lost at sea

lost at sea by stephayyyy
the heart is wanting, the heart is not a metaphorBanner Credit: Melissa

Marta Thinks: This collection of poems ‘lost at sea’ is more than a simple collation of works and pieces; it expresses what we feel and, often, don’t know how to express. Some poems are catharsis, others talk about universal truths. The best ones are rawly honest, such as: “i hate how/the state of my heart/depends on/how fast i can/make yours beat”. Through this cleverly worded verse, we can come to understand a sort of love that can only correlate to someone else’s (as an author’s note puts it succinctly: “In loving you, I forgot how to love myself.”) I think the most skilfully crafted poems are: “to forget”, “searching for you again” and “on growing up”, but I think this says more about myself than about my poetic preferences, and this is what makes the wide range of eighteen poems so attractive. There is most certainly one you can relate to and through which you can newly experience emotions.

What is most interesting, I find, is the summary which denies the heart an intangible meaning and its portrayal as a symbolic instrument, rather; the heart is raw and vivid and real, and beats with a sense of longing. It is written: “the heart is wanting”, and wanting what exactly? Candid, love, meaningful happiness, hope sprinkled across our lives. The heart is wanting, and though these poems are spun with a desperate thrum of sadness, they promise the truth of what we want, and so desperately need.

auld lang syne

auld lang syne by dear-llama
After Nik left four years ago, the group splintered. But now he's back, forcing a reunion between six ex-friends who could've been strangers, but not quite. Temporarily goaded into close proximity, old hatchets get unburied and unresolved tensions rise again. And, as Tamy comes to realise, four years can change everything but the things that matter.
Banner Credit: Atramento

Marta Thinks: ‘Auld Lang Syne’ is a poem written by Scottish poet, Robert Burns and literally can be translated as “old long since” - though the more grammatically correct version would be “long long ago”. That fits in neatly with this particular story, in which the present is tainted by the past, and no matter how long ago the events took place, they have a singular impact on the unfolding events. The premise can be described as straight-forward: Nik and Tamy used to date, and they hung with a group of friends (Nadine, Lux, Wolf and Ansel). Nik left for China, somewhere along the line they broke up - and he never visited like he promised - and Nadine, Lux and Wolf believe Tamy cheated on Nik with Ansel. So far so good. So far so clear.

Or not. Because it’s obvious pieces of the puzzle is missing - why did Tamy and Nik break up exactly? Why do Nadine and Lux hate each other? What is Nik truly trying to achieve? And: is there something else that is being hidden? Tamy is a protagonist who is easy to empathise with and her personality easily stands out. Through her eyes, the dynamics of the other characters can be seen as well: it’s not always Tamy and insert another person; there are other elements at play. And that’s never an easy task.

This story has only five chapters, but dear-Ilama’s writing capabilities are hard to deny, and the 31K words she has written so far are definitely worth reading.

a moment of possibility

a moment of possibility by his terrible beauty
girl tells boy she's in love with him. a moment of possibility.
Banner Credit: Marta

Marta Thinks: This gorgeously written one-shot manages to pack a punch with a mere 800 words. Through the effective use of
second person, it’s all to easy to share the sentiments of a girl who professes her love to a boy. I think the title captures perfectly what the one-shot shows; a moment in which something is possible. But it’s just that: a moment, and it will pass even though ‘it will come again, I promise.’

Consistency of Real Love

Consistency of Real Love by fallingstar13
Sometimes love is so much more than love at first sight and a whirlwind romance. It's the kisses in the rain and reckless feelings along with the failed first dates and dirty diapers. And when it’s real, it can last a lifetime.
Banner Credit: Arden

Marta Thinks: This SKoW prompt winner describes the
relationship between Rachel and Ethan. Through the use of twenty-six words, every small detail about dating and marriage is described and the result is an incredibly sweet story detailing the difficulties (‘Young’ and ‘Vanity’), the bad bits (‘Beginnings’ and ‘Lost’), and the romantic parts (‘Rain’ and ‘Gondola’). It shows the ‘consistency of real love’, that no matter what happens, as long as you’re with someone you’ll love, it’ll all be okay. And that, warms your heart.

wednesday runaways

wednesday runaways by invisibly.inked
shakespeare's got nothin' on us
Banner Credit: Arden

Marta Thinks: ‘wednesday runaways’ is a simple poem, full of simple words and a simple meaning.
There are no grand gestures or words. It is there, for you to read and absorb. After all, runaway lovers is a common enough theme. Despite this, there is something new about this particular piece, this specific line: ‘two stupid teenagers in what they thought was love’. It makes you think. Is the poet right? Or is she voicing the opinion of others and we will never know? The decision is up to you and I think this makes this poem especially magical.

My Favorite Scooper

My Favorite Scooper by Noon Breeze
So what if I like ice cream? I happen to like it a lot. That's the reason I go to Freezle's every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday night at a time between five and ten. It has nothing to do with the fact that those are the hours Tony Valinti works. Nothing. 
Banner Credit: Marta

Marta Thinks: Utterly adorable and dosed with a humorous narrator, "My Favorite Scooper" is a compelling read. The structure is formulaic, but it works, and works incredibly well, especially considering the lack of dialogue. The only thing that caught me off for a moment was the different wording of the last two paragraphs, but I think it hardly matters. "My Favorite Scooper" was still as magical as ever.

Study Me Dead

Study Me Dead by AceChant
"Please don't freak out." His words echoed in my head like a mantra, until it was possible all my other thoughts had been obliterated. I shoved the skull in his face, just short of hitting him. "I am holding your skull in my hands. What did you expect?"
Banner Credit: Marta

Marta Thinks: Lima meets a boy. But he's not just any boy. Oh no, he's not like any boy she's ever met. Because he's a ghost. And not just a random ghost: he's a magical ghost. Who was murdered. Yeah. Didn't expect that, did you?

I really enjoyed the piece. The plot itself was enjoyable (perhaps not overly original, but it still kept me engaged), though the real gem of it all was Lima and her narrative voice. Her inner thoughts were humorous, and helped show a fluffy and enjoyable side to a mystery supernatural plot. It walked the fine line between detracting from the story and not being effective, but AceChant managed to balance all of this effortlessly.

And the ending? One word: perfect.

S T A G N A T E

S T A G N A T E by CaveDwellers

He never stopped her. She could rant and rave and scream at him all she wanted. She could rape him, slap him, just stand here kissing him until she passed out, and he’d let her do it.
Banner Credit: Melissa

Marta Thinks: I've never read anything like S T A G N A T E and I doubt I ever will. It's a truly unique story, and I mean that in the strictest sense of the word. The premise takes a twist on what would seem like an abusive relationship (there is definitely a swap when it comes to the genders), and the story is told in a fairly narrative and descriptive manner, which works, despite its potential problems.

Of course, the ending - the last part - is the strongest bit of the whole tale. It leaves you wondering and pondering, desperate to know the entire background and the thoughts of the male lead. You won't ever, it's unlikely, but maybe that mystery is part of its magic.

butterscotch kisses

butterscotch kisses by les petits bateaux
indulgence: too much pleasure will result in unforeseen circumstances.
Banner Credit: Melissa

Marta Thinks: One of the things I love the most about this poem is the title. The simple combination of two words evokes a beautiful imagery that appeals to the senses, and that makes me want to read it over and over again, just so I can remember it. Perhaps the summary describes it better, mentioning "indulgence" and "too much pleasure". The unforeseen circumstance are no longer unforeseen for me – it's clear they're both addiction and admiration.

The poem itself doesn't fail to live up to the perfect title-summary combination. The use of "we" incites the reader to relate to the verses, and the lines are lovely in the way they are worded. I especially liked the first verse: "…we dream of many things…and yet, we call them trash…" It can apply to so many circumstances in real life, which was wonderful.

My only qualm was the mention of a "dancing bear" which momentarily pulled me out of the poem. It was a little strange and didn't feel like it fit the mood of the piece. Even so, it is no reason to not enjoy "butterscotch kisses", which will surely remain in your mind the whole day.

i tell you stories in hushed tones

a summer without you by creepy kiss on tuesday
never raise your voice.
Banner Credit: Helen

Helen Thinks: This poem is absolutely gorgeous. Its beauty lies mainly in its stunning simplicity; unadorned words strung together to create something that leaves you breathless, as it gives a message. It gives it to you oh-so-incredibly well.

At mere fifty words, "i tell you stories in hushed tones" will never get repetitive or tiring, but something you'll easily get addicted to.

More Than Anyone

More Than Anyone by templeton21

For some reason, the instant Ben and Olivia meet, they hate one another. Every time they're in the same room, all they seem to do is fight and trade insults. But according to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, hot hate is twin brother to hot love.
Banner Credit: Amy

Marta Thinks: Out of every single cliché possible, Hate/Love is the most difficult to write. How can someone go from extreme hatred to extreme love, and be realistic while doing so? It seems to be an impossible task, but apparently not for templeton21. Her story "More Than Anyone" is written with such freshness and clarity that it's obvious to see she's definitely written her cliché very well.

Ben and Olivia, the two main characters, do truly hate each other, but it's not an unrealistic, unfounded hatred, nor is it exaggerated. They're also mature, confronting their feelings when necessary and confessing if needed. Their two POVs make us feel for them, instead of detracting from the story.

I also have to mention the beautiful background of vivid and memorable side characters; without them the story wouldn’t be as funny and original as it is. Luckily, templeton21 had the foresight to include them, and she is definitely reaping results.

W is for WHAT?

W is for WHAT? by Lulai

Marla needs no one. But when she rescues someone who needs her, will she have the strength to fight for not only his sanity, but his very soul? twenty and done! 

Banner Credit: Casey

Marta Thinks: Lulai, the extremely talented author of 'The V Word', manages to captivate and impress once again in 'W is for WHAT?' The storyline is extremely engaging - full of twists and excitement - but what really carries forward the tale are the characters.

Marla, the main character, is a slightly cynical, slightly insecure girl who isn't afraid to express her opinion. Her insights are funny, caustic and fun to follow. Callum is a perfectly well written male character, which allowed him be more than just a romantic interest, but an actual charismatic person. The minor characters, such as Jason, Marla's parents, Kate and Damien, were all unique and distinct.

This allowed me to become fully invested in this story and the romance it presented - to the point where I'd go back and re-read a chapter a couple of times because it was just so good.

Lollygag

Lollygag by In.The.Wardrobe
Ben delivered a gym membership to her house. Lucy, the I've-never-exercised-in-my-life girl, pretend to not be home. A match made in heaven?
Banner Credit: Atramento

Marta Thinks: Lucy isn't exactly the biggest fan of what Ben stands for. Fitness? Health? And worst of all - sport? The very horror of it all. Who'd want that? Me? You? Lucy? I'm guessing no one. And it's a very easy stance to maintain. No trouble letting go of the horror connected to the gym – none at all.

But (and here's my 'but') if every guy were as persistent and sweet as Ben, then my firm resolve would definitely be a little - or rather, very, difficult to maintain. And this is the situation Lucy finds herself in. Will she succumb to adorable Ben and his hellish gym or will she give up on this romantic boy and sit in her house all day?

There is only one way to find out: click on the link above.

Take Two

Take Two by T76G

Devan's always been best friends with Eden and always at odds with his twin. When things become as clear as muck, she realizes that one she loves isn't who he seems, and finds herself falling for the one she thought she'd always hate. 
Banner Credit: Atramento

Marta Thinks: Take two seconds to read the summary and become extremely interested. Sure, it's a little cliche' and maybe you've read something like that before, but you somehow just know T76G's going to take an interesting outlook on it. How you know that you're not sure. But you just know it.

Take two minutes to read this review. It's not the best review ever, you know that much, but you also know Marta would have never chosen a story that isn't worth ADoR. And most of all, someone suggested – and this must mean that they liked it.

Take two hours to read the story (this includes breaks). Let Devan take you on her amazing journey. Let yourself be swayed towards Eden, and captivated by Devan and Eden's easy and charming interactions. Let yourself be pulled towards Eric who's honest and earnest and incredibly charismatic. Be appreciative of T76G's clear and neat writing, devoid of any typos and grammatical mistakes.

But most of all, sit back, read and enjoy the ride that is Take Two.

Reaper

Reaper by ellision

“I already have your heart,” he breathed against her ears as his arms snaked around her hips, pulling her closer. “Finally, the rest of you is mine, Lotte. No more running away.” And she could hear it - her own heart - beating somewhere from inside the leather of his jacket. 

Banner Credit: Helen

Marta Thinks: I read Reaper once, and it was enough to make me fall in love with it. The mystery, its character, its breathtakingly beautiful language captivated me and showed me a tale I'd never seen before. ellision immersed me into a world that was so far from mine and yet - yet I'd never read anything that felt so vivid, so real.

Then I read Reaper a second time, and a third time, and I fell in love with it more with every read. And I thought: “Yes.That's the mark of good writing – the endless beauty it provides you infallibly each and every single time.” That’s why I'll keep on reading this story, and why you should too: because we all have a desire, a thirst for beauty, and Reaper will satisfy your quench, even if only for a while.

Second Chances

Second Chances by xoxluurve

No. He wasn't going to watch her walk away from him - not for the second time. 
Banner Credit: Melissa

Marta Thinks: xoxluurve is like a puppet master when it comes to writing: she knows exactly how to pull at your heartstrings. "Second Chances" is a perfect example of her insanely brilliant talent.

Initially, you are led to believe that the story is an angsty reunion between Mark and Kennedy - the tale seems to be pretty straight forward. But is love ever really that simple? Of course not, and so xoxluurve brilliantly subverts your expectations and introduces the independent Alana, who is in love with Mark.

Mark's meant to be happy with Kennedy. Is he really? Alana is meant to be moving on successfully. Will she? Whatever the answer, there is no doubt that this is another amazing xoxluurve romance.

throttle and base

throttle and base by ellison
i wanted to burn bright, a falling star. but i'm disintegrating in the clouds of your breath, bone-thin, exhausted & starving for control.
Banner Credit: Ali

Marta Thinks: I've read this poem I don't know how many times, and yet I'm still entranced by it every time I read it, picking out new imagery, making it linger in my mind, and letting the melodic words roll off my lips. ellision writes beautifully, and what is particularly amazing about it is that she doesn't add words because they sound nice, but because they make sense. I love that.

"throttle and base" is meant to be a collection, but even though ellision may never add any other poems, this stand-alone is lovely on its own.

Animate Objects

Animate Objects by juliabrose
"Love her, only love her." The story of a non-traditional relationship.
Banner Credit: Ali

Marta Thinks: Accepted romances are all accepted in the same way; every forbidden story is forbidden in its own way. And this forbidden story, "Animate Objects", is forbidden in a way I've never seen forbidden before. That could either be a good or bad thing: it depends on your opinion.

But whatever your opinion on the relationship told, it is a fact that juliabrose's prose is beautiful, almost poetic, and I'd even go as far as to say magical. It casts a spell that is hard to break, and before you know it, you find yourself deep into the story. Maybe you want to stop. But you can't. Even if you feel queasy. And that is the mark of good writing.

The Guy Next Door

The Guy Next Door by Mad for Figs
I was in love with him... the frat boy... the guy who lived across the hall. But he would only talk with me when he was drunk; otherwise, he'd act like I didn't exist. Talk about being unlucky in love.
Banner Credit: Marta

Marta Thinks: Alison has always found Ryan attractive, ever since he moved in next door. Problem is, he ignores her and only tolerates her when he's drunk, returning from whatever fraternity party he's been too. The worst part about this? Alison loves him. And what can a girl do when the boy she likes acts as though he's embarrassed by her?

"The Guy Next Door" is a good read, full of humor, romance and good writing. "Mad for Figs" has made a story that's not terribly original become her own. The chemistry between Alison and Ryan is tangible, and they're both well-developed characters.

Is this one-shot mushy? Yes. Predictable? Probably. Worth your time? Yes. Yes, yes, yes.

Boys and Other Useless Things

Boys and Other Useless Things by The Smile Machine
Meet Gabriel, the sexy nymphomaniac. Will, the cunning genius. And Max, the charming fool. This is the story of the three frat boys who thought they knew everything about the female sex...until they met the women who could tame them.
Banner Credit: Melissa

Marta Thinks: Cute and funny, "Boys and Other Useless Things" easily makes you smile. The premise is fairly simple and explained well in the summary. But let me just summarize very quickly what you will find: three charming males, three women who are perfect for them, and three amazing tales. The third one has yet to come out, but it doesn't take a fortune-teller to figure out that it will be a good one.

The best thing about The Smile Machine’s piece it is that it can do two things – satisfy your inner cliché lover and also offer you plots that are never exactly the same. And that's a very, very good thing.