Story Reviews » SA: Round 164 · 5:38am Dec 21st, 2019
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Matthew walked the quiet halls of the Seattle’s Angels compound, taking in this brief moment of peace and tranquillity. Many of the staff had taken off for the holidays, leaving just a few stragglers behind to finish up the year’s work. Next year’s posts still loomed large, but Matthew could ignore it for now and enjoy the—
A crash came from the Angels’ office area, interrupting Matthew’s inner exposition. Sighing, he headed into the large work area so see Intern struggle to get a small flying drone under control. The drone crashed into Corejo’s desk, splintering the wooden structure into kindling before taking off again. Straight for Matthew.
The drone, a machine made of nigh-indestructible material (which the science team internally called adamantium but officially couldn’t due to copyright), beeligned for Matthew, its rotors spinning at speeds that could slice him in two.
Matthew calmly held up a universal TV remote and pressed a button. The drone’s propellers stopped and it dropped to the floor.
“Intern, why haven’t you left yet?” Matthew tiredly asked.
Sheepishly putting the drone’s controller down, Intern pointed up. A banner that read, “Happy Hearth’s Warming” half hung from the ceiling. “I was trying to get it down. I only got part of it.”
“I see that.” Matthew pinched the bridge of his nose. “We’ll deal with it after the new year. Until then, go home.”
“Uh, I also need to get the next post out. Last minute, ya know.”
“When isn’t it.” Matthew picked up the discarded drone and set it on a nearby desk. “I’ll help so we can both get out of here faster.”
ROUND 164
The southernmost reaches of the world are quartered off by a grand desert. It wasn't always like this.
Evidently I’ve read this before. I didn’t care one bit, because it is that worth reading. Another entry into the “Lost Cities” style of writing, where the focus is on worldbuilding in the most beautiful way possible - with amazing exposition. And this one does not disappoint.
What makes it unique from all the others I’ve read is how it hints that some form of life may still exist amidst all this desolation. There isn’t really much else to say except that if you need some divine descriptions and worldbuilding in your life, which you do, then this is the story for you.
Sometimes, I’m amazed at how inspired our fandom becomes from just one thing. In this case, it was Lost Cities by Cold in Gardez, a “story” that became so influential that it’s practically spawned its own genre. Kinda like Fallout: Equestria, but as scenery porn.
I could stop right there and I’m sure many of you will know what you’re getting into with this one. Imma continue because that’s what I do. Here, we get a look at what ancient pony structures may have looked like in the deep desert. What sets this one apart from others is towards the end, where we get a hint that not everything is as dead and gone as is first described.
If you like grand descriptions and flowy exposition, you’ll be delighted with this.
STORY 2
Ennui, by semillon
Smolder and Ocellus spend quality time together after cheer practice and encounter an eldritch entity bent on consuming Smolder's soul. They also play Connect Four.
This is probably my personal favorite out of this set.
I love just how subtly engrossing this is, it grabs your attention and holds it to the very end. The horror is also masterfully executed, and delightfully understated. It slowly steps into your mind just enough to realize it, but not so much as to be blatant and hokey.
The romance is also on-point. Too many authors either make it too obvious or too subtle, but semillon managed to balance the two. It also isn’t necessarily a romance story per se, which I like. Romance just happens to be included, and is done really well.
But what really makes this stand out from all the rest in the set for me is how the stories and fables Ocellus and Smolder tell each other relate to their experiences. It was done just enough to be recognizable, but it still makes you have to think and realize in on your own.
Oddly enough, what makes me love it so much isn;t even it’s strongest point. This story reads for everyone. You can read as a romance story that happens to have action mixed in, you can read it as a horror story, you can read it as a sort of parable, you can read it as an exemplary character piece, you can read it for all of these and more… it doesn’t matter, because semillon is a genius and found a way for it to be all of those. That takes serious, serious skill to pull off. And the quality of this story reflects that skill.
I’ve been picking out a lot of horror themed stories, lately. Not sure why, as I rarely read horror on my own, but I’m glad to give them a try, especially when they are this good.
This is horror in the slow, creepy buildup way, and not in the “in your face way” like ghosts, serial killers, or monsters. This is the type of horror that sneaks up on you, turns you over like a specimen in a glass jar, then leaves without you even noticing. Only to return later to finish you off now that it knows your weaknesses.
Also, if you ever find yourself in Equestria, and a mysterious door shows up that wasn’t there before, don’t go through it. It never ends well. Know your setting and you’ll live to tell about it.
Characterization is great, too. Smolder and Ocellus are wonderfully realized here, making me wish we had more time in the show to get to know them better. The Young Six really had something going for them as a group and as individuals.
But until the season 10 comics roll around, we get to flesh them out as we wish. And with that said, please give this one a try.
Each of the Elements of Harmony is leading an army in an effort to assert themselves as the master of the land! Who will prevail? Who will fall? What is really going on here?
Guys, I love stories like this. I’m betting most of you will figure out what’s up pretty quickly, perhaps even before reading, but that honestly doesn’t matter. What’s so fun is seeing each pony’s reactions to the events, and maybe even imaging what it looks like with every step. It may not have gotten me to outright laugh, but I still found it funny and thoroughly enjoyable.
I’ll be blunt, I figured out where this was going even before I started reading. However, I still got plenty of enjoyment out of it. It is because I know where this will end up that I got to giggle at the antics going on.
War, alliances, betrayal, and other buzzwords can be used to describe this, but I like “committing to the bit” the best. You’ll see what I mean once you reach the end.
That’s your cue to go read this.
Applejack digs a hole.
Huh. I so desperately want to do some kind of joke where I just repeat “I’m digging a hole” a bunch, but I won’t.
So this story was entirely unexpected, from beginning to end, and I applaud the author for that. It’s just such an odd story that I can’t help but be drawn into the next scene, and the next one, all the way up to the end which I found really quite comical in that weird comedy-horror way. And the story doesn’t try to make a big deal of it, which I love. It’s just so nonchalant about the situation and then it just leaves you there.
I know I may not be making this sound as brilliant and amazing as it is, but read it anyway, because let’s be honest, it’s worth it. I’m digging a hole.
Unlike the last one, the ending to this one I did not see coming. I should have, in retrospect, but the story is odd and intriguing enough that it kept the wool over my eyes long enough to let the final punch hit at full force. If nothing else, that should be enough to get you to stop reading this review and check it out.
Seriously, go in blind. No more talky, go ready. Naow!
“There, done. Now, go home.”
“Right, right.” Intern made to reach for the drone controller, but Matthew shook his head.
“Leave that too.”
“But what if someone—?”
“Picks it up and makes a mess of things?” Matthew pointedly stared at Intern.
“Yeah… that.”
“The end of the year is the perfect excuse to let things go and deal with it later. It’s professional procrastination.”
Intern shrugged. “Fine.” He headed towards the exit to pick up his coat. “Happy Hearth’s Warming!” he said, waving good-bye.
“Same. See ya next year!” Once Intern left, Matthew once again took one last look around. Peace and quiet. At least, for now.
Feel free to visit our group for more information and events, and to offer some recommendations for future rounds. See you all next time!
Oh come!
I have an idea similar to ‘Battle for Equestria.’ But the elements of the story are vastly different. Almost the same concept.
Edit: BTY I haven’t read that one I’m just going off of the general description. I also haven’t started typing the idea into a story... yet? Maybe? Don’t how soon I’ll get around it if I ever do.
Happy to see Strawberry Sunrise here. I don't care if it is someone's alt or someone's return or a genuine last hour newbie, but the way they've been slinging it out makes me respect them as a writer.
Also the hole story is like good and stuff.
Everything by semillon is good. Yes.