#zoyalai fic rec

[thecrxwclub]

zoyalai fic rec list because i’m always in my brainrot era for these two and there aren’t enough fics about them 

i will continue to update this because i’m always finding new fics that i want to tattoo in my brain

dedicated to feentanz for making up like 80% of the ao3 zoyalai tag i’m your biggest fan

CANON-COMPLIANT

Ocean Eyes by feentanz (T) 2.6k

“You know,” he said into the silence. “With all those suitors now asking for your attention, I could begin to feel slightly neglected.” Zoya raised her head, narrowing her eyes ever so slightly. “I think your ego can handle it.” “My ego perhaps, but what about my poor heart?” She smiled at that, brushing some hair back from her eyes while she approached him. He still hadn’t quite gotten used to this version of Zoya, the version who wasn’t hiding from him, who didn’t have to pretend.

wondering if you knew by tsaritsas (NR) 1.5k

Zoya tells Nik how she knew she loved him.

Dearly Beloved by storm_dog_pirate (G) 5.1k

So what should he give to a woman who already had everything? He found that it was difficult to answer. Had he still been a king, he would have offered her plenty, and those words and sweet nothings wouldn't have been empty promises. But he was just Nikolai Lantsov now, barely having anything in his name besides the former royal title and the scars and nightmares he bore.

Zu Ende by feentanz (T) 1.9k

And so she rolled her eyes, following the king into the parlor. “You really like losing, don’t you?” Zoya commented, sitting down at the table where Nikolai had already set down the chessboard. She refrained from commenting on that. He was smirking, sitting down across from her. “Only to you, Nazyalensky,” he replied, and Zoya felt a weird sense of hurt at those words. “Then I hope your wife doesn’t know how to play,” she said, already moving her first piece.

The place in our hearts where we hide by disjointed_scribblings (M) 5.5k

"Someday we’ll see an end to war, and then you and I will take a nap together."

In the days after the peace, four beds where Nikolai and Zoya nap (or "nap").

in the tongue and teeth of old by peterpan_in_neverland (E) 1.2k

“I’ve had an illustrious life, Zoya,” she tells her. His hand skates higher, brushing the conclusion of her sternum, and it makes goosebumps break out between her breasts. “I once slept in wildflowers. A whole field of them.”

The thought of it sounds nice, but admitting that to him feels too close to telling a secret, and she is not yet there; he has her heart and her ribbon in wholes, but the rest of her is coming slowly. She is revealing herself in ebbs and flows like the tide.

“I can't imagine the bugs,” she says.

Somehow We’ll Get There by orangeslices4scott (NR) 1.2k

In the aftermath of the civil war, Nikolai’s injuries take their time in healing.

When the Party’s over by feentanz (T) 1.4k

Nikolai still looked unbothered, her words failing their mark once more. His calmness made it even worse. He didn’t even care enough to react. He didn’t even care enough to explain himself to her. “I thought we were a team,” Zoya added under her breath, despising herself for the weakness. For even saying those words out loud. For even bothering. Apparently he didn’t return the sentiment.

mornings like these by noorakviigmohn (G) 1.1k

Nikolai sighed dramatically and rolled over to the side, so that they were laying side by side again. He threw his arm over his face and groaned. "I need a fucking break."

or, a domestic early-morning scene for our favourite royal couple

Emerald by orangeslices4scott (G) 1.5k

Zoya brings Nikolai back after an episode, but the demon doesn’t want to give up his host.

I Do Aim To Please by StripeySocks (E) 1.5k

Zoya tells Nikolai she's had better lovers. He's determined to give his Queen the ride of her life.

ribbons in her hair by bendingwind (T) 4.2k

Nikolai was laying on the floor in a pool of light, face turned to the ceiling and eyes shut against the sudden intrusion of light.

She stepped inside and shut the door.

Zoya's POV of the cargo hold.

as the morning comes by awanderingtortoise (G) 1k

"Nikolai, at this moment, has decided on two things: the first being that he is a hopelessly lost cause for Zoya Nazyalensky, and the second being that he does not think he will ever stop smiling again."

POST-KoS (before the release for RoW)

our first lifetime  by laurore_stormwitch (NR) 1.9k

Nikolai reflects on the aftermath of the war, enjoying a peaceful moment with Zoya, and finds the courage to voice his hopes and dream for the future.

Too Afraid by feentanz (T) 2k

The bed moved as Zoya shifted beside him, some of her hair brushing over Nikolai’s arm. He felt his entire body tense at the touch, not even quite certain why. How had he ended up here? To be precise, he did know how. Nikolai and the Triumvirate had been on a mission to Northern Ravka when a nearby village had been attacked, and his general had very recklessly decided that she should be the one to defend it. Without an army, just her alone. Naturally Nikolai had followed her, and so they had ended up here, in a small cabin in a deserted village, caught up in a snowstorm. And the small room only had one bed, and no heating.

This is me Trying by feentanz (T) 5.2k

“Nikolai-” she began, but the music had stopped, and everyone around them had stopped moving. There was something on his face that she couldn’t quite read, something that looked almost like… longing. But then Ehri was there, and Kirigin was back at her side, and the moment was gone. 

Nostalgia Cycle by feentanz (T) 2.9k

She raised her head now, seemingly waiting for a reply. Her hand was still resting against his chest, and yet her face was now directly in front of his own, her eyes imploring. “Don’t tell me you don’t have a plan,” Zoya said quietly, voice barely more than a whisper. “I expected better, Your Highness.” A small smirk played around her lips, and she looked so beautiful that Nikolai could barely breathe. “I like to improvise,” he replied, but his voice was raw and didn’t sound like his own. He couldn’t look away, couldn’t break eye contact. He almost wished Zoya would turn away, putting him out of his misery. He didn’t wish to long for something he could never have. 

CANON-DIVERGENT

This is me Trying by feentanz (T) 5.2k

“Nikolai-” she began, but the music had stopped, and everyone around them had stopped moving. There was something on his face that she couldn’t quite read, something that looked almost like… longing. But then Ehri was there, and Kirigin was back at her side, and the moment was gone.

all i ask by awanderingtortoise (T) 2.8k

Bravado comes easier than honesty, though tonight the late hour and glasses of wine make the latter seem far more real a possibility than should be. He suspects he’s had a bit too many drinks; head light and lips loose and an excess of truth brimming in his throat.

Capital Letters by feentanz (T) 3.7k

Genya is doing her very best to bring Nikolai and Zoya together, of course unaware that they are already secretely seeing each other. Until something goes wrong, and the secret dares to be exposed.

Nostalgia Cycle by feentanz (T) 2.9k

She raised her head now, seemingly waiting for a reply. Her hand was still resting against his chest, and yet her face was now directly in front of his own, her eyes imploring. “Don’t tell me you don’t have a plan,” Zoya said quietly, voice barely more than a whisper. “I expected better, Your Highness.” A small smirk played around her lips, and she looked so beautiful that Nikolai could barely breathe. “I like to improvise,” he replied, but his voice was raw and didn’t sound like his own. He couldn’t look away, couldn’t break eye contact. He almost wished Zoya would turn away, putting him out of his misery. He didn’t wish to long for something he could never have. 

AU

How to be a Heartbreaker by feentanz (T) 8k

As Head Girl and Head Boy of Slytherin, Zoya and Nikolai are used to working together - although it is different, once they have to attend the annual Yule Ball together. Although of course, neither of them is interested in the other. Right?

Ne bis in idem by ThisQueenShallConquer (E) 7.3k

Working side by side with him was a difficult thing at the best of times, but there would be moments where he'd roll his sleeves up his toned forearms, or undo the first few buttons of his shirt, and she would find her self-restraint slipping.

Or, a Zoylai Lawyer!AU where everyone's sleep deprived and Zoya really deserves to get laid.

Cruel Intentions by feentanz (E) 8k

Nikolai stopped in front of her, resting his arms on either side of her head. Zoya’s gaze was resting on him, that dangerous spark still in her eyes. “Scared?” she commented, pursing her lips. He couldn’t think straight like this. Nikolai stepped away, already opening the door to the cage. “No one has ever won against me, Nazyalensky.” Zoya rolled her eyes dramatically, slipping into the fighting ring before him. “Always so cocky,” she drawled, turning around to face him again. Some strands of dark hair had fallen into her face, and he fought the urge to tug them behind her ear. 

like real people do by storm_dog_pirate and wafflesandkruge (T) 20.2k (5/15)

Paris, 1961.

Zoya Nazyalensky was left with no choice but to work for the organization that held her family's fate in their hands. Even as she rose through the ranks and gained respect, failure was still inevitable. And when she happens to blow one crucial mission because of her poor judgment, the reputation she’d worked so hard to build crumbles to nothing.

Nikolai Lantsov prided himself as an expert of "complicated acquisition", until he was caught by the CIA and offered an ultimatum: work for them or spend his life behind bars. But after failing the last mission that would have finally let him walk free, his contract with them is extended.

Coffee At Midnight by herewego19 (G) 1.3k

Nikolai takes Zoya on an adventure.

[awanderingtortoise]

this zoyalai fic, (and it's prequel) are so underrated it actually hurts so I gotta put this out there bc if you guys haven't read it yet you are missing out on one of the most exquisitely written fics for this ship

[virtualdimensionsss]

WHY ARE THERE NO ZOYALAI FICS ON AO3. help i am starved

[al-ghvl]

Some fic recs for jealous Nikolai please😳

REY! ask and you shall receive <3

—————————————————

1. mad world by feentanz - a personal fave of me where nikolai learns about zoya’s past ‘relationship’ with the darkling; it’s a one-shot but packs a punch

2. i’m reserving this spot for a fic i can no longer find :( i think it was removed but basically, nikolai has a guest who he was really warming up to, until he noticed zoya doing the same. + guest proposes to z, completely unaware that nik, our nosy little fool, was spying on them. I’LL COME BACK TO THIS WHEN IT RETURNS

edit: I FOUND IT - jealousy, that thing with claws by dregstrash - i HIGHLY recommend you guys read this

3. him & i by feentanz (really carrying us here) - FERAL NIK, aka smut build up <3

4. let me down slowly by feentanz - where zoya gives kirigin a chance and nikolai decidedly does not . like . that . a two-shot! another personal fave of mine tbh

5. they were roommates by sobachka - modern au; this is shorter than the first one-shot i listed and maybe a bit more fun! (nik threw a tiny tantrum, it’s adorable)

i hope you like them!!!

[primrose19]

Ok so

I was looking through my history for a very specific Zoyalai fic but I found a bunch of deleted works in there and it may have been one of them

So maybe (by some fucking miracle, even though my luck is terrible) someone on here downloaded it (or if it isn't deleted and I'm fucking blind someone recognizes this). It's an extremely long shot, I know

So

I know almost nothing about the fic (author, title or plot)

What I do remember is maybe the secret relationship trope because I remember the scene towards the end where Zoya and Nikolai were still in their night clothes and people started barging in one by one finding out about them. Also there was a bet involved (the only reason why I remember this is because I thought as I was reading it "hey this would have been infinitely times better with a bet" and then there was a bet. Also I'm 99.9% sure I left a comment on there along those lines)

So yeah

That's it

[capinejghafa]

kanej author recs | downn_in_flames

Notable/Favorite works:

brcu (big reputations cinematic universe) series (WIP)

Rating(s): T-M/ Quirks: Developing to Established Kanej, Modern AU, College AU, Crows Friendship & Relationships, Zoyalai & Grishaverse ships (BG mainly & 1 fic, if you're interest), Text fic (main fic), Heist, Humor, Fluff, Light Angst, Smut Lite

top fics w/in the series:

big reputations (part 1) - (WIP)

The Crows don't love the drama, it loves them.

Rating: T / Quirks: Developing to Established Kanej, Crows Friendship & Relationships, Modern AU, College AU, Humor, Fluff, Light Angst, Heists, Text fic

high above the whole scene (part 2) - (WIP)

big reputations, but some things just don't get said over text message.

Rating: M / Quirks: Developing to Established Kanej, Crows Friendship & Relationships, Modern AU, College AU, Humor, Fluff, Light Angst, Heists

caught up in a moment (part 3) - (WIP)

big reputations, but it's just kaz and inej and a little bit of spice.

Rating: M / Quirks: Established Kanej, Modern AU, College AU, Humor, Fluff, Light Angst, Heists, Intimacy, Smut Lite

forever is the sweetest con

“So you’re… so you’re actually marrying Inej because you love her,” he reiterates.“No, I’m marrying Inej for the tax incentives,” Kaz repeats, as if Jesper is somehow the stupid one here. “The fact that I love her is entirely separate from the fact that Kerch law favors married partners."

Rating: T / Quirks: Established Kanej, Established Wesper, Post-Canon, Kaz and Jesper Friendship, Jesper POV, Inej POV, Humor, Marriage… completely unrelated to BRCU series, it’s just a cute fic. Based on the famous tumblr text post (you'll know which)

[chaserofstars11]

✨Intro Post ✨

me

heeey! i'm lea, (pronounce lee, lee-uh, lay-uh, or wtv idc it's not my real name ;)). I pretty much go by she/her, but all pronouns are ok!!! (so are all gendered terms, including girl/guy) I am bi, and super accepting/open. dms and asks are totally welcome! i live in north carolina (US), so EST. i've just started writing fic on ao3 so link: https://archiveofourown.org/users/chaserofstars11 i'll make a masterlist once i write more i have a gorgeous goldendoodle so there are goldendoodles in the photos <3 (not mine tho :( )

music/books/movies/shows

i love renee rapp, taylor swift, conan gray, queen, paramore, mo schulte, phoebe bridgers, lana del ray, maneskin, yungblud, acdc, honestly basically anything

fav books are: six of crows/grishaverse (leigh bardugo is a goddess i luv all of her creations), age of legends trilogy, little women, lockwood & co, divergent, the hobbit, the book thief, carry on, becky albertalli's books, literally so many more

shows/movies: i love/have watched friends, the office, parks & rec, the good place, ncis (literally my fav), shadow and bone, young royals, heartstopper, good omens, and other stuff

ngl taladega nights is my comfort movie (so james of me, ik) but I also love harold and maude, mean girls, and any cheesy romance movie ever

that was long, so picture break! these are all from pinterest, not mine :)

fandoms/ships

I am mostly just in the marauders and soc fandoms, but also a bit of golden trio and pjo. ( i am so serious when i say fuck jkr. i don’t support her ideals or her work, i am simply talk her characters and making them gay and trans in spite)

I love most marauders ships esp starchaser, rosekiller, pandalily/marylily/pandamarylily, and dorlene (dw, i like wolfstar too) My favorite fics are Art Heist Baby, crimson rivers, anything by damagecontrol, anything by MesserMoon (esp kyd and ohb), anything by maladaptivewriting, anything by Solmussa, and anything by lynxindisguise (PSA i have not read atyd. ik, ik, i'm just not mentally prepared yet. same reason i haven't read choices)

my fav golden trio ships are luna/ginny, harry/draco, and ron/hermione

soc ships are obvi wesper, helnik, and kanej (plus zoyalai ofc)

dni

if ur mean/disrespectful/homophobic/misogynistic/sexist/transphobic/racist/or have anything bad to say/or are creepy

otherwise, i love to interact, have chains, be tagged, or anything. i am kinda new to tumblr tho, so not sure how everything works. I won't interact outside of tumblr or ao3 unless i actually know you

thx for reading <333 i hope you enjoy the weird shit i post :) I might end up posting my art... I dont know if im brave enough. but you can read my writing!

[wafflesandkruge]

angsty zoyalai fic rec 👀

https://archiveofourown.org/works/46273867

ahhh i love!!! right up my alley. if you're the author you did a great job and i'd love to see more zoyalai from you 🥺

if yall have zoyalai/shu han/malina fic recs pls send them my way 😭 no promises i can get to them right away bc i'm busy but i'll bookmark for later

[uneasyallyofthebody]

go check out @/sanktnikolais fics! they're absolutely marvellous. she has a masterlist as well. @/nazyalenskyism, @/wafflesandkruge, @/sobachka have some more recs and fanfics of their own! have fun ! <3

bless you, i will check out your recommendations! ❤️

[ketterglam]

SOC/S&B Fic Rec!

The Tides - By KetterdamScribe

When Ketterdam falls to the invading Shu, Kaz Brekker must settle an old debt and bring the last surviving member of the Council of Tides to Ravka. He’s got a plan, but this time he’s not the only one scheming. A

Inej joins Sturmhond protecting refugee ships from the Shu Navy outside Os Kervo, hoping her friends escaped Ketterdam. She reunites with Jesper and Wylan, only to find that Kaz isn’t with them...or on any of the ships that come in from the last wave leaving Ketterdam.

[greensaplinggrace]

do you have any darklina fic recs?

I certainly have a few! But first I want to clarify that I don’t really read fic when I’m writing it, and since I have so many fics in the works right now, I haven’t really been reading a lot of fanfiction. So this list probably won’t be as extensive as it could be.

Here are some other great fic recommendation posts, however:

DARKLINA FIC RECS by @vicioux

DARKLINA FIC RECS // part ii by @vicioux

Darklina Ruling the World Together Fic Recs by @clubofthestarlesssaint

Tumblr Ficlets

Aleksander’s First Memory by @kestrafagnor

Fivan Talk About Darklina by @jomiddlemarch

a little light in the great, big dark by @valkyrhys

Alina tells Mal she’s with Aleksander by @lorsanbitch

Darklina week day 5: intimacy & touch by @starlesscne

AO3 Fanfiction

if it ain’t me by larry_hystereks (Incomplete - 10/13 Chapters)

alina’s in her second year at Yale when she meets aleksander at one of his frat parties.

a hookup with the potential for more, only if alina wasn’t still struggling to piece herself together from last year’s breakup.

or: alina, zoya, their trust issues, and the men that fall for them

---

I’m only at about chapter 6 of this fic currently, but so far it’s one of my all time favorite Modern AUs. The characterization for Alina and Aleksander is incredibly well done, and the entire fic itself is so feminist and queer in such a refreshing way. Aleksander and Alina are bisexual as fuck, both with their own separate complex lives, and much of Alina’s own traumas and relationships are explored outside of Aleksander.

There’s some Zoyalina, with Nikolina friendship and endgame Zoyalai. There’s some mystery and some tension, but nothing too extreme, and a lot of the fic is merely an exploration in growth and overcoming one’s history and learning how to move on in healthy ways. I love it.

She Wears a Collar (With My Name) by Ceris_Malfoy (Complete)

She is immortal, and whatever lingering hints of humanity she may have once had have long been bleached from her heart.

I will grant you one wish, boy, if it is in my power to do so. What does a Shadow Smith most want?

"You," he answers.

Written for Darklina Week 2021 - Day 2: Role Reversal

---

This piece is just exquisite. This author’s writing style is one that I particularly enjoy. Their stuff is always so uniquely composed and crafted, and this one especially is a work of art. The way Darklina as a relationship is portrayed in particular is fascinating to me because it’s a role reversal but it’s still so complex. Aleksander’s character is nailed.

the bright sun was extinguish’d by athousandwinds (Complete)

Somewhere, deep in the dark forests of Ravka, a boy grows up on stories of Sankta Alina of the Wastes, the Sun-Scorched Saint.

---

This fic is just straight up magnificent. It’s so engaging and I love love love the way a role reversed Aleksander who joins the army is portrayed. He reminds me so much of Demon in the Woods Aleksander, as if he’s exactly what a grown version of that young boy would be. When I say I adore his characterization in this I’m not lying.

If I wanted any completed fic I’ve read to have a second chapter, it would be this one.

Winter in the Little Palace by redisxwing (Complete)

Written for Yuletide 2020.

Baghra and Alina's wildly different perspectives on the Darkling, and how things could have gone if nobody listened to Baghra.

Warning: Baghra is written as a harsh and arguably abusive parent, and this is darkfic about that relationship, with a side of shipping. Everything is terrible (except the parts that are pretty much okay).

Canon divergence pretty much as soon as Alina gets lessons in summoning.

This fic is likely not compatible with King of Scars (or any subsequent work).

---

As is said in the summary, this one makes Baghra a bit more extreme. If you’re a fan of Baghra, this fic probably isn’t for you. But since I’m not a fan of Baghra, I had no problems with it.

My biggest praise for this fic is in regards to the character interactions and the POVs. There’s a brilliant grasp of unique perspective and how to convey it, and that talent is carried over into the way character interactions are brought to life in the text. Also, there’s a scene where Alina gets kind of protective of the Darkling, which is one of my biggest weaknesses when it comes to Darklina.

Good Ideas by FelixRivers (Complete)

Alina Starkov had a very good idea. Aleksander Morozova would definitely agree. (or: Alina wants to go camping and Aleksander won't complain)

---

This fic is just straight up adorable and hilarious. They’re such a cute couple and Alina’s POV is great. It’s just pure fluff and humor 💕

I’m not a bad girl, but I do bad things with you by SanktaJenya - @sankta-arya (Complete)

Winter had been hard on Old Baghra and Ana Kuya was worried about her, so she decided that Alina should make the trip to her cottage on the other side of the woods to bring her some food and kvas. On her way there, Alina meets a stranger...

Darklina Red Riding Hood/Company of Wolves AU

Darklina Week, Day 4, Fairytales

---

This fic has a splendid grasp of tension and atmosphere. It’s very enchanting and dark and intriguing, and it nails those aspects with absolute precision. I love the style and the way the fairytale is incorporated into the narrative. It’s truly a masterpiece.

The Wretched by @aceofnowhere (Complete)

“We are strangers, but I want to help.” He growls at her, mocking and mistrustful. “I understand,” she said. “You think I am one of them. I certainly look like one of them. But I want to help you. Will you let me?” Prompt: fairytale. Alina saves a dragon.

---

Okay so I’ve mentioned this one before as one of my Top 5 fics of all time and I still stand by that. I can’t even describe why I love this fic so much except that the pacing is amazing and the prose is stunning and the story is beautiful. Aleksander is a dragon and Alina is a witch, and their relationship is just so...interesting and fascinating and lovely. I would literally kill for this fic. There’s such a softness to it as well. Such a tenderness. Idk, I just really love it.

Show Me Who You Are (I Want To Know) by Ceris_Malfoy (Incomplete - 12/?)

Alina takes her future in her own hands and makes her own decisions.

---

This is a great “what if Alina had stuck around after the reveal” rewrite. It doesn’t have Mal bashing and in fact still writes them as close friends, which is something I’m fond of in Darklina fics. Aleksander is allowed to be soft and Alina is allowed to be powerful, and I really enjoyed the take on their dynamics as a power couple wherein Alina is given a lot of control.

There’s something to be said for the way Aleksander is written in the scenes where he must be honest and earnest with Alina. I really enjoy the way they both come to equal ground, and I’m even more fond of the way Alina is allowed to grow darker without losing her light. She also engages a lot with quite a few other characters, developing tons of friendships and alliances on her own that help strengthen her as an individual character.

on this bridge between starshine and clay by @rhea-imagined (Complete)

"His breath narrows for a moment, his fist clenched tight before he forces himself to loosen it. She is his only opportunity for salvation, but vulnerability is not a cape he wears easily. “In those days, there was less prejudice against Shadow Summoners. But everyone fears the dark, in one way or another.” He does not look at her as he waits for the penny to drop, half-hoping it stays suspended in the air."

In which Alexander comes clean to Alina and tells her about his true identity in hopes that this will help convince her to take down the Fold.

A rewrite of the fountain scene in episode four, with a good!Darkling that is trying to make amends.

---

This is my all-time favorite good!Aleksander AU. He’s kept in character despite the major changes made to his motivations, and Alina is given a lot more agency in her own story. It’s the first fic in what might become a series, but it can stand alone beautifully.

I love how Aleksander and Alina’s relationship is allowed to grow tense without breaking, and how it’s a clear sign of change but not abandonment. I love how both characters are able to think for themselves and become self-aware and are given the chance to think critically. I love the character interaction so much because it’s honest and fresh and engaging. Everything from the smallest action to the most off-hand thought is in character and meaningful and incorporated with an amazing style of writing. It’s a very refreshing piece, and the writing only makes it that much better.

Bunnies of a Feather Stitch Together by Ill_Ratte (Complete)

"Just as Alina called to the light, gathering and twisting it into a ball in her hands, the door swung open.

Kirigan blacked out the door frame. His appearance enough would have surprised Alina, but there was something clutched in his arm, something dark and floppy. It almost looked like the stuffed toys that had been passed around to the younger Orphans." - Alina and The Darkling bond over a love of soft things

---

Soft stuffed animal shenanigans. Bits of trans!Aleksander, which I’m very fond of, as well as just a lot of fluff with a bit of something bittersweet and sad in a good way.

Half Lie by Ill_Ratte (Complete)

"Baghra always talked of the demon that had stolen her daughter." Or, Alina learns the hard way that the Darkling isn't the only one who deals in half-truths

---

This one is trans!Aleksander, and it handles it in a very interesting way. It’s quite sad, and deals a lot with Baghra & Aleksander’s relationship through Alina’s POV. I want to give a warning for transphobia, because it does center around that a lot as the premise, but it really is worth the read if that isn’t a trigger for you. This is one of my favorite trans!Aleksander fics, and the way it handles emotion and grief and pain is quite extraordinary.

The CEO and Helioseismologist by mrthology (Complete)

Aleksander Morozova doesn't get sick. He's the CEO of one of the most successful companies in the world, one that he had built from the ground up with blood, sweat, and tears. He exercised daily (usually), maintained a healthy diet, and kept himself fit.

He wasn’t sick.

Too bad no one believed him. And too bad Genya decided to call Ivan to take him home before also calling Alina to take care of him.

Maybe, just maybe, being sick wasn't so bad. Especially not when he has such a wonderful girlfriend.

---

Both of the fics in this series are great, but I love this one in particular because I’m an absolute sucker for hurt/comfort. Anyone who’s been on my blog for a while knows that it’s my all time favorite trope to read, and this fic fits the hurt/comfort trope to a T in the best of ways. It’s very tender and in character, and Aleksander and Alina are so soft with each other. It’s adorable and really makes you feel for Aleksander, and the caretaking is done perfectly.

All the different layers of dark (thousand little suns) by Anuna (Complete)

One month after the Winter Fete, Aleksander returns to the Little Palace, and Alina has been missing him.

Or

Episode five canon divergence in which Alina had never left Os Alta.

---

This one is soft emotional hurt/comfort smut. They’re both so open and vulnerable with each other, and it’s so beautiful to read. I love the writing style and the emotion in this one. It makes my heart ache in the best way.

An Honourable Man by liviy695 (Complete)

A reimagining of the scene after the winter fete. Alina catches a glimpse of a caring Darkling after he returns from integrating the Conductor. Plus, no Baghra interference.

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This one is what it says on the tin, in that Baghra doesn’t interfere and they’re allowed to talk after the Darkling interrogates the Conductor. But more than that, it’s a great imagining of how a scene where Aleksander reveals Marie’s death would have gone. There’s a sort of quiet to it that I appreciate, with grief and solemnity weighed against care and vulnerability.

I see the real you (even if you don’t, I do) by Anonymous (Incomplete - 8/?)

A series of questionable decisions lead Alina to meet the Black General a bit earlier. Butterfly effect ensues.

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I’ve only read half so far (I hadn’t realized it had updated!! 👀👀) but I’m already in love with this fic. Alina’s dialogue and perspective is perfect, her relationship with Mal and the other cartographers is great, and I really enjoy how much personality she has. Aleksander is so smitten, but more than that, his characterization is soft but not weak. It feels almost as if he’s swept up by Alina, instead of the other way around, and I quite like that.

Of parenting by Anuna (Complete)

Alina finds out how her husband handled yet another parenting situation.

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This is pure adorable Darklina parenting fluff and I live for it. Yet it doesn’t lack depth and in fact explored Alina and Aleksander’s relationship with parenting quite well.

i have a longing by LRCee - @ladylyannastark (Complete)

“So, Alina Starkov, risk-taker, how did you end up being editing’s newest wunderkind?”

Alina Starkov is rising in the publishing world. Singlehandedly responsible for editing (see: rewriting) the hottest book of the year, she lands a coveted spot at Morovoz Publishers. It's the position she's always wanted, at the biggest publishing house in the country. Life is perfect. That crush on her boss though, that's gotta go.

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OKAY! I LOVE THIS ONE SO MUCH!! Let me tell you, as someone who is not too fond of Boss/Employee dynamics, I was very wary going into this fic. But boy did it deliver in a way that was perfect for me.

The relationship that develops between Aleksander and Alina is complex but healthy, and it never feels as if there’s too much of a power imbalance or anything that would make Alina feel forced or unhappy. The tension lies purely in how she fears others will perceive her, and not in how unhealthy her relationship with Aleksander is. For somebody who’s often attracted to unhealthy ships, I have to say that my favorite fics are usually ones that don’t have that type of dynamic between the characters. This fic delivers on that.

Also, Aleksander’s POV surrounding his struggle with his Russian heritage and his feelings for Alina is amazing, and has some of the best writing and characterization I’ve seen.

You receive: an evil demon; I receive: human souls by @aceofnowhere (Complete)

The next morning while she tried to tell herself it was a dream, that of course there wasn’t a fucking demon in her house, she found a note taped to her fridge.

“You might eat this shit,” it had written, “but I would like some fucking souls please.”

Darkling Week Prompt 7: free choice. Alina has a demon in her house.

This is absolute crack, and I have no idea what the fuck is wrong with me.

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May I just say that this is the most fun I’ve ever had when reading a fic. It’s interesting with a bit of mystery, and Aleksander as a little shit of a demon is hilarious. Alina in this fic is great too. It’s such a unique take on her POV, especially when you reread it after knowing the ending. 10000/10, this fic is brilliant in every way and I love it.

I had been lost to you, Sunlight by BrytteMystere (Complete)

A Girl became a Woman, became a Sankta, became a Goddess.

Or: An Immortal Alina calls upon merzost to reunite with the Prince of Shadows she lost long ago. She may have lost herself in the process.

But then again, maybe time and endless wars did that instead.

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You really just have to read this one to get it. It is utterly haunting and fascinating in the best of ways. The writing style is strange and novel and fits so well with the story being told. The composition of the fic as a whole is genius.

I Look Inside Myself (And See My Heart Is Black) by Ceris_Malfoy (Complete)

"When is a monster not a monster? Why, when you love it, of course."

Written for Darklina Week 2021 - Day 6: Favorite Quote • King & Queen • Monster

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Once more, this author comes through with an absolutely breathtaking writing style and story. The imagery is elegant yet brutal, simultaneously horrifying and glorious. There’s a certain way these stories are written, like fairytales, where the beautiful becomes the macabre and becomes ever more stunning because of it. It’s very dark but in a good way - an almost bewitching way.

Afterlife by @aceofnowhere (Complete)

“You are asking me to leave?”

“Not asking, shadow,” she said. “Telling. Time to get unlost, loser.”

Day 3 Darklina Week prompt: Modern AU (I mean, barely)

Alina expels ghosts from purgatory.

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@aceofnowhere once again bringing the best of the paranormal to the Grishaverse. Literally everything you write is amazing idk why I’m even pointing out individual fics when I could just rec your whole page. But anyways!! This is fun and interesting and Alina is a badass. Aleksander is, of course, compelling and dark and kind of a little shit, and it’s all incorporated seamlessly into an existential paranormal narrative.

Once Upon a Shooting Star by Ceris_Malfoy (Complete)

"But most of all, she was drawn to a vast darkness that reached out above all of them, a void so hungry for companionship that she knew she could fulfill."

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Let. Alina. Be. Feral!! Anyways, I clearly have a type when it comes to storytelling, and it’s whatever the fuck this person has got going on. Feral!Star!Alina is literally the light of my life. Her interactions with not only other people but the world in general are so well done, but my favorite parts about this fic are the numerous ways her relationship with Aleksander is described and depicted.

I love the dark and light imagery, especially with how it’s portrayed as them filling in the gaps of each other’s lives and supporting each other instead of trying to block each other out. There’s such clear passion and joy and love and devotion between them. The central focus of this fic is on her and Aleksander’s relationship, the interplay between them and their powers and the way her light fills his loneliness, the passing of adoration and trust and reliance between them. It’s very beautiful and I love it.

A Blaze of Light by Keira_63 (Complete)

They discover the Sun Summoner in the burnt-out remains of the Shu laboratory in which she has spent the last seven years of her life.

Or, the Darkling finds himself with a Sun Summoner whose greatest wish is to burn Shu Han to the ground. He is happy to oblige her.

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👀👀 Badass Alina and Badass Aleksander. The ultimate power couple, and Alina burning a path through Shu Han before they both burn a path through the world together. The darkness and rage in this one are handled very well, and the way that rage turns to coldness and then resolve is done so well. This fic is very cathartic and also very furious, and reading it is certainly a trip down emotion lane.

One more for the Road by Rist (Complete)

He returns to the war room shaken, and finds an Alina that cannot leave without at least having tried.

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This one hurts so much but its soooo gooood!!! Very smutty but also very tender and very bittersweet. Sad and soft all at once. I just... love the way Alina and Aleksander are written so much, and Alina’s complicated feelings for him are explored in such detail and depth. This one is truly worth the read.

[livingonspiteandcoffee]

I just finished rule of wolves and I’m screaming I just can’t—

How can a book be so perfect?! 😭❤️ i was literally crying so hard when hanne “died”. And David’s death had me sobbing and screaming for fucking 30 minutes and I’m still in denial. I just cannot cope w that.

It also had an absolutely amazing ending. I mean like ‘Tell kaz brekker the queen of Ravka has a job for him’ ?! How can Leigh write this and not expect me to explode?! Like an soc and kos crossover?! I just absolutely fucking adore this book 🖤

And if anyone has any fic recs for like post row or zoyalai or anything plz tag me...

[dregstrash]

1, 5 and 10 x

Hi!! Thank you for the ask!!

1. your favourite playlist (made by yourself or someone else)

My favorite playlist I made was my zoyalai playlist  partly cause I made the cover art for it and aprtly cause I love all the songs on it

5. 5 tv shows that cheer you up

Hmmmmm..... Avatar the Last Airbender, The Office, Parks and Rec, Gilmore Girls (yes I know it’s problematic), and Leverage 

10. something you’ve created in the last year that you’re proud of (a playlist, a piece of art, some writing, a craft hobby, a social media account, etc)

I answered this one, but I don’t mind answering again! One of my favorite things that I created this last year was the Jordie fic I wrote. I had so much fun writing it and I mean we got hot Jordie. 

Stay At Home Ask Game

[tricewithaz]

Here’s a Zoyalai fic babe

https://archiveofourown.org/works/31614989

not the type of thing i read at all but this was so so sweet 🥺🥺🥺

[capinejghafa]

NEW YEARS CLEAN-UP 🎊

rules: unburden yourself from the abandoned WIPS collecting dust in your folder and share 5 gifs, then tag five people. (tagged by @taiturner... thank you, i just realized i save a lot of my old sets and then forget but also i save random projects for no good reason lol tagging (no pressure!): @girlbutcherwife @crowley-anthony @samwwise @athousandyearstime @rachelsennot @padme-amidala

ok, so i had a bit too much nervous energy last year and posted most of the sets i wanted to make. which you would think would leave me with nothing else to post, but that's not technically true. most of these are from shadow and bone a few pre/post season, and one tua. there's no rhyme or reason. i just had a time giffing last year.... iykyk.

untitled wylan project. this was made sometime in jan/feb... i know it was before jack's casting... anyways i was watching 15 days (pls don't watch it, it's awful) and this shot was giving me wylan energy so i made it with the intention to post it after s2 premiere and then i didn't. it just felt too modern, so i dropped it.

kanej fic rec. so a few things: 1) this is my gift to @whatanybodygets <3, 2) this was supposed to be a part two of this set / kanej fic (written by alltheworldsinmyhead & Whitherward), and 3) you should read this fic.... i personally love it and it's something small i could make for a friend.

the crows header. this was supposed to be part of larger set after the cancellation, but then i got sad thinking about it and again. i did make a different set afterwards. and then i kept making more sets... so, it wasn't a loss. it's something small and quick and im still sad about sab's fate. will i ever make the set i was planning, no. i just... i want to but i'm also just not entirely sure where i was going with this.

zoyalai gif. i made a few ZN gifs for someone and then i was really sure i was gonna make a whole set based on this gif... but for some reason I didn't. and it ended up just being a fun concept for someone and i still think about making something... but i'll be the first to admit i'm not a huge fan of the ravkan gang lol i won't but it's fun to think about.

allison (greek goddess). way back in 2019, i did a hargreeves as demigods set. which was based on a post i saw... and the comments were, um... not kind, there was a bit of discourse on what character should be which. and as i mentioned this was an inspired set. so i ended up debating back and forth about how much time i wanted to put and whether or not posting it. i did really like experimenting with the pink in this. i even went ahead and got the fonts... just never went anywhere.

[wafflesandkruge]

Does anyone have angsty zoyalai fic recs 👁👁