Literatti: Fiction By Deslea | ||||||||||
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Awards & RecommendationsI have been blessed to have the recognition of my peers in the online writing world, but I'm under no illusions that this will be of any interest to anyone other than myself. Feel free to wander over in the direction of my stories - I'll just be sitting here being gleeful in the corner. Quotable QuotesFair Fight (Harry Potter): 'My rec for today is Fair Fight by Deslea. This fic is a short one-shot, nearly 1600 words, but those words are used perfectly to tell the tale. Hermione has made her choice and now she just has to convince Severus that she's right, (and when have we ever known Hermione Granger to be wrong?). :)' -- madeleone on one_bad_man on LiveJournal, October 21st, 2014. Mark of Cain (Harry Potter): 'deslea does such a wonderful job exploring the relationship between Lucius and Narcissa -- I've rec'ed a few others by her here in the past. This one dates from January 2013 but has just been reposted with bonus new illustrations on hp_darkarts (which by the way has been featuring some splendid pieces lately; if you haven't visited GO NOW). I love Lucius' desire to protect Narcissa, but even more than that I love her total rejection of it, her determination to have what she wants on her own terms, by her own choice and with full knowledge of what it means. They're well-matched.' -- delphipsmith on one_bad_man on LiveJournal, September 29, 2014. Unbreakable (Harry Potter): 'This story breaks my heart a little for both Severus and Narcissa: two people turning to each other for something they can get nowhere else, and finding that in the end it hurts just as much, though perhaps in a different way. The generosity of both Narcissa's offer and Severus' refusal tell us a great deal about these two; so does what they are willing and able to give and receive from each other -- and, more importantly, what they are not. The writing is simple, spare, uncluttered with excess verbage ("The bedroom is drenched with sunlight. He thinks that possibly that is a far greater comfort to them both than each other."), emphasizing the fragility and beauty of the relationship. A real gem.' -- delphipsmith on one_bad_man on LiveJournal, August 4, 2014. Voyeur (Harry Potter): 'Today's rec is a tasty little piece written recently for hp_darkarts that explores the first stages of Lucius' and Narcissa's physical relationship. What I like about this: the slow building of sexual tension, the way the author moves two different relationships along in parallel, and the fact that ultimately Lucius and Narcissa are equals in terms of what they want and how badly they want it.' -- delphipsmith on one_bad_man on LiveJournal, July 21, 2014. War (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles): 'I love the tension between Sarah and Derek, their constant struggle to work together, to trust each other. There’s so much shit in their pasts/futures that makes them go at each other. Their relationship has this fight or fuck nature to it; its the only way they are going to be able to work together. So this fic explores that also while touching on some of the HUGE issues that each has with the other - how they both live in a shadow of a memory.' -- Raktajinos on het_reccers on LiveJournal, 5 February 2014. 'I ship Bellamort way, way too much, and Deslea fanfiction makes it even worse.' -- Caroline on Twitter, 20 January 2014. Mercy (Harry Potter): 'The fic is so very infused with sadness. It is not a fic for those who have triggers, so heed the warnings. I’m very impressed by the amount of story and emotion Deslea is able to pack into so few words. It’s beautifully written.' -- mab-recs on Tumblr, 4 January 2014. The Limits Of Perception (Harry Potter): 'This is a fascinating Character study on what made Tom Riddle into Lord Voldemort. Deslea has a lot of thinky thoughts on the subject. This is an excellent read for those who write LV and could use some more in-depth head canon.' -- mab-recs on Tumblr, 13 December 2013. Eschaton (The X Files): 'Eschaton is a four-part novel-length fic told from Knowle Rohrer's POV that provides a coherent and compelling backstory for the supersoldiers: why he and Shannon were created and by whom, how the other supersoldiers came to be. Deslea tells their story against the backdrop of the larger X-Files universe. Strange as it might sound, she humanizes these inhuman creatures, allowing us to understand and even empathize with them. In the process, she also makes The X-Files mythology appear better written than it really was.' -- wendelah1 on Crack Van on LiveJournal, 9 December 2013. The Substitute (Harry Potter): 'Deslea has written a number of stories with Tonks as a main character and I think does a wonderful job with her. Many of these stories explore the tangled web of trust/mistrust that grows up during the last years of the Second Wizarding War, as allegiances shift and allies become enemies (or so it appears) and enemies become allies (or at least no longer purely enemies). The Blue Vial, which I rec'ed here a while back, is a good example. Today's rec is another such tale, with plenty of complicated negotiation and delicate maneuvering. Lucius, desperate to keep his family safe, strikes a bargain with Severus -- a bargain that requires Tonks to use her unusual talents to play a difficult and risky role. It features both our bad men, en intriguing plot, wrenching emotion, and top-notch writing. Enjoy!' -- delphipsmith on One Bad Man on Livejournal, 4 November 2013. 'Deslea writes the best Bellamort fics ever, basically.' -- desperately-seeking-helena on Tumblr, 26 October 2013. Witch Break A Vow (Harry Potter): 'This fic is a gorgeous exploration of infidelity. I think that fan fiction as a genre is guilty of flinching away from honest portrayals of infidelity which is part of what makes this fic stand out. Astoria is cheating on Draco and the fic shows us all the reasons this is the wrong choice for her and all the reasons this is the right choice for her. It is an honest, gut-wrenching portrayal of these characters and their issues. The writing is beautiful as well. ' -- youcantseeus on Crack Broom on Livejournal, 18 August 2013. Folie A Deux (Madness of the Two): 'The author blew me away with her study of Voldemort's character. I don't quite know how to put what I loved so much about this story. I think it's because it's so real and true to his canon character, I can really believe the scene she describes. The lactation kink is a cherry on top for me, as I have a bit of thing for it. Give this a read. Seriously. Leave the author love and kudos.' -- queenie_mab on LiveJournal, 31 July 2013. Proxy (Harry Potter): 'What I like about the author of today's rec is that she tackles some really thorny issues, which makes for great storytelling. This tale is just such a one. It features Lucius-The-Bad-Man desperately trying to make things good (or at least somewhat less horrible) for his family. But it's the DH year, and he's travelling an icy road full of snares, uphill all the way. Lucius's choices and their fallout are central to this story, and I'm certain that a long discussion could arise out of how he handles the situation presented here. But I love the way the author played it out because it shows such fierce love between Lucius and Narcissa. These are the Malfoys, bowed but unbroken, that I adore.' -- diabolica on One Bad Man on LiveJournal, 21 July 2013. The Kings And Queens Of May (Harry Potter): 'OH MY GOD BELLAMORT. AT HPRAREFEST. BY NOT ME. IT'S BELLAMORT. BELLAMORT WITH HEAVY RELIGIOUS THEMES. BELLAMORT WHERE VOLDEMORT HAS SOME MEASURE OF RESPECT FOR BELLATRIX DESPITE MANIPULATING HER AND NOT NECESSARILY HAVING ANY DEEPER FEELINGS FOR HER. BELLAMORT. (I haven't the mental energy at the moment to put together a coherent rec for it but THIS IS A RECOMMENDATION. GO READ IT.)' -- gamma_x_orionis on LiveJournal, 11 May 2013. Folie A Deux (Madness of the Two) (Harry Potter): 'It's rare for people to attempt writing from Voldemort's perspective at all. Even those who do try it often have trouble striking a balance between the human and inhuman aspects of his personality. I have utmost respect for anyone who can successfully capture the Dark Lord's 'voice', especially where sex is concerned, since it's not as if JK Rowling ever gave us an opportunity to see what Voldemort's perspectives on sex were in canon. In this piece, deslea examines a number of aspects of Voldemort's sexuality and perspectives on sex: that physical indulgences are beneath him, that sex grants other people power over him, that he is able to sleep with Bellatrix only because he knows he has complete power over her anyway, and eventually (to the infinite pleasure of budding Freudian psychologists such as myself ;)) the connections between sexuality and his past. Oh, and the porn is good too.' -- gamma_x_orionis on Crack Broom on LiveJournal, 11 May 2013. Mark of Cain (Harry Potter)): '[The story] is told from a young and certainly more innocent Narcissa's perspective. She's a newlywed who hopes that the arranged marriage she finds herself in can turn to love. Lucius isn't making it easy, however. This, I have decided, is my new head canon for the Malfoys. It makes so much sense and makes me feel for them. Just a beautiful study of a young couple for whom everything should have been perfect, yet is not. Sadly I can't do this one justice, so my suggestion is that you go read. Even if you don't like this pairing you should give it a try. I really don't think you'll regret it.' -- alisanne on LiveJournal, 20 January 2013. The Promise (Terminator): 'I prefer Sarah/Kyle, but I'm open to Sarah/Derek when it's done right, and this is one of those cases. 'The Promise' is short but packs a heck of a punch as it circles Sarah's single-mindedness, Derek's desire for life, and their shared humanity. You won't believe what this author can do in so little space, really.' -- stars_inthe_sky on Crack Van on LiveJournal, 17 January 2013. Convergence (Terminator): 'Convergence will scramble your brains as much as anything actually shown in TSCC canon. Following the cliffhanger of 'Born to Run,' Sarah does what she needs to do to ensure that humanity still gets its savior and the Reese brothers still go back in time. There's an impressive blend of old and new characters, some good shippy times, and though it'll take a bit for everything to make sense, this story is well worth the read.' -- stars_inthe_sky on Crack Van on LiveJournal, 3 January 2013. How It Happened Doesn't Matter (Harry Potter): 'This is one of those achingly bittersweet love stories that some people (who aren't me) write so well. The reader can tell as the story progresses that misjudgements are being made, but they can do nothing except read and learn of the inevitable heartache and 'hope' that things will be set right in the longer term.' -- talesofsnape on one_bad_man on LiveJournal, 26 November 2012. The Blue Vial (Harry Potter): Lucius, we must admit, is almost wholly unlikeable in canon: he's prejudiced, arrogant, cruel, and so mindlessly lustful of power that he endangers his only son's life to get it. In the end he fails miserably and loses everything. He is a very simple, almost one-dimensional character. With Snape (secret double-agent lovelorn hero etc etc), you have a lot to work with; with Lucius, not so much. So, to counteract the overwhelming evidence in the books that he's a complete jerk and make Lucius someone you actually feel sympathy for in spite of the terrible things he's done, you can't stop at simple answers (he was misled, he was young and foolish, etc.). You have to give him the complexity he lacks in the books. Today's rec I chose in large part because the author does exactly this: she creates a very complex, very believable, and very human set of main characters, whose actions and motives are not always clear even to themselves, and with each of whom she makes you empathize to some degree. This Lucius is neither a secret hero nor an utter villain. The actions he takes with respect to Tonks, both during the war and after, are open to multiple interpretations -- he wanted to minimize damage to her, he wanted to save some remnant of his own self-respect, he was maliciously toying with her all along -- but the same could be said of many of our own actions every day. In the end, he himself may not know what his motives were, or whether his actions were merciful or unforgivable. Likewise, in Tonks the author gives us neither a heroine who endures terrible trials and rises above them, nor a weak-willed weeping damsel in distress, but a real, complicated person trying desperately to cope with some Very Bad Shit. What Lucius has done to her, and her uncertainty as to the extent of her own participation in it, leave bone-deep scars; as with Lucius, her later actions are equally open to multiple interpretations: is what she does after the war an attempt to heal those wounds, or a continual re-opening of them? For secondary characters we have a Remus who is patient and loving but totally unable to grasp how deep Tonks' wounds are and how his words rub salt into them, and a Narcissa who is...well, very French, I suppose, in a 17th or 18th century sense of the word. My heart broke a little for everyone in this story, and if what Tonks' hair does on occasion doesn't make you choke up just a little, well, I don't know what to say. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.' -- delphipsmith on one_bad_man on LiveJournal, 29 October 2012. The Blue Vial (Harry Potter): 'Ohhhhh, gosh, this is some delightfully complicated non-con. I've read quite a few of deslea's rarepair stories now, usually involving some combination of Snape, Tonks, and the Malfoys, and I'm loving every one of them. This one puts a twist on an eternal favourite HP genre of mine – DE/Order member sex slavery, la. :) (Come on, even if you don't read much HP fic anymore, you know you've read this genre before and kinda dug it. It's practically canon, after all). Cough. Anyhoo, this is a wonderful mix of Stockholm Syndrome, trauma, rehabilitation, reconciliation, good old-fashioned (fictional) non-con, and a nice dollop of infidelity just for me. :) No, but seriously, I was three-quarters through it before I realized I was sympathizing with a rapist, and then I realized that the clever author not only wanted me to do so, but kind of wanted me to despise myself for doing so, and definitely wanted me to think long and hard about the really, superbly complicated issues this fic raises. There is also a companion fic to it from Narcissa's POV that I haven't read yet, but I hope to have more to say about that when I'm done. In the meantime, oh yeah, this will do just fine, thanks, hitting all my sex-slave and angst buttons all at once.' -- snegurochka_lee on LiveJournal, October 2012. Of Vials Blue and Shades of Grey (Harry Potter): 'Deslea's latest Tonks/Lucius Narcissa/Lucius story is a masterpiece. Told from Narcissa's POV, we see the horrors and aftermath of Voldemort's war, and the human impact it leaves. Narcissa is complex and utterly sympathetic, shown as a product of her upbringing but also as an intelligent and fiercely determined woman facing unbeatable odds. I grieved with Narcissa as I read this. The language is rich and carries the reader into her reality. The warnings refer to happenings in the previous piece in the series, and should not scare you off. Rape as a weapon of war is not sexualized, and handled well. Ultimately this is a character study, with the kind of world building we could only wish was included in the source canon material.' -- paean on Dreamwidth, September 2012. The Blue Vial (Harry Potter): 'Deslea has written thoughtful and engaging Lucius/Tonks fic before, but The Blue Vial, posted at HP Rare Pairs, takes her writing to entirely different level. Dealing with war, rape, survival and redemption in a both understated and yet emotionally rich way, she brings Tonks to life. I have rarely seen the idea of personal identity and motivation of a rape survivor handled so interestingly, with room for human failings and morally grey zones without succumbing to bleakness. I suspect that this may be triggering for some readers, and others may find themselves interpreting Lucius' actions differently from me (messed up but ultimately sympathetic as another victim of horrible circumstances). However, I hope you give it a chance.' -- paean_sf on LiveJournal, September 2012. Sons of July (Harry Potter): 'This is equal parts Snape/Narcissa and Lucius/Tonks, but I hope the second pairing won't put you Snape rarepair lovers off the first! Both are beautifully done, in ways I never thought could work for these pairings. But this fic fully brought me on board -- because of the incredibly strong writing, the spine-tingling yet uniquely non-graphic sex scenes, the well-crafted story told in three marvellous acts that span decades, the fantastic tie-ins with canon even as it goes rather AU, the sparkling dialogue and addictive rotating POVs, and the way this story tips its hat overall to our favourite author, JK Rowling herself, with a great plot about sacrifice, blood protection, motherhood, and destiny. Give it a try and sink into this amazing universe. :)' -- snegurochka_lee on Crack_Broom, July 2012. How It Happened Doesn't Matter (Harry Potter): 'One of the most beautiful things I've ever read.' -- Brenna, June 2012. Sons of July (Harry Potter): 'For your Thursday, I've got a thinky sort of read long enough to carry you into the weekend. This story is canon compliant through Book 5 and after that it's AU in certain details, particularly with regard to the horcruxes and Voldemort's ultimate defeat. I am normally very much a stickler for canon, so I'm wary of stories that go AU within the canon timeframe. But I'm also a complete sucker for the Malfoys and Snape as a close-knit unit, so any story that brings them together as a family is definitely a must-read for me. Thus, I decided to give this story a chance, and it really delivered. I think in this case the AU worked for me because it reads like what canon would have been if canon had made more sense. As much as I love the HP books, there were points in canon where I got pretty tired of And that's where the bad men come in. Lucius and Snape are both indisputably their same bad selves, but the author provides convincing context for their canon actions. Lucius's transition into emotional maturity was particularly satisfying to read.' -- celta_diabolica on One Bad Man, 31 May 2012. The Kindness of Women (Harry Potter): 'Snape/Lily, Snape/Tonks, Snape/Narcissa. The kindnesses of women, the search for identity, and the ways in which they collide. This story is unique in every way. It's unusual to find Snape paired with Tonks, and these two get the most 'on screen' time in the story, although Lily is Severus's major unrequited love. This story oozes desperation and a burning desire to make the things we know about ourselves, our world, and our families, intelligible. Tonks and Snape are both especially well-written, showing us a side of the Order and its members that we aren't privy to in JKR's world.' -- luna_plath, 16 October 2011. Two Of A Kind (Harry Potter): 'This fic takes a look at grief and loss and the aftermath of tragedy. Lucius loses Narcissa at the Battle of Hogwarts and Tonks loses Remus. The story is beautifully written and allows the pair to come together in way that is both natural and with the right kind of awkward. It also has a lovely Draco & Tonks friendship. And while I love the relationship between Lucius and Tonks (which is by turns flirty, snarky, moving and deeply passionate), and the fact that Lucius is so very Lucius, what caught me from the beginning was the internal Tonks who is very much a Black and makes no apologies for her nature.' -- faithharkness, crack-broom, 12 January 2012. How It Happened Doesn't Matter (Harry Potter): 'A beautiful tale of triumph, longing, and healing...I love the fantasy-feel of Deslea’s writing. The pacing of this story is perfect, giving each character the time and circumstance to accept and embrace fate and their their love for each other.' -- Chele, The Lemon Report, August 2011. Not My Lover (X Files): 'You can't wander far off the beaten path (MSR) in X-Files fandom without stumbling over Deslea. She first made her mark in the Skinner/Scully genre, but made it indellible when she ventured into mytharc-centric fic in which Mulder and Scully are peripheral characters at best. She almost single-handedly invented the Krycek/Marita pairing as a serious subgenre of XF fic, and she has a grasp of the mytharc with its myriad complexities that Chris Carter could only *wish* he had. ;-) Not My Lover is one of the best examples of Deslea's work. It tells the story of the mytharc from Alex and Marita's POV from the end of the second season up through the end of the seventh. It's hard to explain why Deslea's Krycek-as-hero works when so many others' don't, but I think it's because she doesn't ignore or downplay the dark side of the character, but also doesn't play it up to a point where you can't sympathize with him at all. Her Krycek--and Marita too--are both pragmatic and Machiavellian: they have a goal, to prevent colonization, and they'll do whatever has to be done, sacrifice whatever has to be sacrificed, to achieve that greater good. But you sympathize with the very human way they are each other's buffer against that necessity. Basically it's a story of love, loss, betrayal, forgiveness and redemption for two people caught not between light and dark but between varying shades of gray.' -- azar suerte, het_reccers (reposted from crack_van), October 2009. Restitution (X Files): 'Ask anyone about the X-Files most people can identify Mulder and Scully. Like all tv shows though, the X-Files offers an incredible list of “also starring” characters that received quite a bit of development. But, thanks to fanfiction we get to see more! This is a back story written about Alex Krycek (“ratboy” to fans) and Marita Covarrubias, who worked for the UN and served as an informant to Mulder during the early seasons of the show.I truly enjoyed the back story it offered, the history between these two characters, and then their individual histories even back to Russia for Krycek. I will admit that this story did not follow a character development I would’ve chosen for these two (I enjoy Krycek’s evil ambiguity and Marita’s cold self-interest too much to ever ruin it with warm fuzzy feelings) but I loved this little peek into some lives that weren’t explored on the show (oh, and let’s throw Spender a little love here!). To those of you who are like me, give this story a shot, it’s well written and a offers a good story up for you addicts. For those of you who don’t read primarily Mulder and Scully X-Files fic, here’s a little love and many thanks to you and Desla for ensuring our fandom is not one-dimensional.' -- colebaltblue on Crack Van on LiveJournal, 25 February 2009. At Least The Brunette Is Smiling (X Files): 'William POV on his birth. No, I'm not kidding. Why do you think I picked it for this prompt? *grin*' (The prompt was crack!fic) -- azar suerte, rec50 on LiveJournal, January 2006. I Believe (X Files): 'The Great War--the war against colonization--has been won, and at the dedication of a special memorial, Marita Covarrubias delivers a speech to the survivors. It's a story about honoring the past and those who fell on the battlefield by living to enjoy the peace they died for. Told in Deslea's usual concise, moving prose with little nods to all of the main 'ships--Krycek/Marita, Mulder/Scully, Doggett/Reyes--and a few lesser-known ones too.' -- azar suerte, rec50 on LiveJournal, January 2006. Concessions Series (X Files): 'I don't read incest fic. In fact, I hate it, passionately. But Deslea is one of those authors I would trust with anything, so I took a chance. And I'm glad I did, because as disturbing as the story is, what's most disturbing about it is that the relationship in question is the healthiest thing Jeffrey and Samantha have going for them. It takes what we know about how the characters grew up--only ignoring the 'starlight' crap, thankfully--and spins it out to its logical, bittersweet (however chilling) conclusion. I'll tell you right now: the story will *not* leave you feeling warm and fuzzy, but it's not meant to and considering the subject matter, I wouldn't like it if it did.' -- azar suerte, rec50 on LiveJournal, January 2006. A Woman's Code (X Files): 'Mulder's mother's POV on the events of 'Biogenesis'/'The Sixth Extinction'/'Amor Fati'--Teena has very strong opinions about what's best for her son, and Dana Scully isn't it. The beauty of this story is that it is utterly true to the character we saw on-screen, unapologetically so. If you don't find Teena sympathetic in the series, you won't here either, but it's *her*, but like her or not, this glimpse inside her head is strikingly compelling, and it's Deslea, so you know it's good! Also, Mulder/Scully and Mulder/Diana are both implied, and Teena makes no bones about which woman her sympathies lie with.' -- azar suerte, rec50 on LiveJournal, January 2006. Not My Lover (X Files): 'Beginning around the time of 'Anasazi'/'The Blessing Way'/'Paperclip,' this is essentially a retelling of seasons 2 through 5 through the eyes of Alex Krycek and Marita Covarrubias. Deslea has two great strengths as a writer: her grasp of the often-confusing mythology and ability to make sense of it for her readers, and her Krycek/Marita, and this is the best example of both. Alex and Marita are the protagonists, but they are not heroes: both know that their hands are dirty, but believe that their end--surviving Colonization, whether by themselves or with all of humanity--justifies the means. They are sympathetic without being out of character, largely because of the one good thing they both cling to in their lives--their relationship with each other.' -- azar suerte, rec50 on LiveJournal, January 2006. Don't Stop Swaying (X Files): 'I have to say, I love the way Deslea gives these characers humanity. And what I find most impressive, is that she does so with the added difficulty of getting around their lack of physical humanity. I mean, how the fuck do you write about someone who has lost a head?' -- CGB, Bright Shiny Objects, November 2003. 'One of the most engaging fanfic authors in the XF Fandom is Deslea Judd. An unabashedly 'Alternative Phile', Deslea has numerous (and we mean NUMEROUS) awards for her writing. She is also quite prolific in her XF video making. We are very proud that she has granted us the honour and pleasure of answering a few of our questions.' -- Circe, How Will It End, August 2003. Restitution (X Files): 'So we all knew that Deslea would have the last word on Krycek and Marita, right? However you saw these two ending up, this story will make you believe this is the way is should have been. An involving story with some wonderfully rounded characters who tell a different story. Philes can't go past this.' -- CGB, Bright Shiny Objects, July 2003. Hybrid Kisses (X Files): ''Consider the boysenberry' is probably the best opening line in recent memory. Deslea's penchant for turning the most aloof and obscure mytharc characters into accessible and fathomable creatures shows in every turn of phrase here. By the end of this vignette, you'll have a new pairing to obsess over and a craving for a Boysenberry Twist.' -- Maidenjedi, Sam Houston Motor Lodge, 31 May 2003. Eschaton (X Files): 'Goodness, what a fabulous ride this is! I'm discovering the wonderful world of XF fic of all types and pairings, and I never thought I'd ever be reading a Knowle/Shannon story. Deslea gives them both such rich and deliciously angsty backstory that this storyline could well have been incorporated into the series - and it would fit with seamless perfection. To take such one-note characters and breathe life into them this way is the sign of a true writer. Knowle is almost child-like in his single-minded view of his purpose in the plan, while Shannon definitely knows there's got to be something more than killing. Their relationship (I hesitate to call it romance, though there's hope) is chronicled from its otherworldly inception, and I was absorbed into the story from the get-go. I can't say enough about how excellent this story is, from all standpoints. Give it a whirl - you won't be disappointed!' -- Mish, Museans, May 2003. Down With The Marked (X Files): 'Deslea is surely the queen of taking minor X-Files characters and turning them into legends. This story has a lyrical feel and the underwater setting gives it a dream-like quality. And it makes you think you might want to know a hell of a lot more about Knowle and Shannon.' -- CGB, Bright Shiny Objects, March 2003. Restitution (X Files): 'I am ashamed to say, I'd never read a Krycek/Marita story before, and my preconceptions of them as peripheral characters were totally ingrained in my MSR lovin' heart. But this story brings them to life and gives them such depth. Great re- telling of the mytharc through their eyes, with sensitivity that doesn't generate an ounce of unbelievability - or of uncharacteristic sap. Harsh at times, but rather touching at others. And yes, I'm very happy with Deslea's version of how it ended for Krycek and Marita. Love it when an author can make me feel good about the show's bad turns, and explain it in a gratifying way. Even if you're not a fan of anything but MSR, give this one a read - it's excellent work!' -- Mish, Museans, February 2003. Down With The Marked (X Files): 'Deslea's powerful language gives some unique, interesting insights into a couple of rarely examined characters and into what it may be like to be a little less than human.' -- The Other Side, February 12, 2003. Concessions Made (X Files): 'Leave it to Deslea to break all the rules and make it look easy! Jeffrey/ Samantha fic, and she's making a series out of it.' -- Maidenjedi, Sam Houston Motor Lodge, July 2002. Johnny (X Files): '[Johnny is] one of the first X-Files fics, other than Mulder/Scully pairing, that I've ever read. Has great characterization.' -- Angellemyst, Nocturnality, April 2003. A Woman's Code (X Files): 'Holy Kiwi Fruit, Batman! Here's just an eye-opening look at the other women in Mulder's life. Outstanding.' -- Dryad, The Grove, February 2002. Four Minutes (X Files): 'Fight the Future fic with a seldom seen character, terrific mood and tension.' -- A Quiet Place To Read, June 2001. Four Minutes (X Files): 'Remember Darius Michaud, the movie FBI agent who was prepared to let a building full of people go to hell? Here's his viewpoint, rendered in startlingly effective prose.' -- YMMV, July 2001. Four Minutes (X Files): 'Minor characters can be a lot of fun to play with. That's especially true when the character only has a scene or two and we learn just enough about him to be intriguing. Darius Michaud from Fight the Future is one of those characters. The first time I saw the movie, I remember asking myself, 'What the hell is he doing?!?' Deslea gives us a few answers to my unspoken question -- not the big answers, but the little ones. Michaud comes vividly to life here, particularly at the end, in a way that makes me sorry he had to die.' -- Lara Means, Lara's Favourites, October 2001. The Wrong Man (X Files): 'Deslea hits one out of the ballpark with this 'bystander' fic told from Jeffrey Spender's POV, and concerning Krycek and Marita. What really makes this fic outstanding is the description of Marita from Spender's point of view...he sees her as 'a Mona Lisa, a Madonna', except for the wringing of her hands. This is powerful stuff, Deslea at her best as she weaves the threads of a backstory for Marita and Alex that appalls and yet doesn't surprise Jeff Spender. I give this fic a 10 of 10 for the power behind the words and underlying the characterizations. Bravo!' -- Maidenjedi, House Of Fanfic, June 2001. The Wrong Man (X Files): 'Deslea's look into the supporting charecters of the X-Files is something that I rarely see and find very refreshing and intruging. 'The Wrong Man' takes us inside the mind of Jeffery Spender, a rather shallow charecter to begin with, but also we see the motives behind the actions of Krycek and Marita during the events of 'Two Fathers'/'One Son'. This gives us a few of those desperatly needed answers, but brings them to light in ways we didn't expect. This fanfic is wonderful in it's imagery, and in the angst it creates for the charecters. The complete desolation and hopelessness that this fanfic embodies really captures how helpless the charecters are, but also how determined. This is a wonderful fanfic, for its orignality and concept. Beautifully written and wonderfully constructed story. Great Job!' -- Dantzi Jean, My XF Voice, May 2001. Hands (X Files): 'Wow, what a story. Gives a great voice to one of the fandom's least favorite characters, and gives us tantalizing glimpses of the history she shares with Krycek. And it all revolves around a perceptively metaphorical theme which Deslea balances with great care. I don't normally read this pairing, but this fic impressed the hell out of me.' -- Jintian, Museans, March 2001. Hands (X Files): 'From the moment I saw them together in 'Patient X,' I wanted to know more about Alex Krycek's relationship with Marita Covarrubias. How long had they known each other? Were they really working together? Were her actions in that episode a betrayal of him, and did he care? On the show, we've only been given glimpses of them together, so it's been up to fic writers like Deslea to create their history. In this story, she shows us how the loss of his hand in 'Terma' effected a gradual change in Alex, and she shows us this change through Marita's eyes. There's sorrow and loss in Marita's narrative, an almost lyrical sadness.' -- Lara Means, Lara's Favourites, May 2001. 'Deslea Judd: Perhaps the most prominent of the Krycek/Marita shippers, she sees Krycek as the hero of the X- Files, the only one willing to take a practical stand and fight the oncoming storm. Read here and you'll believe she's right. Her recs site, The Green Iguana, is great as well.' -- YMMV, Krycek Smorgasbord, May 2001. Hands (X Files): 'There have been many interpretations of the sexual tension between Alex 'Ratboy' Krycek and Marita 'Uniblonder' Covarrubias, but none so well translated into fanfic as Deslea Judd's Hands. In this vignette, told from a Marita- biased POV, we get to see how Krycek's loss of his arm was ultimately what cinched his bad-boy tendencies into the dissolution of his soul. At once poetic and heart-wrenching, Judd's style of storytelling takes good ol' fashioned smut and turns it into the emotional rollercoaster it would be for a man and woman so at odds. Her Marita characterization has her as a woman with a heart trapped inside a web from which there is no escape....and she knows it. Her only saving grace is this man she loves, and she'll even take him to his worst enemy in hopes of reviving the life in him. Judd makes you believe in Marita and in Krycek, wanting them to succeed in spite of their treachery. I give this story a 9 of 10 for its depth, imagery, and imagination. I will strongly recommend it to anyone in need of a good story!' -- Maidenjedi, House Of Fanfic, June 2001. Dream A Crystal Moon (X Files): 'Wonderful description and atmosphere.' -- A Quiet Place To Read, July 2001. On The Outside (X Files): 'Colony/End Game, told from the Samantha clone's point of view. Unique and riveting. This novel also forwards a believable Conspiracy explanation.' -- Gabrielle, GAEB Fanfic Picks, 1996. RecommendationsDaily Snitch Rewired, 21 January 2016 (Editor's Rec). Quibbler Report Rewired, 24-27 December 2015. Quibbler Report Becoming, 29 Nov-1 Dec 2015. Quibbler Report Friday's Child, 16-18 January 2015. alley-skywalker on LiveJournal Mercy (Harry Potter) and Spoken For (Harry Potter), 14 January 2015. Quibbler Report Familia Nuptis, 2-4 January 2015. Quibbler Report The Secret Wives of War, 31 Dec 2014-1 January 2015. Quibbler Report Requiem Sung, 27-29 September 2014. Quibbler Report Living Doll, 25 August 2014. Quibbler Report Voyeur, 12-14 July 2014. starred-fics on Tumblr Convergence (TSCC), 27 May 2014. starred-fics on Tumblr The Promise (TSCC), 27 May 2014. Quibbler Report Purgatory, 12 May 2014. Quibbler Report Hallowed Ground, 3-4 May 2014. Quibbler Report Closer, 24 April 2014. Quibbler Report Feildelm's Apocrypha, 20-21 April 2014. Quibbler Report Elemental (The Illustrated Edition), 11 April 2014. Quibbler Report Elemental, 2-3 March 2014. Raktajinos on het_reccers on LiveJournal War (TSCC), 5 February 2014. Quibbler Report The Economy Of Submission, 30-31 January 2014. Quibbler Report The Art Of Perfect Surrender, 18-20 January 2014. Quibbler Report Oubliette, 5-6 January 2014. mab-recs on Tumblr Mercy, 4 January 2014. Quibbler Report Mercy, 4 January 2014. alley-skywalker on LiveJournal The Limits Of Perception (Harry Potter), 30 December 2013. Quibbler Report Biophilia (The Illustrated Edition), 28-29 December 2013. mab-recs on Tumblr The Limits Of Perception, 13 December 2013. wendelah on Crack_Van on LiveJournal Eschaton (The X Files), 9 December 2013. Quibbler Report Real (Harry Potter), 11-14 November 2013. delphipsmith on One Bad Man on LiveJournal The Substitute (Harry Potter), 4 November 2013. Quibbler Report The Limits Of Perception (Harry Potter), 27-28 October 2013. Quibbler Report The Edge Of Reality (Harry Potter), 22-23 October 2013. Quibbler Report Dark Knight (Harry Potter), 12 October 2013. Quibbler Report Not Loveless (Harry Potter), 7 October 2013. HP Dark Arts on LiveJournal Folie A Deux (Madness Of The Two) (Harry Potter), 31 August 2013. youcantseeus on Crack Broom on LiveJournal Witch Break A Vow (Harry Potter), 18 August 2013. Quibbler Report One's Station In Life (Harry Potter), 9 August 2013. Queenie_Mab on LiveJournal Folie A Deux (Madness Of The Two) (Harry Potter), 31 July 2013. Quibbler Report Chameleon (Harry Potter), 27 July 2013. Quibbler Report Biophilia (Harry Potter), 21 July 2013. diabolica on One Bad Man on LiveJournal Proxy (Harry Potter), 21 July 2013. Quibbler Report Damnable (Harry Potter), 29 June 2013. alley_skywalker on LiveJournal Folie a Deux (Harry Potter), 29 June 2013. Quibbler Report The Kings And Queens Of May (Harry Potter), 16-17 June 2013. gamma_x_orionis on LiveJournal The Kings And Queens Of May (Harry Potter), 17 June 2013. Quibbler Report Into The Donacon (Harry Potter), 12 June 2013. gamma_x_orionis on Crack Broom Folie A Deux (Madness of the Two) (Harry Potter), 11 May 2013. Quibbler Report Garden of Memories, 12-13 February 2013. Quibbler Report - Editor's Pick Mark of Cain (Harry Potter), 19-20 January 2013. Not to be confused with the X Files story of the same name. alisanne on LiveJournal Mark of Cain (Harry Potter), 20 January 2013. Stars_inthe_Sky on Crack Van The Promise (Terminator), 17 January 2013. Stars_inthe_Sky on Crack Van Convergence (Terminator), 3 January 2013. Quibbler Report Witch Break A Vow (Harry Potter), 19 December 2012. talesofsnape on One Bad Man How It Happened Doesn't Matter (Harry Potter), 26 November 2012. Delphipsmith on One Bad Man The Blue Vial (Harry Potter), 29 October 2012. Quibbler Report Folie a Deux (Madness of the Two) (Harry Potter), 25 October 2012. Quibbler Report Silver Starlight and Golden Wine (Harry Potter), 20 October 2012. paen on Dreamwidth Of Vials Blue and Shades of Grey (Harry Potter), 26 September 2012. Quibbler Report Of Vials Blue and Shades of Grey (Harry Potter), 22 September 2012. Quibbler Report Spoken For (Harry Potter), 21 September 2012. Quibbler Report The Blue Vial (Harry Potter), 3 September 2012. paean_sf on LiveJournal The Blue Vial (Harry Potter), September 2012. Quibbler Report The Substitute (Harry Potter), 9-11 August 2012. snegurochka_lee on Crack_Broom Sons of July (Harry Potter), July 2012. Quibbler Report Awake (Harry Potter), 10 June 2012. Brenna's Ultimate Fanfiction Recommendation Links How It Happened Doesn't Matter and The Kindness of Women (Harry Potter), June 2012. Celta Diabolica on One_Bad_Man on LiveJournal Sons of July (Harry Potter), 31 May 2012. Quibbler Report - Editor's Pick Sons of July (Harry Potter), May 2012. Squibstress McSquib Awake (Harry Potter), May 2012. Kesfire on Delicious Fair Fight (Harry Potter), May 2012. Quibbler Report Kill To Be Kind (Harry Potter), April 2012. Two Candles on tumblr The Kindness of Women, Unbreakable, and Five Memories That Might Have Changed The War (Harry Potter), about April 2012. faithharkness on Crack_Broom Two of a Kind (Harry Potter), January 2012. Feather Qwill on Delicious How It Happened Doesn't Matter (Harry Potter), January 2012. Madelone on One_Bad_Man on LiveJournal How It Happened Doesn't Matter (Harry Potter), 13 September 2011. luna-plath The Kindness of Women (Harry Potter), September 2011. The Lemon Report How It Happened Doesn't Matter (Harry Potter), August 2011. Quibbler Report The Good Wife (Harry Potter), 29 July 2011. azarsuerte on het_reccers Not My Lover (X Files), 13 October 2009. colebaltblue on Crack Van Restitution (X Files), 25 February 2009. azarsuerte on rec50 At Least The Brunette Is Smiling (X Files), 3 February 2006. azarsuerte on rec50 I Believe (X Files), 14 January 2006. azarsuerte on rec50 Concessions (X Files), 11 January 2006. azarsuerte on rec50 A Woman's Code (X Files), 8 January 2006. azarsuerte on rec50 Not My Lover (X Files), 1 January 2006. Vespers whisperjack (X Files/Lone Gunmen), date unknown. The Map Room The Slender Line (X Files), November 2003 How Will It End? The Slender Line (X Files), November 2003 Featured Author (X Files), August 2003 Hybrid Kisses (X Files), August 2003 whisperjack (X Files/Lone Gunmen), July 2003 Wonderment (X Files), June 2003 Bright Shiny Objects Don't Stop Swaying (X Files), November 2003 Restitution (X Files), July 2003 (CGB) Down With The Marked (X Files), March 2003 (CGB) The Grove Wonderment (X Files), June 2003 Sam Houston Motor Lodge Hybrid Kisses (X Files), May 2003 Concessions Made (X Files), July 2002 Museans Eschaton (X Files), May 2003 (Mish) Restitution (X Files), February 2003 (Mish) Hands (X Files), March 2001 (Jintian) Nocturnality Johnny (X Files), April 2003 Enigmatic Doctor's XF Favourites A Family Affair (X Files/Addams Family crossover), February 2003 The Traitors (X Files), November 2002 Signs Of Life (X Files), October 2002 Can't Outrun The Dark Man (X Files), October 2002 On The Outside (X Files), October 2002 About The Maimed (X Files), September 2002 Frank Spotnitz Interview (X Files), February 2002 A Woman's Code (X Files), January 2002 Searing Snow (X Files), January 2002 The Other Side Down With The Marked (X Files), January 2003 IOHO About The Maimed (X Files), September 2002 Can't Outrun The Dark Man (X Files), September 2002 Johnny (X Files), August 2002 Healer (X Files), June 2001 Uninvited Concessions Made (X Files), July 2002 Four Minutes (X Files), Auguest 2001 Lara's Favourites Four Minutes (X Files), October 2001 Hands (X Files), May 2001 House Of Fanfic Author Of The Month (X Files), July 2001 Stamp Of Approval, The Wrong Man (X Files), June 2001 YMMV Four Minutes (X Files), July 2001 Author, Krycek Smorgasbord (X Files), June 2001 Unique Possibilities The Wrong Man (X Files), June 2001 A Quiet Place To Read Four Minutes (X Files), June 2001 Dream A Crystal Moon (X Files), June 2001 Hands (X Files), January 2001 My XF Voice The Wrong Man (X Files), May 2001 Primal Scream A Teletubby X File (X Files/Teletubbies crossover), December 2000 Beaker's Reading Corner A Teletubby X File (X Files/Teletubbies crossover), early 2000 Laura Burchard's Recommendations A Teletubby X File (X Files/Teletubbies crossover), 1999 When Worlds Collide A Teletubby X File (X Files/Teletubbies crossover), 1999 GAEB On The Outside (X Files), 1996 AwardsHP Fanfic Poll Fall-Winter 2014 Winner, The Dark Side, Best Drama-Angst: Mark of Cain Winner, The Dark Side, Best Romance: Mark of Cain Nominee, The Dark Side, Best Drama-Angst: In The Tomb of Capulet Nominee, The Dark Side, Best Drama-Angst: Purgatory HP Fanfic Poll Fall-Winter 2013 Second, Lucius Malfoy x Anyone Drama-Angst, Proxy 2004 Spooky Awards Winner, Outstanding Marita Characterisation: The Cold White Room (tie) Winner, Outstanding Other Character Romance: XFVCU 1x07 Prism (Follmer/Yolanda) (co-author) (tie) Second, Outstanding Krycek/Marita: The Cold White Room Second, Outstanding Krycek/Other Het Romance: The Cold White Room (tie) Second, Outstanding Collaboration: XFVCU 1x07 Prism (co-author) Second, Outstanding Dana Scully Characterisation: XFVCU 1x07 Prism (co-author) (tie) 2003 Spooky Awards Winner, Outstanding Krycek/Marita Romance: Restitution Second, Outstanding Marita Characterisation: Restitution Second, Outstanding Spender Post-Series Story: XFVCU 1x01 Midnight In The Firing Line Second, Outstanding Mytharc Story: XFVCU 1x01 Midnight In The Firing Line Second, Outstanding Doggett/Reyes Casefile: XFVCU 1x01 Midnight In The Firing Line Second, Outstanding Doggett/Other Romance: Three Times A Lady (Doggett/Fowley) Second, Outstanding Other XF Character Romance: Eschaton (Knowle/Shannon) Third, Outstanding Doggett Characterisation: XFVCU 1x01 Midnight In The Firing Line Third, Outstanding Krycek Characterisation: XFVCU 1x01 Midnight In The Firing Line Third, Outstanding Marita Characterisation: I Believe Third, Outstanding Spender Post-Series Story: I Believe Third, Outstanding Scully/Other or Reyes/Other Het Romance: Beginning Of The Long Goodbye (Reyes/Follmer) Hon. Mention, Outstanding Reyes Characterisation: Beginning Of The Long Goodbye Hon. Mention, Outstanding Other XF Character Characterisation: XFVCU 1x01 Midnight In The Firing Line (Diana) Hon. Mention, Outstanding Pre-XF Story: Eschaton Finalist, Outstanding LGM Character Characterisation: whisperjack (Jimmy Bond) Finalist, Outstanding LGM Character Characterisation: whisperjack (Yves Adele Harlow) Finalist, Outstanding Humour Story: A Family Affair (A Fractured Fairytale) Finalist, Outstanding Author 2002 Spooky Awards Winner, Outstanding Poem (Take Thy Only Hand In Mine) Winner, Outstanding Marita Characterisation (About The Maimed) Winner, Outstanding Krycek/Marita Romance (Not My Lover: Enigma) Second, Outstanding Marita Characterisation (Christmas Reunions: St Petersburg) Second, Outstanding Mulder/Other Romance (A Woman's Code) Third, Outstanding Krycek Characterisation (Walk In Darkness, Not In Light) Third, Outstanding Mulder/Other Romance (Signs Of Life) Third, Outstanding Krycek/Marita Romance (Christmas Reunions: St Petersburg) Third, Outstanding Other Series Character Romance (Walk In Darkness, Krycek/Diana) Hon. Mention, Outstanding Pre-XF Story (Concessions Made) Hon. Mention, Outstanding Reyes Characterisation (Johnny) Hon. Mention, Outstanding Marita Characterisation (Not My Lover: Enigma) Hon. Mention, Outstanding Other Character Characterisation (A Woman's Code, Teena Mulder) Hon. Mention, Outstanding Krycek/Marita Romance (Take Thy Only Hand In Mine) Hon. Mention, Outstanding Krycek/Marita Romance (Trace A Random Star) Hon. Mention, Outstanding Other Series Character Romance (Concessions Broken) Finalist, Outstanding Short Story Or Vignette (A Woman's Code) Finalist, Outstanding Unfinished Work (Not My Lover: Enigma) Finalist, Outstanding Investigation Story (Not My Lover: Enigma) Finalist, Outstanding Use Of Mytharc (Concessions Made) Finalist, Outstanding Marita Characterisation (Trace A Random Star) Finalist, Outstanding Non-NC17 Doggett/Reyes Romance (Johnny) Finalist, Outstanding Author 2002 Harold Awards Winner, Fanfic Of The Year (The Wrong Man) Winner, NC-17 Fanfic Of The Year (Hands) Nominee, Best Other Character Characterisation (The Wrong Man) X-Infinitum Challenge June 2002 Second Place, What If Challenge (Concessions Broken) 2001 Spooky Awards Winner, Krycek/Marita Romance (Waiting In Tangier) Winner, Marita Characterisation (Waiting In Tangier) Hon. Mention, Outstanding Krycek Characterisation (Hands) Hon. Mention, Outstanding Krycek Characterisation (Not My Lover: Enigma) Hon. Mention, Outstanding Marita Characterisation (Hands) Hon. Mention, Outstanding Marita Characterisation (Not My Lover: Enigma) Hon. Mention, Other Series Character Characterisation (Four Minutes, SAC Darius Michaud) Hon. Mention, Outstanding Krycek/Marita Romance (Hands) Hon. Mention, Outstanding Krycek/Marita Romance (Not My Lover: Enigma) Hon. Mention, Outstanding Krycek/Marita Romance (Mark Of Cain) Hon. Mention, Outstanding Other Series Character Romance (Like Sunlight To Prism, D/R) Hon. Mention, Outstanding Unfinished Work (Not My Lover: Enigma) Hon. Mention, Outstanding Short Story Or Vignette (Waiting In Tangier) Hon. Mention, Outstanding Story Set Outside Washington, DC (Waiting In Tangier) PURity Challenge 2001 Winner, What's Your POV Challenge (Four Minutes) Winner, Off-Camera, On-Canon Challenge (Hands) Third Place, What If Challenge (Healer) Third Place, Minor Characters Challenge (On The Outside) B.I.T.T. Awards 2001 Third Place, Angst (Hands) Commendation (Not My Lover) 2000 Spooky Awards Finalist, Outstanding Other Series Character Romance (Not My Lover, Krycek/Marita) Finalist, Outstanding Krycek Characterisation (Not My Lover) Fluffy Awards 1999 Winner, Outstanding Non-MSR Romance (A Marriage Of Convenience) 1996 Spooky Awards Finalist, Outstanding Drama (On The Outside) |
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