to rise from the ashes

I can think of several series I read back in middle and high school that only further solidified my love for the fantasy genre. Soman Chainani's The School for Good and Evil series is definitely one of them, and I had no idea Chainani had written a prequel to the events of the series until it was already out on the shelves! So, just when I thought I'd read all there was to this very nostalgic series, I was overjoyed to get my hands on a copy of Rise of the School for Good and Evil. This prequel allows readers to get an even closer glimpse at the simultaneously balanced and tormented relationship between two brothers, Rhian and Rafal, one Good and one Evil, wrapped up in a prophecy that may prelude the end of their reign as twin School Masters over their beloved academy for Good and Evil souls alike. The best part about this book for me was the ability to see how the infamous school that serves as the setting for the majority of the six-book series underwent growth and change as Rhian and Rafal each set out on unique journeys, journeys that began under the false pretense of "searching for a cure to the school's imbalance" and finished with the truth of what they'd really been searching for: a source to explain why they felt a strain in their relationship. We get to see more sides of familiar characters like Aladdin and Captain Hook in the narrative which is sincerely one of my favorite parts of the world Chainani has created from the initial premises of classic fairytales. The story comments on so many human themes, like whether there should be a balance between the forces of Good and Evil in the world or just one that reigns supreme, true love, homosexuality, betrayal and trust, and what one will do when faced with the chance to rise to great power. I would definitely recommend reading at least the first book in the original series before reading this prequel (though you should also just read the entire series because I've already hyped it up)!



Some of my favorite quotes from Rise of the School for Good and Evil:

"There is always a choice between courage and cowardice."

"It doesn't matter what you are, it only matters what you do."

"Love is the key to balance."

"I can love you and still think I'm better."

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