Cerulean's Voice On The Matter #19 · 12:53am Jun 12th, 2015
It’s time I actually did some catching up of old favourites. My RL list can sit for a bit until I at least get a couple of votes on what to read next, *hint hint*.
The last of my short one-shots below as well as more progress on ongoing faves. Check it if you wish.
Previously-reviewed stories with new chapters read: Transcendence, Letters From A Disgruntled Friendship Student, Responses To A Disgruntled Friendship Student, Heart Invasion 101, Sunshine and Fire, Dust and Harmony.
Story: A Rose's Dilemma
Author: Manaphy
Synopsis:
Roseluck discovers something horribly wrong with her garden. Blossomforth knows how to fix it—or does she?
Length: 5,335 words (one-shot)
Status: Complete
Review: A short piece of characterisation from Manaphy, regarding Roseluck and her garden. It’s essentially just a bit of fluff, involving her, Lily, Blossomforth, and a couple of their other friends. There’s a little conflict halfway through (that might either amuse or terrify you depending on how you feel about a particular type of swarming insect), but it’s all wound up with little to no effort, and then the characters all go out for lunch together. Basically, not much is accomplished here. Descriptions and scene-setting is nice, as is the grammar and overall readability. Sentence structure’s a bit repetitive. Fans of Roseluck might like a short fluffy bit; just acknowledge that that’s all it really is.
Story: The Laughter I Choose to Be
Author: Trick Question
Synopsis:
As everypony knows, Pinkie Pie can do impossible things. She can hover in midair without wings, play ten instruments at once, and even go days without breathing! Clearly some kind of magic is at work, but what could it be?
In this mini-story, Pinkie decides it's finally time to tell her friends the whole, unvarnished truth.
Length: 1,888 words (one-shot)
Status: Complete
Review: A revelatory tale about the Pinkie Pie we think we all know and (most of us) love. The fundamental idea behind it is far from original, but the way it’s executed sure isn’t. This story confuses me a little to be honest. It’s marked as [Sad] and yet I never found it sad in any real sense. Most of it is in fact written in Pinkie’s regular happy mood, even as she glosses over things that aren’t so happy. Most of the story is essentially her recounting how special her friends are and the things that she and they have done. This really feels like excessive padding. I can understand why though: it was originally an entry into the Writeoff Association’s March minific competition, where its first draft was only about 747 words long. The twist comes out near the end, adding a new perspective to the story. A decent read if you want something quick.
Story: Maud and Rainbow Play Rock-Paper-Scissors
Author: Dubs Rewatcher
Synopsis:
It's Saturday night, which for Rainbow Dash means only one thing: sleepover at Pinkie's place! Rainbow is ready to party all night, chugging down sodas, hanging out with her best friend, and playing loads of violent video games.
The only problem: Pinkie's parents are out of town, which means that Maud has been left in charge. And as far as Rainbow is concerned, Maud is totally determined to ruin, like, all of their fun.
Following an argument about bedtimes, Maud challenges Rainbow Dash to a round of her favorite game, Rock-Paper-Scissors. If Rainbow wins, she gets to stay up as late as she wants. If Maud wins, Rainbow has to obey every word she says. It's a battle for the ages, and only one thing is certain: there will be rocks.
Length: 3,036 words (one-shot)
Status: Complete
Review: Exactly what it says on the tin. And yet still amusing, even in its utter predictability. More scene than story, but it still offers good characterisation on the part of all three characters. Maud even flat out tells Rainbow her strategy. The best thing is watching Rainbow's self-satisfied bravado crumbled into dust as she wars internally with herself over her moves.
(You can hear Rainbow’s “D’oh!” even before you read further.)
Words read so far this June: 325,401
Couldn't help but think of this gif again:
3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJyJB7kmXfU/UoZ8w_EbVoI/AAAAAAABmVU/wi_YaSr2LdE/s1600/rock_paper_scissors_by_ponykillerx-d6uamxf.gif
Also: I'd vote for 'The Phoenix Foal'.
I'd vote for Besides the Will of Evil. It's a story that I've greatly enjoyed reading. I even enjoy some of the comment dramas that happen. Still it's a good story to read.
Hopefully one day soon, one of my stories will make your review list.
Cheers!
You should read The Big Butterfly Brouhaha because it's awesome, and The Evolution of Harmony because I helped. :V
I wonder if any of my one shots will make your list of reviews.
Love your input! I always enjoy your reviews.