Status Report and Recommendations from Pen Mightier's Library - The Humans in Equestria Club by Billymorph · 9:39am Jul 25th, 2015

Hello, all. If you came for the status report on what I'm up to right now, you can scroll on to the bottom (or read through the recommendation to get to it)

Now, first off, the recommendation. As usual, this is JUST a recommendation, not a fullblown literary review.

Humans In Equestria Club by Billymorph

Why you should read this story
This story is a prime example of why you should never judge by a book by its title or cover. There is one main reason why you should read it - It's an incredibly well written piece of fiction. It's an exciting romp through a tumultous time for Equestria and Earth alike as two worlds collide in an epic story of universe-shattering proportions.

Oh, and it's complete. So no waiting!

Synopsis
Ever wondered what it is like to be a 'hero' like the Mane 6? Ever wondered what it's like to have that responsibility thrust on you? To know that the fate of the world, neigh, TWO worlds, rests on your shoulders?

Alexis Kingston, young twenty-something telemarkerter from earth, never did. But when she joins the trickle of disappearances from Earth, she finds herself in the body of a young pegasus mare. She barely finds time to find her own hooves, however. As leader of the emergency government bureau set up by Princess Twilight to manage the newly ponified (or gryphonified, dragonified, changelingfied or, in one case, zebrafied) humans, Alexis must also help everyone else struggle to find their hooves, paws, claws, etc. As the doomsday clock ticks onwards, as Equestria spirals towards the inevitable collision with Earth, more and more humans join the stranded ragtag bunch. Some are just scared, some are eager to take advantage of the confusion to rise to new heights of power, some wish to force their own technological ideals upon Equestria.

And that's just at home. The perilous slide towards Armageddon does not escape the notice of Equestria's darker super-entities. As Earth becomes a new objective in their neverending power struggle, Alexis finds herself the reluctant lynchpin in bridging two doomed worlds. Can she unite everyone in time to prevent TWO armageddons? Can she become the hero she's never wanted to be?

Strong Points
The characterization is strong, powerful and is not shy in breaking the mold from your usual HiE. It's a non-stop roller coaster of tension, drama and adventure that simply won't let you put it down. And the world building is exceptional and ties into the story beautifully.

Weak Points You're Just Going To Have To Read Through
- The story drops you right in the middle with Alexis already leading the eponymous human bureau. While it is an okay starting point as the writer does his best to ease you in, I personally can't help but feel a lot of that early story potential was lost. Just stick with it though, I promise you it's worth getting to grips with.
- The pacing just shifts to high gear midway through the story. It was exciting to read and the story does not fail to pound you with tension, conflict and action. Still, I feel like a lot of potential for a little more background, exploration of the wonderful cast of side characters, etc. was lost.
- It's short. Too short. For a story this epic, it feels like so much more could have been done.
- The ending is epic....just don't read beyond the final page break. Ignore everything beyond there and you can walk away satisfied.

Overall Impression
Definitely recommended. It's an underappreciated gem that needs more love. I read it in one sitting, cover to cover. Just couldn't put it down. I felt everything from frustration, tension and exhilaration to tears and, ultimately grim satisfaction.

Totally deserves a sequel. Or even a Redux edition, expanded to explore all the side-characters and their universe. Make it happen please, Billymorph!

Status Update
So, what's going on with me? I'm moving house and jobs over the next 3 weeks so writing's going to be slow. I'm mostly focusing on my short story at the moment - Beside Every Great Dragon There is a Great Moon. It's my first experiment in writing a 'romantic thriller', with focus on character, conflict and intrigue. It's full of my usual d'awws and heartwarming moments with a little bit of my brand of cute comedy, but now with more page-turning romantic and political intrigue (at least, I hope so). I'm incredibly happy with it at the moment. It is perhaps my best work to date (not that 'best' for me means much, to be honest), so much so that I feel like everything else I've ever written's just a pile of pot. If you like my usual works I really do recommend this one, and not just because I'm shamelessly self-promoting, but because I'd love to hear what you, my regular comrades-in-reading, think of it, particularly how it compares to my usual works. I personally it's a big step up for me in quality and I'd like to know if anyone else agrees/disagrees/etc.

I plan on completing it within the next month or so (it's only 7 - 8 chapters long). After that it's back to grinding out the next chapters for 1000 Mares and possibly Butler if I can finally sort out that one annoying scene. Once again, I apologize for my horrible update scheduling. Thanks for hanging in there and being so patient with me, everyone. I appreciate it.

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