There is a lot of really wonderful writing out there, and this is only a small sample of a few works by authors who I think are extraordinary.

Tolkien Fanfiction

Lady E
I've been rediscovering my Tolkien roots thanks to Wraeththu, in a very strange, unexpected circular path. I discovered the story And Whisper You to This Earth thanks to compatriots within Wraeththu fandom who are also Tolkien writers. No matter the fandom, I enjoy reading rarepairs, and I have a keen appreciation for wordplay and sparseness of prose which conveys tremendous amounts… something I don't seem capable of myself, since I'm Queen of Adjectives. You'll not suffer that in this story. Here is a short summary of what I wrote the author: It's such a quiet story, a true murmuring of unforgettable images, of haunted memory, of burnished, whispering stone, of an Elf quite unexpectedly finding himself frayed to the point of sympathy… Then there's your canonical knowledge all undulating with the sussurative whispers of the ages across the barren lands of the Angle whence Halbarad comes, and the burden of age under which Erestor listens -- listens -- and is yet able to cleave himself to someone of a kindred spirit, despite their differences.
Her summary: Halbarad accompanies Erestor on an expedition to the lost city of Fornost, and along the way an unexpected connection develops between the Man and the Elf.
Rating is R, but it's really not very explicit at all. This is bone-melting characterization, from the Elvish and Mannish entities to the lands and memories in which they trod. Truly, a gem. Go, read, and let her know your thoughts.

Ëarmírë

This Silmarillion-based story - Swimming Against Waves - set a few years after the sacking of Sirion, focuses on an unexpected relationship between Maedhros and Elros. It is beautifully written, with a dreamy, ethereal quality, almost hazy, as when one is at a beach in summer, which is the setting for the tale. Inspired by At Swim, Two Boys, the story captures a unique moment in time in character's lives, an undulating romance infused with briny innocence. Which, of course, comes crashing in on them.

Mantiba
There are far too few well-written stories about Dwarves and their culture for my taste. To my great joy, I came across this short story about Durin, his Awakening, and his unexpected partner and their sons (Durin being the only Dwarf out of the founding fathers who did not have a partner, as you'll no doubt recall. *wink*). Of Durin and Kibil-nâla is a stunning work, full of canon knowledge and written in a deceptively straightforward manner given its mystical "back in the mists of time" quality. This is truly an Arkenstone among gems. Please go read it, and send her a thank you email if you enjoy it.

Altariel
I had been reading fanfiction for months before running across her works at Henneth-Annun. Once I did, I was hooked. All of her Tolkien fanfiction is elegant, evocative, and written in a beautifully sparse style which is still full of haunting images that will stay with you. Her story A Game of Chess is one of my all-time favorites, and inspired me to write "A House Divided." As you can tell by the multiple reviews, I am not the only one who admires her work.

Nessime
I discovered that Nessime was writing a long story set in Rohan at the same time that I was working on "Daughters of Oromë," and we became fast friends. Her WIP is still that, but she's written some shorter stories and has a very easy-to-read, yet sophisticated style. Her story Every Good and Perfect Gift is set during the early ages of Númenor, and brings tears to my eyes every time I read it. *happy sigh*

Adina_Atl
I have only read this one story of hers, but I reviewed it at Henneth-Annun and wrote what was my most gushing review ever- and I've done a lot of reviewing. I have a fondness both for Dwarf-centric and obscure-character fics, and this one has both. It's just a brilliant, unique story. Opening Doors was so creative that it has inspired me to write "Speak, Friend, and Enter." If you want to read a Tolkien fanfiction story unlike most others, read this!

Harry Potter Fanfiction

Note: many of the stories at these locations are adult in nature and many are slash, so if that doesn't float your boat, don't go reading them. Each site has its own warning, as well.

Josan
In Aftermath , a post-Voldemort/post-War Severus Snape attempts an isolated life in the Muggle world until, quite unexpectedly, a physically and psychologically damaged Ron Weasley shows up at the door of the building that has become Snape's home. From there Josan weaves past and present, unraveling a mystery as to why Ron still suffers when the War is over. In the process of Snape's patient, and eventually loving healing, the two discover a profound affection for each other, all while battling the usual elements of society, Death Eaters, shared history, and a very protective Weasley family. I've read this exquisite work several times, and while not romantic by nature, the ending never ceases to bring me to tears. Josan's writing skills shine through the story in the most ideal way: the prose and dialogue are so masterful as to be transparent. While not a common pairing, she couples these two into a companionship that most of us only dream of.

Minx
Minx spent several months writing Redeeming Time, and the quality shines through. To try and recapture the essence of what it is like to be at the end of one's teenage years, on the cusp of so many changes, and yet not be heavy-handed about it through the voices of the characters is rare gift indeed. Minx has done just that in this Marauder-era story told from James Potter's point of view. The eddies and flows of conversations between the young men is thoroughly in character, with all of the awkwardness and complexity that comes with long-term friendships, especially after there has been a rift which takes time and understanding to mend. As with all of her stories, you are immediately drenched in the glittering qualities that make the wizarding world different from our own, while still including the darker aspects which are also always present, skulking just out of sight but rarely out of mind.

Minx is writerly genius. I recommend anything and everything she's written, but this story in particular Lost Feeling (since it is adult, I'm putting you at the gateway). It follows Remus Lupin after the Potters' death during the intervening years prior to Sirius Black's return. She captures with knife-sharp accuracy what Lupin's life may have been like, his friends dead or in prison, and yet still resolutely living, day by resolute day. He plays heart-wrenchingly rebellious rock and roll, discovers the release of shooting up heroin (which does help with the transformations), and eventually is recalled to Hogwarts and has a coming to terms interlude with Snape. This is adult, in the best way possible. Gritty, believable and in character from beginning to end, both bitter and redemptive. Read her works, savor her storytelling abilities, and send her feedback.

resonant
Set five years after the Last War with Voldemort, Transfigurations features Harry, Hermione and Draco, as well as other familiar alumni, who have been recalled to Hogwarts to be professors. Days after the Sorting, they discover that Hogwarts is full of magical and potentially lethal mines which threaten to shut it down just after reopening. The story does include a Harry/Draco subtext, but even if that's not your favorite pairing, **read this story anyway.** "Transfigurations" is full of incredible details in regards to an obscure (and author-created) branch of magic called calligromancy, layers of detail about American wizards and witches (including Native Americans) and the hierarchies that exist there as much as in England. A completely believable, fast-paced, in-character-dialogue-full, rich and complex story. You'll need to read it multiple times to make sure you have absorbed all of the nuances.



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