#FebFIMFanFicLove Review: The New Crop · 5:52am Feb 9th, 2015
Hello. For this blog post, I'm doing something different. I've decided to take part in Tag-a-long's Book Club's #FebFIMFanFicLove. Simply put, users submit a story written by somebody else, and those who participated review one of the stories submitted. I'm participating, which is why I'll be reviewing this story.
Tags: Dark, Slice of Life, Alternate Universe
To start off, the description of the story does a great job of setting up what the story will be about without giving too much away, which is what the best descriptions do. The basic storyline here is that in an alternate universe, hence the tag, Big Macintosh is a boxer who fights in order to claim the prize money needed for him and his family. He is supported by both Granny Smith and Apple Bloom here, and as for where Applejack is, that's where a part of the alternate universe comes in. Anyway, if Big Mac and his family don't have enough money, the bank will repossess their property.
Straight away, the story sets up a high risk if the protagonist (Big Mac) fails to win, and with stories such as this, high stakes situations help make things tenser.
As for the fight itself, Big Mac ends up entering the ring to face Prince Blueblood. Yep, the stallion Rarity was interested in during the events of "The Best Night Ever" goes into the ring. Now, while many would immediately side with Big Mac so that they could read Blueblood getting a hoof in the face, the story does something interesting and brilliant with his character that I'll touch upon once I get there.
Anyway, as for the story itself, much of it revolves around Big Mac's stream of consciousness and his past, and this is where the story shines. His past is built up brilliantly and doesn't spend so much time to where it dominates over the action. It is through these flashbacks that the reader is able to understand who Big Mac is in this story, the struggles he has endured, and what he is fighting for. It makes the reader root for him and hope that he is able to triumph over his foe. This perfect blend of action and character building do a great job at grabbing the reader's attention and not letting go until its conclusion. As for the action itself, it manages to describe it in such a way as to where the reader can see every punch, feel the soreness of hoof against flesh, and the physical toll that these two fighters take as they battle it out.
The battle becomes more intense as the story goes along, each chapter representing a round, and the gradual progression of the fight is natural and well-done. Instead of like how some shows, stories, etc. have the fighters get stronger as the battle progresses, this story has them visibly hurt and exhausted as the fight progresses. I do appreciate that touch of realism.
One of the best parts is near the end of the fight, where the reader finds out that Blueblood is a lot more than he appears to be and that he too has a reason to enter in the ring. It's brilliant in its execution, so I won't spoil what it is. Nor will I spoil who the winner is, as this is one of those stories that is best experienced as you read it.
While the conclusion is a bit of a downer for both Big Mac and Blueblood due to their circumstances in this universe, I will say that it still feels satisfying. As for what needed to be worked on, I honestly can't think of anything that isn't a nitpick, so the story stands brilliantly in my opinion as a result.
Simply put, I highly recommend that you read this story once you get the chance. It is a thrilling tale that is worth your time if you're ever looking for a story to read.
I'll be sure to give this a read, thanks.
What's with Applebloom's eye?
Wow, great review! You've got me all hyped to read this now. :)
I thought you meant the story The Best Night Ever at first (I keep forgetting it's named after the episode). Nobody would want to hoof Blueblood in the face after that. :)
Thanks so much for your review! It feels great to know that you enjoyed it.
2781653
It is a great story.
I also agree with you in regards to that fic's version of Blueblood. That's also a great story.
2782261
You're welcome! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story!
This one's on my RiL list already, but it's good to see that it's as good a fic as I'd hoped it would be.
2783240 I hope you enjoy it when you decide to read it. It's definitely a great story.
Truly a wonderful story in its own right.
2783910 I strongly agree.