I'm really proud of how this one has turned up to be, there are some errors but this one has been my best so far.
I already thanked them privately back when I asked them for permission, but I want to thank @carletes for letting me print her amazing fic, bringing it to life, and @afireflakeart for letting me use her stunning art to finish the look of the book!!
It was my first time doing such a big binding project and I can only feel happy about the result.
I once again have a couple of wip and almost finished artworks in my procreate gallery. Since last time a few of you seemed to enjoy voting on which one I finished first, so we’re doing it again! (blurry previews below)
I once again have a couple of wip and almost finished artworks in my procreate gallery. Since last time a few of you seemed to enjoy voting on which one I finished first, so we’re doing it again! (blurry previews below)
I once again have a couple of wip and almost finished artworks in my procreate gallery. Since last time a few of you seemed to enjoy voting on which one I finished first, so we’re doing it again! (blurry previews below)
I have just finished reading “the shadow of radiance” and I am IMPRESSED there is so much talent in Carlando writers. Your list is already perfection, so detailed and so precise. Can I ask from those fics, so I can start with one, which are the ones that have made you feel the most? This is such a weird request but when I’m reading I love feeling the sadness, the anger, the desperation or the joy of a revelation.
Thank you so much🙏
The list we're talking about
I'm glad! @carletes's writing is pretty immersive. If you haven’t read her other stories yet, you could start there!
Besides, it's difficult to find something that might resonate the deepest with you, as what may hit closer to home for me might not have the same impact on you. Personally, the first ones I have in mind would be Borderline of a Bad Idea or The Future is Forever. And the ones I remember made me cry are begin again and so take it from me. There's also already a masterlist of carlando fics that deal with grief/mourning by @papayabrain if that's something you're looking for.
Additionally, if you like someone’s work, there’s a high chance they’ve written something with a similar vibe. You might also find something you like with the ‘Angst’, 'Slow Burn', or ‘Hurt/Comfort’ tags on ao3.
Psst, if you like an author's work, leaving a comment is always appreciated, and they are the best to chat about it too <3
Thank you for your lovely well organized fic rec list! I think there may be a couple on there that I haven't read, so I'm excited to check them out! I've been desperately looking for a specific carlando fic this week - after Lando teasing a carlando reunion on the fan stage in Barcelona 😁 I know I have read a fic where Carlos returns to McLaren for one year at the end of his career. Lando is unaware of the reasons behind his return. Carlos is adamant that the contract be for one year only - he wants to be there to support Lando. I cannot find it, and it's driving me crazy! Do you know which one I'm talking about? If you don't, would you be willing to reblog to ask your followers? Thank you!! PS: I ❤️❤️❤️ your artwork!!
Hiii thank you, I'm glad it can help some of you :)
The only story I've read before that fits your description is then and still by madlyiephasetwo. Here's the summary:
Wait, what do you have to be in Woking for?” Lando asked and Carlos - Carlos didn’t answer. He just shrugged, a smile on his face that was almost bashful, a little helpless, and from one moment to another, Lando’s world tilted on its axis.
In January 2025, Carlos Sainz Jr. signs a one-year deal with McLaren Racing Limited.
Unfortunately, the author deleted their fics from ao3, so it's no wonder you couldn't find it. Luckily, someone on reddit posted a link to a drive where you can download the epub of some of their fics!
do you have any recent carlando fics to recommend that you enjoyed? i’m a biiiiiit lost when it comes to searching on ao3. looooove your art btw ✨
Of course I do! I am warning you anon, this will feel like you’ve just opened Pandora’s box… (50+ carlando fics under the cut)
Note: These are all extremely good fics and not at all in order of most liked. I’ve organized them by AU to make browsing easier. Disclaimer: I haven’t read every single carlando fic yet (I’m working on it), so there might still be some hidden gems. If you wanna know how I'm searching for carlando on AO3, feel free to reach out.
Time Travel
back to where we always belonged by latenightkiss E, 66k, completed - This is THE Time travel fic, I screamed at my phone in the penultimate chapter. This is the kind of story you won’t want to put down, you’ll want to read it all in one sitting.
Across The Never by ShankySpork M, 17k, completed - Lando is trying desperately to make sure this mission goes perfectly, even if it means reliving it over and over again. A very very rare Space AU with carlando <3 The universe in this one is so interesting and I loved seeing Lando's character development throughout the story.
Fleeting Friend (Love) by RoosMyBeloved NR, 50k, completed - Kind of Time Travel, but Carlos is jumping into different timelines to fix his broken relationship with Lando. This one has a little bit of everything and it's giving me "putting carlos in different situations and observing what he'll do".
begin again by magnificentbirb T, 15k, completed - OMG, this story made me cry ugly tears on my pillow. Lando is stuck in a Time Loop, it doesn’t go really well. I vividly remember how I felt while reading it... it was absolutely heart-wrenching.
University/College
Unconstrained by kolyarostov E, 43k, completed - If you haven’t read this one yet, what are you doing here? Go read it. Carlos proposes a friends-with-benefits kind of deal with Lando to help with "stress relief" but we all know this isn't about that. Also 43k in one chapter is diabolical...
What if we said goodbye to safe and sound? by tiredtiredsharl E, 63k, completed - This is part of bigger series that isn’t strictly carlando but can still be read as a standalone. It’s really good and bittersweet.
Dancing You Into a Lonely Night by kolyarostov E, 16k, completed - The story that made me think that a sofa on a rooftop isn’t a bad idea after all.
Borderline of a Bad Idea by cosmicscuderia E, 84k, completed - Frat boys, a lot of misunderstanding and miscommunication, and just the right amount of angst that makes you click ‘next chapter’ at 3am. It also has a sequel Burial of a Burning Star.
Summer/Vacation
A Name I’ll Never Forget by li_m4tcha G, 4k, completed - Inspired by CMBYN, can’t remember if it’s a happy ending but if it’s my bookmarks that means it was pretty freaking good.
Al Cuore Non Si Comanda by orphan_account T, 27k, uncompleted -Another inspired by CMBYN, not sure if it was abandoned but it’s a really really good one, I think I read it 4 times already.
Into temptation, (Right where you belong.) by SirGooseALot M, 25k, completed - The tension between Lando and Carlos in this… I'm still thinking about that skinny-dipping scene.
tidal by scolymus (artiiichoke) G, 3k, completed - This became one of my comfort fics.
Let the Breaks Illuminate by FreddyTheGodOfWater E, 15k, completed - 10/10, I love a speechless Carlos in the beauty of everything that is Lando.
Artist and/or Historical
new slang by arboretics NR, 6k, completed - Artist Lando my beloved, this one could also be sorted in the university/college AU.
On Our Terms by kolyarostov E, 86k, completed - I think this one set my standards for Artist Lando, it’s that good.
The first cut is the deepest by arcvzeri E, 70k, completed - Another Painter/Artist Lando, I think there might be a trend here, also historical au AND angst, YES. (sequel: The Fox and the Wolf: A Light Eternal).
Bird's Eye View of the Two of Us by kolyarostov E, 39k, completed - Historical AU, Love this one with a PASSION (part of The Only Life Within series).
Dared to look at what is not mine (yet) by NamarieCarlando NR, 10k, completed - Guard Carlos and Queen Lando, absolutely perfect perfect perfect.
La gracia que tiene usted by ShankySpork M, 6k, completed - This one was suuuuuch a good read, and so different from the type of fics you usually see in the fandom. The way they wrote this is genius.
Foreman by thamoonlight24 E, 21k, completed - Cowboysssss yehawwwwww
Mafia (my favourites)
hey, young blood by mondaycore M, 3k, completed - This one hold a special space in my heart, mafia au just hits perfectly every time.
his eyes are like angels, his heart is cold by finedae E, 5k, completed - this one is just... fuck. If you liked "hey, young blood", you'll love this.
i'll race you for pinks by Cazio M, 30k, completed - Not exactly mafia more heist AU, and the sexual tension between Carlos and Lando in this is gLORIOUS.
fall and fixture by heroics E, 34k, completed - NOT a mafia AU, but I feel like if you like mafia you'll probably love this one. A freaking amazing spy/secret agents story, can’t remember how many times I’ve read it.
A Murderer's Lot by hibivrooms T, 6k, completed - I am secretly hoping this will have a sequel at some point because the intrigue is SO GOOD. Lando's character in this is freaking amazing.
ABO
If the Love is Pure by loveleclerc E, 82k, completed - Honestly, this story could be classified as a mafia au even if there isn't any mafia because Carlos's pack kinda feel like a mob family. I think that's why I was so drawn to it. Carlos is taking Lando under his protection after there's been attempts to his freedom.
The Taste of Something Sweet by The_in_between_honey E, 4k, completed - We don’t see a lot of omega/omega stories and this one just made me crave so much moooore. Everyone needs to get on this wagon already! Where’s the omega/omega enjoyers at?!
Supernatural/Magic
Choosing My Confession by kolyarostov E, 53k, completed - Witch Lando owns a little shop by the coast and tourist Carlos makes a visit. I need to reread this one, it was so nice.
what becomes a tempest by hibivrooms E, 98k (wth I don't remember this being so long), uncompleted - Magical School AU, this quenched my thirst for ******** Carlos, something about those hairy arms just fit the vibe perfectly. And like all the characters fit so freaking well in this story (PS. I think this is my favourite representation of Lewis ever).
On the Threshold of a Dream by alboinz M, 8k, completed - I LOVE THIS ONE, in my thirst for more werewolf Carlos I found this one and it immediately became one of my comfort fic. (also elf Lando duh)
Drag My Teeth Across Your Skin by Radioheading E, 24k, completed - Werewolves aGAIN? Yes, a hundred times yes. This was so fucking good. I need to read it again.
The shadow of radiance by hibivrooms E, 214k, completed - Alright, this one... This is a wild ride. World building is hibi's forte and it SHOWS. Royals & Knights with war, trickery, enemies to lovers, a smidge of magic? (If you count whatever charles is). I read this one in one week and it felt like a fucking fever dream.
won't let you go by Anonymous NR, 3k , completed - Lando saved Max by taking the bulk of his injuries on himself. Not quite carlando but the plot is so interesting.
watch this space, I'm open to falling from grace by tiredtiredsharl E, 12k, completed - This one is excellent, I first started reading it without knowing there would be some supernatural elements to it, and I was happily surprised how well the author fit it in the story.
Another Deep Dive All The Way Down by EspiTheWarlock T, 73k, completed - Coffee shop AU with the tiniest bit of supernatural (part of a bigger series that isn't strictly carlando, but can be read as a standalone)
polaris by adaine T, 13k, completed - SOFTTTT, silly, single parent Lando, and a bit of supernatural because well… Carlos just crash-landed in Lando’s garden.
the soft animal of your body by watchcatewrite T, 5k, completed - This one is just so soft ;-; orange cat Lando anyone?
The Old Religion by kolyarostov E, 33k, completed - Can you hear me chanting ‘VAMPIRES VAMPIRES VAMPIRES’ ? This story is simply just brilliant, everything about it was perfectly written and thought-out. A masterpiece. It’s a sequel to The Calmest Slit to My Neck, so you’ll need to read that first.
Miscellaneous (others AUs or tropes that don’t fit into the ones above)
Sex Positions That Are Actually Good For Your Health by Lux1224 G, 7k, completed - This is just carlando being dorks.
carlos.jpg by grandprix T, 5k, completed - "If Lando were to compile a post of all the best photos he's accumulated since getting his camera, he wouldn't even be able to post it."
Christmas For Beginners, Or: How Not To Fall For Hoteliers by Akiko_chaan E, 180k, completed - This is a very Christmasy story, I think it’s a really good one to read during the winter holidays or when it’s snowy outside. It has a bunch of other drivers in it too!
pictures of you, pictures of me by mondaycore E, 4k, completed - Pretty sure this was the first carlando fic I’ve read, still golden to me to this day.
Sugar and spice (but is everything nice?) by hamlettee M, 5k, completed - Sugar daddy AU with a twist ;) I have to reread that one again.
Keep the Car Running by cosmicscuderia E, 25k, completed - Be warned, this is an emotional one. (Sugar Daddy/Baby AU)
Inventing Lando by mittenlost E, 65k, completed - Carlos is struggling to find a partner in fear of being outed, enter Lando.
Crunchy Leaves and Knitted Sweaters by sainzofthecentury E, 2k, completed - I was sold with Carlos and fuzzy socks.
so take it from me by tiredtiredsharl E, 24k, completed - One of the best ones, I’m still thinking about it. Lando, who has a chronic illness, believes he can’t be loved without being a burden.
beneath his boughs by hibivrooms E, 7k, completed - Ballet dancer Lando and Orchestra conductor Carlos, chef’s kiss, absolutely beautiful.
Rehearsals For A Kiss by Thammyshrk E, 24k, completed - Actors AU? Always a fan of a bit of power dynamic with renowned actor Carlos and second-year performing arts student Lando.
Hide All Our Sins From the Daylight by kolyarostov E, 60k, completed - Carlando are in a secret relationship but Carlos needs to agree to a PR relationship to ensure his driver's contract negotiation…
A Matter of Perspective by kolyarostov E, 72k, completed - Carlos and Lando are in a secret relationship and they find an interesting way to "control" the narrative when Lando is dealing with championship scrutiny.
Unspoken by Monterey283 T, 100k, completed - Sometimes you stumble across a really good fic and suddenly you find yourself reading everything about the same author, yep, this is the one.
take my breath away by evergrn E, 29k, completed - Dirty Dancing AU, can’t remember this one but it’s been in my bookmarks for a while so it must be good.
Save Me a Seat (By Your Side) by Toasted_Teacake T, 12k, completed - "Over the course of a year and many sofas, Lando and Carlos fall in love." Freaking loved that one.
liminal by Jade_Masquerade E, 10k, completed - I think this one classifies has Older Carlando or Future Carlando, absolutely loved this.
The Future is Forever by cosmicscuderia E, 29k, completed - I wanted to throw my phone out of the window so mANY TIMES with this one, obv it was written by the angst majesty themself.
Looking for Affection (in all the wrong places) by Phebes E, 32k, uncompleted - Lando is a fucking MENACE in this one, tormenting poor poor Carlos. I can't get enough of this friends with benefits/no strings attached dynamic.
why do we have chemistry (and a need for speed) by palepurpleconeflower E, 27k, completed - If you wanna read an amnesia carlando fic, this is THE ONE.
Special mention to stories I've made art inspired by them, you can find them in the TICAIF zines or in my #inspired by a fic tag!
I thought I had finished a painting, but then I went on here. First post was about Lando’s bulge and sigh... I need to make it bigger... quit Tumblr and went back to my painting xd
