The Unfairest of Them All
Book 2
📘 About This Book
It's the aftermath of Legacy Day, the day when the students at Ever After High are supposed to pledge to follow in their fairytale parents' footsteps, and everyone is in a huff and a puff! Raven Queen, daughter of the Evil Queen, has refused to sign the Storybook of Legends, rejecting her story - and putting everyone else's in jeopardy. The Royal Apple White doesn't want to think Raven is being a rebellious pain, but Raven's choice means Apple might never get the poisoned apple, Prince Charming, and a kingdom to rule. Behind Apple stands the Royals, those who want to play by the book and embrace their stories. The Rebels, supporters of Raven, believe in breaking free from destiny and writing their own stories. But when the chaos and rivalry land wonderlandiful Madeline Hatter in trouble, Raven and Apple must bring the Royals and the Rebels together to shut the book on their feud before it threatens to end all of their Happily Ever Afters once and for all. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...Who's the Unfairest of Them All? Don't miss the first book, Ever After High: The Storybook of Legends!
📖 Summary
The Unfairest of Them All by Shannon Hale, published in 2014 and spanning 153 pages, is a captivating entry in the juvenile fiction genre that takes place in the vibrant world of Ever After High. The story immediately follows the dramatic events of Legacy Day, the momentous occasion when teenage fairytale students are expected to formally pledge to follow in the exact footsteps of their famous storybook parents. However, absolute chaos erupts when Raven Queen, the daughter of the Evil Queen, makes the shocking decision to refuse to sign the Storybook of Legends. By rejecting her assigned destiny, Raven effectively throws the future of every other student into profound jeopardy. On the opposing side stands Apple White, the Royal daughter of Snow White. Apple desperately wants to maintain her faith in Raven, viewing her choice not as an act of courageous self-determination, but as a rebellious pain that threatens Apple's own guaranteed happily ever after. Apple has her heart set on receiving the iconic poisoned apple, meeting Prince Charming, and claiming her rightful kingdom to rule. Behind Apple rally the Royals, a faction of students who strictly want to play by the book, honor tradition, and fully embrace the predetermined destinies written for them. Conversely, a growing movement of students known as the Rebels gathers in support of Raven. These free-thinking individuals believe passionately in breaking free from the shackles of destiny and writing their own original stories. The tension between the Royals and the Rebels creates a deeply divided campus where everyone is in a huff and a puff over what the future holds. This ideological battle is not just about abstract concepts; it forces every student to examine their own desires, fears, and loyalties to a system that dictates their entire lives from birth. The stakes rise dramatically when the fierce rivalry and resulting chaos directly land the wonderlandiful Madeline Hatter in trouble. As the school environment grows increasingly volatile, the students must navigate their shifting friendships, societal expectations, and personal identities. Shannon Hale crafts a breezy yet deeply engaging narrative that explores the importance of choice versus destiny, empathy across divides, and the courage it takes to forge one's own path when everyone else expects you to conform. The book leaves readers pondering whether a happily ever after can truly be achieved if it is forced upon someone against their will, setting the stage for ongoing adventures at Ever After High where fairy tales are reimagined for a modern era.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Engaging and imaginative retelling of classic fairytale tropes
Empowering themes about personal choice and individuality
Fun and diverse cast of beloved fairytale characters
Quick and entertaining pace ideal for younger readers
⚠️ Cons
Short page count may leave readers wanting more depth
Relies heavily on familiarity with the broader Ever After High universe
✍️ About the Author
Shannon Hale (b. 1974) is an American author known for fantasy and fairy-tale-inspired fiction for young readers, including 'The Goose Girl'.
View all books →❓ FAQ
Who is the author of The Unfairest of Them All? +
The book was written by Shannon Hale.
When was this book published? +
It was published in 2014.
How many pages long is the book? +
The book has 153 pages.
What is the main conflict of the story? +
The conflict centers on the aftermath of Legacy Day, where Raven Queen refuses to sign the Storybook of Legends, dividing students into Royals and Rebels.
What genre does this book belong to? +
It belongs to the juvenile fiction genre.
