Twilight Sparkle's Science Fair Sparks · 7:08am Jun 6th, 2018
My thoughts (spoilers):
What got my attention from the get-go: MORE CRYSTAL PREP! And indeed, the academy is actually revisited at one point. I was surprised to learn in Chapter 3 that Cinch is STILL the Principal, and Cadance still the Dean. Maybe ol' Abacus has not been relieved of her duties as of yet (chronology comments below). I can't help but laugh at how she is described as a "small, serious woman" in this book.
Principal Celestia is exceedingly generous to always host joint CHS/CPA events like the Friendship Games and the Canter-Crys Science Fair at Canterlot High.
I really have to wonder if the events of the first three movies have desensitized the students and faculty of both schools to mind control, because EVERYONE seems to be okay with a bunch of teenagers building a weird science device that "puts people in the mood to dance!" 
My biggest gripe with this story is that NONE of the Shadow Five return. In fact, one line from Chapter 3 reads: "Twilight saw the two Crystal Prep girls who had been mean to her by the bus one day, when she'd accidentally cut them in line." While this MIGHT be referring to Sour Sweet and Sunny Flare, it's ultimately left ambiguous. Serious missed opportunity.
It appears that this tale and the one before it, Rainbow Dash Brings The Blitz, take place between Friendship Games and Legend of Everfree due to the following:
(1) The geodes are not mentioned.
(2) The controversial FlashLight ship is revisited and there is no mention of Twilight having met Timber Spruce.
(3) Twilight is still fears transforming into Midnight Sparkle.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read suited for its target audience. It was nice to see a little bit more world building with some actual locations (mostly restaurants) named, along with more students and faculty from both schools named (at the very least). The twist was decent and there was even a nod to the Mad Twience music video.
I guess our beloved Shadow Five were all "on vacation" this time around. Still, that would be a better excuse than saying they all went to a "peace conference."
