Fic recs, April 29th: New Character Tags, Individuals edition! · 8:33pm Apr 29th, 2018
Scribbler's newest reading is Aquaman's Far from the Tree, with MamiDulugo, Webshoter and Caitbug! And Winged T. Spears has done a reading of Admiral Biscuit's I hate bats!
So I saw Infinity War today, and it was so good, and I was ready for it to have a downer ending but I am so bummed right now you guys. D: Gonna play the movie out in Sentinels fights and see if that makes me feel better.
At least you have fic reviews to keep you company. More from that 2017 blog of knighty's detailing the new tags which aren't exactly new anymore. This is a biggun!
H: 3 R: 8 C: 11 V: N: 1
Blossomforth:
Blossomforth Needs Her Own Tag by Twinkletail
Genre: Meta Comedy
Blossomforth finds consternation in a theme park gift shop.
It's worth noting this story got a second chapter four years after the first. I think there might have been a timing concern there. :V But good lord, it's been a while since I saw a story so dedicated to being concentrated silly. This only works on the meta level, but the effort which the author went to to make a story around it is astonishing. I lol'd.
Recommended for Laughs
Button Mash:
Cease and Desist by Justice3442
Genre: Meta/Comedy
Button Mash is rather upset about the letter he got from the town council.
And here's one that's meta about something else! The setup doesn't make any sense if you don't know what the story's actually about (no one copyrights holidays), but the ending is amusing, and if nothing else, this has a Doctor Who reference that I actually appreciated. Not amazing, but worth it for a laugh and maybe some catharsis if the intervening years did not suffice.
Recommended for Laughs
Cloudchaser:
How to Make Friends by Manaphy
Genre: Friendshipping
Moondancer has only just made up with Twilight Sparkle and her old friends. Time for more, if Minuette has anything to say about it!
This is all but a proof of concept for a life skills guidebook. Moondancer demonstrates to us how to make friends with someone by doing exactly that. Unfortunately, the writing is a little janky, just generally in need of an editor to fix numerous small and nuanced problems. Still, I can't say no to the message here, and I adore the way Minuette is written. Because Minuette is the best, really.
Recommended If You Value Substance Over Style
Daisy:
Floral Issues by Impossible Numbers
Genre: Comedy
The Flower Trio needs to be more careful where they gather their flowers.
This is labelled a Horror/Comedy, but it's pretty light on both. I have to give it some props for consideration of how the three scarediest ponies in Ponyville actually, y'know, function on a day-to-day basis. I also have to give it a 'meh' on the Zecora Test, for the erroneous belief that '-alm' rhymes with '-arm', not to mention formatting her dialogue in couplets. But it's interesting finding out where this is placed in show canon, if nothing else.
Recommended as Light Reading
Filthy Rich:
Barnyard Barge-Ins by Estee
Genre: Business Comedy
In which the Great Ponyville Homecoming Holiday Riot is examined from a historical perspective wherein it was not entirely Filthy Rich's fault.
"Business" and "comedy" are not words that naturally belong together, in my experience, but trust Estee to make them work. A story about Filthy Rich accidentally inventing Black Friday would've been a hoot, some cutting social commentary wrapped around ponies getting in over their heads. But presenting it as a historical textbook adds something ineffable to the whole scenario. It allows buildup and pacing that simply telling the story, even out of chronological order, could not. This is a blooming triumph.
Highly Recommended
Flitter:
Flitter Gets Caught by Shachza
Mature: Sex
Genre: Clop
Flitter goes into the Everfree and gets fucked by what I initially thought was some kind of wolf, but which turns out to be an actual horse. That was interesting, mostly because it's sapient enough to speak "ancient proto-Equestrian", so this isn't exactly bestiality. It also isn't exactly an accident that the scene happens. That said, I spent most of it skimming. This is really long. That's what she said Still, a lot better written than most porn-tagged fics.
Recommended If You Like Clop
Lily:
A Heart of Cold by HMKv2
Genre: Dark AU
She hangs in the dark, until the queen has need for her.
The first problem is that the AU is overwhelming. Lily already doesn't have much canon personality. Throw in Tyrant Flurry Heart — which, I'll admit, is a great idea — and you've essentially got a story about two OCs, with little to no impact. Second, that second chapter just confuses the issue further; is this an actual threat or some kind of game? Third, an editor was needed. This was a good effort, but it doesn't work as is.
Not Recommended
Limestone Pie:
A Hint of Key Lime by Metool Bard
Genre: Episode Followup
Limestone isn't that bad, once you get to know her.
Obviously, the author is simply unaware of the greatness which is best pony, hence this completely implausible story. :V No, but this is good. Maybe a little too focused on a totally happy ending, but I like the interplay of various lessons learned as applied to Applejack. Very nice slice of life.
Recommended
Marble Pie:
A Rock Facing West by Oroboro
Genre: EQG Shipping
Arriving at the Pie Family Farm to help out with a problem, Sunset encounters a shy, quiet girl and the thought that maybe there was a reason she always liked bullying those sorts.
It's surreal, reading a fic like this so soon after the Sunset Shipping contest. But I love the way Oro writes Sunset: flirty, roguish and suave, confident but not assured of her own badassery. It's got a really original monster at its center, not to mention creative use of Equestrian magic in Humania. This is a story where the shipping is integral to the plot, and it's got some real good things to say about relationships to boot. This probably won't interest anyone not into either of the tags, but I'm all for stories of its caliber.
Recommended
Moondancer:
One Mare's Worth by Bookish Delight
Genre: Character Piece
If Moondancer wants to get closer to Twilight Sparkle, she'll need to try practicing this whole 'friendship' thing first.
So if there's no actual romance, just feelings from one side, does it need the tag? How about if the tragedy doesn't actually happen in the story, but afterward? >.> Cuz as far as I'm concerned, this behind-the-scenes story about what led up to Moondancer's ill-fated party is a top-tier tragedic romance. (Oh god, it hurts so good.) But taken at face value, it's really a story about, as the title suggests, learning one's own worth, and it's pretty damned powerful. (Even if chapter four will leave you very confused until the end.) This is probably worth reading even if you didn't take Amending Fences as a paean to Moondancer's unrequited love for Twilight. Which it totally is shut up And if you're into nerdy, dorky lesbians? Oh boy, don't miss out.
Recommended
Parcel Post:
Oh Jesus Oh No Celestia Is Doing It in the Butt! by Super Trampoline
Mature: Sex
Genre: Crackfic
This story is Super Trampoline at his Super Trampoliniest. And I know I've said that about a story before, but this time I really mean it. This is art. Also something of a cry for help in fanfic form? But, like, the story starts out with the same narrative form as Starlight and Trixie Do the Kiss, only to frequently drop it and even forget being a story altogether. There's multimedia like hell, and author commentary, and it's just a really wacky experience wrapped around, y'know, a core of weird, gross sex.
Troll Recommended
Pony Joe:
Extra Sprinkles by Minds Eye
Genre: Slice of Life
Joe's first day running his own shop ends up quite a bit more eventful than he anticipated.
Are you feeling the least bit bad right now? Because I guarantee, if you go read this story, that will no longer be the case. Usually, feel-good fare isn't my bag, but this was so much fun! And the weird part is it, it explains not only how ol' Joe got caught up with a certain duo, but why his name has been both 'Pony' and 'Donut' Joe. This is my favorite kind of slice of life! (Even just thinking about this story as I post this blog is really helping. ^_^)
Recommended
Sassy Saddles:
Buyer's Remorse by FanOfMostEverything
Genre: Light Comedy
Picky Pepper's finally gotten her Princess Dress. Time to show off!
I spent the entire story consumed with how terrible a name "Picky Pepper" is. I don't care if it's canon, semi-canon, or FOME's own creation, I could not get over it. I still can't! D: But this is a perfectly fine little ditty about the tribulations of an ever-changing fashion industry, and it even gave me a big laugh toward the end.
Recommended If You Enjoy Poking Fun at Fashion
Spoiled Rich:
And Yet, What Riches Still Await by PatchworkPoltergeist
Genre: Romance
Spoiled always knew there was something special about that stallion.
I have zero surprise that the highest-rated story I found about Spoiled Rich is by Patchwork. (And yet, this is number two, because continuity!) Few authors, or fans in general, seem to care about her. In this case, I find myself a tad disappointed; my question about her character is always "what does Filthy Rich see in her?" while this story is more about what she sees in him. And to answer the reverse, well, it presents us a Spoiled Milk — Spoiled Rotten, that is — considerably removed from the one we see in canon. I can believe that something happens between now and then to change her for the worse, but without knowing what, I'll have to wait until I can take up another of Patchwork's stories on the issue. Because continuity. Regardless of any of that, this is still top-notch fanfiction, featuring an exceptional romance between two older people trying to get over themselves. I really can't ask for more, and I am certain the other stories in this series will be every bit as good.
Highly Recommended
Sunshine Smiles:
The Unicorn's Frappucino by FanOfMostEverything
Genre: Comedy
Twilight and her friends burst into a magic shop, ready to do what they have to to save Pinkie.
If you, like me, are looking at the character tag and going, "Who?" right now, the answer is "that happy pony who was trying on dresses in Rarity's boutique alongside the really dour one." I mean, everyone remembers her, right? :V Anyway, it doesn't matter if you do, because here, she is, and I quote, "the lamest villain the mane six have ever faced". This is gooftastic, perfectly paced comedy that never shies from throwing out the most off-the-wall idea it can and making it work. The meta aspect, in other words, is not the craziest thing going on here.
Recommended
Tree Hugger:
Sun Salutation by Twinkletail
Genre: Shipping/Journalfic
Luna convinces her sister to hire a yoga instructor, for relaxation and other purposes.
This is some decent crackshipping, but more than that, it's good journalfic. No, it doesn't sound like Celestia, and she's rather focused on how much romance is not in her life (as tends to happen in shipfics), but I can believe that she lets the stoic princessness drop in private, and the contents of the journal support that interpretation. If you're not into shipping, you likely won't appreciate this, but if nothing else, the comedy of errors leading up to Celestia's breakdown is surprisingly funny.
Recommended for Shippers
Troubleshoes:
The Strangest of These by Carabas
Genre: Comedy/Crackshipping
Just when Troubleshoes thought his life couldn't get any weirder, Discord came calling.
This story is an utter triumph of character voicing. Troubleshoes has a very distinct style of speech, and Carabas was able to maintain it, pitch-perfect, for fifty-five-hundred words. Unfortunately, the subject matter might be a turnoff to some. I mean, I can barely fathom Discord being interested in a pony who isn't immortal, even if the way he goes about 'courting' Troubleshoes in this is, well, an entirely Discord way of doing so. I'm also somewhat miffed about the 'happy' ending, considering all the trouble stems from Discord misunderstanding the purpose of romance novels. It was a good teaching moment, is my issue, and instead we end on a 'pity date' note. Still, I can't deny the strength of the writing, and that alone makes this worth reading.
Recommended
White Lightning:
The Sauce Must Flow by Majin Syeekoh
Genre: Random Comedy
Raindrops finds a strange bottle in White Lightning's fridge.
Again, I find myself asking "Who?" She's a white pegasus with blue mane; why the hell does she have a tag, there are literally only five stories with her on the site. Anyway, this is one of those stories about two friends doing something stupid that they'll likely be able to tell funny stories about for years to come. It's aimless, but in a way that mimics the aimlessness of actual life. It certainly doesn't hurt that it's funny as heck. This won't blow anyone's mind (aside from poor Raindrops), but it's still pretty well worth the read.
Recommended for Laughs
Wind Rider:
The Truth Hurts by Metool Bard
Genre: Drama
Training to try and return to the Wonderbolts, Lightning Dust meets her greatest hero. It doesn't go like she planned.
I need to read more Lightning Dust fics; we haven't seen her in five years, it's sometimes easy to forget she ever existed. Anyway, this is a fantastic idea for a story, using Wind Rider as both inspiration and cautionary tale. The line from him to Lightning Dust seems easily drawn in hindsight, and this piece makes full use of that potential. A solid drama, with the old Wonderbolts trainer as the voice of reason.
Recommended
Steven Magnet:
Garble's Last Hug by TheVClaw
Genre: Comedy
Unfortunately for Garble, compelled to hug every dragon he comes across, sad sea serpents are part dragon.
This is a really funny way to make use of Garble after his fate in The Gauntlet of Fire, especially since the shitter deserves everything that happens to him. :V The story is a tad let down by the writing, though, with spots being overly telly or flat from time to time. I think it's still worth reading if you're the sort to want to see someone like Garble get what's coming to him, though.
Recommended for Laughs
Tantabus:
Tantabus, Mk. II by Rambling Writer
Genre: Comedy
Luna just wanted to remake the Tantabus to help ponies. Now it's calling her 'Mom'.
I do love seeing what authors do with trying to turn non-character-type things into characters. In this case, the Tantabus is a bundle of excitement and… more excitement, gleefully turning ponies' dreams into action thrillers. Granted, as comedies go, it's a little more on the silly side than anything, and the three main setpieces are mostly just reasons for goofy action and pop culture references. But I did enjoy Luna's thread, overcomplicating everything about this being she inadvertently created, and for all that Twilight insists she didn't do much, she serves as a good midpoint between the two. I'll probably check out the sequel.
Recommended for Laughs
The Smooze:
Tubs of Smooze by Typoglyphic
Genre: Crackshipping, OR IS IT
Hughbert Jelly is determined to make up for missing the 'Smooze Incident' at the Grand Galloping Gala.
It's been years since I read a fic about Hugh Jelly. Excuse me, Hughbert Jellius. Here, he's cast as an eccentric rich Canterlotian, somewhat notorious and very much reviled by his fellow pony. After finding out the Smooze is a thing, well, you can guess where his mind goes. This story is an experience. Maybe not the best written, maybe not the funniest, but I'll be damned if it doesn't perfectly lead you through being Hugh Jelly, and all the things Hugh Jelly wants that no one else understands. And of course, they belong together. <3 I loved it.
Highly Recommended
Thanks for the review! Also, Blossomforth Needs Her Own Tag is one of my favorite stories on this site.
Darn, that's four times this April you've picked my works. Am I flavour of the month, or something?
Not that I'm complaining, mind, though I do have some quibbles with the current review.
It's a fair cop. For the former, that was a last-minute addition, and since the fic is rated "Everyone", I'm not surprised it didn't exactly send shivers down any spines. For the latter... I got nothin'.
Both use the exact same phoneme: an open back unrounded vowel. Maybe there's an American difference in pronunciation which is rhotic. But I write in British English, specifically with Received Pronunciation in mind, which generally isn't. So consider me confused over this point.
Again, I don't understand. Isn't that how it's supposed to be done? She's clearly not speaking normally, nor are her rhymes meant to be accidental features of normal speech. Formatting it in couplets makes sense from that and makes her speech stand out. Not to mention looking for rhymes in normal prose strikes me as less visually appealing.
Limestone is best pony.
And still no Minty tag...
I wrote A Heart of Cold.
1. I wasn't able to hire an editor; I tried, but no one was available.
2. Originally I wanted to continue the story, but I lost any desire to do so.
3. Yeah, I thought it was a good idea at the time. But I guess a good effort just wasn't good enough.
This story is my second to last. I decided that Tales from Other Worlds will be the last story I ever write. It will never be a magnum opus, but hey, it's my last story, I don't care anymore. If my stories are the epitome of inadequacy, then it's fate; there's no sense in continuously writing stories that will never live up to their promises.
4850105
I honestly don't see how these would rhyme in British English, either. o.O I mean, "arm" becomes "ahm" sure, but "alm"? There's an L in there.
Also, no, don't write Zecora's dialogue as couplets, it's dialogue, not poetry. >.>
4850135
YES
4850168
Well, she's still not G4 canon. :/
4850172
If you have good ideas and just need to find someone to help you forge them into shape, it'd be a shame to see you give up.
I actually read Tantabus, Mk. II the other day. I was going to put it in my last batch of reviews, but then realised that I'd got the same author's Best Hell Ever (which I liked) to review first. And is it me, or are you giving significantly more H ratings than you used to? It feels that way. Not that this is a bad thing! More good stories can't be a bad thing.
4850197
You're not wrong; I've actually been reading higher quality stories thanks to all the editions I've been doing. :) It really helps when I'm choosing things off the list of stories I actually want to read, instead of the site at large.
Hey, a notification, let's take a look.
Cool, someone liked- Wait! "Reviewed"?
What?! Let's check that again...
WHAT?
Why? How?
What's going on here?!
I didn't know you reviewed clop!
4850283
I do. :B Rather frequently.
This was far better than what usually comes across my plate. D:
4850319
Does this mean I'll have to write more porn so you can have something quality to read?
4850333
...Well, I can't really say no, can I? :B
Two of my stories reviewed in one post?! Goodness!
Thank you kindly for the words so kind :D Sun Salutation was a lot of fun for me to write and I was a little sad that it didn't really get a lot of notice, and I'm still shocked I got Blossomforth Needs Her Own Tag through with how meta it was
I don't understand why I can't get Screwy a tag now that tags are flying around like tinsel.
I can't remember which episodes introduced some of these never-seen-again characters.
I think I can help you there.