Mobile Suit Gundam SEED/Fanfic Recs

Proof that the remaining 10% is worth dying for here.

These are recommendations made by Tropers for Mobile Suit Gundam SEED fanfics, all of which have to be signed to stay on the page. Feel free to add a fanfic of your own to the list, but remember to use the template found here.

You can also add to the current recommendations if you want. Refrain from posting Conversation in the Main Page though; that goes in the discussion page.

Authors and Websites
None Yet.

General Fics
''Stories focused on the family and the friendly relationships of the cast. Plot-focused stories or light day-in-the-life stories. Pretty much anything that isn't focused on romance.''

Chaotic Cosmos by Maderfole (AU)
 * Recommended by Lorthos, Jomlos, Zero XSEED
 * Synopsis: An epic featuring the main cast that begins where SEED leaves off.
 * Comments: A magnum opus spanning an intimidating million words, this fic is effortlessly spellbinding and breathtakingly realized. Read it if you've got a lot of free time because it will suck you in. The author has a habit of creating Original Characters but they rarely take the spotlight away from the main cast, and the characters he creates are phenomenal for their roles. Features some of the most horrifically and brilliantly evil antagonists to ever take the stage and really explores the theme of idealism versus practicality that was central to SEED. Fight scenes are good too.
 * Jomlos: Also has good humor and Shipping jokes (Yzak, You Need to Get Laid, QUICK!), meaning that this is NOT a cheap God Mode Sue story filled solely with Wangst. However these just a teaspoon of sugar in a cup of coffee, not interfering with the story. Very recommended.

Birds of a Feather by Solid Shark(AU)
 * Recommended by Gentlemens Dame 883
 * Synopsis: The Grimaldi Falcon, a teenage college student, an accomplished hacker, and a decorated ZAFT war hero, has deserted. What is he doing on Heliopolis? Time may reveal his secrets...
 * Comments: Birds of a Feather introduces a Chessmaster-ish character and manages to carry it off fairly well. Essentially Ace Combat meets Gundam SEED.
 * Now has a tropes page.

Brothers in Arms also by Solid Shark (AU)
 * Recommended by Gentlemens Dame 883
 * Synopsis: How much do events change with just one person added to the equation? When Kevin Walker, enigmatic teenage college student, is caught up in the attack on Heliopolis, perhaps this question has an answer.
 * Comments: Solid Shark's earlier work is also quite good. The introduced character is an ex-Super Soldier struggling with his past. A bit rough at the start, but it gets better. The sequels to this story and the one above are worth looking at too for demonstrating how his love of Metal Gear Solids narrative style has rubbed off on him, although both seem dead at the moment.
 * Addendum: Word of God is that the sequel is officially dead as Brothers in Arms is being rewritten.

Valkyrie's Run by Dragoon Swordsman(AU)
 * Recommended by Gentlemens Dame 883, Jomlos, Zero XSEED
 * Synopsis: A new ship and mobile suit team is added to the mix. Follows the SEED timeline at first, then diverges.
 * Comments: Dragoon Swordsman is Solid Shark's brother, and his writing talent is near to Solid's. If you have any TV life outside of anime, you'll love a certain Reverse Funny Aneurysm.
 * Zero XSEED: A plus note, for that matter, Alex isn't a Marty Stu.

Destiny Awaits by Dragoon Swordsman(AU)
 * Recommended by Tru Reader, Jomlos, Zero XSEED
 * Synopsis: A new war begins, and Alex Strassmeier is in the thick of it once again. Together with Kira, Shinn, and their friends, he resumes the fight with the Alliance.
 * Comments: If you liked Valkyrie's Run, then Destiny Awaits will definitely give you a run for your money. Recommended for its pacing and thought out characters, this fanfic is definitely a jewel amongst the majority of elsewhere fics that are out there. Though it is still in the process of being updated, it's starting to look like a Dead Fic. This Troper hopes not.
 * Jomlos: Find out that this fic is more or less had the quality of the original, which would translate to AWESOME. However, there's a plot hole I hadn't yet understand, when Earth Alliance deploy Girty Rue and mass produced Blitz, the heroes said that this is a violation of Junius treaty. Then why Freedom, Justice, Anubis, and the Original Blitz deployed BEFORE these bogeys secrets even revealed?

Fallen Angel by Noshmono(AU)
 * Recommended by Tru Reader, Rising Dragon
 * Synopsis: By himself, he wasn't able to protect the world from itself. That was the lesson imparted by her in the second war.
 * Comments: It is mostly a good story. The description during the mobile suit battles are amongst some of the best. It isn't lacking in drama, either.

Second Chance by Enchanter 468(AU)
 * Recommended by Tru Reader, Rising Dragon
 * Synopsis: Alternate take on "Phase 50" and part of 49. What if, after the Second Battle of Jachin Due, Fllay had been recovered and revived? How would Kira and the other characters react?
 * Comments: Enchanter468 begins this fic in the middle of the battle for Jachin Due and it is clearly evident that he is no slacker as you read his work. What makes his work different from most is his attention to even minute details and the extensive research that goes into each chapter.

Gundam Seed: Evolution by Enchanter 468(AU)
 * Recommended by Tru Reader, Rising Dragon
 * Synopsis: One year after the first Bloody Valentine War, Kira is abducted by unknown forces. What do the kidnappers want with the Ultimate Coordinator, and what are their wider plans?
 * Comments: Starts off with a bang and sets the pace for what is to come. Very good.

Song of the Storm Wolf by Storm Wolf77415(AU)
 * Recommended by Tru Reader
 * Synopsis: Sebastian Connor, The Storm Wolf of Jachin Due, ZAFT's Supreme Ace, what drove him to hide on Heliopolis? How will the Gundam SEED saga unfold with him in the mix?
 * Comments: The author was probably onto something when he started this fic, beginning it on ZAFT's side of the house, which is something you don't see very often in fanfics. It introduces a compelling character who has demons on his own to battle, while trying to deal with everything happening around him. Currently with over 30 chapters.

Gundam Seed: The Stone of Jade by NukeDawg(AU)
 * Recommended by Tru Reader
 * Synopsis: Follow the events of Gundam Seed from the from the eyes of a Morgenroete Engineer of the Astray project who has his own prototype Astray and joins the Archangel and her crew.
 * Comments: While definitely an ambitious title of its own, Stone of Jade stands out for cleverly offering up bits and pieces of the side story and crafting them into the main storyline.

Song of the Jade Valkyrie by NukeDawg(AU)
 * Recommended by Tru Reader
 * Synopsis: As the title says, this is actually a crossover of the fics, The Stone of Jade, Valkyries Run, and Song of the Storm Wolf, with consent of VR and SotSW authors.
 * Comments: A crossover of three popular fanfictions into one single coherent story, this is a work that has to be read to be believed. While crossovers are generally a bad idea for most, this Mega Crossover of Fics should easily win over both fans of any of the three fics as well as new fans who are looking for an enjoyable read.

Gundam Seed: Orion's Rise by SPARTAN-251(AU)
 * Recommended by Tru Reader
 * Synopsis: See what happens when you add one more Gundam. An Orb Nobleman, escaped captivity, found a new 'old' mobile suit, and discovers the rewards of an AI
 * Comments: A fairly good author who introduces some unique ideas. Though, the author has a slight tendency to God Mode Sue and there is the strange instance of polling at the end of each chapter.

SEEDs of Transformation by Arthur Hansen and Fanboyimusprime
 * Recommended by SAMAS
 * Synopsis: The ZAFT attack on Heliopolis grows more complicated when Robotic alien lifeforms on a refueling stop get caught up in the fighting and hitch a ride on the Archangel. As a series of escalating encounters draws more and more Transformers to the planet, it's discovered that the synthesis of Humans with Cybertronian technology yields unforseen results that could shift the tide of the war in the the Autobots' favor. The Bloody Valentine War is brought to a halt as the Autobots and Decepticons converge upon the Earth Sphere, but hatreds die hard, and there are those willing to use even an eons-old war for their own gain.

Gundam Seed: Killer's Realm by Knightmare Gundam of Ni (AU)
 * Recommended by KGON
 * Synopsis: What would the Cosmic Era be like if the kind, positive, and idealistic Kira was instead a Killer who sheltered a cold and realistic worldview under his kind mask? Alternate Universe Fanfiction with original Mecha and some Original Characters
 * Comments: Basically a 'What if' story that tries to make Kira less of a pacifist, with completely new mobile suits and Gundams. Loaded with Technology Porn.

Gundam Seed: Bloodlines by thebigmacattack (AU) (TV Tropes Page)
 * Recommended by: Laevatein and Grand Prince Paul II
 * Synopsis: What if Kira and Cagalli's positions had been reversed, with Cagalli as a coordinator who pilots the Strike Gundam, and Kira as the prince of Orb?
 * Comments: While the early part of the story follows SEED's plot quite closely, things are starting to diverge. The author has a good handle on Cagalli's character, and it's especially recommended for her fans.

Alternative Fics
Stories set in a radically different world but still following the basic story progression.

Magick Knight: Guardian Seed by kleptographer of alternates
 * Recommended by D
 * Synopsis: Magnum opus set in a gritty sword & sorcery setting on a high fantasy backdrop in which there are two great civilizations: Earth is populated by common Humans and protected by the Alliance of Earth. Plant is a confederation of islands populated by enchanted Adepts who live in enormous Towers. But there is war! Dungeon punk, slight Magitek. In-progress!
 * Comments: A lot of original ideas. And I have to smile at the 'ye olde' dialogue and the spelling of magick.

Legend of the Jokers Wild Revised by CSS.Stravag
 * Recommended by Gatomon41
 * Synopsis: Renewed version from an earlier fanfic, Legend of the Joker's Wild Revised tells of what happens when a dimension-crossing task force from a parallel universe accidentally ends up in the middle of Gundam SEED. Realizing how much of a Crapsack World it is, the protagonists decide to team up with the Seed cast to stop the Bloody Valentine War from escalating.
 * Comments: A greatly improved retelling, the tale is very interesting and engrossing Military Science Fiction. Yeah, the plot is a typical case of Giving Radio to the Romans, but its just so much fun to read. It doesn't focus much on the Seed cast, but rather on the displaced Joker's Wild, whose home dimension is a strange chimeria of BattleTech, Gundam, Sailor Moon, Greek Mythology, and a dozen or so other series. Despite this, the reactions of the Seed cast is rather surprising. So detailed is the background, that the Author provides Appendixes explaining the background (like why the Joker's Wild rock out to Nightwish in the middle of Battle). There are even notes on converting the various ships and Mecha (both Original and Gundam Seed) for BattleTech! Overall, Jokers is just pure fun to read. it dosn't take itself too seriously, and it packs enough action and devlopment to keep readers entertained.

Shipping Fics
Stories focused on the romantic relationships between the cast.

Inferno by Rihaku (AU)
 * Recommended by Lorthos, Comartemis
 * Synopsis: Very AU but highly interesting fic in which Kira is a different type of Ultimate Coordinator. Focuses a lot on his relationship with Lacus.
 * Comments: Man this guy can write. Should be read for some of the descriptions alone, his prose is just magnificent. The concept is pretty decent too.
 * Comartemis: This fic makes me wish I could see the looks on the faces of other readers, because anyone who ever complained about Kira being a God Mode Sue in canon is probably going to have an aneurysm when they see what he's capable of after a few years living The Spartan Way. Biggest problem is that Kira is so OOC as to be a completely different character but the OC who's supposed to be Kira is interesting enough to hold my attention, and his interactions with Lacus are downright riveting.
 * Lorthos: The fic is interesting in that it sounds terrifically cliche on paper but just awes with its execution. I'd say the biggest problem is the author being too damn cryptic about everything. Definitely brings the Kira/Lacus ship to life by any means possible. I felt that Kira was becoming more similar to his canon self as the fic progressed.

The Necklace by Enchanter 468(AU)
 * Recommended by Tru Reader, Gatomon41, Rising Dragon
 * Synopsis: It's Fllay's first birthday after the war, and she's feeling rather lonely, but maybe Kira can help her see that she's not so alone after all.
 * Comments: Depending on your feelings for Flay Allster and the neverending shipping wars to the death over who Kira should be with. But for the most part, it's a very sweet fic that could cool even the most belligerent of fanboys/fangirls...or at least the ones mature enough to move past it all.

The Isle by puzzlepuzzle(Post-Destiny)
 * Recommended by Usako Hoshino
 * Synopsis: In the aftermath of the Second War, Athrun Zala vanished without a trace for seven years - Cagalli never thought to find him. But fate deviates when he comes to find her himself, and a web of desire and bloodstained deceit lies before them.
 * Comments: This fanfiction's spellbinding and almost flawless writing will definitely touch readers' hearts as they continue to read this mesmerizing story and get entranced by the characters and their feelings. A must-read for all AsuCaga lovers, and its twists will always shock you endlessly, a perfect and delightful read. M rated.

Insatiable Heart by yuugiri
 * Recommended by Lorthos
 * Synopsis: After the end of the Bloody Valentine War, the cast of Gundam Seed attempts to adjust to normality.
 * Comments: Just a very solid romance fic overall, with competent characterization and decent writing. Bonus points for its length - at over 150,000 words, it's easily long enough to fill a few hours.

Welcome to the Jungle by Rusty Halos
 * Recommended by desirdesir, Sunny Nights
 * Synopsis: In the words of the author, "The Academy only accepts you if you're too rich, too beautiful, & your name is as blue as Zala's hair. It's where those with the universe at their feet smoke, drink, party, f*** & f*** up...and I'm here expose their secrets. Welcome to the jungle, baby." A high-society, spoiled rotten, boarding school version of the Seed cast, with all the accompanying intrigues. Partially narrated by an anonymous colleague of the main characters whose intent is the expose their ridiculous antics and dirty secrets to the world. A highschool!au without quite being a high-school au.
 * Pairings: AsuCaga, Kira/Lacus, Dearka/Miriallia/Sai
 * Comments: Found this fic after reading another of the author's fics, and I recommend with a caveat. The author's characterizations are often stretched to the point of almost Mary-Sue-ishness--oftentimes, the main characters in particular are portrayed as caricatures of BAMFs. However, this is countered by the quality writing and intriguing world that s/he created. It's Gossip Girl-esque while remaining genuine and engrossing. It's a little bit like the show Skins if you've ever seen it. The relationships are portrayed with sincere angstiness and the fic is full of light-hearted fun and amusing one-liners. Lots of spoiled-brat hi-jinks and underage drinking and partying. Only read if you can let your disbelief slide for the span of its chapters.

Truth and Truth Be Told by puzzlepuzzle
 * Recommended by desirdesir
 * Synopsis: In the words of the author, "Two years after the war, Cagalli Yula Atha is an absolute stranger to Athrun Zala.He's left stranded and desperate but he's not about to sit there and do nothing, especially since they have a score to settle." A what-happens-after fic about the developing relationship between Athrun and Cagalli, how their delusions fuel lots of angst, and the chronicles of their road to a happy ending.
 * Pairings: Asu Caga, background Kira/Lacus
 * Comments: BAR NONE, the BEST Asu Caga fics I have ever read. I really don't have the words to describe it, honestly. The characterization is spot on, the writing is beautiful, and the emotions are so readily palpable that it makes me feel treacherously close to being heartbroken on many different occasions. The plot is believable, and the story moves at just the right pace--not so slow as to be boring, but slow enough that you can savor all the delicious little portraits into the lives of the characters. There are highs and lows, lots of angst, lots of fluff. The best thing is that, after reading, it made me feel like I actually knew the characters better as a result. A true romance epic, with an ending that made me want to grin like an asylum patient.

Believing by puzzlepuzzle
 * Recommended by desirdesir
 * Synopsis: In the words of the author, "When Yzak Joule meets Shiho Hahenfuss for the first time as children, it's hate at first sight. But as war pervades into the lives of the two, their fates become intertwined and he must get Shiho on his side. Not for anyone, but for Yzak's own sake." A story of Yzak and Shiho's relationship, spanning from their childhood to the Bloody Valentine War, showing everything that happens--all the highs, all the lows, all the ridiculously complicated emotions.
 * Pairings: Yzak/Shiho
 * Comments: This fic is the fic that made me ship Yzak/Shiho above all others in this fandom. Shiho is a complete mystery, a blank slate, and the author, in this fic, single handedly described Shiho as I will forever remember her when I read any other fan material. The writing is impeccable, and beautiful in its restraint and contrasting emotional depth. As with all the author's other fiction, after reading this story, I felt like I actually knew the characters. Yzak isn't usually described in more depth than ANGRY PLATNIUM BLONDE, but this fic really fleshed him out, and made him one of my favorite characters. Watching as he and Shiho grow to know each other, to hate each other, to accept each other, is amazing and heartbreaking and wonderful. I really can't praise it enough. This is the only long fic I've ever read about Yzak/Shiho that was believable and touching.