Happy New Year Suckas

This is probably me as the clock strikes midnight.

I posted this last New Years... and felt it deemed repeating.

My Year in Fanfiction [2010]

Draco & Lucius Malfoy (image source)

Last year I listed all the fanfiction I read and I feel it's just right to do it again. All I gotta say is "DUDE, I've read a HELL of a lot of fanfiction." I'm pretty sure all my fanfiction reading is a direct correlation to my limited novel reading this year.

I try to keep track of my fanficition readings in delicious but I'm sure I didn't document everything so this list could be a lot longer, I don't know.

WARNINGS: Just so you know, this list is ALL Harry Potter, Harry/Draco shipping (if you don't know what that is read this). Most (dare I say all) stories are in the 20k + range (I do love a long story). ALL stories are rated MATURE (if you are under 18 years old, please wait until you are old enough to legally enjoy the smut).

Oh yeah, I read all my fanfiction on my Kindle, so if you want the Kindle format of any story, I probably have it (if I didn't delete it yet) so email me and I'll send it to you.

Without future ado, here's my list (story summary and my notes where applicable):

Draco Malfoy and His Unknown Fate

Due to a difference of opinion, Draco is disinherited by his father. He now has to make his own way in life. Will be slash of the H/D variety.

playing the game, living the lie

Set in Sixth Year, both the wizarding and Muggle worlds are threatened as Voldemort plans a final revenge. Past, present and future collide as all must consider where their loyalties lie; who they are, and who they want to be. Amidst it all, Harry and Draco begin a dangerous journey of understanding. Is it possible to leave everything you thought you were behind?

Unlikely Beginnings by Christine and Carrie

A spur of the moment liaison leaves both parties with more than they bargained for, while hairy armpits, dirty secrets and the blatantly obvious help to blossom humble beginnings into a relationship to remember. D/H, R/Hr (m/m slash, het and mpreg)

Draco Malfoy, It's Your Lucky Day by faithwood

Even though he's unarmed, injured, lost in the Forbidden Forest, and facing a possible murder charge, Draco Malfoy gets lucky.

In These Arms

Learning to live again after the war is hard. Draco Malfoy holds on to the past while he is trying to accommodate to his new position in society. But as he begins to play a strange game with a certain old nemesis of his, Draco comes to realise that life is far more terrifying and more beautiful than he could have ever imagined.

This Is What I Am by Samayel

Draco's been keeping a few secrets to protect Harry's fragile sense of the romantic, and a reality check follows a round of unusually savage love-making. Squick! is minor, and only applies to certain basic realities regarding anal sex.

Draco By Trial

Harry and Draco were friends, closer than some people thought was healthy. Everything seemed to go wrong at once, and now Draco is on trial for murder. Nobody knows what really happened between the two boys except Draco, and now he has no choice but to tell his story.

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Certain Dark Things by Bryoney Brynn

It's the year post-DH and everyone is returning to Hogwarts. Harry and Draco are each trying to adjust to life post-war. They are thrown together by circumstance and an unlikely friendship forms, followed by love. It's a story about healing, learning to give and receive love, and finding our way back from sadness.

And I'll Tell You No Lies by annafugazzi

It all started with a stupid interrogation. Or: Don't ask a question if you're not prepared to hear the answer.

101 Ways to Heal Your Wizarding Woes

Harry is a trainee Auror, and Draco is living at Malfoy Manor, bored and petulant with nothing to do, and no career prospects. Draco’s attempt to heal himself via Muggle psychology – including writing a series of ‘why I hate you’ letters to Harry – backfires when an overanxious house elf delivers the results to Harry. Harry is bemused, Draco is angry and together they have a lot of issues to work out.

Just This? by Blue

Things change and, 3 years after Hogwarts, Harry Potter is no more our Golden Boy, but an appreciated muggle writer. And one night he meets somebody from his past...

Jouasse-Jouissance

Written in response to a challenge at the Opposites Yet Attracted FQF: 86. After a messy divorce from Pansy, Draco finds that he is very much attracted to his father's husband of the last ten years, Harry Potter.

The Dark Arts - Animus

Harry has defeated Voldemort, but he did not leave the battle unscathed. Along comes Draco, who is working as a prostitute in Muggle London...

Paradigm

In my quest to conquer all possible Harry/Draco cliches, I present my Rentboy!Draco fic. *evil smirk* Harry is an Auror and Draco is a Rentboy. This is not a typical rentboy story.

The Tale of the Shining Prince

???

Nightingale

God loved the birds and invented trees. Man loved the birds and invented cages.
-Jacques Deval

-"In the country of pain, we are each alone."

Balloon Theory

After Harry finds Malfoy abandoned in the muggle world, his life takes a turn for the bizarre. Hogwarts is not what it used to be, his friendships are unstable at best, and there's something strange about the way Malfoy has been acting...

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Turning you into someone New

Narcissa knows her son better than anyone. So when the other women challenge her to make Draco a soulmate, she accepts without delay. Until they choose for her to reshape Harry Potter into her sons' perfect man. Slash warning, disregards HBP.

skyehawke :: archives :: :: Story :: Ruses

After his father challenges him, Draco ends up inviting Harry to his house for the summer. But what SHOULD have been a fairly harmless visit goes horribly wrong and leads to tragedy. Harry/Draco with snippets of Lucius/Harry. WRITTEN BEFORE OOTP!

I Dream in Monochrome

Draco veela! prostitute story.

How the Other Half Lives by: Professor McKitten

Sequel to Never Left Behind --Harry and Draco learn about domestic bliss from their friends. MPREG

Never Left Behind

Harry and Draco each have life changing summers that bring them together in a new way...set Hogwarts, 5th year.

Just Another Love Story

Harry’s okay with being gay…now if he could just convince Draco. AU thanks to HBP.

Twenty Years Later, by Reba Williams

Pretty good...kept my attention even though Harry and Draco don't really get together until the end.

Harry Potter and the Origami Soul

Simply a nice story.

Reparations

Harry is a healer assigned to work with Draco. I couldn't finish this one.

Two Playboys on the Pitch

Harry's a famous Quidditch player. Draco's the Healer for a Quidditch team. They're both known for their wild ways, but what happens when these two playboys meet after several years apart?

Blind Beauty by slashpervert

One of the worst Harry/Draco stories I've read... it was just too disturbing and I couldn't be bothered to find out what happened. I mean, talk about a Dark! fanfiction story.

Power Play

Sequel to The Silver Chain.

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Change My World, by charlotteschaos

The sequel is Poses (http://archive.skyehawke.com/story.php?no=7343), 58,600 words - Sixth year; starts when Prefect Draco dares in-the-hallway-after-hours Harry to "kiss him goodnight"; relationship begins, fostered by detentions together; Narcissa is killed when Voldemort hears Draco through Harry's scar telling Harry he loves him; Snape is evil pedophile. Sequel Poses takes place in the summer, at Grimmauld Place, where Draco is in hiding and Harry is undergoing Auror training; Ron gets Draco to help him court Hermione.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, by NovemberSnow

Sequel is Daybreak (http://www.skyehawke.com/archive/story.php?no=10046), 5000 words (rated NC-17)

Hall of Mirrors, by Ella Bane

I really enjoyed this story... the relationship between the boys, or rather the sex scenes were very sensual and well written. Overall - a hot story with a good plot. Nice artwork placed throughout the story as well.

Earthbound Spook, by Crawford's Lover

Harry has no reason to like or trust Draco Malfoy. The fact that Malfoy has already died once shouldn't change that.

Searching in the Dark, by SilentAuror

Ugh... I read the whole thing but was angry with myself after I finished... it was way too sappy and trite.

Twelve Years Later, by Alaana Fair

How long will love wait? As long as it takes. Sequel to the angsty one-shot "Twelve Years" - DH compliant, including epilogue.

Saving Draco Malfoy, by dayspring

Pretty good... I don't care for the Elves though.

The Silver Chain

Silly... but okay story. followed by Power Play and The Ebony Box

Break and Return

I really enjoyed this story... If only Draco didn't have that Malfoy pride and just say how he really feels... ugh.

An Unstraight Path to Happiness by Flora

Okay story...

The Great Divide

Lovely story! I was so sad at the end... oh why can't these two just be together.

Oscillate Wildly

After a particularly gruelling Occlumency session, Harry practically ``comes apart at the seams and finds himself living partway between two ``lives. One is his life at Hogwarts. In the other, he's been in a mental ``institution for the better part of six years. What happens when Harry ``realises his whole life may be one elaborate fantasy? Harry/Draco, ``Partially AU

The Love Affairs of Lady Chertsey - for calyxess

PG and Boring... seriously

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Take A Sad Song (And Make It Better)

Adult Harry dealing with family issues... an okay story, wish it had more slash though.

Knowledge of Self (Determination)

I enjoyed this story but I have to agree with another reviewer... the story is a bit odd because you can't really tell if Harry and Draco really like each other. It's like they are too immature to realize they are in love. You keep waiting for someone to make the declaration and it never comes.

Different Worlds by Professor McKitten

Draco went to Durmstrang and Harry Hogwarts. After Lucius dies Draco is sent to Hogwarts and falls in love with Harry. It's a nice story of their relationship and the drama which naturally will come with it. A very enjoyable read even though it felt a little rushed towards the end. Very long.

Into The Green by Dracos_DirtySecret

The plot of this story pretty crazy... AU... I don't usually care for "weak" Draco stories but this kept my interest with the craziness and I wanted to know what was in the vault.

Better Than Revenge by Celandine Brandybuck

I couldn't finish this...

Vertigo

Draco is very bratty.

The Office by Samayel

Harry's boring routine is suddenly interrupted by a single pub night with his old rival from school.

Perspective by Booklady

Enjoyed it!

Bad Faith

Four years after Dumbledore's death, Draco Malfoy shows up on the doorstep of number twelve, Grimmauld Place looking for Harry Potter. Torn between his selfish cowardice and family's pride, Draco finds himself alone on a battlefield and has nowhere else to turn; and Harry has to learn that sometimes you don't put up walls to keep other people out, but to see who cares enough to break them down.

Secondhand Robes by Samayel

From one of my favorite authors Samayel...

Now and Then by Oldenuf2nobetter

Even the death of Voldemort did not end the struggle between good and evil. And even the discovery of a new and unexpected power cannot save Harry from having to deal, once and for all, with an old nemesis.

Lesson in Negativity, A

One shot, Draco's POV... quick and nice.

House with a Blue Door (sequel to A House with a White Picket Fence)

Harry has left Ginny... now working on his relationship with Draco.

A House with a White Picket Fence

Harry leaves Ginny for Draco... you already had me at hello. Loved it! There is a sequel A House with a Blue Door.

Adagio in G Minor by: furiosity

Seven years after Hogwarts and the war, life continues in the wizarding world. Draco Malfoy is rich, bored, and slightly jaded. Harry Potter is famous, busy, and somewhat disillusioned. What would happen if they were to cross paths again? Written pre-HBP.

"We Are the Champions" by pir8fancier

Draco comes up with the idea of having the "The First Annual C*** Olympics"... craziness ensures. WIP

All Bets Are Off

Funny story! Harry is the "sex god" of Hogwarts and Draco wants to take him down a peg or two.

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in the closet

I'm NOT a Ginny fan and this story just proves my point why Harry should never deal with her... I mean everyone knows Harry and Draco should be together... anyway, great story!

Kiss A Boy in London Town

Really liked this story! Draco is a prostitute and eventually Harry wanders into his life... need I say any more?

Bite Me, Hate Memes

An original plot... enjoyed the story.

Lush Life (sequel to Lettered)

Sequel to Lettered. Draco is all grown and the editor of a soft core porn magazine... eventually Harry comes back into his life.

Lettered

Nice story where Draco becomes Harry's secret pen pal... Harry eventually finds out... and well, you can imagine what happens. Lovely story. There is a sequel called Lush Life.

"and your damage done" by twistedmiracle

After reading it you will be mad at the author because she truly leaves you wanting more, but she states there will NOT be a sequel.

Epistolary Romance

Quick one shot of Harry and Draco sending inter-office memos to each other.

"Waking Your Ghost" by circe

Maybe Harry's dead. Maybe he's not. Hermione doesn't know. Some days, her bad days, she doesn't care. But she continues to meet Malfoy here at this horrible tacky tea parlour because at least ... at least it gives her a chance to pretend.

Perfect Day -- Team Canon

Okay story... PG 13

Reparo

Voldemort's final defeat does not mean Harry Potter's troubles are over; far from it. In the aftermath of war, he returns to a Hogwarts that is fractured and divided, but this is no break that can be fixed with a spell. New owls, fading scars, surprising alliances-- and along the way, the hardest task of all, to live with it...

"Appearances" by twistedmiracle

I didn't necessarily like "weak" Draco... but an okay story.

The Good Guys by frayach

After reading it I wanted more! I don't want to give too much away, but the ending will leave you standing slack jawed.

Bond

Harry and Draco are bonded against their will... eventually and I mean EVENTUALLY they grow to love each other. Nice story.

The Shadow of His Wings by mirabella

Interesting story... too bad it's a WIP, curious how it will end.

furiosity: Before Peace

Very angsty Draco... he can't deal with the fact he's gay. Pretty good but the ending was kind of let down for me.

That Which Divides Us by: oldenuf2nobetter

A very nice plot that moves rather quickly and keeps your interested. 4 out of 5 stars

"Let's Pretend the War Is Over" by pir8fancier

LOVED IT! A nice one chapter story where Draco is dealing with some major sanity issues, but our favorite hero, Harry is there to help him through it. After reading, I wanted more... I want to see how Draco would be once he's "healthy". Five stars!

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Subtle Nuances

In the quest to find fugitive Lucius Malfoy, Auror Harry Potter finds something else entirely. Written for Kellie for Valensmut 2005. One shot

Scruff

It all came undone because of one small patch of skin...

Not In the Hands of Boys

My first Harry/Luna story... which I am told will eventually turn to Harry/Draco. The story is pretty good, it's just sad that it took 34 chapters for Harry to finally realize he's gay. And now that he realizes this, the author stops updating.... so I'm still waiting for my Harry/Draco slash in this story. WIP

Kiss Me with Fire by Lucilla Darkate

Short story... lovely... character death.

Finding Harry

Nice.

As Time Unfolds Us: A Memoir

I'm a sucker for "Draco memoir" stories and this was a nice one.

All the Sincerity of a Whore's Kiss by Lucilla Darkate

short one shot

Come Morning by Reenka

short story

"Allegiance and Sedition" by SilentAuror

Addictive story... I'm not a fan of "war" stories, but this was rather good.

"A Mile of Revelations" by FemmeFerret

Interesting story... I enjoyed the ride to Harry and Draco "discovering" their love.. actually they are still discovering it because this is a WIP!

The Price We Pay for Wings - for djinniyah

Books have the power to shape young lives. At least that is the hope of the anonymous author of a best-selling series about a Muggle boy and his best friend on the eve of a world war. But stories do more than just shape the future: they can redress the wrongs of the past as well. But only as long as it’s not too late...

The Escape

Quick interesting story... AU.

Behind the Green Door

Harry was held prisoner in Malfoy Manor during the war, Draco was his guard and they fell in love. Really enjoyed this story! It has a sequel Salt in our Wounds.

Salt in Our Wounds

This is the sequel to Behind the Green Door. Draco sets Harry free... years later Harry gets the chance help Draco and maybe fall in love again. I really enjoyed this story (goes in my favorites list).

The Same Species As Shakespeare

A story of mutual obsession... it was an interesting idea but the plot did not hold me.

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Walking the Line

I really enjoyed this story. It had an original plot and was fast paced.

Finer Than Spring

Harry takes Draco prisoner... and surprise surprise they fall in love (eventually).

Harry Potter and the Cold Hearted Bastard

AU story, it was okay but kind of weird because Draco was having a romantic relationship with a 16 year old Harry, while he was 22 or something.

"With or Without You" by Lady Fayth

A lovely one chapter story. 4 out of 5 stars

"Daybreak" by November Snowflake

"Sequel" one chapter of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow http://www.skyehawke.com/archive/story.php?no=303

Whatever Tomorrow Brings - by thewickednix

WIP...interested where this story may go.

Days Before by rae

PG-13 | 6583 words

Windfallen

A new Unforgivable is spreading like wildfire and only Harry Potter is immune to its power, and only he can soothe its effects. When Draco is hit by the curse and left for dead by his own side, a misguided sense of duty compels Harry to care for him, and in doing so, he learns more than he ever thought possible about nightmares, hatred, love, and above all, the true nature of forgiveness. Harry/Draco, semi-consensual Charlie/Harry, Ginny/Lucius, and Ron/Ginny. Post-Hogwarts, post OotP, and very dark.

Riddikulus - Dragon Tamer

Okay story.

"Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" by November Snowflake

Nice story... too PG for my taste, but nice. There is a "sequel" located at: http://www.skyehawke.com/archive/story.php?no=10046 3 out of 5

Love Under Will

I love the plot line... I hated that it's a WIP... I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

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Beneath You

Draco had no idea that the repercussions of stealing Potter's journal and shoving it down the back of his trousers would be so extreme. Featuring nefarious plots, the mating rituals of Slytherins, double-crossing spells, Ron/Pansy, and Draco/Harry.

"Your Darkest Voice" by Ivyblossom

Sad, sad and more sad... ah, this story made me "feel"... I wish there was more!

La persistencia de la memoria

Addictive story... WIP as of 3/6/2010

Beautiful World

Draco is afraid of living and Harry is afraid of dying, but sometimes the choice isn't offered. Draco's got to learn what it is to really live, while showing Harry how beautiful the world really is when you're not too scared to see it.

Friend Like Me by Artuntaure

I really liked this story. It was just a lovely tale of Draco dreaming of the life he could have led if Harry would have taken his hand that first day of school.

But, I have to admit the writing style was kind of kooky at times and the author didn't use quotes to indicate when someone was speaking, which I guess it was okay because that's the style she/he selected but it made reading kind of hard. But you know me, I can get over minor grammar/spelling issues and seek out the beauty of the story. And the short story was rather beautiful.

“Master Work” by Mahaliem

For some reason this story just didn't pull in me, even though I enjoyed many stories by this author

Black Coffee on a Lonely Night

AU story... enjoyed.

“Draco Under Glass” by George Pushdragon (Fee Absinthe)

Enjoyed this story.

“From the Brink of Twilight” by Furiosity

The plot was pretty odd.

“Sweatin’ to the Voldies” by dark_branwen

Fun story! Harry is over weight... Draco owns gym...

The Goodness of Their Hearts

I really enjoyed this story.

“The Business of Saving Souls” by rurounihime

Nice story

Misuse of Muggle Artifacts by skrtkpr

Nice story

Greeting Expectations by Mahaliem

A fun story.

Between Conspirators by Mahaliem

This story was pretty "meh" to me.

The Venice Job by nishizono

Cute story

The Empty House by Hollycomb

Sad

A Matter of PreText, ConText, and Misconceptions

A reviewer for this story described it as an "adult story" and I totally agree. Harry is having family issues with Ginny which causes him to start obsessively wanking, which causes him to see a therapist, who happens to be Draco. I'm sure you can imagine where this story is going, but it's not exactly what you think. The author could have done much more with this story, but he/she didn't. I did like that it dealt with "adult" issues, meaning dealing with having a family, but this story wasn't that great. I gotta give it 2 out of 5 stars.

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Tissue of Silver

Tissue of Silver by fearlessdiva was a fun mystery. The characterization of Draco was great. He was smart, beautiful (of course) and very snarky. Harry of course was obilvious - I'm not gay but I'm attracted to Malfoy, but if I'm attracted does that mean I'm gay? Ugh, Harry, just shag and get it over with. Anyway, it was a fun interesting read and I really enjoyed it. 4 out of 5 stars.

Delicate Sound of Thunder by Duinn Fionn

The sequel to A Thousand Beautiful Things, Delicate Sound of Thunder by Duinn Fionn was a nice continuation of the prequel. But once again, a very average; fun but not too memorable story for me. Once again, 3 out of 5 stars.

A Thousand Beautiful Things

I really enjoyed this story, but it's not one of those "it sticks on my mind" stories. I read it, liked it, and now if I think hard enough I can kind of remember the story. It did keep my attention but a very average story, so 3 out of 5 stars.

Things That Change by eutychides

This was one of the most addictive stories I've read... it just sucks you in and the next thing you know two days of your life are gone. Draco desperate comes up with a plan to "carry on for his family" which involves getting pregnant by an unknowing Harry (don't let the MPREG run you off, this is a great story). Harry finds out and takes Draco home... they live together for 20 years and have 3 more children. A memoriable and unique story... I say it's a MUST READ for Harry/Draco fans. 5 out of 5 stars

The Hope Series by jamie2109

I loved it! It certainly gets 5 out of 5 stars from me. I have to say, Jamie2109 is quickly becoming one of my favorite fanfic authors.

The story is told in alternative points of view by Draco and Harry. I really can't explain the plot because it would give too much away. But I will say that you will feel sad at the end.

Black Sheep

I enjoyed this quick Harry/Draco fanfiction, and give it 3 our 5 stars. Here's the low down:

The Good: The story moved rather quickly and loved the characterization of Draco (he was fun). No Ron! (sometimes Ron just gets in the way when Harry and Draco are trying to fall in love so I loved that the author immediately removed him from the story)

The Bad: Harry was so oblivious (more so than usual) that you want to shake him at times. The slash was too PG for my taste. The climax/ending - the author could have spent more time with this.

Per Solum Lacuna: By Words Alone by Azhure & Wintermoon

I got hooked! It was truly a lovely story of these two guys chatting away in a journal, dealing with their adult lives without knowing they were chatting with their nemesis .

I give the story 4 our 5 stars because towards the end, my mind did start to wander and I kept saying, "hurry up and confess your undying love to each other already!"

Truly Madly Deeply by jameschick

Harry goes "muggle" after killing Voldermort because he lost his powers. He's living a nice life... Draco enter his life and of course, he ends up falling in love with him. #romance 4 out of 5 stars.

The Copper Cauldron

Nice story... MPREG... Draco has Harry's child, Harry doesn't know... one day Harry stumbles upon Draco and a kid that looks exactly like him. 4 out of 5 stars

A Test of Character

I enjoyed this story very much. 4 out of 5 stars.

Once Upon a Time, Yesterday - for violet_quill

Nice story... an older Harry and Draco with kids. 3 out of 5 stars

A Secret History by Warholhp

Wow! I was not expecting this... it is a terribly sad story. I won't give it away, but some horrible things happened to Harry in his pass which he has repressed. 3 out of 5 stars

I Give You a Wondrous Mirror

Ummm... I'm not sure how much I liked this story. SPOILER: The plot was kind of kooky which ended with an alternate universe, which you could probably see coming half way through the story. It was OK. 3 out 5 stars

How Do You Mend a Broken Heart?

4 out 5 stars... an interesting story. Draco has 6 kids!

Coming Home by Empathic Siren

4 out 5 stars... Nice story.

Welcome to the Real World

Nice story 4 out of 5 stars.

Snatch

Lovely story... Draco helps to bring a comatose Harry back to the world. 4 out of 5 stars I wish it didn't end, I would have enjoy reading about their new life together.

Light as Iron, Singed as Pearl

A quick read... kind of a PWP... not really my thing. 2 out of 5 stars

Dukedom Large Enough by: Alysian_Fields

This story pissed me off with how cowardly Draco was acting. "I can't be in a relationship with Harry because it would be too hard"... blah blah blah... shut up already! Towards the end I debated giving up because I was so frustrated with Draco. You can only put so much "angst" in a story, this was over load. 2 out of 5 stars Surprising because I usually enjoy this author.

A Dark Time For The Light

I couldn't finish this... got 12% in and gave up. Ugh!

Unconditionally

4 out of5 stars... Harry keeps Draco locked in his attic. Bad things happen but it's okay because they figure out they love each other. SPOILER: Veela!Harry

For the Want of a Nail

My first Vampire Draco story and I loved it. 4 out5 stars

HP: The Same Species As Shakespeare, by lomonaaeren

Just okay.

If you were wondering here are lists of my favorite Harry/Draco stories: Part I, Part II

Never Forget: Fred and Lamont Sanford

Sanford and Son

Image [If Charlie Parker was a gunslinger]

Superman/Batman Slash

This is SLASH! I hope you didn't freak out too much... but this is type of stuff fans will create when left to our own devices (bwahahahah). You might be interested in it or maybe not... either way I thought I'd share this fanart.

I'm not a Superman/Batman shipper... but if you want to read some Superman/Batman fanfiction check out more than friends... a superman/batman archive.

Image Source [Suicide Blonde]

Here's to YOU 2010... Smell ya later!

2010 is almost over... the only regret I have is, I should have gone to the movies more often. Anyway, here are a couple 2010 reviews...

Films Released in 2010 (some of these clips look really good, I think I missed out on seeing some really good films this year)



Top 10 Grossing Films of 2010 (Spoiler: Toy Story 3 was #1)

The 40 Best Mug Shots of 2010 (#2 Thickest Neck really freaks me out)

The 60 Best Tumblr Blogs of 2010 (I'm a fan of Smile Like You're Dead Inside because sometimes smiling is hard )

Zeitgeist 2010: Year in Review - see how the world searched on Google



Top YouTube videos for 2010 (OMG Double Rainbow!)



JibJab's Review (President Obama's year... don't forget the Iraq War ended this year)


The Best Comics of 2010 (I'm not a comic book fan so I'm not sure how valid this list may be)

The Best and Worst Movie Posters of 2010 (interesting commentary with the picks)

The Best LGBT Characters in Film 2010 (once again, I'll say I haven't watched enough films this year)

The Top 10 Book Illustrations of 2010 (according to the LA Times)

Billboard's Photos of the Year 2010 (there are 74 and I gotta say I enjoyed this)

The 10 Most Powerful Tweets of 2010 (according to ONTD!)

Little Eddie

Edith Bouvier Beale

You know I love the Grey Gardens documentary right? Well I do... oh! And did I tell you about the song by Rufus Wainwright that I'm in love with that mixes Grey Gardens and the film Death in Venice? Well, that's cool too.

Carry on.

Image Source [If Charlie Parker was a gunslinger...]

Interesting Commercial

This one is a commercial for Ikea which aired in Austria.

Alain Delon...

You know I'm a sucker for photos of Alain Delon... and here's another!


Source [We Had Faces Then]

The Young Stephen Colbert

This is current day Stephen.

Source [Buzz Feed]

Joan Crawford

Joan Crawford - look at her... the ultimate bad-ass

Source [We Had Faces Then]

Books I've Read in 2010

Even though it's not a competition or anything (I mean, who would I be competing against?) I feel like I'm losing in the book reading game. I've read 22 novels and 1 art book this year... for some reason I thought I read more than this. Anyway here's a list of everything I've read (that was published, I'll list all the fanfiction I read this year in another post and well that's much longer than this list - check out my 2009 fanfiction reading list).

I'm a big fan of GoodReads (feel free to friend me there) so all links go there.

	Not Quite A Lady (Carsington Brothers #4) by Loretta Chase Charlotte has a secret she's lived with for the past 10 years... this secret causes her to be an expert at avoiding marriage. Darius is a logical bachelor challenged by his over powering father to become more adult by restoring an old family home. This home is adjacent to Charlotte family property. Can you see where this romance is going? I'm sure you can. It was a pretty enjoyable read but dragged in the middle, almost causing me to put it in the "I'll finish later pile" but after some slow moments the story did pick up and finished well.
	Lord Perfect (Carsington Brothers #3) by Loretta Chase A fun quick regency romance read.
	Don't Tempt Me by Loretta Chase Kidnapped as a child, Zoe spent 12 years part of a harem in the middle east. An expert in the sensual arts, she finally escapes and returns to London and her family, causing a scandal. Enter childhood family friend the Duke of Marchmont who has a plan to save Zoe's risque reputation. Quick read.
	The Marriage Bed (Guilty Series #3) by Laura Lee Guhrke It keeps your attention but the plot is so silly, you just want to yell at the wife, "you just spent 8 years alone, go back to your husband already"...
	Vice (V series, #7) by Jane Feather What do you do when you accidentally kill your husband on your wedding night? If you are Juliana you run to London with no money, no contacts and hope you find a job. But suddenly you find yourself living in a bordello and “sold” to a Duke in a wild scheme that will actually make your life a lot better. This novel was a quick and easy read and will hold your attention. The only problem is I started to immensely dislike the “heroine”. Her decision making process left a lot to be desired and it got to the point where I had to side with the duke who “purchased” her. I know many historical romance readers like “strong willed” female characters, but how can you like a character that is stubborn to the point they continue to make silly decisions which always ends in harm’s way? As for the romance, I was a little disappointed the author did not take us on a “romantic journey”. Juliana and the Duke instantly lusted over each other, and love was barely mentioned, which I found odd. On the plus side, I did learn a lot about prostitution in Victorian London and the infamous red-light district of Covent Garden.
	Absolute Pleasure by Cheryl Holt Lady Elizabeth, the lonely spinster daughter of the earl has given up on the idea of marriage. Her recently re-married father has given all her responsibilities to his new wife and her life has reached a new level of boredom – until she meets the beautiful Gabriel Cristofore at the opera. This quick meeting immediately opens Elizabeth’s eyes and releases the passion which has remained dormant for so long. For the first two chapters I felt the author was taking extra liberty with her adjectives and angst and debated if I should even bother, but I’m one of those people that if I pick up a book I am compelled to finish. So I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself hooked around chapter six; Elizabeth and Gabriel were in full swing of their affair and it is a rather steamy affair at that! The novel does not provide much action but the “romance” keeps you reading to find out how the pair will eventually have their “happily ever after”. The end of the novel did leave one big unanswered for me, what happened to Elizabeth’s horrid step-mother? Did the earl annul the marriage? It’s a minor detail but I was so deep into the story I was rather curious how that subplot turned out.
	Strike Zone (Star Trek: The Next Generation #5) by Peter David ** spoiler alert ** I was thoroughly entertained by this novel. It was fast moving, fun and action packed! What more could you ask for in a Star Trek The Next Generation novel? Well, maybe a better ending, but I’ll get to that later. Warning: Minor spoilers The novel starts by introducing us to the Kreel, an unattractive alien race who are depicted as technology scavengers. They stumble across advance weapon technology on a deserted planet they consider within their territory. Now the Kreel have a century worth of animosity with the Klingons (who in return HATE the Kreel – they even spit whenever they say the name), who also stake a claim on the “deserted” planet (and the technology). Even though the Klingons are technologically superior to the Kreel, the Kreel manage to figure out some of the weapons and seem to have an upper hand against the Klingons. In order to solve this problem, the Klingons and Kreel decide to meet and come to a resolution and of course the Enterprise must be the vessel to facilitate this meeting. Meanwhile, our favorite 16 year old acting ensign Wesley Crusher (can you hear the sarcasm in my voice) is whining away that everyone calls him the “Brain Trust” and hates the fact that everyone views him as a genius. Sigh. But our boy wonder has a best friend name Jaal (who happens to be a beautiful elf like alien). It is revealed that Jaal has a genetic disease which gives him 6-12 months to live which causes Wesley to go crazy with this news and he vows to discover a cure. As the novel continues, we deal with major clashes between the Kreel (I began to hate them more and more as the novel went on), Worf gets a love interest (because we know humans can’t take the “lovin’” that is Klingon), Data and Dr. Pulaski bicker over her unease with androids, and I get even more annoyed with Wesley. The author’s writing style flows easily and his use of humor caused me to laugh out loud more than once. The story does play out as a typical TNG episode but with more subplots and the typical ending which leaves you asking, “Really? That’s what is behind all of this?”
	Power Hungry (Star Trek: The Next Generation #6) by Howard Weinstein Power Hungry plays out as a subpar Star Trek The Next Generation episode. If you are on a quest to read all the TNG novels (like myself), feel free to skip this one without any guilt. Another note: Riker and Deanna Troi are featured on the cover of the book, but Deanna Troi appears perhaps three times in the novel, which I found odd.
	Masks (Star Trek: The Next Generation #7) by John Vornholt Now, is it just me or does every Ambassador who is assigned to the Enterprise for a period of time up to no good? Or why does it feel like at least 80% of the ambassadors we encounter in The Next Generation are jerks. Seriously, Starfleet does a poor job of screening the applicants that go into the diplomatic branch. I enjoyed this novel... give it 3 out of 5 stars.
	The Captain's Honor (Star Trek: The Next Generation #8) by David Dvorkin, Daniel Dvorkin An uninteresting plot with mundane "new" characters, meanwhile the Enterprise crew lifelessly strolled about the novel doing nothing, seriously, nothing. A terribly boring book... totally without honor.
	A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood The novel follows a day in the life of George, a middle-aged gay English Professor in California. Throughout his pretty mundane day we gain insight on his view of life and see how he's dealing with the recent death of his young lover Jim. I found the novel at times very funny and insightful on the world in the 1960s. While reading this novel I couldn't help feeling that I was reading the more adult version of The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. George's inner thoughts seem to echo some of the same thoughts of Holden Caulfield which I thought was interesting. A quick read that I think most people would enjoy.
	Mugglenet.com's Harry Potter Should Have Died: Controversial Views from the #1 Fan Site by Emerson Spartz and Ben Schoen Nice book for hardcore Harry Potter fans. The book discusses (both sides) numerous controversial HP topics such as: are the Slytherins too demonized? (I have to say yes), is the epilogue a letdown? (no, I don't think so), who helps Harry more on his quest: Ron or Hermione? (Hermione of course even if she broke his wand), which is the best book (toss up between GOF or DH for me), is Voldemort the most evil fictional character ever? (ever, no, but he did try to kill a baby and that's pretty evil), are the HP books for adults or children? (I have to say adults but for some reason those kids seem to like 'em) and MANY more Harry Potter debate topics. Feel free to debate these topics with me!
	Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught Whitney, My Love is a fast moving story of betrothals, wrong assumptions, forced seduction and flimsy schemes, but I liked it. Whitney Stone is a spunky young woman who has a habit of doing things her way, until her father had enough of her disobedient ways and sends her to France with an aunt. While in France she acquires beauty, manners, grace and her witty conversation makes her stand out from the other woman looking for a husband, but Whitney is keeping her heart for her childhood crush (who never gave her the time of day). While in Paris, unbeknown to Whitney, the rakish Duke of Claymore sets his sight on dear Whitney and pays her father a large sum for her betrothal. Whitney is sent back to England where the Duke plans to keep his identity unknown so he can make Whitney fall in love with him. But! Whitney hates the Duke and has her mind set on marrying Paul, her childhood crush… and drama ensues. It’s a quick read with perhaps one too many wrong assumptions which drag the story out a bit but over all a good read.
	Gypsy Boy by Mikey Walsh A sad story of a boy growing up in a Romany (gypsy) family. Some parts were so terribly sad (abuse and rape) but the author tell his story with so much humor at times that it's hard to get the full emotion of all the horrible things that happened in his life. I enjoyed the story and it was a very quick read. By the way, the author is on twitter and his ridiculously funny in real life (well I mean via. the interwebs): http://twitter.com/thatbloodymikey
	Forbidden Fantasy by Cheryl Holt This was so silly.
	The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman Nice coffee table book.
	Endless Love by Scott Spencer ** spoiler alert ** After reading Endless Love I wasn't sure how I felt about it. The novel is an extremely painful tale of a boy in love; unfortunately this love is not the healthy kind of teenage love we are use to. The protagonist, David is obsessed with his girlfriend Jade and her family. He is fascinated by them and they become his entire world. Even though Jade’s family, the Butterfield’s accepts their rather mature relationship (to the point of sanctioning their love making in their own home), David is eventually banished from the house and contact with Jade for 30 days. This 30 day banishment was too much for David to bear, so he concocts a plan to confront the Butterfields which goes horribly wrong. We can possibly chalk up his plan to set a fire to their home as youthful recklessness without care to consequences but as I read further maybe the signs of mental illness (monomania, obsessive love, schizophrenia???) are apparent in David? Either way, David is charged with setting the fire and is separated from the Butterfields and his love, Jade. The novel continues as we read about David’s emotions and his struggle to get back to Jade and the Butterfields. The novel is captivating in the brutally honest way David expresses himself and you share the journey of his obsession with Jade. Often times while reading I wondered if David was an unreliable narrator, and at times doubted Jade’s feelings for him. Was this powerful love a product of his imagination? But as the novel continues you start to see David as he is, a troubled boy whose emotions control his life. Oh, I must note there is a rather graphic sex scene between David and Jade (they have intercourse while she’s on her period). I wouldn’t necessarily call this a “page-turner” but the story does suck you in and you can easily finish it in a weekend (despite its 418 pages).
	Killing Me Softly by Nicci French Killing Me Softly by Nicci French is a true page-turner. Immediately the novel pulls you into the intense love affair of Alice and Adam and you just devour the words to find out where this passionate love will lead. Alice is involved with Jake, her comfortable live-in boyfriend of some years when one day walking to work she locks eyes with a handsome stranger, briefly they exchange an intense staring session but eventually continue to their separate designations. Leaving for lunch Alice notices the stranger is standing in the same spot "as if he hadn’t moved since this morning." He tells her he was waiting for her and asks her to come with him – she does. They travel to his apartment via taxi without speaking and then engage in "obliterating" passionate love making. She leaves without knowing his name. And that’s how the story begins; Alice has a passionate love affair with a man who seems to worship her. Their love is obsessive and Alice’s normal world shrinks to just Adam, the stranger she locked eyes with on the street. Alice leaves Jake and sets up shop with Adam, the somewhat stoic mountain climber who only has eyes for Alice. The beginning of their relationship is made of the stuff people (well, me) day-dream about, the terribly handsome stranger is smitten by you, he pays rapid attention to your every word, he can’t keep his hands off you, he’s spontaneous, he always makes you feel loved and desired and you feel the same way. But then reality creeps in, how much does Alice really know about Adam? The novel takes you on a road where we find out more about Adam and the price that comes with an obsessive relationship. It’s a quick read which will surely keep you interested.
	Secret Smile by Nicci French Disappointing read, compared to Killing Me Softly (read this one instead) by the author.
	The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins The Hunger Games is simply great story telling. We follow our heroine as she is picked out of a lottery to compete in the Hunger Games, an annual fight to the death competition between children of the future world of post-apocalyptic America. This was my favorite book this year!
	Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins Another great story in The Hunger Games trilogy. I just want everyone who reads this to know they should purchase book 3, Mockingjay, because once you are done reading this book (which ends with a cliffhanger), you will desperately want to find out what happens next. Save yourself the trouble and have book 3 waiting in the wings.
	Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins An interesting ending to a wonderful trilogy.
	Catch Me When I Fall by Nicci French ** spoiler alert ** It was hard to read this novel because I did not like the main character, but after a while the reader will realize we probably don't like her because she's mentally ill (the reason for her ridiculous decision making) but then the book changes narrators and gives you an completely different feel. I would have to say this novel was an "un-even read"... at times I was sucked in but for 70% of the novel I was waiting for it to be over.

So what was your favorite book this year?

Young Clint Eastwood

Source [We Had Faces Then]

The Black Stroomtrooper

Screenplay: The Usual Suspects

Next installment in the screenplays I like, we have The Usual Suspects written by Christopher McQuarrie in 1994. A popular thriller with a twist at the end. Sadly, I'm showcasing the twist in the excerpt of the script, so if you haven't watched the film and don't want a SPOILER please stop reading now.


McQuarrie won the Best Original Screenplay at the 1996 BAFAs and Oscar for this script. Read the ending, it was truly brilliant!

KUJAN'S P.O.V.

Kujan is staring not at what is on the bulletin board, but at
the bulletin board itself.

His eyes follow the aluminum frame, mounted firmly to the
wall. One might note it's sturdy construction and it's
convenient size. Big enough to hold a lifetime of forgotten
and disregarded notes and facts. Years of police trivia that
has been hung and forgotten with the intention of finding a
use for it all someday. One might want such a bulletin board
for one's self. One would look to see who makes such a      
bulletin board.
Kujan's eyes are locked on a metal plate bearing the
manufacturer's name.

                             
It reads: QUARTET - SKOKIE, ILLINOIS
Kujan's eyes flash all' over the bulletin board. He finds a
picture of Rabin in the far corner. He stands beside a scale
in fishing gear. He proudly holds a hand out to his freshly
caught marlin. His eyes skim quickly over and stop on an
eight and a half by eleven inch fax sheet of what must be a
THREE HUNDRED POUND BLACK MAN. Kujan glazes over his name, it
is irrelevant. His aliases stand out.

Slavin, BRICKS, Shank, REDFOOT, Thee, Rooster...

KUJAN'S EYES WIDEN with sudden realization. He runs for the
door.

His foot crushes the broken pieces of Rabin's coffee cup. The
cup that hovered over Verbal's head for two hours.

Kujan is in too much of a hurry to notice the two words
printed on the jagged piece that had been the bottom of the
cheap mug.

                  KOBAYASHI PORCELAIN.

150   EXT. HALLWAY                                                

Kujan is sprinting wildly down the hall for the stairs.

151   EXT. STREET                                                 

Verbal looks behind him and sees ANOTHER COP standing just 
inside the doorway, lighting a cigarette. The cop notices
Verbal and watches him in the way that cops look at people
they cannot place in the category of idiot citizen, or stupid
criminal.

Verbal smiles politely, meekly at the cop and walks down the
steps into the moving throng.

152   INT. DEPOT                                                  

Kujan runs up to the desk where Verbal had only moments
before picked up his belongings. Rabin is right behind him, a
look of absolute confusion on his face.

                          KUJAN
       WHERE IS HE? DID YOU SEE HIM?                    

                           COP
       The Cripple? He went that way.                    

                             

The cog gestures towards the door.

Kujan runs outside looking around frantically.


154  EXT. SIDEWALK                                              

Verbal limps his way carefully across the sidewalk, avoiding
people as best as he can.

He looks over his shoulder, getting farther away from the
police station. He can see Rabin and the cop on the steps,
looking around with strange, lost expressions on their faces.

He does not notice the car creeping along the curb beside
him.

155  INT. CAR                                                   
DRIVER'S P.O.V.
The driver's hands tap the wheel patiently. His eyes follow
Verbal as he fumbles through the crowd.

156  EXT. SIDEWALK                                              

Kujan pushes and shoves, looking this way and that.

157  EXT. STREET                                                
LOW ANGLE on the feet of dozens of people.
Verbal's feet emerge from the crowd on the far side. They
hobble along the curb.

SUDDENLY, the right foot seems to relax a little, the inward
angle straightens itself out in a few paces and the limp
ceases as though the leg has grown another inch.

CRANE UP VERBAL'S BODY

Verbal's hands are rummaging around in his pockets. The good
left hand comes up with a pack of cigarettes, the bad right
hand comes up with a lighter. The right hand flexes with all

of the grace and coordination of a sculptor's, flicking the
clasp on the antique lighter with the thumb, striking the
flint with the index finger. It is a fluid motion, somewhat
showy.

  Verbal lights a cigarette and smiles to himself. He turns and
  sees the car running alongside.

158   INT. DISPATCHER'S OFFICE                                  


  Jack Beer pulls the sheet out of the fax machine and turns it
  over, revealing the composite sketch of Keyser SOZE.         

  Though crude and distorted, one cannot help but notice how
  much it leaks like VERBAL KINT.

159   EXT. STREET                                               
  The car stops. The driver gets out.
  IT IS KOBAYASHI, or the man we have come to know as such. He
  smiles to Verbal. Verbal steps off of the curb, returning the
  smile as he opens the passenger door and gets in.

  The man called Kobayashi gets in the driver's seat and pulls
  away .
  A moment later, Agent David Kujan of U.S. Customs wanders
  into the frame, looking around much in the way a child would
  when lost at the circus. He takes no notice of the car
  pulling out into traffic, blending in with the rest of the
  cars filled with people on their way back to work.

  BLACK

Read the entire screenplay.

Monday Morning Links

I wasn't able to do a list of links this Monday... but never fear! Watch this video, it always puts a smile on my face.

Re-Imaged Star Trek Movie Posters

Ben Whitsell created these very cool Star Trek movie posters, he wrote:

I have been really inspired lately by the trend of creating re-imagned movie and television show posters in a minimalist style. This is my first set in a series that will feature some of my favorite television shows.

Check out his photostream on Flickr.