Review Detail

This review is under the assumption that a third book is coming -- if it is not, then this might really change.

First, what an adventure. I tore through this book so fast. While the first book gave us the story of the Valory Arches and the North - this one gave us so much more. I loved learning about the Great Houses and the Ballad of the Archer and the Fox. This just built upon an already interesting world to provide even more unique stories. Everything moved so fast for me, and I really was swept up in this magical world. It's really hard to talk about a lot of the events because of so many spoilers and this is a book you do not want spoiled for yourself. I really enjoyed the writing a lot more in this one. The use of descriptions were more minimal which helped me in my opinion. Her previous books were very descriptive and so many similes used -- if you liked that, then you might not enjoy this book as much. But for me, it worked. Then the ending. I just can't even because again, this cannot be the last book.

While I loved Evangeline's naivety in this first book, this one was a little hard. Mostly it was because of her feelings towards Jacks. Throughout the whole book she convinces herself that Jacks doesn't care for her while not once even second guessing why his heart is beating. She even mentions how Donatella got his heart beating again and that was a sign. So to me, this sign is clearly there but Evangeline just misses it? I'm glad that there was barely any Marisol but more Chaos. The vampire thing grew on me and by the end of the book, I didn't hate that there was vampires in it. And again, this cannot be the last book in the story.

Overall, The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber was an amazing installment, as long as there will be a third book! It's really hard to talk about the ending because, no spoilers. But I'm really hoping there is a third book. I would absolutely appreciate it. I need Evangeline to grow just a little more into her character. I need to learn more about the history and what happens next after discovering what's in the Valory Arch. I do feel like there is so much more story to tell that this cannot be the end. If you've loved this series up until now, please read this book but also prepare your heart!