Jack and the Ripper by Dragonfly Promises NC17

[winterstar95.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Drama
Pairing: Jack/Daniel, Teal’c/Sam
Category: Pre-slash, AU, Angst, H/C, Drama
Warning: Minor Character death and Homicide
Author on LJ: unknown
Author's Website: Dragonfly Promise’s Page at area52

Link: Jack and the Ripper

Why This Must Be Read: I normally do not read alternate reality stories and I stay away from alternate reality series…well this one intrigued me and I finally broke down today and read the first story in a 17 part series. I was wowed! This is the Alternate Reality Bytes series where Jack, Sam, Murray (Teal’c) and Hammond are detectives. Daniel is a Profiler for the FBI. Jack is on the trail of a vicious serial killer and ends up enlisting Daniel’s help. As they hunt down the killer, a friendship develops between Daniel and Jack. Minor characters that we all know and love make an appearance as well. During a particularly sad scene Daniel confronts a strange man and what happens next was shocking to me. I had to read it twice to make sure I actually read it right. But what I really loved about this story was Daniel as a Profiler. It was believably written and the way the author carries the story and the characterizations is strong and keeps you engaged throughout. You don’t want to stop reading even during long explanations because it is fascinating. Each character is fully realized in their new role but at the same time – they are our beloved characters. I think you will enjoy this story – and I am looking forward to reading the rest!!

"The One Who Wasn't There" by Tielan, Rated R

[snoggingpicard.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Sheppard/Teyla
Pairing: Sheppard/Teyla ship
Category: Het, angst, drama, hurt/comfort
Warning: Intense emotion, sexual situations, language
Author on LJ: Tielan
Author's Website: http://tielan.livejournal.com/
Link: http://tielan.livejournal.com/84778.html#cutid1

Why This Must Be Read: Tielan is one of the most talented, consistent writers out there, and she always manages to put out some incredible work. Her grasp of the characters never ceases to amaze me, and I honestly think that there are plenty of times when she understands them even better than their creators.

This is one of her latest Sheppard/Teyla fics, and it's an incredibly tragic, poignant one (though, that's hardly news for this author). The prompt that she was given for this story was "Teyla, the last of the Athosians", so obviously the fic is very emotional and very sad -- don't read if you're looking for something fluffy or happy. She's got the relationship between these characters down to a tee, and this story really brings out the unspoken strength of their bond.

One of the things that really struck me in this fic was the extreme lack of dialogue between the characters despite the heaviness of the subject matter and the choice that they make. It works surprisingly well, and it's only at the end that you finally realize just how little was actually said.

Amazing, amazing writing in this one -- her descriptions alone are worth the read.