Fic Rec: A Study in Winning

[swissmarg]

Title: A Study in Winning
Author: jupiter_ash
Pairing: Sherlock/John
Length: 106,697 words
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: None
Verse: BBC Sherlock AU
Author's summary: John and Sherlock are professional tennis players and it’s Wimbledon. One is a broken almost was at the end of his career, the other an arrogant rising star tipped for greatness. It should have been a straightforward tournament. It really should have been. How were they to know that a chance encounter would change everything?

Reccer's comments: Jumping right in with the latest completed epic, this fic for me is right up there with the finest Sherlock AUs as an example of taking the BBC Sherlock characters and putting them in a completely novel setting that nonetheless manages to preserve their character integrity and dynamic, while creating a reading experience that is so rich in detail and realism that it steps beyond fan fiction into the realm of the very best in reading entertainment.

In this story, Sherlock applies his skills at observation and deduction not to solving crimes, but to winning on the tennis court. Even without the driving force of threats of physical danger and violence, the fic maintains a high level of dramatic, sexual, and emotional tension throughout. John and Sherlock's relationship begins with a bang and doesn't let up for one second. As their feelings for each other develop, the pressure increases on the tennis court, leading to a dramatic climax that is heart-wrenching and angst-ridden enough to satisfy even the most jaded Johnlock fan.

There are lots of fun moments in this too, from Sherlock's affected French accent (which ties in with his canon persona being expert at disguises) to verbal sparring matches with Moriarty, and cameos by many tennis greats.

In addition to all of that, the descriptions of the tennis play-by-plays are (to me anyway, just a casual fan of the sport) so realistic and detailed that I felt as if I were listening to actual audio commentary of the matches. If you aren't a tennis fan, don't worry, the story stands on its own and you don't need any technical knowledge of the sport to enjoy the fic.

I waited until this was complete before beginning to read it, because I knew once I started I wouldn't be able to wait for the next installment, and I was right. I read the entire thing in one sitting, and with the promise of a sequel to begin posting shortly, it's going to be hard to stay away from this author's updates!

Comments

[bergergrey.livejournal.com]

you are so right. I made the mistake to read the installments one by one and being forced to wait for the last chapter was torture. The story has crept into my brain and refuses to come out any time soon.

[swissmarg]

There's an extra scene up on their journal too that takes place during this, sort of as a teaser before the sequel begins posting. I am so tempted to start reading the sequel right away but I'm going to try to be strong for the sake of my sanity!

[haikitteh.livejournal.com]

This sounds amazing - thanks so much for the rec!

[pennswoods.livejournal.com]

This is such an awesome fic. I know nothing about tennis, but I was so drawn in by how the way the author related each of the matches as well as the aftermath of each on John and Sherlock.

[allonymity.livejournal.com]

I know next to nothing about tennis and would've said I couldn't care less, but this story was totally engrossing. Great rec!

[thinkpink20.livejournal.com]

I was really, really dubious about this but now I've started it I'm already hooked and I'm only on chapter two. It's such a lovely feelgood fic, thank you so much for rec'ing it!

[swissmarg]

You're welcome, and get ready for a long night. ;)

[cranberryloops.livejournal.com]

I would've never thought to read it, so I'm so so happy you recced it. I mean, I love tennis, and I love Sherlock, mixing the two seemed weird, but I was hooked from the go.
It was really superb. Thanks.

[swissmarg]

You're welcome!

[litania87.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the rec!

What a great fic... I don't usually read WIPs so I didn't read it before... And now I'm stuck reading the sequel every week... Too good to resist!

[swissmarg]

I know, I saw that the sequel started posting yesterday... I managed to resist, but we'll see how long that lasts! (Is it completely awesome?)

[litania87.livejournal.com]

Yes!I don't want to tease but it was a great start... I can't wait till next Monday!

[ariss-tenoh.livejournal.com]

Thanks for reccing this. I was very sceptical at first but this AU actually works.

I'll be checking your other recs^_^

[swissmarg]

This is one of the best. Most of my other recs this month are also long AUs, so I hope you find something else you like! (And don't forget to check out all the other wonderful recs on the comm this month, something for everyone. :) )