Review #107 - Areas of Expertise, Rise of the Solar Wind · 4:57am May 21st, 2017
Instead of me being a lazy potato, think of this last week as unscheduled breaks. Anyway, time to review some stories that I don't even remember reading!
Areas of Expertise by Cyanide
Rise of the Solar Wind by Impossible Numbers
Areas of Expertise by Cyanide
(Slice of Life)
Some people have hidden depths and skills you'd never expect. Sometimes they're your friends.
Review
As I said above, I had completely forgotten I read this thing. However, that is not due to the story, it is because of the millions of words I have read since then. Anyway, this is a slice of life story. Pretty much all it is, too. You know what? Think of the Twilight in Boast Busters. That's your Twilight. Magically skilled, but still struggles with certain spells and, in this case, mathematics. She also underestimates her friends and acquaintances, something I plan to write a blog post about soon. Big Mac, the other main character in this story, is an introverted, but outspoken to Twilight for some reason, genius with a love for math. This is a rather common idea for him, or, at least, used to be. And Applejack, who feels bad for BM and therefore wants to do more. Then Rainbow Dash, who is just kinda there. Oh, and it's worth mentioning that this is the only story where I like the letter at the end. Yeah, a pretty solid slice of life. Good ideas, if generic. And alright characters, aligning with their S1versions well. And then TwiTwi explodes the universe.
The greatest weakness, I guess, is that there is not much of a story. It's a single day. So while it is a wonderful slice of life story, it is rather lacking in all other departments.
Recommendation: Worth Reading. (Even though I had many bad things to say about this, something in it just gave me satisfaction when I finished. I think it's related more to the author's writing style, but I'm not certain).
Rise of the Solar Wind by Impossible Numbers
(Alternate Universe, Slice of Life)
Two sisters were once the humblest of ponies. Both had potential for greatness. However, the youngest is the only one who ascends to the throne, and the eldest has to find her own way to follow her.
Review
This one is also a slice of life, and a deep, thought-provoking one at that. Solar Wind, whose name honestly could have been better, is hardworking, determined, hopeful, and caring. However, she does feel as though life can be boring sometimes, and therefore strives to make it better. This is all I'm doing for her, because this thing should not be spoiled. Luna, in this story, is a little overwhelmed by official duty and all the war. And as such, attempts to spend time with Solar Wind. However, official stuff gets in the way. The real glory of this fiction does not come through the use of characters, but of motifs. Some of the ones I spotted were phoenixes, the moon, the sun, waiting, farms, eyes, and the use of colors. And that's barely scratching the surface.
The greatest weakness of this would have to be that the narrative is confusing and easy to glance over. And as such, you miss out on some of the more powerful details. Well, that and the names. I don't like the names used.
Recommendation: Very Highly Recommended. (The narrative being easy to skim is a common issue, and not a very big one since all it takes is to slow down a little and think. And as for the recommendation, congratulations, Impossible Numbers, you've earned it).
Late as I am to the party: thank you for the fine review! Glad you enjoyed the fic - names notwithstanding - and good to see evidence that I'm doing something right.