Signal Boost: A World Rent Asunder / The Epic of A Diamond Dog · 3:43am Sep 1st, 2015
It's funny. When I first started reading on this site, there was a tag I'd constantly avoid but most of my favorites of my all-time favorites are pretty much just this tag. Hell, I'm spending a lot of my free time working on a story that has this tag now and I have several more planned that I can't wait to get started on.
No, it's not human, clop, or crossover.
It's ADVENTURE
Here are two awesome tales that make me want to put the "Ad" in "Adventure." (Boo all you want, I don't care. These two stories and their writers are awesome need more love.)
A World Rent Asunder by NeverEatTheLemonsAlone
Set in an alternate universe, Twilight is sent by Princess Celestia into dangerous territory to recover a magical artifact. As she travels, she runs into many familiar faces, but can they be trusted? As Twilight continues on her adventure, she uncovers clues to a mystery that even she didn't know existed.
This story's strength is that it's short. Here's what I mean: The writing style is very bare, but it gives just enough to let the mystery sink in and let your imagination wander. The tone is set brilliantly with little effort. Focus is only given to what's important, and that makes it a brisk and fun read. Also, because the chapters are so short, you can pick up a chapter on a lunch break or while on the toilet. Or while you eat lunch on the toilet (hey, I'm not judging).
The Epic of a Diamond Dog by Ravencrofte
Diamond dogs are a favorite of mine, but they seem to be woefully underutilized on this site. I can only think of one other story that I enjoyed that had a diamond dog character, even though he didn't play a big role. I also understand there is a comic out there with Trixie and diamond dogs, but I haven't read it.
There isn't a lot out there about diamond dogs, but this story takes advantage of this to craft an interesting and unique culture for them. That is certainly a strength for this story, but it's biggest strength is in the action.
The main character, Ember, catches a pegasus filly on a hunt. All the other dogs around him want her for their own reasons. Turns out some dogs have no qualms killing to get their hands on one, especially one so young. Ember decides to take the filly, Kitty Hawk, home instead of keeping or selling her. Thus, his long and dangerous adventure to Equestria begins.
This is one of only a handful of fics that I'm actually dying to see finished. And it is the only one I can say really pushed me to get off my lazy ass, sit back down on that ass, and start writing. Seriously, I can't think of anything better to say about this fic.
So, if you have the time, check these stories out and let the authors know what you think. I already have.
Oh man, "Epic of A Diamond Dog." That is a really good fic. I love Ravencrofte's writing style in that one. He gives it a lot of weight and effect, just like the title would imply. I'm proud to be helping him edit it!