I read another book in this series without realizing I hadn't read the first one. This explains so much that was going on in The School of Good and Evil, as it explains how the school came to be, where the two castles came from, why the students are separated, how the brothers became the school masters, and so much more. A fun and enjoyable read that nonetheless makes the reader consider the true meaning of good and evil, and how labels can define a person while still being wrong. Recommended for readers of all ages.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I feel really about about this one because I ended up DNFing it pretty early on. When I requested to read this book I did not realize it was a prequel to an already established series. I have never read a Good Versus Evil book in my life, so I had no prior understanding/sentimental attachment to the world. I just was not the target audience for this book... I gave a 3 star rating because it is of no fault of the books that I didn't finish it, it just wasn't for me personally.

Soman is one of my favorite authors as he makes such rich characters and stories that they work for me as an adult even though they are technically middle grade. The school for good and evil is one of my favorite series and this is an incredible continuation. I love all of the drama and I rooted for Rafal above all. I hear rumblings that there may be a second book and I cannot wait!

Before readers jump into this prequel, I think it's very important that they have read the series or at least have a working knowledge of the world building and school. If this is read first, I think it will spoil some of the anticipation regarding the history of the headmasters in the series. That being said, it's a really nice prequal that answers quite a few questions while also providing thoughtful examinations of good and evil.

Twin brothers Rafal and Rhian are headmasters of the School of Good and Evil with Rafal overseeing the school of evil and Rhian the school of good. Immortal beings charged with this responsibility, they maintain the balance between good and evil through their love for each other. When Aladdin arrives and it placed in the school of good, much to the surprise of the brothers, the Storian begins to write them into the story. A friendly competition begins, but ends up not so friendly after all. Things at the school change.

For readers of the previous books in the series, you will recognize some of the little nods to previously published books and well known fairy tales. Chainani does a wonderful job of writing the story with some twists and turns a long the way. While the plot can be slightly confusing at times, having the prior knowledge of the rest of the series helps out a lot. I am a fan of the series and the lovely twist on fairy tales. This book follows suit with the same feel and thoughtful approach. Overall, Rise of the School for Good and Evil is a wonderful fun prequel to the series.

This is a prequel to the School of Good and Evil, the story of two twins set as Headmasters to keep the schools in balance. I thought the story was predicable but I am not the target, middle grade, reader. I have not read the other stories in the series and I am not sure that I will but maybe some day. My final say is that this book was just okay, not horrible but not fantastic.

The latest installment of the School for Good and Evil continues with the same problems that have dogged the series since its second volume. The characters are shallow and vain, they never seem to learn from past trials which renders the events that unfold in each story ultimately meaningless, and there seems to be absolutely no master plan for the series as a whole. This particular volume tells the story of twin brothers who serve as the headmasters for both the School of Good and Evil. Despite being told repeatedly that the brothers unique strength is their love for one (which supposedly overrides their individual loyalties to Good and Evil). However the brothers almost immediately become estranged over what is essentially a waspish comment, plunging generations of students into a brutal hellscape that regularly leaves students dead. The weak plot is further hampered by poor character motivation and an ongoing and vapid obsession with which pre-teens are making out with one another and who has the best hair.

I was so happy to see that Soman Chainani had decided to delve into the world of the School for Good and Evil once more. This is one of my top favorite higher reader kids’ series and a go recommendation when kids are looking for a fantasy or fairytale book series. Soman Chainani is an expert at weaving together a story that draws you in and keeps you trapped in a lovely land where the characters are so vibrant that you think they are truly real. I love the twist on some of the original fairytales in this story. I also love how once again it plays upon the idea of how you know if you are truly evil or good. Such a perfect backstory. A must read if you loved the original series!

The Rise of the School for Good and Evil is a prequel to the School for Good and Evil series. I have read no other titles in the series, and I think I would've been a bit less lost if I had.

There are a lot of characters in this story and some solid world building. The narrative follows the beginnings of the school and the two brothers who founded it, Rafal and Rhian. The brothers are deeply devoted to each other and have worked together to facilitate the running of the school. Characters from other fairy/folk tales are thrown into the mix (Aladdin, Captain Hook), as the solidarity of the brothers' relationship is tested affecting the running of the school as well. I appreciated the "R" names as a nod to the founders of Rome and the shifting sand of morality between the characters actions and intentions. This is a great title for middle grade fantasy readers, and while I don't think a familiarity with the series is necessary, it would probably help.

A long time before the School for Good and Evil, two twin sorcerer brothers were selected to become the Headmasters of the School for Good and Evil. The two ruled the schools and the Storian peacefully for many years, as long as the two brothers loved each other. The Storian favors neither the brother nor their schools, as long as the two twins loved each other, the balance was set for both good and evil. Break that bond and they will both grow old and die. Together, the two watch over the Endless Woods. Together, they choose the students for the School for Good and Evil. Together they train them, teach them, and prepare them for their fate. Until one day, a student, named Aladdin arrived and changed everything between them.

Friendly ribbing that turned into a wager, the egos, narcissism, the crush, all tore everything apart and the school with it. Can unconditional love and forgiveness bring about redemption? Can things be repaired or have they been so broken, that only heartache and despair will be in their future? Only the Storian knows and he hasn’t written the last chapter.

I loved the new characters that came in and the author, Soman Chainani, still kept the lineage of one of the families from The School of Good and Evil. We witness how it all began and we see, there is no hard line as to a person who is good or evil. We all have a bit of both within us. It’s just a matter of degree. Welcome back Soman Chainani for another continuation of this new prequel series. Off to an excellent start!

I really enjoyed the series of the "School for Good and Evil", but had my fill of Sophie and Agatha. This prequel was perfect because it continues the theme, but gives us the history of the school. I can highly recommend for fans of the series!