EFNW Fanfic Spotlight #9 · 6:17pm Jun 5th, 2014
Wow, it's Thursday again already? Guess that means another issue of our Fanfic Spotlight! *cue applause and/or crickets* This week, three stories, USDA certified theme-free: A show-worthy, "Director's Cut" expanding upon Discord's reformation; the Canterlot bureaucracy deals with paperwork, the free press, custard, and other eldritch horrors; and an earth pony goes to great lengths in a quest to gain wings and a horn of his own.
Chaos and Kindness
by pjabrony
Words: 5,193 Complete: Yes
Here's an excellently cheerful tale to start us off this week. Set right in the middle of "Keep Calm and Flutter On," this story does a great job of fleshing out Discord's reformation with additional detail. While there are one or two small bits that feel a tad "headcanon," the bulk of the story is so much like the show itself that I like to think of it as the "Director's Cut" of that episode. I also find that in that light, it's one of my favorite episodes. "Redemption" is, to me, the key element in what makes MLP so powerful. Fluttershy's treatment of Discord was one of the most powerful pieces of canon to hit on that note, and this story makes it even better. In other words, it really shows why friendship is magic.
Whom the Princesses Would Destroy...
by GhostOfHeraclitus
Words: 19,758 Complete: Yes
This story has many of my favorite things: Big words, interesting characters, Pratchettian-style footnotes, weaponized custard, and one of the best-worst puns I've ever encountered. (You'll know it when you see it.) It is probably one of my favorite pony fictions out there, mostly because it's just such a fun read. The writing itself is superb, with amazingly inventive word play, and grammatical constructs sometimes almost as absurd as the happenings they describe. Yet it's full of ridiculously goofy fun too. Then, buried beneath all that, there's a great heart to it as well. The characters come alive, and you genuinely sympathize with their drives and plights by the end.
One note: When reading, I suggest you open a separate tab for the footnotes, and read them as you encounter their references in the story. They're much funnier in context than as a blob at the end.
The Monster Below
by Greenback
Words: 185,843 Complete: Yes
I almost went with another bright and cheerful story here, but then we'd have had a theme, and I promised no theme this week. Besides, I've been meaning to feature this one for a while. So, first off, just look at that cover art. That's what sold me on this story in the first place. If you're intrigued by that, then you won't be disappointed, as it really does do what it says on the tin. This is the story of an earth pony that isn't content to just be an earth pony, and goes to great lengths to become something more.
The bulk of the story reads a lot like a great comic book. The fact that it is almost entirely cast with OCs also lends itself to that interpretation as well. Here we are seeing new characters, who aren't in Ponyville, don't know the mane six, and only see a Princess in newspapers. It also has all the trappings of a graphic novel: mega corporations, mad science, ancient artifacts, midnight urban break-ins, secret identities, etc. In fact, I like to think this story could be an artifact from within Equestria itself... that is, I imagine this story exists inside the world of MLP, sitting between The Power Ponies and the latest Daring Do on the shelves at bookstores, with eager foals lining up to get their hooves on the next issue each month.
Also note, while it is tagged "Dark" and "Tragedy," this is a very long novel. In the course of things, it hits pretty much every emotional note along the way, and like any good, long, adventure story, there are bright cheery moments, humor, action, and everything in between, as well as the promised darker elements. In other words, it is by no means just a sad-fic or tale of woe.
Unfortunately, as there were no suggestions for a community choice entry, that's it for this week. Last week's edition can be found here. If you have any suggestions for next week, let me know below!
Also, don't forget that Everfree Northwest is less than a month away. Preregistration will be closing June 13th, so if you're planning to attend, this is your last week to get discounted admission. More details here, or just go register. I hope to see all of you there!
Until next time, beware the custard!
--Xepher
You are most kind. I am glad the story is still enjoyed.