BBC Sherlock Fan Forum - Serving Sherlockians since February 2012 » Reading challenge: Unexpected Tags

Lilythiell · July 16, 2015 10:34 pm

I'm SO glad you've really liked Gilded Cage!
And considering another, well written, Omegaverse fic with not too much of what's-under-the-spoiler-tag, too? Brilliant!

As for me, I'll be starting Uphill, and I'll most probably read it in one go, seeing as the scorching heat had me sleeping for 20 hours.

Edit
I've just finished Uphill. The plot was clear enough from the start (okay, from the third chapter, but still), but there were many moments when the writer was just possessed (in a good way!) because I suddenly felt as if the action was taking place before my eyes, and that's Good. I would have believed it would have been more of a challenge to read it -seeing as I am really not into sports- but it was a nice read.
I will have to think on other tags, though, this one is not working for me, even if I don't mind it.

Last edited by Lilythiell (July 17, 2015 2:57 am)

ukaunz · July 23, 2015 5:08 am

Me reading Vhanja's review of The Gilded Cage: nod, nod, nod, YES. I agree with everything you have said about this fic and feel much the same way. I can't even think of much to add. By the time I really got into this fic, the omegaverse stuff didn't bother me as much as I thought it would. It was an epic, intense read, a mind-blowing amount of world-building and such a well-crafted story arc with the case flawlessly woven into the story, it's just so clever. Since reading it, I somehow stumbled across an interview with the author Beautifulfiction on the Three Patch Podcast (Episode 38: The Greek Interpreted, from about 15:37 into the podcast) and I'm just amazed by this author. It's worth listening to what she says about how she wrote this fic (only if you've read it - there are spoilers). The reason her version of the omega universe is so complex and brilliant is that she's a biologist, so it's like she really has done the research (or thought about it a lot, anyway - considering it's an alternate fictional universe).

I also found this by swissmissficrecs on tumblr

The worldbuilding is both sprawling and in-depth, encompassing legislation, the economy, social stratification, mores, education, and medicine, among other aspects. It tackles issues that resound in the real world like human rights, domestic violence, gender roles, contraceptive rights, and self-determination, and all that without ever becoming dry or getting distracted from the plot engine, which is the case.

From http://beautifulfic.tumblr.com/post/119600042636/the-gilded-cage-by-beautifulfiction-ao3

That's enough to be going on with, don't you think? It's more than just an Alpha/Omega sex romp. Read it!

I loved how so many details from the show were woven into the story to authenticate the omegaverse - like the reason Sherlock flips his jacket/coat collar up and grows his hair long, or why he has his "moods", or why his sense of smell is so acute etc. It really made the whole thing so believable.

One little criticism I have about the fic was the number of times a character runs their tongue over their teeth (at least 20 times), that got a bit noticeable for me. I think John lets out a breath he didn't realise he was holding a couple of times too (for those people that find that cliche annoying, but it didn't bother me, I just noticed it because it's been pointed out somewhere on the forum before ). Also, the writing may have gotten a little too florid for my taste in a few places, but mostly I think it was the author trying to convey Sherlock's grief or desire which was quite effective I guess. I really liked how Sherlock's mind palace was described. I should have taken notes so that I could quote stuff to back up what I'm saying. Oh well.

Again, like with Collared, I'm so glad I read this, and thanks to those who recommended it and reviewed it here. It's up there as one of the best Sherlock fics I've read so far. I'm not sure I'll read another A/B/O tagged fic unless anyone can vouch for it - it has to be at least as good as this one before I'll read it!

ukaunz · July 23, 2015 7:18 am

This might be a bit OT, but here's a link to Beautifulfiction's tumblr page for extra info about Omega biology and reproduction etc., for those who've read The Gilded Cage and have questions about the 'verse. A little bit squicky, but interesting!

http://beautifulfic.tumblr.com/tagged/gcworld/

Also, for Lilythiell, another sportlock fic I haven't read but I heard mentioned somewhere (it might have been the Three Patch Podcast). It's called "A Study in Winning", check it out here http://archiveofourown.org/works/366788/chapters/596177

Last edited by ukaunz (July 23, 2015 9:11 am)

Kittyhawk · July 24, 2015 12:03 pm

ukaunz wrote:
.....Also, the writing may have gotten a little too florid for my taste in a few places, ....

I'm so happy that I'm not the only one to think so! Though I found Gilded Cage the best of BeautifulFiction's story in that respect - either she's toning it down or I was so caught up in the story that I didn't simply notice for wide stretches. Because yes, it is a wonderful story - I agree with everything ukaunz wrote and would just like to add that in my opinion A/O biological details aren't all that important for the plot - I read the story mostly as an allegory for the treatmen of women in many times and places (I was reminded of the film "Made in Dagenham" - which I highly recommend, btw., though Rupert Graves plays an arsehole...).

Last edited by Kittyhawk (August 22, 2016 9:56 am)

Kittyhawk · July 26, 2015 5:17 pm

Okay, I know and remember this is not a general fic rec thread. But apparently tentacle-lock (tentlock?) squicks people out so much that it's not even on the tags list. So far I've avoided it as well (and will continue to avoid it), but yesterday, after reading other stories by argyle4eva and liking them, I came across Complexity http://archiveofourown.org/works/234564 so I challenged myself and read it. I discovered a nice, fluffy, funny story - well worth reading (nothing too graphic, it's rated Mature, and it's not too long either).

“Why am I not surprised? Wait – does that mean Mycroft . . .?”“Do try to keep up. He's my brother. So, obviously, he's an alien, too.”“You know, that's the first thing out of this whole business that's made total sense.”

(Of course now I have to check whether anybody has written a Sherlock/Men in Black crossover...)

Whisky · July 27, 2015 10:18 am

I have to confess I kind of put "Collared" on hold... right now it's not my cup of tea. But I'm really eager to finish it some point, I have it bookmarked. I guess I have simply not reached the "point of no return" (the point of a fic where doubt changes to anticipation...)

After all your enthusiastic comments, I will try Gilded Cage :-)
I agree this thread was a good idea - thank you Vhanja!
It's great to try new stuff with solid recommendations coming along with it.
I like your extended entry post with the "challenge accepted" list... I find it very encouraging to see others leave their comfort zones too

Also, I find it amazing which tags are out there. I would never even have thought of something like tentacle-lock :D I will definitely read it - because I have really no idea if I would like it or not.

Last edited by Whisky (July 27, 2015 10:22 am)

Kittyhawk · July 27, 2015 12:43 pm

Strictly speaking, "Complexity" isn't tagged tentacle-lock - the t-word is in the introductory notes. I had my doubts as well, but I enjoyed the "Being Sherlock" series by the same author (I've enlarged vamplock to include werewolves) and as the story is only a bit over 3000 words long, I gave it a try. However, I feel no desire to search out other tentacle stories, just like Gilded Cage didn't make me look for other Alpha/Omega stories.

I've said it elsewhere: How a story is written is as or more important for me than what is written (the what being the most basic plot - there's a few details, content-wise, that will make me hate a story). Which means that I find tags not very useful. Which means that it's very hard to find stories I love among the >70K stories on AO3...

So I'm very grateful for all fiction recommendation threads - thanks, Vhanja, for opening this one!

Whisky · July 27, 2015 1:48 pm

So, tentacles. Can't stop laughing! Guess this is really not my cup of tea. But can someone please draw tentacle fanfiction?

Kittyhawk wrote:
So far I've avoided it as well (and will continue to avoid it)

Kittihawk, I will second this.

typical Sherlock:

"Sixteen limbs and not one of them free to make tea, John thought."

but, this is a good idea:

and also, I'm sure tentacle hugs will really become a thing in case series 4 will be devastating:
"There was nothing quite like being cocooned by two arms and eight tentacles: it left one feeling emphatically hugged."

Last edited by Whisky (July 27, 2015 2:06 pm)

Vhanja · July 27, 2015 2:00 pm

Tentacle-porn is a huge thing in Japan. It's one of those things that I just accept exists, and leave it at that.

But, yeah, I'm glad other people liked the idea of this thread as well.

Kittyhawk · July 28, 2015 12:18 pm

I have a strong feeling that Complexity is not typical tentacle porn at all. Firstly, because I don't see it as porn (not graphic = not pornographic ?). Secondly, because the way I read the story it's not really about tentacles either, but about loving somebody who's different. For me the story's topic sentence is:

the defeated look on Sherlock's face. That was wrong, in a way the tentacles weren't.

(Oh sh*t, I just realized the only way to test the above hypothesis is to read more tentacle stories... Do I really want to know whether I'm right?)

ukaunz · July 28, 2015 12:23 pm

Kittyhawk wrote:
I have a strong feeling that Complexity is not typical tentacle porn at all. Firstly, because I don't see it as porn (not graphic = not pornographic ?). Secondly, because the way I read the story it's not really about tentacles either, but about loving somebody who's different. For me the story's topic sentence is:
the defeated look on Sherlock's face. That was wrong, in a way the tentacles weren't.
(Oh sh*t, I just realized the only way to test the above hypothesis is to read more tentacle stories... Do I really want to know whether I'm right?)

I liked it, it was cute and funny

I found a cute tentacle Sherlock pic too
http://johnlocktentacles.tumblr.com
Be careful clicking this one, as there may be other nsfw content on the page!

Last edited by ukaunz (July 29, 2015 9:05 pm)

Whisky · July 28, 2015 3:43 pm

Kittyhawk wrote:
I have a strong feeling that Complexity is not typical tentacle porn at all. Firstly, because I don't see it as porn

Yeah, it isn't really. Which I wasn't too sad about, because the tentacles where bad enough, I think I'm not really up to tentacle porn and probably never will be

ukaunz wrote:
I found a cute tentacle Sherlock pic too
http://johnlocktentacles.tumblr.com

Oh, that is nice, it's very neat to have so many arms. Although the one next to it better have a nsfw warning, haha, I just lived through an embarassing moment...

Last edited by Whisky (July 28, 2015 3:44 pm)

Lilythiell · July 28, 2015 9:32 pm

I've read Complexity because why the hell not -like Kittyhawk said, it's more about someone who is different than anything else. However, I will not go looking for that tag. Even if this fic was more fluff than anything (apart from...well, you know), it's not my glass of tea.
By the way, have you found if there's a crossover with Men In Black?

I'm trying to dip my toe (yes, just my toe) in the Bond fandom because, well, espionnage, and I'm certain there are a lot of crossovers with Sherlock. There is a fic Addicted to A Certain Lifestyle that does sound intriguing, mostly because from the tags I suppose the fic is more Sherlock centered than Bond-centered -and when you know next to nothing of that other universe, I think it's probably for the best to start with baby steps.
Edit on Addicted...: Nope, I'll try another. Later. Now, let's open Study in Winning and see how it goes.

Last edited by Lilythiell (July 28, 2015 9:50 pm)

Whisky · July 28, 2015 10:11 pm

Bond crossover... that's actually a crossover that might work for me... not sure. I've never read Bond fanfiction, but it seems to make sense... Bond, Sherlock, mission, cases.

ukaunz · July 29, 2015 1:14 am

Whisky wrote:
ukaunz wrote:
I found a cute tentacle Sherlock pic too
http://johnlocktentacles.tumblr.com
Oh, that is nice, it's very neat to have so many arms. Although the one next to it better have a nsfw warning, haha, I just lived through an embarassing moment...

Oops sorry, I should have thought of that before I posted it! If I hadn't been on my iPad I would have posted the image by itself here in the thread.

Kittyhawk · July 29, 2015 1:16 pm

Lilythiell wrote:
....
By the way, have you found if there's a crossover with Men In Black?
.....

I have found Applepie's Agent W (http://archiveofourown.org/works/1501859) which is nice enough but not really what I was looking for. Though I don't really know what I was looking for - it was just that the idea of Sherlock with tentacles reminded me of the scene in the first MiB movie when Will Smith finds himself with this tentacled newborn in his arms... (probably I should simply watch the film again)
I don't think MiB and Sherlock make a "natural" crossover (completely OT: the funniest crossover I've ever read was MiB/Highlander). Bond/Sherlock could work (though I don't really see it - maybe because both Sherlock and James Bond are so dominant characters? And the approach to crime/criminals is so very different?), but I don't like the Craig movies. And those seem to be the ones fanfic is being written for

(OT question: What is that with "the one next to" the Johnlocktentacles picture? I don't see anything next to it - except a lot of text posts...)

Lilythiell · July 29, 2015 2:23 pm

Kittyhawk wrote:
I have found Applepie's Agent W (http://archiveofourown.org/works/1501859) which is nice enough but not really what I was looking for. Though I don't really know what I was looking for

Ah, that's often the way it is, isn't it? Looking for something without knowing what exactly.

On Bondlock: I think it works, if only for Mycroft's line at the end of HLV "as my colleague is fond of remarking, this country sometimes needs a blunt instrument. Equally, it sometimes need a dagger - a scalpel wielded with precision and without remorse." That does imply quite heavily that M and Mycroft are colleagues and know (of) each other. Bond and Holmes are two strong and dominant characters who treat crime/criminals differently indeed, but essentially their fight is the same. Maybe not exactly "Queen and Country" for Sherlock -certainly not all the time, but close enough.

Kittyhawk wrote:
OT question: What is that with "the one next to" the Johnlocktentacles picture? I don't see anything next to it - except a lot of text posts...

"the one next to" the Johnlocktentacles picture is a nsfw drawing on which you can see Watson sitting and Holmes...well, being busy between his legs.

ukaunz · July 29, 2015 9:05 pm

Lilythiell wrote:
Kittyhawk wrote:
OT question: What is that with "the one next to" the Johnlocktentacles picture? I don't see anything next to it - except a lot of text posts...
"the one next to" the Johnlocktentacles picture is a nsfw drawing on which you can see Watson sitting and Holmes...well, being busy between his legs.

It's a tumblr feed, so the top posts would be changing all the time. I have added a warning to the original post

Last edited by ukaunz (July 29, 2015 9:06 pm)

Kittyhawk · July 30, 2015 12:29 pm

Well, I got curious about Bond crossovers and found one, Red Queen to Overwatch, which I read something like halfway through (till I realized that it will never become a Sherlock story - Q is the third Holmes brother and Bond falls in love with him). I only mention it because in this story Bond is so often referred to as "assassin" that I couldn't help but think that Mary would make the perfect connection between the two universes - A.G.R.A. as 008 (or 9, or whichever number is free). Has anybody seen a story like that?

Lilythiell · July 31, 2015 6:54 pm

Right. I've finished reading A Study In Winning.
I don't like sports, mostly because I don't understand what the fuss is all about. But by God wasn't I gripped by this story...The last three chapters had me crouching on my seat, shaking and holding my breath. What has happened to me, I wonder.
I'm not sure I'd actively look for any sportslock, but...if it's that kind of quality, I wouldn't be adverse to reading it. Christ, what a read...!

I've not seen a story like the one you're looking for, Kitty -mostly because...well "bit-no-good" things-I'm-working-on-to-erase - but if I find anything, I'll be sure to let you know.