ali5104's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
nonagesimuspower's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
2.5
readwithkate's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
leari's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The second trilogy has evolved so much from the first one. Somehow, it feels a bit more mature and much more complex. Such an adventurous, yet silly, epic fantasy series for children!
Loved all the different perspectives and the extended worldbuilding. The mystery and the plot twists were intriguing for a change, especially the parts in the towns the characters visited and the unexpected cat interlude - when you know, you know. The story even had some Narnia and Diana Wynne Jones vibes at times. Every single book in the "The School for Good and Evil" series discusses important topics. This one focused on, among others, the subjective truth of words, stories and memories, very reminscient of Grimm's tales, as well as how the past, present and future can shape a character's beliefs and actions. The illustrations and the mixed media were just as impeccable as always, too.
On the downside, I was not emotionally invested in the characters and a loooot of stuff happened with some of them 👀 There were also almost no new fairy tale characters in this book. Some fairy tale-esque and fable-esque elements saved it, but it is still a little disappointing. It is much more about the Arthurian legend than anything else. But what bothered me the most was the open ending. I just do not like that. I want a book to end in a satisfying way, even in a book series. Other than that, everything was great and very entertaining!
Loved all the different perspectives and the extended worldbuilding. The mystery and the plot twists were intriguing for a change, especially the parts in the towns the characters visited and the unexpected cat interlude - when you know, you know. The story even had some Narnia and Diana Wynne Jones vibes at times. Every single book in the "The School for Good and Evil" series discusses important topics. This one focused on, among others, the subjective truth of words, stories and memories, very reminscient of Grimm's tales, as well as how the past, present and future can shape a character's beliefs and actions. The illustrations and the mixed media were just as impeccable as always, too.
On the downside, I was not emotionally invested in the characters and a loooot of stuff happened with some of them 👀 There were also almost no new fairy tale characters in this book. Some fairy tale-esque and fable-esque elements saved it, but it is still a little disappointing. It is much more about the Arthurian legend than anything else. But what bothered me the most was the open ending. I just do not like that. I want a book to end in a satisfying way, even in a book series. Other than that, everything was great and very entertaining!
alixza's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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
5.0
mccarshanon's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
booksrhot's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
pupcake's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.0
lafrederick's review against another edition
4.0
I doubt I would like this series nearly as much if it wasn't for Polly Lee's wonderful performance