Fic recs, January 30th: Read It Now edition! · 1:03am Jan 31st, 2017
Boy, that audiobook didn't take nearly as long to finish as I thought it would. c.c; Thank goodness I have nothing better to do than read ponyfics all day! This journal is dedicated to my most ill-named of lists, the Read It Now! (Compare to Read It Later or Read It Sooner.) This is not, of course, everything on the list, but it is a fair amount, all under 10k words. Which just means I have more for later! But first, the news chiiiiiiildren!
Corejo is open for writing commissions, and he's giving the profits to charity! What a guy!
Obselesence is stepping down, so be sure to give him warm wishes. He's done an awful lot for this site over the years!
Scribbler's newest reading is The Noise Under Pinkie Pie's Sink by Admiral Biscuit!
Now you can head below for reviews of Step Right Up and Start Again by shortskirtsandexplosions, BlazzingInferno's This Night, Twilight Sparkle Lays an Egg by Georg, and a whole slew of fics that made me remember that, yes, I do enjoy doing this for fun, because I occasionally need the reminder. Man it's been forever since I did a blog this big. Now here's hoping I got the numbers right, because I want to do something special for review #4000. <.<
H: 9 R: 8 C: 5 V: 3 N: 1
The Sisters and the Dragon by cleverpun
Genre: Fable
Spike asks Celestia why he's the only dragon in Canterlot, and hears a story about the mother of dragons.
At its heart, this is a very simple just-so story, explaining in a satisfying way why dragons and ponies are not generally friends. But this is couched in a young Spike wondering just who he is and what his place is in Canterlot. And I realized, reading this, that I've never seen a story like that before. Your usual "at the palace" fic is going to involve a young Twilight, so getting to see Spike have his own spotlight for once was a real treat. The fable itself is fun, especially since it's told as a fable but you know darn well it's just Celestia talking about herself. So yeah, in all, a really good read.
Recommended
What's Yours Is Yours, but Twilight's Mine by forestpip
Genre: Drama
When Apple Bloom and Twilight have a bonding moment, Apple Bloom takes to her a little strongly.
There was the kernel of a good story here, but things went rather poorly. It starts off laying the sads on really thick, and the melodrama never actually ceases. Long passages fly by in a few sentences, and emotions and motivations are bluntly told. The climax comes because Twilight doesn't notice Apple Bloom on her back. Long and short is, I never really bought anything that was going on, and in the end, it seems odd that Apple Bloom would latch onto Twilight as a mother figure and not, y'know, Applejack.
Not Recommended
Hero's Day by naturalbornderpy
Genre: Comedy
It's that time of year, when villains dress up as their favorite heroes and demand treats. Or else.
Now here's the rare comedy whose best joke comes at the start, yet by stretching them out, doesn't overstay its welcome. There are plenty of great gags in this (and two jokes that didn't hit home quite as hard), lots of media-awareness and fourth-wall breaking, and a really, really funny reason for all this to be happening. I had a lot of fun, you will too.
Recommended
Step Right in and Start Again by shortskirtsandexplosions
Genre: Time Loop/Sad
Though they may be unpredictable, it's certain there will be consequences for disrupting the timeline.
I was very confused when I started reading this, because I could swear I'd read it before. Actually, I was thinking of RealityCheck's Starting Over Again, which was written as an AU take on this. The big problem is, I unknowingly read these in the wrong order. And I'm presenting them to you in the wrong order. And I honestly can't judge this story against the adaptation, save to say that one might approach the subject a little more comprehensively, and ends on a considerably more uplifting note. I can't say that isn't not a good reason to rewrite a story, but that's honestly what Starting Over is: a rewrite. So I don't think it's fair to give this original piece any less a rating than its derivative.
Highly Recommended
Toola Roola Paints a Picture by Captain_Hairball
Mature: Sex
Genre: Earth-Analogue
Toola Roola needs more red paint, now.
The note alongside this story read "this is juggernaught's fault". I don't know he has anything to be blamed for, though, I rather enjoyed this. But I'll be frank: this is not a pony story. A cameo by a certain show character helps, but for the most part, this is the kind of story you read in college — and I mean in your creative writing workshop class, not your literature class. It was obviously written by someone who's been a university art student, is what I'm saying. But darned if I didn't enjoy it thoroughly. References to Faust, for instance, didn't bother me for once in my goddamned life because they're presented by a Quad God analogue. All the sex, drinking, swearing, racism, armed robberies, you name it: things that have no business being anywhere near the show blend together to make for a fast-paced romp around a college town. And of course, I love stories about Toola Roola. I wish the real deal had been anywhere near this interesting. <.< But yeah, if you can stomach a story with those elements, do give this a read.
Recommended
"Applejack, Are We Poor?" by InsertAuthorHere
Genre: Slice of Life
Apple Bloom isn't taking "family" for an answer.
The way this is structured, it seems to want to be a comedy, yet if it had been tagged as such, I'd be criticizing it for not being funny enough. I'm not quite sure how to approach this, is what I'm saying. "Money isn't what makes you rich" is the actual message here, for all that it seems that isn't nearly good enough for Apple Bloom. And I wanted to read this one because the realization that one's family is poor is kind of a rough thing for a kid. But I'd say it doesn't really explore that strongly, opting to suffice with mild humor and some sisterly bonding instead. So overall, not a bad piece, but it might fall a bit short in the end if you come in wanting a look into socioeconomic woes.
Recommended for Slice of Life Fans
Fallout Equestria: Vinyl and Octavia's Story by psp7master
Reading by Scribbler, et. al.
Genre: Tragic Romance
In the midst of a war, two mares did everything they could to keep their love alive.
So, from what I recall of FoE canon, Vinyl died in Manehattan, setting up the DJ Pon-3 legacy for those who followed, and Octavia… Well, Blackjack finds her somewhere and inherits her cello, so I don't think her fate was mentioned in the main story. But seeing them pre-war (well, pre-apocalypse) was definitely something I was interested in, and this story delivers, capturing the tension and fear of living in a country at war. Octavia's tragic optimism and getting to see the building blocks of DJ Pon-3 as voice of the Wasteland were wonderful. If anything irked me, it was the whole "Ponyville is a family town" anti-gay thing. I don't know if that's canon to FoE, but I at least understand where the author is coming from. Obviously, if you've never read FoE, this won't be accessible, but if you have, it's a good, short read.
Recommended for FoE Fans
Customer Service by Petrichord
Genre: Drama
A clever dealer sells in public, but not too public, and Flim Skim is a clever dealer.
Can't say I've read too many fics about drug dealers! If there are more, then this would certainly place at the top of the pile. The machinations Flim goes through while making his sale (and I won't say whom to, that's part of the fun) really make this work, and again, I find myself appreciating a well-visualized university atmosphere. Really, there aren't any flaws here; whether or not you read will depend entirely on your interest in the subject matter.
Recommended
A Bad Decision by Twifight Sparkill
Genre: Comedy
What could be in this book, that's put Twilight in such a state?
Here's one I read earlier! It's apparently Twifight's first story, which shows in some of the overwriting. As for the story itself, well, it's a single joke strung up after a lengthy nihilist diatribe from Twilight. And I have to say, the punchline doesn't really hold up, nor am I even sure it would have when it was written. (It references something far too ephemeral and specific in the pop culture eye to really be worth it.) So I'll say I was somewhat let down, overall, but it might be worth it as a short read.
Vaguely Recommended
This Night by BlazzingInferno
Genre: Romance
When Princess Luna finds a royal guard inexplicably guarding the wall below her balcony, she decides to get to know him.
And here's one I edited earlier! I'm really bad at this "timeliness" thing. :( Princess x Guard stories are something I've never been interested in, and quickly grown tired of as they profligate across the site, but this one has something more to offer. From the oddness of the situation in which they meet, to the fact that they spend most of the story just talking and getting to know one another, to the big reveal near the end, this is a very unexpected sort of romance, and that suits me just fine.
Highly Recommended
The Value of a Robot by Majin Syeekoh
Genre: Science Fiction
Sweetie Bot wakes up to find a strange lump on her chassis.
Sweetie Bot has been a fandom Thing for so long that it's sometimes hard to remember she originated from Friendship Is Witchcraft. <.< Just an observation. Anyway, this is a surprisingly serious take on the idea, walking us through a Ponyville filled with robots and the memories of thing lost. Twilight, Rarity and Doctor Whooves serve great roles as the main living characters, and while the "value" bit of the title ends up being a tad maudlin, I have to say I liked the way small details made themselves known around the edges as the story went on. This is a pretty decent read, all things considered, and the ending was a lot of fun.
Recommended
Twilight Sparkle Lays an Egg by Georg
Reading by Midnight29
Genre: Comedy
She had no idea that was even possible.
Given the description, I wasn't expecting this to go where it did. Suffice to say, it's a hilarious ride, with the first scene aligning with what you might expect from Twilight freakouts, and Spike getting a perfect role as straightman in the second. Plus, there are quite a few more jokes than you'd expect. It's worth noting there are references in this story to My Brother, the Tooth and My Niece, the Star, but reading either (I haven't read the latter) isn't necessary to get the overall joke. If nothing else, I enjoy the central idea here, and I had rather a lot to laugh about. :D
Highly Recommended
Pinkamena's Wake by GroaningGreyAgony
Genre: Joycean Nightmare
Just FYI, I will always, always, always read things inspired by and/or written like Finnegan's Wake. (Lunna's Ache, I pine for you. ;_;) Suffice to say, this is nonsensical word porn of the highest order, which fits Pinkie Pie perfectly. (It is also, as mentioned in the comments, far more accessible than Finnegan's Wake.) I loved it, English majors likely will as well, YMMV for the rest of ye, but screw't.
Highly Recommended
Feeling That Way by Super Trampoline
Genre: 2P Warfic
She's out fighting, and you're stuck here. But what else could you do?
It's hard to sum this one up, other than to say it's the best writing I've seen from Super Trampoline. The words are soaked in ennui, and the second-person perspective is used well, in that who you are and what you're doing are laid out in no uncertain terms at the start. It's more personal than third person would have been, less introspective than first person, and a perfect fit. As for the war itself, its presence is actually what makes this feel pony, because I'll be honest: ain't much pony about this. But when you get into the meditations over war and how poorly it fits with pony society, this hits home. Definitely a worthwhile short piece.
Highly Recommended
The Lamia by Cold in Gardez
Genre: Comedy
Twilight doesn't quite trust Rarity's newest friend, on account of she's a monster who eats stallions.
It's such a pleasure to see a comedy do so many things right. It's paced well, there are good running gags (just what is it that Twilight and Starlight do together?) and there are some fantastic joke scenes, whether it's Twilight telling an unwilling Spike about the birds and the bees, or Rainbow mooning over two stallions and some meat tenderizer. And then there's Oriole, who is just the most precious cinnamon roll ever. I was asked on the Good HiE Podcast what things can make an OC interesting. Well, here you go: give her a goal (stop eating stallions) that conflicts with her nature (lures stallions in by existing, is addicted to eating them), and a little bit of personality. That's all you really need, and she serves as a wonderful binding to the whole piece. If there's anything this did wrong, I would point to the ending. Frankly, it's a downer, and the final scene feels like a "ran out of time" or "brought up short to keep from going on too long" situation, though this certainly could have continued for at least a thousand more words without wearing thin. Still, it's worth the read, and one of those stories where my usual tactic of "copy great line and quote in the comments" would have necessitated a few pages of quotes.
Recommended
Senior Living by Estee
Genre: Fantasy
He's eighty-four, remembering twenty-eight, following like a second-grader the unexplainable things leading him onward.
I never would have thought I'd read a fic taking place in a human retirement home. What In the Place the Wild Horses Sleep does for childhood, this story does for old age. They're hardly the same story, of course: our protagonist here is an aging Korean War vet, resentful of just how much he's feeling his age. He moves into a less-than-astounding bungalow and begins the final leg of his life, trying to find some way to spend his remaining days while those around him have long since stopped caring. If this hit me hard, it's likely because the grandfather of a good friend died earlier this month, and I had the experience of helping move a couch out of his senior living apartment. But the fact remains that this is an unsubtle, uncompromising and ultimately beautiful piece that everyone should read.
Highly Recommended: Top Fifteen
Estrus by Friendly Uncle
Mature: Sex
Genre: Sexual Comedy
Twilight's in heat, but she has no idea what that means. Good thing she has good friends to help her out!
There are times I have to wonder if I actually know what I'm doing. This one, I chalk up to peer pressure, and I wish I'd left myself a note about who deserves the blame. But honestly, this was hilarious, and I appreciate that it's a story about heat that doesn't qualify as "heatfic". It's mostly a series of scenes about Twilight's friends discussing how to tell her about the birds and bees, while letting on far too much about themselves, with copious eye-rolling, blushing and innocent wide-eyed stares to boot. Plus, the "made-up flashbacks" gag is really great through the whole thing. If you don't mind explicit but non-lurid discussions of sexuality, this is totally worth turning your mature filters off for.
Recommended
This Isn't War by KingMoriarty
Reading by Goombasa
Genre: AU Character Piece
Flying is easy. War is easy. Life is hard.
If I can judge this based on at least one of its comments, this perfectly encapsulates the struggles of war veterans trying to return to civilian life. Like the author, I am wholly unqualified to comment on such, so I will just say that it hits every note just right, is entirely believable on its own merits, and thankfully does not end with a suicide attempt, so don't think that it does. Just read it.
Highly Recommended
Sisters Are Awful by scootaloo96 and Sleepy Panda
Genre: Random Comedy
Luna just wants to talk to her big sister. Why does she have to be so mean?
This is a very fluffy piece, perfectly cute and funny until about the halfway point, when it just gets random. It honestly feels like two stories: one about babby Luna bothering Celestia, and another about babby Luna talking to an octopus. And unfortunately, they don't mesh very well. The ending, for instance, is actually a pretty decent punchline, but it's the punchline to the first story. It seems far too mundane to really be effective, but that's only an effect of having gone through the absurdist escalations of the second story right beforehand. Overall, it's inoffensive, and I do always enjoy pieces about the young Princesses being brats to each other, but neither does it quite hold together as well as it possibly could have.
Vaguely Recommended
=-[] (My cat just typed that, and I wanted to leave it in because I feel it is a perfect expression of his general anxiety over not getting [what he thinks is] enough toys, food, and/or snuggles on a regular basis. What a chowderhead.)
Sunset Shimmer's Alliterative Adventure Into Pony Princess Perversity by Sporktacles
Sequel to Sunset Shimmer Lends Pinkie Pie the Wrong Thumb Drive
Genre: Sexual Comedy
Sunset Shimmer goes to visit Twilight's castle. So she can look at porn.
Yes, we're back on this train! :3 And while maybe not as hysterical as the previous story, this is a really solid followup, presenting lots of laughs, some good fun-poking at Twilight, fandom memes, and a few surprises. If you liked its predecessors, don't pass it up. Highly recommended if you like sexual comedy!
Recommended
From Every Searching Eye by Goat Licker
Genre: Comedy
After an encounter with a spider, Rarity develops the power to forgive sins.
I am reading this because has the best combination of username, avatar and user description ever. Seriously, just open the story and try not to laugh. I'm pleased to say this piece lives up to the expectations set thereby. It's a madcap absurdist comedy about Rarity as some sort of messiah, slowly brainwashing the entire town. It reminded me of a Star Trek TNG episode; it has references both clever and obscure, by the dozens. I don't know if it's a parody of religion, a discussion, or a little of both, but it was certainly a hell of a ride.
Highly Recommended
Home by RBDash47
Reading by Scribbler
Genre: Bittersweet
Applejack only enjoys her favorite pie once a year.
I have no idea how this one got tangled up here, but I'm glad it did. I defy you to read this story and not shed at least one tear. It's another piece about Applejack remembering her parents, and in that sense, it fits a mold. But it's a personal touch that helps it break out and stand apart; see the journal linked in the author's note. Quiet and contemplative, this never forces the feels, content to let the scenes stand on their own. It's absolutely wonderful.
Highly Recommended
Why No One Messes With Luna by scion
Sequel to Why No One Messes With Celestia
Genre: Mass Effect Crossover
The Normandy is sent to investigate an unusual massing of Reaper ships.
Unlike its predecessor, this a more straightforward crossover, starting us first with a Reaper report about ponies, followed by scenes with actual Commander Shepard. Point being, if you took my advice and read the first story without any real Mass Effect knowledge, this one will likely bounce off you. Anyway, I found the more ME-ful scenes to be a low point, with Shepard, Joker and EDI not represented the best, and Shepard in particular (perhaps intentionally) just kind of filling space. But for all that Luna's "ultimate badass" powers are considerably less flashy than her sister's, they're no less badass, and there's a good thread running through this about her own confidence (not to mention a really neat idea that helps reconcile their geocentric planetary system with other, more reasonable sci-fi stuff). In all, it's worth a read if you enjoyed the original, but only if you know the game as well.
Recommended for Mass Effect Fans
It's Not Unusual by dramatic_spoon
Genre: Future Fic
It's a special day, and Time Turner's forgotten again.
Remember that fic I read a while ago and was all "Why Rainbow and Doctor Whooves?" This is one of the two stories I should have read first. And while this doesn't explain how or why they got together, it does tell me one thing: this is a house of unusual ships. I mean, Thunderlane and Flitter isn't too surprising, but then there's MacChaser and Soarity (love that second one!) Anyway, the plot isn't going to interest non-shippers in the slightest, and I'm still feeling slightly jetlagged at the idea that not only are Rainbow Dash and Time Turner married, they also have a kid. This could be the start of something fun, though!
Recommended for Shippers
Princess Luna's School for Gifted Young Alicorns by Tigerhorse
Genre: Comedy
Luna will not stand for Equestria's two newest alicorns not knowing how to use the Royal Canterlot Voice.
This is not an amazing story by any stretch, but it is funny. I appreciated the gag about Cadence being a terrible student because I hate her, but more funny is the joke in the middle about Celestia. Which is good, since it's, y'know, the bulk of the story. If you like sister shenanigans, this story will surely satisfy.
Recommended for Laughs
Late Night Luna by MadMaxtheBlack and Enigmatic Otaku
Sequel to Equestria at Six
Genre: Comedy
It's time for everypony's favorite talk show, with everypony's favorite princess!
And we end with another Luna-themed sequel that isn't quite as good as the original. :B This lacks the subtlety and big laughs of Equestria at Six, though there are at least a few laughs to be had. I guess I've never really watched a late-night talk show, so I'm sure at least some of this slipped by me. (Why the pause to laugh? That's the one I really don't get.) But mostly, it's just a bunch of references and ponies acting dumb instead of actual comedy.
Vaguely Recommended
I kind of wish you had messaged me before reviewing this. While it's my most popular story, it needs to be re-written and I know that. I was proud of individual scenes, so I kept it up. I really never meant for a large audience to see it. I'm sorry.
I think Estrus was one of the first fics I read because I followed it from a TVTropes link and I was pleasantly surprised by it.
BTW I left your a present in your Skype PMs.
Given Estrus won a HR from me, it was probably my fault. But it is well worth a read.
4403305
I don't usually contact people prior to reviews, sorry. If you do rewrite it, let me know and I'll give it another review!
4403326
BLAME ACCEPTED >:V
4403341 okay.
Huh. Highly Recommended. Those are... words I don't remember if I ever got from you before.
Also, thank you for being one of those people who realized it didn't end in suicide.
Oh wow I'll HAVE to read that Finnegan's Wake story!
I would like to point out that PP's comment on Twilight Sparkle Lays An Egg included:
Now if only I can get Titanium Dragon in the same way...
Is it weird that I thnk the natural conclusion to "Are we poor?" would be calming Bloom's fears by pointing out the real estate value of a farm that size?
This reminds me, I really do need to do that reading of Pinkamena's Wake I promised GGA.
Lots of old and new good stuff to check out. It's unfortunate that Lamina isn't highly recommended though. Its greatest sin is not being a novel.
I see how it is, PP. Blaming me. Needlessly. Not even a trigger warning.
Jerk.
4403414 You and me both.
I just love that you left this in.
Thanks for the review! I think this might be the first time I've scored an HR
You should let your cat type more often... but not too much, or he'll end up with a twitter account like my dog
I rather liked The Lamia; my favorite line is still something spoilery about the final state Time Turner.
Well, colour me shocked! ... and purple. Mostly varieties of purple.
While sifting through some VERY UNNERVING ACTIVITY in my notifications (youknowwhoyouare), I was
appalledhorrifiedDELIGHTED to discover that one of my favourite mucky-muck reviewers had apparently subjected themselves to my first attempt at fanfic writing without saying a word! OH JOY!Look PP, next time you've got a hankering for awkward mediocrity, may I suggest watching kindergarten flag football instead? At a distance, of course. With binoculars. It is surprisingly visceral.
The nicest words you've ever said to me. You know, one MIGHT say that reading and reviewing this fic was ... a bad decision! Amiright!? RIGHT?? Ah, you get it. Sure.
I am honoured for getting a place in your blog, whether checkmarks or crosses, PresentPerfect. I appreciate your consideration and effort. Keep up the good RCL, EQD, VA, and ROFLMAO work, and thanks for the recommendations as ever! I'm saddened for Obselesence leaving - I'll go wish him well, for sure. He was one of the first folks I ever followed, being so talented and thoughtful ... he'll be missed. Good to mention him.
#madevaguelyhorsefamousbypresentperfect - this is SO a thing now!
4403439 We should form a club, or a posse, or a SQUAD.
What now, PP? What are you gonna do when you're up against the xjeekohx Squad?
I'm Captain Hairball's editor here and AAAAAAA FLIPPING OUT THANK YOU FOR READING AND REVIEWING.
You're a legend and "Toola Paints a Picture" is our baby. Well, maybe it's more Cap's baby and it's a little greedy of me to call it 'our' baby. But yes aaaa I'm going to just go around fistpumping and squeeing for the entire rest of the day.
WriteOffs are brutal, man :(
Vaguely recommended is better than not recommended at all
4403349
I will admit this is entirely because I read the comments. Yours, specifically, if I'm not mistaken. :B But I am willing to trust an author with something like that.
4403414
Hey, you're like third in line for next Pav Fiera. :V
4403596
Hey, at least it's neither the first nor last story of yours I'll ever read. :B
4403735
How dare you not write stories to my exact specifications! >:V
Pinkamena's Wake will be the closest I ever get to reading the Joyce thing, so I really ought to get on with it. I'm amazed it's taken you until now to read Home, which I agree is fantastic. And ST writes a 2p story, which gets HR'd? This I have to see. KingMoriarty's story is going on the list, too, given that I've liked the other Iron Wing stories.
4403820 Also, her wife is Maud.
4403858
SEQUEL! SEQUEL! >8V
I was really hoping it would be someone from her squad. :)
4403960 While I'm glad to see you clamoring for a sequel, what would I even try to give you?
I've covered the Crystal War before. My three stories featuring this ship in varying quantities are all among my top four highest rated. This Isn't War was written in under twenty-four hours on something less than a whim while blitzed out on sleep deprivation, and I'm almost certain I'll never capture something even near its level for the rest of my life.
Where do I go from that story? What do you do with something after you accidentally capture an utterly alien perspective so perfectly that most everyone thinks it's not alien to you? What would the reaction be to sticking an answer onto a perfectly good ambiguous ending?
What? Do you want some kind of laughs-stuffed sex-romp in the Crystal War timeline? A happy little fluff piece about Rainbow and her babe waxing poetic about how much they f*cking miss war? A poetic description of how different the ground feels when it isn't irrigated by blood?
No, seriously, honestly want to know where in Luna's Eternal Mane you think this thing could possibly go.
Thanks for the HR! I’m very pleased that you liked it!
4403379
I am on the verge of doing a reading myself. But the more, the merrier!
4404100
Oh, this was all I needed ONTO THE RIN THEY GO
4403343 hey, it took me like seven present perfect reviews before I got a highly recommended. I know you'll do good things in the future still.!.
4404303 Thanks. It means a lot.
4403852
trust me I was shocked too. But honestly that's one of my few stories as of recent I'm happy with. Even if it took I think something like a year from the time I conceived it and came up with the background photo, to the time I actually wrote it.
I meant to ask earlier... what two jokes didn't click for you? To be fair, they're all terrible, but I'm always curious about what makes others laugh and what doesn't. And if you can't remember, that's fine. That's actually asking a lot now that I think about it...
Anyways, thanks for the review!
4404572
The "white face" joke, which could have worked if Discord wasn't so hellbent on sniping at people, and I thought the other was in the last scene, but I guess I can't find it. :B Oh well.
4403820
Let me know when you find one you actually like, ya bluddy masochist. Har! THAT'LL be a cold day in Tartarus, lemme tell yeh!
Today I'm a pirate. YAR!
Can I just say that if you think this was random you may not want to read our other story
Though we did it on purpose as we didn't want it to be too serious
Thanks for the review
It's funny you mentioned the use of Spike as a strength. I actually did one of the things that I always advise against when writing children characters: Vague Age. I also mostly added the epilogue as a concession to the EqD pre-reader who complained about it having no point or something. Obviously, Spike isn't really the focus of the story: it was mostly an excuse to homage The Hobbit. Still, glad you enjoyed that aspect of it.
Also, I agree with you about "Applejack, Are We Poor?": I went in expecting something else, and that definitely damaged my perception of the story. I think the bigger issue, however, is the extremely blunt way that the story handles emotions, as well as the inconsistent character voices.