This book is a retelling of the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale. I think that already says a whole lot about the story and what will happen.
For a retelling, I have to say it was masterfully done. I didn’t know it was a retelling until much more hints were dropped.

The witches were scary and manipulative, especially one, who made everyone think she was the good one.

The school idea was wonderfully done, kids get food all day long. Beginning with breakfast, ending with snacks while studying… ok they were free to do whatever they want. I can imagine that also lures enough kids. Freedom, Food and Fun, 3 things kids would love to do but schools in general don’t give. And then you get this school in your neighbourhood. Wow.

I loved the main character, I also felt so sorry for her, for the burden she was carrying was way too big, and I don’t understand why her dad never talked more to her. Though ok, I guess he was too busy with Molly (more about her later). I was cheering throughout the whole book for our main character, saying she should continue to fight, and Oh No not go to the dark side (they do have cookies, but deadly ones). And the ending, how she fought, how brave she was, I loved that. Go girl!

Then we have various side characters, which I didn’t all like. Andrew was ok, but it was a bit up and down for me. At times I really liked him, at other times I just wanted to smack him hard.

And Molly, oh dear lord Molly. She was truly and absolutely a (sorry for my language) bitch who didn’t like/love kids. She even locks up our main character, gives no food, no thought that maybe it might go bad. Seriously, how did Dad marry her? I know love makes blind, but this is a serious case of blindness.

In overall this was a super wonderful, magical and lovely book. It brings up grieving, how to cope, that not everything is what it seems and much much more. I would really recommend it to everyone!