Story Reviews » SA: Round 152 · 5:51am Jun 17th, 2019
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A knock sounded on Matthew’s door, prompting him to look up from his desk. “Come in.”
Intern slipped in, quickly closing the door behind him. “Good. I don’t think anyone saw me.”
“What are you up to?”
Taking carefully measured steps and avoiding any known creaks in the floor, Intern made his way to Matthew’s desk. Keeping his voice in a low whisper, he said, “Okay, you can level with me, right?”
Matthew felt a headache coming on. “What are you talking about? Level on what?”
“Oh, c’mon, you can tell me. I think I’ve worked here long enough to be trustworthy.”
“‘Work’ being subjective, here.” Sighing, Matthew rubbed his temples. “Aren’t there reviews due?”
“Yeah, but this is important, too.” Intern winced as his voice grew louder, forcing his next words to be quieter. “I gotta know.”
Fighting back a migraine, Matthew said, “How about this. You get your reviews in on time and I’ll spill whatever secret you think I’m keeping.”
Intern pursed his lips. “Fine. But you better hold to your end.” Stepping lightly, Intern left the office, leaving Matthew to stew on what the temp worker was going on about.
ROUND 152
On a cold winter's night, two ponies find themselves trapped in a kingdom of eternal summer.
You know, even if LunaSet isn’t your thing, or even shipping in general, the interplay between Luna and Sunset is just plain fun. Honestly, I’ve always loved Undome’s work, and this story does not disappoint. You see, Undome took two characters and built a solid relationship between them… and did it totally believably. And, yes, I desperately want to see more of them in this world.
Undome’s careful balance of imagery really enhances this story. It’s the perfect amount of descriptions that just lets you envelop yourself in and enjoy the story. Good writing is always praiseworthy, and Undome delivered.
We start off this round with everyone’s favorite pastime, shipping random ponies! Yay!
Honestly, taking two characters and trying to genuinely build up a bond between them that can potentially lead to romance is a great thought exercise. It makes you really think hard on what makes characters who they are and how they can relate to each other. And I believe Undome Tinwe did a bang up job on the featured duo here.
Luna and Sunset may seem a little cracky, but the interplay between them in just one scene really wants you to continue reading about their growing relationship far after the story concludes. It takes aspects of each that I haven’t thought of before and wraps it up nicely. I came away with a new appreciation for each, even though both characters have gone through growth before.
I want all of you reading this to give this a shot. Even if the romance angle isn’t your thing, I got a lot out of it. There are depths explored here that could lead to future stories and I’ll never decry that as a bad thing.
STORY 2
First Cut, by True Edge
After a brief glimpse of happiness, of thinking that perhaps she had found one who understood her pain and loneliness, Marble Pie now feels that she has lost everything.
It will take some wisdom from an unexpected source to set her right.
Oh boy, that’s a thing… like dang. For those of you who don’t know, that’s how I react when a story impacts me personally. And like, wowza, that’s a thing.
I’ve always loves Marble Pie. I can relate to her so very much. So when she appeared in Best Gift Ever, I think it was called, it broke my heart. And I’m so glad True Edge took it upon himself to take that further than the show did. But this story does go dark. It’s a character piece, where Marble wrestles with her pain, and nearly loses. Hurrah for Sugar Belle, who I still dislike :V
Here’s a simple but effective story that ties up a loose end from the latest Hearth’s Warming episode. I can always count on the fandom to explore the dangling plot threads that the show likes to tease us with.
If you’re familiar with the episode, then the picture of Marble above will clue you in on where this is going. Things take a darker turn for the quiet pony as she dwells on the “could have beens” of her life and what she may have done to change things in her favor. I don’t think there’s a single person in the world that hasn’t gone through this exact scenario in one form or the other in some point of their life.
The beginning is a little repetitive with its word choice, but I think it works in this manner due to Marble’s state of mind. Past that, things pick up as a voice of reason tries to talk her down from the ledge. It’s up to you to find out how things go from there!
STORY 3
Tradecraft, by Taialin
Modern Equestrian society had the awful habit of making victims out of all too many good ponies. That was what happened when both law and underworld crime tried to simultaneously enforce their idea of "social good." Fluttershy was one pony stuck in the middle—a victim of an unscrupulous gang but whom authorities were unwilling to aid. Where could one turn when the virtues of honor and chivalry seemed dead?
Ya know, my favorite part of working with the SA is that I get to discover hidden gems too. And this AU story is stupendous. Like, for realsies tho, it’s super amazing.
I mean, basically, it’s Chicago of the 1900s. Equestrian law is corrupt, crime syndicates are everywhere, and one medical student is forced to struggle through it all. You see, good doctors are a bit of a commodity, and gangs are likely to kidnap a doctor to avoid having to pay for services. And that’s what happens to Fluttershy. At least, until the Queen, leader of the most influential gang and who happens to be our beloved Rarity, rescues her. And so sparks a tale of generosity, kindness, and mob deals.
But the most fascinating part of this story is the world it’s set in. It examines how it works in very few words, and allows the reader just enough openness to imagine the rest without feeling lost in the universe. So if Taialin ever writes more relating to this world, you betcha I’ll be there!
I will come out and say that this story was a fascinating read. It takes the setting from the show, turns it on its head, and still delivers a believable world for the characters to live in. I was quite impressed.
In an alternate Equestria, where crime is a part of everypony’s life whether they like it or not, Fluttershy is in desperate need of some help. Unfortunately, the only way for her to get out of her predicament is to request a favor from the most powerful crime boss of them all, the Queen. What follows is a brief glimpse into this world and how all the different factions work, and still keeps true to the characterization from the show.
My biggest regret is that this isn’t longer. It could easily expand beyond what’s shown here, but the parts we are given more than make up for it. I suppose that the only other thing worth mentioning is that the cover is a bit misleading, in that there are no anthropomorphic ponies here. However, I’m sure many of you have pretty good imaginations that you can substitute them in if you want. Have at it!
Applejack's tour of duty didn't work out like she expected; maybe if she'd been able to keep her dang mouth shut... oh, well. She hadn't decided if she really wanted to make a career out of the military, but her superiors made it pretty doggone clear they didn't care for the idea, so that was that. But everytime Harmony closes a door, it opens a window. And maybe she's been sent exactly where she's always needed to be.
However cat-infested it was at the moment.
This story is a very slow burn, but it is very satisfying if you can stick with it. And according to RT, it’s part of a larger continuity… I honestly never would have noticed had he said nothing.
I think that’s a testament to Mitch H’s writing quality, that they can make such a fine character study within a universe that stands alone. I really appreciate that. There isn’t really much to talk about except that I enjoyed it a lot, and I think you will too if you invest the time into it.
Sometimes life sends us to places we didn’t intend to.
Other times, it sends us to where we need to be.
This fic is part of a larger continuity, but I found that out after the fact and it didn’t hamper my enjoyment of it. We follow Applejack sometime after her graduation from Canterlot High School, were she’s found herself enlisted in the army. Circumstances lead her to be reassigned to a different post and a routine call back home sets up a series of events that can potentially get her out of the rut she’s in.
Not too much to say beyond that, other than the story is a slow burn. Stick with it, though, since it’s all leading up to a conclusion I found satisfying. And if you want more from this universe, the author has you covered!
Arms folded over his chest, Intern gave a stern look at Matthew. “Done. Now, what about our agreement?”
Matthew waved his hand to indicate Intern to continue.
“Right, so, I need to know.” He bent down on Matthew’s desk, earning himself a warning glare. “Are we out of money?”
Matthew blinked. “Excuse me?”
“I mean, the other day, Chris and Corejo came in with the company car and it was a kid’s toy!” He turned away and flung up his arms, no longer caring how loud he was. “We’re known to have technology that Tony Stark would call Sci-Fi, and this is what we have to drive now?”
“Technically, you don’t have a license.”
“That’s besides the point!”
Matthew stood up from his desk before Intern could go on. He walked around and placed an arm over Intern’s shoulder. “Look, bud, don’t worry. Things may seem disproportionate, but I can assure you that we are still financially stable.” Walking Intern towards the door, Matthew opened it and guided him out. Giving a reassuring smile, Matthew said, “Now, go treat yourself to a sundae. You’ve earned it.” He closed the door before Intern had a chance to respond.
Once he heard the sounds of Intern’s steps fade away, Matthew wiped sweat off his brow. “That was too close. The secret can never be revealed that this whole operation runs on corn syrup.”
Feel free to visit our group for more information and events, and to offer some recommendations for future rounds. See you all next time!
When the post goes up at 1am
It's not technically late... right?
Some very good and underrated pieces in here!
Sounds like a corny place to work, but at least it's syrupy-sweet...
Thank you, thank you! I'll see myself out. No need to throw things.
5075721
Being late has never stopped me from procrastinating!
Also, you know dang well that all those Sunset and Luna plushies are worth potential bankruptcy.