| Summer/Fall 2002 Winners | Winter 2002 Winners | Summer 2001 Winners | Winter 2001 Winners | Summer 2000 Winners |

Comments from the judges are included under each winner. Congratulations to everyone! As always, a huge thank you to all of my judges!

Summer/Fall 2002 Winners

415 stories and 40 sites nominated

Honorable Mention:

• Violation by Duncan PG-13

Best Angel
In the Waiting by Rheanna PG-13
"How is a story told by an original-character narrator one of the best ATS fics ever? Because the outsider's perpective is used to make us truly see into Angel, Wesley and Cordelia in a way we haven't before. This story has profundity, humor, intensity and edgings of horror -- despite the fact that it takes place in just a few rooms. The story of the Fang Gang's impromptu camping trip in the mountains is just a detail, but it captures my imagination every time. This has long been a favorite of mine, and it's exciting to be able to recommend it so highly."

Best Buffy/Angel Crossover
Ties That Bind by HonorH PG-13
"Very Imaginative. Inventive and Original. Well written. An all around great story." "Each person was perfectly believable - from Wesley to Willow, Dawn to Fred - lovely. I could so see this story as an episode between S5 and 6. ... Just the right amount of youthful pride and adult loss. Really, I can't say enough about this story." 

Best Short Story - Buffy
Expedite by Annie Sewell-Jennings PG-13
"Superb characterizations and good plot. A super example of what a short story can be. As usual, this author has an incredible gift with words which makes her work riveting."

Honorable Mention:

• A Very Merry Unbirthday by Sullen Siren PG

Best Short Story - Angel
Free by Felicity PG-13
" I feel [Faith] is misunderstood, and I loved this piece because I can see how she would feel all these insecurities about being released from prison." 

Best Humor
Super Food World by Valerie X R
"Valerie has a subtle approach to her comedy. It'll be dead serious one minute and then Buffy'll run into a bush and in a few seconds: (and not a now-my-evil-minions-will-destroy-you laugh, a real, genuine laugh) when describing sex between the two....If this fic doesn't make you laugh by part three- I'll go throw away my Buffy DVD's!"

Honorable Mentions:

• Attack of the Killer Monks by Smurfette PG
• Master of Tactics: The Sacrifice of Enrique by Dana PG

Best Romance
Domestication by Indie NC-17
"If you haven't yet read Domestication, you must go immediately to indie's site. Indie has a wonderful style, a great imagination and a fully developed, detailed world." "" OH. MY. JOSS. That was SO good! It is an exquisite fic, very very well written, enjoyable, thorough. Tells you everything, with loads of details, just like I love them. The idea is totally original and the B/A romance part of the plot is not underlined by the other plot. They go totally together, they mesh, extremely well. Once couldn’t exist without the other. This is one of the bestest fics I’ve read in a long time, maybe even in ever. A must for B/A lovers all around!"

Honorable mention:

• Stages of Grief by Ducks R

Honorable mention:

• Modus Vivendi by Wiseacress NC-17

Best Drama - Angel
It's a Tie!
Another Life by Inamorata NC-17
"A beautifully poignant what-if with a stellar Cordelia characterization." " " Bittersweet love story that pulls you in and sets you up, but still manages to have a hopeful ending."
Betrayer by Regala Electra NC-17
"A dark, dark look into a downward spiral of our favorite Watcher and yet… there are twists. Now if only ME had the guts to follow through with a plot remotely like this…"

Honorable Mentions:

• In the Waiting by Rheanna PG-13
• Hungry Eyes by Misty Flores R

Best Future
Ever Seeking Solace by Sunny D PG-13
"All happy smiles. Wow. Great Therapy. Real solutions/ scenarios for current & future problems. Three cheers for coffee shop healing."

Honorable Mention:

• Everything I Know by Molly PG-13

Best Past/History
Ang-Nuo by Corinna PG-13
"I really think this is an outstanding story and a prime example of everything stories in this category ought to be. We go to a very interesting moment in Angel's past -- one right after our canonical knowledge of his post-curse past leaves off -- and get a fascinating glimpse into how Angel tries to find human contact, and why he fails. I think the unusual setting and the original-character narrator work wonderfully well, leaving Angel as unfamiliar and, at times, threatening as he should be at this point. Outstanding work at every level. "

Honorable mention:

• Aurora by HonorH PG-13

Best Crossover
Donna the Vampire Slayer by Nomad PG
"What a delightful idea, and how beautifully executed! The West Wing voices are dead-on and smashingly funny; a jolt of power like this is just what Donna needs, and this story proves it rather convincingly. I laughed out loud more than once. ... Kudos to the writer."

Honorable mentions:

• Runaway Trains at 3 A.M. by Christina Kamnikar PG
• Beholden to Yesterday by Trixie NC-17

Best Characterization - Buffy
Rise (He Buys Cigarettes) by Kawcrow (Spike) PG
"Really, really good. Excellent glimpse of post-Gift, pre-soul Spike."

Honorable mentions:

• Self-Same Lore by Cynthia Liskow (Dawn) NC-17
• Mascara by Sharkbait (Jonathan) R

Best Episodic Story
Ever After by Alexandra Huxley NC-17
"I would love to see this as an episode! I liked the balance of angst and humor. Excellent pacing and nice interaction between the Scoobs and Angel, plus an actual believable, original Initiative plot!"

Best Alternate Reality
Masquerade by Kim R

Honorable Mentions:

• Domestication by Indie NC-17
• Drawings of You by Tango NC-17

Best Series

Pending

Best Fan Fiction Site
Better Buffy Fiction Archive
"This was a really fantastic site. The colors are easy on the eyes and the graphics are not overpowering. The font is easy to read. The layout makes sense. The fictions can be searched in a myriad of ways, and the fics themselves are laid out with lots of detail: author, rating, summary, review, size and more. Quite a varied selection of styles and types of fiction. A lot of work I bet, with a good payoff: easy to find fics and lots of details on a pretty, easy to navigate site."

Honorable Mention:

• All About Spike - Spike Redemptionist Fanfiction

Winter 2002 Winners:
187 stories and 16 sites nominated!

Best BtVS Story
Dark Alchemy by Existential Scooby PG-13
"Very long and very enjoyable." " This was a really good piece. All of the parts flowed well together. The characters all seemed every much like they do on the show. I liked the new characters, the were well thought out."

Best Angel Story
Sole Survivors by Roxane Longstreet Conrad PG-13
"This fic would have made an excellent follow-up episode to "Billy." Great dynamics between the main characters; that was written extremely well." "Excellent story!! It was a great unseen ending to Billy. The author brought the chilling episode to a wonderful conclusion."

Best BtVS/Angel Crossover
Phoenix by Cynamin PG-13
"I thought this fic was really really original and the writing was beautiful! A totally interesting plot and after every part it was leaving me wanting more, had some good ole' angst and some B/A goodness ahhh perfect lol" "Wonderfully written story that just begs for a sequel... or ten. Great plot and characterization."

Best Short Story
Confessions of a Ho-Biscuit by Jody E. PG-13
"Hugely enjoyable, somewhat surprising, and highly original." " Jody has created an original character that dominates this story, but is far removed from the ever-present Mary Sue. After only a few sentences, I felt as if I were sitting at a bar, having a cocktail while hearing this fascinating woman’s life unfold before me. Utterly delightful! And Spike is right on." "A refreshingly cute and original story with a punch line that'll leave you grinning like a fool. Oh, and a great title too."

Best Humor
Days Of Our Unlives by Kita and Jess Walker NC-17
"I never fail to laugh while reading this series. ... The first person POVs sparkle with personality and bits and pieces of little surprises. I’ve read nothing else quite like it, and it’s delightful every time." "Personal favorite: Ch. 37, with Spike's re-enactment of Buffy and Angel's love story using lobsters he's pulled from a tank. "Aaaaa! I'm cursed! I must run off and buy paisley sheets!" ... nobody reading this expects Angel and Spike's love affair to make logical sense, just to be tremendously funny. .... Witty, edgy, sexy and insane, this is some terrific humor writing." "I can't wait to see what their Spike gets up to next... I mean, how will they ever top him bringing a reindeer home for Christmas?" "Well, this is definitely not the reality Joss created, but its one I wouldn't mind visiting! Angel and Spike never lose their appeal, I love watching them go through each new phase of their relationship--I laugh, cry and curse right along with them. Truly marvelous!" "... Days of Our Unlives is legendary, with good reason. The writing is whimsical, riotous, and witty. They have such clever ideas about Angel and Spike....I could go on and on about the cleverness of the plot, the steamy sex scenes, and the thoughtful insights into the characters (as well as the imaginative exploration of vampire nature). ... This is a total blast!"

Best Action
It's a Tie!
Trial by M. Scott Eiland PG-13
"... the characterizations are wonderful. Xander is just as amiable and irreverent as he is in the show, and his interaction with Willow was just priceless. The author truly did capture two friends who've known each other so long, they have secrets that nobody else knows." " A pleasant surprise. Starts of slow, but picks up speed and becomes much better as it goes along. Very intriguing concept. "
In Ev’ry Angle Greet by Aadler PG
"Now that is an interesting and unique story. Not only is it an alternate reality, but they know they're in an alternate reality. And picking out all the little things that were different was like a delightful scavenger hunt."

Best Romance
In This World by Felicity PG
"What a terrific story, and what a terrific idea. I'd never have thought of splicing together IWRY and "The Gift" like this, but it really works -- the confusion of the other universe's inhabitants is very well done, and both the connection and the division between the different-universe Buffy and Angel are very well done. I also liked the unusual-but-realistic take on Buffy's emotions in this ... I like this independent, strong Buffy, and because of that, I believe all the more in her choices." "An intelligent story that fully understands that nothing is easy in the Buffy-verse, not even when you get your heart's desire. The 'what if' approach, that had been practically chewed to death, has found a refreshingly new and believable outlet in this mature and fascinating story."

Best Unconventional Romance
The Way, Way Back by Liz Estrada R
"A wonderfully written story that once you start reading you just can't seem to stop. A unconventional point of view from an even more unconventional character with just the right amounts of anger, pity, humor and self hatred to make it all work together like a well oiled...er...sewing machine? Oh, just read it and you'll understand." "This is a sensational story, one that dives deep into character and uses some classic elements of mythology (the fates, the minotaur) in new, dynamic, believable ways. Faith's characterization is absolutely, 100% dead-on. ... This is moving and gritty and fantastic on a number of levels. A great read."

Best Drama
Vivere by Rheanna R
"This is a fic about the real meaning of a lot of concepts tossed around lightly in these shows from time to time -- forgiveness, redemption, understanding, shanshu. ... This is about friendship, love and a truly hard-earned redemption. I think it's as emotional, insightful and ingenious a fic as I've ever read, in any fandom, and I've been in various fandoms for about seven years now. Exemplary work and a must-read for anyone who cares about the character of Angel." " This was an amazing story!! It was very original and imaginative. The emotions and feelings were so real and the writing was soo incredible. This is one of the best stories I've ever read. Rheanna is a very talented writer." "An intelligently written story that maturely observes a unique group of people dealing with a unique set of events. This wonderfully written story takes us to the land of 'what if' leaving no room for speculation or doubt - THIS is how the characters would have reacted, and THIS is how they would feel - leaving the reader with no choice but to deal, accept and move on. Much like their beloved characters. Highly recommended."

Best Future
Just Human by Jill NC-17
" ... it was great. There was some yummy goodness and I did like how she had to get her life back together. There was a lot of work put into this story. The writing was well done, there was a perfect plot." "I always enjoy human Angel fiction. We had angst, we had fluff, and we had a happy ending!"

Best Past
Affectations by Chrystler R
"The mirroring between Darla's confrontation with her past and Angel's disillusionment with his future is subtle and convincing. This is a stunning look at New York as both past relic and futuristic marvel, and at Darla as savage predatory and needy woman. Convincing, vivid and deep, this story succeeds on every level." "A wonderfully insightful story that experiences the world from a monster's point of view, observing without judging, proving that the undead can live in denial just like the rest of us. Highly recommended."

Best Crossover
As Time Goes By by Yahtzee PG
"An amazing story that somehow manages to believably combine Angel, Buffy AND Casablanca as if it's the most natural thing in the world. Zigzagging through a horrific alternate reality, jaded former heroes and a breathtaking plot, this story is bound to give you the ride of your life. Go ahead and try to find a hole in this well thought out head spinning plot. I dare you. Highly recommended."

Best Characterization
Another Peaceful War by Mariner PG-13 (Riley)
""Another Peaceful War" is the Riley who should have been. I totally believe in this Riley, broken-up and disbelieving after the events of Season Four. We didn't see this onscreen ... but we could have, and even more importantly, we SHOULD have. I consider this the real Riley, in a way."

Best Episodic Story
A Raising In the Sun by Barb Cummings PG-13
"This AU story, set 4 months after Buffy’s death at the end of S5, deals with the Scoobies’ attempts to foil an evil wizard’s plan to resurrect Buffy for his own nefarious purposes. This synopsis, however, does not even begin to capture the essence of this wonderful, complex, and insightful story. Like many BTVS stories these days, “A Raising in Sun” is focused largely on Spike and, to some extent, the possibility of his redemption, but in a far more believable and thought-provoking way than anything else I have read. Furthermore, there is plenty of wonderful dialogue (including some seriously LOL-provoking humor), action, angst, and character insight and development. Even Hank Summers is developed a bit here, a feat which other authors might fear to attempt. While this story too long to fit even into a two-part episode, it never drags; I found myself racing through it to find out what would happen next. In sum, this is a well-rounded, thoughtful, and exciting piece that I would recommend to any BTVS fan."

Best Alternate Reality
Doyle Investigations by Mike Dewar, Roseveare, etc. R
"A delightfully different take on the Wishverse. Instead of changing what's already happened, this takes a look at the fates of other, unseen characters. And runs with it. Delightful." "Very, very, very lovely AU stuff, done by a talented and *disciplined* group of writers who have managed to maintain focus and believability in a world almost entirely their own. Doyle lovers adore this story -- but there are compelling portraits of Faith, Wesley and Kate as well. This is really what a fic series ought to be -- something with purpose and direction, but still allowing real exploration and invention on the part of the authors. A little-discovered treasure in ATS fandom."

Best Series
Sands of Time by James Walkwithwind and Wolfling NC-17
"Very well written story ... The premise is unlike any I have read elsewhere. I never got bored with this series, and am in fact still looking forward to its continuation. I loved the emotions that were presented, and really felt that I got to know the characters. A delightful, cohesive whole in which each story is still obviously its own unit." "The authors here took a lot of time constructing this series, and it shows. The dialogue is delightful in parts, the writing sharp and flowing."

Best Fanfic Site
Slashing the Angel
"Can you say "Oh my!" I absolutely LOVE the picture of Angel on the main page. It's absolutely delicious, and I'm not even talking about the naked tushy. ... It is a definite bookmark for those who are into Slash fiction." "I just dig this site. First of all, the frames show Angel in leather pants, and the splash page shows Angel naked, so, right off, I'm on board. Second, this is a very focused site (Angel slash), with selected fic of generally high quality, and yet there's something here for almost everyone, thanks to the Schizm section (where non-ship or even het fic is archived as well). It's easy to navigate and to find exactly what you're looking for. Handsome, functional and sexy, like Angel himself. :)"

Summer 2001 Winners:
186 stories and 16 sites nominated!

Best BtVS Story
Ave Misere by Trixie PG-13
"A riveting and poignant glimpse into Buffy's last thoughts..." "I thought it was brilliant, I like Trixie's fic a lot and all of it is quality writing that really holds a lot of emotion."

Best Angel Story
Reconstruction by Diane Harris
"I really do love this story, and I have no clue how many times I’ve read it over at this point. The character interaction is wonderful, the plot is interesting, the surprise ending…plus, I’ve got this massive soft spot for “poor Angel” fics." " ... Definitely a well planned Jossian plot. I could SO see this one as an episode."

Best BtVS/Angel Crossover
Bittersweet Legacy by Vatrixsta Cruden NC-17
"...I generally don't like Buffy-as-a-vampire stories, but this one is excellent. Vatrixsta keeps the plot moving with edge-of-the-seat cliffhangers and still manages to explore the character¹s feelings and motivations. I can't wait for the next installment, and the next, and the next....."

Best Short Story
It's a tie!
Echoes by M. Scott Eiland PG-13
"Aww it was sad, I like sadness in my fics. ... I can actually see Spike continuously calling just hear her voice."
Glorious by Tara LJC O'Shea R
"Ah, how I love flashbacks! This was a delightful fleshing out of the time period (shown in "Fool For Love") between when Spike was turned and when the four of them were hiding in the sewers. Wonderful little details and great vampiric interaction. Plus, it was like seeing the characters "younger," but they still were the same people/vampires they would eventually become...but weren't quite yet. Now that's a trick." "Wow, just wow. ... this is the best 'William is turned' story I've ever read, she obviously did her research into the time period and, unlike some people who just put any old babble in, Drusilla's dialogue was very believable." "All of the characters are drawn magnificently. Tara paints a portrait of them with words, their personalities laid with vivid strokes of clarity and eloquence. Drusilla is the perfect supporting character in this story and every trait is subtle, yet true to the Buffyverse creation."

Best Humor
Pure Emotion by Mike Dewar PG
"Oh dear, that was funny! Wonderfully unexpected character interaction, actually a bit reminiscent of “Sense and Sensitivity.” Made my chuckle more than once." "I love the Wesley of today--he has grown tremendously and now seems comfortable in his own skin. But the Wesley of yesterday was definitely entertaining. Mike's rendering of Wesley's fears, bumbling, and clumsy determination are right on the money."