Story Reviews » SA: Round 159 · 8:05pm Sep 22nd, 2019
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If there was one thing Intern had learned during his time with Seattle’s Angels, it was that the reviewers really valued their downtime. Scouring for new stories to feature was exhausting work, not to mention the time it took to write perfect posts week in and week out. A chance to get away from that, even for a few fleeting minutes, was more precious than Zap Apple jam spread over a slice of apple pie on a cool evening overlooking the picturesque view of the compound’s vast corn syrup fields.
“Want to tone it down on the metaphor, there?”
Intern started at hearing Matthew’s voice right behind him. He whirled around, slapping his laptop shut, and holding it protectively against his chest. “Mine!”
Matthew cocked his head. “Have you been getting into our supply of poison joke again?”
“No! But I love my metaphors and you can’t have them.”
Shaking his head, Matthew held up a folder with carefully ordered papers within it. “Whatever. Here are my reviews. Take care of them, would ya?”
Intern pouted, and took the offered folder.
ROUND 159
Death is not the end, but a journey through the Equestrian Gate.
However, the destination is not as it seems. Without any guiding powers of harmony, the land has fallen into chaos. An eternal struggle between the Birdlike creatures called Angels and bestial monsters called demons has ground everything into dust. But the Equestrian gate stands, guiding the recently deceased ponies into the middle of it.
Spirit Aura is a Mediator for the Guild of the Lost, a group of ponies dedicated to guiding the Deceased to their new lives. By the rights of an ancient pact, the guild holds the land that separates the two warring species. They remain a neutral faction and allow all into their cities with a promise of reprieve from the everlasting combat. But one night, Spirit uncovers the plan for a demonic invasion that could tip the balance of the war.
Will she endanger the sanctity of the ancient pact, risk her life and that of a dear friend in order to do what she thinks is right? Can she face the consequences of such actions?
This. This is how you world build. And I love it. Rockyrobben set us up in the only safe harbor in the Otherworld; outside an eternal, bloody war rages between the armies of demons and angels. And then they explored that world.
There are numerous details in this story that are just vague enough that they could easily lead to further tales, but we don’t truly feel like we’re missing something. That’s a hard balance, but it was done well. I think the story changed direction kinda suddenly near the end, but it by no means detracts from the overall tale. I mean, hey, I like the ending. And considering how often I like the ending of something, that means a lot.
Let's start off with some world building. The world where deceased ponies go, that is. If you’re familiar with the DnD setting of Planescape, some of the concepts there will be familiar here. A war of infinite length may be coming to an end, through the actions of a single bat pony named Spirit Aura.
This story is the poster child of “give the readers a little and they’ll ask for more.” Spirit Aura’s job is touched upon, though certain details are left vague. There’s an eternal war going on around her home, but why it’s going on in the first place is not explained. These are just a few examples of what I mean, but I don’t intend to mean these are negatives. The story is deliberately structured to give us a glimpse of the larger world beyond Equestria, tantalizing us with little samples of what life is like in the Otherworld.
The main focus of the story is Spirit Aura and her journey. It’s a tale of friendship through and through, even with Angels and Demons battling it out in the background. There are a few impressive battle scenes here that reminded me of all the fantasy novels I devoured in my high school days. Nostalgia had a hook in me right there.
Despite the brief look into Spirit’s daily life, I really enjoyed what I got. Questions remain but I’m fine with that, as the story tidies itself up in a way that could lead to future works. So if you want to see one way the Equestrian afterlife could work, have a go at this!
Every year, snow or shine, Burnt Oak climbs the same hill at the same time of winter to light a campfire. Sometimes, he sings; sometimes, he talks to the breeze; always, he remembers the friend no longer at his side. And it's a nice, peaceful time of remembrance, one which the ponies around him know better than to interrupt.
Except, one winter, for an unexpected arrival - and for almost anypony else, Burnt Oak wouldn't have given them the time of day.
But he couldn't refuse his friend's daughter, could he?
This story is about a friend. A friend who, every year, holds a vigil for no other reason than that it’s right and he cares. This story is about remembrance. Remembering all the good times we’ve had with others.
This year, something special happened to Burnt Oak during his vigil: he had a visitor. Applejack and Burnt Oak each bring something special to this vigil. One got to experience colt-hood friendship, the other a father-daughter relationship. And they can each teach each other a little about what it’s like to have the other.
Ever have a friend that you would do anything for, even after they have passed away? Well, in Ponyville there’s a pony who does. Each year, Burnt Oak creates a fire and watches the flickering flames and motes dance in the air, all while reminiscing on old times. However, this year, he gets to spend time with a special guest.
This fic is all about remembering the times spent with the people we care about most. While some may no longer be with us, they still leave an impact. Some deal with it in different ways, and I gotta say, what Burnt Oak does to honor his old friend is pretty sweet.
If you’re in the mood to let memories flow past your eyes, then this story will get you started. Perhaps spend some time with a close pal of your own once it’s over, won’t ya?
Twilight, in the midst of her last days, rediscovers one of her favorite fairy tales.
So many stories take the concept of Celestia losing Twilight and butcher it. But I think this one got it right.
For being a story about Twilight’s last days and the books she reads, the focus is on Celestia and her thoughts on the matter. And this is where most stories fail. You see, most make Celestia over-emotional, or completely shut down, but No Raisin managed to stride the line between emotional and operational perfectly.
We seem to be in a melancholy mood this round. As with the last one, this story deals with the untimely departure and the ponies left behind to deal with the emotions that linger. In this case, Celestia ruminates in a diary entry on the final days she got to spend with Twilight.
Written in first person, we see Celestia at her most vulnerable and truest self. Admittedly, that isn’t too far from her normal self, but there are a few choice words she puts down that speaks to a deeper soul than she lets on. Speaking of deeper meaning, we get to experience what Twilight decides to do with the time left to her.
It’s books.
Surprise!
But seriously, it’s interesting what stories she focuses on and the impact it has on Celestia herself. I’m sure more studious readers than myself can pick out all the symbolism being thrown around fairly easily, and even if you can’t, it’ll still have an affect. With that said, check this out to get a little closure on one very well-read pony and her mentor.
After becoming trapped in a cave, the CMC must find their way out.
So um. Holy crap. So, moral of the story is, don’t argue on your Celestia-damned camping trips. It’s just like. Don’t. Or you’ll get stuck in a cave.
What makes this so amazing is Scootaloo, and how much she’s willing to do to help her friends. And I like how toxbox made a point to contrast the darkness of the cave when Scoots is alone and the light when Sweetie and Applebloom are around. Sweetie specifically. And considering it was an argument with her that got them in this mess, I think that’s oddly fitting.
Anyway, in true horror fashion, the ending is pretty insane. So if you don’t mind that kinda deal, where you hold your breath at every turn and it gets your heart racing, this is absolutely for you. And if you like this story, I’d highly recommend reading into the freaky crap that inspired it.
It’s not Nightmare Night yet, but that doesn’t mean I can’t post creepy stories that’ll make you jump from bumps in the night. Or in the case of this story, the pitch black cave the CMC have gotten stuck in.
I really liked the progression the characters go through throughout this. A stupid argument leads to all three getting stuck in a deep cave, one that doesn’t have a clear way out. The fillies then have to work with what they’ve got to survive, each contributing in their own ways. I especially like how Scootaloo is handled, with the lengths she’s willing to go through to save her friends. She has her disagreements with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, but when the chips are down, she goes the distance to keep them safe.
Light and darkness play a big role here. The unknown and suffocating caves weigh down on the CMC mercilessly, with only fleeting glimpses of what lies beyond. If you’re claustrophobic, this might be one you want to avoid. I’m not and I still found myself holding my breath at some of the tight confines the trio have to get past.
If this all sounds up your alley, though, have at it! I don’t see stories like this often, where nature keeps you oppressed by making you hopelessly lost and the repetition of the walls pick at your sanity.
“It’s kinda early. What’s the rush?”
Matthew gave a sidelong glance over at Intern. In his hands he held a small purple bag, its content jingling whenever he moved it. He opened the bag, dipped two fingers in, and pulled them out. A twenty sided die lay between his digits. “I’m late for downtime.” With that, he left, taking his bag of dice with him.
Left alone, Intern pouted again. “I really gotta learn how to play that game. But there’s just so many metaphors to write!”
Feel free to visit our group for more information and events, and to offer some recommendations for future rounds. See you all next time!
I'm relatively new here and don't know much about how the site works, so excuse me if this following question comes off unprofessional or rude, but is there any significance to me seeing this blog post pop up on my "Feed" window?
5125626
It's a social site post, meaning everyone gets them. If you'd like to turn it off, go to Feed > View > Social Site Posts.
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I did that and it turned it back on so I could see this garbage again.