Mark Every Smile

I managed to power through quite a few of these this week since I was home alone with no one to distract me and not being able to sleep "help" a bit, too -_-. SO! Some recs/reviews for you, in no particular order!

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The Lonely King by corilannam
Okay, so I'm a sucker for modern royalty AUs and this one did not disappoint! I liked that Arthur was out and unashamed, and that it was Merlin who had doubts and insecurities about being the lover to a king. I also loved that Arthur was more than just his title and really cared for his people and wanted to make things better. Also, Mithian was EPIC!

The story itself was a light, easy read -- perfect to curl up with a nice cup of tea, a blanket, and a fuzzy companion.

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Dreams for Wings and Wanderers by etharei with awesome, adorable, AMAZING art by reni_m
I really liked this story for the most part. Yes, there were some "woe is me", "poor, pitiful Merlin" parts, but it didn't really detract from the overall enjoyment I found in the story. I loved the dragons! And Aithusa was awesome (even if he was a girl in this). And I greatly enjoyed watching Percival's journey from trepidation and almost loathing of the dragons to acceptance and willingness to protect them.

I also liked the way Gwen was dealt with, that she was still close to Arthur, AND that she was able to choose her own path. The conflict with Morgana and its resolution was also very enjoyable.

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Written in the Stars of Your Eyes by latemperanza
OMG! I LOVED THIS ONE! I loved the whole psychic angle and the thwarted death and and and and -- Eep! I just loved the whole thing. Poor, repressed, overworking Arthur was just lovely in his idiocy; and heroic-because-I-can't-let-that-happen-even-if-he-is-a-prat Merlin was just priceless! GO READ IT! And then go look at itzcoatl's pretty arts.

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This Silly Ol' Dance is Perfect for Two by slantedknitting with beautiful, amazing art by achelseabee
Now, I know, I know. This one's been rec'ed probably to death, but I felt the need to put my two cents out there for it. I really liked the slow build to their relationship, going from silent neighbors who kind of hate each other (Merlin) and don't really give each other more than a passing thought (Arthur) to friends to lovers, AND I loved how balanced the story was with just the right amount of angst to make the fluffy, silly stuff more real.

I really liked how Arthur grew in this story and how he was able to gain the courage to accept who he was.

Also, Merlin. In glitter. And a cuddly drunk. Please, ma'am, may I have some more? :D

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I think that's it for now! Happy reading, y'all! :D