As I just mentioned, when I read book one I had a lot of misgivings, but I also quite liked the whimsical nature of the worldbuilding and the simplicity of the plot. I felt less of that sense that I was missing something and got to enjoy what was happening way more because of it. I’m happy to say that The Ballad Never After was a way more satisfying read as it picks up all the threads that had been left loose by the end of book one and the recaps within were excellently done so as to not feel repetitive nor a waste of time. That said, the plot did stand on its own two feet and while I still had some reservations, I was looking forward to the sequel hoping to get answers to so many of the questions that came up. While this is mostly true, my main feeling throughout the whole of Once Upon a Broken Heart was that I was missing things and that I would’ve appreciated and understood way more of it had I read Caraval first. While I am familiar with that series, I’m yet to read it, and, when I first read book one, I was told that you do not need to have read Caraval in order to understand the events of this new series. In case you’re not familiar with the author’s debut trilogy, Caraval, you should know that this new series is a spin-off of sorts dedicated to an antihero from that trilogy. Garber sure knows how to pick her titles! Hello again dear reader or listener, I wish you a happy start to this week and today I offer up some ramblings on the sequel to Once Upon a Broken Heart, The Ballad of Never After. As always, this does not affect my thoughts and my commentary remains honest. Kenney at Flat Iron Books for sending me an eARC copy of this book to review. Evangeline has always trusted her heart, but this time she’s not sure she can.Ī thank you to Ms. 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. Instead of a love spell wreaking havoc on Evangeline’s life, a murderous spell has been cast. In fact, he might be the only one she can trust, despite her desire to despise him.

Jacks isn’t the only force Evangeline needs to be wary of. 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.īut when a new terrifying curse is revealed, Evangeline finds herself entering into a tenuous partnership with the Prince of Hearts again. 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.Īfter Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, betrays her, Evangeline Fox swears she’ll never trust him again.

The ballad of never after