Exploring Fanfiction That Sticks: Personal Favorites and Hidden Gems

Fanfiction, often dismissed as merely fan-made content, can sometimes rise above generic enjoyment to become something truly exceptional. In this article, I’ll share some of the most well-crafted pieces of fanfiction that stood out to me, and why they might resonate with others.

Surprising Favorites in the Fanfiction World

There are a lot of fanfiction stories that I revisit time and again, but one that particularly sticks with me is a short One Piece AU story. Surprisingly, this is true even though I generally don’t engaging deeply with stories set in a different time and place from the original piece, especially when the original is fantasy or historical. The universe indeed has a habit of surprising me.

Considering fanfiction is a form of creative expression, labels such as well-written or poorly-written can be subjective. If something evokes emotion in someone, then it can be considered good, even if it doesn’t personally resonate with me. However, I do find the author’s style in this One Piece AU story to be particularly delightful. It’s a M/M Sanji x Gin story, which is one of my favorite pairings, and it’s romantic but not explicitly sexual. If you’re interested in checking it out, you can find the link in the comments.

Hidden Gems in the Fanfiction Community

Hidden gems in the fanfiction world can be discovered by exploring various collections, such as those found on Archive of Our Own (AO3). For those who enjoy a good construction of characters and world-building, here are some stories that may pique your interest:

Masks by mads999

Fandom: Naruto

Masks is a compelling and intricate story that delves into the lives of characters in the Naruto universe. The author expertly builds a rich and nuanced world and character arcs. Reader recommendation.

Shadows and Light by not_poignant

Fandom: Fae Tales

This story explores the relationship between two characters in a realm filled with magic and mythology. The insightful character development and magical world-building make it a standout piece in the genre. Reader recommendation.

Signatures Move by perryvic

Fandom: Doctor Strange 2016 The Avengers Marvel Movies

Signatures Move is a well-crafted story that delves into the intricate dynamics between characters in the Marvel universe. It is particularly effective in weaving in the crossover elements of Doctor Strange and The Avengers. Reader recommendation.

A Certain Certainty by sinequanon

Fandom: Bleach

This story is a remarkable piece of fanfiction that explores the depths of a Bleach character’s psyche. The emotional depth and complexity of the narrative are impressive. Reader recommendation.

The Futures So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades by Bittah_Wizard

Fandom: Teen Wolf TV

A great read for Teen Wolf fans, this story is full of surprises and emotional depth. It is a must-read for anyone familiar with the TV series. Reader recommendation.

Standing the Test of Time

Two fanfiction stories that I cherish the most are:

Murder Most Foul by Larner

Fandom: The Lord of the Rings (LotR)

Murder Most Foul is an exquisite court drama set in the early Fourth Age. The story is rich with original characters, a fascinating plot, and well-developed humor. The author’s approach is reminiscent of Tolkien’s style, and the complexity of the plot on a recent reread has shown a subtle depth that I had never noticed before.

Force of Many Sights

Fandom: Star Wars

This is a series I’m particularly fond of. The main premise involves time travel and a complex psychological drama that has been incredibly impactful. The story explores what would happen if Anakin Skywalker, after Revenge of the Sith, was sent back in time to roughly the events of The Phantom Menace, becoming a child again but keeping his later memories and emotional baggage. This narrative has helped me grapple with some of my own issues and provides real gems of wisdom. The first story in the series, “Hindsight is Not Always Perfect,” is a particularly poignant and insightful piece of writing.

Anakin’s journey as the series unfolds is a testament to the author’s skill in depicting complex emotions and relationships. The story is still ongoing, updating roughly once a month. Here’s a quote that left the biggest impact on me and which I have since taken as something to live by: “Where faith is fear cannot be for one cancels out the other.”