School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-Ever After High is where the offspring of fairy-tale characters go to train to be the next generation of Cinderellas, Prince Charmings, and Red Riding Hoods. Second-year students are expected to sign the Storybook of Legends on Legacy Day, cementing their destiny in the fairy-tale world. Raven Queen, daughter of the Evil Queen in "Snow White," has no desire to emulate her mother, who isn't just evil, but super-evil. She'd much rather sing in a band, hang out with her friends, and, most of all, have a future that she has some control over. Apple White, on the other hand, can't wait to start working toward her Happily Ever After. Despite their differences, Raven and Apple become roommates and even friends, but if Raven refuses to sign the Storybook, it might mean the end of not only their story, but also of the fairy tale world. or would it? This mash-up of Grimm and high school angst is fun and frothy, filled with silly, clever riffs on pop culture (which will make the story dated in a few years). Still, Raven is a strong, proactive girl who fights not only for herself, but also for all the denizens of Ever After High who don't have fairy-tale endings to look forward to.-Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Following the publisher's previous partnership with Mattel for the Monster High series, Newbery Honor author Hale (Princess Academy) helps kick off the Ever After High series, set at a boarding school for the children of classic fairy-tale heroes and villains; dolls based on the characters and other licensed products will be available. As the book opens, the second-year attendees of Ever After High are preparing for Legacy Day, when they will officially bind themselves to their parents' stories. Thus, the stage is set for a showdown between choice and destiny. Bubbly Apple White is thrilled to assume the mantle of Snow White, but her roommate, Raven Queen, is apprehensive about the villainous future that awaits her. Fairy-tale puns run rampant (favorite musicians include N-Chant and Lil Swain), and in the story's best running gag, Raven's oddball best friend Maddie Hatter has hilarious metafictional exchanges with the narrator ("I'm really enjoying all your clever observations and helpful information"). Perhaps understandably for a doll-based franchise, outfits and accessories get frequent mentions, but Hale's spot-on sense of humor keeps the story from feeling overly promotional. Ages 8-12. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.