Story Reviews » SA: Round 181 · 5:17pm Dec 20th, 2020
Seattle's Angels is a group that promotes good stories with low views. You can find us here.
For the first time in the year that he worked there, FanficFan finally experienced quiet in the Seattle’s Angels Compound. All the other reviewers had gone home for the holidays, leaving him and Intern to submit the last round of reviews of the year. However, with Intern off on an errand, FanficFan was left alone.
With stories ready to be read by his partner, all the reviewer could really do was wander around the empty building, taking in all the holiday decorations left behind from the Office Christmas Party a few days prior, like office space holiday knick-knacks, lights strown about the ceiling and wreaths on nearly every door. Plus, there was some leftover cookies and egg nog, so that was nice.
Now, ear buds in, FanficFan was just listening to some music to pass the time until Intern’s return. FanficFan never minded being alone, quite candidly he actually preferred it more often than not. His music was a respite from either the world around him going down the tubes or his colleague’s various shenanigans.
Yet, those shenanigans had really started to become very familiar and, honestly, relieving given the state of the world around them. Without them, all he had was his music, which was great though it did get a bit trying after about two and a half hours. Where in blazes was Intern?
No sooner than he asked did Intern finally return, placing his mask in his pocket for later use.
“Guess who just got vaccinated?” Intern rhetorically asked.
Unfortunately, FanficFan’s earbud were still in when he said that. “Sorry, what now?” he asked as he put the small devices away.
“I said, ‘Guess who just got vaccinated?” Intern repeated. “I’m going back in a week or two to get my second dose, but honestly I’m just happy there is a vaccine now.”
FanficFan gained a perplexed look. “Isn’t the vaccine only for frontline workers and those that are most vulnerable at the moment?”
“Yes,” Intern affirmed.
“Then how did you get it?” FanficFan asked. “No offense to our colleagues, but we’re not really what qualifies as ‘frontline workers.’”
“The docs just needed some convincing,” Intern answered vaguely, though the sight of a needle being thrown into a trash bin was not lost on FanficFan. “I have my ways.”
“Do I want to know?” he asked. Considering he had to drag this man out of a manhole cover this year, nothing really surprised FanficFan about Intern’s behavior anymore. Was this what Twilight felt like when she got to know Pinkie Pie?
“The less you know, the better,” Intern answered simply, the good-natured grin not leaving his face as he tried to covertly discard a grappling hook and an all-black outfit into the trash can.
“Fair enough.”
“So, what’s on the docket for us this time?” Intern asked as he approached the computer FanficFan was sitting at had the round’s stories on it.
Glad to be away from the previous topic of conversation, FanficFan turned around to fill Intern in on the round’s stories.
“Well…”
ROUND 181
STORY 1
Burning Sirens, by Lonarion
Since their banishment to this world centuries ago, Adagio, Aria and Sonata have been traveling, looking for a way to go back to Equestria.
One day after using their powers, they get accused of witchcraft. Chased by the authorities and the population, they must escape to avoid a horrible death.
The Dazzlings have gained a lot of popularity in the fandom through being villains, but Lonarion showcases just how well these sirens can hold a story on their own. Plus, it gives an answer to the question “What were the Dazzlings doing between their arrival in Equestria and Rainbow Rocks?”
Both the external and internal plots of the story are very intriguing. The external plot revolves around the Dazzlings trying to escape a town that has caught on to their abilities and sees it as witchcraft, which is a very clever idea (my headcanon is that its somewhere in 1690s New England). Meanwhile, the internal plot revolves around the sirens finally confronting their feelings about being stuck in the other world and each other.
Lonarion really makes the Dazzlings his own in this story. They each get their moment in the spotlight and small character arc they go through that helps improve their group dynamic. He even briefly examines each siren’s backstory and explains how they met, and managed to give an intriguing look into siren society that helps paint Adagio, Aria, and Sonata as underdogs.
I’m a sucker for stories that take characters canon didn’t spend THAT much time with and recontextualize what little we DO know about them. I don’t even like the Dazzlings that much, (I just know people are going to roast me in the comments for that), so the fact that I like this story as much as I do kind of surprises myself a bit, and all the credit in the world goes to Lonarian for that.
So, regardless if you are a Dazzling fan or not, I’d recommend giving this story a try. If you’re a fan already, it gives an interesting look at characters you love, but if you don’t, then you’ll still really like the clever setting, plot and the character development between these displaced sirens.
The Dazzlings are a group of villains that I enjoyed but didn’t think much of beyond their first appearance. Good thing we have authors that are willing to explore them past the movie. However, here we see events that could have played out before the pony invasion of Canterlot High and how the sirens developed into the characters we would get to know them by.
Tempted by news that a town contains witches, the sirens quickly learn that they should’ve thought this through some more. What starts as a routine feeding spirals into a game of cat and mouse with the locals. While exciting to see how the sirens will get out of this situation, the true highlights here are the girls themselves. You really delve deep into the psyche of each one, learning why they are the way they are and how the human world has affected them. You even learn why they stick with each other, even though they are seemingly at each other’s throats all the time.
Any Dazzling fan needs to give this a try. They may not be the heroes but they are fascinating to watch none-the-less.
"This is a Fedora Felt original! Look at this bold stitching! These daring textures. It's a whole new take on western chic! There is no way I would wear it in the grove."
I could still recall those words floating in my head seventy years ago... But here I was, all alone in this isolated farm once again, collecting nuts, feeding squirrels, back to where I started when I was a mere colt. And through that period of time, a lot has slipped away from me. But what stands out from them all, is the one and only gift I've kept sacred until this very day...
Considering the time of year, it’d be a missed opportunity to not have at least one story be Holiday-related. This story, however, tells of the day AFTER Hearthwarming for an elderly Pistachio and shows that while the holiday itself can be full of wonder, magic, and possibility, the day (and days) after bring us all back down to reality.
While Rarity may not be in this story physically, her presence is always felt in the form of the hat that she gave Pistachio in “Best Gift Ever.” It provides a nice symbolic measuring stick to show how the colt is living up to the standards and moral character of his idol. Pay attention to it because once the differences between the two become apparent, as does the lesson of the story. A lesson that the Hearthswarming backdrop helps punctuate even further.
So, let Skylarking the Stargazer bring you too “The Day After Hearth’s Warming,” and read an insightful story that showcases the life of a colt that experienced the magic of the holiday, but never realized what the real magic was until it was too late.
We often see in Equestria that one thing can change the destiny of a pony. Whether that be another pony, object, or new cutie mark, our dear characters are sometimes swayed by the whims of fate. Enter Pistachio, who just received a special gift that will change him for the better… and for the worst.
Writing that paragraph above, I’m reminded just how weird this show can be sometimes. Anyway, what we have here is a story about a pony that wants to pursue his passion for fashion and ends up succeeding in every way. However, life rarely ends up as happily ever after, and before he knows it, Pistachio’s life ends up where it all started.
Something I want readers to pay attention to while reading is the condition of the hat. It’s a subtle way to reflect the character’s own circumstances.
Have a gander at a tale of a pony that got everything he wanted but overlooked the things that mattered.
After waking to a grim surprise, Luna spends the evening preparing a fitting gift for a friend.
It may not be for the holidays, but gift-giving does take center stage in this story of grief and moving on.
I always like a story that’s able to explain what it’s about without directly saying it. In a story like this, the fact that they can convey a death without ever ever outright saying someone died automatically gets points from me.
However, the main crux of this story lies in Luna’s quest to get the resources to make her gift.
I won’t spoil who dies, but I really like how Luna’s journey showcases how each of the characters she visits grieves and how they are all different (and valid) in ways that make sense for their characters.
In the end, Rao the Red Sun delivers a bittersweet tale that realistically showcases how the ponies we’ve come to know cope with death. Check out “Crucible of Stars” If you’re in the mood for a very emotionally honest story.
I think this might be the third or fourth story that I’ve featured that has Luna preparing a gift. What can I say? Imma sucker for them. Luna’s a good choice for thoughtful and artsy stuff like this.
This is a pleasant story about dealing with grief and how we choose to process it. There’s nothing too heavy here, but it does highlight some nifty insights into our favorite ponies. I particularly liked Fluttershy’s scene with just how tranquil it is.
If you’re in the mood for some light feels and just like the idea of Luna crafting a nifty sendoff for a friend, then you’ll enjoy this.
My name is Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, and I am a terrible pony.
I didn't mean to be. I never meant to be. But I am.
If you’re like me, then stories that take a characters’ canon abilities/attributes and give them a malevolent twist automatically hooks your interest, at least when done right. Bahatumay did it right in “The Crystal Facade.”
The fandom has flirted with the concept of Cadence having more power over all kinds of emotions, not just love, and this story takes that concept and runs with it right to the dark side. It’s honestly a bit scary how when the story examines canon events in this new context, it makes a bit too much sense.
The first person style with a resigned, matter-of-fact tone really gives off how dark and twisted this version of Cadence is and how she almost simultaneously feels trapped by her malevolent ways, but also revels in them. There’s a really interesting twist to her backstory that explains why this is that I won’t spoil here. However, I will say that it recontextualizes what the entire story is about in a thematic sense.
Also, a fair warning about the story’s final chapter without spoiling it: While no explicit material is written, Cadence explains something she did that REALLY hammers home how dark and twisted she is. It makes sense for the theme of the story, but it’s also something that’s very taboo. Just wanted to make sure this is mentioned so no one gets surprised if you decide to give this story a read.
Despite that, it’s one of the better “What if [X character] was evil stories?” I’ve read and I recommend it a lot if you’re into that kind of story.
Oof. This was a terrifying read.
In the vein of “What if (insert character here) was evil?”, we have the spotlight on Princess Cadence. Probably considered to be the least threatening of the princesses in the show, bahatumay depicts Cadence as having an outstanding power over emotions that frightens me more than being blasted by the sun.
Obviously an alternate take on our pink princess, but the implications of what Cadence is truly capable of makes me view her very differently now. If you’re curious to see what I’m going on about, then by all means, give this a go.
BUT, I’m obligated to say that the end of the final chapter contains a scene of near pornographic material. There’s nothing too explicit but it’s not hard to imagine what’s going on. Fair warning for anyone that goes into this.
“... and that should do it,” FanficFan said as he submitted the reviews for publishing.
“Can you believe we’ve paired up three times this year?” Intern pointed out.
“I know, right?” FanficFan replied. “I honestly can’t thank you enough. Even if it was by pure happenstance, I’m really glad I got to work on these with you. I just can’t believe I’ve been an Angel for almost a year now. It feels like a lifetime.”
With the computers now all powered down, the duo had slipped on their masks as they prepared to head home for the holidays.
“Everything from the ‘Before Times’ feels like a lifetime ago,” Intern added. “Still, getting to work with all of you newbies this year was a real refreshing experience. Though I guess I can hardly call you all ‘newbies’ anymore, huh?”
“I suppose so,” FanficFan observed, before pausing a moment as he pondered something. “You know, it’s funny. Before I joined, I looked up to you guys. Yet, as this year has gone by, I feel like I’ve really grown to appreciate this place and the Angels. Sure, I may have to drag you out of the odd manhole cover…”
“I had a good thing going in there and you know it,” Intern countered.
“... but I also got to know all of you and got to talk about these amazing stories, some of which I never would have read, had I not been an Angel. Despite literally everything else, it’s been an amazing first year with you all. So, considering I teamed up with you the most, I just figured I’d thank you for that.”
Coming up on the front door of the Compound, the duo stopped to conclude their conversation.
“No problem,” Intern replied. “I’m glad the Compound is still the comfortable environment it’s always been. It always has a way of bringing out the best in us as part of this fandom.”
“And the zaniness,” FanficFan added.
“That too.”
“Well, hope you have a Happy Holidays, Intern.”
“Happy Holidays, FanficFan.”
The duo exited the compound.... only to end up needing to wait for the same bus together.
A few minutes of silence between the two was finally broken by Intern.
“Well… this is awkward.”
Another few minutes of silence before FanficFan pulled out a small portable speaker. His music is usually his escape into solitude, but he figured he could share it with Intern while they waited.
“Got any holiday songs in there?” Intern asked after noticing the speaker.
FanficFan held up his phone to showcase his lengthy holiday playlist, including both pony songs and regular christmas classics.
“You bet I do.”
The two sang “All I Want For Christmas Is You” and “One More Day” to their heart’s content, not even noticing the bus broken down a few blocks away.
Feel free to visit our group for more information and events, and to offer some recommendations for future rounds. See you all next time!
Another day, another dollar
I am pleased to see Rao the Red Sun, who is a Good and Precious Bean, and a noble soul imbued with the grand traditions of the glory clan, included on this list of luminaries.
This site's blocking function really is crap.
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If it's that you don't want the SA reviews to show up in your feed, blocking people won't do anything. You gotta go into your notification feed, click the "view" button at the top, and turn off "social site posts."
5419513 Thanks.
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Hope you're all having a good day and spreading good vibes!
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Really honored to be featured here. Doubly grateful to round out the year with some kind words from the effervescent 5418914.
Thanks everyone <3