The Armada

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[thearmadaficrecs]

A Heart Beats At Night

A Heart Beats at Night by magicalyoyo - @leopardprinttrashchild Rating: Teen Word Count: 154,000 Summary: A lone figure ran along the sidewalk. Otabek would have mistaken him for a motivated jogger, if not for the sinewy, fluid movements and familiar figure. He jerked his bike over, skidding to a halt in front of the runner. Otabek’s heart was pounding a sickening, dizzying rhythm, but he schooled his face into stoicism as he pulled his helmet off to get a better look. “Yuri Plisetsky died two years ago,” he growled. “What the hell are you?”

This was one of the first OtaYuri stories I followed and it well and truly hooked me on this pairing. The author has a way of drawing you into the story by creating an emotional and character-driven narrative. I have to say  - where I thought the story was going to go and where it went were related by the latter was Oh so much more satisfying! 

As described in this post, life has been bonkers so I don’t have the time to tell you in detail all the reasons why I loved this fic. That said, if it is on this site, I really, really enjoyed it!! So short burst - Vampires and werewolves and other supernatural entities, OH MY! I enjoyed watching this one unfold!

UPDATE: This is now a series!!!! There are now two more entries - one is a prequel (A Dangerous Game) and the other an AU of Heart itself (The Butterfly Effect). I can’t wait to check them out! 

If you enjoyed the fic, please drop by the archive (AO3) and let the author know with your comments and/or kudos!

[thearmadaficrecs]

Maelstrom

Maelstrom by feelslikefire - @feels-like-fire Rating: Explicit Word Count: 43,700 Summary: Victor Nikiforov is poised to win gold in his fifth consecutive Grand Prix Final. He has the world at his feet, is unparalleled in the sport–right up until a snowstorm blows into Sochi, and he finds himself repeating the same day over and over and over. He stumbles over Yuuri Katsuki, and everything changes.(Or, the time loop au. Loosely based on Groundhog Day.)

I always enjoy seeing how new authors and fandoms approach classic crossovers, and I wasn’t disappointed! There are sprinklings of folklore and a clear call out to Groundhog Day when a mysterious woman answers Victor’s question of “What am I missing?” and “Why can’t I find what I’m looking for” in the most unusual of ways. Victor is now set on a path to relive the last day of the Grand Prix Final in Sochi over and over until he manages to get it right. But instead of the free skate and banquet, a strange storm has struck Sochi putting the competition on hold. What happens on that unexpected day is simply a delight!

If you enjoyed the fic, please drop by the archive (AO3) and let the author know with your comments and/or kudos!

[thearmadaficrecs]

Seems a good day to reblog this!! Always a favorite! Thank you @feels-like-fire

UPDATE: There is now a pod fic! Check out @esbielle (formerly feelslikefire)

[thearmadaficrecs]

A Practical Guide to Winning the Olympics (Dos and Don’ts)

A Practical Guide to Winning the Olympics (Dos and Don’ts) by Anna (arctic_grey) - @finleighsaid Rating: Explicit Word Count: 106,200 Summary: When pair skater Yuuri Katsuki’s career comes to a scandalous end, he does not expect the retired pair skating legend Viktor Nikiforov to suggest that they compete together. But taking on a new skating partner is full of trial and error, and the skating world doesn’t know how to react when the Katsuki-Nikiforov duo, against all odds, starts doing well. The last thing either of them should do, as they strive for their last chance at greatness, is to fall in love. Yuuri knows he is damaged goods, and Viktor knows his body is starting to fail him. They have competitions to survive and medals to win. No, falling in love is out of the question; they’re just very good friends. And even if Viktor felt something, he’d never act on it, and even if Yuuri happened to be hopelessly in love, he’d be mortified if Viktor ever found out.

“Well,” Viktor said, “let’s summarise: I’m pushing thirty, have a bad ankle, and haven’t skated competitively in three years. You’re barely out of a doping scandal, coachless, and on the JSF’s blacklist. Hell, Yuuri – we might as well go for it, then. What on earth do we have to lose?”

When Viktor put it like that, it seemed to make an awful lot of sense.

As described in this post, life has been bonkers so I don’t have the time to tell you in detail why I loved this fic. That said, if it is on this site, I really, really enjoyed it!! This was a sweet, slow burn that was mostly filled with fluff!

If you enjoyed the fic, please drop by the archive (AO3) and let the author know with your comments and/or kudos!

[thearmadaficrecs]

July Fic Recs

Armada fic recs was launched in February. Here is what was recced in May and June. All fics are complete and most are >20K word count. Links go to the full recs where you will find links to AO3, what I loved about the fic and full tags.

Want more recs? We have 65 and counting! Check out previous months’ fics!

I. Otabek/Yuri - Yuri on Ice

Broken Wings by vibidi - @squatchland

in flesh and bone by csoru - @csoru

II. Victor/Yuuri - Yuri on Ice

Across the Universe by Anonymous

Just for You, a Symphony from My Soul by Caeseria - @caeseria

Knock ‘Em Dead, Darling by Themis_76

III. Roy/Edward - Fullmetal Alchemist

Button Up Your Overcoat by Skinner (psiten)

HALF LIVES by Binaryalchemist

The Saffron Soul by BeautifulFiction_FMA - @the-pen-pot​

Sand and Glass by Tierfal - @tierfal (part of the Leading the Blind series )

transposition ciphers by applecrubledore - @ronibravo

Be sure to show your appreciation to the authors, artists and voice actors by leaving kudos and/or comments on the fics you enjoyed.

[thearmadaficrecs]

Leading the Blind

Leading the Blind and Leading the Blind series by Tierfal - @tierfal Rating: Mature (Explicit) Word Count: 31,700 for part 1 and 63,700 for the Verse Summary: Roy adjusts to a life of legal blindness, and Edward avenges three years of short jokes.

This story picks up at the end of FMA:B but diverges at the point that Marcoh uses the Philosopher’s Stone, repairing Havoc’s spinal cord but leaving Roy legally blind. If Roy Mustang was expecting anything short of brutal honesty from Ed (yeah, I did that), he would have been sorely disappointed because candor with a heavy helping of FU is pretty much Ed’s go to response. And Roy is counting on that. What he wasn’t counting on is the quiet caring and deepening affection that slowly reshapes his world.  

The story is amazing, but it is the writing that takes this fic to another level. The author has a gift for witty banter that is simply transcendent. The dialogue, whether it is between Ed and Roy, Ed and Alphonse or any of the cast, simply dances. Yet it isn’t just the humor. There is a deep caring that underlies the sharp bites and gives heart to a story that already had me wrapped around its finger. Read the first installment, and then go grab the rest of the series! 

If you enjoyed the fic, please drop by the archive (AO3) and let the author know with your comments and/or kudos!

[thearmadaficrecs]

UPDATE: The author @tierfal has returned to this verse! 

Sand and Glass by tierfal (Part 8 of Leading the Blind) Rating: T Word Count: 38,100 Summary: Ed and Roy have a nice little working weekend trip to Ishval planned. What could possibly go wrong?

Go take a look and re-read the whole series while you are at it! 

[thearmadaficrecs]

in flesh and bone

in flesh and bone by csoru - @csoru Rating: Mature Word Count: 32,100 Summary: After recovering from an injury that cut his previous season short, Yuri makes a comeback with a new coach, a new country of residence, and a relationship upgrade. Still: perfection takes effort.

As described in this post, life has been bonkers so I don’t have the time to tell you in detail why I loved this fic. That said, if it is on this site, I really, really enjoyed it!! 

If you enjoyed the fic, please drop by the archive (AO3) and let the author know with your comments and/or kudos!

[thearmadaficrecs]

Button Up Your Overcoat

Button Up Your Overcoat by Skinner (psiten) Rating: Explicit Word Count: 140,000 Summary: Ed could untie knots in the fifth and sixth dimensions -- blindfolded. He could convince the military he fell through a rabbit-hole, and he could even shut down a Drachman invasion (with a little help), but he can't seem to avoid dating Roy Mustang (and maybe is kind of okay with that). But here's hoping they can collar a General trying to trigger a three-way war, and that they can stop him before he destroys the world.

Making himself walk instead of run took every ounce of composure he had, especially when he got far enough to see the city blanketed in a strange layer of dust and dark thunderclouds. The weather had been clear for miles around. Those clouds had the smack of weather alchemy about them. He had to find his brother. Spoiler Warning: End of first anime series, Conqueror of Shamballa movie.

As described in this post, life has been bonkers so I don’t have the time to tell you in detail why I loved this fic. That said, if it is on this site, I really, really enjoyed it!! 

In particular, I would sum this story up as a fic with snark and heart! And doesn’t that just fit a certain alchemist, okay alchemists, we know;)  This fic also highlights Team Mustang. In particular, the ever changing codes they used to confuse eavesdroppers, and in many cases Ed, were just hilarious! 

If you enjoyed the fic, please drop by the archive (AO3) and let the author know with your comments and/or kudos!

[thearmadaficrecs]

Just for You, a Symphony from My Soul

Just for You, a Symphony from My Soul by Caeseria - @caeseria Rating: Explicit Word Count: 13,000 Summary: Sometimes, it’s the smaller moments – those out of the public eye – that are the most important.

As described in this post, life has been bonkers so I don’t have the time to tell you in detail why I loved this fic. That said, if it is on this site, I really, really enjoyed it!! 

If you enjoyed the fic, please drop by the archive (AO3) and let the author know with your comments and/or kudos!

[thearmadaficrecs]

transposition ciphers

transposition ciphers by applecrubledore - @ronibravo Rating: Mature Word Count: 36,000 Summary: “I kissed Edward,” Roy said, more quietly than he'd ever spoken to her before. Riza’s raised eyebrows asked a question all on their own.

“Edward … Hertzmann? In signal corps, on the third—”

“Elric.” The surname hung heavy between them like it had hung between so many others before them. “But thank you for trying.”

As described in this post, life has been bonkers so I don’t have the time to tell you in detail why I loved this fic. That said, if it is on this site, I really, really enjoyed it!!

If you enjoyed the fic, please drop by the archive (AO3) and let the author know with your comments and/or kudos!

[thearmadaficrecs]

The Saffron Soul

The Saffron Soul by BeautifulFiction_FMA - @the-pen-pot Rating: Explicit Word Count: 266,033 Summary: When a serial killer blurs the lines of alchemy in an effort to seal two souls together, Ed finds himself under suspicion from the police. Can he prove he is innocent, or are he & Roy doomed to suffer the consequences of the killer's ideals? 

Authors Note: Quick Note On The Universe: This follows neither the anime nor the manga, really, but is set in an alternate timeline where Al has been returned, Ed has retained both Automail and his alchemy, Roy does not have that thing (moustache) on his lip, and Hughes survived. Once more, I'm just playing with the characters as I please with little or no thought to the canon bits I didn't like ;)

As described in this post, life has been bonkers so I don’t have the time to tell you in detail why I loved this fic. That said, if it is on this site, I really, really enjoyed it!! In this case, I am a sucker for soul bond fics, and this one puts a whole different spin on it! Add to that a driving plot and I was hooked to the end of this superepic fic! 

If you enjoyed the fic, please drop by the archive (AO3) and let the author know with your comments and/or kudos!

[thearmadaficrecs]

Across the Universe

Across the Universe by Anonymous Rating: Teen Word Count: 30,700 Summary: In an alternative universe, Yuuri has just won the GPF at Sochi — and he’s miserable. He lost everything that mattered to him several years ago when a tsunami hit Hasetsu, and after throwing himself into his skating, he’s achieved gold, but the win is hollow without others there to share it. Things change when he’s transported to another universe, where GPF champion Victor Nikiforov is about to drown himself in the Black Sea. According to legend, only those with a deep connection can draw someone from across the universe. But Yuuri and Victor have never met before in their respective worlds; perhaps someone out there knew how much they needed each other.

Author’s Note: Content advice for past character deaths in the two universes: in Yuuri’s universe, his friends, family and Victor are all dead. In Victor’s universe, Yuuri and Vicchan are dead. No further character deaths happen in the fic itself, and none of the other archive warnings apply.

As described in this post, life has been bonkers so I don’t have the time to tell you in detail why I loved this fic. That said, if it is on this site, I really, really enjoyed it!! In this case, please note the warning from the author. This is a poignant work and there is a happy ending, but there are some very dark themes, so heed the tags.

If you enjoyed the fic, please drop by the archive (AO3) and let the author know with your comments and/or kudos!

[thearmadaficrecs]

Broken Wings

Broken Wings by vibidi - @squatchland Rating: Teen Word Count: 20,400 Summary: Since reuniting in Moscow a week ago, Yuri and Otabek have been inseparable. Their friendship is stronger than ever, and might even be on the verge of blossoming into more. With Otabek having taken gold at the Rostelecom Cup, they travel to Beijing to compete against one another for the first time since last year's Grand Prix.

And then the impossible happens. Their plane crashes.

As described in this post, life has been bonkers so I don’t have the time to tell you in detail why I loved this fic. That said, if it is on this site, I really, really enjoyed it!! 

This is a harrowing story, that is quite dark and filled with angst. That said, I really liked the writing and the way the story unfolded. The sequel, Steadfast was started last year, but is not complete.  

If you enjoyed the fic, please drop by the archive (AO3) and let the author know with your comments and/or kudos!

[thearmadaficrecs]

Knock ‘Em Dead, Darling

Knock ‘Em Dead, Darling by Themis_76 Rating: Mature Word Count: 116,200 Summary: Yuuri Katsuki was a reaper. A soul reaper.

“Reaper Katsuki, I have called you here today to accept an assignment. Before I hand you this assignment I want to remind you of Rules #1 & 2. Rule #1 - You cannot refuse an assignment. Rule #2 - you must ensure that the assignment ends with the required death. Do you understand me Reaper Katsuki?” The words were spoken with more formality than Yuuri had ever heard from Celestino. And why, after over 3 years he was reminding him of the Rules, Yuuri couldn’t fathom...unless this assignment was somehow personal or otherwise difficult.

Celestino moved to hand him a sealed envelope. As he accepted it he noted with detached thoughts that it looked for all the world like any other assignment. What could be so difficult? All eyes in the room were on him as he shakily opened the seal and freed the piece of paper within.

He looked down at the page and his eyes widened almost comically.

Or the AU where Yuuri has a surprising assignment which leads to Viktor becoming a fellow reaper. Drawn together by the Law of Magnetism, in a bit of a role reversal Yuuri becomes Viktor’s idol, guiding him through the afterlife.

I gotta put this out there right off the bat - This is a dark comedy. The AO3 Warning says, Major Character Death because Yuuri is a reaper and he is going to reap Viktor...and this is how the two get together. There are call outs to the TV show Dead Like Me (which I loved) and I laughed a LOT. That said, this fic runs the gambit from humor and fluff to some pretty intense angst. There is a happy ending, but there are some dark moments and it may not be for everyone. 

If you enjoyed the fic, please drop by the archive (AO3) and let the author know with your comments and/or kudos!

[thearmadaficrecs]

HALF LIVES

HALF LIVES by Binaryalchemist Rating: Explicit Word Count: 95,600 Summary: Years have passed since the manga's end-life in Resembool has not gone well and Ed has the scars to prove it, seeking healing and refuge in his work at Central Command…but Roy Mustang refuses to see Ed suffer any longer...(Yaoi romance, references to Ed and Winry's divorce)

As described in this post, life has been bonkers so I don’t have the time to tell you in detail why I loved this fic. That said, if it is on this site, I really, really enjoyed it!! 

This is the first part of the HALF LIVES, WHOLE LIVES, OUR LIVES series. All together there are nearly 450,000 words and the series spans the ups and downs of a lifetime, or two! The original characters, including their kids, are really well developed and they have one hell of a Butler! Please note the tags, as there are some dark themes including domestic violence and canon level violence. I REALLY enjoyed the entire series and felt like I was saying goodbye to friends when it ended. 

If you enjoyed the fic, please drop by the archive (AO3) and let the author know with your comments and/or kudos!

[thearmadaficrecs]

May and June Fic Recs

Armada fic recs was launched in February. Here is what was recced in May and June. All fics are complete and most are >20K word count. Links go to the full recs where you will find links to AO3, what I loved about the fic and full tags.

Want more recs? We have 55 and counting! Check out the fic recs from February, March and April!

I. Otabek/Yuri - Yuri on Ice

and the ocean calls your name by magicalyoyo - @iguanastevens

homemade dynamite by tootsonnewts - @tootsonnewts

Lullaby by ded_i_am_just_dead - @ded-i-am-just-ded​

S.O.S. by ArabellaFaith - @arabellafaith

This Man Is Mine by Faylette

II. Victor/Yuuri - Yuri on Ice

Call Everything on the Ice… by shysweetthing by @shysweetthing​

Hold Me Tight by smudgesofink - @iloveyoulikekatsudon​

Vkusno! by mtothedestiel - @summersteve

III. Roy/Edward - Fullmetal Alchemist

Hard Reset by applecrubledore - @ronibravo

A Wicked Game by Tierfal - @tierfal

Be sure to show your appreciation to the authors, artists and voice actors by leaving kudos and/or comments on the fics you enjoyed.

[arabellafaith]

S.O.S. - Kindle edition by Arabella Faith. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading S.O.S..

Hi everyone!!!  I’m super excited to share with you all the all original version of S.O.S. on amazon as an e-book!  This is something I’ve been thinking about doing for a while, and I’m nervous/happy/proud to have it done.

I’ve got it priced as low as amazon will allow me, since this is my first published book and I want everyone to be able to afford a copy (it is free if you have Kindle Unlimited).  I also am running a promotion on it making it free over July 4th weekend, because I would like to give everyone who read and loved S.O.S. as a fanfiction a chance to enjoy it as a novel.  Please pick up a copy of it, and if you can, leave a review letting other readers know you enjoyed it!

Also, never fear, S.O.S. will remain on my Ao3 page in its fanfiction version!! 

Please go check the novel out, leave a review, or share this, to help me spread the word

[arabellafaith]

Reblogging this because I’m still SO excited!

The book will be FREE for a short promotional period starting on the 4th. In the mean time, please spread the word ❤ ❤ ❤

[thearmadaficrecs]

If this looks familiar, it is because it is!!! Just last week, the Yuri on Ice/Otayuri version of SOS by @arabellafaith was posted on this site - check it out!!

I’m getting my copy of the new original work. Are you??

[thearmadaficrecs]

and the ocean calls your name

and the ocean calls your name by magicalyoyo - @iguanastevens Rating: Teen Word Count: 21,100 Summary: Birds whirled through the air above the cliffs as the darkening sky gave itself up to the sea. It was not the sort of day upon which prophecies were told or lost kings returned to claim their throne, but forgotten secrets would stir in the earth that night, dreaming of their past and awaiting the stories to come. Yuri’s eyes skimmed the crashing waves. He paused as a dark head appeared in the water, sleek and sure amid the currents.

A seal, he thought, watching it swim to the shore.

But it was not a seal that emerged from the inky ocean. Though the distance was too great for their eyes to meet, Yuri smiled toothily into the weight of the stranger’s gaze.

I love stories where mythology crosses into the mundane and in this fandom there are many a tale that dive into folklore. But it has been a long time since one hit me like this. This tale rolls in like the fog, coating every surface and simultaneously hiding and revealing truths. Otabek has just returned to the island. It really isn’t home, yet it is the best approximation he has. I could feel both his longing and regret as he walked through the streets - past and present overlaid. Yuri also calls the island home, and as the story progresses he learns that the reason is not because of the dirt under him, but the people that surround him. 

The ending is hopeful yet ambiguous, as it should be in a fic like this. Because, this is a story that is meant to be felt, not told. We learn about Otabek, Yuri and the others not by what they say, but by what they experience. This story was only a bit over 20K, yet I think I will live in those moments for a very long time. Read this, experience it and enjoy. 

If you enjoyed the fic, please drop by the archive (AO3) and let the author know with your comments and/or kudos!