Calling Down the Lightning by dreamwaffles (NC-17)

[duonoaikouka.livejournal.com]

Show: Stargate Atlantis
Rec Category: Alternate Universe
Characters: Rodney McKay
Pairing: John Sheppard/ Rodney McKay
Het/Slash/Gen: Slash
Warning: minor character death
Author on LJ: dreamwaffles
Author's Website: unknown
Link: Calling Down the Lightning 

Why this must be read:

Hands down, this is my FAVORITE Atlantis AU. It's a very impressive blend of magic in the modern world with the Stargate thrown in. Even the suspicion of having magic brings about an instant death penalty. No trial. No jury. Just the torch or firing squad. The element this brought to the story was just incredible. It really made me analyze how humanity reacts to that which it doesn't understand or that which frightens/threatens. And then dreamwaffles adds in Rodney McKay, one of only a few wizards that have survived past 20s and only then 'cause Rodney got REALLY lucky in when he manifested. All together, this is an utterly fascinating read that kept me a very happy reader for days. Definitely go enjoy!

Story Summary: The gift of magic carries a death sentence on Earth, and one so accused can be executed on suspicion, for the simple reason that the destructive power of an angry wizard can lay waste to entire countries.  When magic awakens in a person just as they leave their teens, whether it is the untamable power of a wizard or the lesser abilities of a mere magician, life becomes a constant struggle to hide it at all costs.

Dr. Rodney McKay, PhD PhD, is a wizard.  Incredibly, he has learned to control his power and is one of the few wizards in the world to have survived past his twenties.  In order to remain hidden, he has sworn never to use his magic except in the most desperate of circumstances, when lives are at stake.  But what will happen in the Pegasus Galaxy, where desperate circumstances are commonplace and chaos threatens to overwhelm the expedition at every turn?

 

( Snippet )

 

The Weight of an Oath by Emrys1 (PG-13)

[kriadydragon.livejournal.com]

Show: Stargate Atlantis

Rec Category: John Sheppard
Characters: John Sheppard, Rodney McKay, Ronon Dex, Teyla Emaggen, Carson Beckett, OCs
Pairing: None
Het/Slash/Gen: Gen
Warning: Violence, language, illness
Author on LJ: emrys1
Author's Website: On FF.net
Link: The Weight of an Oath

Why this must be read: Sheppard and his team stumble upon a society that may have connections with the Ancients. A very intense, exciting read that keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. The world building is excellent and the OCs actual people that you sometimes feel bad for and sometimes want to strangle. As is the case with all of Emrys' stories, Sheppard is put through the wringer in a way that is brutal and real, but that also brings out great friendship moments, specifically between him, Rodney and Carson.