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Fairy Tale Reform School #3
Tricked
The third installment in the beloved Fairy Tale Reform School series where the teachers are (former) villains
Things are changing at Fairy Tale Reform School.
At least, that's what Gilly's heard through the Enchantasia rumor mill. Word is, notorious trickster Rumpelstiltskin has taken over management from Headmistress Flora, and he's locked down the school tighter than the Pied Piper's pants. Not that this news concerns Gilly. She's been released from FTRS and is now attending (suffering through) Jack of All Trades School, where she gets to learn about different kinds of shoe leather and ways to measure feet. Truly riveting stuff.
But when Gilly's little sister Anna gets whisked off to FTRS thanks to her troublemaking new friends, Hansel and Gretel, Gilly knows she's got to get Anna out of there. There's only one thing to do; make some serious trouble and get thrown back into FTRS.
It's time to out-trick a trickster.
This series is perfect for read-alongs between parents and kids and engaging reluctant readers.
Things are changing at Fairy Tale Reform School.
At least, that's what Gilly's heard through the Enchantasia rumor mill. Word is, notorious trickster Rumpelstiltskin has taken over management from Headmistress Flora, and he's locked down the school tighter than the Pied Piper's pants. Not that this news concerns Gilly. She's been released from FTRS and is now attending (suffering through) Jack of All Trades School, where she gets to learn about different kinds of shoe leather and ways to measure feet. Truly riveting stuff.
But when Gilly's little sister Anna gets whisked off to FTRS thanks to her troublemaking new friends, Hansel and Gretel, Gilly knows she's got to get Anna out of there. There's only one thing to do; make some serious trouble and get thrown back into FTRS.
It's time to out-trick a trickster.
This series is perfect for read-alongs between parents and kids and engaging reluctant readers.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2017
460 people are currently reading
3959 people want to read
About the author
Jen Calonita
109 books3,641 followersHi Goodreads!
I'm Jen Calonita, a MG and YA author who loves what I do because it lets me connect with all of you (and no, I wasn't intending for that to rhyme!).
I've been writing ever since I can remember, but it was fourth grade when I put my "three wishes" for a genie down on paper. They were:
#1. Buy all the Cabbage Patch Kids in the world and give them away for free (because apparently that was how I rolled).
#2. I wanted a mansion, limo, lake house, pool and speed boat (still sounds quite nice).
#3. I wanted to be an author for young readers, which I am!
I love writing novels for teens (and for savvy grown ups who know that YA rocks at any age). My first series was "Secrets of My Hollywood Life" and it followed a teen star named Kaitlin Burke who struggled with the fame game. I have also written the stand-alone novels Sleepaway Girls, it's companion book, Summer State of Mind and the Belles series.
I've been writing middle grade too and am having so much fun with my series Fairy Tale Reform School! The fourth book in this series about a school run by former villains is called Tricked and will be out March 2018. Ever wonder what it would be like if your parents got a job with someone like Taylpr Swift? My other middle grade series, VIP, follows super fan Mackenzie Lowell as she tours with her favorite band, Perfect Storm.
I promise to give book updates here, and on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or my website. I hope I hear from you!
xo
Jen
I'm Jen Calonita, a MG and YA author who loves what I do because it lets me connect with all of you (and no, I wasn't intending for that to rhyme!).
I've been writing ever since I can remember, but it was fourth grade when I put my "three wishes" for a genie down on paper. They were:
#1. Buy all the Cabbage Patch Kids in the world and give them away for free (because apparently that was how I rolled).
#2. I wanted a mansion, limo, lake house, pool and speed boat (still sounds quite nice).
#3. I wanted to be an author for young readers, which I am!
I love writing novels for teens (and for savvy grown ups who know that YA rocks at any age). My first series was "Secrets of My Hollywood Life" and it followed a teen star named Kaitlin Burke who struggled with the fame game. I have also written the stand-alone novels Sleepaway Girls, it's companion book, Summer State of Mind and the Belles series.
I've been writing middle grade too and am having so much fun with my series Fairy Tale Reform School! The fourth book in this series about a school run by former villains is called Tricked and will be out March 2018. Ever wonder what it would be like if your parents got a job with someone like Taylpr Swift? My other middle grade series, VIP, follows super fan Mackenzie Lowell as she tours with her favorite band, Perfect Storm.
I promise to give book updates here, and on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or my website. I hope I hear from you!
xo
Jen
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
February 24, 2017
Received from: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Received Via: NetGalley.com
THE REVIEW
Why this book?
I liked the other books in the series
What I thought
This was by far my favorite in the series so far. Gilly is very likable unlike the last book, She just wants to look after her sister. Who is a little brat in my opinion. I really love the characters in this series in exception of a few like I mentioned before. Following these characters lives are fun and eventful and you never know what is going to happen next. I really enjoy the Fairy Tale aspect and look forward to the next book.
Received Via: NetGalley.com
THE REVIEW
Why this book?
I liked the other books in the series
What I thought
This was by far my favorite in the series so far. Gilly is very likable unlike the last book, She just wants to look after her sister. Who is a little brat in my opinion. I really love the characters in this series in exception of a few like I mentioned before. Following these characters lives are fun and eventful and you never know what is going to happen next. I really enjoy the Fairy Tale aspect and look forward to the next book.
October 6, 2017
Another exciting adventure to Gilly and friends! This time they go on a quest, during the course of which they all stretch their preconceived notions of what they (and their friends) are capable of achieving... and of overcoming. Some of the lessons learned are similar to those in the previous book, namely we all have the potential to be a hero (or a villain), depending on the choices we make. We can't achieve our goals alone, however, and need to rely on others and trust in their strengths... and their loyalty.
New challenges, new mythical beings, and new fairy tale characters all bring fresh elements into the mix, creating a charming, fun, colorful, and magical tale!
I received a copy of this book from Sourcebooks Jabberwocky via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
New challenges, new mythical beings, and new fairy tale characters all bring fresh elements into the mix, creating a charming, fun, colorful, and magical tale!
I received a copy of this book from Sourcebooks Jabberwocky via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2017
My mom won this book from Netgalley. Thank you to the Author, the Publisher and Netgalley.
I am almost 12 years old. I wanted to read this book because I have already read the other two books in the series and really enjoyed them.
I found the reading level was a little bit easy for me, but the interest level was good for my age.
I liked that Peaches and Wilson were smart, because I like animals.
I also liked it when Gilly and her friends tricked the trickster, Rumpelstiltskin with the golden goose (Peaches).
I didn't like that Anna went to the Rumpelstiltskin Squad, because it was very sudden, and a bit confusing that all of a sudden, Anna liked evil better than her sister.
I am almost 12 years old. I wanted to read this book because I have already read the other two books in the series and really enjoyed them.
I found the reading level was a little bit easy for me, but the interest level was good for my age.
I liked that Peaches and Wilson were smart, because I like animals.
I also liked it when Gilly and her friends tricked the trickster, Rumpelstiltskin with the golden goose (Peaches).
I didn't like that Anna went to the Rumpelstiltskin Squad, because it was very sudden, and a bit confusing that all of a sudden, Anna liked evil better than her sister.
May 11, 2020
Love Love Love. OMG I JUST CANT.
April 1, 2017
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for approving my request for a free digital copy in exchange for a review.
Another stunning instalment from Jen Calonita. I must admit that I find myself being pulled in very early and gobbling these books down so quickly. I have grown to love the series and am already eager for the next instalment. The plot was definitely engaging and unpredictable which is a plus for both children and adult readers. The new characters were seamlessly integrated into the storyline and definitely helped to elevate the plot. I loved the diversity in the side characters as well as the running themes of family and self-confidence. Excellent execution with nary a flaw in sight.
Another stunning instalment from Jen Calonita. I must admit that I find myself being pulled in very early and gobbling these books down so quickly. I have grown to love the series and am already eager for the next instalment. The plot was definitely engaging and unpredictable which is a plus for both children and adult readers. The new characters were seamlessly integrated into the storyline and definitely helped to elevate the plot. I loved the diversity in the side characters as well as the running themes of family and self-confidence. Excellent execution with nary a flaw in sight.
June 24, 2022
This one really lived up to the others. I was worried Jen Calonita would ruin it like so many authors do but I really enjoyed it.
March 15, 2018
*NOTE: This a review of the entire series.*
Even though I'm 27, every now and then I like to read a middle-grade novel. There's something magical about a good middle-grade book. I love getting swept up in a story of good versus evil, where the good guy always wins in the end. It just leaves you with a warm and cozy feeling. I was looking through the books on my Kindle and saw that I owned all of the Fairy Tale Reform School series, and decided to binge read it. I loved it. I flew through the entire series in less than a week.
I think the FTRS series is one of the best middle-grade series I've read recently. It reminded me a lot of Harry Potter, if Harry Potter had fairy tale creatures in it. There are many similarities, such as a constant change of professors, moving hallways, and a school setting. However, FTRS series isn't a Harry Potter copycat. It takes those tropes, and turns them into something completely unique and fun to read about. I loved trying to figure out how the kids were going to solve their problems. Just when I thought the books were getting predictable, it would take a completely different. route and surprise me all over again.
At first, I thought the series should have ended after the second book. I thought that there was no way the author could keep the series interesting without jumping the shark after the way book two ended, but I was completely wrong. She shocked me with how well she continued the story with the addition of Rumplestiltskin and the Stiltskin Squad. It kept things fresh, and got me re-interested in the storyline all over again. The very subtle political references had me cracking up laughing. My only complaint is that books three and four were a bit slow at times, but I think that's because the reader is introduced to so many new characters and plot mechanics. Everything changes, and with that comes a lot of world building.
I loved the FTRS series so much. It's one of my favorite middle-grade series I've ever read. Possibly one of my favorite series in general. I thought Switched was the last book in the series because it's the last book shown on Goodreads, but I hope it isn't. Switched left a lot of unanswered questions. I hope the author writes at least one more book in the series so we can get answers. I am looking forward to the spin-off series, Royal Academy, which comes out in late 2018. I can't wait to immerse myself back into this world, and hopefully see some more of my favorite characters. I recommend this series for anyone who wants to read a great middle-grade series with some fun fairy tale and fantasy elements.
Even though I'm 27, every now and then I like to read a middle-grade novel. There's something magical about a good middle-grade book. I love getting swept up in a story of good versus evil, where the good guy always wins in the end. It just leaves you with a warm and cozy feeling. I was looking through the books on my Kindle and saw that I owned all of the Fairy Tale Reform School series, and decided to binge read it. I loved it. I flew through the entire series in less than a week.
I think the FTRS series is one of the best middle-grade series I've read recently. It reminded me a lot of Harry Potter, if Harry Potter had fairy tale creatures in it. There are many similarities, such as a constant change of professors, moving hallways, and a school setting. However, FTRS series isn't a Harry Potter copycat. It takes those tropes, and turns them into something completely unique and fun to read about. I loved trying to figure out how the kids were going to solve their problems. Just when I thought the books were getting predictable, it would take a completely different. route and surprise me all over again.
At first, I thought the series should have ended after the second book. I thought that there was no way the author could keep the series interesting without jumping the shark after the way book two ended, but I was completely wrong. She shocked me with how well she continued the story with the addition of Rumplestiltskin and the Stiltskin Squad. It kept things fresh, and got me re-interested in the storyline all over again. The very subtle political references had me cracking up laughing. My only complaint is that books three and four were a bit slow at times, but I think that's because the reader is introduced to so many new characters and plot mechanics. Everything changes, and with that comes a lot of world building.
I loved the FTRS series so much. It's one of my favorite middle-grade series I've ever read. Possibly one of my favorite series in general. I thought Switched was the last book in the series because it's the last book shown on Goodreads, but I hope it isn't. Switched left a lot of unanswered questions. I hope the author writes at least one more book in the series so we can get answers. I am looking forward to the spin-off series, Royal Academy, which comes out in late 2018. I can't wait to immerse myself back into this world, and hopefully see some more of my favorite characters. I recommend this series for anyone who wants to read a great middle-grade series with some fun fairy tale and fantasy elements.
July 12, 2021
3.75⭐️
February 6, 2017
We return again to the world of FTRS with Gillian Cobbler, Prince Jaxon, Maxine, Ollie, Kayla, and the whole crew. Headmistress Flora has stepped down and Rump, er... that is, Mr. Stiltskin has taken charge as the head honcho. He has made many adjustments to the way things are run at the school, and those are not the only changes. Gilly's father has more business than he can handle in his shoe shop now that he has the concession for glass slippers (there's a two-month waiting period to get a pair). Gilly's younger sister, Anna, has fallen in with those thugs Hansel and Gretel. Gilly is bored with normal life and misses all her friends from FTRS, but it's not like she wishes for a crisis or anything. Right? Then again, just because you aren't looking for trouble doesn't mean that it won't find you.
With the trickster, I mean, Mr. Stiltskin cutting off Pegasus Post messages, Visitation Days, and changing the rules so that more youngsters are being sent to FTRS than ever before - something certainly seems to be brewing. Can Gilly and her friends find out what it is before the kingdom of Enchantasia is in deadly peril?
Fans of the series will be delighted to see Gilly, Jax, and their friends ride into danger again. There are plenty of storylines still unresolved from the previous books - Kayla's family had been turned into trees by Rump, you-know-who, before she came to FTRS. Now that he is at the school, can she talk him into transforming them back? Why did Headmistress Flora step down and take the role of simply being a professor at the school? Will the reformed students be able to stay on the straight and narrow?
One of the things I like about this series is the theme that you can't let others tell you what to do or who you are. You have to decide on your destiny for yourself. The character of Red Riding Hood makes a very wise statement, "...this is your quest. You have to make the hard choices." That's also true of life. And perhaps the students can learn to believe "I can be whatever I want to be - even if I don't know what that is yet." Many of the middle grade readers of this story/series can take that to heart.
Author Jen Calonita has once again created a fast-paced tale with plenty of action, humor and gentle truths about friends, families, and growing up. Highly recommended for middle grades and up.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
With the trickster, I mean, Mr. Stiltskin cutting off Pegasus Post messages, Visitation Days, and changing the rules so that more youngsters are being sent to FTRS than ever before - something certainly seems to be brewing. Can Gilly and her friends find out what it is before the kingdom of Enchantasia is in deadly peril?
Fans of the series will be delighted to see Gilly, Jax, and their friends ride into danger again. There are plenty of storylines still unresolved from the previous books - Kayla's family had been turned into trees by Rump, you-know-who, before she came to FTRS. Now that he is at the school, can she talk him into transforming them back? Why did Headmistress Flora step down and take the role of simply being a professor at the school? Will the reformed students be able to stay on the straight and narrow?
One of the things I like about this series is the theme that you can't let others tell you what to do or who you are. You have to decide on your destiny for yourself. The character of Red Riding Hood makes a very wise statement, "...this is your quest. You have to make the hard choices." That's also true of life. And perhaps the students can learn to believe "I can be whatever I want to be - even if I don't know what that is yet." Many of the middle grade readers of this story/series can take that to heart.
Author Jen Calonita has once again created a fast-paced tale with plenty of action, humor and gentle truths about friends, families, and growing up. Highly recommended for middle grades and up.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
October 11, 2017
I really love this Middle Grade series. The characters are a lot of fun and the plots are creative and I love that they keep building into new books in the series but at the same time create good stopping points as well.
In this installment, Gilly's younger sister is thrown into Fairy Tale Reform School because the rules are changing and now it takes less offenses to get sent in. The reason behind that is there is a new 'reformed' villain in charge of the school - Rumpelstiltskin. The trickster of all tricksters is in charge and FTRS is not looking good from the outside... nor the inside it seems. Gilly and her reformed friends must find a way to get back into FTRS and figure out what Rump is up to.
I am so glad we are back with Gilly and the gang in this book and the plot was a lot of fun, and you really wanted to punch Rump in the face - he is creepy and a pain. Gilly hates being back in the real-world and it seems that her friends feel the same so a return to FTRS might be just fine. The characters are strong but still finding their places in the world and that is very relatable.
I love these books and their renditions of otherwise well-known fairy tales, but the characters are used in a very creative way and sometimes their natures are changed for the better and sometimes the worse. I love this series and can't wait for the next one.
In this installment, Gilly's younger sister is thrown into Fairy Tale Reform School because the rules are changing and now it takes less offenses to get sent in. The reason behind that is there is a new 'reformed' villain in charge of the school - Rumpelstiltskin. The trickster of all tricksters is in charge and FTRS is not looking good from the outside... nor the inside it seems. Gilly and her reformed friends must find a way to get back into FTRS and figure out what Rump is up to.
I am so glad we are back with Gilly and the gang in this book and the plot was a lot of fun, and you really wanted to punch Rump in the face - he is creepy and a pain. Gilly hates being back in the real-world and it seems that her friends feel the same so a return to FTRS might be just fine. The characters are strong but still finding their places in the world and that is very relatable.
I love these books and their renditions of otherwise well-known fairy tales, but the characters are used in a very creative way and sometimes their natures are changed for the better and sometimes the worse. I love this series and can't wait for the next one.
April 28, 2018
This was another wonderful adventure with Gilly and the other students at Fairy Tale Reform School. In this story, most of the gang are living at home, having been released at the end of the last book. Rumpelstiltskin is now the head master of FTRS and things are changing. When Anna, Gilly's sister is arrested, Gilly and Jax get themselves back at FTRS to save Anna. Finding many students under some kind of a spell, they try to sneak into Rumpelstiltskin's office to see if they can find any information and magic beans. They are caught and the only way to help Flora and the school is to go on a quest to find the Golden Goose. This quest takes them into some scary situations and they meet some mythical creatures, all the while learning what they are capable of achieving both alone and together. We meet a few new characters in this story such as Hansel and Gretel as well as Red Riding Hood. The magical pets that are a class in this story, save the day a couple of times, which is quite fun. The reader will learn that depending on the choices we make, wh can be a hero or a villian. Being a follower can end you up in a lot of trouble. The princesses are not in the story as much this time, it is the kids that figure out what to do and how to do it. Another great addition to this series for middle grade readers.
October 27, 2017
I thought that this book was amazing and kept me on the edge of my seat. it had an amazing plot line. it ended up being very descriptive and I could easily imagine the scenery clearly.
this is a fiction book and it takes in a fairy tail reform school that has been taken over by the new headmaster rumple stiltskin and things don't seem how they used to especially when gilly cobbler (the mane protagonist in this story) finds out that her little sister was taken to first on her first violation when normally you would be taken n your 3rd. she and her friends have to embark on a journey to find out what is happing with the new headmaster. where things are not always what they seem.
I thought that this book was really interesting and if you have read the first two books and liked thighs you would love this. I think that the author did a great job portraying the emotion in charities. the only thing that I did not like about this story was that it kept around a bit too much for me. but other than that it was an amazing book and I think that you should really read it.
this is a fiction book and it takes in a fairy tail reform school that has been taken over by the new headmaster rumple stiltskin and things don't seem how they used to especially when gilly cobbler (the mane protagonist in this story) finds out that her little sister was taken to first on her first violation when normally you would be taken n your 3rd. she and her friends have to embark on a journey to find out what is happing with the new headmaster. where things are not always what they seem.
I thought that this book was really interesting and if you have read the first two books and liked thighs you would love this. I think that the author did a great job portraying the emotion in charities. the only thing that I did not like about this story was that it kept around a bit too much for me. but other than that it was an amazing book and I think that you should really read it.
May 21, 2018
Well being stuck at a car dealership for 5 hrs now (and still counting) I suppose has advantages of being able to binge read.
So anyway I liked this better than Charmed but not quiet as much as Flunked. At this point there are just so many characters to keep up with and the books aren’t very long I feel it just is too simplified at this point.
I still like the characters and the world here is just too many of them to get any depth. Everything is surface level and just basic. Again this one felt predictable.
But...
These are still really cute and keep in mind these are aimed at a middle school reader. With that in mind. I really enjoy them for what they are.
So anyway I liked this better than Charmed but not quiet as much as Flunked. At this point there are just so many characters to keep up with and the books aren’t very long I feel it just is too simplified at this point.
I still like the characters and the world here is just too many of them to get any depth. Everything is surface level and just basic. Again this one felt predictable.
But...
These are still really cute and keep in mind these are aimed at a middle school reader. With that in mind. I really enjoy them for what they are.
August 19, 2024
Best book so far in this series! Enjoyed it a lot.
December 4, 2025
═══════ ∘◦ ✧ ◦∘ ═══════
This review contains a few random statistics, my personal thoughts, and a content review! ♡
═══════ ∘◦ ✧ ◦∘ ═══════
• Book - Tricked (Fairy Tale Reform School book 3) • Author - Jen Calonita • Genre(s) - MG fantasy fracture fairy tale • Trope(s) - Found family • Recommended time to read - Autumn
⇢─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───⇠
→ Setting - 5/5 → Characters - 5/5 → Writing - 4/5 → Cover - 3/5 → Vibes - 4/5 → Plot - 4/5 → Romance/Ship - 4/5 → Overall - ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
═════════════════
╰┈➤ My thoughts (beware of some spoilers)
This one isn’t as good as the first two, but I still rather enjoyed it. I woke up sick this morning and binged the last bit in audiobook that was for some reason taking me forever to get through.
I remember their quest to find the golden goose being much longer than it actually was, but I haven’t read this for like 5 or 6 years.
I felt the same heartbreak this time as I did when I was younger about Anna choosing to go with Rumplstiltskin (spell check?) Because she reminds me so much of my own little sister. I relate a lot to Gilly when it comes to that. Her little meltdown at the end was totally valid, and I loved how all her friends came to comfort her.
I totally ship Gilly and Jax although I think they’re only 12/13 soooo that’s pretty young and like I don’t know if they’ll end up together or anything. I can’t remember from when I read these as a child.
═════════════════
╰┈➤ Content review
➳ Age Rating - 9+
➳ Language - None, though the Lord’s name is used in vain a couple times as well as replacement words such as “fiddlesticks”
➳ Romance/Sexual - None
➳ Magic - There is plenty of that in this fractured fairy tale, including one of the main characters, Jocelyn (who is the Evil Queen’s little sister) using magic quite often
➳ Other Notes - Anna has been keeping bad company and they convince her to do some illegal things which gets her thrown into FTRS, Jax and Gilly purposely crash a royal party so they will get thrown into the reform school as well, Anna in the end chooses to go with Rumpilstiltskin who is clearly the bad guy in the situation
• Book - Tricked (Fairy Tale Reform School book 3) • Author - Jen Calonita • Genre(s) - MG fantasy fracture fairy tale • Trope(s) - Found family • Recommended time to read - Autumn
⇢─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───⇠
→ Setting - 5/5 → Characters - 5/5 → Writing - 4/5 → Cover - 3/5 → Vibes - 4/5 → Plot - 4/5 → Romance/Ship - 4/5 → Overall - ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
═════════════════
╰┈➤ My thoughts (beware of some spoilers)
This one isn’t as good as the first two, but I still rather enjoyed it. I woke up sick this morning and binged the last bit in audiobook that was for some reason taking me forever to get through.
I remember their quest to find the golden goose being much longer than it actually was, but I haven’t read this for like 5 or 6 years.
I felt the same heartbreak this time as I did when I was younger about Anna choosing to go with Rumplstiltskin (spell check?) Because she reminds me so much of my own little sister. I relate a lot to Gilly when it comes to that. Her little meltdown at the end was totally valid, and I loved how all her friends came to comfort her.
I totally ship Gilly and Jax although I think they’re only 12/13 soooo that’s pretty young and like I don’t know if they’ll end up together or anything. I can’t remember from when I read these as a child.
═════════════════
╰┈➤ Content review
➳ Age Rating - 9+
➳ Language - None, though the Lord’s name is used in vain a couple times as well as replacement words such as “fiddlesticks”
➳ Romance/Sexual - None
➳ Magic - There is plenty of that in this fractured fairy tale, including one of the main characters, Jocelyn (who is the Evil Queen’s little sister) using magic quite often
➳ Other Notes - Anna has been keeping bad company and they convince her to do some illegal things which gets her thrown into FTRS, Jax and Gilly purposely crash a royal party so they will get thrown into the reform school as well, Anna in the end chooses to go with Rumpilstiltskin who is clearly the bad guy in the situation
June 25, 2021
This was most definitely my favorite book in the series so far. Great villain twists and a quest and some fun new characters. And the main character didn’t do anything that annoyed me the whole time haha. I quite enjoyed this read.
July 5, 2021
4.5 stars
I enjoy this series so much!!
The rest of these series reviews are not going to be long, but I loved how the author makes the world feel so real even though there is magic in it!!
I took off .5 stars because sometimes Gillian could be annoying.
Hope you all have a happy and healthy day!
BYE!!
I enjoy this series so much!!
The rest of these series reviews are not going to be long, but I loved how the author makes the world feel so real even though there is magic in it!!
I took off .5 stars because sometimes Gillian could be annoying.
Hope you all have a happy and healthy day!
BYE!!
November 9, 2020
I love this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (as you can see by the number of exclamation marks) It was my favorite in the FTRS series. I was really suprised that Anna turned evil, but thats all part of a good plot. Totally recommend, this series needs to be more popular.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2021
When Headmistress Flora goes looking to beef up security at FTRS after recent issues, she turns to Rumpelstiltskin in desperation and accidentally signs over control of the whole school into his evil clutches. Gilly has been trying to adjust to life back outside of school, but she honestly misses FTRS. When her sister Anna gets busted for criminal behavior and sent to the school, Gilly gets worried. She's even more worried when her family drops off Anna. Something is seriously wrong at FTRS. She and her friends commit crimes to get themselves sent back in to help figure out what Stiltskin is up to and if the cunning trickster can be stopped.
This was another fun adventure at FTRS, even if Stiltskin is super evil and nasty and has done horrible things to the school. I love the way Calonita has reimagined fairy tale characters and the world she has created. It isn't all that long. The only reason I took a while to get through it is because I was saving reading it for only when I just had my phone and was waiting for something like a food order. A quick fun boarding school/quest adventure that introduces a couple new fairy tale characters and settings to this world.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There are some perilous situations but only a nasty giant and some vicious wolves receive any injuries and those are mostly scratches.
This was another fun adventure at FTRS, even if Stiltskin is super evil and nasty and has done horrible things to the school. I love the way Calonita has reimagined fairy tale characters and the world she has created. It isn't all that long. The only reason I took a while to get through it is because I was saving reading it for only when I just had my phone and was waiting for something like a food order. A quick fun boarding school/quest adventure that introduces a couple new fairy tale characters and settings to this world.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There are some perilous situations but only a nasty giant and some vicious wolves receive any injuries and those are mostly scratches.
January 15, 2018
This read is such a great one for young readers. My daughter read this one and loved it. She is eager to read more in the series now as well.
We follow Gillian on a quest to help her sister out. Rumor has it that things are changing and there is a new person in charge at the FTRS. Gillian does not attend this school anymore because she has been sent to a school where she learns all about feet. Gross!
Gillian hers rumors that things are going crazy at the FTRS and knows that she has to get in there and help her sister Anna out. Anna has been put in there because of some of the trouble she got into with her new friends Hansel and Gretel. Gilliam has to do some bad stuff to be thrown back in the FTRS school though.
Will these sisters be able to escape the FTRS? You need to read this one to find out. This was a fun read that my daughter and I both loved. Thanks for a great read Jen Calonita!
We follow Gillian on a quest to help her sister out. Rumor has it that things are changing and there is a new person in charge at the FTRS. Gillian does not attend this school anymore because she has been sent to a school where she learns all about feet. Gross!
Gillian hers rumors that things are going crazy at the FTRS and knows that she has to get in there and help her sister Anna out. Anna has been put in there because of some of the trouble she got into with her new friends Hansel and Gretel. Gilliam has to do some bad stuff to be thrown back in the FTRS school though.
Will these sisters be able to escape the FTRS? You need to read this one to find out. This was a fun read that my daughter and I both loved. Thanks for a great read Jen Calonita!
September 8, 2017
Best Yet! (SPOILERS!!)
I can't wait for the next book in this series! Each one gets better and better, as Gilly's world expands, and we see more and more creatures, heroes, and villains - and, even more entrancing, how they all interact.
Particularly, I liked seeing Red and Wolfington story development - they had an understanding now. Maybe they weren't best buddies, but you don't have to be, to get along and work together towards the greater good.
I hope we get to see some more Jocelyn and Gillian bonding like that, too - they work brilliantly off of one another.
I can't wait for the next book in this series! Each one gets better and better, as Gilly's world expands, and we see more and more creatures, heroes, and villains - and, even more entrancing, how they all interact.
Particularly, I liked seeing Red and Wolfington story development - they had an understanding now. Maybe they weren't best buddies, but you don't have to be, to get along and work together towards the greater good.
I hope we get to see some more Jocelyn and Gillian bonding like that, too - they work brilliantly off of one another.
April 18, 2020
This book was full of sadness and mystery! I loved how the plot becomes more complicated and intense. Gilly’s sister Anna is sentenced to Fairy Tale Reform School, right after Gilly was kicked out of the school. Gilly and her friends try to bring her back by getting back into the school, but is faced with many more obstacles their way. Rumpelstiltskin has got Anna to think that he is the right person to trust! The ending was very sad, and it opens up various possibilities of what will happen in the future. Another great book in the Fairy Tale Reform School series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2017
Wow. Just wow.
October 3, 2021
My book ratings often are linked to the expectations I have of a book and how much I eventually enjoyed a book. The higher the expectations, the harder it is for a book to surprise me, but if I know that the book might not be the best book ever, sometimes I can all of a sudden discover that I'm enjoying the book a little more than I thought. The first two books in the series were three star reads for me. However, I kept reading and I noticed that I am actually really enjoying myself.
In a lot of ways these books are typical middle grades. The characters run from adventure to adventure and along the way there are people making things hard for them. In this case the tasks are more magical. Firstly they have to get back into the Fairy Tale Reform School, since everyone deems the group of heroes heroes and not potential villains. And then they have to cross the dark wood to save the entire school AND kingdom.
What I really like however is that the characters are flawed. They are not perfect little angels who have learned their lessons and will always be good from now on. There are moments they do stupid things, say stupid things or act selfishly. It makes them relatable. I think loads of kids reading this series will recognize themselves in one of the characters and will realize that even though they aren't perfect, they could still star in their own adventure.
I also like that more and more fairytale characters are getting a way more prominent role. Of course, our main gang are still "kids of", but watching characters like Little Red Riding Hood and Rumplestiltskin make an appearance is quite amusing, especially because Calonita twists the fairytales slightly. I especially loved Red in this story, not only because she taught our friends some valuable lessons, but also because I loved the way she looked back on her own story.
On to the next one!
In a lot of ways these books are typical middle grades. The characters run from adventure to adventure and along the way there are people making things hard for them. In this case the tasks are more magical. Firstly they have to get back into the Fairy Tale Reform School, since everyone deems the group of heroes heroes and not potential villains. And then they have to cross the dark wood to save the entire school AND kingdom.
What I really like however is that the characters are flawed. They are not perfect little angels who have learned their lessons and will always be good from now on. There are moments they do stupid things, say stupid things or act selfishly. It makes them relatable. I think loads of kids reading this series will recognize themselves in one of the characters and will realize that even though they aren't perfect, they could still star in their own adventure.
I also like that more and more fairytale characters are getting a way more prominent role. Of course, our main gang are still "kids of", but watching characters like Little Red Riding Hood and Rumplestiltskin make an appearance is quite amusing, especially because Calonita twists the fairytales slightly. I especially loved Red in this story, not only because she taught our friends some valuable lessons, but also because I loved the way she looked back on her own story.
On to the next one!
October 16, 2023
Great Read
This was an enjoyable read. This is the third book of the Fairy Tale Reform School series. In this book, Rumpelstiltskin took over management from Headmistress Flora, and gets kicked out FTRS. She is transferred to the Jack of All Trades School learning about the different leathers of shoes, when she finds out that her sister, Anna, was sent to FTRS after hanging out with her troublesome new friends, Hansel and Gretel. I think this story was great. I thought the characters were great and relatable. I really liked Gilly. She was an interesting character. I really liked how she was characterized as a person who gave everything to her family. She is the type of hero that you root for even when they have to get their hands dirty when trying to save the Fairy Tale Reform School and her sister, Anna, from Rumpelstiltskin. Also, I thought the plot revolving Rumpelstiltskin made me think about the TV show Once Upon A Time because in that show Rumpelstiltskin is a trickster who tries to find ways to rule over the people of Storybrook and the fairy tale characters. Also when I read this book, I thought of the movie series, Descendants, which is about mischievous villains' kids getting a second chance to be good. I thought the ending was great. I am glad that I found this series. I cannot wait to see what book 4 has in store for me. Switched (Book 4), here I come. Overall, a great read.
This was an enjoyable read. This is the third book of the Fairy Tale Reform School series. In this book, Rumpelstiltskin took over management from Headmistress Flora, and gets kicked out FTRS. She is transferred to the Jack of All Trades School learning about the different leathers of shoes, when she finds out that her sister, Anna, was sent to FTRS after hanging out with her troublesome new friends, Hansel and Gretel. I think this story was great. I thought the characters were great and relatable. I really liked Gilly. She was an interesting character. I really liked how she was characterized as a person who gave everything to her family. She is the type of hero that you root for even when they have to get their hands dirty when trying to save the Fairy Tale Reform School and her sister, Anna, from Rumpelstiltskin. Also, I thought the plot revolving Rumpelstiltskin made me think about the TV show Once Upon A Time because in that show Rumpelstiltskin is a trickster who tries to find ways to rule over the people of Storybrook and the fairy tale characters. Also when I read this book, I thought of the movie series, Descendants, which is about mischievous villains' kids getting a second chance to be good. I thought the ending was great. I am glad that I found this series. I cannot wait to see what book 4 has in store for me. Switched (Book 4), here I come. Overall, a great read.
February 27, 2017
This review originally appeared on To Read or Not To Read?
I received an e-copy ARC courtesy of Sourcebooks via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Ratings
G for Good, clean fun!
Recommend to younger readers who enjoy adventure and fantasy. This would make a great classroom or family read. Though the main character is a girl, the story will definitely be enjoyable to boys as well!
If you liked Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin by Liesl Shurtliff, The Ever Afters by Shelby Bach, The Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull, or the Shrek films, you'll love this series!
Overall Impression:
Calonita once again delivers a fun fairy-tale themed adventure with strong, capable characters and a valuable theme. You know what they say; third time's the charm.
Review
A villain is running FTRS!
Well, a real one, not like the reformed Evil Stepmother, Evil Queen, Sea Witch, and Big Bad Wolf who have been on the payroll up to now. And of all the trials Gilly has faced, the fact that the trickster Rumpelstiltskin has usurped Flora as head of the school isn't even the worst of it:
It's that her little sister Anna is thrown into FTRS and his clutches.
Anna's story has been slowly building from the first book and I like the direction it's taking. Calonita is taking her time revealing the little sister's development, and I love it! I can't wait to see where Anna winds up and I love watching how it effects Gilly's own development, having to watch her sister make mistakes but not being able to stop her. Just like Gilly has learned to make her own choices -and accept the consequences- she has to learn to let others do the same.
I've loved this series since the very beginning and this third installment is just as good as the rest. The more Gilly and her friends develop -and save Enchantasia from evil- the more they learn new ways in which to develop -and more evil to save Enchantasia from!
The world of Enchantasia and its Fairy Tale Reform School is a modern-ish, sort of whacky fantasy land. It's magic-tech and renaissance-style modern conveniences reminds me a lot of the Shrek franchise and the movie version of Ella Enchanted. From the instant news notifications of Happily Ever After Scrolls! to the Pegasus Post mail service, Calonita puts a clever twist on tons of familiar things to fit them in her fantasy that readers will get a kick out of.
One of the things I love most about Calonita's world is how she's developed beloved fairy tale characters, from the reformed villains, to Little Red Riding Hood, to the Princesses themselves: (Cinder)Ella, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, and Snow White. In their own ways, each of these characters has grown through the experience of their 'fairy tale', developing and empowering them in different ways. Often, one or more of them lend their own bit of advice to the story's overall theme.
After two books and two Enchantasia-saving adventures, I was glad to see the adults around Gilly and her friends recognized their abilities to help defeat the villains. Granted, the adults weren't happy about the kids taking on a villain, but recognizing the students' stubborn determination to do it anyway, they helped where they could. The teachers of FTRS, the Princesses of Enchantasia and, most importantly, their parents take the kids seriously, and I think this is a great thing for kids to see!
The adults in the story don't serve up answers or solutions on a silver platter, either. Wolfington (aka Big Bad Wolf) especially likes to offer advice and guidance that insists they make their own decisions, based on what's right vs. what's wrong. In the end, Gilly and the others always find themselves on the side of right, but it's very important that they struggle with those decisions and it's their own choices that led them there.
There's enough in this story to entertain all kinds of readers: adventure, mystery, fantasy, and spies! Gilly's motley crew consists of all kinds of personalities -including my personal favorite, mischievous Jax, who may or may not remind me of Chase Turnleaf- a hyperactive fairy, a pirate-obsessed sweet thief, a jewelry-loving ogre, and the Evil Queen's little sister. I personally think the covers for this series are GORGEOUS but they are a little girly, so I want to stress THIS IS A GOOD READ FOR BOYS, TOO. If they can get past the cover, and don't mind a girl narrator, they will love this story.
Gilly is a great character for kids to look up to. In turns tough-as-nails, mischievous, and funny, she always stands up for what she knows is right, she protects her friends, and she looks out for her siblings. She does have flaws. She makes mistakes. But Calonita does a great job of letting her and her friends learn from their mistakes, without losing a step of the fun story.
Every book so far has had a good core theme that are especially great to stress for kids. The theme of Tricked would be: Don't let what people say or think about you stop you from being yourself.
In addition to the great but subtle moral fiber of the story and the encouraging development of all the characters, this series is just pure fun!
I received an e-copy ARC courtesy of Sourcebooks via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Ratings
G for Good, clean fun!
Recommend to younger readers who enjoy adventure and fantasy. This would make a great classroom or family read. Though the main character is a girl, the story will definitely be enjoyable to boys as well!
If you liked Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin by Liesl Shurtliff, The Ever Afters by Shelby Bach, The Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull, or the Shrek films, you'll love this series!
Overall Impression:
Calonita once again delivers a fun fairy-tale themed adventure with strong, capable characters and a valuable theme. You know what they say; third time's the charm.
Review
A villain is running FTRS!
Well, a real one, not like the reformed Evil Stepmother, Evil Queen, Sea Witch, and Big Bad Wolf who have been on the payroll up to now. And of all the trials Gilly has faced, the fact that the trickster Rumpelstiltskin has usurped Flora as head of the school isn't even the worst of it:
It's that her little sister Anna is thrown into FTRS and his clutches.
Anna's story has been slowly building from the first book and I like the direction it's taking. Calonita is taking her time revealing the little sister's development, and I love it! I can't wait to see where Anna winds up and I love watching how it effects Gilly's own development, having to watch her sister make mistakes but not being able to stop her. Just like Gilly has learned to make her own choices -and accept the consequences- she has to learn to let others do the same.
I've loved this series since the very beginning and this third installment is just as good as the rest. The more Gilly and her friends develop -and save Enchantasia from evil- the more they learn new ways in which to develop -and more evil to save Enchantasia from!
The world of Enchantasia and its Fairy Tale Reform School is a modern-ish, sort of whacky fantasy land. It's magic-tech and renaissance-style modern conveniences reminds me a lot of the Shrek franchise and the movie version of Ella Enchanted. From the instant news notifications of Happily Ever After Scrolls! to the Pegasus Post mail service, Calonita puts a clever twist on tons of familiar things to fit them in her fantasy that readers will get a kick out of.
One of the things I love most about Calonita's world is how she's developed beloved fairy tale characters, from the reformed villains, to Little Red Riding Hood, to the Princesses themselves: (Cinder)Ella, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, and Snow White. In their own ways, each of these characters has grown through the experience of their 'fairy tale', developing and empowering them in different ways. Often, one or more of them lend their own bit of advice to the story's overall theme.
After two books and two Enchantasia-saving adventures, I was glad to see the adults around Gilly and her friends recognized their abilities to help defeat the villains. Granted, the adults weren't happy about the kids taking on a villain, but recognizing the students' stubborn determination to do it anyway, they helped where they could. The teachers of FTRS, the Princesses of Enchantasia and, most importantly, their parents take the kids seriously, and I think this is a great thing for kids to see!
The adults in the story don't serve up answers or solutions on a silver platter, either. Wolfington (aka Big Bad Wolf) especially likes to offer advice and guidance that insists they make their own decisions, based on what's right vs. what's wrong. In the end, Gilly and the others always find themselves on the side of right, but it's very important that they struggle with those decisions and it's their own choices that led them there.
There's enough in this story to entertain all kinds of readers: adventure, mystery, fantasy, and spies! Gilly's motley crew consists of all kinds of personalities -including my personal favorite, mischievous Jax, who may or may not remind me of Chase Turnleaf- a hyperactive fairy, a pirate-obsessed sweet thief, a jewelry-loving ogre, and the Evil Queen's little sister. I personally think the covers for this series are GORGEOUS but they are a little girly, so I want to stress THIS IS A GOOD READ FOR BOYS, TOO. If they can get past the cover, and don't mind a girl narrator, they will love this story.
Gilly is a great character for kids to look up to. In turns tough-as-nails, mischievous, and funny, she always stands up for what she knows is right, she protects her friends, and she looks out for her siblings. She does have flaws. She makes mistakes. But Calonita does a great job of letting her and her friends learn from their mistakes, without losing a step of the fun story.
Every book so far has had a good core theme that are especially great to stress for kids. The theme of Tricked would be: Don't let what people say or think about you stop you from being yourself.
In addition to the great but subtle moral fiber of the story and the encouraging development of all the characters, this series is just pure fun!
April 2, 2021
This is one of my two favorite books from this series. I love the plot twist of the new villain, and how Gilly suddenly realizes what she wants. I love and dislike the bittersweet ending. I don't like it cause of obvious reasons if you have read the book, (I won't spoil that here), but I love it because it keeps me engaged with the series and wanting to believe that good WILL win over evil in the final battle. But that final battle doesn't come til the very last book, which keeps me waiting, hoping, and wishing for the best. For those who have not read this, you ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO!!! But don't you dare read this book til you have read the first two. This book just won't make sense if you do it that way. I love this book and hope that there will be more books in this series!
November 16, 2021
I am really enjoying this YA series. Yes I know I am not a young adult but this series is good for anyone. This time the reform school has been taken over by Rumpelstiltskin and Gilly and her friends have to do a quest through the Dark Woods to take back the control. I love the characters in this book from Gilly Cobbler to all her friends and of course the teachers. This story is so well written and moves along fast with lots of action and story line. A great read.
May 2, 2017
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