Chameleon (Sherlock story)
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| Fanfiction | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Chameleon |
| Author(s): | Velvet Mace |
| Date(s): | last updated May 15, 2012 |
| Length: | |
| Genre: | slash, John/Sherlock |
| Fandom: | Sherlock BBC |
| External Links: | is here (to chapter 14, plus links to other chapters) (428 comments) Cover art by thebestofsherlockfanfiction (2013) |
Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Chameleon is a well-known, unfinished WIP Sherlock BBC fanfic by Velvet Mace. It is an AU-based in a Susan Foster type Sentinel/Guide universe.
The world-building via The Sentinel is fascinating, as is the interest this fiction had. But this story also grew to be as much a real life tale of WIP, pressure, and ultimately a psychological cautionary tale for all fannish creators about their audiences.
In the end, what happens to a community when an intensely-read fanfiction, posted in parts, remains unfinished when its author loses interest, will, and desire?
Author's Summary
- Pairing: Sherlock/John, iffily platonic Harry/John, Sebastian Moran/John
- Rating: R
- Genre: Crossover with the Sentinel, AU, Plotfic.
- Warnings: Forced Bonding, Non-con, coercion, imprisonment, incesty vibes, mild violence.
- Summary: Written for This Prompt: In a world filled with Sentinels with heightened senses, strength and endurance, and Guides, with seductive empathy, who knew that seeming "ordinary" could be John's greatest strength.
Reactions and Reviews
I love the way velvet mace writes John and Sherlock even if I'm constantly biting my fingers with worry at how badly fate can treat John in her fics. However John always retains his essential strength of character and Sherlock always manages to be an exceedingly arrogant genius who is both enamoured and possessive of 'his' John, so I'm really very happy. This fic looks set to be a wonderfully intriguing AU with John and Sherlock firmly at the centre.[1]
I’ve finally gotten around to reading this one and I’m so glad I did! It’s really really great! I almost blew off some of my friends to finish reading it but I didn’t, which is why it took so long. It’s interesting and I was captivated by the whole thing. Definitely suspenseful. The detail is spectacular and I was just drawn in right from the beginning. I loved that John was known as The Phantom and that he was a “rogue” Guide. And that despite Sherlock’s efforts to not have a Guide and just be a “consulting” Sentinel, he can’t help but be drawn to John. Perfect. I definitely recommend everyone check this one out! It’s long, and not done yet but it’s brilliant![2]
Great use of the Sentinel trope, some serious suspense, and great character development, particularly of John.[3]
I’m new to the Sentinal/Guide trope. I’ve read a few fics in this trope and couldn’t really get into them even though it sounds interesting. This one though was very interesting and I could stick with it. Keep in mind everyone reads differently and you might like those other fics (if you can find them I didn’t keep them around long, sorry). I like the story of this fic, it kind of sucks you in and keeps you there. The world is wonderfully built - enough words to form the world for you, but not too much to get you distracted. Anyone else ever feel that way?
I would give this a read if you are new to the trope, and if you haven’t read it yet and you’re in the trope - why haven’t you read it yet? From what I’ve heard, this is sort of the Sentinel/Guide bible…right? This was very interesting and dark and fun and enjoyable. Try it![4]
This is an amazing AU. Fast-paced, addictive, awesome.[5]
Chameleon is probably the best one I've read. It's a crossover but it's so good it'll make you all cry tears of blood.[6]
Inspired Fanart
- fanart for Chameleon by artconserv
- Art, Archived version by reapersun
- SH: Guides and Sentinels by Koru-ru
References
- ^ "August 2, 2011 LiveJournal post by alicambsrecs". Archived from the original on 2022-04-25.
- ^ "Feb 25, 2012 Tumblr Post at fuckyeahjohnlockfanfic". Archived from the original on 2022-04-25.
- ^ "My JohnLock or Sherlock/John Recs, October 16, 2012 Livejournal post". Archived from the original on 2021-01-04.
- ^ "Pepper's Fic Recs, Nov 17, 2012 Tumblr post". Archived from the original on 2022-04-25.
- ^ "GIANT REC LIST OF DOOM!!! Nov 11, 2020 Livejournal post". Archived from the original on 2022-04-25.
- ^ "Comment by RoughBunny on BBC Sherlock fanfiction discussion thread, posted to r/Sherlock on August 20, 2012". Archived from the original on 2022-04-25.