Random mini reviews
May. 9th, 2018 11:35 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
starzafandomblogI'm going to do a little change of pace, I'm going to do on-the-fly mini reviews. Basically, fanfics that I want to review, but either I'm too lazy to do so, I don't have the time to type out an indepth review, unfinished works, or they just don't need a long in depth review.
The format is going to go as follows:
Title:
Pairing:
Warnings:
Thoughts:
Should you read this?
For the time being, it's probably going to be mostly Persona 5 or Fire Emblem Fates reviews. And I'm breaking out of the mold and I'm going to actually mini-review in progress works as well.
I'm not going to pin these, as they may not be a regular thing or the unfinished fic may finish and I'll have to change my views. Some of these fics may one day be actual reviews, but who knows.
Title: Phantasm
Pairing: Akira/Akechi
Warnings: See the tags
Thoughts: Honestly, the world needs more dark fic on this pairing. Basically, Akira and Akechi are trapped in some sort of dream-like atmosphere, and the only way out of them seems to be Akechi dying. Rinse and repeat. A lot of these range from really sad to downright creepy.
Should you read this? Yes or Maybe. I say Maybe because this author has a very bad habit of starting stories and not finishing them. They're also writing ANOTHER dark story. I mean, I like dark fic, but FINISH what you start before moving to start another story.
Title: I Love my Split Ends
Pairing: Akira/Akechi
Warnings: Lots of Suicidal thoughts, see tags for more
Thoughts: Again, another dark look on this pairing. On one hand, Akechi is not emotional or mentally stable and isn't getting the help he needs and because of this, makes some not really good decisions. On the other hand, Ren/Akira is letting his 'hero complex' along with his feelings for Akechi to really interfer and is trying to basically 'fix' Akechi when he isn't trained to do so (Also getting mad at him at what happens in chapter 4? What the hell y0). So I end up being mad at both characters (Though more on Akira, because he's not a doctor and he's really causing a lot more harm to Akechi in the long run). This is a really angsty fic that has me mad at both sides for being dumb.
Should you read this? Yes or Maybe. Again, it's not finished, but because the author has an actual chapter count, it will probably be finished. Just have a tissue handy, chapter 5 is really depressing.
Title: Butterfly Cascade
Pairing: Akira/Akechi with some minor background pairings
Warnings: Fix-it fic, big Persona crossover, 8th part to an entire series, see tags
Thoughts: A fix-it fic. I actually like how the author redos the canon that happens post Palace 4, because Palace 5 was a huge freaking pile of doo doo. Also, you may want to check out their previous fics, but I kind of don't recommend the Persona 4 part, mostly because it's anime based than based on the game, but you really need to somewhat have an idea of the fics, otherwise, the cameos are going to be confusing.
Should you read this? Yes. While this fic is also unfinished, the author updates very regularly, and since it's already near the end of the game, I have no doubts it'll be finished.
Title: Deepening Shadows
Pairing: Mostly Akira/Akechi, Ann/Ryuji, minor others
Warnings: Vampire AU, Persona 2 crossover, confusing as hell plot
Thoughts: This is actually a reboot of co-written work and holy shit, you can easily tell who the better writer is if you compare the two. We sadly, did not end up with the better writer of the two for the reboot. This story is a sloppy as hell mess. It starts off pretty well, but after the first chapter, it disolves into a mess of a story to the point where I don't even know what the hell is going on anymore.
Should you read this? No. Not only is it unfinished, but you will be totally lost in what's going on in the story, mostly because the author is very very vague at what's going on. It had promise, but it completely flushed it.
Title: Personality Not Included
Pairing: Eventual Akira/Akechi?, Ryuji/Haru
Warnings: Mental and Physical health issues
Thoughts: This is a perfect example of a story that has a lot of promising ideas, but the writer cannot provide a good narrative for it. I think part of the problem is that I feel the author has this clear picture in their head and they're giving an abridged version for the reader on paper. I like a lot of the ideas expressed in this fic and the issues the characters are going through, but the writing is mediorc at best. The last chapter is REALLY skimming the OOC boarderline too with Ryuji and Haru (That's a pairing that kind of came out of nowhere).
Should you read this? HUGE Maybe. I'd only read it for the ideas and how Akira could have ended up and a different approach on what happens to Akechi. If you can't stand poor writing though, definitely pass.
Title:A Single Drop
Pairing: Akira/Akechi, Akechi+Sae
Warnings: Mental Heath issues, Depression
Thoughts: This is a longer sequel to another fic. A lot of the focus is on Akechi here as he's trapped in the Metaverse after what happens to him late game. He basically comes to revelations about himself. The first part is him bonding with Shadow!Sae, which is really interesting. Second part is more pairing based, and part 3 is more pushing the narrative forward and focuses more on Akechi's inner torment. All in all, an interesting read.
Should you read this? Yes, more so if you like Akechi focused fics or fix-it fics for him. I'd recommend reading the previous story first before reading this.
Title: green fruit
Pairing: Akira/Yusuke
Warnings: Lots of miscommunication
Thoughts: Basically, Yusuke admits to Akira that he wants to learn what romantic love is. Akira misinterrupts it that Yusuke wants to discover it with him. Cue angst. So far, an interesting premise and finally, some angst for the pairing I really enjoy.
Should you read this? As much as I hate saying this, no for the moment, mostly because updates are slow. If you don't mind slow updates, then I say go for it.
Title: Love hurts, a lot
Pairing: Akira/Akechi, some random drive by Akira/Kawakami
Warnings: Angst, Sexual content, not very well written
Thoughts: Simply put, this story is just bad. It has no real depth and the angst is as cliche as you can get along with boo hoo happy tears at the end. Also, slut!Akira comes out of nowhere and I wanted to slap him too. The writing is really bad as well. Should I even be surprised that the same author who wrote the terribly cliche Akira/Yusuke I reviewed a long time ago?
Should you read this? No, the author doesn't do this pairing any justice (heh) at all here.
Title: Connections
Pairing: Akira/Akechi
Warnings: None
Thoughts: This is basically an AU where Akira is an actual Phantom Thief, but with no powers. And Akechi instead plays Akira's canon role. The interactions and twists in this story are really interesting and creative. It's also really well written and it flows very naturally.
Should you read this? Yes, it's a bit on the long side for a one shot, but you won't be disappointed.
Title: Beyond the Sea
Pairing: Leo/Corrin, Takumi/Leo one sided (Though the tags are 'end game Takumi/Leo, this is obviously a love triangle), various other
Warnings: Lots of angst, love triangle
Thoughts: This is an AU where Leo is found on the beach of Hoshido. Hoshido and Nohr are basically on different continents here. Honestly, while I don't mind Leo/Corrin, I don't really like it here, it boarders on being coercion. It's also really painful to see Takumi suffer through watching Leo and Corrin, and part of me just wanted him to move the fuck on at this point. It also doesn't help that Leo REALLY skims the 'Mary Sue' boarderline too. I don't think you can learn an entire language in the span of less than a year, no matter how much you're around it.
Should you read this? No, mostly because it looks to remain unfinished.
Title: Noh Mask
Pairing: Takumi/Leo
Warnings: None
Thoughts: Honestly, I really don't like 'Modern AUs' for fantasy setting games, but I really liked this one. Basically, Takumi gets mistaken for his sister at one of the meets by Leo and it just proceeds from there. It's mostly humor with it's bits of angst.
Should you read this? If you don't mind that it's a Modern AU, yes.
The format is going to go as follows:
Title:
Pairing:
Warnings:
Thoughts:
Should you read this?
For the time being, it's probably going to be mostly Persona 5 or Fire Emblem Fates reviews. And I'm breaking out of the mold and I'm going to actually mini-review in progress works as well.
I'm not going to pin these, as they may not be a regular thing or the unfinished fic may finish and I'll have to change my views. Some of these fics may one day be actual reviews, but who knows.
Title: Phantasm
Pairing: Akira/Akechi
Warnings: See the tags
Thoughts: Honestly, the world needs more dark fic on this pairing. Basically, Akira and Akechi are trapped in some sort of dream-like atmosphere, and the only way out of them seems to be Akechi dying. Rinse and repeat. A lot of these range from really sad to downright creepy.
Should you read this? Yes or Maybe. I say Maybe because this author has a very bad habit of starting stories and not finishing them. They're also writing ANOTHER dark story. I mean, I like dark fic, but FINISH what you start before moving to start another story.
Title: I Love my Split Ends
Pairing: Akira/Akechi
Warnings: Lots of Suicidal thoughts, see tags for more
Thoughts: Again, another dark look on this pairing. On one hand, Akechi is not emotional or mentally stable and isn't getting the help he needs and because of this, makes some not really good decisions. On the other hand, Ren/Akira is letting his 'hero complex' along with his feelings for Akechi to really interfer and is trying to basically 'fix' Akechi when he isn't trained to do so (Also getting mad at him at what happens in chapter 4? What the hell y0). So I end up being mad at both characters (Though more on Akira, because he's not a doctor and he's really causing a lot more harm to Akechi in the long run). This is a really angsty fic that has me mad at both sides for being dumb.
Should you read this? Yes or Maybe. Again, it's not finished, but because the author has an actual chapter count, it will probably be finished. Just have a tissue handy, chapter 5 is really depressing.
Title: Butterfly Cascade
Pairing: Akira/Akechi with some minor background pairings
Warnings: Fix-it fic, big Persona crossover, 8th part to an entire series, see tags
Thoughts: A fix-it fic. I actually like how the author redos the canon that happens post Palace 4, because Palace 5 was a huge freaking pile of doo doo. Also, you may want to check out their previous fics, but I kind of don't recommend the Persona 4 part, mostly because it's anime based than based on the game, but you really need to somewhat have an idea of the fics, otherwise, the cameos are going to be confusing.
Should you read this? Yes. While this fic is also unfinished, the author updates very regularly, and since it's already near the end of the game, I have no doubts it'll be finished.
Title: Deepening Shadows
Pairing: Mostly Akira/Akechi, Ann/Ryuji, minor others
Warnings: Vampire AU, Persona 2 crossover, confusing as hell plot
Thoughts: This is actually a reboot of co-written work and holy shit, you can easily tell who the better writer is if you compare the two. We sadly, did not end up with the better writer of the two for the reboot. This story is a sloppy as hell mess. It starts off pretty well, but after the first chapter, it disolves into a mess of a story to the point where I don't even know what the hell is going on anymore.
Should you read this? No. Not only is it unfinished, but you will be totally lost in what's going on in the story, mostly because the author is very very vague at what's going on. It had promise, but it completely flushed it.
Title: Personality Not Included
Pairing: Eventual Akira/Akechi?, Ryuji/Haru
Warnings: Mental and Physical health issues
Thoughts: This is a perfect example of a story that has a lot of promising ideas, but the writer cannot provide a good narrative for it. I think part of the problem is that I feel the author has this clear picture in their head and they're giving an abridged version for the reader on paper. I like a lot of the ideas expressed in this fic and the issues the characters are going through, but the writing is mediorc at best. The last chapter is REALLY skimming the OOC boarderline too with Ryuji and Haru (That's a pairing that kind of came out of nowhere).
Should you read this? HUGE Maybe. I'd only read it for the ideas and how Akira could have ended up and a different approach on what happens to Akechi. If you can't stand poor writing though, definitely pass.
Title:A Single Drop
Pairing: Akira/Akechi, Akechi+Sae
Warnings: Mental Heath issues, Depression
Thoughts: This is a longer sequel to another fic. A lot of the focus is on Akechi here as he's trapped in the Metaverse after what happens to him late game. He basically comes to revelations about himself. The first part is him bonding with Shadow!Sae, which is really interesting. Second part is more pairing based, and part 3 is more pushing the narrative forward and focuses more on Akechi's inner torment. All in all, an interesting read.
Should you read this? Yes, more so if you like Akechi focused fics or fix-it fics for him. I'd recommend reading the previous story first before reading this.
Title: green fruit
Pairing: Akira/Yusuke
Warnings: Lots of miscommunication
Thoughts: Basically, Yusuke admits to Akira that he wants to learn what romantic love is. Akira misinterrupts it that Yusuke wants to discover it with him. Cue angst. So far, an interesting premise and finally, some angst for the pairing I really enjoy.
Should you read this? As much as I hate saying this, no for the moment, mostly because updates are slow. If you don't mind slow updates, then I say go for it.
Title: Love hurts, a lot
Pairing: Akira/Akechi, some random drive by Akira/Kawakami
Warnings: Angst, Sexual content, not very well written
Thoughts: Simply put, this story is just bad. It has no real depth and the angst is as cliche as you can get along with boo hoo happy tears at the end. Also, slut!Akira comes out of nowhere and I wanted to slap him too. The writing is really bad as well. Should I even be surprised that the same author who wrote the terribly cliche Akira/Yusuke I reviewed a long time ago?
Should you read this? No, the author doesn't do this pairing any justice (heh) at all here.
Title: Connections
Pairing: Akira/Akechi
Warnings: None
Thoughts: This is basically an AU where Akira is an actual Phantom Thief, but with no powers. And Akechi instead plays Akira's canon role. The interactions and twists in this story are really interesting and creative. It's also really well written and it flows very naturally.
Should you read this? Yes, it's a bit on the long side for a one shot, but you won't be disappointed.
Title: Beyond the Sea
Pairing: Leo/Corrin, Takumi/Leo one sided (Though the tags are 'end game Takumi/Leo, this is obviously a love triangle), various other
Warnings: Lots of angst, love triangle
Thoughts: This is an AU where Leo is found on the beach of Hoshido. Hoshido and Nohr are basically on different continents here. Honestly, while I don't mind Leo/Corrin, I don't really like it here, it boarders on being coercion. It's also really painful to see Takumi suffer through watching Leo and Corrin, and part of me just wanted him to move the fuck on at this point. It also doesn't help that Leo REALLY skims the 'Mary Sue' boarderline too. I don't think you can learn an entire language in the span of less than a year, no matter how much you're around it.
Should you read this? No, mostly because it looks to remain unfinished.
Title: Noh Mask
Pairing: Takumi/Leo
Warnings: None
Thoughts: Honestly, I really don't like 'Modern AUs' for fantasy setting games, but I really liked this one. Basically, Takumi gets mistaken for his sister at one of the meets by Leo and it just proceeds from there. It's mostly humor with it's bits of angst.
Should you read this? If you don't mind that it's a Modern AU, yes.
