Those Who Favor Fire (Star Trek: TOS story by Lezlie Shell)
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For articles with the same title, see Those Who Favor Fire.
| Fanfiction | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Those Who Favor Fire |
| Author(s): | Lezlie Shell |
| Date(s): | 1982 |
| Length: | |
| Genre(s): | slash |
| Fandom(s): | Star Trek: TOS |
| Relationship(s): | Kirk/Spock |
| External Links: | at AO3 |
Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Those Who Favor Fire is a K/S story by Lezlie Shell.
It was published in the print zine Out of Bounds, Too.
The story addresses the premise of Vulcan logic and how fan writers tended to Spock and this logic into paragons of virtue, and that logic is simply a neutral tool that could be used for evil as well as good.
Summary
"A/U. Kirk is unaware that Spock is slowly going mad after his divorce from T'Pring and that he plans to make Kirk his own anyway he has to."
Reactions and Reviews
1982
'Those Who Favour Fire' by Lezlie Shell is the other story and describes a Spock who becomes mentally unstable and possessive of Kirk. He manipulates Kirk's compassion and feelings of guilt with the cunning of madness until Kirk is well and truly hooked, despite McCoy's dire warnings. Not something, perhaps, that one would choose to read but cleverly written and observed nonetheless. Whether the reader enjoys this zine depends really on what he/she wants from his/her K/S. [1]
My favorite — yet most hated story — was "Those Who Favor Fire" by Leslie Shell, I think I could easily have nightmares if I decided
to check out all the episodes and just where Spock's insanity becomes noticeable; I especially liked the way the author did the progression of Kirk's admittance to his own needs. [2]
1989
What a wonderfully chilling story. As much as I don't care for the premise I can't deny its effectiveness. Spock's easy manipulation of Kirk is skillfully drawn with a slow build-up that culminates in a shattering climax. The seduction scene is powerful- I could just see Kirk falling under Spock's spell. When McCoy figures out what is going on, I could understand his frustration at Kirk's refusal to believe him. And the doctor's explanation of the cause of Spock's descent into insanity had me nodding in agreement - human and Vulcan being like matter and anti-matter. I can't say that I really enjoyed this story in the usual sense mainly because I like the happy endings, but I have to admit that the author makes Spock's insanity all-too-believable. [3]
1998
I was hooked into this story from the first few lines. It is a Spock POV, but from the very beginning I realized that this was not a Spock with which I was comfortable. As the story unfolds the author convincingly portrays an increasingly erratic and often unpleasant, Spock. I kept reading even as I was disturbed by this characterization of Spock. Kirk’s actions and reactions to Spock’s behavior are exactly what I would predict. McCoy is also used effectively. The ending clarified everything in a believable manner. For those who like skillfully written K/S that does not end especially happily, try this story. [4]
1999
Spock is insane. Those glimpses into his insanity are scary as hell, especially because it all seems so logical. [5]
2020
This was a gripping, incredible read. I’ve read hundreds of Spock/Kirk fics, and this is really really good take on a Dark Spock. Thanks writer! [6]
I’ve never read a fic with such a dark portrayal of Spock and I love it! Love the fact that in the end Spock will still gets his man. It’s dark and sort of twisted but somehow I could see Spock’s brain working like this, logical and cold. I look forward to reading more of your work:) [7]
Wow, I was not expecting this, this was a rollercoaster! [8]
This is SO scary. I kinda hated reading it but couldn't put it down. What a ride! Sincerely, I hope I never get to read any other dark Spock story. This one was enough for a lifetime! A genius work. [9]
It’s pretty amazing to read fanfic from decades ago.it has a different feel from anything in the past decade that I’ve been reading. Thanks for the upload! [10]
Something completely unrelated made me remember this fic and I spent a whole day trying to find it again and then I read it again. Good god! How can this be so terrifying and so good and so spot on? I am afraid I will read it again one day. [11]
2021
Well, that is quite a story...I just do not understand why you wanted to create such a mentally ill, devious Spock? And turn Kirk in to such a Victim. I mean, where do you go from here? [12]
2022
this was fucking crazy thanks!! [13]
References
- ^ from Communicator #5 (May 1982)
- ^ from K/S & K.S. (Kindred Spirits) #3 (November 1982)
- ^ from The LOC Connection #11
- ^ from The K/S Press #25
- ^ from The K/S Press #31
- ^ from Lena at Archive of Our Own (27 Apr 2020)
- ^ from Nettiegirl86 at Archive of Our Own (29 Apr 2020)
- ^ from Child_of_Darkness69 at Archive of Our Own (4 May 2020)
- ^ from Kalpana at Archive of Our Own (4 May 2020)
- ^ from Princess_Breetlejuice at Archive of Our Own (6 July 2020)
- ^ from Kalpana at Archive of Our Own (24 July 2020)
- ^ from Sally at Archive of Our Own (1 Mar 2021)
- ^ from GothHerman at Archive of Our Own (17 Jan 2022)