Your Cat is Dead

Your Cat is Dead by invisible.writer
She considered sending him a text message, but perhaps it was too cold. "Your cat is dead, come take care of the mess" did see rather heartless. Grudgingly she dialed the oh-so familiar number that was his...

Banner Credit: marta

Belinda Thinks: Sometimes people need an excuse to call an ex-boyfriend. Maybe a forgotten article of clothing, maybe a new . For one girl, this excuse happens to be the unpleasant remains of their shared cat, Hunter S. Thompson, laying in the middle of the road - not exactly the most agreeable start.
The writer’s voice is spot on, creating mood and back-story with a light and grey touch, and encapsulating the narrators dry sense of humour and matter-of-fact point of view. I really enjoyed reading this story; it was immersive and detailed, building empathy with the characters without giving unnecessary, potentially distracting detail.

The premise is original and engaging, with the dead cat becoming more than a pet; rather, it is a symbol of their relationship as it was, and as it is today. The plot is simple, but the emotional intricacies and shared past of the two former-lovers are beautifully and fully formed.

I cannot recommend this story highly enough; it is a really wonderful example of impeccable style and concise and deceptively restrained writing.

Quest for Quiche

Quest for Quiche by invisible.writer
We've all read it, heard it, been there, done that but I am still looking for my cliche, and I will leave no rock unturned, no tree uprooted until I find mine.

Banner Credit: Casey

Belinda Thinks: As much as we love a good cliché here at ADoR, I’m willing to bet that Erin, our protagonist here, loves them more. Her obsession with potential clichéd romance is extensive and engrossing, dominating her opinions about classes, friends and potential after-school activities. Erin is a well-drawn caricature of the female attraction to the formulaic romance in her desire to be “ravished” so that her fairytale can begin.

She’s looking for a nice jock, or a sexy nerd, or really any of the myriad high school stereotypes available, completely ignoring the one guy who is constant in her life, Thaddeus. His refuses to be contained in a box frustrates her - he isn’t a genius, he isn’t dumb, he isn't a jock, or a musician, and he has friends in all the main social groups at school. How is someone so "normal" supposed to make a girl swoon?

Although Erin can be a little grating with her single-mindedness, and we can see where her romantic nature is going to lead, the story is an enjoyable read and technically flawless. The author gently makes fun of the clichés rampant in romantic fiction, taking it to extremes to make this very valid point: there’s nothing wrong with loving a normal guy.

Mistlerun

Mistlerun by ice-cold-pepsi
Mistletoe,' he repeated. I stared blankly at him, looked up above our heads, turned back to the smirk emerging on his face...and promptly ran off. Stuff tradition. 

Banner Credit: Melissa

Belinda Thinks: For recent high-school graduate Christine, Christmas used to be magical and enchanting. But in recent years, a certain Christian Logan has managed to ruin the holiday spirit, and the end of year festivities that their families share are now mixed with resentment and anger.

This Christmas is no different. After being coerced into attending the party, Christine spends her time avoiding contact with Christian and his popular cronies, watching TV with the young children instead. But her efforts are in vain when he finds her at the end of the night. This confrontation finally provides the explanations that Christine had been waiting for, while revealing more about their relationship - because the story is told from her point of view, the reader is learning the truth at the same time as the protagonist, which gave the story an emotional strength.

Supporting characters are generally well written and multi-faceted. Christine’s mother is frighteningly devious, and her well-intentioned meddling is both a welcome foil to Christine’s grumpiness and part of the reason for it. Christian seems to be callous and uncaring, but proves himself to be more than just another popular guy.

Although the final use of mistletoe may be predictable, it works well nonetheless. If you could use a little Christmas spirit in advance, read this sweet one-shot.

Leggo My Ego

Leggo My Ego by Lenni

So, I threw a waffle at the biggest asshole in the school. He would have walked off without incident, but I just had to ask him, "Would you like some syrup with that?" 
Banner Credit: Melissa

Belinda Thinks: A simple money-making venture turns into something more when Wendy catches the attention of the school’s most infamous bad boy, Max Fields, by catapulting a waffle at his head.
But Max soon goes from being a regular breakfast client to a friend. Their developing relationship isn’t traditional or even particularly romantic to begin with - he’s used to getting his way, and she bites back - but their chemistry is natural and entertaining.

Wendy is a strong narrator who gives the reader a story made with equal parts amusing frankness and witty sarcasm, and peppered with fantastic one-liners. She isn’t jaded or naive, just a normal girl with a gift for waffle making: a refreshing change from the many female main characters to whom we don’t really relate.

The writer has a fantastic writing voice which sustains the flow of the story and makes Wendy’s experience and point of view realistic and engaging. But as her senior year draws to a close, so must the waffle supply, forcing Max and Wendy to find alternate arrangements for their morning meetings.

Short, sweet and syrupy, this is a one-shot you won’t regret reading!

Cat and Mouse

Cat and Mouse by SweetSarah2
I can't believe I'm getting blackmailed to ask the scariest boy in school on a date. At least he's gorgeous. Part of me is even excited to ask him out. But that part? Yeah, about two percent. The other ninety eight percent? Pure terror...

Banner Credit: marta

Belinda Thinks: The premise of the story is simple: small and demure Minnie is being coerced by Tricia into approaching Jasper Lion, whose reputation as an alcoholic and violent rebel precedes him. Already, the situation looks interesting. But the well balanced characters and flowing, flawless writing make the story even more appealing to read.
Details about each character are used to carefully sketch the “cat and mouse” metaphor- a perfectly apt analogy for timid Minnie and scary Jasper. But the characters aren’t defined only by their most obvious traits. Minnie is naive and adorable, perhaps bordering on too sweet, but she’s no prude. Tricia, the blackmailer, is unpleasant but perfectly human. Jasper is deceptively prickly, with a defiant attitude that is belied by his gentle nature.

The multi-dimensional characters and sound writing give depth to a story that could very easily have been too much of a cliché. So if you’re looking for good, well-written fluff, try indulging your bad boy fantasy with this cute one-shot.

Just for Glory

Just for Glory by Imaginary Parachute

Amazing what occurs when witty bad boy Donovan makes a bet to seduce sarcastic good girl Piper. Follow the story of their intertwined existence through high school as lessons are learned and relationships forged.

Banner Credit: MajordlyFantastic

Belinda Thinks: I read this whole story in one night - not my best move, considering I had two papers to write, but otherwise completely satisfying and totally worth it. I am in awe of Imaginary Parachute’s skill in characterisation, insight and writing in general.
The story begins with an unpleasant hallway encounter at high school. Donovan is a well-known pothead and slacker, while Piper is the notoriously frigid and clever wallflower. Their unusual friendship develops from a bet - refreshingly, the bet is quickly cast aside without further repercussions, instead of taking over and ruining their relationship.

The author keeps a tight focus on their relationship, giving it time and opportunity to slowly mature without distracting the reader with the high school nonsense that often revolves around main characters. Also, the story is written from both points of view so that the reader really understands both sides of any argument and the conflicting feelings and denial Donovan and Piper face. The pace is fairly slow, but each chapter is filled with detail and reveals something about each character, so that not one of the chapters is extraneous or dull. The deliberate, lingering mood of the story makes the ending exquisitely emotional.

I still think of Donovan and Piper fondly; that is how well and how realistically they were written. I cannot expound enough on the merits and beauty of this story. Read it. Read it.

Kohl

Kohl by Callisto Jean
He wore eyeliner. That fact alone was enough to keep them worlds apart. But, in an exchange of secrets for secrets, worlds aren't so far apart. And lines separate just as they connect.

Banner Credit: Melissa

Belinda Thinks: Despite being on opposite ends of the social spectrum, Adrienne and Carlos are very similar people. Their respect for reputation, honor and reciprocity makes them equals in temperament, though their priorities are different.

Adrienne is chasing straight A’s, needing just one more student interview to complete her assignment. Her last target is Carlos, the reputedly dangerous skater boy whose use of “guyliner” only goes to show just how different their social statuses really are.

Although she hints at a shared past, the focus of the story is their interactions as they are now, high school students in separate cliques. At first they are talking just so Adrienne can get her assignment done, but soon they are sharing increasingly intimate secrets. From each exchange, we can glean something about their individual philosophies and their relationship. It’s a gradual and riveting revelation between equals.

While I’d love to see more of these interesting and vivid characters, I’ll settle for rereading this one-shot a few more times. It’s beautifully written and a very worthy addition to the archives.

The Dorky Idea

The Dorky Idea by found.eventually

"Let me guess," Sam said into the intercom after a while, "You're the singing leprechaun I hear people talking about.""Close enough," He answered,"Only I'm six-foot tall, I don't have pots of gold, and despite popular belief, I can actually sing."
Banner Credit: Melissa

Belinda Thinks: Samantha is moving apartments and trying to write her senior thesis, and has plenty to complain about, including the neighbour who keeps getting in her way and the mysterious delivery person who returns every night with a different purpose.

Sam is very human, embarrassing herself in a multitude of situations and getting frustrated at the everyday routine of life, such as buses. But through it all, she develops a fondness for the poorly disguised delivery man, who rings the doorbell regularly with a different excuse and learns something new about her each time. His care for her happiness, despite their never having actually met, is lovely, and made me smile.

The one-shot is well written, easy to read and a novel experience -perhaps slightly predictable, but done well. The characters are realistic and amusing, and their relationship unfolds naturally, with each meeting changing Sam’s opinions of the unnamed guy from a persistently annoying person to a welcome highlight of her day.

In the end, the delivery man’s idea is “dorky”, sure, but that’s only if dorky means sweet, charming and completely effective.

Jasey Rae

Jasey Rae by ThereAfter
Alex never made a bet, but he gambled with desire. He never lit a match with intent to start a fire, but recently the flames were getting out of control. 

Banner Credit: Melissa

Belinda Thinks: Written for a SKoW challenge, this oneshot is based on the eponymous song by All Time Low. I admit to not knowing the song before reading this story, but after experiencing both, I can say that the similarities are striking, including the use of band member's names as character names.

But song aside, the story is a great standalone. It details the aftershocks of a one night stand from the guy's perspective. Alex is a lady's man and very much familiar with the idea of a "no strings attached" sexual encounter. But after lying to Jasey Rae at a party to get her into bed, he can’t get her out of his head; now he is left with remorse, worry and a vague self-loathing. This is compounded by meeting her best friend in a social setting - she very obviously blames him for taking advantage of Jasey’s innocence.

Alex orchestrates a second encounter with Jasey in the attempt to gain the ever-elusive “closure”. But the end result, once all is said and done, turns out to be - nothing. There is no lasting scar or explosive confrontation. Instead, each character works through his or her emotional baggage with varying degrees of maturity and success, making this one-shot a realistic and powerful take on the traditional one night stand.

Shit Happens When You Party Naked

Shit Happens When You Party Naked by castiel89

Alcohol plus a lack of clothing equals a 21st birthday Shaun Evans will never forget.
Banner Credit: Atramento

Belinda Thinks: Shaun wakes up the day after her 21st birthday party in a strange bed, naked and hung over. A series of flashbacks detail the wild night she had, and help explain why she’s sharing a bed with her best friend’s fiancé’s best friend.

Her awkward mortification is easy to identify with, which makes her experience relatable and a very sweet ending even sweeter. I f she had to embarrass herself in front of someone, why did it have to be her crush, the delectable yet intelligent Reed Winters? From strip poker to drunken declarations, Shaun has had a crazy 21st birthday, but the morning after is even stranger. Shaun and Reed circle warily around each other, with confused memories and obvious attraction clouding their encounters.

The writing is good and free of errors, and though the situation isn’t necessarily realistic, both characters are gentle with their feelings and very likeable, sharing an immediate and believable chemistry. The story is a worthy read, featuring a genuine relationship and a feel-good ending that really does make you feel good.

Shades of Gray

Since the posting of this review, this story has been removed from FictionPress by the author.

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Mint Allergies

Mint Allergies by artofjula
Fred never considered herself a bad kisser. But the comatose nerd at her feet dares to say otherwise.
Banner Credit: Anita Darling

Belinda Thinks: For Fred, her first middle school date with Seth, watching a movie and holding hands, culminates in a simple good-night kiss. She’s excited, and naturally pops a mint to prepare herself for the experience. Unfortunately, Seth’s mint allergies certainly put a dampener on proceedings. Under the disapproving glare of his parents, their relationship languishes and they lose touch.

Years later, Fred is hiding from the enthusiastic advances of the college drug dealer by attending a Psych study session with her friend Mallory at a nearby coffee house. The two friends are ogling the super-attractive Nolan and putting in their orders to the barista when Fred gets the shock of her life. Seth is back home from his Ivy League college, and standing right in front of her.

From Fred’s elf-inspired name to their date movie, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Seth and Fred are adorably geeky and impeccably well-suited. They share a sense of humor, good chemistry and, obviously, a memorable history together. But aside from the great characters, this story also benefits from great writing. The well planned and technically flawless writing is accentuated by iartofjulia’s style, which is witty, wry and enormous fun to read. In this one-shot, Fred lives out any girl geek’s fantasy - of course, minus the near-death allergic reaction.

But who needs mint anyway?

Thor

Thor by invisible.writer
Thor was the pretend boyfriend I made up so Samuel 'My Face is a Bacterial Wasteland' Matherson would leave me alone. So why is Thor standing in front me in the flesh?
Banner Credit: Anita Darling

Belinda Thinks: Sage may not be the most popular girl in her grade, but she is still sick of her lab partner, Samuel, making constant, awkward advances. The logical thing to do? Pretend to have a boyfriend - Thor.
The non-existent Thor is everything Sage never knew she wanted. He’s blond, not dark-haired; he’s cute, not hot; he’s scruffy, not neat; he’s musical, not book-smart. Their story becomes more elaborate, including a skateboard and an imaginary band named the “Boxcutters”, until Sage has Samuel, her friend Audrey, and even herself, convinced.

However, her deception threatens to collapse when the real Boxcutters come to play a gig in the area. Urged on and accompanied by Audrey, Sage goes to the concert, fully expecting her lies to be revealed when her “boyfriend”, Thor, never turns up. But what really happens is a surreal experience that defies her expectations of herself and the people around her.

The one shot is funny, sweet, technically adept and very relatable. After all, it’s always nice to have someone, even if this someone is a make-believe boyfriend who shares a name with a Norse god and Marvel superhero.

Egocentricity

Egocentricity by Purple Uranium

With my junior year of high school ending badly, my parents decided to send me off to godknowswhere. They called it discipline. My friends say its karma. Me? I think it's bullcrap.
Banner Credit: Melissa

Belinda Thinks: This is not light. This is not fluffy. On more than one occasion I wanted to reach inside the computer screen, find the main character, and scream at her.

Because Natalie Kramer is a bitch, and hell if she doesn't know it. She's destructively violent, cruelly honest, abnormally self absorbed and extremely conceited. She is also quite possibly the most human character I have ever encountered. Her flaws and frustration both mask and highlight her better qualities- her loyalty, integrity and intelligence.

The supporting cast of friends, boyfriends, boy toys and bitches are also vivid, developed and three-dimensional. From hottie to goth to geek, the characters are distinct but never limited to their label.

The writing style is very much stream of consciousness, which means we have a great view into what makes such an ostensibly horrible character tick. A classic unreliable narrator, Natalie is fully engaging and wryly amusing, but also heart wrenchingly vulnerable.

Natalie loses so much - her boyfriend, her best friend, her other friends, her freedom, her vacation and her self respect. But she is on the path of self acceptance.

The only problem? The story is incomplete, and hasn't been updated in two years. Still worth a read though - I hold the (very, very slim) hope that one day, it will be completed. An unfinished masterpiece.

Aelyn's Story

Aelyn's Story by timpanigirl

Aelyn has been trained as a soldier her whole life, but when she is captured by the enemy army, survival takes a whole new twist.
Banner Credit: folkhands

Belinda Thinks: Aelyn is a legendary K'ymaeli warrior and leader of men, known as the woman who fights with her left hand. A priest foretold, at her birth, that she would save her country and its people by ending the war that ravaged her country. Although she doesn't know exactly how this will happen, Aelyn's mental and physical strength is most certainly capable of succeeding at that task.
Things change, however, when she is captured by Dramarian - enemy - soldiers. What ensues is a tangle of emotions and politics that Aelyn must learn to understand and control, both for her happiness and the safety of their countries. Her status as "enemy" soldier makes her a prisoner. As a warrior-woman in a country which views females as weak and undeserving, she is even more the outsider.

But her experience as a prisoner of war opens her eyes to the kind of people she has been fighting all her life. Myren, the King's sister, looks after her and learns to trusts her. Kristram saves her from a potentially deadly situation. The Dramarian King, Gareth, cares for her when she is injured and tired. As much as she hates them with a power formed by a bloody history and deadly war, she learns to love the Dramarians. Similarly, her presence teaches the Dramarian men that women can be brave, intelligent and well-trained. It is an exchange of ideas that could potentially lead to peace, but Aelyn has to make a choice - her heart or her country.

I loved the way this story was not just a romance, or a fantasy, but also a story of women, people and peace. It is well written and well paced, with a very engaging and singular main character/narrator. She's strong, she's capable, and she can save her people. If that's not an independent woman, well, I don't know what is.

Art Criticism

Since the posting of this review, this story has been removed from FictionPress by the author.

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Look Only At Me

Look Only At Me by Faedora
He was the one complication she didn't need, but he completed her. She knew she was better off without him, but she couldn't let go. It was her heart against his words - it didn't stand a chance.

Banner Credit: marta
Belinda Thinks: Drama without melodrama is hard to achieve, but this one-shot does it well. The story encompasses longing, romance and betrayal, with door slams, tears and wistful waiting by the phone in all the right proportions. But it's more than just a romantic drama - it's the development of a conflicted yet ultimately beautiful relationship.

Grace is in love with the perfect guy, Ashley; he's sweet, good-looking, smart, and makes her feel amazing - when he's there. The problem is, Ashley keeps standing her up to look after his ex-girlfriend, Gabriella. After Grace is left behind on their holiday, humiliated, hurt and feeling like the "other woman", their relationship is at a crossroads. Each person makes decisions that shift the situation back and forth until it's eventual, satisfying resolution.

This story's strength is in its three-dimensional characters. Grace is a committed but self-sufficient heroine; Ashley is a well-intentioned but inattentive man; Gabriella is a clingy but understanding woman. While reading the story, I had moments where I supported and blamed each character in turn. Their complexity and believability really enhances the plot and ensures it doesn't become too overly dramatic.

Inspired by the eponymous song by Korean pop artist Tae Yang, Look Only At Me crafts Grace and Ashley's relationship in a clear and sincere manner, without grammar or usage problems distracting from the power of the story, which is filled with passion and imagination. This one-shot portrays a romantic truth that is lovely to behold: that true love can withstand anything.

Waking of a Dream

Waking of a Dream by Morfiwien Greenleaf
When she travels to her late uncle’s estate for the reading of his will, Maybelle anticipates a glorious week with the man she loves before she must marry the man her father has chosen. But someone has been waiting for this opportunity to exact revenge...
Banner Credit: Amy

Belinda Thinks: The Waking of a Dream could rightly be classified as historical or supernatural, but for me it is the mix of the two genres that makes the story so exciting to read.

The depth of historical research, planning and care than went into this story is remarkable. The author skilfully weaves together the separate strands of a gently convoluted plot to form a beautifully and detailed story of love, betrayal and loss between two time periods and between American Indians and local settlers.

But the story is also a supernatural thriller in which atmosphere is king. The past, the present, ghosts and curses are described with such skilled language and tone that I was quite literally frightened when reading the story at night. Morfiwien Greenleaf grabs you by the hand and leads you through haunted corridors, eerie forests and deserted graveyards until your spine tingles and you want to check over your shoulder.

Above all, however, this story is a romance. Maybelle and Jack are perfect for each other, but are barred from love by her father's insensitivity. Victoria and Will have undeniable chemistry, but are unwilling to act on it. Rachael and Jacob fall in love despite the curse that hangs over both their heads. For each character, love has the power to save them - from a curse, a cage or unhappiness.

I was thoroughly captivated by this beautifully written and well-rounded story. It is error-free and flows gracefully, leading me - and you - to a powerful and haunting finish that I know will stay with me - and you - for days.

Treasured

Treasured by LeenElle
Tessa is raising her siblings in a shanty in 1932. Her life is difficult and unpredictable. When a doctor and his family give more than medical help, her life changes. Can she forget her misfortune and let herself be treasured?
Banner Credit: Casey

Belinda Thinks: This story is a well-written and masterful account of the life Tessa Evans, a victim of the Great Depression, leads in a shanty town in early 1930's America.

Black Tuesday, and the Depression, irrevocably changes Tessa's life, and with it the lives of her three younger siblings. They are left parent-less and at the mercy of others' good will; however, despite their struggles Tessa and her family retain their dignity and hope. This hope is vindicated when they meet Parker Sullivan, a well-to-do doctor with a loving and generous family. Although it is under difficult circumstances, this meeting is a turning point in all of their lives, signaling their move out of the shanty town.

The plot is gently believable, and the relationships are fostered in an environment where the reader has a chance to get to know the characters and root for their happiness together. Almost all the characters are people you wish you knew in real life - LeenElle does not ignore the minor characters, and gives everybody a chance to be noticed, from toddler Emma to the whole Sullivan family.

The beauty of this story is in the brave, simple faith that the characters share; a basic faith in humanity, in better days ahead and in love. The feeling transcends the historical backdrop and gives the reader hope, because if these people living through the Depression could stay so steadfastly optimistic, then maybe today isn't so bad.

LeenElle creates well-rounded and inspiring characters, whose dramatic downfalls are matched only by the romantic triumph and deliverance they experience. Free of grammar or spelling mistakes, this story is a wonderfully touching story of humanity in America during the Great Depression.

Checklisted

Checklisted by Cheryl White
"What's this? A checklist from some girl magazine?" Kent mused. "It's none of your business." There's no way I'm explaining it's a checklist Cam wrote to make me realize my feelings for Kent. Which is ridiculous because I'm NOT in like with him.

Banner Credit: Amy
Belinda Thinks: It is a series of checklists, along with her very persuasive friends, that help Leila determine whether she actually likes her best friend Kent that way. I say that specifically - the author avoids the word "love" altogether, and this makes the story more powerful and realistic. After all her denial, Leila's feelings are true to life and well-realized without being overly dramatic.
Part of the fun of reading this story is watching Leila unwittingly act out the items on her list (such as "friendly banter" and "eye contact"), and waiting for her to struggle through her denial and her friends' interference to realize it herself. Watching Kent, the best friend, become increasingly jealous of Leila's mystery checklist man is also amusing. Their best-friend relationship evolves naturally into romance; there are no big gestures, serenades or balloons, only the growing realization that there may be more to their relationship. This was the most appealing aspect of the story.

The plot and format separate this girl-and-best friend one-shot from being just an ordinary cliche. The characters keep it believable and real. The writing is smooth and solid. In fact, all I can give “Checklisted” is one, giant, check.