Oh, so late. I really hate infections. One small ache and I'm down for the
count.
Well, better late than never. Let's get this started.
Please note once again, that I do not read other people's C&C of the below
fanfics. All of the stuff below is my opinion alone.
-----
Series: Cardcaptor Sakura
Title: Sakura's Christmas Surprise
Chapter: Sakura's Friends at Home
Author: Lord Archive
Web site: www.lordarchive.com
Genre: drama, romance
Status: 'complete' C&C welcomed
Synopsis:
Sakura has left for Hong Kong thanks to a special Christmas present, leaving
her friends behind in Japan. Fun at the amusement park for Meilin and most
of the girls. Naoko receives the greatest Christmas present she could've
received. Chiharu departs for her trip with Takashi. As Christmas day ends
for the girls, it leaves a few of them with problems to deal with and
acceptance of things before they should've happened.
-----
Series: Cardcaptor Sakura
Title: Shadow of the Dragon
Chapter: Chapter 4 - Sakura and the Weekend Gone Wrong - Part 1: The
Changing Bet
Author: Lord Archive
Web site: http://www.lordarchive.com
Genre: drama, romance, action
Status: 'complete' C&C welcomed
Synopsis:
Syaoran has moved back to Tomoeda as a new and deadly threat looms ever
closer to Sakura. Syaoran's sick, Sakura is in a rush, Chiharu is in a
particularly foul mood, Naoko's deadline for her novella is fast
approaching, Rika faces problems at home, and Tomoyo wishes she could've
just slept through the day.
Review:
I missed Lord Archive's works and it's good to see more of them. They're
both fine pieces of work considering that most CCS fics I see are
rather...childish, but I blame that on the fanbase.
I really can't say anything more than that both of them are highly
recommended. Lord Archive has always been a fine writer and his works always
manage to come up to snuff.
-----
Series: Invader Zim
Title: The Things Between Us
Chapter: Prologue: Sine Qua Non
Chapter 1: Prima Facie
Chapter 2: Fait Accompli
Chapter 3: Lacuna
Author: Growly
Web site: None
Genre: Drama
Status: Being Revised
Synopsis:
What if Dib really had given up on chasing Zim? Years later this one small
choice has had dramatic consequences.
Review:
Okay. I like Invader Zim. The dark comedy/satire part always gets to me.
But a "drama" Invader Zim fanfic? I don't know. Let's give it a spin.
Meh. Okay, I blame it on my disinterest in "drama" but it doesn't hook me,
you know? Nothing makes me empathize with anyone and the central concept
does not hold interest me.
The writing is average - try to fix the POV, maybe focus on a single
viewpoint character. That creates sympathy with a character and gives
information in way that doesn't seem like an infodump.
Other than that, pretty good attempt. If you really want to continue this,
though, better polish it up more.
-----
Series: Harry Potter
Title: Eighteen Sickles (And A Knut)
Chapter: One shot
Author: Eternal Lost Lurker
Web site: www.lurkerdrome.com
Genre: Romance, fluff
Status: Complete
Synopsis:
AU, Fifth Year. Harry writes secret admirer letters to Cho Chang.
Review:
I actually read this a long time ago. Still pretty nice for all that.
No additional comments than it's a recommended read.
-----
Series: Various
Title: Various ("Studio ELL's Unholy Mass of Random Fic Starters")
Chapter: One shot(s)
Author: Eternal Lost Lurker
Web site: www.lurkerdrome.com
Genre: Various
Status: Incomplete, rough
Synopsis:
A massive collection of pieces of various fanfics I've started and never
finished or really written a coherent chapter of.
Review:
I really can't comment totally on them. Although, some of them even
half-baked they are actually rather good. Just goes to show how writing
skill trumps stupid/nebulous/ridiculous idea.
-----
Series: Ai Yori Aoshi
Title: Wild, Wild East
Chapter: 4
Author: GL Sandborn
Web site: http://home.kc.rr.com/sandborn
Genre: Adventure/Comedy
Status: Continuing
Synopsis:
On the run from North Korean agents who have smuggled a mysterious new
weapon into Japan, Tina Foster is an unwilling partner to a rookie secret
agent. Together, they try to complete the agent's mission while staying
alive.
This Chapter: Tina and her 'partner' escape the North Koreans and hide out
in a country inn. Tina learns more about the man she's accompanying while
coming to grips with the seriousness of her situation. Still, Tina will be
Tina and her unintentional partner quickly finds hiding anywhere with her is
more than he bargained for.
Review:
GL Sandborn is an oldie on the FFML and you can see it in his style - nice
measured cadence that's a match for any published author.
It's nice that he wrote a fanfic for Ai Yori Aoshi. It's a bit neglected
series, though I admit the possibilities for longfic in that anime is rather
short, but here he manages to beat the odds by taking on one of the
supporting characters as the main lead for his fic.
A recommended read, as always.
-----
Series: Ranma � - XCOM
Title: The Road to Cydonia
Chapter: 4
Author: Capn Chryssalid
Web site: http://www.wagnergrp.com/JBW_Website/
Genre: Crossover/Action/Sci-Fi/War
Status: in progress
Series: Ranma � - XCOM
Title: The Road to Cydonia
Chapter: 5
Author: Capn Chryssalid
Web site: http://www.wagnergrp.com/JBW_Website/
Genre: Crossover/Action/Sci-Fi/War
Status: in progress
Synopsis:
The year is 2005. For six years, mankind has waged a Secret War against an
enemy from Beyond the Stars. Ranma and Ryouga are initiated into the secrets
of UNETCO, but the fate of the Tendo family has not yet been decided. Their
fates, and those of martial artists across Japan and China, now hang in the
balance.
Review:
The concept maybe ridiculous but once again, like I said earlier, writing
skill trumps what sounds like a stupid idea.
It's actually a very nice piece of work: pretty good grammar, logical
progression and good use of POV. I'll try to read it once in awhile, but
alas, I'm not hooked by the idea so it'll probably be low in my reading
list.
But for any interested in the concept, I recommend it.
-----
Series: Transformers - Generation 1
Title: Planet of the Pretenders
Chapter: 01 - Planetfall
Author: Morgan Hudson
Web site: n/a
Genre: Adventure
Status: Waiting for C&C, undergoing minor revisions
Synopsis:
"Two alien ships crash on the planet of Tlaloc 4, where automated drones
attack any unshielded Transformer. Luckily, several of the stranded
crewmembers are Pretenders: Transformers who are able to hide themselves
within organic shells to conceal their robotic natures. This episode,
Autobot Cloudburst makes some mistakes, and a few new friends. Decepticons
Roadblock and Iguanus, however, are not among them."
Review:
Morgan Hudson turns his skill to something other than Samurai Troopers and
Sailormoon. ^_^
And with the same expected results, though I'm no big Transformer fan, I do
still have a general idea of what the series is about and watched it avidly
when I was a kid. Great idea for a series and the writing makes it stellar.
Can't add anything more to something this good and I trust Morgan enough to
not ruin it. ^_-
Goes on the top of my reading pile.
-----
Series: Rune Soldier
Title: A True Champion Is...
Chapter: 5 & 6
Author: Dragon-Stiel Inc.
Web site: None
Genre: Action/Humor
Status: In progress
Synopsis:
Louie explains his 'Master Plan' of getting inside the monster infested
Magician's Guild, and it is put into action. But with the sheer amount of
monsters around, something's got to give, right? Also, some unexpected help
from some old acquaintances is on the way.
Review:
Hey, more of Rune Soldier!
Great fic as always, the banter is quite right and nice bit of pacing there.
It makes for a nice little romp, though it will probably be over in a few
chapters, but, hey great work.
-----
Series: Naruto
Title: Checkmate
Chapter: One shot
Author: Dragon-Stiel Inc.
Web site: None
Genre: WAFF
Status: Complete
Synopsis:
Who'd have thought that a simple game of chess could have so much meaning?
Review:
Writing's great but the chess part just shot my disbelief out of the water-
that and it's a crack pairing, so another disbelief point against it. Coupel
with the shortness of it, I'd say points for the effort but not exactly
something I'd be reading again.
-----
Series: Forgotten Realms/Original
Title: Sewage
Chapter: One Shot
Author: DB Sommer
Web site: Not on one.
Genre: Fantasy/Humor
Status: Complete
Synopsis:
Three adventurers go through the sewers looking got a lost item and find
something else instead.
Review:
Er...
Anyway, a suitably fun little short story for a lazy afternoon reading. It
had me chuckling a few times and that should be praise enough. ^_-
-----
Series: The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi
Title: The Blunt Force Trauma of Suzumiya Haruhi
Chapter: Prologue
Author: Brian Randall
Web site: www.florestica.com/brandall/
Genre: Whatever Haruhi feels like -- Sci-fi to start out, with romantic
leanings.
Status: In Progress
Synopsis:
Other factions have always had ideas concerning Haruhi, but the 'low ranking
members' of these factions within the SOS Brigade have always seemed to look
to Kyon for guidance. What happens when an outside force that seems
indifferent to Kyon steps into the picture?
That makes for one jarring blow to the head....
Review:
I liked SHnY a lot and felt it had lots of potential to it. It's a rather
acquired taste though.
Anyway, this fic is totally AU since the novels are way ahead of it. ^_^
But still it delivers nicely the tone of Kyon narrating the entire mess that
is life around Haruhi Suzumiya.
It is a bit fast-paced but I blame that on Brian wishing to jump into the
pool headfirst.
I'll be watching this as it develops.
-----
Series: Ranma/Sailor Moon
Title: A Silk Purse From A Sow's Ear
Chapter: 1 & 2
Author: Daniel Gibson
Web site: http://home.att.net/~danjess.gibson
Genre: Spamfic, Crossover, Humor, Horror
Status: Complete
Synopsis (chapter 1):
An idea ruthlessly stolen from Nick Leifker and Cute Neko Hibiki.
Haruka and Michiru remember the day they became Sailor Scouts, how they got
their animal advisor, and who they all were before.
Synopsis (chapter 2):
Genma, as the Mini-Moon Moose, and Haruka nee Ryoga unleashes a horrible
evil, on another horrible evil, then run away.
Review:
It's insane. A bit too insane and a bit too fast in pacing, it lacks the
nuanced touch of the Ben Oliver classic NETTG. It's a bit _too_ slapstick.
It does provide laughs with a few of the mental images it provides but it
could be better with a lighter touch on the prose.
-----
Series: Black and White
Title: Sharks
Chapter: Part 1
Author: David Johnston
Web site: None
Genre: Dark-ish
Status: Just Started
Synopsis:
A young boy, one of the human pawns of Black and White learns what it means
to be "god-fearing".
Review:
I liked Black and White though I thought it was too limited for what was
supposed to be a "god game".
Anyway, David's wrote up an interesting little piece - it's a bit lacking
though. I'm not one for lush descriptions but I do appreciate a bit more
meat on the bone and this story, though providing interesting tidbits, is
not enough to satisfy.
A bit more work on background and character depth would be nice - you are
after all trying to see the Black and White world from the bottom up.
-----
Series: Fire Emblem
Title: Emnity Spares None
Chapter: One-shot
Author: Christian Clark (Warhammer)
Web site: http://www.livejournal.com/userinfo.bml?user=twh
Genre: Drama, Tragedy
Status: Complete
Synopsis:
Revenge always claims a price higher than one can pay, and yet, people seek
it regardless.
Review:
Hey, Warhammer lives!
Nice to see him churning stuff out again.
I don't play many console games - heck, mostly because I can't afford any
consoles. Gameboys, Playstations, Xboxes and Nintendos are way out of my
budget for entertainment - I usually get to play 'em when I borrow them for
a few months for a select few games.
Anyway, first of all, I think it's "Enmity" not the other way around.
A few bits and pieces of slightly melodramatic dialogue and scenery but hey,
no one's perfect.
Still, a nice little diversion even without game knowledge - though I admit
I would probably have enjoyed it better with some.
-----
Series: Kannazuki no Miko
Title: Finally Healing
Chapter: 1/1
Author: Jen-chan [jen-chan@shaw.ca]
Web site: N/A
Genre: Shoujo-ai / Romance / Lemon
Status: Complete - will consider revising depending on C&C
Synopsis:
Orochi has been destroyed and the Solar and Lunar Miko's cycle of tragedy
has finally been broken. Himeko and Chikane have found each other once
again. However, demons still plague them, existing now in their minds and
memories. And they have followed them into the bedroom.
Review:
I was asking for lemons and we have them again. ^_^
Actually it's a very nice little fic - with sex. Paced evenly well, the
prose does it's work and just draws you in. I'm kind of hazy on my KnM
knowledge since I didn't finish the series but this makes me want to go
finish it.
Anyway, highly recommended. ^_^
-----
Series: Harry Potter
Title: Harry Potter, the Arch-Magus
Chapter: Prologue, 1-4
Author: the DragonBard
Web site: http://www.fanfiction.net/u/454273/
Genre: Fantasy
Status: Draft
Synopsis:
At a young age, Harry Potter discovers his magical abilities. Being without
the skills of a trained mage, Harry uses RPGs and fantasy novels to begin
developing his own style of magic. Finally, Hogwarts comes to call.
Review:
Oh, god.
Okay, paced too fast, irritating D&D stuff mixed with other things,
Uber-Harry despite the author's protests and well, Harry Potter in general.
Make no mistake I like Harry Potter - in controlled doses, with a subtle
touch and a deft hand, like ELL's work above. It's kind of like Ranma fics -
only the truly remarkable rise above the morass of the ordinary.
Now, you're asking what can I do to make it better?
Seriously, I don't know. It's pretty average - bland. I think it depends too
much on the idea i.e. Harry Potter D&D. The true strength of Harry Potter is
the collective mythos not one single thing and I must say that people have
done better.
It may be that I have too high standards for Potter fics but really
Sturgeon's Law is true though remember that King's law also applies: one
person's shit maybe another man's diamonds.
-----
Series: Astonishing X-Men
Title: Deathless
Chapters: Prologues 1 and 2, Chapters 1 and 2
Author: Jeremy Harper
Web Site: http://www.fanfiction.net/u/97543/
Genre: Action/Adventure
Status: Revision/C&C
Synopsis:
A former X-Man has returned, arisen anew in deathless might. The Astonishing
X-Men must battle their former friend in order to save him, and to thwart
the dark power he now serves.
Review:
Reading the Weekly Synopses List, I dreaded reading the fic right before
this one and this one.
X-men fic are now dime-a-dozen since the movies came out and, seriously,
most of the great stuff has come and gone - though not as much as Harry
Potter.
I'm still on the fence on this one - I can see glimmers of something better
for this fic. Just needs more polish.
First of all, fix the formatting. I was sick when I was reading the fic and
that may have contributed to the sense of vertigo that I felt but I think it
added to it. I'm still dizzy.
The descriptions are too lush - try to sketch the characters not paint them.
The graphic storytelling style works better if you're actually working with
paints and inks and not just words.
A faster pacing or grouping the scenes in larger chapters would add a better
sense of urgency to it.
That's all I can say and hope that helps.
-----
Series: Naruto
Title: One Hundred Days
Chapter: 11
Author: Aaron Nowack
Web site: http://www.mimiru.net/
Genre: Action/Adventure
Status: Waiting for C&C.
Synopsis:
Naruto leaves on his three year training trip, and Sakura begins the
struggle to improve herself. How much will they have changed when they meet
again in one hundred days?
In Chapter Eleven: Way of the Ninja, the third part of the Chuunin Selection
Exam has finally arrived, which means it's time for an over-abundance of
fight scenes.
Review:
Another great chapter - now if Eimii would post more Suiren then we can have
both of the best Naruto fanfics out there on the FFML. ^_^
Highly recommended.
-----
Series: Ranma 1/2 main crossed with Vampire Princess Yui, Sailor
Moon--- future crosses Zelda Ocarina of Time/MM, Wheel of Time, BTVS,
Tenchi The OAVs.
Title: The Kyuketsuki Girl
Chapter: Prologue (currently being revised)
Author: Cute Neko Hibiki
Web site: http://kitsune.anifics.com/index.htm (my own fics aren't up here
yet, just my hosted archieve of other people's fics)
Genre: Serious / Horror / Other
Status: Still Being Revised
Synopsis:
Trudging home to the Tendo Dojo after a trip to Jubann via Mallet Airlines,
Ranma hears a girl cry out in fright. He stops a young girl from being
killed by a group of men. He recognizes the girl as Yuka, Akane's friend
from school. He takes Yuka to a warehouse to dry off from the rain and
discovers she is a kyuuketsuki, a Japanese blood-sucking vampire. How did
Yuka get this way? Who were the men trying to kill her?
What does her father have to do with this? Who is this girl that's called
Yui? How many people did Yuka kill? What has happened to the girl Sayuri?
And will Ranma leave this warehouse alive?
Review:
Again, oh, god.
Revise it to hell and back, slow down the pacing, cut the crossovers to a
minimum and follow the simple rule of "show don't tell" and throw in more
descriptions and...
I give up. In general, my advice is if you really want to write, sit down
and read a classic novel - the sort they have as required reading at
schools. Read it, study it and try to emulate it. Or better yet, if you can,
get into a creative writing class.
-----
Series: Ranma 1/2, Katamari Damacy
Title: His & Her Katamari Pandashii
Chapter: Prologue and part 01
Author: Jorge A. Pratt
Web site: (N/A)
Genre: Comedy
Status: In progress
Synopsis:
The King of All Cosmos accidentally breaks the Moon again, and ends up
breaking himself in the progress. Conveniently enough, he takes over Soun's
body (to the endless chagrin of the Tendo household) and charges Akane with
rolling up katamari to build a new and trendy Royal figure, much to her
distress and Ranma's befuddlement.
Review:
Well, at least this clears out my brain from the last one.
It seems to be going to be a short fic with five or so chapters. Though
Pratt's skills may be great I highly doubt he can milk anymore out of this
concept than that.
Pretty funny and nice. Once again, skill trumps insane/unworkable idea.
-----
Series: Sailor Moon (English) / Original
Title: Terrible Things to Waste
Chapter: 5
Author: Bastion (bastion-at-ix-dot-netcom-dot-com)
Web site: http://www.fanfiction.net/~bastion05
Genre: Suspense / Action
Status: Waiting for C&C
Synopsis:
A group of time travelers infiltrate Sailor Moon's world, but which one is
their true enemy? And what are their true intentions?
...
And what did Mina do to the cookies?
Review:
A very good piece of work - the only downside was the time between parts,
but, hey, better slow and sure than fast and sloppy.
It's a pretty good fic and I recommend it highly.
=====
No editorial for this one. My head hurts. I'll try to include one for last
week's Synopses list.
See you!
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