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robotnik's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
This continues to be a year of disappointments for me. It isn't because this book is bad, really. It's not. But this was my most anticipated read of the year and I was just dying to get to it that I downloaded it on my kindle at 3:30am so I could start reading it. I just loved the first two books so much; the second is probably in my top ten favourite books of all time.
It lived up to pretty much zero of my expectations. And maybe that was just me. Maybe I was holding the books to such a high standard that I was expecting way too much of this book and it simply couldn't deliver on what I wanted. I guess that's okay. It's still a disappointment.
The best part of the book remains the chemistry and relationship between Evangeline and Jacks. Unfortunately, they do not interact in this book nearly enough. In the first half, their interactions are incredibly sparse. When that was the real selling point of the series, it kind of makes the early part of the book drag on.
The worst part of the book is Apollo.I get it, I get it. He's the villain. Blah blah blah. I didn't need his point of view. It just irritated me since each one was him just repeating the same things over and over to try and justify shit to himself. I don't think they really added too much to the story. Maybe it helped us see into his mind that about how he thought he was a good guy. I didn't really care. A lot of his thoughts were repetitive and didn't make or break the story. It would have been nicer to have more time with Evangeline and Jacks. And he got MORE POV chapters than Jacks? What the actual fuck.
At the ending of the second book, the memory loss got me and I was so ready for the angst and the agony and the drama, but boy did this book make me regret being so into the idea.Evangeline spends sooooo much time being a wishy-washy pain in the ass because of it. She loves Apollo, she doesn't trust Apollo, she wants to stay married, she wants to run away, who's Archer, she's into Archer, oh no Archer is evil. The cycle repeats it's for about 60% of the damn book that it got so exhausting to read about. I was over it so quickly that the moment she remembered her memories was such a relief.
I appreciate the supporting cast. Lala, Castor, even fucking Aurora. They were fun and added a little sparkle to the story that felt like it was missing a lot of the whimsical magic that the previous two books were so full of. I think that was one of the issues with the book: it did not feel magical the way that the other two books did.
I'm on the fence about how I feel about the ending. I kept waiting for something real and substantial to wrap it up with but it felt almost tacked on and rushed, as if there wasn't enough time to write a full and proper ending that wrapped up the plot threads the previous two books - hell, that this book - laid out. Unsatisfying, is the best word to describe it. It's not about whether or not it was a happy ending (which I'm glad they got one because if they didn't after all that, I'd be actually mad-mad ), it was about whether or not they got the happy ending that they deserved after all the shit that happened to them. And they didn't. They deserved better than what that ending was.
It honestly just feels like there was very much one thing fans of this book wanted (Evangeline x Jacks and lots of drama, angst and romance) and we got... not that. I just can't believe Jacks got shafted so hard in his trilogy's finale. He probably showed up way more in Finale than he did in this. He deserved sooo much better than this.
Honestly, if you enjoyed it, good for you. I'm glad you did. I, sadly, didn't but that's the way it goes.
It lived up to pretty much zero of my expectations. And maybe that was just me. Maybe I was holding the books to such a high standard that I was expecting way too much of this book and it simply couldn't deliver on what I wanted. I guess that's okay. It's still a disappointment.
The best part of the book remains the chemistry and relationship between Evangeline and Jacks. Unfortunately, they do not interact in this book nearly enough. In the first half, their interactions are incredibly sparse. When that was the real selling point of the series, it kind of makes the early part of the book drag on.
The worst part of the book is Apollo.
At the ending of the second book, the memory loss got me and I was so ready for the angst and the agony and the drama, but boy did this book make me regret being so into the idea.
I appreciate the supporting cast. Lala, Castor, even fucking Aurora. They were fun and added a little sparkle to the story that felt like it was missing a lot of the whimsical magic that the previous two books were so full of. I think that was one of the issues with the book: it did not feel magical the way that the other two books did.
I'm on the fence about how I feel about the ending. I kept waiting for something real and substantial to wrap it up with but it felt almost tacked on and rushed, as if there wasn't enough time to write a full and proper ending that wrapped up the plot threads the previous two books - hell, that this book - laid out. Unsatisfying, is the best word to describe it. It's not about whether or not it was a happy ending (
It honestly just feels like there was very much one thing fans of this book wanted (Evangeline x Jacks and lots of drama, angst and romance) and we got... not that. I just can't believe Jacks got shafted so hard in his trilogy's finale. He probably showed up way more in Finale than he did in this. He deserved sooo much better than this.
Honestly, if you enjoyed it, good for you. I'm glad you did. I, sadly, didn't but that's the way it goes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Domestic abuse, and Murder
k_lee_reader's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Oh my gosh 😭😭😭😭😍😍😍😍 I love this book and this series so much. it ended so perfectly. I'm so happy with how they ended up together--their love for each other is strong enough to break any curse. Jacks has had his heart broken soooo many times and then Evangeline comes along and he's scared. he'll do anything not to lose her, even if that means pushing her away. but, thankfully, Eva is too stubborn and has so much hope and love that she chases after him, until she shows him that he doesn't have to be afraid. OH MY GOSH. I don't think I'll recover from this.
I was SOOO happy when the only thing Eva could remember was Jack's and OMG when she slapped Apollo--YES GIRL. and Jacks BEAT HIM UP. he deserves it, that nasty, loathsome bastard. He's the worst. BUT JACKS AND EVANGELINE 🩷🩷 HE GOT HIS FOX 🦊🩷🍏
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Death and Murder
Minor: Cursing
noellegrace8's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Okay why were people so mad about this book?? I do agree that there are a lot of loose ends, but doesn't that just mean we'll get more answers in some of her other books? She's coming out with a new Caraval book in a couple months. I actually haven't even read Caraval yet, mostly because I didn't know it existed, but now I think I'm going to. This trilogy was SO good.
Good things: Evajacks is as enticing as ever. And the plot introduces new elements like the two trees and Jacks' heart, which keeps the interest up. Evangeline is portrayed as having more willpower than ever (if you don't think that's possible, just wait). I like that even she has some character development in this one, not just Jacks. I also usually hate the amnesia trope but man. This one... actually does it well?? I finally understood WHY people use it. You're given even more insight into just how much Evangeline is drawn to this man (fate), that not even loss of memory can separate them. Certain characters get their comeuppance. Others' is foreshadowed... but yeah. It was just... a well-written book.
The bad: again, loose ends. I'm confused as to why Marisol and Luc both just kind of disappeared. The history of the arch, the Valors, Jacks, etc.? That's clear as mud, still. I need more answers! Also, we really needed to have been given a glimpse into Apollo's character before meeting him in OUABH. Because his absolutely treacherous, vile behavior in this book is confusing. Was he always like this? Did the curses drive him mad? Unsure. Also, you get a quarter of the way through the book before Jacks makes an appearance, which is torture! But I also think it was done kind of well.... Additionally, I'm confused about Jacks' blood on the arch and the tavern door?? I kept expecting that maybe it's a protection spell or something? But no explanation. Just like there was no explanation for Eva's kiss breaking the spell. I have a theory that maybe someone else has to kiss him first, instead of him being the instigator? Unsure though. We better get a Lala book by the way. I need to know if she and Dain find love and break her curse. Also... how do they take out Jacks' heart and put it back in? It's just casually mentioned that we all have 2 hearts but never explained...
I give Rebecca Soler's performance 4.5/5⭐️. Too loud sometimes, but generally accurate to the text.
I give Dan Bittner 4/5⭐️. He didn't always sound the way I imagined the characters were talking, and his narration seems less organic than it should be.
Good things: Evajacks is as enticing as ever. And the plot introduces new elements like the two trees and Jacks' heart, which keeps the interest up. Evangeline is portrayed as having more willpower than ever (if you don't think that's possible, just wait). I like that even she has some character development in this one, not just Jacks. I also usually hate the amnesia trope but man. This one... actually does it well?? I finally understood WHY people use it. You're given even more insight into just how much Evangeline is drawn to this man (fate), that not even loss of memory can separate them. Certain characters get their comeuppance. Others' is foreshadowed... but yeah. It was just... a well-written book.
The bad: again, loose ends. I'm confused as to why Marisol and Luc both just kind of disappeared. The history of the arch, the Valors, Jacks, etc.? That's clear as mud, still. I need more answers! Also, we really needed to have been given a glimpse into Apollo's character before meeting him in OUABH. Because his absolutely treacherous, vile behavior in this book is confusing. Was he always like this? Did the curses drive him mad? Unsure. Also, you get a quarter of the way through the book before Jacks makes an appearance, which is torture! But I also think it was done kind of well.... Additionally, I'm confused about Jacks' blood on the arch and the tavern door?? I kept expecting that maybe it's a protection spell or something? But no explanation. Just like there was no explanation for Eva's kiss breaking the spell. I have a theory that maybe someone else has to kiss him first, instead of him being the instigator? Unsure though. We better get a Lala book by the way. I need to know if she and Dain find love and break her curse. Also... how do they take out Jacks' heart and put it back in? It's just casually mentioned that we all have 2 hearts but never explained...
I give Rebecca Soler's performance 4.5/5⭐️. Too loud sometimes, but generally accurate to the text.
I give Dan Bittner 4/5⭐️. He didn't always sound the way I imagined the characters were talking, and his narration seems less organic than it should be.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Cursing, Infidelity, Self harm, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, and Gaslighting
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Xenophobia, Cannibalism, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Classism
I added sexual assault/violence to the "minor" section because it's difficult to ignore the writing style of the scenes in which Apollo is restraining Evangeline, stealing memories, etc. It's written with sexual threat even if none actually happens.reminiscences's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Gaslighting
jessversteeg's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Loved this book in the trilogy, though I wish for more Jacks and Eva in love at the end. I need a novella with them being happy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Toxic relationship, and Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Domestic abuse, Violence, Blood, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Torture and Vomit
underscoresyd's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Toxic relationship, and Murder
kaneli's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, and Injury/Injury detail
boba_nbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Spice Rating: 🫑 / 5 🌶️
Stephanie Garber's writing is some of the best I've encountered in a long time. Written in the same vein as Rebecca Ross, Garber's trilogies will be ones I will return to time and time again.
Evangeline seems to have the perfect happily ever after. She's married to the prince of the Magnificent North and lives in a legendary castle. But something about this ending doesn't feel right to her. Evangeline searches to figure out what exactly it is that she's missing, even though her husband is determined to keep Evangeline's past a secret. The only way for him to secure his happily ever after is to kill Jacks, and he will do anything to go down in history.
As I reflected on this book, I realized that I came away from it with a lot of unanswered questions. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and it kept me on my toes, quickly flipping page after page. Some of the characters disappeared without a trace, and others whom you thought would play a larger role didn't get much time on the page. I think this book could've been 200, or even just 100, pages longer, and that would've solved for some of the things I was wondering about.
However, I completely enjoyed this trilogy. It and the Caraval trilogy are definitely some of the best series I've read in a while, and I'm so glad I gave them a chance. I can't wait to see what else Stephanie Garber has in store for our friends in the Magnificent North.
Stephanie Garber's writing is some of the best I've encountered in a long time. Written in the same vein as Rebecca Ross, Garber's trilogies will be ones I will return to time and time again.
Evangeline seems to have the perfect happily ever after. She's married to the prince of the Magnificent North and lives in a legendary castle. But something about this ending doesn't feel right to her. Evangeline searches to figure out what exactly it is that she's missing, even though her husband is determined to keep Evangeline's past a secret. The only way for him to secure his happily ever after is to kill Jacks, and he will do anything to go down in history.
As I reflected on this book, I realized that I came away from it with a lot of unanswered questions. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and it kept me on my toes, quickly flipping page after page. Some of the characters disappeared without a trace, and others whom you thought would play a larger role didn't get much time on the page. I think this book could've been 200, or even just 100, pages longer, and that would've solved for some of the things I was wondering about.
However, I completely enjoyed this trilogy. It and the Caraval trilogy are definitely some of the best series I've read in a while, and I'm so glad I gave them a chance. I can't wait to see what else Stephanie Garber has in store for our friends in the Magnificent North.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Animal death, Death, and Violence
Minor: Cursing, Sexual content, Torture, and Death of parent
zoeelora's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
libantoinette10's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I am the biggest fan of the first two books in this series - Ballad especially is one of my all time favourite books.
Whilst I enjoyed the easy read that this book was, it did leave me feeling a little disappointed and underwhelmed. I felt a lot of the anticipation built in th second book unfortunately did not reach its peak in the third, and left a lot of questions unanswered. The mix of three POVS personally worked for me but I did feel like there wasn't enough Jacks POV's. I felt the love declaration was somewhat missing despite it being set up to be immense in the first two books.
I'm so pleased Jacks and Eva got their happy ending, and it was an enjoyable read but overall it just didn't quite live up to the first books, which is a shame as I really really wanted to love this.
Whilst I enjoyed the easy read that this book was, it did leave me feeling a little disappointed and underwhelmed. I felt a lot of the anticipation built in th second book unfortunately did not reach its peak in the third, and left a lot of questions unanswered. The mix of three POVS personally worked for me but I did feel like there wasn't enough Jacks POV's. I felt the love declaration was somewhat missing despite it being set up to be immense in the first two books.
I'm so pleased Jacks and Eva got their happy ending, and it was an enjoyable read but overall it just didn't quite live up to the first books, which is a shame as I really really wanted to love this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, and Murder