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A review by ashlightgrayson
The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
adventurous
hopeful
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I enjoyed reading this book more than I expected to. I have not read a middle grade novel in a long time and I was not sure if I was going to be able to smoothly dive back into books of that demographic. This experience was quite delightful. The plot at first seems very simple and the characters seem a bit one dimensional. However, as the story continues there are deeper themes that are explored well.
The story strongly focuses on the friendship between Agatha and Sophie. The girls are starkly different from each other and their goals and wishes also oppose each other throughout the plot. When Agatha is transported to the School for Good and Sophie is taken to the School for Evil, both of them believe that their positions have been switched. As you get to know Sophie and Agatha's inner thoughts, though, this placement starts to seem more and more appropriate.
Sophie is very spoiled and vain from the beginning and her actions are motivated strongly by self interest. There were moments in the story where it felt like Agatha was the one who clearly cared more about preserving their friendship and Sophie's well being without that sentiment being reciprocated.
Tedros fills the role of the stereotypical love interest. There are tropes that are leaned into very strongly in the world. However, in the same vein all the tropes you would expect from fairy tales are inverted. I absolutely loved the ending. If you only wanted to read this book and not continue the rest of the series you totally can. The ending is conclusive enough that you are able to do that. Although, I found it open ended enough that it piqued my interest and I am excited to continue exploring this world and these characters.
The story strongly focuses on the friendship between Agatha and Sophie. The girls are starkly different from each other and their goals and wishes also oppose each other throughout the plot. When Agatha is transported to the School for Good and Sophie is taken to the School for Evil, both of them believe that their positions have been switched. As you get to know Sophie and Agatha's inner thoughts, though, this placement starts to seem more and more appropriate.
Sophie is very spoiled and vain from the beginning and her actions are motivated strongly by self interest. There were moments in the story where it felt like Agatha was the one who clearly cared more about preserving their friendship and Sophie's well being without that sentiment being reciprocated.
Tedros fills the role of the stereotypical love interest. There are tropes that are leaned into very strongly in the world. However, in the same vein all the tropes you would expect from fairy tales are inverted. I absolutely loved the ending. If you only wanted to read this book and not continue the rest of the series you totally can. The ending is conclusive enough that you are able to do that. Although, I found it open ended enough that it piqued my interest and I am excited to continue exploring this world and these characters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Murder
Minor: Slavery