Welcome again, to the EFNW Fanfic Spotlight. This week, Pinkie is Mostly Harmless, Twilight takes in a guest after the changling invasion, and Dotted Line has something stuck in his chimney at Hearthwarming.

So Long, and Thanks for All the Ponies



by Sir Ginger

Words: 58,995 Complete: Yes

Recommended by Ckat_Myla

For those who enjoy the style of Douglas Adams, but feel like his work could (as many things could) be improved by the addition and integration of colorful ponies. Sir Ginger does an admirable job as aping Adams' writing style in this semi-ponified version of the original Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. When the planet all the ponies call home is destroyed, Pinkie Pie (who is not actually a pony, doesn't that make a lot more sense?) takes her friends of on an intergalactic adventure.

Understand that this is not merely a parody, nor a copy/paste job, even if it shares a few of the staples of the original story if you're familiar with it (if you thought Vogon poetry was bad, try their fan fiction).

With enough clever twists and surprises to put a smile on both pony fans and Hitchhiker's fans, this story is a long love letter to a great scifi writer that is – in a phrase – mostly harmless.

A Novel Tale



by Blissey1

Words: 53.594 Complete: Yes

Recommended by Asylum1388

Taking place just after the Royal Wedding, this is a story about a changeling named Nurex, known to the citizens of Canterlot as Novel Tale, a prolific author of many of Equestria’s most popular mystery novels. It’s the perfect setup for a changeling that feeds on admiration. As far as he’s concerned, he’s got it all: adoring fans, a supportive hive, friendly neighbors, and a beautiful home in a gorgeous city.

Then one day his quiet morning is interrupted by nothing less than a full-scale invasion from a hostile hive bent on conquest. With his house destroyed and the city in an uproar, he decides it would be best to leave the city for a while lest he be discovered for what he really is and [after heading to ponyville] accepts an invitation to live in Ponyville with one of his biggest fans, Twilight Sparkle.

I think anyone can guess what happens next.

A Novel Tale is, more than anything, an exercise in world-building, and that is what makes up most of the storey as Blissey hashes out their own unique version of the changeling species that’s so vivid that several side [or more accurately, "inspired by"] stories have independently spawned from it (though none quite measure up).

I can safely say that I would hold this story up as one of the best examples of excellent world-building, and suggest that everyone give it a read.

A Canterlot Carol



by GhostOfHeraclitus

Words: 6,464 Complete: Yes

Recommended by Silver Flare

It is time, dear readers, for a confession. Last month, I wrote a review of a lovely story that, tragically, would never see the light of day in a fanfic spotlight. Xepher was wearing his especially mean Meanpants that morning as he decried my delightful review between mouthfulls of rice chex.

“Silver,” He said, crunching away happily on my dreams, “We already reviewed that one.”

“Hmph.” I replied, kicking the table like a responsible adult with a genuine grievance, and not at all like a child being told that ice cream was not for breakfast. “But the story is soooooooooo goooooooood.”

“I know.” *crunch crunch* “That’s why I reviewed it back in June.”

As you can see, beloved readers, Xepher was being completely unreasonable. In recompense, perhaps he’ll let us review a sequel by the same author that just about measures up to the original. In A Canterlot Carol (could you imagine that it’s still December for me? Thanks.) we find our intrepid hero Dotted Line single-hoofedly fighting off legions of legal tangles and platoons of paperwork in an attempt to get the remainder of his crew out of the castle and home for the holidays. Easier said than done when swimming the sea that is Canterlot bureaucracy, and the eldritch demon in his chimney isn’t helping matters.

This is a perfect stand-alone story, so don’t hesitate to jump right in. The author deftly combines sharp wit and a keen eye to bring us a delectable array of dry, British absurdities. The characters are smart and fun, but those aren’t even the best reasons to recommend this story. Beneath the wit, beneath the smart storytelling, there’s a genuine heart that glows with warmth and hope. And the scene where Dotty wonders to himself whether gods grow cold. . . I have to admit it drew tears to my eyes. Legit tears.

Don’t let Xepher eat your dreams too. Read A Canterlot Carol. In the words of commenter Blue_Paladin42, “It was very nice (read: so heartwarming my heart has actually melted and fused with my ribs as it cooled.)”

Seems we've suggested less than 120,000 words this week. Hope that won't leave you all short of reading before next Sunday! We'll see you then. Until then, have fun!

--Xepher, Silver Flare, Ckat, and Asylum

P.S. I don't eat dreams! I sip them... like a fine wine!