Fic recs, July 26th: I'm bad at picking stories edition! · 7:24pm Jul 26th, 2020
SPark is selling another plushie! This time, it's Celestia, ergo clearly worth your money.
So, I know I just posted yesterday, but this one's done and my video recording didn't work this morning, so I'm just doing whatever today. <.<
In this case, after I reviewed never forever, The Red Parade left a thank-you comment on my page and suggested five other authors they thought were more review-worthy. As it turns out, I have a certain relationship with the number five when it comes to ponyfiction...
Unfortunately, just about every story I picked from those artists was not a good one for a first impression or a blog like this. XD I sorted them by rating and went after stories on my RIL -- every single one below was, I wanted to read them! -- but it just didn't turn out well. (Also, Seriff Pilcrow hasn't finished their sole story yet, so I did another one by The Red Parade.)
In the end, well, it's enough for a review blog, but I'll have to give these folks a second chance in the future. :B
H: 0 R: 2 C: 2 V: 1 N: 0
To Love a Beast by PonyJosiah13
Genre: Dark
Spike is a dragon. And dragons are monsters.
The first two scenes are very sweet slice of life where Spike is characterized as a young boy who's scared of growing up. It's as heartwarming and sympathetic as anything you'd expect from the Descendant, and indeed, that was the author's intent. Then in scene three, Spike accidentally burns a Diamond Dog to death while trying to protect Rarity. Talk about whiplash! c.c; This does lead to some more heartwarming TwiSpike bonding near the end, but man, that is really dark, especially compared to what comes before it! Plus, the writing's occasionally telly. Being the oldest story in this blog, was maybe not the best choice to get a sense of this author's ability. Oops. :B
Recommended If You Don't Mind Dark Stuff
The Consuming Darkness by Zontan and Hat Man
Genre: Comedy
I was once a being of the outer reaches of existence, powerful and all-consuming. Now I am a pony. What.
Darn it, I messed up again! How was I supposed to know the second chapter of this was written by someone else? :| I have to say, I'm glad that second chapter exists, because the first is not really a story by itself. It's a fun premise, and it's hilarious, but not a complete story. That said, the second chapter is nowhere near as funny, and though I said I would read more about these characters, it kind of drags the idea around for a while before finally doing something with it. I'd still read a series about these characters, though.
Recommended
Those Weaker Ripples by Seer
Genre: Sad
Twilight takes her tea.
What an embarrassing time to discover that I have reached a saturation point when it comes to sad stories about ponies with dementia. I think the issue with this story, in comparison to the rest of its kind, is that there is absolutely no subtlety about the goings-on. I know from the moment I read the description what kind of story this is. I know from the first few lines exactly what's going on, where Twilight is, and who's with her. And that really took the wind out of this thing's sails. There was nothing to figure out or be particularly upset over. Maybe I've just read too many similar fics.
Recommended Only If You Like Sad Stuff
That Isn't Me by wishcometrue
Genre: Horror
There's something wrong with the mirror.
What is it about mirrors that they inspire such horror? Iunno. I'm also not sure where this was going, but it was written for a speedwriting competition (as quite a lot of these have been), so that explains the length. It's just an idea, really, and a good one, though the ending could have been more. It's not built up to in any great detail, so I ultimately didn't feel much.
Vaguely Recommended
Desert Song by The Red Parade
Genre: Sad
Fiddlesticks calls her sister.
If you can get over the idea of ponies having telephones, this is totally worth your time. It's a really excellent monologue, and I like the idea of Fiddlesticks and Octavia being sisters. The last line is haunting, too.
Recommended
I totally agree but Seer is going to come at you hard, be prepared
Oh thank god, someone else finally said it. I've been saying this is just alright for months and finally I am vindicated.
XD I'm glad you gave it a shot even if it didn't work out haha, but I guess this goes to show that ratings aren't the only metric of success. Really hope you give them another shot in the future, they truely are amazing writers! And thanks for the review and taking me up on those recommendations! ^^
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Oh dear god, what have I done? c.c;
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For what it's worth, I was already tracking that story of Pilcrow's. :)
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Hey I said this a bunch of times
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I'm sure he'll be estatic to hear that!
Also, That Isn't Me has become a bit of a meme/joke among the Quills and Sofas Speedwriters lol, we hold it up very highly, but as Wish can attest to it is by no means her best work. That doesn't stop the others from championing it though XD
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Haha some background information might be warranted.
That Isn't Me was the first story I ever read in the speedwriting server and I love the subtlety, theme and execution. Additionally Wish is one of my best friends so all things considered this story means a great deal to me.
This has lead to several discussions where she tries to tell me she thinks it's just alright and I respond with a tsunami of hysterical praise for it lmao
Anyway, cheers for the review mate! Appreciate you picking up Red's reccos :)
If you're having trouble finding fresh meat, there's this one really good author who is also handsome who writes a pretty big variety of works, I highly recommend about 3/4 of their stories.
I'm touched! I'm flattered! I appreciate the feedback! I'm aware that To Love A Beast has a strong whiplash, but I intended it that way: I wasn't sure how else to bring about the main conflict. And yes, it may not be my best work, but I'm still proud of it. Thank you!
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You flatter me.
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Nah, I'd just end up reading the ones they didn't write or that weren't a good example of their ability! :V It's a good thing I learned my lesson.
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So I have another recommendation for you this time, but fear not, I have a specific story in mind rather than just an author XD
I did end up also recommending this to the RCL but since I don't know how the heck that process works I figured I'd recommend it to you personally as well.
The story in question is Atlas Song by the moontonite. It's a really beautifully written story that has so much powerful prose and beautiful descriptions that it blows me away every time I read it. There was also an audio recording done here by StraightToThePointStudio.
If you do end up checking it out I hope you enjoy it as much as I did :U
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Don't worry, everything that gets nominated for the RCL goes right to my RIL. :) And if STTP did a reading of it, I'll be listening to them sometime down the line!