#acbb recs

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ACBB 10TH ANNIVERSARY RECS: In Spite of Everything, The Stars

This ACBB was recommended by PapySanzo and Clea2011:

Title: In Spite of Everything, The Stars Writer: Polomonkey Artist: mushroomtale Ship(s): Merlin/Arthur Rating: Mature Word Count: 82,243

Summary: London. 2015. The government is set to vote on ending the microchipping of magic users, and Arthur Pendragon has been tasked with kidnapping prominent Magical activist Merlin Emrys to influence the outcome.

Locked away in a house on the North York Moors, tensions rise and confrontation ensues as Arthur is forced to re-evaluate everything he’s been taught about magic, and Merlin finds himself in a struggle for his life. And the fact that they’re falling for each other doesn’t help…

Link: FIC: https://archiveofourown.org/works/4647243/chapters/10599906 | ART: https://archiveofourown.org/works/4647402

Why PapySanzo recommends this ACBB: One of the first ACBBs I read and it has remained in my heart forever. The way Polomonkey describes the violence Merlin suffered, the way she talks about Merlin and his always being worried and looking over his shoulder, and the way the one time he decides to trust he is kidnapped is perfect. 

Arthur's characterization is one of the things I like most in this story, how he always tries to keep his head down because Uther is right, how his spirit is somehow broken but not completely, how being close to Merlin helps him and how he finally sees how much of a villain his father is and tired to make the right thing.

Every now and then I keep thinking back to different scenes that touched me and I end up re-reading it. In addition, the drawings are WONDERFUL. Why Clea2011 recommends this ACBB: Polo's writing is always excellent and well worth reading. This is one of those can't-put-it-down stories, I think I must be due a re-read. Mushroomtale's art is beautiful. Want to rec an ACBB fic yourself that you feel deserves some more love? Feel free to send us your rec through our 10th Anniversary Rec form!

[aftercamlann]

ACBB 10TH ANNIVERSARY RECS: A Song From Far Away

This ACBB was recced by Caethes:

Title: A Song From Far Away Writer: Polomonkey Artist: Mushroomtale Ship(s): Merlin/Arthur Pendragon Rating: Mature Word Count: 71,842

Summary: When Arthur is captured by an enemy king intent on conquering Camelot, his future looks bleak. For Cenred commands not only a clutch of sorcerers but a fearsome dragon trained to do battle and wreak destruction.

Then Arthur meets Merlin, a fellow captive whose magic has been bound to Cenred's will. But can Merlin resist Cenred's control long enough to help Arthur save Camelot?

Link: FIC: https://archiveofourown.org/works/8191642/chapters/18768382 | ART: https://archiveofourown.org/works/8192170

Why Caethes recommends this ACBB: A fantastic story, with brilliant writing. There's so much Angst with such an amazing pay off. Mushroomtale's art (and fanmix) is also a prime example of what fanart for an acbb can be.

[aftercamlann]

ACBB 10th Anniversary Recs: Evil Overlord, Inc.

Our first rec comes from chaosgenes, shana-rosee & paintedpigeon!

Title: Evil Overlord, Inc. Writer: Footloose Artist: mushroomtale Ship(s): Merlin/Arthur Rating: Mature Word Count: 137,922

Summary: Merlin is a recent graduate with a double doctorate in metaphysics and physics. Arthur is a low-level paper pusher with a desk in the sub-basement of MI5. They live in a world with ridiculous laws and restrictions against anyone who might be supernatural in any way, shape, or design.

Merlin has huge debts looming over this head, a few quid left in his bank account, and no job prospects. Arthur is pushing thirty, in a dead-end job with no chances of promotion to fieldwork agent, and is thoroughly bored with his life.

One ill-advised Craigslist advert, five pushy mates, one nosy all-knowing sister, and a hacked email account later, Merlin and Arthur take the world by storm.

(Or, more precisely, they take over the world.)

Link: FIC & ART: https://archiveofourown.org/works/11774844/chapters/26547306

Why chaosgenes recommends this ACBB: Out of the 3-4 ACBBs I've read, this is my fav because it's one of the most unique fics I have ever read and that I still remember even years later. I liked how Arthur and Merlin are older in this one, each facing a career slump, and deciding that the best thing to do is to team-up and threaten their nation. When I recall this fic, it's of Merlin suddenly appearing on the Queen's throne looking every part an intimidating overlord (but we all know he's really sweet at heart and not evil at all). If the word count scares you, at least look at the art as the clothes are stylish and Arthur is in glasses <3 Why shana-rosee recommends this ACBB: When I saw the post asking for Big Bang recs, this was the first fic that came to mind! This story is so funny and charming! Merlin, as the reluctant Overlord, is so funny. I love how the author uses the position to make lasting good in the story. And I love how Arthur worms his way into Evil Inc and Merlin's heart! Why paintedpigeon recommends this ACBB: It's just all-round amazing. Excellent plot, worldbuilding and characterisation, and the writing is amazing. Want to rec an ACBB fic yourself that you feel deserves some more love? Feel free to send us your rec through our 10th Anniversary Rec form!

[aftercamlann]

ACBB 10th Anniversary Recs: Our Destinies Our Own

And our final ACBB rec comes from dvigano10:

Title: Our Destinies Our Own Writer: katherynefromphilly Artist: Lao-Pendragon Ship(s): Merlin/Arthur , past Gwen/Arthur Rating: Explicit Word Count: 94,755

Summary: In the few weeks since Arthur stepped out of Lake Avalon, he's been confronted by perplexing technology, ancient prophecy, and belated epiphany about his true feelings for his manservant turned friend turned sorcerer turned- god help him- lover.

With prophecy fulfilled, Arthur and Merlin now face a new adventure: Finding their place in the modern world.

This is a story of what happens next. After Arthur and Merlin save the world and find each other. Of how an immortal sorcerer and an ancient king learn to move away from the past, and on toward the future, in love and together.

Link: FIC: https://archiveofourown.org/works/15736473/chapters/36588432 | ART: https://lao-pendragon.tumblr.com/post/177628090393/our-destinies-our-own-post-1-post-2-post-3-for

Why dvigano10 recommends this ACBB: this work is the second instalment in the "We Begin Again" series by the same author. I use the entry that the fantastic Kate nominated for ACBB 2018 to highly recommend reading the whole series!

-This comment is about the first part as to not spoil too much-

If you, like me, are a sucker for a "Arthur returns" fic then you absolutely cannot miss this series! There's everything from a refreshingly accurate characterisation of the once and "now" King, to the ups and downs that our two protagonists have to overcome to get to know each other again, and figure out how to start living together again. All of this is peppered with some hilarious situations of a "fish out of water" Arthur, who doesn't know how to orient himself in the present, and a lovely, spunky old gall, who can't explain what happened to the grumpy but dear old man who had become part of village life. We still have a couple of days before we start posting our 2024 ACBBs, so there's still time if you want to sneak in one last ACBB rec from our archive! Feel free to send us your rec through our 10th Anniversary Rec form!

[aftercamlann]

ACBB 10th Anniversary Recs: Contact High

This ACBB rec was sent in by ravenwilds:

Title: Contact High Writer: Leandra Artist: Papysanzo89 Ship(s): Merlin/Arthur Rating: Explicit Word Count: 84,289

Summary: After a toxic relationship, Arthur is afraid of getting hurt again, but then he meets Gwen, a scriptwriter he collaborates with in one of his film classes. To win her heart, he plans to cook her the best vegan food she has ever had. The idea would be brilliant, but Arthur is neither vegan, nor can he cook. In a desperate move, he enlists the help of Merlin, the obnoxious barista who works at his favourite coffee shop by day, and is a vegan food vlogger by night.

With his past as a young offender, and a history of addiction, Merlin can’t find a job as a chef, and his dream of opening his own restaurant someday seems unreachable. He pours all his passion into his food videos, but while his recipes and personality have what it takes, his video making skills are subpar at best.

Arthur and Merlin put their animosity aside and strike a deal: Merlin will cook for Gwen, and Arthur will claim he made the food, while in exchange, Arthur will help Merlin make better food videos.

It seems the perfect way to meet everyone's needs …

Link: FIC: https://archiveofourown.org/works/49988224/chapters/126212392 | ART: https://archiveofourown.org/works/49828450

Why ravenwilds recommends this ACBB: I love both Arthur and Merlin in this - they are both complex and memorable and both have challenges to overcome. The food is definitely a star of the fic too, and the artwork is superb throughout - really adds so much to the overall feel of the fic - Merlin's tattoos *heart eyes* There's still time for you to rec an ACBB fic yourself that you feel deserves some more love? So feel free to send us your rec through our 10th Anniversary Rec form!

[aftercamlann]

ACBB 10th Anniversary Recs: If you will be my bodyguard

This rec was sent in by both Clea2011 & Cathes:

Title: If you will be my bodyguard Writer: Tari_sue Artist: Ehmeeyu Ship(s): Arthur/Merlin Rating: Mature Word Count: 43,765

Summary: If there is one thing that gets drummed into the heads of the kids around these parts, it’s this: Stay Away from Cenred Cole. If only boys would learn to listen to their mothers.

When Merlin Emrys witnesses the murder of his best friend, his life suddenly changes completely. Will is gone, and Merlin and Hunith are given new identities and relocated under the Witness Protection Scheme to a sleepy town in rural Gloucestershire.

Everything is different now, from his new job and friends to pursuing his love of art and the blond god who lives down stairs. But Will's murderers are ever lurking at the back of his mind, and he can't help thinking that some day soon they will track him down.

If only he really did have magic…

Link: FIC: https://archiveofourown.org/works/7694158/chapters/17529415 | ART: https://archiveofourown.org/works/7930924

Why Clea2011 recommends this ACBB: I'm only picking one ACBB per writer. As with the others, Tari_sue has several ACBBs and they're all good - but I am picking my favourite of hers and this is it! Why Cathes recommends this ACBB: If you will be my Bodyguard is one of my all time favourite fics and I cannot put into words all the things I love about it. It has impeccable vibes and plot, and Tari_Sue’s writing is as always absolutely brilliant. Plus: theirontriad has an absolutely fantastic art style that truly fits this fic.

Want to rec an ACBB fic yourself that you feel deserves some more love? Feel free to send us your rec through our 10th Anniversary Rec form!

[aftercamlann]

ACBB 10th Anniversary Recs: My Way Home is Through You

PapySanzo sent the following rec:

Title: My Way Home is Through You Writer: Leandra Artist: evaelisaa Ship(s): Merlin/Arthur Rating: Explicit Word Count: 118,842

Summary: In the 21st century, Merlin Emrys is recovering from his stressful job as a paramedic at his father’s veterinary clinic in Wales. While undertaking a hike of the surrounding area, he stumbles upon a mysterious stone circle that seems to call to him...

In the sixth century, King Arthur Pendragon finds a young, confused man in the woods. Even though the stranger doesn’t speak Britonnic, he immediately makes it clear that he thinks Arthur and his knights are a bunch of prats…

Displaced in time and burdened with an unexpected new gift, Merlin needs to find his way back home. Meanwhile, Arthur is facing tough decisions of his own, as he too has to choose the path he’s going to follow.

Link: FIC & ART: https://archiveofourown.org/works/40997886/chapters/102746721

Why PapySanzo recommends this ACBB: I cannot even explain how beautiful this story is. The setting of the story where Merlin leaves the city to visit his dad in the village already creates the whole mood of the story. The way Merlin feels a frenzy that he can't satiate in any way because there must be something more but even he doesn't know what and this frenzy finally settles when he goes into the past is one of the things I like best. The meeting with Arthur and the knights, how they start speaking the same language, how Merlin has to help Arthur win this war, how the two of them both grow as characters over the years, beautiful, just beautiful. Want to rec an ACBB fic yourself that you feel deserves some more love? Feel free to send us your rec through our 10th Anniversary Rec form!

[aftercamlann]

ACBB 10th Anniversary Recs: A Witch Hunter in Ealdor

This ACBB was recommended by guiltyscarl3t:

Title: A Witch Hunter in Ealdor Writer: thenerdyindividual Artist: kairennart  Ship(s): Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Word Count: 46,632

Summary: Merlin's life in Eadlor is quiet. He keeps his head down, or tries to anyway, and spends his day working the land with his mother and Will. Then a peace treaty between Camelot and Essetir brings Ealdor into Camelot's borders. With it comes not only a flock of Camelot knights, but Prince Arthur himself; a man who was magically altered to give him special abilities to track and kill sorcerers.

Arthur's duties in Ealdor consist of chasing off bandits, providing aid to the people, and making sure Ealdor follows the law of Camelot. Through a twist of fate, Merlin ends up as Arthur's scribe, and as they work together, Arthur comes ever closer to discovering Merlin's secret. Perhaps the worst part is that Merlin can't bring himself to hate Arthur as much as he should hate someone designed to kill him and his kin.

He thinks if things had been different, he and Arthur might have been good friends.

Link: FIC & ART: https://archiveofourown.org/works/41533269

Why guiltyscarl3t recommends this ACBB: I *adore* this author's works but this one especially. It has such an interesting premise, and wonderful excution. The art is absolutely stunning. Canon AU, different first meeting, my beloved. Aaaaaaaand, the angst was golden There’s still time for you to rec an ACBB fic yourself that you feel deserves some more love. So feel free to send us your rec through our 10th Anniversary Rec form!