The Little Bird and Her Hound @kissedbyflame - Tumblr Blog

Feb 16

SwiftSnowmane’s SanSan fic rec list

Welcome to my SanSan rec list! Really just a collection of various SanSan fics I’ve enjoyed over the years. There are no doubt far more extensive masterlists available out there, but this one has been curated according to my personal taste for book!SanSan.

For stories set in canon-verse and centred around King's Landing, I've included numerous pre-Blackwater, Blackwater AU, and/or post-Blackwater divergences (w/ aged-up Sansa). For stories featuring the Vale, the Quiet Isle, and other future scenarios, the selections reflect my preference for fics that focus more on the characters' emotional journey than on the political side of things.

As for Alternate Universe settings, several of my all-time fave SanSan fics are historical or modern AUs. Imo, a good SanSan AU is one of the best forms of escapism out there!

Note: I've marked ongoing fics that have been updated within the past year as ‘WIPs’. But if a fic hasn’t been updated in longer than a year, I’ve labeled it as ‘Unfinished'.

Canon 'verse:

pre-Blackwater/King’s Landing:

The Gift of Mercy by Pasansansan

“You don’t know what you're playing with, girl. Teasing a wicked old dog like that.” He angled his face at her, burned side first. “Don't you know what dogs do to wolves?” King's Landing fic, pre-Blackwater divergence.

*** a classic King's Landing SanSan fave!

Riot by girloficeandfire

It's the day of the bread riots in King's Landing, and Sandor saves Sansa from those who mean to harm her...but things don't quite end the same way they do in A Clash of Kings... An iconic classic, to me.

The Magic of Sight by SootheTheWrath

They would live in a home with mosaic floors and sheer silks would do little to hide her creamy skin. But she would be inside, free to work her needles and embroider black dogs on a field of autumn grass. And he would keep her safe.

Quenched by Rambo

There’s a feast at the Red Keep. Sansa leaves early, done with the festivities. On her way back to her chambers she encounters the Hound drinking in an alcove. (Shameless smut, one-shot)

Copium by blue___rose

Sansa brings the Hound a ribbon. (Very hot, smutty one-shot)

THE SAGE AND THE FOOL by Aealo

The Hound takes Sansa Stark to Red Keep's Godswood in order to distract her out of a melancholy mood and cheer her up a bit. Tensions are a little high as neither party knows what to make of each other. Romance and angst wrapped in more romance and a bit of fluff.

HIDE AND SEEK by Aealo

Sansa Stark gets lost exploring Red Keep's infamous and dangerous network of ancient, hidden passageways. As usual, the Hound comes to the timely rescue. Or does he have his own reasons for being there in the first place?

KNIGHT OF THE DOG-ROSE by Aealo

Sometime after the bread riots, Sansa Stark finally works up the nerve to thank Sandor Clegane in person for saving her life. A squabble erupts between the two. The conflict is resolved with a tentative truce, which in turn transforms into a different kind of tension altogether.

If I Had A Heart by bravelikealady

Punishment is for Sansa to take... from Cersei, from Joffrey, all his white knights. But mayhaps she will not take it from the Hound any longer.

Sanctuary by trippingdaisy

Sandor visits his little bird in her bedchamber before the royal feast. SanSan sneaking around behind Joffrey's back. Sweet and tender smutty one-shot.

Mine by blondsimone

“It’s only fair, your grace.” Sansa breathed softly, clasping her hands demurely in front of her. One-shot, drabble.

Always Find Me Here by wildsky

WARNING: Non-con/Dub-con. As punishment, Joffrey makes Sansa and Sandor 'do the deed' while he watches. (Yes, the premise sounds extremely off-putting, but the author handles this scenario very skillfully. I usually avoid non-con, but this fic is a rare exception.)

The Look by LadyTP

She felt dizzy, fully aware of how his eyes were sweeping over her body - those hard grey eyes that always seemed to follow her around the court. One-off, a small glimpse into what could have happened in King's Landing during ACOK... Sandor tries to protect Sansa from Joffrey's wrath in his own way, but doing that he discovers that the situation has its unexpected advantages for him too. (Dub-con: Sansa undressing for Sandor, but no actual touching.)

No Coincidence by girloficeandfire

Sandor's point of view of the Clash of Kings scene/conversation with Sansa on the serpentine steps in the Red Keep.

A Clear View by starbird1

A retelling of Sandor and Sansa's conversation on the roof from Sandor's POV as well his reaction to her flowering and his feelings on the coming war.

Skin From His Bones by Inert_PenMaid

“Bugger that. All of you is a lie.” The steel was twisting in his hand, kissing her temples. “Flutter the Red Keep caped like the Ghoul of Harren all you want. This Dog would know you any place, anywhere. And he knows where you go.” Pre-Blackwater. The Hound discovers what he wants from Sansa.

Leftovers by Rebel-of-spades

Sometimes leftovers are better the second time around. Sansa gets a gift, and Sandor is the one to deliver it. One-shot.

The Joust Champion’s Favor by DefinitelyNotBruceWayne

Sansa gives her favor to someone she wouldn’t have expected to even participate in the tourney. Delightful alternate version of the events of the Hand’s Tourney.

untie all the ropes by Mirime

She seeks him out after she has been hurt.

Blackwater AU:

Into the Wood by Walter Gilman (Unfinished)

A divergence after Blackwater. Classic, quintessential dark fairytale-esque SanSan, evoking the style of Angela Carter.

*** A highly formative Blackwater AU fic for so many SanSan fans. Though sadly it appears to be abandoned/unfinished.

Promises by fortinbrasftw

After Blackwater Battle Sandor and Sansa run across broken country and eventually the narrow sea. An underrated, beautifully-written Blackwater AU.

Under A Silent Sea by squidproquo

Sansa and the Hound share a cabin on their way to the Summer Isles, but everything changes with a nightmare, or maybe a dream… Gorgeous imagery, and tender, emotional SanSan smut.

behind closed eyes by HouseOfPotatos

Images flickered behind his eyes. Fleeting flashes of something, of someone. A guiding hand of the Maiden. Or perhaps a sign he was finally dying. Or better yet, dead.

Dark Before Dawn by pinkolifant

Series of drabbles about the night of the Blackwater. Unique use of alternating second-person and third-person PoVs.

A Silent Prayer by trippingdaisy

While on the road, the Hound catches Sansa ‘praying’. (Sexy post-Blackwater scene.)

Nine Nights by SarahC (Unfinished)

Having escaped King's Landing following the Battle of the Blackwater (yay) Sandor has carried Sansa on Stranger's back as far North as he can... until the weather closes in. Lots of snow, just one room at the inn, and nine nights (count em) that our lovelies will have to spend together before they can get back on the road. What could they possibly do to entertain themselves, hmmm?

Across the Startled Sky by simplyprologue

She understands why the groom wraps his cloak of protection around his bride. This has all felt more real than anything in her life, like nothing else has felt since her father’s head was placed on a pike. Gorgeous and evocative SanSan one shot.

All the Things She Never Said (and those she did) by onborrowedwings

She rides behind him on his big, badly tempered horse and wonders whether she made the right decision or not.

Longing by thedevilchicken

Sandor thinks he should hate himself for thinking about her. He finds it hard to muster the enthusiasm. Sandor's thoughts about Sansa, as he lies alone awake at night after fleeing the Blackwater. (Canon events, rather than AU. One-shot)

Beyond the Ice & the Fire: How Fragile is the Heart by Caroh99 (Unfinished)

Sansa escapes with Sandor during the Battle of Blackwater, little guessing that it will change both their fates forever. Far away lands and a journey of self-discovery for both await them.

post-Blackwater/Purple Wedding AU:

I Knew You’d Come by SongsInTheSeptry After the Battle of the Blackwater, as Joffrey’s cruelties deepen, Sansa and Sandor circle each other - bound by fear, pain, and something more. ‘The green night had marked them both, it seemed, and they had been burning in it ever since.’ *** a brand-new King's Landing SanSan fave!

A Home That Won't Explode by acipenseridae (WIP)

As a rule Sandor Clegane does not play cyvasse, but lately he’s been experimenting with stealing pieces from the board. - Sandor returns after the Battle of the Blackwater, and is there to whisk Sansa away after the Purple Wedding. Absolutely gorgeous, dreamy fic, featuring SanSan on the run together and living in an abandoned woods witch’s cottage.

*** stunningly gorgeous, beautifully written, slow-burn romance

In the Heart of the Night by tini243

Sandor doesn't leave at Sansa's requests during the Blackwater, and, despite the risks, they begin sneaking around the Red Keep together. But what will happen if someone discovers their secret relationship?

Unexpected by Shadow_Belle

It's not Ser Dontos to her rescue, but the Hound.

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by deslabe (WIP)

After fleeing Joffrey’s murder, Sansa travels through the forest alone only to be discovered by the Hound. In a desperate attempt to persuade him to let her go, she proposes a bold deal: her virtue for her life. Though he accepts the trade, it doesn’t go the way she planned. (Note: while the ‘deal’ made in the first chapter is inherently dubious, there’s no non-con in this fic.)

Song of the Wild by Kitsfic (WIP)

When Sansa is thrown into the dungeons of the Red Keep, she finds herself in a cell neighboring the fearsome Hound. As the months tick on, they must hold fast to each other and their sanity. When an opportunity to escape arises, they fight to survive and find a little bit of normalcy in a world gone mad. Very unique premise for a KL AU scenario.

post-Quiet Isle/The Vale/Future fic:

These Scars We Wear by wonderland

Sandor Clegane discovers that death does not always mark the end of a life. Sometimes it's only the beginning.

*** Beautifully-written SanSan. My personal favourite Quiet Isle reunion fic. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Rescue by sansasparky

Alayne knew they expected her to be afraid, when the Hound came. Good ol’ wish-fulfillment SanSan fic, how I love thee!

The List by sansasparky

Sansa was weighing up which would be more valuable – the power of a Queen, or the anonymity of a courtier? Defying the Blackfyres, or evading Petyr’s kisses? – when it came to her that the sixth name on the list was not an apparition. They truly thought to offer up Sandor Clegane as a husband. In spite of (or perhaps because of) its seemingly ridiculous premise as an excuse for indulgent wedding night SanSan smut, this fic is an iconic classic.

Moon gates by Maroucia

While at the Gates of the Moon, Sansa has twisted thoughts about the Hound. Maroucia’s appreciation for the ‘harsher’ side of Sandor Clegane is unmatched! The SanSan dynamic is rendered all the more dramatic and gripping for it.

Quiet by Egleriel

A savage gust tore the pilgrim's shawl from her head as Sandor admonished himself. No locks of deep, rich chestnut threaded through with bright copper and dark bronze, just ordinary brown hair on another anonymous traveller.

A lord sends his pious bastard into seclusion on the Quiet Isle to prepare for her marriage. The septry is a place where penitents can learn inner truths in the silence - but in case of any doubt, a dog can smell a lie. (part 1 of 'Simple Things')

Warm by Egleriel

Sandor wasn't sure what sort of a mad fairytale he'd blundered into, but he didn't remember any that involved sitting in a dank hold on straw that stank of horsepiss. The fair lady next to him looked up into his face with the same shining earnestness he'd seen there years ago, when she was a girl watching knights at a tourney. He thought of her father's tourney. In the songs, it would've been her hand the victor won, not a bag of dragons scrounged up by Littlefinger.

Sansa and the Hound leave the Quiet Isle seeking a new start in the Free Cities. With the baggage of their respective pasts, and the world at war, there's a balance to be struck between retaining their true identities and forging the peaceful life they both crave. (Part 2 of 'Simple Things')

Hand on Your Heart by Littlefeatherr

Sansa recognizes Sandor by his hands. She could encounter him as a hooded and robed brother on the Quiet Isle or he could show up in the Vale in disguise, but Sansa knows it’s him because she’d know those hands anywhere.

The Magpie's Song (Mama, I'm Coming Home) by ruebellab (Unfinished)

There’s not a soul out here save for himself and the dead men in the ground, and Sandor looks up at the bird over his head - the only possible cause of the song.

He supposes, for half a second, that he could be imagining it. He had just been thinking of her, and of that memory in particular - the night she sang to him while the world had burned green and terrible.

On the tenth night by ruebellab

Sandor tries to look out for his little bird but Sansa has her own ideas. (sensuous post QUI smut)

With Eyes Closed and Deep Inside by redcandle17

Sansa and Sandor together, from each POV.

Pretend He's Himself by redcandle17

Sansa likes the new Sandor who's been changed by his time on the Quiet Isle, but it's the Hound she wants in her bed.

A Mutually Beneficial Agreement by redcandle17

Sansa and Sandor both get what they want.

An Idiot Prayer by bravelikealady

There are wooden gods on the Quiet Isleand Northern ghosts in the Eyrie...all the same, the lilacs bloom

But Now the Sun is Streaming by bravelikealady

He finds her at Maidenpool and this time she goes with him.

Stolen Moments in the Dark by Helholden

Sandor comes to Sansa’s room in the dark while she sleeps, but he intends to wake her and have her all for himself.

Pursuit by AllTheDances

A hound hunts a little bird, but the dog is the one who's been caught.

Window in Your Heart by the_moonmoth (Unfinished)

Losing love / is like a window in your heart / everybody sees you're blown apart – Paul Simon, Graceland. On the Quiet Isle, Sansa finds a ghost in the lichyard.

Raven by the_moonmoth

They meet again after a decade.

Bliss by the_moonmoth

Sansa speaks up about what she wants.

Lemoncakes by the_moonmoth

She was eating lemoncakes from a platter when he entered her solar.

Possibilities by simplyprologue

No one knows what the future holds. But possibly, a lot of sex.

The Sixth Death of Sandor Clegane by Shadow_Belle

Letting go of the Hound is a death and a rebirth.

The Harlot and the Hound by Shadow_Belle

Five years after ACoK Sandor stops at an inn to wait out the storm and buys himself an evening of entertainment, but he gets more than he bargained for.

A Kind of Rebellion by Mindset

"All I can think is that it must be a kind of rebellion / to arm your fears like soldiers and slay them."

Already Burned by Inert_PenMaid

The Gravedigger considers that his soul might be saved. And his feelings for a certain Stark he knew long ago.

Pas de deux by wonderland

All she wants to do is dance.

Atonement by wonderland

Small gestures can make large impressions.

Marching Song by kimberlite8

Sandor's war letters to Sansa while he is on campaign. An epistolary smutfic. "It feels so sweet to fall asleep with your words in my head, your letters underneath my hand. Like I could actually believe that with all the world has to offer, you chose to sit in this muddy tent only because I was here."

Quiet by Atiaran

Early SanSan reunion fic, set post-ASoS. Written pre-AFFC/ADwD.While this fic was written prior to GRRM's introduction of the Quiet Isle, the author had great foresight in choosing the theme and title! (see also Tally Sticks and Nothing Left by the same author)

Northern Lights and Midnight Sun by Ownsariver (Unfinished)

Picking up where GRRM left us.This is an ASOIAF version, with a continuation of GRRM's plotlines. A classic post-QI/The Vale SanSan future fic.

Alternate Universe:

Historical AU:

Regency Era:

No True Gentleman by sansasparky

When Miss Sansa Stark scandalously and very publicly disappears with her jilted suitor, Mr Joffrey Baratheon, all of London believes them to have reconciled and eloped. If Miss Stark should return unmarried, her reputation will be ruined and no gentleman will ever wish to wed her.

Miss Brienne Tarth knows very well that Sansa wants nothing to do with Baratheon, and is certain that he has abducted her. However, if she wishes to find them, she must enlist the help of England's most eligible (and in her opinion, most useless) bachelor, Mr Jaime Lannister.

Trapped and frightened, Sansa takes comfort wherever she can. The only person to show her any kindness is the formidable Mr Clegane, who can hardly be considered a gentleman; but how can she expect him to help her when it would cost him everything he has?

*** Hands down one of the best SanSan fics I’ve EVER read. (Doubles as a delightful Braime fic with heavy doses of Gendrya, as well)

1940s/WWII/Film Noir:

Ring Twice for Sansa by KimWexlers_BrownHair

“I shall never forget the weekend Sansa died….” New York, 1947. When young fashion magazine editor Sansa Stark is found murdered in her apartment, Detective Sandor Clegane questions those closest to her in life: her Pygmalion mentor and famous columnist Petyr Baelish and her playboy fiancé Harrold Hardyng. The more testimony he hears about Sansa’s warm, charming character – and the more this reminds him of an episode from his own past – Sandor finds himself falling under the dead woman’s spell…but all is not as it seems. Follows the plot to the classic 1944 film noir Laura, but with its own SanSan twist.

Smoke Filled Rooms by loonylovergirl (WIP)

Post-WWII in Washington, D.C. Robert Baratheon is running for re-election for President, with Ned Stark as his Vice President. Sansa enjoys days by the White House pool, and lavish dinners and gifts. She basks under her boyfriend's attentions and contends with his quickly changing temper. When Ned Stark is assassinated days before the election, Sansa is left alone in the lions' den. Her only ally, if she can call him that, is Joffrey's bodyguard, a man that frightens and intrigues her in equal measure. After the war, Sansa Stark returns to the city to hire a private investigator and find some closure for her father's murder. To her shock, the investigator she has hired is the man she knew all those years ago. He no longer frightens her. Her feelings do.

Don't Look Back by emmiemac

Los Angeles 1947: After returning from the Pacific, Sandor Clegane settles as a cop in L.A. One night in a bar he sees a girl that he had tried so hard to forget. But Sansa Stark has changed and though he still feels the desire to protect her, as well as less noble desires, he is determined to discover why she has changed her name and appearance and will not reunite with what is left of her family. Will she trust him enough to let him help her? Dark and angsty film-noir SanSan. A long-time fave. (Note: Dubcon elements.)

Other historical eras:

HEART SHAPED BOX by Aealo

1920s. Sansa owns a sweets/baked goods shop, Sandor is a jousting competitor at a local medieval faire and happens to stop by. Inspired by the film Chocolat.

Perfect Match by SimplyLucia

1965. Bouffant half updo and go-go boots: Sansa pretties herself up for her dinner with Joffrey but when she arrives at the Lannisters', he's already gone...

Step Into Christmas With Me by Gefionne

1970s. It's Christmas at the Lions Department Store, and Sandor is Sansa's secret admirer.

Tuesday's Gone by Dr_Supernova_Dragon_Cat

1977, Texas. Gripping, sexy, suspenseful. Sepia-toned Stephen King-style eeriness meets sultry, smutty SanSan shaded in depth.

When Sansa’s glittering dreams turned to a nightmare, she flees back to her hometown in Texas to pick up the pieces and agrees to take part in a prison pen pal program. She writes to an inmate she knows nothing about, Vietnam War veteran Sandor Clegane.

Through their letters, mutual intrigue blossoms into tantalizing attraction, but a series of oddities and a string of murders grip the Texas plains, shattering Sansa’s illusion of peace.

As Sandor faces the prospect of freedom, he and Sansa find themselves embroiled in a darkness they didn’t anticipate and high stakes that threaten their future. Through it all, they forge an unbreakable bond. Now if only they can survive the storm that’s coming…

Thunderstruck by Dr_Supernova_Dragon_Cat

1980s AU. Hair Metal/Arena Rock SanSan. Straight-laced and a yuppie in the making, Sansa is dragged to a metal concert by Arya and Gendry where she captures the eye of the guitarist of the band Cannibal Star. Crude and lewd, Sandor is everything Sansa was certain she didn't want. Even with this unlikely match, sparks fly and misadventures ensue as their two worlds collide.

Modern AU:

The Secret Garden by SongsInTheSeptry

Sansa is running from her past. Sandor has buried his.In the hush of their apartment building, something begins to grow - between the woman who forgot how to ask for more, and the man who never thought he deserved it. Part meet-cute, part emotional rollercoaster and healing journey. With some incredibly sexy smut throughout. Heartfelt and beautifully written.

Alrighty Aphrodite by acipenseridae (WIP)

When University of Minnesota student Sansa's spring break plans change at the last minute, she finds herself at one of the Baratheon beach houses instead of on the couch with her dog like she hoped. Sand castles, alligators, matching tattoos, and forced proximity to a certain bodyguard ensue.

Les bons temps by blue___rose

Sansa's neighbor is in a hardcore band. Evocative New Orleans setting, spot-on SanSan characterisation, and sexual tension you can carve with Sandor's butcher's knife.

lighters just like stars by Warflower

Terribly far from home, Sansa attends a concert. Escaping from a series of abusive situations, Sansa ends up on a road trip with a metal band. Charming and bittersweet one-shot.

Eleven Years Ago by HouseOfPotatos (WIP)

Set between 2011 and 2022. Sandor works as a security guard for the Starks. Over the years, he forms an unlikely bond with Sansa.

Sweet, Sweet Lemon Drop by HouseOfPotatos

In the early 2000s King's Landing, Sansa is being held prisoner by the Lannister family and their loyal Hound. Dark, angsty modern take on the (book canon events) of the Blackwater (aka, not a divergence). One-shot.

Do you like ABBA? by HouseOfPotatos

Sansa is not sure she thought it all the way through when she agreed to move in with her crush, Sandor Clegane. But then again, who knows what could happen?

Glorious we transcend (into a psychedelic silhouette) by ElixirBB

The first time he sees her, she’s in the garden wearing a blue dress, a wildflower in her hand and swaying to the soft violin music floating from inside the party. He thinks he could love her then.

to my core, he pointed north (to stars never seen before) by ElixirBB

Sansa Stark is a good girl. Really. She is. (Smutty one-shot)

Dance with Me by Whedonista93

Baelish makes a disapproving tutting. “Really, sweetling, dancing with the hired help. What would your mother say?” An underrated gem.

The C Train by MissBMarie

Above them, the PA system crackled to life.“Next stop: 5th and Pearl St.” the automated voice rang. Sansa hurriedly unzipped her bag to pack her book away. “This is my stop.” (Meet-cute on a train.)

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? by Dr_Supernova_Dragon_Cat

What does Sandor Clegane know about Sansa Stark? For starters, she thinks mayonnaise is an abomination, unabashedly adores fairytales, is crazy about lemon cakes, scary movies give her nightmares, coffee in the afternoon keeps her up all night, and, during the blazing heat of summer, she melts into an adorable, whiny, irresistible mess. But what does he really, truly know about her? He knows that he’s spent the entire year falling for her and, at the office holiday party, he has just one burning question for the girl who showed him to his desk on his first day, became his best friend and confidant, and who has single-handedly turned his world upside down. Office romance. Mutual pining. Friends to Lovers. Fluffier than the marshmallows Sansa sneaks into Sandor's coffee.

Dating Naked by ruebellab (Unfinished)

Good girl Sansa Stark wants to break out of her shell, she's looking for love and it's time to do something radical. With five days in the Summer Isles and three naked dates, will she find it? (Inspired by the VH1 program 'Dating Naked'.)

Upstairs by Jillypups

Sansa Stark is the new owner of a bar in downtown Tucson, and she's hiring staff. At the start of it, she can only afford a bouncer/bar-back. In walks a big gruff guy named Sandor Clegane. Extremely hot modern SanSan AU smut. I mean, whoa.

They'll Never Let You Walk Away by theirwolf

Once content in the Lannister underworld, Sandor Clegane has never believed in happy endings - but Sansa Stark still deserves one. Mafia AU. One of my long-time fave SanSan AU's. Dark and angsty and just perfect.

Other/Misc. fics:

SanSan one-shots by Redcandle17

A collection of Redcandle’s classic SanSan one-shots, as there are too many to list individually!

from the roots of my soul come a gentle coercion by Anonymous

Those great paws of his could only ever promise death. How many hapless little creatures had descended into the bottomless pit that was his belly? Haunting and memorable dark fairytale SanSan, inspired by Angela Carter's 'The Tiger's Bride' (with nods to the iconic SanSan fic, 'Into the Wood'). Counts as both a pre-Blackwater AU as well as a Blackwater divgerence.

Running with the Hare and Hunting with the Hound (the Reboot) by kimberlite8

Sansa Stark has a coming-of-age dream about an encounter between her adult self and Sandor Clegane. A series of vignettes about the sexual and moral fruition of Sansa Stark and a character study about the duality of Sandor Clegane. An Angela Carter-esque erotic awakening story in the vein of The Company of Wolves, this is an illustrated novella and is meant to be read in the manner of a real book with two pages side by side.

*** Along with being an iconic SanSan masterpiece, this story has also been one of the most formative and influential fics of my fanfiction experience.

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