winter podfic recs

[starduchess]

hp_podfic_fest ran its first fest in December with the theme of Winter Fest, so any fics pertaining to winter scenes or a winter holiday qualified for posting. I downloaded and have listened to all of them and finally got around to commenting and reccing.

Here is my rec list of favourites, and there's something here for everyone. Click on the name of the fic to go to the podfic post for downloading either the mp3 or m4b file or listening directly with the streaming audio option.

Sorry this post ends up being so long.

Amistlemour by rivertempest read by deirdre_aithne, PG-13, Draco/Hermione.
Summary: After receiving an enchanted Christmas present from Fred Weasley, Hermione thinks her life will never be the same. And she's right.

A humourous tale. She did a great job with Twiggy's voice and Hermione's outbursts.

Draco, Merrily on High by byblythe read by 1farmer_girl, PG-13, Draco/Harry, Remus/Tonks.
Summary: Draco Malfoy, conductor of the Junior London Magical Oratory, ends up caroling in front of Harry Potter's house. There's cooking and dancing and lots of music.

The reader does a wonderful job of showcasing all the characters' attitudes, including Harry's tipsiness, and there's lots of music included in this.

Elemental by katmarajade read by tree00faery, PG, Percy gen.
Summary: I wonder what he's giving his family for Christmas.

A different tale, showcasing how Percy feels about his family compared to himself. Nicely read.

Fade to Silver by furiosity read by raitala, PG, Draco/Harry.
Summary: Four years ago, Draco Malfoy disappeared from the wizarding world. This is the story of what happened after that.

Absolutely fantastic reading. Every intonation is perfect and the emotions come through so well. I could listen to her all day. The fic is unique, with a little bit of mystery, and the music fits it perfectly as well.

The Friday Box by leela_cat read by flamingolady, G, Severus gen.
Summary: Sometimes, when no one was watching, Severus Snape went into a windowless room and performed a private ritual taught to him by his Grandma Snape.

An interesting look at Jewish holiday traditions, hidden away in the Wizarding World. The reading is clear and even.

Foreplay by joanwilder read by amanitamuscaria, NC-17, Severus/Harry.
Summary: Harry discovers that anticipation is the best part of the holiday season.

A slow moving romance filled with lots of foreplay. She does a nice job reading, especially Snape's voice -- not too low, but very controlled.

Lights Out by dhobikikutti read by cantarina1, G, Parvati gen.
Summary: Not celebrating is still an event.

Another unique fic, this time looking at Indian holiday traditions. The reader did very well on her Hindi.

Not a Present by kellychambliss read by jenepod, PG, Severus, Pomona, Minerva gen.
Summary: On Christmas morning at Hogwarts, Severus receives a package.

A lovely fic about Snape's first Christmas as a teacher. I love Pomona's voice in this, and the overall delivery is excellent.

Shall Yourselves Find Blessing by quill_lumos read by teas_me, NC-17, Severus/Harry.
Summary: Returning to Hogwarts, Harry discovers Snape is living alone in a hovel and takes him in. As a thank you, Snape listens to Harry's sexual problems and offers a solution.

This is extremely easy to listen to, and both Harry and Snape are shown to go through a score of emotions.

Snow Fairies by lash_larue read by Regina Nigellus, PG, Padma, Luna gen (pre-slash?).
Summary: Padma leaves the Yule Ball in anger and frustration, and stumbles across something extraordinary.

A wonderful look at Luna through Padma's eyes. The reader's accent is perfect for Padma's POV. Her fascination and astonishment come through very clear.

Spinsters on a Sunday Morning by tetleythesecond read by sylvaine57, R, Minerva/Irma Pince, Rita gen.
Summary: The headmistress is retiring, and Rita Skeeter is sent to interview her. Oh, how she looks forward to that.

An amusing fic. I love how she reads Rita's parts all fast and energetic and condescending compared to Minerva's parts, which are slower and more loving.

The Way of the World by zionsstarfish read by vaysh11, PG-13, Draco/Harry, Ron/Hermione.
Summary: Draco makes a living (barely) as delivery boy of holidays gifts. His last parcel for the day is for Mr. Harry Pot–

This is a beautiful, touching story. She does a fabulous job reading it, with Draco's desparation and yearning for comfort. The music is a German Christmas carol, which works so well with this fic.

So, go, listen, leave the authors and readers lots of good feedback!

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