was still young, and the light unsullied.' A beautiful little vignette with an unexpected answer to one of the fandom's more commonly asked questions

[Added 26/06/2004; Drama; 1000-2500; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Of Leaves of Gold and Petals Red by Ithilwen

A deft mixture of Silmarillion canon, Scottish myth and modern practicalities provides an occasionally tongue-in-cheek but always engaging story. Not one for the Mary-Sue police

[Added 20/02/2003; Romance/Erotica; 6000-20,000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion; Crossover]

Oh Lift Me as a Wave by Zdenka

'Elwing breathed deeply, taking in the scent of salt, the sense of joyous flight and untrammeled freedom. She almost thought the wind spoke to her sometimes, saying her name in a voice full of affection.' A novel take on Elwing's motivations when she casts herself out of the window

[Added 26/10/2017; Romance/Erotica; 1000-2500; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

One Ring to Bind Them by Tyellas

An unusual and well-thought-out take on a strangely underwritten corner of canon, the making of the Rings. Consistently strong characterisation and gorgeous details make this a classic

[Added 09/09/2003; Drama; 20,000-50,000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion; Adult]

One Word by Joan Milligan

A moving vignette bringing home the effects of Thingol's ban on Quenya on the exiled Noldor

[Added 13/01/2005; Drama; <1000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Opening Doors by Adina

Like Honesty's Bargaining for Beginners, this story breathes life into Narvi, co-creator of the Doors of Moria. Like Bargaining, it contains a thoughtful exploration of the complex relationships between different races. Strong characterisations, great details and a dash of humour enrich this story, though I confess to being a little conflicted over the romance plot

[Added 16/12/2003; Romance/Erotica; 2500-6000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

The Prince by Tyellas

'There were moments, Maeglin reflected, when it was mightily annoying to be the prince of Gondolin.' One of the most convincing views of Gondolin I've encountered, as Tyellas deftly creates an entire city, with politics & gossip, romance & rivalry, to surround her Machiavellian Prince

[Added 06/07/2004; Drama; 6000-20,000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

The Ring and the Crown by Vulgarweed

Stylish writing that can't fail to send a shiver down your spine, in this tale of dark desires and even darker fulfilment

[Added 09/09/2003; Drama; 6000-20,000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion; Adult]

Sand and Flame by Tehta

A clever & funny retelling of a classic fairy tale, in which Fëanor meets his match

[Added 21/01/2005; Humour; 1000-2500; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Slouching toward Gondolin by Fileg

'We know where we stand -- squarely on the ground. We have no promises of time or of the West. We have to take what we want now.' A unique insight into the thoughts of a First Age orc in this beautifully written vignette. (Based in the Book of Lost Tales II)

[Added 06/07/2004; Drama; <1000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

A Spirit Of Fire by Genarti

'But you learn, in searching after light, that there is a beauty too in utter darkness.' Morgoth is perhaps the hardest of Tolkien's characters to bring to life, but this well-written vignette has some interesting & unusual insights into why he might have chosen the path he did

[Added 06/08/2009; Character Piece; 1000-2500; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Starlight by Tyellas

An interesting peek at life in Maedhros & Maglor's camp through the eyes of a youthful Elrond. Tyellas has a gift for creating rich and plausible details which make this story memorable

[Added 16/12/2003; Drama; 2500-6000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

The Unforgettable Fire by Ithilwen

'Unforgettable Fire' takes an unflinching look at the many hazards of love between different races and cultures. The refreshing choice of characters outside the 'usual suspects' of Silmarillion fanfiction is another bonus. One of my favourite Tolkien-based romances

[Added 09/09/2003; Romance/Erotica; 6000-20,000; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]

Unless it Be by Deborah

One elf's love for the sea. A well-structured and elegantly-written vignette

[Added 18/10/2002; Character Piece; 1000-2500; JRR Tolkien – The Silmarillion]