Flunked

By: Jen Calonita

Narrated by: Kristin Condon

Length: 5 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's Summary

Gilly wouldn't call herself wicked, exactly... but when you have five little brothers and sisters and live in a run-down boot, you have to get creative to make ends meet. Gilly's a pretty good thief (if she does say so herself). Until she gets caught.

Gilly's sentenced to three months at Fairy Tale Reform School where all of the teachers are former (super-scary) villains like the Big Bad Wolf, the Evil Queen, and Cinderella's Wicked Stepmother. Harsh. But when she meets fellow students Jax and Kayla, she learns there's more to this school than its heroic mission. There's a battle brewing and Gilly has to wonder: Can a villain really change?

©2015 Jen Calonita (P)2015 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Fun fairytale retelling

Any additional comments?

When Gilly is caught stealing bread for her family, she is sentenced to three month at the Fairy Tale Reform School. The school would be a dream place to live it weren’t for the former villain teachers who may or may not have given up their evil ways. Something sinister, however, is going on at the school. When the royal princesses come to inspect the school and someone tries multiple times to kill the, Gilly wonders if someone is trying to start a war or worse. She enlists the help of her friend, Jax. He, however, is hiding something. Can Gilly save the school and her new friends? Can she trust Jax? Who is trying to sabotage the school?

Narrator, Kristin Condon brings to life Gilly’s world with her unique intonations and easy to follow voice. Her unique voices bring out the characters’ personalities and make them easy to relate to. The plot is well developed, engaging, and has lots of plot twists. Kristin navigates the different scene paces and plot twists with ease without losing the reader. Fans of fairy tale retellings, snarky main characters, fantasy, and mystery will enjoy listening to this audiobook.

Thoroughly enjoyed this read

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was a really engaging story with loads of creativity. The way the fairy-tales interlock and the themes displayed were fantastic. This book keeps you jumping form start to finish.

It is all from the POV of Jilly, who is a thief but only to help her family. Not exactly a villain in my book, but definitely in need of a little reform. You can feel class distinctions being drawn from the start of the book. Clearly Royals and Commoners are a little at odds.

Jilly is a very clever girl who actually lucks out by being sent to reform school. It takes her out of her life as a potential cobbler and gives her other options. There are lesson to be learned for sure. Add in a side intrigue and the story flows nicely! This isn't a full on adventure read, but it has plenty of action to keep things on target. I can imagine many a tween loving this story!

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Kristin Condon, who does a terrific job with all those voices! The story flows with her voice and energy adding to the authors words. Her pace was just swift enough for a young audience to stay engaged.

I really hope this is the start of a series. It sort of felt that way, so fingers crossed! Great middle grade book I will be recommending to the tweens i work with at the theatre.

Flunked- The best book ever

Wow!! This is such a good book! I cant believe that this book was not a movie.

Fun story though not particularly original

The narrator, a well-intentioned thief (is she wicked?) supporting her not-very supportive family, is subjected to such things as snobbish ridicule and tests on shoe polish. She is given a three-strike boot to boarding reform school. Post-potterverse readers will recognize many sights and sits, mixed in with lots of riffs on Grimm (similar to Chris Colfer).
Her skill at thieving will save the day, much like Katniss’ poaching skills, Lyra Belacqua’s lying ability and Conn's (Sarah Prineas) magical thievery.
Modern gothic magical school stories seem to be popping up everywhere, along with students who will save the institution from adults. Better than Magical Creatures Academy but a bit sillier than A School for Good and Evil (Chainani), and less bang for the buck; FTRS is over-priced - how about at least 2 books for 1 credit..
Story probably tilts toward female readers. Aside from Gilly's misplaced confidence in spotting royalty, I felt like there were few literary elements that make the reading mentally rewarding. I did re-listen looking for something under the surface. Maybe the next book will have something to offer beyond an emotionally satisfying resolution. In fact, despite feeling disappointed in the middle books, liked the last book more.

Best story ever

I loved this series it was very adventurous and refreshing to be able to see some real life struggle and hatred and her progressing mentally and spiritually to be an over all better person.

Fair Story

Despite a few inconsistencies the story was enjoyable. I did expect a few more hardships than what occurred, but the characters were fun to hear about.

Awesome

I love the excitement and now the story is about a thief not a hero.😎