Rec List - Merlin Starter Fic
Feb. 11th, 2012 06:01 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
arcadianmaggieNumerous fandom friends have requested Merlin recs as they're slowly lured in by twitter, Tumblr, the gorgeous Bradley James and Colin Morgan, and all the daily flailing. I put together a starter list that I've emailed out to several people, and thought it might be easier to post it on my LJ. Below are my recommendations for newcomers—fics to get you started down the glorious black hole of Merlin fic, my current (and future) obsession. These aren't necessarily my all time favorites (although the list does contain its fair share of those), but ones I think give an accessible overview and will leave you wanting more... and more... and MOAR!!!
OVERVIEW
In general, the fic comes in 3 main categories:
— RPF - Bradley/Colin fic
— Modern AU - Arthur and Merlin in modern settings - either with or without magic
— Canon 'verse - Arthur and Merlin fic set within the context of the show
Note: There are obviously other pairings for all these categories, but I'm a slash h00r through and through, so these pairing are the main focus for this rec list.
Other categories you may see referenced are reincarnation (the whole once and future king deal—often listed with modern AUs), historical AU (Merlin and Arthur in a historical setting other than canon), and future fic (usually canon verse set past the timeline the show has covered).
My personal life ruiner was![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
tuesdaymidnight who suggested I start with some RPF, since I had never seen the show but had seen pics of the two gorgeous leads. From there I went on to read a boatload of modern AUs, and once I caught up with the television show, I moved into canon era. It may actually be my favorite right now. (I love it all. ALL OF IT.) I'll list a few from each of the main categories to get you started on your own road to life ruination.
RPF | MODERN AU | CANON 'VERSE
RPF (Bradley/Colin)
Title: The Colour of Cartoon Sunshine byjunkshop_disco
Rating: NC-17, RPS
Pairing: Bradley/Colin
Word Count: 35,000 - 4 parts
Summary: As filming for the second series draws to a close, Colin thinks his biggest problem is evading one of Bradley’s goodbye hugs. It isn’t. It’s that he’s about to do something that’s fourteen different kinds of stupid: fall in love.
Notes: This was the very first fic I read in the fandom and it sucked me right in. The author is excellent. I love everything she's written.
Title: Prime Numbers bynympha_alba
Rating: PG-13, RPS
Pairing: Bradley/Colin
Word Count: 3,500
Summary: Up there on stage, Colin is a stranger, and Bradley can't make himself leave. Not until Colin is familiar again.
Notes: A short swoony B/C written for a glomp fest prompt requesting "emotion, tenderness, UST, a microcosm within their daily life." It's got all of that and more. *swoon*
Title: Something Kind of Wonderful bydreamdustmama
Rating: NC-17, RPS, AU, fluff, romance
Pairing: Bradley/Colin
Word Count: 22,300
Summary: In which Colin has writer's block, Katie is helpful, Bradley makes coffee, Angel is awesome, and along the way something kind of wonderful happens.
Notes: Coffee shop fics are like crack to me. Great cast of characters in this sweet romantic fic. Written for the Merlin RPF Big Bang (oh, how I love this fandom even has an RPF Big Bang).
Title: Bittersweet bymrs_leary
Rating: NC-17, RPS
Pairing: Colin/Bradley
Word Count: 8,270
Summary: From the moment they meet, Colin and Bradley seem to have wonderful chemistry both on- and off-screen. Which Colin is at a loss to explain, seeing as they’re both straight. But it doesn’t go away, and eventually Bradley insists they deal with it.
Notes: I can't rec Merlin RPF without putting something by Mrs Leary on here. I adore her fic and she has a long masterlist available. I especially love how she writes Bradley. This is one of my favorites.
MODERN AU
Title: Drastically Redefining Protocol by rageprufrock
Rating: NC-17, Modern AU w/magic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Word Count: 46,059 (with 6 extras)
Summary: In which Prince Arthur meets Merlin and all hell promptly breaks lose.
Notes: I know some people don't care for RPF, so if you're looking for that very first fic to start with, this would be my rec. A modern royalty AU, it's a great intro into the fandom. Fun and entertaining, it does an absolutely fabulous job of keeping them in character while transplanting them to a modern setting. Note that several of my friends warn against the Five Secrets extra (it's angsty as hell), but it was actually one of my favorites, adding a depth to the series that is, in general, pretty fluffy.
Title: Timshel byems
Rating: PG-13, Modern AU
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Word Count: 34,435 (with a rimming sextra)
Summary: Merlin is definitely supposed to work for Arthur, but spends most of his time mocking Arthur's dress sense, berating him via IM with Morgana, sending Gwen capslock-filled emails about him and, most of all, trying not to fall in love with the shiny-shoed ponce. Arthur, meanwhile, is definitely supposed to be taking over his father's company some day, but instead spends most of his time scowling at Merlin, making lists about him, trying to find excuses to fire him and, most of all, trying to pretend he is totally not head-over-heels for the jumped up little upstart. Someone's got to make some difficult choices eventually, and this can only lead to one thing: angst. Or hilarity. Or, embarrassingly enough, self-discovery.
Notes: The summary does a great job letting you know what you'll get. This was one of the first modern AUs I read and it's still one of my favorites.
Title: The Good Times Are Killing Me byminor_hue
Rating: NC-17, Modern AU
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Word Count: 15,300
Summary: In which the boys pretend to still be together for Christmas (and there is more than one kind of charade). Written for this kinkme_merlin prompt.
Notes: Anggggsssssttttt. But the kind that makes you hurt so good. Soooo hurty good. I've re-read this countless times.
Title: The Student Prince by FayJay
Rating: R, Modern AU with magic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Word Count: 145,248
Summary: A Modern day Merlin AU set at the University of St Andrews, featuring teetotal kickboxers, secret wizards, magnificent bodyguards of various genders, irate fairies, imprisoned dragons, crumbling gothic architecture, arrogant princes, adorable engineering students, stolen gold, magical doorways, attempted assassination, drunken students, shaving foam fights, embarrassing mornings after, The Hammer Dance, duty, responsibility, friendship and true love...
Notes: Oh, I just adored this completely. A little lighter, clever, funny and incredibly detailed. This Merlin is particularly fabulous, but every single character is memorable. This is a favorite of many and I've seen it rec'd numerous times as a starter fic to the fandom. Because of its length, I hesitate to do the same, but I think it makes a great 2nd fic!
Title: Driving Lessons byhermette
Rating: NC-17, Modern AU
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Word Count: 7,000
Summary: It's bad enough that Arthur is going to have to get a stupid fucking stats tutor because he spends all of his lectures staring at the back of Merlin's neck and wondering what sort of noises he'd make if Arthur scraped his teeth against all that pale skin. But now, now he's supposed to tolerate Merlin showing up at his door early in the morning with snowflakes clinging to his eyelashes? Now he's supposed to spend four hours alone in a car with him, and fuck all, there is no way Arthur comes out of this without making some manner of arse out of himself.
Notes: I had to have at least one fic on here that elicits my common response of: boyyyssssss. So swoony delicious. You will hug yourself.
Title: Summertime, Starry Sky bylolafeist
Rating: NC-17, modern American high school AU with magic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Word Count: 9,000
Summary: During the summer before his senior year, Merlin notices that his friend Morgana's little brother Arthur isn't so little anymore.
Notes: This is the first of the 4 part Seasons series (also on AO3). This world is incredible and I have a difficult time saying anything coherent about it other than: *FLAIL*. Angsty, romantic, brilliant. I doubt anything will ever knock this series out of my top faves.
CANON 'VERSE
Title: Peach, Plum, Pear bysweetestdrain
Rating: NC-17, Futurefic
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 13,750
Summary: How in his tenth year of rule King Arthur chose a man to take the role of Court's Magician, and how Arthur made his decision.
Notes: There's almost a fairytale quality to this story. Lovely and bittersweet. Left me achey.
Title: In Time of Trial byshinetheway
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Word Count: 36,807
Summary: Uther fears his son's power, and Merlin has helped Arthur flee to escape imprisonment. Now the two of them must fight to regain Arthur's rightful place in Camelot.
Notes: Written for the 2009 Merlin Big Bang, this is one of my favorite longer plotty fics. I especially liked watching Arthur becoming a king and the way he and Merlin rely on each other. Excellent read.
Title: Untitled young Arthur Pendragon/Knights bylittlesleepfic
Rating: NC-17, Canon AU, Underage/older characters, dubious consent
Pairing: Arthur/Knights
Word Count: 2,100
Summary: He's not completely sure they're his men, though he's known them since he was knee-high. The sweep of their red capes once tousled his hair. Now these men are down on their knees, swords in hand, pledging him fealty while his father looks on, face tender with pride.
Notes: You know another thing that's great about this fandom? The knights. I'm sure the potential is obvious. Also, onelittlesleep, who writes the most amazing porn. Just a short one here to get you started.
Title: Lemon Meringue byadelagia
Rating: PG-13, Canon era
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Word Count: 3,300
Summary: Arthur exiles Merlin for his own safety, but even from afar Merlin manages to make his presence felt anyway.
Notes: Last, a little lighter fluff story. Sweet and funny and altogether wonderful.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Now for two additional links. The first is the Perv Pack's Smut Shack Fandom Hopping Merlin Edition post that I, and several other friends, contributed to. I agree wholeheartedly with every rec on there (including my all time fave, Good News (is on the way) byderryere, although I wouldn't recommend this story as a starter fic). Some will be repeats of fics mentioned above, but they're all good enough to mention twice!
The second is my own Google spreadsheet where I keep track of ALL the fic I've read. Additional tabs contain my very healthy TBR list; LJ communites, fests, comment memes and Big Bangs; Tumblrs; and more rec lists. You'll find enough there to keep you occupied for a very long time. Welcome to the addiction. It's beautiful here.
More Merlin: PPSS's Fandom Hopping Merlin Edition | Maggie's Merlin Reading List
Feel free to add some of your favorite Merlin fics!
OVERVIEW
In general, the fic comes in 3 main categories:
— RPF - Bradley/Colin fic
— Modern AU - Arthur and Merlin in modern settings - either with or without magic
— Canon 'verse - Arthur and Merlin fic set within the context of the show
Note: There are obviously other pairings for all these categories, but I'm a slash h00r through and through, so these pairing are the main focus for this rec list.
Other categories you may see referenced are reincarnation (the whole once and future king deal—often listed with modern AUs), historical AU (Merlin and Arthur in a historical setting other than canon), and future fic (usually canon verse set past the timeline the show has covered).
My personal life ruiner was
tuesdaymidnight who suggested I start with some RPF, since I had never seen the show but had seen pics of the two gorgeous leads. From there I went on to read a boatload of modern AUs, and once I caught up with the television show, I moved into canon era. It may actually be my favorite right now. (I love it all. ALL OF IT.) I'll list a few from each of the main categories to get you started on your own road to life ruination. RPF (Bradley/Colin)
Title: The Colour of Cartoon Sunshine by
junkshop_discoRating: NC-17, RPS
Pairing: Bradley/Colin
Word Count: 35,000 - 4 parts
Summary: As filming for the second series draws to a close, Colin thinks his biggest problem is evading one of Bradley’s goodbye hugs. It isn’t. It’s that he’s about to do something that’s fourteen different kinds of stupid: fall in love.
Notes: This was the very first fic I read in the fandom and it sucked me right in. The author is excellent. I love everything she's written.
Title: Prime Numbers by
nympha_albaRating: PG-13, RPS
Pairing: Bradley/Colin
Word Count: 3,500
Summary: Up there on stage, Colin is a stranger, and Bradley can't make himself leave. Not until Colin is familiar again.
Notes: A short swoony B/C written for a glomp fest prompt requesting "emotion, tenderness, UST, a microcosm within their daily life." It's got all of that and more. *swoon*
Title: Something Kind of Wonderful by
dreamdustmamaRating: NC-17, RPS, AU, fluff, romance
Pairing: Bradley/Colin
Word Count: 22,300
Summary: In which Colin has writer's block, Katie is helpful, Bradley makes coffee, Angel is awesome, and along the way something kind of wonderful happens.
Notes: Coffee shop fics are like crack to me. Great cast of characters in this sweet romantic fic. Written for the Merlin RPF Big Bang (oh, how I love this fandom even has an RPF Big Bang).
Title: Bittersweet by
mrs_learyRating: NC-17, RPS
Pairing: Colin/Bradley
Word Count: 8,270
Summary: From the moment they meet, Colin and Bradley seem to have wonderful chemistry both on- and off-screen. Which Colin is at a loss to explain, seeing as they’re both straight. But it doesn’t go away, and eventually Bradley insists they deal with it.
Notes: I can't rec Merlin RPF without putting something by Mrs Leary on here. I adore her fic and she has a long masterlist available. I especially love how she writes Bradley. This is one of my favorites.
MODERN AU
Title: Drastically Redefining Protocol by rageprufrock
Rating: NC-17, Modern AU w/magic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Word Count: 46,059 (with 6 extras)
Summary: In which Prince Arthur meets Merlin and all hell promptly breaks lose.
Notes: I know some people don't care for RPF, so if you're looking for that very first fic to start with, this would be my rec. A modern royalty AU, it's a great intro into the fandom. Fun and entertaining, it does an absolutely fabulous job of keeping them in character while transplanting them to a modern setting. Note that several of my friends warn against the Five Secrets extra (it's angsty as hell), but it was actually one of my favorites, adding a depth to the series that is, in general, pretty fluffy.
Title: Timshel by
emsRating: PG-13, Modern AU
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Word Count: 34,435 (with a rimming sextra)
Summary: Merlin is definitely supposed to work for Arthur, but spends most of his time mocking Arthur's dress sense, berating him via IM with Morgana, sending Gwen capslock-filled emails about him and, most of all, trying not to fall in love with the shiny-shoed ponce. Arthur, meanwhile, is definitely supposed to be taking over his father's company some day, but instead spends most of his time scowling at Merlin, making lists about him, trying to find excuses to fire him and, most of all, trying to pretend he is totally not head-over-heels for the jumped up little upstart. Someone's got to make some difficult choices eventually, and this can only lead to one thing: angst. Or hilarity. Or, embarrassingly enough, self-discovery.
Notes: The summary does a great job letting you know what you'll get. This was one of the first modern AUs I read and it's still one of my favorites.
Title: The Good Times Are Killing Me by
minor_hueRating: NC-17, Modern AU
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Word Count: 15,300
Summary: In which the boys pretend to still be together for Christmas (and there is more than one kind of charade). Written for this kinkme_merlin prompt.
Notes: Anggggsssssttttt. But the kind that makes you hurt so good. Soooo hurty good. I've re-read this countless times.
Title: The Student Prince by FayJay
Rating: R, Modern AU with magic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Word Count: 145,248
Summary: A Modern day Merlin AU set at the University of St Andrews, featuring teetotal kickboxers, secret wizards, magnificent bodyguards of various genders, irate fairies, imprisoned dragons, crumbling gothic architecture, arrogant princes, adorable engineering students, stolen gold, magical doorways, attempted assassination, drunken students, shaving foam fights, embarrassing mornings after, The Hammer Dance, duty, responsibility, friendship and true love...
Notes: Oh, I just adored this completely. A little lighter, clever, funny and incredibly detailed. This Merlin is particularly fabulous, but every single character is memorable. This is a favorite of many and I've seen it rec'd numerous times as a starter fic to the fandom. Because of its length, I hesitate to do the same, but I think it makes a great 2nd fic!
Title: Driving Lessons by
hermetteRating: NC-17, Modern AU
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Word Count: 7,000
Summary: It's bad enough that Arthur is going to have to get a stupid fucking stats tutor because he spends all of his lectures staring at the back of Merlin's neck and wondering what sort of noises he'd make if Arthur scraped his teeth against all that pale skin. But now, now he's supposed to tolerate Merlin showing up at his door early in the morning with snowflakes clinging to his eyelashes? Now he's supposed to spend four hours alone in a car with him, and fuck all, there is no way Arthur comes out of this without making some manner of arse out of himself.
Notes: I had to have at least one fic on here that elicits my common response of: boyyyssssss. So swoony delicious. You will hug yourself.
Title: Summertime, Starry Sky by
lolafeistRating: NC-17, modern American high school AU with magic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Word Count: 9,000
Summary: During the summer before his senior year, Merlin notices that his friend Morgana's little brother Arthur isn't so little anymore.
Notes: This is the first of the 4 part Seasons series (also on AO3). This world is incredible and I have a difficult time saying anything coherent about it other than: *FLAIL*. Angsty, romantic, brilliant. I doubt anything will ever knock this series out of my top faves.
CANON 'VERSE
Title: Peach, Plum, Pear by
sweetestdrainRating: NC-17, Futurefic
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 13,750
Summary: How in his tenth year of rule King Arthur chose a man to take the role of Court's Magician, and how Arthur made his decision.
Notes: There's almost a fairytale quality to this story. Lovely and bittersweet. Left me achey.
Title: In Time of Trial by
shinethewayRating: NC-17
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Word Count: 36,807
Summary: Uther fears his son's power, and Merlin has helped Arthur flee to escape imprisonment. Now the two of them must fight to regain Arthur's rightful place in Camelot.
Notes: Written for the 2009 Merlin Big Bang, this is one of my favorite longer plotty fics. I especially liked watching Arthur becoming a king and the way he and Merlin rely on each other. Excellent read.
Title: Untitled young Arthur Pendragon/Knights by
littlesleepficRating: NC-17, Canon AU, Underage/older characters, dubious consent
Pairing: Arthur/Knights
Word Count: 2,100
Summary: He's not completely sure they're his men, though he's known them since he was knee-high. The sweep of their red capes once tousled his hair. Now these men are down on their knees, swords in hand, pledging him fealty while his father looks on, face tender with pride.
Notes: You know another thing that's great about this fandom? The knights. I'm sure the potential is obvious. Also, onelittlesleep, who writes the most amazing porn. Just a short one here to get you started.
Title: Lemon Meringue by
adelagiaRating: PG-13, Canon era
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Word Count: 3,300
Summary: Arthur exiles Merlin for his own safety, but even from afar Merlin manages to make his presence felt anyway.
Notes: Last, a little lighter fluff story. Sweet and funny and altogether wonderful.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Now for two additional links. The first is the Perv Pack's Smut Shack Fandom Hopping Merlin Edition post that I, and several other friends, contributed to. I agree wholeheartedly with every rec on there (including my all time fave, Good News (is on the way) by
derryere, although I wouldn't recommend this story as a starter fic). Some will be repeats of fics mentioned above, but they're all good enough to mention twice!The second is my own Google spreadsheet where I keep track of ALL the fic I've read. Additional tabs contain my very healthy TBR list; LJ communites, fests, comment memes and Big Bangs; Tumblrs; and more rec lists. You'll find enough there to keep you occupied for a very long time. Welcome to the addiction. It's beautiful here.
More Merlin: PPSS's Fandom Hopping Merlin Edition | Maggie's Merlin Reading List
Feel free to add some of your favorite Merlin fics!
