ext_138318 ([identity profile] cathliu.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] stargateficrec2009-04-28 08:44 pm

The Return of the Dragons by Mithreon (NC-17)

Rec Category: AU
Pairing: McKay/Sheppard, McKay/Other
Categor: AU, H/C, Atlantis, Slash
Warning: Slash, Non-Consensual, torture
Author on LJ: mithreon
Author's Website:
Link: The Return of the Dragons

Author's summary: The magicians were their most important defense against the Wraith.

Why This Must Be Read:

Well, there are dragons!

Actually, not so much at first. But there are lots of magic floating around. And treachery and spells and angst and love and music and...Rodney Rant TM. Can't really have a good Rodney-centric story without some Rodney Rant TM.

The Return of the Dragons is the first story in Mithreon's The Return of the Dragons series (The Return of the Dragons, The Poisoning, Natural Relations, and Junction). In this story, we are introduced to Rodney McKay, a rare and powerful Grey Magician. His abilities inspire great envy amongst many. And some are willing to do anything to control it. 

There's a nice balance of action, angst, and romance here.The narrative in these stories is clean and clear. The character's voices  are very much their own, especially Rodney. 

I enjoy the occasional fantasy novel and I found this series to be comparable to some of them. There is enough magic and dimensional hopping to engage my interest. And the slasher in me is kept happy with the romance between John and Rodney.  Although the really cool magic and dragons doesn't come out to play until the second story, there is enough magic in The Return to make for a good teaser. The world building doesn't really start until later, too,  but it is a beautiful world and well worth the read.

Oh, and don't let the "torture" warning scare you away. It is not referring to that kind of torture (ie thumbscrews and racks and whips). There is suffering, and it is an intense scene, but no one is trying to break any one's bones. At least not in this first story...