As many who follow the blog already know, Cia started doing a Hosted Background featuring a story by a GA Hosted Author. Every month she will feature a different Author/Story. I had already been trying to figure out some ways to feature Hosted Authors a bit more prominently in the blog and the feedback we received sparked an idea. In addition to the Hosted Background that Cia creates each month, I decided to start doing a "Hosted Week" each and every month, focusing on whichever story was chosen for the Hosted Background.

I briefly thought about doing a separate story/author from that of the Hosted Background, but on second thought, realized that doing the same story would give the Hosted Author who was chosen even better exposure in the GA News Blog. This month's chosen story was Prophecy by Hosted Author: Comicfan. I asked Mann Ramblings if he would do a review for the GA News Blog and he quickly agreed. Without further ado, here's his review of Comicfan's story, Prophecy!

Reviewer: Mann Ramblings
Status: Complete
Word Count: 4,756

Like many people, I waited patiently (or not so impatiently) for the list of stories in December 2013’s Anthology – Recipe for Disaster to go live. I always look forward to the variety of incredible interpretations to the theme and this year was no exception. Hosted Author and Moderator Comicfan’s fantasy short Prophesy was among the list, and as always, he did not fail to meet my expectations.

Without spoiling the plot, the story begins with a scene of supreme sacrifice of a wounded mother that ultimately leads to the formation of a non-traditional yet supportive family for an orphaned child. The boy’s future and what that entails is the basis of the story’s title.

My favorite parts of Prophesy are Comicfan’s handling of characters. From The King’s rage to Duncan’s disgruntled discovery of the package on his doorstep, each member of the cast acts in a way that makes you believe in them. Even the dialogue flows naturally, which is often a victim of fantasy writing when the urge to be overly verbose overtakes the author. I don’t know about you, but for me, bad dialogue is a dealbreaker when reading any form of fiction. The fantasy elements are also handled well without miring the reader in the lack of reality, leaving the plot grounded and well balanced.

The only true flaw I could find in the story (if you want to call it that) was that I simply wanted more. Even though the tale wrapped up cleanly, it could easily be the opening chapter for a grand epic adventure. And who doesn’t want that? I tried to persuade Comicfan to extend Prophesy but he politely refused as the tale was intended to be a one-off. Personally I think he just needs more encouragement. So read Prophesy and judge for yourself. Afterwards, I’m betting you’ll feel like I do and want even more.

Even so, I can’t tell everyone to spam his inbox demanding a sequel because that would be wrong. (So don’t do it)

I would like to point out to the mod staff that admonishing such behavior absolves me of all responsibility if such a mass action were to truly take place.

Hope you enjoyed Mann's review and if you haven't yet checked out the backgrounds that Cia did for Prophecy, you can check them out here. Make sure to come back on Wednesday to see Hosted Week's Wacky Wednesday!