Guys I set myself up for this one. Damnit. This is gonna suck. 

*Phew* Okay. 

Get your hats on, guys, because this is gonna be rough. I will have Much Grief TM about this. If you're hurt about not being on the list, or being low on the list, trust me. It hurt me more. 

Also ignore the bad pictures/screenshots of the covers. I tried, and I failed. 

Here's some criteria: 

1. I've been accepted to them. It kinda goes without saying, but I'm also really bad at reading books when I'm not involved. Yes I'm self-centred it's fine. 

2. There's more than one chapter. Sorry, to all you baby applyfics, but you won't be on this list today. (For now, wink wink.) All these books will have 1+ chapter, and yes I'm counting prologues. 

3. My ratings will all be justified (perhaps poorly), but will be some mishmash of world building, plot, writing, and (as I am self-centred, see no. 1), what role my OC had in it. So. Be warned. This whole book is going to be alarmingly biased. 

So. Here we go. 

Please kill me gently. 

NUMBER 10
Playing Monster by Coruscant_Cosmonaut

Playing Monster is such a good applyfic, it kills me to put it at 10. But alas, here it goes. Don't worry, Coruscant_Cosmonaut, you'll have more on the list *coughs in RITF*. I loved every character that was applied with, especially Esfir, because it was such a good take on the Darkling needing a daughter, and the themes that explores with Alina's relationship with him. 

The writing, as always, is impeccable. It's funny, it's fresh, and it's always engaging. Plus you always end up with those one-liners that hit me like a truck, and it's always a delight. 

The amount of thought that I can see that went into this was incredible. You always have your books so well planned out, so it wasn't a surprise, but the way you kept in with the show, and even added the exact dialogue was fantastic. Weaving in the OCs' thoughts with the canon characters' words is just such good use of working with what you've got. I was blown away, and so in love with everything. 

The way you wrote Mingxia was perfect, too. She was spunky, funny, absolutely monstrous, just how I imagined. I loved her dynamic with Kon, and honestly, talking Crows and Alina with you behind the scenes was just so sweet to me. It felt like talking about our children, and it was so lovely. 

NUMBER 9
Aphelion by lvejackson

Aphelion is honestly one of the most fun applyfics I've ever read. It's the perfect mix of sappy, funny, heartwarming, and dramatic. Every chapter I experienced at least seven different types of heart attacks, and I loved each one of the characters so much. 

Vi is really good at writing multi-dimensional, gritty characters, and Monaco (their OC) was one of my favourites. He was so mean and sassy, and he was in a love triangle with my OC, River, and the sweetest little bean named Wylan. You already know I love me a Wylan Van Eck-coded character. 

Aphelion was also where I met Vi, so props to her for making a space plot seem interesting. What really drew me in was the world building. I loved the idea of different planets having stereotypical personality traits associated with them, and customs. It was such a fresh take that I hadn't thought of, and so I was instantly hooked. 

The reason why it's 9th is because I think it lacked the organisation that Vi was aiming for, and I can tell she was getting frustrated with it. It kinda lost steam at the end, but will always live on in my heart. It's also not the writing I know Vi is capable of, and I'm not about to shame you by putting it high on the list and over-applauding it. It's fantastic, don't get me wrong, but you've already done so much better. 

NUMBER 8
Teenage Mania by burszt

For starters, the aesthetics in this book are impeccable. It's so creepy and unhinged, but beautiful and deep, it made a huge impact on me from the start. The premise is really, really intriguing too. I love dark books, and this one is just about psychotic teenagers being psychotic teenagers. And I love that. The best part about being a fiction writer is that you can write out any dark impulses or hypothetical what-ifs and it's totally socially acceptable. So Teenage Mania definitely satisfied that craving. 

The writing is absolutely beautiful. The first chapter was for my OC, Sonomi, and honestly I was blown away by how poetic and crepuscular it was. "Songbird sing me a song, a sweet lullaby while you drain me of my blood. (The rabbits last plea to Sonomi.)" is the chapter introducer, and that alone just blew me away. 

I definitely wish this one updated more, because the next chapter is the final introductory chapter for all the applications, and I cannot wait to see that perspective. All the characters are extremely gritty, dark, and horrible, and I love it. The attention to detail is impeccable, the cadence of the writing sounds like the lullaby of your nightmares, and everything about it is just *chef's kiss*. If you want a dark read, definitely go check it out. It's so creepy in the best way possible. 

NUMBER 7
Perverse by curiosityanddreams

Honestly, if you ask me in a month, this one might move up to top five. At the beginning, I was a little lost (don't know if you can tell, Oil), and I honestly kinda skimmed at first because I was so overwhelmed with all of it. I mean, this is how I met Oil, and I was so intimidated by everything about you. The theme, the bio, ALL OF THE BOOKS WITH 5K+ READS?? And I was so scared of saying something stupid, I just didn't let myself get involved. Mind you, this was started in November 2021. 

That's insane. 

Now I'm a big strong girl, tie my own sandals and everything, and I comment-spam because it's Oil and it's undead angst beans running around. Am I still confused? Yes. (It's also kinda the point, which I love.) But I've known Oil long enough to know that you would never make fun of me for it, and I'm secure in the knowledge that regardless, I'll still have a great friendship with you <3 

Okay sorry, I got distracted. Perverse as a book is so intriguing. It's relatively slow-paced, which I love in a book, because we get to explore all the characters and really zoom into everything. There's a huge, diverse cast, and everyone is so colourful and different. I've really never seen a cast like the Perverse one. 

The writing is everything. I think I said "I want to keep every word you write in my brain like lightning bugs in a jar" or something like that in a comment, and it's true of every Oil book, but particularly Perverse. The characters are so dark and full of hurt, and it provides such good opportunities for such wonderful words of wisdom and painful empathy. 

Perverse is one of my OG applyfics that I ever got accepted to, and boy am I glad that I created the mess that is Lydia. 

NUMBER 6
The Edgar Poe Club by cryptidminds

I mean, just look at that cover. But also the title? The aesthetic? The PLOT?? The Edgar Poe Club is one of the most intriguing plots I've ever encountered, because it's such a good twist on the stereotypical Breakfast-Club kinda trope. Plus the tying in with pranks, hauntings, secret societies, and horror, probably makes it my favourite aesthetic ever. 

To be fair, we're only one prologue and one chapter in so far, so there isn't a ton to go off on, but honestly, even still, it's high on my list. First of all, the whole cast is incredible. Everyone is so gritty, complex, and tortured, but each of them have this amazing sweet spark in them that makes them instantly likeable. 

To brag, my own OC, is also one of my favourites that I've ever made. Minnow is my queen, she's walking such a delicate line between sane and deranged, and already Tal is so good at portraying that. Minnow and Ollie are two of my favourite friendships ever, and I'm so excited to see them evolve. 

Honestly I could go on, but I need to calm myself and keep moving. I love The Edgar Poe Club so much, it's so well-written too, and I would relive every word over and over because it's just so indescribably lovable. It has such a perfect mixture of college vibes and horror movie, and I desperately can't wait to see where it goes. 

NUMBER 5
A Ballad of Falling Light by XxFaylinexX

We are one prologue and one chapter in, but I will die for this applyfic. Literally, I would. Everything about it just blows me away every time I open it for a re-read, and honestly, it could end right here and I'd still be happy about it. 

Of course, it's only number five because it's not finished and just a baby applyfic, but it's honestly stunning. 

The prologue opens with a family, telling a story, and it's so much like a movie I can see every shot in my head. It's modelled after the way Greek epics were told, "Sing, Muse, of the night the sky cried fire", and it's so gorgeously told that it feels exactly like a Greek epic. 

Not only that, but the world building is phenomenal. (Ha-ha Phaos get it sorry that was horrible.) There are different countries, and each one has such a compelling design, history, and legacy, that it's so hard to not wish this was made into a movie already. Plus XxFaylinexX is a huge, huge history nut, and so that means everything about this book (which is a war applyfic) is incredibly detailed, accurate, and well-thought out. It goes into such amazing realism about empires and colonisation and strategy. All the characters are fierce and deadly, especially the women, and they're so realistic I can feel them breathing through the screen. 

Definitely, definitely give this one a read. Plus it's XxFaylinexX's FIRST applyfic?? And it's already so much more successful than most (including mine). So please go give it some love, it certainly deserves it, and you'll fall in love with every character. 

NUMBER 4
Deterrent by curiosityanddreams

You already know, Oil is my girl, my queen, my everything. And Deterrent is equally beloved by me. The world building is so *mwah* and it feels like The Darkest Minds mixed with cyberpunk Greek mythology, which is honestly the greatest combination you can get. One of my favourite aspects is that all the characters' punishments for being criminals is being forced to work on a farm. I think that's so brilliant, to take these people out of their technology-filled world and dump them in a field. It brings up so many themes of nature, nurture, and man-made conflict. 

Plus, since it's kinda Greeky-mythology-y, I had to make a Greek mythology OC. Eurydice, my baby, is so mean and bitchy and she's lovely. Rhiannon Rose has issues for being obsessed with her, but listen, so do I. 

I think Deterrent really drew me in because it's something relatively different from a lot of Oil's work. It's sci-fi, cyberpunk, where Oil usually writes these lovely dark/light academia novels. But I was thrilled to find that Oil's awesomeness transcends genres (of course it does) and Deterrent is still as masterful as any of the other applyfics. 

It's moving slowly at the beginning, which I honestly love, because sometimes jumping into the action too fast means you have not enough action for the climax. It's at such a good pace, and I love the characters being trapped in a grass field and being absolutely criminal even still. Poor George Rooney </3 he has no idea does he. 

I'm so excited for Deterrent, because I know Oil will do a fantastic job. You always do <3 And I can't wait to see how many different ships I can root for in one chapter. 

NUMBER 3
Calamity by -venusvintage

Never, ever, in my tiny little life, have I ever felt this much distress. (Actually, I have, but that's for later.) So this is second-place for absolutely destroying my life, but you know what, actually it's first, because GOD DAMNIT ROSE HOW ARE YOU SO TALENTED AT MAKING MY HEART BREAK?? 

Calamity is one of the best "murder mystery" applyfics I've read, because everything about it hurts. The dynamics, the softness, the friendships, the romance, THE STUPID TYLER. You would not believe the visceral, physical reactions I had when reading this. Sadly, I had to catch up waaayy after the chapters were published, but that did not conflict with any emotions I had. 

This book is so, so good at making you care for the characters. I think it's a really hard balance to strike, interesting plot and interesting characters. And Rose did it. Honestly, this could be the best TV show ever. I cannot express to you how real the characters are. In part, of course, is because of the amazing applicants. But the most challenging chunk is writing them, getting deep into their heads, and conveying that through little actions. 

I mean, Lou, Caspar, Amory, Marc, Ophelia, Nadia, Vallie. They're all so alive in my head, and everything that hurt them hurt me too. It's indescribable how impactful this applyfic was. The whole approach to the murder, to the fighting, to everything, was so realistic and well-thought out. I could rave about this book for hours, so let me stop, but this one is just-- it's basically tied for first place with the next two. 

NUMBER 2
Runs in the Family by Coruscant_Cosmonaut

I got teary-eyed just thinking about this one. The first applyfic I ever read that was finished, back in my Jamie Chung days when I only used one faceclaim for all my characters because I couldn't find other ones. Sigh. Life moves so fast. 

Runs in the Family is such a good applyfic that I can't even express it to you. Coruscant_Cosmonaut did such a good job with each individual character, but also moving the plot along in such a short amount of space. I mean, it's honestly incredible. Every character I came to love, even though I had my doubts about some (like Sanis and Alex). But that's just how good it was. 

Plus, I mean, Azima. My OC, my little ghostly baby. She was honestly the highlight for me, because I applied with her thinking she wasn't going to get in. She was weird, funky, and definitely unsettling, but in retrospect, she was perfect for this book. She fits in so seamlessly that sometimes I forget I made her. I love how convoluted Azima gets to be. You gave her so much dimension and depth that I honestly didn't even imagine to begin with. And never forget that Albert began as a crotchety old man, but turned into the softie we know and love. All of the characters are so well-developed and three-dimensional, and they really move the plot forward. 

Azima and Valamir's relationship will always be my favourite part. I love them so much, and I love the Maywood and everything that comes from it. Mr. Wiggles, my man. Well, not man, more like eldritch horror, but you get the idea. 

It's a shame my applyfic, Eos Wins in the End, never got anywhere </3. I really do want it to, some day, but I think it needs a lot more revamping. I want it to be more close to the canonical Maywood, not the fantasy realm I created, but I do love Eryn and Merle and miss them dearly. ALSO ROY </3 

Back to RITF. It also gets so much more hype because it's the kick-off book for other vaguely related things like One Swallow and Don't Play With Dead Things (which you should go read), and I love that this book developed into a whole universe. It definitely deserves it. And I'm always eternally pleased when Azima makes guest appearances with her creepy father-ish-figure Valamir the indestructible demon man. 

This applyfic carries so much nostalgia and love for me, and I didn't even have time to write about the writing or the author conventions or anything but you get the gist. It's great. Go read it. Ugh, I love it so much. 

NUMBER 1
Defeatism by curiosityanddreams 

*Takes a deep, deep breath*

YOU ALREADY KNOW OKAY. YOU ALREADY KNOW. 

Defeatism is the closest thing to perfection that I will ever have read. And I was so, so deeply moved by everything in this book. Darlington, my baby, and Tempest, are engraved into my soul. Moonie and Maverick. They're just-- they live in my heart all the time, all the day. 

Oil's writing is always impeccable. It's so well thought out, so developed, and every character lives and breathes on the page and in my head. Every time I got a chapter update notification, I screamed, then had to hold my breath and pray nothing horrible happened to our babies. 

There are always so many characters in Oil's books, and yet somehow, they all get such deep, meaningful character development. When I applied, I was a little hesitant, because how can you make an incredible applyfic about a bunch of RA's trapped at a school?

Boy, was I wrong. 

The snow, the tunnels, the gas, the helicopter. THE EVERYTHING? The flooding, oh GOD. This book is an emotional roller coaster that I would pay thousands of dollars to experience again for the first time. Every emotion, every word was so well-placed and well-used, and I just *screams* *dies*. It has some of the best romance I've ever read in an applyfic, and everything comes to such a satisfying, happy-ish ending. I think about all the characters daily, hourly. I actually cried when it finished because it was so good, so healing, but so bittersweet. 

And I have to reiterate. Darlington and Tempest. Who knew my Leigh-Bardugo-Robbery character would get to have an epic romance with such soft moments and such a beautiful, darling girl like Tempest?? And Tempest is what I aspire to be like, and of course she came from ceaseless-watchr. 

Defeatism defeated me in the best way possible and I'll never forget it. Thank you Oil <3 

BONUS

Okay I know what you're thinking. Or at least, one of you is thinking. 

Where's Vigilante Shit?

For those of you who don't know, Vigilante Shit is basically all I talk about, think about, write about, 24/7. The previous chapter, "Themis Between Worlds", is a lil fanfic about it. 

Honestly, putting Vigilante Shit on here would be unfair. I'm so invested and involved in it that it's like if I put one of my own books on here. Obviously it takes the cake. The lovely Viesté already knows that I love her endlessly and that we are the same person, so I couldn't put it on the list. It wouldn't be fair. 

But you should read it. I know I'm biased because I'm so involved, but it's such a masterpiece. It's your standard "Gossip Girl" plot, but it's in a British boarding school, and Inez (the main character) is such a different, refreshing character. She's angry, she's obsessive, she's a little desperate for approval from the world, and she's so loveable. 

So yes. Read Vigilante Shit, and fall in love with it. It gets permanent first place in my heart <3

Vigilante Shit by lvejackson

I did it. It killed my soul but I did it. 

LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!!

And obviously, these are only applyfics that have 2+ chapters. There are so many more that are just starting that I absolutely adore, and I'd love to share those once they start to build! Perhaps you'll get an updated top ten list?? 

See you soon, thanks for reading my nonsensical rants, and can't wait for the next little spam chapter! These are so fun <3