Don’t Judge a Book By It’s Cover · 3:44pm Jun 6th, 2022
Hey, everybody. I’m talking about someone else’s work today, which probably seem weird with how quiet I normally am, but I was just… very surprised at how well a Royal Guard themed story I was reading was executed. I’m glad I stuck it out, because the first chapter—while it does set the premise—almost turned me completely away. Everything after that, though?
For just how crass its premise is, The Only Mark That Matters (Link) is, shockingly enough, a slow burning, character-driven story, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it so far. The rather absurd idea that drives the fic often does so from behind the scenes, which makes it much less overbearing than it could have been. I went in expecting a parody and comedy, and instead got a somewhat more serious story with a character who struggles with who and what he’s supposed to be. It’s almost like Estee’s Mark of Appeal, in a way, yet this Author seems to treat cutie marks as much less destiny defining and magical. The mark is there, and there only seems to be a single, impossible, interpretation, and so the main character is left to struggle with what he’s meant to do—even as a guard.
My only real critique having gotten through all the chapters that are up so far, is that the first chapter makes for a really poor first chapter. It sets the premise of the story, but completely fails at setting the tone for the rest of the story. Without having any investment in the main character—you know, because the story is just starting—the first chapter came off as creepy and weird to me. As I said, I almost put the story down, and I’m glad I didn’t, which I guess is why I’m writing this blog? The first chapter is important in its own way, but it would have been better served as a flashback down the line.
As it’s a character driven Royal Guard story, I figured those of you that like Batty might also like The Only Mark That Matters. Just take the first chapter with a grain of salt, and try at least the second chapter.
I haven't so much as glanced at that story before, but I think I'll give it a look then.
When would you say that the story starts to hit its stride?
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Mmm… It’s hard to say really. There’s just… a lot of little things I appreciated that added up. Some arcs are better than others, but really, I actually really liked the arc after the first chapter? It just kinda… really hit home that the story might actually be more serious than I’d expected second chapter as that arc starts with him being a ranger in the middle of nowhere to get away from ponies in general and goes into how he transferred to Canterlot Guard? As I said, it’s mostly the first chapter that feels out of place to me. The rest of the story is shockingly well executed for how much of a joke the premise is—although there are a few more action packed arcs that weren’t my favourite, but thats just personal taste. The action itself wasn’t too bad as far as action goes.
I'm kinda glad I didn't start reading at the time that I found it. This blog is all I needed to know, otherwise I would not even read it and take it off the shelf as soon as I read the first chapter. Thank you.