Title: Magnificent Desolation
Author's LJ/DWJ: abyssinia / grav_ity
Categories: other media, Sam, Jack, Jack and Sam friendship, pre-series, character study
Warnings: none
Author's Webpage/Fic list: : Masterlist of Fanfiction / Gravity Not Included
Link to story: Magnificent Desolation

Why this should be read heard: Abyssis lovingly, eloquently traces the history of space travel on Earth, and how it has intertwined with Sam and Jack's lives. She deftly weaves past events with show canon, showing us the unique bond that they share, with their love of flight and the stars that shine above them. And Grav_ity takes this gorgeous character piece and reads it with all the quiet and powerful intensity that it fully deserves.

One of my all-time favorite Stargate fics, podficced brilliantly. This is just under half an hour of SG-1 at its best.

With thanks to Minxy, for reminding me of this marvelous fic...

Title: West
Author's LJ/DWJ: minnow1212
Categories: Sam, S8, stranded, character study
Warnings: none
Author's Webpage/Fic list: Fanfic Index on LJ
Link to story: West

Why this should be read: Minnow calls this lovely little character study a "snippet fic." It is, I suppose, only a bit of what might possibly be a larger story. But really, it's all I need.

Because Minnow gave us Sam, in Season Eight.

And took away her team…

And the ability to communicate with the confused locals…

And even the knowledge of where to look for the Stargate.

She pared her down to the essentials – and kept her beautifully, absolutely Sam.

And anyway, I can't resist the idea of Sam considering that the next time she has to draw a picture of Daniel for the natives, she should emphasize the eyebrows instead of the glasses. :)

(Oh, and don't forget the little additional snippet, hidden in the comments!)

( snippet of fic... )

Title: Undertow
Author's LJ/DWJ: abyssinia
Categories: supersam, under the influence, drama, team
Warnings: violence
Author's Webpage/Fic list: Masterlist of fanfiction
Link to story: Undertow

Why this should be read: SG-1 is captured by genetically-modified natives who sense Sam's protein marker and are convinced that she's Goa'uld - or Tok'ra. Jack, without hearing, can't lead; Teal'c suffers the enraged helplessness of someone who can't defend his friends; Daniel, without the use of his hands, can't write or do anything to help the others. And Sam – poor Sam is beaten and drugged until she doesn't which way is up any more. And since the story is told wholly in her POV, the reader is equally confused, as Sam's sense of time and perception is warped and out of sync.

There's great wordbuilding and teamy goodness and courage and strength in this one, and by the time you've figured out what's happened, you'll want to go back and reread it all over again!

(Bonus – Abyssis also posted the "Undertow"- director's cut, in which the scenes are actually placed in order, rather than as Sam remembers and perceives them, plus a happy team ending. I strongly recommend you read Undertow first, but you'll probably enjoy reading this one, too.)

( snippet of fic... )

Title: With Great Power
Author's LJ/DWJ: amilyn
Categories: Samantha Carter, team, drama, hurt/comfort, Sam and Jack friendship, Sam and Daniel friendship
Warnings: none
Author's Webpage/Fic list: My little bits of fiction
Link to story: With Great Power

Why this should be read: Amilyn gives us an excellent Sam story, as the team finds themselves trapped by Jaffa and are desperate to find any way of escape. The key turns out to be a part of Sam that she dreads using... and that just might take her somewhere, or to become someone, that she doesn't want to be.

Great Sam POV, impeccable teamwork, wonderful Sam and Daniel bonding, and a thoughtful look at Jolinar's legacy. You'll love the breathless scene in the Gateroom, and the final conversation between Jack and Sam, when he proves himself both a marvelous CO and a compassionate human being. With Great Power is a great Sam story and a fantastic team fic, so go read it right now!

( snippet of fic... )

Our latest theme is Super Sam! Stories that feature Sam in charge, Sam saving the day, Sam struggling - and succeeding! - at solving a knotty problem. Let's pay tribute to the woman who could both geek out with Daniel, shoot a P90 at Jack's behest with enough accuracy to awe a Goa'uld, and share a close friendship as fellow warriors with Teal'c.

Other recs that do not fit the theme may still be posted, of course, but these next few weeks should put the spotlight on Samantha Carter. If you post a rec that fits this theme, please use the theme: super sam tag (either by tagging the rec yourself or including it in the categories, so the admin can tag it for you.)

Feel free to read the FAQ before posting. Official format is included in the FAQ entry and on the comm's profile page. And, as always, I will happily answer any questions you might have, and welcome any suggestions for future themes.

For the time being, I am leaving the comm with unmoderated status. It seems to be working out well! And I will restrain myself from posting a rec for my favorite Sam character study fic for a day or two, in case someone else wants to beat me to reccing it. :)

And if you haven't actually visited the comm for a while, take a quick moment to view it and admire the beautiful banner, created by sg_betty. Thanks so much, Betty!