A review by astoryofpages
The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
First of all, let me just say that Jacks carried the whole freaking thing all by himself. Jacks is much more present in this book than in the previous one (this is also why I found the beginning of book 1 a bit long). I adore him, he is truly an exceptional character who remains true to himself. But, I still have a lot of questions about him, his past, the Fates, and a lot of other things.
The plot is direct and quick, very quick, maybe too much sometimes. I enjoyed the first 80% of the book, but unfortunately, the end felt rushed. Basically, during the whole book, we collected so many questions, and by the end of it, we don't have all the answers. We need answers Steph! I remember I had little trouble with the girly princess aesthetic of the first book; it's still the case with this one, but I enjoyed it a little bit more because I knew I was going back to that atmosphere again. Or maybe because it was a bit darker (not that much but still a lot for this worldbuilding) with all these quests and curses and everything.
As for the plot, I need more info about the characters. Except for Jacks (but it's because we know him for a while now), the other characters are plain. I didn't like Evangeline for most of the book, because she's too childish for me (and a bit stupid 😬). The only thing I love about her is her relationship with Jacks because each of their interactions was ✨priceless✨ and the angst 🤌🏻 Right now I just need to reread some very precise scenes because I already miss them together 😩
Overall, for me, it's a nice book to read if you have no expectations. Everything is rushed, there's no deep explanation and details about this or that, the characters are okay, and Jacks is THE must of this book (and that's why I'm reading it). But it's a pleasant story if you want to read something light and relaxing 😌
The plot is direct and quick, very quick, maybe too much sometimes. I enjoyed the first 80% of the book, but unfortunately, the end felt rushed. Basically, during the whole book, we collected so many questions, and by the end of it, we don't have all the answers. We need answers Steph! I remember I had little trouble with the girly princess aesthetic of the first book; it's still the case with this one, but I enjoyed it a little bit more because I knew I was going back to that atmosphere again. Or maybe because it was a bit darker (not that much but still a lot for this worldbuilding) with all these quests and curses and everything.
As for the plot, I need more info about the characters. Except for Jacks (but it's because we know him for a while now), the other characters are plain. I didn't like Evangeline for most of the book, because she's too childish for me (and a bit stupid 😬). The only thing I love about her is her relationship with Jacks because each of their interactions was ✨priceless✨ and the angst 🤌🏻 Right now I just need to reread some very precise scenes because I already miss them together 😩
Overall, for me, it's a nice book to read if you have no expectations. Everything is rushed, there's no deep explanation and details about this or that, the characters are okay, and Jacks is THE must of this book (and that's why I'm reading it). But it's a pleasant story if you want to read something light and relaxing 😌
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Violence, and Murder