Flash's Library Catalog Vol. III · 12:51am Oct 18th, 2017
Flash's Notions:
I've been putting this off for too long, but I'm glad to be back. This time, we'll be looking at some of the stories under the “awesome” label. These are usually more action-y and tend to be highly recommended. The ones that aren't are things that I personally enjoy.
What makes a story “awesome”? I'm not Rainbow Dash, I can't quantify it, but I can say that it is when a story has a certain quality about it, that goes beyond humor or emotions, that makes one want to re-read the story, or think about it for hours afterwards, or expand on it somehow. Maybe adopt it as headcanon. That sort of thing. I imagine most readers have a folder like this.
Enjoy!
Half-Bloodied Scraps
by ThePoneDrome
Recommendation: 5/10
Scores (out of 25):
Concept: 17
Execution: 21
Characterization: 20
Technical: 24
Final: 82%, B-
Oh, this one I remember fondly. I have a great love of Rick Riordan's work, and have always wanted to write a fanfic about his universe myself. It hasn't happened yet, but who knows. Especially since the author of this fic challenges his readers to continue the story.
Basically, if you ever wanted Equestria Girls to meet up with Greek or Roman demigods, this short couple of chapters will titillate you in the best way. It's not really enough to satisfy- he leaves off just after the meet-ups happen. But the content is well written and sets up great crossover possibilities. I think I prefer the writing on the Roman side better, but the Greek side holds the most appeal. Which do you think?
Shining Armor is Best Colt
by Damaged
Recommendation: 8/10
Scores (out of 25):
Concept: 23
Execution: 18
Characterization: 22- it's consistent, if not accurate (though we don't know for sure)
Technical: 23
Final: 85%, B+
This story is absolutely adorable. I forgot how adorable until I went to write this. Seriously, Shining and Cadence as foals are cuter than they have any right to be. But the thing is- they're not portrayed in the way you'd expect. It's a way that makes sense, but it's different.
Suffice to say, it's nice seeing the start of what will be a long-time crush that turns into Equestria's greatest romance. The worst thing about it is that it ends way too soon.
Report on the Occult Energies of Equine Commradery
by SaltyVampireHorse
Recommendation: 8/10
Scores (out of 25):
Concept: 18
Execution: 23
Characterization: 20
Technical: 21
Final: 82%, B-
I swear I did not intentionally make the two crossovers have the exact same score.
Ironically, I think I like the other one a bit better- but this one is a complete story, has a logical explanation for how the crossover occurs, and while the story is not something that needed to happen in-universe, it feels right. Peridot is one of my favorite Steven Universe characters, and having her meet the ponies is amazing. I hope the author follows up on his plans for a sequel.
If I had a complaint, it would be that the story segues into Sesquipedalian Loquaciousness a bit too much, and has Peridot sounding a bit more robotic than I think she would at this point in her story in-universe). It also gets a slight bit repetitive, with each chapter based around Peridot misunderstanding one of the characters before befriending them- apart from Rainbow's chapter, which makes it seem like the author is a bit biased. But really, who wouldn't be.
Cards Against Equestria Girls
by MythrilMoth
Recommendation: 7/10
Scores (out of 25):
Concept: 20
Execution: 21
Characterization: 18
Technical: 22
Final: 81%, B-
This game. I love this game.
This one gets points off for several things- swearing, sexual dialogue, being something that would obviously not exist in the TV-Y rated world of MLP and Equestria girls.
Other than that, it's great. Hilarious and surprising at times. It's also real- the author drew the cards from a real deck while writing the story and merely ponified them. Well, Equestria-Girl-ified them. The rest is all in the reactions/interactions.
Read at your own risk, major side-splittage may occur.
Who's Your Daddy?
by Sporktacles
Recommendation: 7/10
Scores (out of 25):
Concept: 25
Execution: 21
Characterization: 19
Technical: 21
Final: 86%, B+
Let's end with a bang, shall we? In every sense of the word. Sporktacles is a great author that for some reason I never clicked the “follow” button for until I was re-reading this story. I don't know why, because he/she/they has a good number of stories- high ranking stories- in my library. This one is obviously no exception.
Now, there are many things I'm good at. Comedy is not one of them. Sporktacles is good at comedy. The stories I've read and will be reviewing are all great at making my sides hurt. But this one gets onto this list for having an amazingly incredible amount of (semi-plausible) headcanon hidden under the humor. A good showing from Trollestia helps the story along, though its tone makes it implicitly non-show-verse. As for why it's only a 7 out of 10? Well, it's low on re-read value. This was my first time going back to it in several months, so I got a chuckle out of it, but I'm not going to go back to it tomorrow.
Still, a fun and funny story, well worth your time.
Something for your real world bookshelf...
SAUCER
by Stephen Coonts
This isn't your typical aliens among us story.
The basic premise is that a genius grad student working for a seismic survey team finds a flying saucer buried underground. The US Air Force and the billionaire who funded the survey both lay claim to it. So in the middle of the night, the student (Rip Cantrell) and one of the USAF pilots steal it and go on a joyride that gets both in massive trouble.
Along the way, we get to meet Rip's family, delve into our characters- er, character- and uncover a few truths about humanity. It's a fun ride that doesn't bog you down with too much else; whatever the author claims, this book is a chase. It's Wile E. Coyote vs the Roadrunner, and we get a front row seat. So strap in, and enjoy.
While Rip is far from the Prince Charming a lady hopes for, he has a certain... appeal in his stubborn idealism. He's a gentleman who's rough around the edges, but of good heart; a true Knight in Shining Armor. Not that the lady needs rescuing. I quite enjoyed reading about Miss Pine, and sympathized with her plight. Ooh, I would have loved to get my hooves on that Hendrix- Apologies, that isn't something you want to hear. Oh, the book? Yes, yes, the book is lovely.
-Rarity Belle, Fashion Icon-
