Reviews

Die Schule der Herzenswünsche by Shannon Hale

sofia_santana's review against another edition

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adventurous funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

veeope's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

robbynjreeve's review against another edition

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3.0

Genre(s): children's, middle-grade, fantasy

Theme(s): fairytale retellings, high school

Recommended for ages: 11+

Summary: In order to keep the fairytales alive and well, Principal Grimm (descendant of the brothers Grimm) has decreed that all students of Ever After High must sign the storybook of legends and relive the famous stories we all know so well. The problem is Raven Queen has no desire to spend the rest of her days as the evil queen and poison her friend Apple White. But if she doesn't sign-then her and her story will disappear...forever. Or will they?

Review: I love fairytale retellings and this one was quite fun. It's very light, cheesy, and young. There's not much depth, but is perfect for young readers who are a fan of fairytales and princesses.

Recommended for fans of: The Land of Stories, Ella Enchanted

If you loved this book then you should try.... Fairest of All

fairytalearista's review against another edition

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5.0

Maddie Hatter. Enough said.

roseleaf24's review against another edition

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4.0

The kitsch was almost too much for me in the first half, but I got into the story after that. The writing is excellent, as expected from Hale, but I don't know that I will read more in this trademarked series. I really did enjoy this story, with strong characters, and a message of not having to follow in your parents' footsteps, not having to follow a path marked out for you by others - for both those with a happy ending, and for those who see good reasons to change the story that has cycled before them. I really appreciated the duality of that message, as I'm sure many readers can identify with one side or the other.

mehsi's review against another edition

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4.0

I have read several Shannon Hale books, so I was really looking forward to this one, and I can say I am really surprised, this one was really fun.

However, not all characters were good. For instance, I loved Raven and her struggle to fight against her destiny and becoming evil. But I disliked Apple and her lack of empathy and such towards people. She was really rude and mean to Raven, trying to reform her to writing her signature under the story, just so her (Snow White) story will stay alive. I can imagine, she doesn't want her story to disappear or go wrong, but I am sure there are better ways then to change someone's room, to be blunt about a lot of things and just not wanting to understand what Raven is going through.

She gets better later (in the next book), but even there I just wanted to smack her for a big part of the book.

Other than those things I mentioned, it was a good book. I really liked the idea of a boarding school for fairy tale/legend stories. It was also great to see the brothers Grimm and also various smaller and less known story figures. I didn't always get who they were, but mostly I did and I had really much fun seeing their modern personalities in this book.

I can't wait to see what will happen in the further books, I do hope Raven will get her wish, and won't need to be evil or bad.

Review first posted on: http://twirlingbookprincess.com

hungergameslover's review against another edition

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Wasn’t in the mood for it and I want to read more green stuff 

katieblackwood's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

mary00's review against another edition

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3.0

I borrowed this book from the library for my daughter and ended up reading it myself. I found it to be cute and clever (as I would expect, given the author). I would have adored this book (and the accompanying toys) when I was a young girl! I did wonder if it might be a little too long for some girls that are of the age that this would be most marketable to. Also, there were a few parts that I felt dragged on a little bit. But overall, it was a fun reading experience!

hnbb's review against another edition

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4.0

It was a fun, cute read. I would have liked more depth like her other books, but it was meant for younger ages. My daughter loved it and has read it a few times already.