Flunked (Fairy Tale Reform School Book 1) Review
Flunked, the first book in Jen Calonita's The Fairy Tale Reform School series, is not only enchanting but also surprisingly thought-provoking. From the very first page, I was hooked. The story revolves around Gilly, a feisty young thief who winds up in a one-of-a-kind school meant to reform fairy-tale villains. At first, you might think it’s just a fun, lighthearted read for middle-grade kids, but what really stood out for me—and what takes this series to the next level—is how it paints villains as potential heroes and conveys the important message that everyone deserves a second chance.
As soon as Gilly arrives at Fairy Tale Reform School, we dive into a magical yet intricate world where familiar characters—who were once seen as dreadful villains—become the teachers and mentors trying to guide students onto better paths. The likes of the Big Bad Wolf and the Evil Queen aren't just evil caricatures; they’re shown as complex characters searching for redemption. This twist was my favorite part of the book (and I expect it will continue throughout the series). It really makes you rethink the typical black-and-white good vs. evil narratives found in fairy tales, encouraging us to see that people are hardly ever just good or bad.
One of the strongest themes throughout Flunked is the significance of second chances. As Gilly gets to know her teachers and classmates, she starts to see that change is not only attainable but a continuous process. Some characters step up and genuinely transform, while others struggle, showing themselves to be either on the path to reform or clearly lost causes. This balance made the story feel genuine and kept me engaged. It served as a reminder that giving someone a chance to prove themselves can lead to surprising changes—or sometimes, heartbreakingly, the truth.
Even though the Fairy Tale Reform School series is mainly aimed at tweens and teens, I truly believe it has a broad appeal. As an adult reader, I found myself not only entertained by this first book, but also moved by the whimsical yet meaningful storytelling. The humor, imaginative world-building, and underlying themes of hope make it a great fit for anyone wanting to recapture that sense of childhood wonder. There’s a playful quality to the narrative that brings to mind the classic fairy tales we grew up with, but it's blended with a modern perspective that prompts us to think about morality, growth, and the significance of second chances.
