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mary00's review
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
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.
celes_kepler's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
debbiebarr's review
4.0
I have to admit, I was really nervous about this book. I mean, I love Shannon Hale, but her plus Mattel? How was that going to work out?
Turns out the book is absolutely charming. It's the first in a planned trilogy, so don't expect all loose ends to be tied up, but I was pleasantly surprised by how fun the plot was. The characters are great as well, and she manages to bring to life even minor characters. Looking forward to seeing where the series goes next!
Turns out the book is absolutely charming. It's the first in a planned trilogy, so don't expect all loose ends to be tied up, but I was pleasantly surprised by how fun the plot was. The characters are great as well, and she manages to bring to life even minor characters. Looking forward to seeing where the series goes next!
sohayf's review
5.0
I remember reading this in like 3rd grade and falling in love with the franchise. The world building is really good; I fell in love with the Royal/Rebels and the destiny concept on the first read, and I’ve loved it since. It presents such important themes for kids. Definitely better than Descendants.
alyshadeshae's review against another edition
4.0
I was extremely disappointed that the first and second chapters were the completely unedited short stories that focused on Apple and Raven. That annoyed me a bit, but at least it was only those two stories and not all six of them! The silly pop culture and technological references (Tailor Quick, One Reflection, MirrorPod, MirrorPhone, hext message) were quite amusing to me!
I do think that Apple is kind of catty and, considering she's supposed to be Snow White - all pure innocence and goodness and whatnot - it conflicts with her "planned" role. For example, her "dwarf lackeys" apparently have names like Frank and Phil, but she laughs at them, calls them silly, and then renames them to Snoozy, Snappy, Pouty, and Sloppy in spite of them obviously not liking those names. She also doesn't see anything wrong with people ignore the fact that in spite of Raven being a very nice individual, she is prejudged because of her mother and the role that has been pre-determined for her.
In spite of the expected shallowness, I was pleasantly surprised with the book. I was especially pleased with the tidbits of really good advice that were sprinkled in so subtly that the preteens reading this won't even realize that someone has given them advice. All in all, a book I would recommend to early middle-school children.
I do think that Apple is kind of catty and, considering she's supposed to be Snow White - all pure innocence and goodness and whatnot - it conflicts with her "planned" role. For example, her "dwarf lackeys" apparently have names like Frank and Phil, but she laughs at them, calls them silly, and then renames them to Snoozy, Snappy, Pouty, and Sloppy in spite of them obviously not liking those names. She also doesn't see anything wrong with people ignore the fact that in spite of Raven being a very nice individual, she is prejudged because of her mother and the role that has been pre-determined for her.
In spite of the expected shallowness, I was pleasantly surprised with the book. I was especially pleased with the tidbits of really good advice that were sprinkled in so subtly that the preteens reading this won't even realize that someone has given them advice. All in all, a book I would recommend to early middle-school children.
laurenaveryjames's review
5.0
for being a children's book it does have complex relationships & character! time to rewatch the show!
onceuponacarm's review
3.0
Not as similar to The School for Good and Evil as I expected (which is a good thing), this series focuses on the choice between destiny (safety) and choice (freedom). In Ever After, fairytale characters go to school to train into reliving the stories of their parents. Each generation repeats the story, with new actors in the famous roles, which guarantees a happily ever after for some but also destines many to become evil, whether they like it or not. Raven Queen, daughter of the Evil Queen, has never felt right about following in her mom's footsteps, but her Apple White is desperate to keep everyone in their traditional roles so she can end up with the Snow White happily ever after.
The story is fun and original enough to keep me turning pages (I can completely see the appeal to the targeted middle grade audience) but the constant pop culture references and slang with a fairy tale twist were nauseatingly annoying. They use the word "fairy" to mean "very," everyone carries MirrorPhones, the music of One Reflection and Tailor Quick are popular--these references feel forced and artificial, an unnecessary nod to today's world, and are going to quickly seem dated. This is absolutely not the quality storytelling of Shannon Hale's Princess Academy (among my favorites) or Goose Girl.
The story is fun and original enough to keep me turning pages (I can completely see the appeal to the targeted middle grade audience) but the constant pop culture references and slang with a fairy tale twist were nauseatingly annoying. They use the word "fairy" to mean "very," everyone carries MirrorPhones, the music of One Reflection and Tailor Quick are popular--these references feel forced and artificial, an unnecessary nod to today's world, and are going to quickly seem dated. This is absolutely not the quality storytelling of Shannon Hale's Princess Academy (among my favorites) or Goose Girl.