paperlegends rec

[inspiredlife]

Daily dose(s) and other nattering coming up in next post but first, a rec! We have been given an embarrassment of riches in terms of fic and art this month. With paperlegends, whizzbangpop and merlinbb_rpf all posting it's a bit overwhelming. I'm slowly making my way through and I've been really enjoying all I've read. but sometimes, there's a story that just makes me stop, forces me slow down my reading and savor every word. Chibi's bb is exactly that story.

chibirhm's Drawn to Any Good (Or, The Education of Lord Arthur Pendragon)
Pairing, Rating, Length: Arthur/Merlin, Gwen/Lancelot, R, a little under 60k+
Summary: In which Lord Arthur Pendragon loses everything and gains a magician.

I don't even know what to say about this story. It transcends fic, imo. Set in early-Victorian England, this fic read like it could be one of my favourite novels, with the added bonus of featuring characters I already know and love.  Speaking of characters, I felt it was wonderfully in character. I loved Merlin who was portrayed as a powerful wizard, one who was competent, gentle, cautious and wonderfully patient. Arthur as a besotted aristocrat who risks everything wormed his way into my heart almost immediately.  

In addition, Chibi's concept was wonderful. I don't want to give any too many details but I really liked her time period, the premise she set forward and the way it was carried out.  She's also created a well rounded cast of characters (particular love for Gawain and Morgana!) that work incredibly well together. 

As if this wasn't enough, a large part of this story is epistolary, which is one of my favourite things in fic. Being able to read correspondence between characters heightens one's understanding of those characters and provides a lovely glimpse into a developing relationship. There's something so intimate and revealing about letters, etc.  Plus, I think this style really highlights an author's skill. And Chibi's language is perfect...whether it's alternating letters between Merlin and Arthur, delightful banter, formal addresses, the girl's got it down. 

I could go on and on but I think it best to shoo you along to the fic. It's truly a fantastic story and will stay with me for a long time, if only because I smile every time I think of it. 

Comments

[i-claudia.livejournal.com]

I ditto basically everything here, especially the bit where everyone should go read it immediately! It is lovely and adorable and ahahah Arthur and letters and... everything. :D So lovely.

[inspiredlife.livejournal.com]

It's so, so, SO lovely. I seriously loved every minute of reading it and so terribly sad when I had to go to bed without finishing it. Yours is next on the list. YAY!!

[i-claudia.livejournal.com]

It is!! I stayed up waayyy too late reading it and paid for it the next morning. /o\ and hee, hope you enjoy mine, hon!

[inspiredlife.livejournal.com]

I stayed up until midnight reading. And, then when I woke up at 4:30 am and couldn't go back to sleep, I finished reading it. Definitely paid for it the next day. :) I'm sure I will. I need to finish editing a mate's dissertation today and then shall relax tonight with a glass of wine and your story.

[i-claudia.livejournal.com]

Well enjoy the editing and the wine! Sounds like a good day to me. :D

[chibirhm.livejournal.com]

ASLKJFLSAKDJFKSDJ THANK YOUUUUUUU. I AM GLAD MY SLAVING WAS SO WORTH IT.

[inspiredlife.livejournal.com]

You're so welcome, bb! It was totally worth it. And your research and hard work on this is evident in every word. It truly is a fantastic story.