The School for Good and Evil Book Review
I have a real love for fairy tales; they’re some of my favorite reads. So, when my fellow writer Amirah recommended a fairy tale book to me, I couldn’t wait to dive in. The book was Soman Chainani’s “The School for Good and Evil,” and it absolutely lived up to my expectations.
This novel takes the classic fairy tale setup and flips it around. The story has its dark moments, especially within the School for Evil, and doesn’t shy away from moments of violence. Despite these darker elements, it quickly became one of my top picks.
Here’s the gist: Every year, two kids from the village of Gavaldon are taken to the School for Good and Evil. One kid turns into a fairy tale villain, while the other becomes a hero or heroine. Enter Sophie, a young girl who’s been waiting her whole life to be whisked away to the School for Good. Sophie, with her blonde hair, bubbly personality, and pink outfits, befriends Agatha, a dark-haired girl who often hangs out in graveyards and dresses in black. Agatha is very protective of Sophie, and when she realizes Sophie is likely to be taken, she tries to save her.
Things take a surprising turn when both girls are kidnapped. But in a twist, Sophie is placed in the School for Evil, and Agatha finds herself in the School for Good. This mix-up confounds everyone—the girls, the teachers, and the other students—who all assumed Sophie was the embodiment of good and Agatha of evil.
Enter Tedros, the son of King Arthur. He’s on the hunt for his princess and, while Sophie seems like the ideal candidate, he finds himself drawn to Agatha instead. As it becomes apparent that Sophie and Agatha are actually in the right schools, the addition of True Love further muddles their journey.
Throughout the story, Agatha tries to fit into the School for Good and find a way for both of them to go home, while Sophie battles with her darker instincts. As the tale unfolds, Sophie and Agatha confront their destinies and the expectations of those around them. Will a witch and a princess stay best friends, or are they predestined to be eternal foes?
If you’re into fairy tales that venture into darker and edgier territory, and appreciate stories with strong female leads that touch on both romantic love and friendship, “The School for Good and Evil” could be your next great read. Chainani does a stellar job capturing the thoughts and conflicts of thirteen-year-old girls, weaving a magical story with characters that you’ll find compelling, even those who are supposed to be ‘evil.’ I highly recommend this book and its sequels.
Overall, it’s a dreamlike tale with a fantastic blend of romance and adventure.
