I said that you could think that it is nothing but ponies killing each other in brutal, horrifying ways. I never once said that I thought that opinion was right. However, since that is a common complaint against the story, I decided that the opinion should be voiced. Let me, then, provide my own explanation as to why F:E is, in my opinion, one of the best pieces of fan fiction ever written.
When many people look at the premise, and indeed, the first couple of chapters, it is easy to assume this story is nothing but gore and violence thrown into the magical land of Equestria, for no reason then to see a happy world turned into a horrific wasteland. However, if you read further then Ponyville, and begin to see the history of the Wasteland, you begin to see the true point to this story. This is a story about innocence lost, about good intentions turned wrong, and how it can be restored. It is a story about heroism, virtues, and, yes, friendship.
This story explores friendship and its power in a way that is even more powerful then the show. We see our band of heroes go through the most horrifying parts of a post-apocalyptic world, and face true changes to their health, sanity, and friendship. The bonds that they build are often the only things that pull them through this horror, not because of the additional firepower that they bring, but the comport and help that they can give. They bring each other out of depressions, they call each other out on their faults to make them better people, they go to any length necessary to make sure everybody is cared for. For a fanfiction based on a show which praises and studies friendship, I think it honors that aspect of the show and explores it in a way that only hardship can do.
It is a story about virtues. What makes a pony and what values they represent is a massive part of the story, and is explored in great detail. It looks at good, honest virtues, and what can happen when they are "corrupted," turned dark and vile, yet still recognizable. Corrupted honesty, who tells the absolute, whole truth, even when it is unnecessarily painful. Even using truth to purposefully harm and hurt those around them. Corrupted generosity, who will work and toil to make the best possible future for those after them. Even if it means the loss of freedom and lives of others for now. But it also looks at the positives of virtues. Honesty that benefits, a dedication to being the core truth to the world, for the benefit of all. Sacrifice, who will put themselves in harms way to save another. These virtues are what keeps you sane. They are what gives you purpose. These are also praised in the show, exemplified through the Elements of Harmony. This, to, is in the spirit of MLP.
The respect this author has for the show is tremendous. She looks at the characters of the show, and gets to the heart of who they are. Then, puts them through the worst of situations possible: War. She looks at what war would do to these characters, and while remaining true to who they were, see what they would do to try and end it. These characters are completely in character, even when it seems like they are not. You will eventually see what their intentions were, how they came to reach those conclusions, and it makes horrifying sense. The phrase, "The portal to Hell is opened through the best of intentions," is one that is repeated again and again. This phrase summarizes the past Equestria in a better way than anything else I could possibly say.
This story is a story of hope. Of light in the dark. Yes, Equestria is a radioactive wasteland, with ponies murdering and sometimes even cannibalizing each other to survive. But this is not shown as a good thing. And there is hope. Littlepip, the main character, finds ways to make this war-torn land a better place. She builds communities, removes raider encampments, and protects the innocent. Most importantly, she finds ways to bring back the old Equestria, in a way. This is not just a horror story. It is a story of hope.
Now, onto technical aspects. The first 1/3 of the story has the occasional dropped word, or incorrect punctuation, but this is rare, and not all too serious. Later on, the writing quality vastly improves, and becomes near flawless. Kkat's use of onomatopoeia is clever, and often a treat on it's own. The use of first person first the story so well, much better then third person would. We see the world through Littlepip's eyes, as she comes out blinking from the vault stable, lost and confused. This is, on the whole, good writing, technically speaking.
The characters are some of the most engaging, interesting characters I have read in any medium. I am not saying they are the absolute best, but you become invested in them. When they are hurt, you feel for them. When they joke and laugh at eachother, you laugh with them. Many of them become your friends. The side characters are interesting to learn about, and plenty of thought has gone into them as well. The villains, while a little clichéd, are still interesting and engaging themselves. They have reasons for what they are doing, and not just "for the evuls." You love to hate them, and in some cases, even miss them when they do eventually get dealt with.
Firther, this story has one of the most realistic depictions of addiction I have ever seen. Littlepip becomes addicted to these drugs called Party-Time Mint-Als. They make her think clarer, faster, and even speak better. basically, she's smarter while on them. However, they have negative side effects, degrading her mind slowly to the point where she needs them to think properly at all. because we are in Littlepip's mind while she is addicted to this stuff, we see what it does to her. How she craves the next Mint-Al, how she justifies it's constant use, and the effect it has on her friends. Even when she does get help, and the physical addiction is handled, the mental addiction never leaves her. It is eerily accurate, and worth reading a good deal of the story for that alone.
I have even more I could day about this story, but I think I have gone on for long enough. Let me end by saying this: this is a good story. It is well written, has fantastic characters, and despite how it seems, it honors both source materials. You do not need to have any knowledge of Fallout to read this, though you do have to know MLP up to around mid-season 2. Is it for everybody? Lord no. Is it flawless? Absolutely not. But this is, and I am being completely honest when I say this, a story I would pay money for. I am going to play the game when it comes out, I am going to read more side stories, and I am absolutely going to read it again and again. If you do not like it, fine, good for you. That does not make it badfic.
One final thing: You mentioned that "Just because an English teacher likes it, does not make it good." You are correct, and I am sorry if it came off that way. However, let me ask you this: did you read the review? I mentioned that he is an English teacher to lend to his credibility, but if that is not helpful, then let me elaborate on why I shared that review. Chris is one of the best reviewers I have seen in the fandom. He is clear and concise, remaining professional the entire way. He explains what he likes and what he does not like in a story in a professional manner, where you can see exactly why he thinks the way he does. He is well read, and knows what works and does not work for him. That is why I shared the review.
I hope this clarifies my stance a little more. I apologize if I rambled, which I am certain that I did, but I cannot sing the praises of this story enough. If you can stomach the violence, gore, and swearing, it is honestly one of my favorite stories, period.
