I decided to write this after reading the thread 'Please List your favorite "Ranma-in-a-Fuku" fics.' and the numerous recommendations it contains.
While I'm sure that most of the listed fics are at least decent, they probably still differ wildly in quality. I think it would be more easy to choose something to read from these recommendations (at least for me) if people said a bit more about each story. I've decided to list a bunch of those I read and describe them for a bit. All of these are quite well-known, though, which is why I didn't bother with an in-depth plot description.
I created the following rating system for my own use:
- Ultimate: These stories are flawless or pretty darn close, with a highly unique premise and captivating plot, exceptionally well-written characters and perfect spelling and diction. Unless you go looking for it, you will find no fault with stories of this type.
- Excellent: These fics are among the best ones there are, with minor faults only that do not detract from its quality in a meaningful way. They just lack the sheer awesomeness that distinguishes fics of the highest category.
- Good: These stories are definitely enjoyable to read, and while they aren't terribly special and have noticeable faults, lacking either originality or skill in its execution, the reader still generally has a good time reading them.
- Fine: These are stories that are only mediocre. The flaws are too big to just overlook, and a lacking implementation can ruin even a good story idea. Whether you are able to enjoy a story of this range depends a lot on your individual tastes.
- Poor: While this story might even have an interesting premise, it only serves to emphasize the many things that are wrong with it. The author has neither the imagination nor the hard writing skills to turn this into something worthwhile. Stories of this rank are often riddled with grating spelling mistakes, bad characterization and aggravating clichés.
- Botched: This is so bad it should never have been written. The author exercizes a blatant disregard to every convention of good, creative writing, resulting in a nasty piece of work that has no redeeming qualities at all.
Please note that the qualities which make up my ratings are all highly subjective, and you may disagree wildly with my assessments. If that is the case, feel free to post why.
'The Best of Times' by Ozzallos
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2609602/1/
Great stuff. Ozz is simply one of the best out there. This fic has an excellent plot that isn't hampered at all by that fact that it is focused mainly on humor. A highly entertaining read that I can recommend to anyone. There are two different endings at least one of which should suit everybody's tastes, whether you like fairy-tale happy ends or something a bit more serious.
- Rating: Excellent+
'Relatively Absent' by Togashi Gaijin
http://gaijinsrealm.com/relabs/index.shtml
Arguably THE best fukufic out there. With an amazing plot, a host of new characters (all of which are excellently written and entirely convincing), and a deeply intriguing writing style that keeps the reader spellbound, this fic leaves nothing to be desired. (Well, die-hard fans of Pluto (the senshi, not the not-quite-anymore planet) will not like this fic quite as much, but that's a different matter...) The story is so deep and compelling that the Ranma 1/2 canon seems like just a minor puzzle piece that is carefully inserted into a greater frame.
The story unfolds quite slowly, which would be terrific if it didn't mean you'd need a Guardian's life span to see this fic finished. I'm avidly waiting for the next chapter, though.
- Rating: Ultimate
'Destiny's Child' by Fire
*sorry, unable to find location*
A great fic, with an interesting variation of the curse, and numerous cameos from other universes which are well integrated. The plot and writing quality are both excellent and the developing pairing (Ranma/Rei) quite unique, but I think the whole thing is just a tad too drawn-out in the end, and the constant overlap of Rei and Akane in Ranma's mind (and the resulting actions on his part) becomes a bit grating. Still, this is definitely one of the better ones I have read, and should keep you busy for a bit.
- Rating: Good to Excellent
'Gunslinger Moon' by Josh Temple
http://www.florestica.com/jtemple/gsm/index.htm
This starts off very promising, with an unique and exciting premise that is well-implemented. I can't find any fault with the quality of the writing, but unfortunately the fic is too short to really see where that promising beginning of a plot might be going. If this story achieved its potential, it could well surpass its current rating.
- Preliminary Rating: Excellent
Why don't you just go ahead and describe those fics that you think really stand out from the crowd and which you can recommend wholeheartedly? If you could write similiar recommendations for some of the other stories, we'd quickly have a useful resource.
I've also tried to look into 'Vengeance and a Half', but was unable to locate the story. All the links I got through various queries were broken. Someone help?
Quizer