The School for Good and Evil #6: One True King audiobook

~A surprising 4.25 stars~I can't believe this is the finale. This series is finally over! This book is hands down my favorite out of the the Camelot years. The Quest for Glory was underwhelming, and The Crystal of Time dragged. I'm writing this 3 days after I've finished this because it's finals week :( . I've had time to reflect on it and honestly this one was surprisingly good. I expected the same trend of it being not as engaging enough to continue, but I finished this in 4 days, and I was reading like 2 other books at the same time, which compared how long it took me to read the one before, it's great.I really enjoyed it, and there are so many mysteries solved, and when they were it made so much sense, and everything started to click into place including past hints given that went over my head. The only one that felt abrupt was the mystery of the true heir of Camelot.The hints were there, but the explanation was lackluster. Many ships were also made cannon, including Hophie. I don't know how many times I have to say this, but this relationship is not it. The only thing they both have in common is the fact that they are both insufferable and push away people. Sophie did have character development, where I like her much better than before, but still. Not that I want Hort with Nicola together, because according to my calculations, she's 14, and he's 17 or 18. I also really like the relationship development with Tedros and Agatha, as they started to trust each other more (even if this development happened too quickly) and bickered a lot less because their banter was staring to get annoying and repetitive. But I don't like how it kind of potrayed Agatha as someone who messes up everything and always tries to take control, when in reality, if it wasn't for her, everyone would have been screwed. Tedros (who has a combination of 2 braincells that he was somehow able to combine and do something smart and useful for once) nor any of the other quest member have any right to criticize or doubt her. The other thing I didn't like was that this book did that thing where they just kill off every other side character in the last book, that no longer have any use, for the sake of adding tension. But I litterly felt no sympathy for any of the deaths. They left no impact or importance. Except one, that I'm not going to talk about for the sake of spoilers.I'm sad that this is a wrap on my childhood and the book series I've been following for so many years. I do hope there is a spin off or at least a novella for just The Coven (Hester, Dot of Ani). I know I listed a good amount things I didn't like, but I'm still rating it 4.25, for generousity, nostalgia, and the fact that I enjoyed this more than I expected.here are the reviews for the books previous:The School for Good and Evil: ★★★★ .5A World Without Princes: ★★★★The Last Ever After: ★★★★Quest for Glory:★★★★A Crystal of Time:★★★.5

This book. This fucking book y’all. I think I went through every single emotion humanly possible while reading this. Like seriously, make sure you have a box of tissues with you as you read the final words. I had always seen these books at goodwill, I never really considered them because I thought they were for younger readers and I never read them when I was younger so I just ignored them. It wasn’t until I found out the movie was coming that I decided to pick these up. And boy, I’m so glad I did. I think this may be my new comfort series (sorry Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, I still love you). But man, these characters. There is so much depth, so much character development in each one. So many different personalities. The moments when the protagonists were all together literally made me so happy I could burst. I loved everything about this book (except maybe not the MC deaths💔) Ok now, TAGATHA😭😭😩😩Bro I literally just think about Tedros and Agathas relationship throughout the whole book and MY GOD have they been through it, like damn. They have my freaking heart, I’m literally so happy for them. Although I would have liked to seen the wedding, I’m just so happy they can finally be happy because they are just so perfect and oh my god I just love them so freaking much. HOPHIEEEEBRO, since day mf one, Hort has been like my favorite I think but I can’t really choose favorites because they’re all my favorite. Anywayyy, the freaking end of the book when Sophie and Hort had their *moment* I was literally sobbing, like holy fucking shit dude, what I would give to have a Hort. But they’re so sweet and I’m so happy for them and for Sophie oh my goodness I’m so glad she got her happy ending.Bro literally I can’t contain my love for these characters so I know how bad this review is, but like they are all so FCUKING BAD BRO. Like as in bad bitches, like they could literally slaughter me and I would cry with happiness. So many good scenes in this book. This whole series is entirely worth the read. I loved every single book so much. I know I said this in like every review, but if you have not read these books, THEN READ THEM. I’m so sad it’s over now, but I’m so freaking excited for the movie I’m literally going to go more and more feral every month I have to wait for it to come out 😭😭

This book deserves every star--because this truly was the end of all ends.This book is EVERYTHING. I laughed. I cried. I screamed. I smiled. I went through every emotion alongside my favorite characters.They all grew so much--this was the ending they deserve. There were so many epic twists, I couldn't stop reading. Guys, this is the best of the series. It is one of the best finales I've ever read. I can't even express how impressed I am with this book. I love it with all my heart.(Also, I am SO glad we finally have confirmation that Tedros is bi. After so many years of speculation, we have an answer!)(And Hort--oh, Hort. He just made this story shine.)

PreRead:My hopes and dreams for this book (CAUTION: THIS CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES)1: Sophie finds happiness (probably through love though not with Hort cause they don’t seem like a good couple)2: Hort find love and gets over Sophie (he can’t commit to Nicola because of Sophie) 3: Agatha dumps Tedros (or their relationship matures it just needs some work before I can really ship it)4: Agatha gives Sophie the love that Sophie deserves (not only the sisterly love but the love of best friends neither of which she has ever given Sophie enough of) 5: Kiko, Beatrix, Anadil, and Dot find love (not necessarily with each other but I think Beatrix and Anadil could work. Maybe?)6: Rafal comes back to be Sophie’s true love, also character development... but mainly for her (this is more an idea of a possible thing than a real hope, it just seems like an intriguing idea)7-infinity: See number one I do hope for more character based things because he always throws me for a loop, so I’m too nervous to even try to guess what will happen plot wise. In reality, all of these things might not happen and I can still be happy with the book... as long as Sophie gets what she deserves. GO SOPHIE! And Agatha really needs to dump Tedros and Tedros needs to hand over his kingdom to a better king (Agatha, Sophie, a parliament, or other... almost anyone but him unless he and the relationship matures). Title:The one true king. I mean, it’s probably Tedros especially with the ending of the last book and the last ring. But... he’s not really worthy yet? So idk. Cover:I don’t like it (though the swan crowns are cool). Sophie and Agatha’s hair is so weird and shiny instead of the flatter and more cartooned look of the others. And is it just me or is their skin green? And even if this is an attempt to make them look “older”, A Crystal of Time had the characters around the same age, and they looked the same as the other covers. It wouldn’t be that bad if it wasn’t so inconsistent with the styles of the other book covers. Where did my precious girls go? Honestly though, Sophie and Agatha just look WEIRD on the cover. I respect if you like it, but I just don’t. Maybe I could like it if it wasn’t so different from the others. I just think that the girls should look like the same people across all of the coversAfter reading (with spoilers)I did not see any of that coming. Hort and Sophie were actually cute together, they both grew a lot. Similarly with Tedros and Agatha, their relationship really blossomed. Still not a fan if the cover, but I really liked the book. I didn’t see Chaddick coming or Uma’s importance and I define my didn’t see merlin’s huge importance and death. My favorite scene is probably the one where Agatha and Sophie get to be king. A question I have: who’s the new school master?

** spoiler alert ** My mind is still spinning! What an amazing world, an amazing adventure! Since book 1, I've always been pulled in from the very first page. And the plot twists! Just when I think I got it or there can't be anymore-Surprise!! My heart aches with Tedros and Agatha as they learn the real truth about Arthur's other son. And the soul ripping character deaths! I should be used to it and expect it with this series, but somehow I just couldn't. What I really love about this book and the series is the character growth of Tedros ♥️ Agatha; plus, Sofie. But especially Tedros who I realized in book 2 was really a tragic character damaged by those who were supposed to love him. I enjoyed watching his transformation from an immature distrustful scared boy into a self confident, good man and a good king worthy of Agatha.It's with regret I can only give 4 stars due to the very last chapter (at the very end of it), which focuses on Merlin. This entire series is the story of Agatha and Sofie, Agatha and Tedros and Sofie and Hort. Although beloved by all and one of my favorite characters, this is not Merlin's story. I loved the touching final scene of them surrounding a dying Merlin, "The work is done," however, the series should NOT stop on Merlin. Literally! The story came to an immediate "stop" instead of an "end," which is something all authors must avoid. In the final moment, the story did not feel over because it was missing a chapter. One more chapter, even a short one, should have been written with a saddened, but determined Agatha and Tedros going forth with their wedding. They say "I do," and seal their love with a kiss in front of their friends, which officially declares their Happily Ever After. Since this is...you know...a fairy tale.I'm so happy Sofie found her prince even if he wasn't what she was expecting. And honestly? Me neither! I remember first meeting Hort and thinking like Sofie, Eewww! NO WAY!! GROSS!! Then Book 3 happened, but I wasn't sure if Hort and Sofie would or could make it. Yet, they did make it! After everything they've been through they matured and are finally together and it's beautiful. Too bad Chainani didn't write one more chapter of the actual Tedros and Agatha wedding because then all the Sofie/Hort fans like myself could've had another chance to see them holding each other. Just as the wish fish showed Hort back in Book 3.😉

I will start off by saying I got up at FIVE IN THE MORNING for this book, as it came out today. Wow.....SPOILERS BELOW! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!I can’t say for sure if the writing for this book is as good as the others, because I tore through it, ready to reach the “End of Ends.” But the storytelling was SUPERB. I was on the edge of my seat (okay, bed) with anticipation the entire time. The idea is that King Arthur had an idea there would be two people vying for the crown, and so he set up 3 tests to pick a winner. The first test goes normally... except like everyone dies. Kei, and Robin Hood meets their end, William nearly gets pecked to death and WAIT! He’s Tristan’s younger brother! (And he’s gay, poor Kiko) Then Agatha, who is SO in love with Tedros, accidentally swallows a magic pearl, and so, for the next test, either Japeth or Tedros have to kill Agatha. And I’m sobbing because Agatha is SO GOOD and deserves a HAPPY ENDING and Tedros might have to KILL HER! So, then, a bunch of magic stuff happens. Uma meets Kaveen, her former husband, a bunch of ladies (Kiko, Beatrix, etc.) band together with the Queen of Jaunt Jolie to form a little band of soldiers to save the world while Guinevere and Tedros make wished in Aladdin’s cave. We find out that Japeth loved Aric, then GUINEVERE DIES! Also, Maid Marian is Dot’s MOTHER! Guinevere’s death replaces Agatha’s, so Agatha is alive!!!! And Hort rescues Sophie after breaking up with Nic, gets severely wounded, and proclaims his love for her. Sophie goes into emotional shock, because her one true love is dead, and I’m crying because WHY???? They were SO CUTE together. Then there’a bunch of Excaliburs that pop up in all the kingdoms, and we find out that1. Japeth is the son of Evelyn Sader2. His father is the Green Knight, a.k.a. Sir Kay, a.k.a. Japeth 3. Just kidding, he’s not4. JAPETH’S FATHER IS THE SCHOOL MASTER A.K.A. RAFAL WHAT IS THIS WHY ALSO EWWWWW SOPHIE YOU DATED RHIAN AND HIS DAD5. That’s the craziest thing that happened. Moving on...6. Just kidding. It gets crazier7. CHADDICK IS THE SON OF GRISELLA GREMLAINE AND KING ARTHUR, CONCEIVED THE NIGHT BEFORE ARTHUR’S WEDDING8. CHADDICK IS WAS THE EDLEST SON OF KING ARTHUR9. CHADDICK’S DEAD10. WHAT. ON. EARTH. JUST. HAPPENED. (I’m suing Soman Chainani, because I almost had a heart attack caused by surprise)So, yeah, Chaddick’s blood can fool Excalibur, so that’s how Rhian and Rafal Japeth(!) were able to pull Excalibur. Rafal Japeth snuck a piece of cloth with Chaddick’s blood on it on Rhian, so Rhian pulled Excalibur, STILL THINKING HE WAS ARTHUR’S SON.Then Rafal Japeth cheats and uses Chaddick’s blood to pull Excalibur, which was in Chaddick’s house, and LOPS OFF TEDROS’S HEAD.WHY?????.I’M CRYING TOO, AGATHA!NOT FAIR.JUST KIDDING!He got an magic apple from the Lady of the Lake! His head pops back on! He exposes Rafal Japeth as a fraud!YES!Japeth loses his head.Good Riddance!Then, it’s wedding day for Agatha and Tedros, and Sophie’s rather depressed, because Hort’s dead.JUST KIDDING! HORT’S ALIVE! HE WAS RESCUED BY YUBA THE GNOME! THEN, SOPHIE AND HORT KISS!It was epic. Period.Then Merlin dies, and it’s over. The series is done. This book was great based on storytelling. I’ll reread it and see if I can enjoy the writing more. Baby Merlin is the best thing EVER.The character development is good with the main characters. I actually felt sorry for Rafal Japeth at one point.The Coven rocks. (I never realized how much I shipped Hester and Anadil until I did)I have two complaints.1. This book is LONG, and even then, it’s sometimes rushed at scenes.2. There was not enough Nicola, Beatrix, Kiko, Willam, or Bogden. So sad, but there was so much going on already.This is a great concluding book. Emotional roller coaster, however. BEWARE!

WOW. It's been a long time since I've given a book a five star rating. This book was simply perfect. I enjoyed this journey so much. The writing and storyline was so exciting and captivating. That's a lot coming from a 35 year old woman. I can't wait for the Netflix series!UPDATE: 10/14/2020I felt I needed to add a bit more detail to this review so that I can look back and reflect on why I loved this book so much. One of the main reasons was that I could really relate to Agatha. She is such a strong willed, independent and fierce female. That causes her to be very dominant in everything that she does; which annoyed Tedros to no end. I saw the struggle she and Tedros went through in their relationship because , to him, she didnt let him truly be the "man" in their relationship. She loved so passionately and fiercely that she would do ANYTHING to make sure those around her were safe. I loved how she never backed down and never conformed. She was confident, brave and smart. Many men tend to shy away from females like that. I know that thought ran through Tedros's mind on many occasions. However, I love how Tedros was able to recognize those traits in her, and although I know it was hard for him, he truly accepted and loved her. I love that this was displayed in a middle grade book because it sends a powerful message to young ladies.

I teetered between four and five stars with this one. I genuinely enjoyed delving back into the fairy tale of Agatha and Sophie, however what kept me from devouring this book at breakneck pace was the often confused perspective. The author writes in third person close, but frequently switches character perspective without notice, causing many of the book’s climaxes to read confusedly. Merely a personal reasoning behind my four star review. I still highly recommend this conclusion to a wonderful series. Cheers!

It's so nice to come to the end of a series and be genuinely satisfied with the conclusion