Hi lovely readers, tributes and lurkers alike,
This is just a quick announcement to let you know in the next couple of months, we will be finishing up reviewing fics here at our blog. The staff all have busy lives to lead, and the fandom has evolved and grown in different ways since we first started, so we have decided this year will be our final chapter.
We've got a few more recs up our sleeves, which should be posted in the coming months. At this point, my fellow staff (Cindella204, Debs and Titania) will be continuing with our epilogue, aka recommending and reviewing Hunger Games fics through our tumblr, Nightlock Fic Recs.
We will be leaving the blog up so that our readers are more than welcome to peruse back through our old pages once again.
Thanks to everyone over the past four years (FOUR YEARS!!!!????!!!) who has helped made Nightlock Recs possible. There will be a few more specific thanks when the time comes.
Please email us at nightlockrecs@hotmail.com or comment on our tumblr how you would like us to celebrate in style...a best of the best post? More crying gifs? Best and worst fic lists? A guide to reviewing Hunger Games fanfic?
Happy reading (and sobbing?),
Little Miss Mionie
on behalf of the Nightlock Team
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Nightlock Prompt Challenge Winner: Eirenewrites
Congratulations to fanfiction author eirenewrites, who is the winner of our writing challenge! The staff at Nightlock (Little Miss Mionie, Owl, Titania and Cindella204) have written a review of this fic. To remind you, the prompt was:
As well as our review! Without further ado....
"She heard the music, first. It was the music that made her realise she was truly home."
Eirenewrites wins this shiny new banner (along with some others):
As well as our review! Without further ado....
“You’ve subdued the districts, but nothing has changed. You are entertainment. Show up when they say show up. Sing when they say sing. Marry when they say marry.”
Convince Me is an interesting story that had us right from the get-go. It is essentially a rewrite of Catching Fire, with author eirenewrites teasing out or including scenes shippers wish they got to see in the original series. The story feels very canon, and all of us had no problem diving right in to read it. This idea has been done before, but eirenewrites' plot, along with her effective employment of dialogue, reenergises what could have been quite a generic fic.
Eirenewrites' writing style is clearly that of an accomplished writer who knows how to write well. The author captured Katniss' narrator voice perfectly. The chemistry between Katniss, Peeta and Gale feels very canon. The fanfic as a whole reads very solidly, in that there is enough plot and fandom knowledge to support the main focus of the story, aka Katniss' romantic relationships. A lack of convincing, interesting and dynamic storyworlds are often what let novella fic writers down in this fandom - this is a problem Convince Me definitely does't have!
We all really like how Eirenewrites has included our prompt. It both inspires a scene in the third chapter, and seems to be inspiring further events as the story continues.
Convince Me is currently WIP, with 4 chapters. You can also find it on ff.net.
Happy reading,
The Nightlock Team
Eirenewrites' writing style is clearly that of an accomplished writer who knows how to write well. The author captured Katniss' narrator voice perfectly. The chemistry between Katniss, Peeta and Gale feels very canon. The fanfic as a whole reads very solidly, in that there is enough plot and fandom knowledge to support the main focus of the story, aka Katniss' romantic relationships. A lack of convincing, interesting and dynamic storyworlds are often what let novella fic writers down in this fandom - this is a problem Convince Me definitely does't have!
We all really like how Eirenewrites has included our prompt. It both inspires a scene in the third chapter, and seems to be inspiring further events as the story continues.
Convince Me is currently WIP, with 4 chapters. You can also find it on ff.net.
Happy reading,
The Nightlock Team
Labels:
fic challenge,
katniss,
katniss/peeta,
nightlock,
peeta
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Starvation Forum's Holiday Contest: Our Reviews
The wonderful Lavender Flame, a past reccer here at Nightlock, mods the Starvation forum over at fanfiction.net. We decided to pair up with our ally to review the entries for the Starvation forum's Holiday Contest.
Now, I know what you're thinking.... Christmas in June, Little Miss Mionie?! It's not even in July!
Well, both Lavender Flame and I had a lot to juggle for the past couple of months, so it's only now I've been able to review the entries. To make up for the delay, I've made banners for each fic for the entrants to take home with them! :)
Well done to contest winner DarylDixon'sgirl1985 and other entrants emeralddusk and ct255 - here are your reviews.
During the Hunger Games Clove thinks of her happiest Christmas memory ever.
Review: The winner of the contest is the winner for a reason - Christmas Memories is certainly the most uniquely paired holiday fic I've ever read! DarylDixon'sgirl1985 has a command of dialogue that really drives this fic. Short and sweet, it's a great two-part story.
Celebrate Christmas in Panem with all your Hunger Games friends in a brighter world.
Review: I actually enjoyed this fic being in italics - this style made falling into a memory of Katniss' much easier. Katniss' father as a main character in this story makes for a whimsical, bittersweet fic.
The Language That Lives Between Words by ct522 (by our very own Titania! Yay!)
Inspired by Colin Firth storyline in "Love Actually." Peeta and Katniss don't speak the same language. They find other ways to communicate, slowly falling for one another as they spend more time with each other.
Review: Love Actually is my favourite Christmas movie, so of course I was going to like reading this story by ct522! The author has gone to great detail for the setting and mood. The characterisations are wicked and funny at the same time. A cheery, festive fic.
Happy reading,
Little Miss Mionie
Labels:
cato,
cato/clove,
christmas fics,
clove,
holiday fic challenges,
katniss,
peeta,
starvation forum
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Hunger Games/Harry Potter crossover fics (aka The Potter Games)
| Wonderful manip by fadingtales @ tumblr |
And you are only just beginning by swishywillow
Summary: "As the castle fades into the distance, disappearing around a gentle curve, it is almost hard to believe it wasn’t all a wonderful dream." A snapshot of Peeta Mellark's seven years at Hogwarts.
In A Word: Unusual
(Recommended by The Owl).
Tonight. by Shulik
No summary given.
In A Word: Hilarious!
(Recommended by Weekend Sinner).
The Snow Queen by Darklooshkin
Summary: Rose Potter disappeared at the age of six. In Hermione Granger's sixth year, the Goblet of Fire summons a girl trained to be the champion of a very different kind of game. They wanted a saviour. They got the Snow Queen.
In A Word: Complex
District Four by GinnyMastrani
Summary: Harry Potter is just a kid from District Four. He never wanted this. Cato is a warrior from District Two, he volunteered. When these two collide in the arena, sparks will fly. HXC Warnings inside. Complete.
In A Word: Different
Dropped by BlueMoonsAndTooSoons
Summary: Fleur, Bill, Hermione, and Draco are suddenly dropped into the arena during the 74th Games to help Katniss and Peeta win. What they don't know is how they got there and what the point of all this is. What they discover may change everything.
In A Word: Popular
Unexpected Allies by smurfette81013
Summary: Harry thought his life was going to be as normal as could be. Voldemort is gone and Harry is now Lord Potter-Peverell-Black. Life is great, until a drunken Ron Weasley sends him to Panem. Katniss finds Harry in the woods, injured, and decides to bring him back to District twelve to heal. But when Katniss goes into the arena, what happens to Harry?
In A Word: Interesting
Happy reading,
Little Miss Mionie
Labels:
au,
cato,
harry potter xovers,
katniss everdeen,
katniss/peeta,
peeta,
slash,
the potter games
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Military Fics (AU Army, Combat, World Wars, Soldiers)
The wonderful MJ requested we scour forAU military/soldier/army Hunger Games fics, in particular Military!Peeta. I find this quite timely as tomorrow is Anzac Day in my home country Australia, where we commemorate soldiers from Gallipolli and beyond.
I decided to branch out a little bit on this request (don't I always?) because the feminist in me loves a solider!Katniss, too. Quite a number of these listed have been recommended before in various segments and posts, but never under the one theme. This is why there aren't any reviews under the fics (as we've reviewed countless of them before). We hope you all enjoy - if I don't mind saying, this list is pretty damn comprehensive!
Trigger warning as the linked stories do make reference to wars, terrorism, injury and death associated with such wars. Please note that any racist language used in comments will be deleted.
The Civil War (American)
A House United by shesasurvivor
The bloody Civil War is over, but the battle is far from won. As North occupies South, Katniss Everdeen tries to keep her plantation home afloat, now empty except for herself, her mother, and her sister Prim. When Union soldier Peeta Mellark is quartered at the Everdeen home, she struggles to put up with the intruder as best she can. It doesn't help that he's so helpful, so kind, and possesses no small amount of charm. (See also: Santa is a Yankee.)
World War Two
I decided to branch out a little bit on this request (don't I always?) because the feminist in me loves a solider!Katniss, too. Quite a number of these listed have been recommended before in various segments and posts, but never under the one theme. This is why there aren't any reviews under the fics (as we've reviewed countless of them before). We hope you all enjoy - if I don't mind saying, this list is pretty damn comprehensive!
Trigger warning as the linked stories do make reference to wars, terrorism, injury and death associated with such wars. Please note that any racist language used in comments will be deleted.
| Image: Mediamacaroni.com |
A House United by shesasurvivor
The bloody Civil War is over, but the battle is far from won. As North occupies South, Katniss Everdeen tries to keep her plantation home afloat, now empty except for herself, her mother, and her sister Prim. When Union soldier Peeta Mellark is quartered at the Everdeen home, she struggles to put up with the intruder as best she can. It doesn't help that he's so helpful, so kind, and possesses no small amount of charm. (See also: Santa is a Yankee.)
Panem, Pennsylvania, 1862: When all of her trading partners in town leave to join the Union army, Katniss Everdeen supports her family the only way she can: by enlisting to serve herself. Hoping desperately to avoid anyone from home who might recognize and expose her, what happens when she's assigned to the same company as the boy with the bread?
In the fall of 1917, German soldier Peeta Mellark receives devastating news about the woman with whom he fell in love.
In May of 1864 Peeta Mellark makes a solemn promise to Gale Hawthorne on the eve of battle, but can he keep it? Historical fiction set during the American Civil War. Piece-in-Their-Game Award Winner- Best Historical Fiction.
When her family was killed, innocent victims caught in a skirmish, Johanna cut her hair and joined the rebel army seeking revenge. Now she's a captured POW in a Union prison. While she waits for freedom, she finds companionship in an unlikely place.
World War One
Stories of Us by Ameiko
AU. Katniss never imagined that The Great War would change her life in the secluded PA woods, but
it did. She also never imagine that crippled soldier Peter "Peeta" Mellark could heal her heart.
AU. Katniss never imagined that The Great War would change her life in the secluded PA woods, but
| Image: makingthemodernworld.org.uk |
Peeta and Katniss live in Canada. Peeta goes off to fight in WW1 and Katniss is back home, praying for his safe return. They write letters to each other. Will Peeta make it back? This story is devoted to everyone who made a sacrifice in war.
In the midst the Great Depression eighteen year old Katniss needs a miracle. Her Papa is dead, Mama has just been hauled off to the asylum, soon she'll be evicted, and Prim put into the child's home. WW1 Veteran, Peeta Mellark, gives her the means to save Prim, he offers to be her husband 'in name only'. The only hitch is; Katniss thinks she loves him.
| Image: Wikipedia Commons |
World War Two
AU, Post-WWII Chicago. Katniss as an ex-Rosie the Riveter, Peeta as a soldier returning home. Romance ensues. Major AU, historical, and sometimes OOC. May get steamy eventually.
WWII army chaplain and POW Peeta Mellark returns from war to take an assignment at a small parish. He soon discovers war is much less complicated than what awaits him in this sleepy Connecticut town.
Peeta, Gale, and Finnick are sailors on furlough before shipping off for WWII. Comedy ensues when they run into feisty night club girls Katniss, Johanna, and Annie. One crazy night filled with fun, fights, and love affairs!
Gale is a soldier, Madge is a naval nurse, here they both are stuck on an island dealing with their friends, and working, while a evil dictator plots an all out world war. AU - Gadge - Slightly based off of Pearl Harbor.
Cold War
During the Cold War, The Berlin Wall was built overnight to separate Western and Eastern Berlin. Many from each side were on the wrong side at the wrong time. Katniss Everdeen was one of them. During her unexpected stay, she meets Westerner Peeta Mellark who extends his friendship to her and maybe something develops between them, against all odds.
| Image: boomerslife.org |
Vietnam War
Hunger Games set during the time of the Vietnam War. It's 1963, and Peeta is drafted into the war. Meanwhile, Katniss reluctantly volunteers as an army nurse. How will the two survive in their new surroundings?
War in Afghanistan
Injured Marine Peeta Mellark returns home from Afghanistan a changed and broken man looking for refuge. An Everlark story of love, redemption and hope.
The events of September 11th 2001 seen through the eyes of Corporal Katniss Everdeen. (And it's
sequel, Semper Fidelis.)
| Image: Va.gov |
Iraq War
Sergeant Katniss Everdeen hasn't been home in three years since her best friend and fiance Gale Hawthorne was killed in Iraq. But when the baker's son starts hanging around will she find love again. (And it's sequel, Fighting to Come Home.)
Thank you once again to MJ for emailing in. If you'd like to request a type of fic, email us at nightlockrecs@hotmail.com.
Labels:
ao3,
army,
au,
civil war,
dark,
gale hawthorne,
haymitch,
historical fics,
johanna,
katniss/peeta,
military,
pstd,
romance,
soldier,
victors,
violence,
world war two
Monday, April 21, 2014
Expanded Mockingjay Fics
Hey fellow tributes! Our apologies for the long break in between fic recs. But, you know, we have lives and stuff ;)
This recommendation came at the request of Nightlock lurker Sahand who is searching for stories that expand Katniss and Peeta's relationship after he is rescued from the Capitol and before all the dramatic and angsty death stuff came along.
At your request, Sahand, we bring you...
The Watcher by lollercakes
Peeta is rescued seemingly without harm from the Capitol, but sometimes the deepest wounds are the ones you can't see and the memories you don't have anymore.
Review: Once again, lollercakes delivers with a superb expansion of Katniss and Peeta's relationship in MJ. The structure of staggered moments in Peeta's point of view make for a seamless and intriguing read.
The Mockingjay and the Mutt by Abagail_Snow
While taming a hijacked Peeta in District Thirteen, Katniss comes to understand a side of him that she had never allowed herself to see. Loosely based on Beauty and the Beast.
Review: The Disney inspiration and characterisation allows for an angsty take on Katniss and Peeta's relationship. A nicely written fic.
Visits by swishywillow
'I reach into my pocket, pulling out something that is always with me. “Do you remember this?” Peeta stares at the tiny object in my hand hard and then suddenly his expression softens, a Peeta I knew from a lifetime ago. ' An insert into Mockingjay.
Review: A brief story that I wish was longer. It could be made better by more descriptive language and more detail. While it's not a great fic, it does this 'type' well.
Blue Lips by swishywillow
“All around the dining hall, you can feel the rejuvenating effect that a good meal can bring on…I listen to Finnick telling some ridiculous story about a sea turtle swimming off with his hat. Laugh before I realize he’s standing there. Directly across the table, behind the empty seat next to Johanna. Watching me.” Peeta’s take on the dining hall scene.
Review: I much prefer this 'missing moment' from author swishywillow. Peeta's hijacked, betrayed state of mind in Mockingjay has been teased out in detail and imagery in particular in this fic.
(Remember that if you'd like to request a fic or type of fic for us to review and share with you to please email us at nightlockrecs@hotmail.com or post at our tumblr.)
Happy reading!
~ Little Miss Mionie
Labels:
hijacked,
katniss/peeta,
missing moment,
mockingjay,
peeta
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