"The School for Good and Evil: A World Without Princes" by Soman Chainani Book Review

A World Without Princes by Soman Chainani
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the epic sequel to the New York Times bestselling novel, The School for Good and Evil, Sophie and Agatha are home, living out their Ever After. But life isn’t quite the fairy tale they expected.

When Agatha secretly wishes she’d chosen a different happy ending, she reopens the gates to the School for Good and Evil. But the world she and Sophie once knew has changed.

Witches and princesses, warlocks and princes are no longer enemies. New bonds are forming; old bonds are being shattered. But underneath this uneasy arrangement, a war is brewing and a dangerous enemy rises. As Agatha and Sophie battle to restore peace, an unexpected threat could destroy everything, and everyone, they love—and this time, it comes from within.

Soman Chainani has created a spectacular world that Newbery Medal-winning author Ann M. Martin calls, “a fairy tale like no other, complete with romance, magic, and humor that will keep you turning pages until the end.”

Since this is the second book, there shouldn't be a need to tell you there will be spoilers for the first book. My review for the first book, "The School for Good and Evil" can be found here.

This was an excellent sequel! I find the second book/movie in a trilogy is usually the weakest point in the series because it's the second book: there isn't any of the excitement of the introduction to a new world, you usually aren't introduced to anyone that matters too much to the overall story line, and by the end things haven't been completely resolved and tied up in a nice bow. It's the book you read so you can kind of figure out what might happen in the third volume.

This book is a bit different.

In this one, we are introduced to a new world, or rather the one we saw in the first book has been changed. Basically, everyone becomes a sexist jerk and/or confused about their sexuality (I'm looking at you, Tedros.) The Evers and Nevers kind of swap places. For example, the Nevergirls cover themselves in makeup, while the Evergirls cut off their hair and stop bathing. I liked that the characters were trying to find their individuality while also following the course of a fairy tale. Just like middle school, which is the age group these books are aimed towards. It was funny to read how the girls are just like, "I'm eating whatever I want now" and they are learning how to defend themselves, so yah equality! And then the boys.... I knew that boys can get pretty close and develop similar emotional relationships just like girls do. But apparently they practice sword fighting shirtless, which makes no sense since they are so vain about their appearance, wouldn't they cover up so they would be less likely to get scars? (I'm looking at you, Tedros.) Also, some characters go to some lengths to change their gender mostly just to stay alive in this new world order. (I'm looking at you... Everyone?!)

There is one major edition to the characters, who messes up the status quo for the dumbest reason ever. She's known as Evelyn Sader, but of course, you'll remember her as that eaves-dropping bitch who has an annoying gap in her teeth and an affinity for butterflies...for their super sonic hearing ability? Not the first thing I associate with a butterfly, but to each their own.

As with the first book, there are some pretty hilarious moments, like when they gift the returning heroes (or should I say 'heroines') with a carpet made from actual prince hair. And also has the darker elements that define this series, again, the rug made from shorn prince hair. I don't mean to say that the princes were scalped when they made the rugs, though that is pretty disturbing.

I read in other reviews how some people were disappointed in Agatha. In the first book, she was witty, questioned authority, stood her ground, and was very intelligent. But in this book, that went right out the window. But I think that was from her not having a firm stance on things. Like in the first book she knew what she wanted: to go home safely in the company of her only friend. In this book, she doesn't know what she wants. Sophie or Tedros. It's a hard decision, to choose between a boyfriend/prince and a best friend. Who do you spend more time with? If you start living with the boyfriend, the decision makes itself. But it is very hard on the other person involved.

I felt so bad for Tedros. He needs whatever therapy they give out in fairy tale land. He suffers so much, especially in the latter half of the book. He's already separation anxiety with the people he just chooses to care about. Although who can blame him: mother left him and his dad when he was little, his father died a broken man, his princess ran off with her best friend who is also their nemesis, and everyone only likes him when he is at the top of his game sorta speak (he's rich, handsome, famous family). Otherwise, he faces horrible mistreatment for the very same reasons. Poor Tedros, he's got issues.

I still feel for Sophie. Even after this ending, I still understand why she does the things that she does. She pursues her goal of being Good again, even though in this world it's too late for her. She's like, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions" in every decision she makes. I am very curious about her lineage as well. What is with her family? Was she always doomed from the moment she was born?

There are so many questions and I cannot wait for the next book to come out!

I just wanted to add, I especially loved the part where Tristan belly dances!

View all my reviews

5 out of 5 shorn heads.

My review for the third book is coming soon!