Meet New Books
Book Cover

The Ballad of Never After

Book 2 in the series:Once Upon a Broken Heart

Save:
Find on Amazon

The Ballad of Never After, part of the series 'Once Upon a Broken Heart' by Stephanie Garber, continues the enchanting tale of Jacks and Evangeline as they navigate a world filled with magic, romance, and betrayal. Readers are drawn into a story where characters evolve and relationships deepen, all set against a backdrop of intricate world-building and mysterious plot twists. The writing style of Stephanie Garber captivates readers, immersing them in a fantastical realm that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy.

The book delves into the past of Jacks, revealing more about the Fates and introducing readers to a world of magic and parties. The dynamic between the main characters, Jacks and Evangeline, is a highlight, especially during their holiday in a snowy retreat. Stephanie Garber weaves a tale that is both magical and captivating, keeping readers hooked with her ability to create a world that is both alluring and unpredictable.

Characters:

Evangeline's character experiences substantial growth, while Jacks is depicted as a morally grey character, contributing to strong character dynamics and development.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is whimsical and enchanting, characterized by elegant prose that conveys emotional depth, and is less childish than the previous installment.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features an intense love story with a cliffhanger ending, showcasing beautiful world-building and significant character growth.

Setting:

The setting is a magical and whimsical world, with places like The Hollow serving as significant locations, and it is enhanced compared to the previous book.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast, filled with engaging turns that create suspense and moments of relief, effectively keeping the reader engaged.
There is a door deep inside the royal library of Wolf Hall that no one has opened for centuries. People have tried to set it on fire, break it with axes, and pick its lock with magic keys. But no one ...

Notes:

The book's love story is described as intense and magical, reminiscent of childhood fairytales.
Readers appreciate the improved world-building and character development compared to the first book.
The main character, Evangeline, undergoes significant growth throughout the series, becoming a favorite among readers.
The ending features a frustrating cliffhanger, leaving many questions unanswered and creating excitement for the third book.
Jacks, another key character, has a deeper backstory revealed in this book, which adds to his complexity.
The writing style is regarded as whimsical and elegant, making the reading experience enjoyable.
The book has been positively received for its balance between romance and plot, likened to 'A Court of Mist and Fury' without explicit scenes.
There's a sense of suspense and unpredictability in the plot that keeps readers engaged.
The series has been praised for its beautiful hardback cover and the inclusion of a map inside the book, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Readers express eagerness for the third book, highlighting the emotional impact and tension created in this installment.

Has Romance?

The romance between Evangeline and Jacks is a prominent aspect of the story, with significant development and emotional depth.

From The Publisher:

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

Stephanie Garber's THE BALLAD OF NEVER AFTER is the jaw-dropping sequel to the 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. . . .

Ratings (95)

Incredible (51)
Loved It (25)
Liked It (13)
It Was OK (6)

Reader Stats (142):

Read It (97)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (41)
Not Interested (3)

5 comment(s)

Incredible
2 weeks

Those last chapters were diabolical, crash out pending

 
Loved It
1 month

4.25⭐️ enjoyed this second book though was prepared for the ending it still kind of sucked… I kind of hoped it would be a happy one….

 
Incredible
2 months

THE ANGST HURTS SO GOOD!! The plot twists and the tension AAAAAAAAAAAAA i don't know what more to say, i just love this book with all my heart. I don't know why I put this off for SO MANY MONTHS. It's so hopeful and heartbreaking and all. I love you jacks, and personally, I'd die less than 10 seconds in the room with you because I will without a doubt kiss you.

 
Incredible
3 months

THE ANGST

*oh my gosh*

*rolling on the floor kicking my feet*

*blushing thinking about Jacks*

*crying thinking about Evangeline*

*buying the third book*

THIS WAS TRULY A ROLLERCOASTER.

This trilogy is

WAY better than Caraval’s. Never a dull moment, plot twists after plot twists. So many secrets unveiled, so much magic and heartbreaks. And so many more things to discover and to break for.

The relationships between the various characters become increasingly intricate with this second volume.

Although Evangeline is sometimes a little repetitive, Jacks is such a complex, mysterious character, whose greatest feelings and fears always remain well hidden under his apparent indifference and carelessness.

Unlike Caraval, where after the second book everything seemed to go a bit randomly, in this second volume the characters' intentions remain well delineated, despite sometimes finding themselves having to go against their own nature .

If the first volume of this series did not fully satisfy you, please give it another chance by reading The Ballad of the Never After.

If you like reading about

angst,

betrayals,

hidden and never confessed

feelings and

love that transcends the boundaries of time, then this is the book for you.

I've been looking for a book like this for months and I can't believe I waited so long to read it.

 
It Was OK
3 months

I honestly ship Jacks with Tella more than Evangeline. Also, I find Scarlet and Tella to be a more compelling protagonist than Evangeline.

 
 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.