To say Friendship is Magic is popular, would be a bit of an understatement. One of the things which really sets its fandom apart from those of other popular franchises is the fecundity of its members. Sure, there is a lot of stuff out there which could most kindly be described as steamy turds, but there are also some real gems. The thing is, it can be hard to find the sewing needles among the piles of used hypodermics, so since search turned up nothing, I thought I would make this thread to give us all a place to post links to our favorite stories. Hopefully, this is the right place for it.
All you members with non-pony waifus shouldn't feel left out. It's my hope that you will share stories about yours too.
First, is my very favorite MLP fanfic: Xenophilia. I made PDFs of it so I would have a copy even if the site went down. I can't overstate how much I adore this one, and if you haven't read it yet, I highly encourage you to do so. It's a human-in-Equestria story, starring Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Lyra and the human, Lero. It has very in-depth world-building, and is so popular that other authors have set many stories in the same verse, so even when you finish it you can continue your enjoyment. I'll also include links to some of the others which I have enjoyed. It is a mature story, so if that bothers you, you've been warned...but you'll be missing out.
1. Xenophilia
2. The Xenophile's Guide to Equestria
3. Xenophilia: Side Stories
4. Shotglass Oneshots
5. Cultural Norms
Another enjoyable read is Arrow 18. This is also a human-in-Equestria story, but he arrives through technological, rather than supernatural means: a space mission sent to explore a star which moves in very unusual ways. This story has no sex in it at all, and features both illustrations and a soundtrack. It focuses on Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, and the human. Read the Mission Logs before Sparkle's Notes.
4. Arrow 18 Mission Logs
5. Arrow 18 Sparkle's Notes
Generally, I avoid dark stories. There's enough in the real world that I dislike it in my escapism. Nevertheless, this story was recommended to me while reading Background Pony, and I took a break from it to read this one since it's so short. It's by the same author, very dark, and if you're a fan of Starlight Glimmer, you may not like it. But it is well written, and actually made me feel bad for her despite her actions in the show. No humans or naughtiness.
6. Step Right In and Start Again
This is the story I'm currently reading. It's a long one, which is why I'm going to talk about it now, instead of waiting until I finish. Firstly, as of where I am-in the middle of part V-it is VERY well written. I'm loving it, even though parts are a bit absurd, and there have been a couple inconsistencies. I'm holding out hope they will be addressed further in. It's another story with no humans or sex so far, and focuses on Lyra Heartstrings, one of my personal favorite ponies. I'm really hoping she gets a happy ending, but considering the author, I'm hoping more than expecting.
7. Background Pony
So that's what I've got now. Please, go ahead and post your own recommendations so we'll all have enough to read!
All you members with non-pony waifus shouldn't feel left out. It's my hope that you will share stories about yours too.
First, is my very favorite MLP fanfic: Xenophilia. I made PDFs of it so I would have a copy even if the site went down. I can't overstate how much I adore this one, and if you haven't read it yet, I highly encourage you to do so. It's a human-in-Equestria story, starring Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Lyra and the human, Lero. It has very in-depth world-building, and is so popular that other authors have set many stories in the same verse, so even when you finish it you can continue your enjoyment. I'll also include links to some of the others which I have enjoyed. It is a mature story, so if that bothers you, you've been warned...but you'll be missing out.
1. Xenophilia
2. The Xenophile's Guide to Equestria
3. Xenophilia: Side Stories
4. Shotglass Oneshots
5. Cultural Norms
Another enjoyable read is Arrow 18. This is also a human-in-Equestria story, but he arrives through technological, rather than supernatural means: a space mission sent to explore a star which moves in very unusual ways. This story has no sex in it at all, and features both illustrations and a soundtrack. It focuses on Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, and the human. Read the Mission Logs before Sparkle's Notes.
4. Arrow 18 Mission Logs
5. Arrow 18 Sparkle's Notes
Generally, I avoid dark stories. There's enough in the real world that I dislike it in my escapism. Nevertheless, this story was recommended to me while reading Background Pony, and I took a break from it to read this one since it's so short. It's by the same author, very dark, and if you're a fan of Starlight Glimmer, you may not like it. But it is well written, and actually made me feel bad for her despite her actions in the show. No humans or naughtiness.
6. Step Right In and Start Again
This is the story I'm currently reading. It's a long one, which is why I'm going to talk about it now, instead of waiting until I finish. Firstly, as of where I am-in the middle of part V-it is VERY well written. I'm loving it, even though parts are a bit absurd, and there have been a couple inconsistencies. I'm holding out hope they will be addressed further in. It's another story with no humans or sex so far, and focuses on Lyra Heartstrings, one of my personal favorite ponies. I'm really hoping she gets a happy ending, but considering the author, I'm hoping more than expecting.
7. Background Pony
So that's what I've got now. Please, go ahead and post your own recommendations so we'll all have enough to read!
Don't hesitate to AM(A)A
The bigger you build the bonfire, the more darkness is revealed.
Every possession and every happiness is but lent by chance for an uncertain time, and may therefore be demanded back the next hour.
The bigger you build the bonfire, the more darkness is revealed.
Every possession and every happiness is but lent by chance for an uncertain time, and may therefore be demanded back the next hour.