The Ballad of Never After: the stunning sequel to the Sunday Times bestseller Once Upon A Broken Heart

The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber is a whirlwind: fast-paced, enchanting, and brimming with tension, though I’ll admit, I typically prefer books with a slower pace that allow for deeper character exploration. But wow, even with its rapid pace, I was hooked, and that ending? Oh. My. Goodness!!! It’s the kind of cliffhanger that makes you want to toss the book across the room in anguish, pure brilliance. Thankfully I am late to the party and can jump right into the final instalment right away :)

Garber’s fairytale-style writing, infused with magic and wonder, had me swooning for Jacks. I mean, how can anyone not be obsessed with him? His teasing, his dimples, the chemistry with Evangeline - it’s off the charts. The banter and the tension between them had me grinning like a fool. I may have a slight obsession with Jacks (and by slight, I mean massive). The man is complicated, and every scene with him pulled me in deeper, especially when he calls Evangeline his “little fox.” Heart = melted.

And the romance? A perfect blend of slow burn and intensity. There are so many moments that made me stop and re-read just to soak in the magic Garber has created between these two. I could’ve done with more of Evangeline’s development; I felt like the pacing of the plot didn’t always give her the depth she deserves. Still, I’m rooting for her, and I loved her cleverness in how she navigates this world of curses and betrayal.

The twists, though! Each revelation had me gasping, only to be flipped on its head again a few chapters later. Sometimes it felt like a fever dream with how quickly everything was changing -thrilling but also a bit overwhelming at times.

Now, let’s talk about the ending. It. Is. To. Die. For. My heart broke into pieces, and I am utterly desperate for the next book. I need answers, closure, and to see where Jacks and Evangeline’s story goes next. If you’re emotionally attached, prepare for some serious heartache.

The Ballad of Never After may not have been my usual preferred pacing, but its enchanting world and unforgettable characters have me fully invested. I just hope the next installment heals the wounds this one left behind.