Ponyfic Roundup 453

Read it Later story count: 94 (+1)

Words read this week: 35,971

A bit of a jump in the weekly word count this time around, although more than two thirds of that total is accounted for by a single story. I'd be lying if I said my time pressures had completely settled down, and in all honesty I don't think they're likely to do that until perhaps mid-autumn. But at least now I'm no longer worrying about whether I can get a PR out at all! Here are today's fics:

Twilight Sparkle Kills Equestria by Codex Ex Equus
Rainbow Dash's Super-Awesome Self-Insert Figures Out If It Would Matter by  ponichaeism
Aletheia by Foehn
There Goes the Neighborhood by Georg
Tea Time by SweetStrokesStudios

★: 0 | ★★: 1 | ★★★: 3 | ★★★★: 1 | ★★★★★: 0
Note: I use a skewed rating system. A fic I enjoy an average amount scores two stars.

Twilight Sparkle Kills Equestria by Codex Ex Equus
Twilight, Celestia, Luna and Cadance
G4; Dark/Comedy; 2k words; Aug 2015; Teen

After a horrible accident, Twilight learns the terrible truth about alicorns.

As you may guess by the cover art, this fic is somewhat inspired by Dr. Strangelove. In it, Twilight wipes out Equestrian life – but is reassured by the other princesses that actually this kind of thing happens all the time. Also, creating new worlds is most easily accomplished via sacrifice. We discover in some worrying detail just what alicorns have got up to over the aeons. There's apparently a cameo of some sort in here somewhere, but to my shame I missed it. Still, this is good fun, especially if you like to laugh and then feel just slightly bothered by how disturbing that last funny sentence actually was, so a high three it is. ★★★

Rainbow Dash's Super-Awesome Self-Insert Figures Out If It Would Matter by  ponichaeism
Mane Six and Spike
G4; Comedy; 8k words; Oct 2015; Everyone

Rainbow Dash takes on the hottest new literary fad sweeping Equestria: tales of friendship torn asunder by a thorny hypothetical question about Changelings. Natually, [sic] she tackles the issue with her usual panache.

I'll admit this is a rather self-indulgent review. It's perhaps the last word on the slew of fics that followed GaPJaxie's Would It Matter If I Was? (PR 75). This time around, it's Rainbow writing one of her not-at-all transparently self-inserty fanfics about the subject of hidden changelings in society's midst. Rainbow's terrible writing is not a new ponyfic idea and it's a bit predictable in places, but it's still amusing enough. The author makes a very odd punctuation choice to represent Dash reading her story – but at least it's consistent, so I did get used to it. The fic maybe begins to outstay its welcome late on, and it will probably be less appreciated if you've no experience of the whole Would It Matter hullabaloo. For me, it's still fun enough to make a (lowish) three. ★★★

Aletheia by Foehn
[no character tags given]
G4; Slice of Life; 1k words; Nov 2015; Everyone

In the long shadows of remembrance, there is a city.

This is inspired by Cold in Gardez's sublime Lost Cities (PR 76) and in that fic's tradition this story contains no actual characters – beyond the city itself. Well, cities... in a way... since we hear about several histories, not a bad feat for such a short story. This fic has the requisite atmosphere and when things fall into place near the end, it's a very satisfying moment. PresentPerfect felt it could have done with some expansion, and I sympathise with that – but I also think there's an appeal in its bare-bones approach. If you like to read about specific ponies, Aletheia may not be to your taste. Otherwise, you have little to lose and potentially plenty to gain by investing a few minutes. Recommended. ★★★★

There Goes the Neighborhood by Georg
Celestia, Luna and OCs
G4; Comedy; 24k words; Apr–May 2016; Teen (Sex)

At one time, Mount Olympus was the home of the Greek gods. Then they let the first pony in. There goes the neighborhood

Celestia and (a very hungover) Luna arrive on Olympus, and Allfather Zeus is not amused. For a start, they seem to be intent on bringing mortals in with them, which really is Not Allowed. So begins a funny, freewheeling comedy whose author clearly enjoyed the clash between ponies and the gods. Zeus is (inevitably) most interested in: a) any young females around the place, and b) staying out of sight of Hera Allmother. The ponies are not helping his mood, even if they are bringing some drinks that aren't ambrosia for a change. You'll get most out of this if you have at least a moderate grounding in Greek mythology, as there are lots of references and cameos – but it's not a fic that will overwhelm you if you don't have a PhD in the subject. I found an extended storyline about Zeus's accounts dragged occasionally (though it does provide one of the best of several cameos) but I think most will have fun. Top-end three. ★★★

Tea Time by SweetStrokesStudios
Celestia and OC
G4; Slice of Life; 1k words; May 2016; Everyone

Were all just one pony. No matter the rank or title.

The author is primarily an artist, but they did dip a hoof into ponyfic some years back. This, their only published story, is a simple scene in which an artistic stallion comes across Celestia in a quiet place and the two share tea. Yes, I know "tea fics" are somewhat overused, but the gentle atmosphere of this one makes it soothing. As you might expect from someone not used to writing, there are a number of minor technical bumps, and it stutters a bit at times – but there's enough to make me wish SSS had published more ponyfic. Highish two. ★★

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It'll be Spotlight time again next week. I'll be reading a fic which has apparently provoked a fair bit of discussion and commentary since its publication last year, though I haven't read any of it to avoid being spoiled. And what is that fic? It's this one:

Sorry We Missed You by Starswirl the Beardless