Name: A's review of The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber
Item: The Ballad of Never After
Rating: 4.5
Author: A

Stephanie Garber

After Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, betrays her, Evangeline Fox swears she’ll never trust him again. Now that she’s discovered her own magic, Evangeline believes she can use it to restore the chance at happily ever after that Jacks stole away.

But when a new terrifying curse is revealed, Evangeline finds herself entering into a tenuous partnership with the Prince of Hearts again. Only this time, the rules have changed. Jacks isn’t the only force Evangeline needs to be wary of. In fact, he might be the only one she can trust, despite her desire to despise him.

Instead of a love spell wreaking havoc on Evangeline’s life, a murderous spell has been cast. To break it, Evangeline and Jacks will have to do battle with old friends, new foes, and a magic that plays with heads and hearts. Evangeline has always trusted her heart, but this time she’s not sure she can. . . .

Once Upon a Broken Heart: Book 2

The Ballad of Never After

The fiercely-anticipated sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller Once Upon a Broken Heart, starring Evangeline Fox and the Prince of Hearts on a new journey of magic, mystery, and heartbreak.

Not every love is meant to be.

After Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, betrays her, Evangeline Fox swears she'll never trust him again. Now that she’s discovered her own magic, Evangeline believes she can use it to restore the chance at happily ever after that Jacks stole away.

But when a new terrifying curse is revealed, Evangeline finds herself entering into a tenuous partnership with the Prince of Hearts again. Only this time, the rules have changed. Jacks isn’t the only force Evangeline needs to be wary of. In fact, he might be the only one she can trust, despite her desire to despise him.

Instead of a love spell wreaking havoc on Evangeline’s life, a murderous spell has been cast. To break it, Evangeline and Jacks will have to do battle with old friends, new foes, and a magic that plays with heads and hearts. Evangeline has always trusted her heart, but this time she’s not sure she can. . . .

Bia || Alpi 

Then her mother would smile, sweet and warm as fresh sugar pie. 

Not at all, my precious girl. I think there's a happy ending for everyone. But I don't think these endings always follow the last page of a book, or that everyone is guaranteed to find their happy ever after. Happy endings can be caught, but they are difficult to hold on to. They are dreams that want to escape the night. They are treasure with wings. They are wild, feral, reckless things that need to be constantly chased, or they will certainly run away.

no you’re a piece of shit with a stick up his ass but that’s a really long way to introduce yourself ig

anya

"I'm sorry," she said, her voice raw from all the crying, "but I have no idea who you are." 

He smiled wider, which seemed an odd response to her confession. But his voice was nothing but soothing as he said, "I’m your husband.”

well the marrying apollo being gone wasn’t too bad BUT THE RESR IS DUCKING INDANE APOLLO NEED STO BE LOCKED UP

There was a blankness in her mind. She knew something had been stolen, but she had no idea what it was. With her body weakened, she fought to lock him out of her mind, to hide her remaining memories, but one by one he plucked them out. The night in the crypt with Jacks... gone. Marrying Apollo ... gone. ...

If the story curse could have breathed, it would have held its breath. It hoped the queen would say yes. Yes to bringing her back, to turning her into another terrible immortal.

The girl was dead. If her lifeless body had not confirmed it, then it would have been made clear by the horrible scream of the Fate who held her in his arms. The story curse was familiar with pain, but this was agony, the sort of raw grief that was only seen once in a century. The Fate was every tear that anyone had ever shed. 

"Is that really you?" Honora had a slight accent that spoke of times before and a voice just as delicate as her appearance. "Castor?"

I told you that I killed her, but I didn't say how." A dangerous intensity slipped into Jacks's voice. "I didn't tell you that I ran away, that I tried to leave her so I wouldn't hurt her. I didn't know ifI really loved her, or if my feelings were all from the curse, because it wouldn't let me stop thinking about her. But she had more faith in me than I did. She chased after me. She was convinced I really loved her and that I could fight the curse. And I did. I never laid a hand on her. I overcame the Archer's curse. But it didn't matter, because as soon as I kissed her, she died.”

right so have a kitkat maybe and take a break idk

He spoke each word like a vow. "I want to erase every moment you and i have spent together, every word you've said to me, and every time l've touched you, because if I don't, I'l kill you, just like I killed the Fox."

She meant to say, For tonight, I'm yours, but all that came out was "I'm yours."

"I can see why Jacks likes you. You're a bit like her, you know?" 

The Handsome Stranger rubbed his jaw. "He wouldn't be happy if he knew I said this, but if you're not careful, you'll end up like her as well."

"Do you still think of me as just a tool? 

Jacks frowned. "I try not to think of you at all."

She shouted at him as he left the tavern. "Why do you want to open the Valory Arch?" 

A frustrated growl came from Jacks's throat. His footsteps halted just past the door. Then, almost too low for her to hear: "I don't want to open it at all."

"You're in danger again. We need to leave." 

"No, Jacks-I'm not going anywhere with you. I heard you and LalLa. I heard everything you said. I know what she did to Apollo. I know you kept it from me. And I know-" She tried to say that she knew he didn't want to be touching her right now. But she couldn't manage those words. 

"No, Luc, I'm never going to let you bite me." 

"Never say never, Eva." He flashed a hopeful smile made of fangs before peering into the box. "Are you sure this is the right coffin?"

apollo you are so goddamn easy to kill/curse/manipulate are you made out of cannon fodder

But she was still a fox, and suddenly, she knew why Apollo was hunting her. “Apollo is the Archer" she breathed. 

“No," Jacks said sharply. Apollo is not the Archer. But it eems someone has resurrected the Archer's curse and placed it on him. That's why he is trying to kill you, and he will continue to try until he succeeds. Someone wants you dead. I swear, Little Fox, that someone is not me.”

see class this is a classic example of MEN HAVING NO FUCKING SELF CONTROL

"Evangeline." He called her name like a plea, one that tempted her to answer, but she forced herself to stay in place. If you're out there, you need to run" he said, more ragged than before. “If you go this minute, I won't chase youH have control of myself right now. But I don't know how long it will last." Apollo took a shuddering breath. I don't want to injure you, but something has come over me. Finding you-“ he choked out. “Hunting you is all I can think about."

lord if the archer is fucking apollo i am going to report stephanie garber to the police

Yet, even as he thought the words, the Archer looked down to see he was already notching an arrow, getting ready to shoot the girl he loved as soon as she stepped out of her cottage. 

The Archer threw down the bow and cracked the arrow on his knee, wishing it was as easy to break this spiteful curse. He'd been told it would only lift when he killed the girl. The one way to save her would be to stay away. But he couldn't believe they were never meant to be. There had to be an ... o ... ther ... The dream dissolved, like raindrops washing away peddler chalk on

She wanted to be better than Marisol had been to her. But maybe Evangeline wasn't better. Because as much as she was loath to admit it, she was prepared to let Marisol walk through the solarium doors, come face-to-face with Luc, and reap the pain that she had sown.

oh for fucks sake someone go get the wooden stake

“Good evening," she forced out cheerfully, taking another step to the amber firelight. But as soon as she reached it, her limbs refused to move. 

This young man was not the heir-or even truly a young man anymore. He was too unnaturally handsome, his eyes were too lumi- nous, his jaw could slice a diamond, and his golden-brown skin actually glowed. 

“I didn't do this." His gaze shot from the prince's glowing red eyes to Evangeline's captured wrist. 

She tried to pull free, but Apollo's fingers dug in with more force. 

He squeezed tighter, painfully tight, making her yelp as she yanked against him. His eyes still glowed that awful red, but he didn't appear awake -he seemed possessed, or perhaps desperately fighting to wake up. 

Her chest tightened with panic. “Apollo-“

“He can't hear you." Jacks pulled out a dagger with a shining black blade. "He's going to break your bones!" Jacks slashed Apollo's hand with the knife.

Luoyi

He continued holding her as if he could return her to life with the force of his will. His eyes were wet with blood. Red tears fell down his cheeks and into hers. But the girl didn’t stir.

He smiled wider which seemed an odd response to her confession. But his voice was nothing but soothing as he said, “I’m your husband. You’ve been through something terrible, but it’s all right now. I’m here and I’m never letting you go.”

He held her with the type of intensity that only happens when a person wants something that isn’t quite theirs. 

Do not re-read this part with sad taylor swift songs!! Unless you want to ugly cry.

Nina May

He held her with the type of intensity that only happens when a person wants something that isn't quite theirs.

Thequeen

I liked this book so much more than the first one! 

 set everything up nicely but this one? It completely hooked me. I literally couldn’t put it down and ended up finishing it in a single day.

Evangeline and Jacks absolutely made this story for me. Their chemistry is ridiculous! The banter, the tension, the way they both hold back while also clearly wanting more. I found myself grinning at their back and forth and then two pages later feeling totally gutted.

On top of that, I loved how much bigger and richer the world felt this time around. The magic wasn’t just a backdrop, it actually shaped the story in new ways and it made the fairytale atmosphere feel even darker and more enchanting.

And the cliffhanger??? I just sat there staring at the last page like YOU CANT LEAVE ME HANGING LIKE THIS! Like I can’t wait to read the next book now

This was such a fun, bingeable read. It gave me magic, angst and the drama I was hoping for and honestly reminded me why I love getting lost in fantasy books like this!

Essence

I liked this book so much more than the first one! Once Upon a Broken Heart set everything up nicely but this one? It completely hooked me. I literally couldn’t put it down and ended up finishing it in a single day.

Evangeline and Jacks absolutely made this story for me. Their chemistry is ridiculous! The banter, the tension, the way they both hold back while also clearly wanting more. I found myself grinning at their back and forth and then two pages later feeling totally gutted.

On top of that, I loved how much bigger and richer the world felt this time around. The magic wasn’t just a backdrop, it actually shaped the story in new ways and it made the fairytale atmosphere feel even darker and more enchanting.

And the cliffhanger??? I just sat there staring at the last page like YOU CANT LEAVE ME HANGING LIKE THIS! Like I can’t wait to read the next book now

This was such a fun, bingeable read. It gave me magic, angst and the drama I was hoping for and honestly reminded me why I love getting lost in fantasy books like this!



HOLY SHIT I AM OBSESSED THIS WAS SO GOOD I’M LOSING MY MIND 

Stella 💫

This Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition is signed by Stephanie Garber, includes a bonus chapter from Jacks' POV, and has a unique cover and case stamp!

The fiercely-anticipated sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller Once Upon a Broken Heart, starring Evangeline Fox and the Prince of Hearts on a new journey of magic, mystery, and heartbreak

Not every love is meant to be.

After Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, betrays her, Evangeline Fox swears she'll never trust him again. Now that she’s discovered her own magic, Evangeline believes she can use it to restore the chance at happily ever after that Jacks stole away.

But when a new terrifying curse is revealed, Evangeline finds herself entering into a tenuous partnership with the Prince of Hearts again. Only this time, the rules have changed. Jacks isn’t the only force Evangeline needs to be wary of. In fact, he might be the only one she can trust, despite her desire to despise him.

Instead of a love spell wreaking havoc on Evangeline’s life, a murderous spell has been cast. To break it, Evangeline and Jacks will have to do battle with old friends, new foes, and a magic that plays with heads and hearts. Evangeline has always trusted her heart, but this time she’s not sure she can…

I'm lucky I already have book 3 cause what the hell

Annabella

“Sorry to break your fairytale, Little Fox, but ballads don't end happily, and neither do the two of us.”

I love the way this book is written, the atmosphere and the characters. Stephanie Garber has the ability to make you feel like your in a fairytale 

𝒫

“Sorry to break your fairytale, Little Fox, but ballads don't end happily, and neither do the two of us.”

I love the way this book is written, the atmosphere and the characters. Stephanie Garber has the ability to make you feel like your in a fairytale 

4.5… because I’m heart broken!! This was beautiful, and the story really lived up to the title. I screamed, giggle, and almost cried (I probably would’ve if I just wasn’t reading in public during specific parts)- but as expected this was so very slow. I still think it’s worth it! It doesn’t feel dragged or forced. Definitely amazing to read it back to back with the first one, and I’ll read the last book right away too! 

Jacks is still JACKS. Period! Hoping for a happy ending pls I will jump off istg 

4.5… because I’m heart broken!! This was beautiful, and the story really lived up to the title. I screamed, giggle, and almost cried (I probably would’ve if I just wasn’t reading in public during specific parts)- but as expected this was so very slow. I still think it’s worth it! It doesn’t feel dragged or forced. Definitely amazing to read it back to back with the first one, and I’ll read the last book right away too! 

Jacks is still JACKS. Period! Hoping for a happy ending pls I will jump off istg 

I can’t stand the FMC but wanted Jacks to have a happy ending so badly in the original series that I will finish these books. But I don’t really like them outside of him. Which might make me the problem 

Abigail F

Não há nada que seja mais valioso para mim.

I keep falling in love with this series more and more with each book, I swear. The plot Twists in this trilogy is better than the ones in caraval (i said what i said). 

I almost gave it 4⭐️ bc of that shocking end... but I loved it too much to do that.

Tsu 💙

I keep falling in love with this series more and more with each book, I swear. The plot Twists in this trilogy is better than the ones in caraval (i said what i said). 

I almost gave it 4⭐️ bc of that shocking end... but I loved it too much to do that.

sometimes, you just need to enjoy the story without scrutinizing every detail. had fun and that is all that matters (i love u jacks).

開花

At this point, I’m used with reading in third pov after their first book Once Upon a Broken Heart. It was veryy nerve wrecking, this book. But the cliffhanger at the ending tho.. IT’S MADDENING. And the third book is yet to be out. It’s still months away, I just hope by then, I’ll still remember the plot.

Jessica

hillary pebworth 

Gabriela Kondratyuk

i liked this one better then the first one

máru

** spoiler alert **
           JACKS, WHY CAN'T YOU JUST BE WITH HER??!?!

Jennifer Gosnell

The ending was really intriguing and definitely means I’ll be reading book #3. I kind of had to draaag myself through 2/3rds of this book — even though I did enjoy most of it. It was just very meandering, and I’m not in love with the “wonderland/down the rabbit hole” style of storytelling. But overall, quite enjoyable.

Carolina

“There is nothing of equal value to me” i’m going to throw up i love jacks so much💔💔

Shannon C

WTF. SHAKING SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP..................... UR KIDDING ME

Nala

Haley

finished this book 4 hours into a 13 hour flight and literally could not stop thinking about what would happen next😭 make sure you have the third book ready unlike me

Nanthanat Chompradist

Aghhhhhhh!!!! Don't talk to me. I'm heartbroken. 

LISTEN, I won't believe any 'I love you.' The only thing I want is, 'There is nothing of equal value to me (than you)'"💔💔💔💔

Imo, this book is even better than the first book. The last 100 pages are impossible to put down. I was binge-reading until 4 am. I might come back to write a more detailed review later.

Anjorin Molayo 

“Sorry to break your fairytale, Little Fox, but ballads don’t end happily, and neither do the two of us.”

I’M LITERALLY CRYING! THE ANGST. God, i can’t deal with this. I didn’t expect this! damn.

Thequeen &
The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber

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Thequeen &The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber

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Thequeen &
The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber