Book Review: Flunked by Jen Calonita

Title: Flunked

Series: Fairy Tale Reform School #1

Author: Jen Calonita

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Date: March 3rd, 2015

Pages: 257

Format: ebook

Source: Purchased

 

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Would you send a villain to do a hero’s job?

Flunked is an exciting new twisted fairy tale from the award-winning author of the Secrets of My Hollywood Life series. “Charming fairy-tale fun.” -Sarah Mlynowski, author of theNew York Times bestselling Whatever After series.

Gilly wouldn’t call herself wicked, exactly…but when you have five little brothers and sisters and live in a run-down boot, you have to get creative to make ends meet. Gilly’s a pretty good thief (if she does say so herself).

Until she gets caught.

Gilly’s sentenced to three months at Fairy Tale Reform School where all of the teachers are former (super-scary) villains like the Big Bad Wolf, the Evil Queen, and Cinderella’s Wicked Stepmother. Harsh. But when she meets fellow students Jax and Kayla, she learns there’s more to this school than its heroic mission. There’s a battle brewing and Gilly has to wonder: can a villain really change?

“Fairy Tale Reform School is spellbinding and wickedly clever. Gilly is smart, spunky, and a hilarious narrator, and I cannot wait to read about her next adventure!” -Leslie Margolis, author of the Annabelle Unleashed novels and the Maggie Brooklyn mysteries

“Fairy Tale Reform School is a fresh and funny take on the enchanted world. (And who hasn’t always wanted to know what happened to Cinderella’s stepmother?)” -Julia DeVillers, author of the Trading Faces identical twin series and Emma Emmets, Playground Matchmaker

Review: 

You know what? I’m gonna say this once, and then, I’m gonna repeat it dozen times: This was the best fairytale retelling I have ever read. EVER!! Although, it is more of a continuation to well-known fairytales then an actuall retelling, but still..

The story follows a 12 years old Gilly who is a thief. Stealling from rich royalty is just what she does in order to bring food to her family’s table (Robin Hood complex, can you tell?).

One day, after she gets cought for the third time (I just have to mention that once before, she was cought when stealing a book from Belle’s library), for her punishment, she has to pack her bags and go to Fairy Tale Reform School.

That school, where breakers of the law are sent to be reformed into model citizents, is guided by the head-teacher who happens to be Cinderella’s evil step mother.

That is where the story only beginns. Big Bad Wolf is most students favorite teacher, while the Evil Siren (or should we call her Sea Witch) is a dance and posture teacher.

Enchantasia is ruled by four princesses, but not everything is roses. The main reason Gilly’s family have money issues  is because of them. After Fairy-God mother took Gilly’s father’s shoe design, his shoe storehardly has customers.

This novel not only has a perfect setting in this most interesting world, but is also written very well. Reading this book was pure enjoyment, the sense of humor is just right and I really wouldn’t change anything about it.

The main character, Gilly, was really likable and, since she’s the narrator, she obviously had a great sence of humor.
Side characters were also interesting, Kayla being my favorite (she’s a fairy).

The pace was pretty fast, it had enough action, and you can read a book in one sitting if you read fast enough.

Although this is a middle grade book, at times it felt like I was reading ya.
I also think I should say that, with it’s writing style, it reminded me of Hawkins’ Hex Hall.

Overall, I really, really enjoyed reading this book and am happy to continue with the series.