A World Without Princes
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to A World Without Princes
A World Without Princes is the second installment in Soman Chainani's popular Middle Grade/Young Adult fantasy series, The School for Good and Evil. The story picks up after protagonists Sophie and Agatha have returned home, seemingly achieving their 'happily ever after.' However, a wish to change the past sends them back to the magical Endless Woods, where the School for Good and Evil has been dramatically transformed. Instead of schools for Good and Evil, there are now separate institutions for boys and girls, locked in a fierce, gender-divided conflict. The narrative explores evolving dynamics of friendship, love, and identity amidst this new, chaotic world, challenging traditional fairy tale tropes and examining gender roles. The book is known for its darker tone compared to the first installment and delves into complex relationships and moral ambiguities, making it suitable for readers who enjoy a blend of magical adventure and thematic depth.
Things to Consider
Disrespect & Rebellion
This book features significant themes of disrespect and rebellion, particularly concerning gender roles and societal expectations. The transformed schools foster an environment of animosity between boys and girls, with explicit instances of one gender advocating for the subjugation or elimination of the other.
The School for Girls takes 'feminism to a tyrannical level by teaching the students that boys are the scum of the earth and should be enslaved,' directly promoting extreme disrespect and rebellion against the male gender. The narrative portrays princesses 'smashing out of her glass coffin with her fists,' and 'Red Riding Hood slitting the wolf's throat,' illustrating a widespread rebellion against traditional, submissive female roles.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
A World Without Princes is recommended for ages 10-11 and up. This recommendation is based on its classification as Middle Grade/Young Adult fantasy and content that includes moderate violence, intense thematic conflicts, implied LGBTQ+ representation, and discussions of complex gender roles that may be better understood by pre-teen and early teenage readers.
Good to Know
Parents should be aware that while the book is categorized as Middle Grade/Young Adult, it addresses complex themes of identity, gender roles, and relationships, which can be points for discussion. The portrayal of extreme gender conflict and the subtle LGBTQ+ themes may require parental guidance depending on the family's values. Some reviewers noted that the book's message about feminism and gender dynamics could be confusing or problematic, presenting 'wrong messages' without clear distinction between feminism and misandry.
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