Review: A Song of Storms: Of Skies Long Forgotten · 12:11pm Mar 18th, 2014
So far, my reviews have consisted of comedic thrashings of some of Fimfiction's more terrible bits of literature that do not even deserve said title, nor even my review designating them as not. Today I come to those of you who read my blogs with a different title, one of which I put a lot of time into reading, and couldn't have enjoyed it more.
It has been a very long time since I have dedicated myself to reading anything on this site of significant length. Generally, I've come to think almost all forms of fanfiction fail to rise above the level of mediocrity, my own included. Very recently, I took a leap of faith into a story I thought would be cool. I was not prepared to get hooked halfway through the second chapter, and I certainly never anticipated that I would finish the 105,535 words worth of story that was kind enough to grace this site, in no less than four days.
To those of you that follow me: you may know by now that I am not very easily impressed, and I'm hardly one to glorify anything. This review will contain nothing ill-spoken of this story, not only because I do not wish to speak poorly of it, but I can not were I to try.
"Of Skies Long Forgotten" is by far, the best story I have ever read on this site. Many may argue; after all, favorites are our own, but I'm telling you mine.
I started off, interested, but not quite sure what to expect. It was little more than a chapter in and I was already feeling something for the characters that I can only describe best as adoration. They were written and introduced excellently, and I truly felt for them as the story progressed. Now, do not get me wrong; my emotions are easily toyed with. I bawled at the end of Toy Story 3 and I still have to choke back some tears when I watch it to this day. But hardly ever have I had a story produce such a panic to me that is best described as a burning in the back of my skull that is normally reserved for adrenaline and pure fear. This story played with my emotions and tore them to pieces in a way very similar to how a faulty VCR player rends the life from your favorite VHS tape by turning the fragile media within into a tangled mess of sorrowful, emotional agony. It is unfair. It is ruthless. But it is also realistic to a degree that is hard to understand without reading it for yourself, and it is these traits that makes it something extraordinary.
The depth of the author's worldbuilding is rather incredible and the depictions held within the story had me simmering in jealousy. I also bear in mind, that this was the author's first story, and he has two more sequels to it on the site, which I intend to read under the impression of his skill increasing with time and practice.
I am currently writing this blog post at five in the morning because I can not sleep after finishing the story. I can not spoil a single thing of the story for those who want to read it, but the end left me with a slurry of conflicting emotions that translated into one of greatest mind-numbing experiences I've received. "Of Skies Long Forgotten" is truly compelling, and I am immeasurably glad that I came across it. I would highly encourage everyone who reads this to head on over and support both the author and his story.
It was by far, the most enjoyable and emotionally-moving 100,000 words I have ever read, and I will be starting the sequel whenever I can gain the time.
I just looked at the character tags for Song of Storms. Its pretty tough to find an enjoyable story with just OCs around here. I'm interested to see what's special about it, so thanks for that.
By the way, I'm wondering if you ever plan to do a review on 120 Days of Blueblood.
1935857 I can guarantee you amazing quality from Of Skies Long Forgotten. As far as I'm aware, the sequel ties a little more heavily into establishing canon events such as was showed in the Hearth's Warming episode. I'm only on the first chapter so I'm not sure. Nonetheless, the quality only increases. Nonetheless, commander Hurricane is canon in the show. By far, it's the best world-building universe I have seen.
As for 120 days of Blueblood. I have read several chapters, and there's not much to say about it. It's brilliant in it's own terrible way considering it looks at itself from the villain's perspective and portrays the events as acceptable, when in all reality...
Yeah.
1935871 Thanks for reassuring me on the quality of Song of Storms. I've been reading a lot of rather generic fiction (not badly written mind you), so it would be interesting to have a look at something that has a chance of being pretty damn good.
Ehh... Call me a heartless bastard, but I had a tough time feeling bad for any of the victims, say for Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. I just thought the torture became a one trick pony, and was a crutch to excuse the lack of meaningful character development for some of the ponies, by making them all suffer in brutal ways (its feels downright juvenile at times). Its a well written gore fic (probably the best I read), but not without its share of plotholes, insanely stupid character decisions, and a lack of depth to the victims.
Apologies if I came off sounding harsh out of nowhere. I'm just passionate about making a point sometimes.
The world building was pretty awesome and the action had some of the best aerial fight scenes I've ever read, but I felt the characterization started suffering once the story really got going. Still, I'd give this story a 4/5. It's good enough that I want to read the sequels whenever I get the chance.
1936665 I do have to agree with you a little bit. Once the story became more political over individual it lost a little flavor from individual characters to make room for the bigger picture. But the transition itself really made me feel old while reading it, strange enough--like a long distance traveled.
fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/227/7/4/oh_stop_it__you___derpy_verseion_by_nrxia-d5b8j28.png
Definitely late to the game party but oh boy, was it a ride. I had this story on my reading least for a shamefully long time. Once I started though, I couldn't stop.
Everything was just so satisfyingly refreshing from its brutal honesty in description and somehow conveying pure emotion through something that is equivalent of a historical recount.
I'd give it 9.5/10 and put it up there with the legends in pony fiction.
Btw, finished the story in half a day.