Review of "Antagonists Anonymous," by All Art is Quite Useless. {Part 1} · 4:01am Jul 2nd, 2017
Apparently these are going to be a regular thing again. So to anyone who doesn't like these showing up in their feed, I'm sorry, but I enjoy reviewing things, so expect more in the future.
Did I mention I like it when people follow me? 
Anyway, this story is called "Antagonistics Anonymous." It was written by All Art Is Quite Useless, it's rated E and currently has a like to dislike ratio of 17:0.
I'll say right off the bat that the idea of a villain reformation program isn't something new, though it's sparse enough that it can't be labeled as a cliche trope that has been done to death. Nevertheless, the cover art seems fitting, and the writing may make this something interesting to read. So far, so good. 
Before we dive into the meat of this story, I'll also add that it is 9k words long, so there will be two parts to this review. Bear with me, I can only review so much at one time. 
The scent of wet cypress permeated the soft morning air, which drifted freel
y through a simple, lush stretch of green on the outskirts of Ponyville.
Congratulations, you made me look up the word ‘cypress.’ Pretty excellent imagery right off the bat, and a great way to start a story. 
From the sight of the Everfree Forest, which has had self regulating weather for as long as ponies have been aware of, to the antics of the town's very own 'Cutie Mark Crusaders', the town was in no way short of peculiarities, that was certain.
While I understand that this exposition acts as a segway to the main plot of the story, I do feel like it could have been executed in such a way that the information given isn’t redundant.
If an onlooker had particularly good sight, they might be able to discern the pair of horns that sat upon one creature's head, or the holes that ran through the chitin-like, charcoal skin of another. If one were to squint, they might even recognise the mismatched body parts that gave the Spirit of Chaos form.
Normally I find that explicitly describing characteristics is pretty sinful in the literary world is quite sinful. Though I feel as if the author worded this quite nicely.
Fleur was not by any means impressed. "Your status? I am an internationally recognised talent, a consort to nobility, and immeasurably wealthy. What are you? An outcast, regardless of your heritage. So please, don't sit here and try to exert your dominance over me, it will not work, and frankly, it's very unbecoming."
I felt like you really nailed Chrysalis’ personality in the prior dialogue, but I’m surprised Fleur didn’t express even a hint of intimidation. Maybe because of her failed invasion in Canterlot? Who knows. 
"Discord, the equines are fighting." Stated a Big Macintosh sized Tirek, sounding slightly uneasy despite his gruff accent.
"Yes, yes, that they are." Discord grinned, although the glint in his eyes suggested a slight intolerance. "But debate can sometimes be healthy, we should let them resolve their small issue before the session starts."
"Do not lie to me, Discord," Tirek snarled. "You are enjoying this argument, even if you might pretend not to."
And Tirek doesn’t like to see them them fighting? Surely Tirek would like his fair share of chaos, even if it’s only a pissing match. Nice roast by Chrysalis, by the way. 
Chrysalis opened her mouth to engage Discord in yet another fiery debate, but found that it was useless. Defeated, she ceased in her action and waited for Discord to speak, as did Fleur. All the while, a light blue unicorn sat in silent laughter.
I still don’t understand how Minuette is factored into this, she seems a little out of place for this meeting.
"Yes, yes, much like your reliance upon these sessions to make your malpractice claims disappear? Good luck with that, really."
Medical malpractice? Really? I’d never see Minuette as a shady figure, that’s just out of character. But I’ll let it slide, seeing as it’s a comedy story, though I’m a stickler for realism. 
"I sometimes wonder if you're the least reformed of us all," Tirek sighed.
Oh no doubt about it Tirek, he hasn’t really lost any of his power. He could theoretically switch sides at any point in time if he wants to. Heck, he already did it once.
When Discord spoke next, it was a in a low, methodical growl, and he pierced Chrysalis with his gaze as he spoke, causing her to wither. "You are very, very lucky that I am forbidden from using chaos magic right now," his tone shifted into one of almost hysterical anger as he continued.
She fooled me too, I even went back up to check the tags at first. Very good characterization. 
Although the ground has ceased in its tremors, Fleur had not, and was shaking like a leaf, leaking mascara down her face.
At least Fleur is scared of invoking Discord’s ire. Seriously, I don’t understand how a god is so underpowered. 
Minuette didn't appear particularly perturbed by events previous, and graciously accepted her drink, finishing it quickly and exhaling with a loud 'ahh' when she was done.
I take it back, Minuette just down an entire cup of scalding hot chocolate within a span of a few minutes. She might be as strong as Discord.
With that, Chrysalis took her hand away, and left behind in its place only a small smile on the pony she had touched.
Her hand? Author, you might want to fix that one. Unless this is anthro and I didn’t realize it.
"Wonderful! Let's see, Berry Punch?"
"Wrong kind of AA meeting," Minuette deadpanned.
Alcohol’s a villain in it of itself, but why was she even on the list in the first place? 
"Really?" Minuette questioned. "I thought she was one of the Elements of Harmony, how could she be capable of all that?"
"My, you're inquisitive, aren't you? Fine, she owes me twenty bits, that's why."
You’d be surprised what the power of amnesty can get you, Minuette.
"She probably didn't have the stones for it," Discord grinned.
Boo!
"Nevermind. Fleur Dis Lee?"
"Fleur de Lis. Present." The pony in question corrected, earning a laugh from Minuette, which Fleur scowled at.
I like that reference you added in there, that’s something clever that I think a lot of people will miss.
"It has been a while since we were supposed to start, hasn't it? Alright, I'll skip to the end. Minuette Colgate?"
"In the house," Minuette quipped.
Interesting that you used both of her names, though that would imply that she is better suited to be a dentist than a dermatologist.
"Bravo!" Discord shouted with an enthusiastic clap, joined by a small patter from Chrysalis.
I’ll admit, I’m a little sad that Tirek has become a beta this quickly. I expected more resistance from what is basically a soul-sucking demon from Hell, but alright.
… Chrysalis concluded, appearing content.
co
Delete the “co” at the end of that paragraph.
"Some things," Chrysalis muttered through bared teeth, "are easier to unlearn than others."
That they are Chrysalis, that they are. Though I’m afraid that’s all I have time for now. I’ll be reviewing the second half some time in the future. ‘Till next time, adieu!
I'd say the main reason Fleur doesn't show much fear here is that she's aware this is a legal proceeding, and also considers herself to be a strong mare. She knows that if she exhibits fear, she's already lost the battle and will be walked all over.
Very glad to see this was appreciated!
First attempt at writing even a couple of lines of Fluttershy, glad to see they did their job!
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Going back to your earlier point about Fleur not showing much fear, this was before stuff like this started occurring, she wasn't prepared for a random chaos quake that morning, I don't think!
Might need to revise that so it doesn't appear as if the hot chocolate is that hot, but it's kinda funny as is, now that you point it out.
Thanks for that!
As explained in the long description, the characters used in this fic were the five most upvoted characters in a thread I made in order to create an interactive story with a level of user input (this story). The few I bring up during the register were honourable mentions, characters that were submitted but didn't receive enough upvotes to take a central place in the story!
You loved it really.
I've always just assumed that those are her first and last names, wasn't really considering how it might indicate her profession, whoopsie.
I thought this would be a little jarring, hopefully it's explained sufficiently later on!
And I call myself a writer. Thanks for pointing that silly mistake out!
I'll respond to the second half soon, but I'm very happy with the work you've put in so far, and the accurate assertions you've made! I'm very appreciative. Sorry this response has taken so long, I've not been online in a while!
AAIQU