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o_kay22's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
bethtabler's review against another edition
4.0
The final book in The Omte Origins, Ever After, brings to a close the exciting series staring Ullaakuut "Ulla" Tulin. While the previous novels in the series had a lighter tone, Ever After delves into Ulla's experiences as she was held captive by the Älvolk and its traumatic effects on her psyche.
In this final story, Ulla and her friends from her time in Merella search for the mythical first city and the bridge that connects the realms. The Omte Origins series is just that, the origins of the Omte people talked about in her Trylle series. If you are familiar with the Omte series of books and the rich history that Amanda Hocking created. One of the aspects that I enjoyed in the original series was taking the idea of a troll and turning it on its ear.
Trolls have always been depicted as dirty and scary creatures, a la Harry Potter. Instead, the history of the troll people is much more complicated, nodding to both Scandanavian and Norse people. The original series touches on some of the mythos, but I am glad that Hocking took the time and detailing of this series to flesh out the ideas.
The Omte Origins story follows a naive Ulla, as she first comes to Merella for education and a chance to research her family find who abandoned her. Even with everything Ulla has been through, she has an endearing kindness that permeates her interactions with people. This draws people to her. In the previous two books, Ulla meets Dagny and Pan. Both become very important in her life but in different ways. Dagny becomes a surly sister and Pan a love interest. This basis of family helps give Ulla the stability to seek her missing family and find out what really happened.
Ever After is a super fun conclusion to the series. It is both heartfelt and action-packed, which is par for the course for Hocking's books. They are always a good mashup. Check out this series and all of the Trylle books.
In this final story, Ulla and her friends from her time in Merella search for the mythical first city and the bridge that connects the realms. The Omte Origins series is just that, the origins of the Omte people talked about in her Trylle series. If you are familiar with the Omte series of books and the rich history that Amanda Hocking created. One of the aspects that I enjoyed in the original series was taking the idea of a troll and turning it on its ear.
Trolls have always been depicted as dirty and scary creatures, a la Harry Potter. Instead, the history of the troll people is much more complicated, nodding to both Scandanavian and Norse people. The original series touches on some of the mythos, but I am glad that Hocking took the time and detailing of this series to flesh out the ideas.
The Omte Origins story follows a naive Ulla, as she first comes to Merella for education and a chance to research her family find who abandoned her. Even with everything Ulla has been through, she has an endearing kindness that permeates her interactions with people. This draws people to her. In the previous two books, Ulla meets Dagny and Pan. Both become very important in her life but in different ways. Dagny becomes a surly sister and Pan a love interest. This basis of family helps give Ulla the stability to seek her missing family and find out what really happened.
Ever After is a super fun conclusion to the series. It is both heartfelt and action-packed, which is par for the course for Hocking's books. They are always a good mashup. Check out this series and all of the Trylle books.
bethtabler's review against another edition
4.0
The final book in The Omte Origins, Ever After, brings to a close the exciting series staring Ullaakuut "Ulla" Tulin. While the previous novels in the series had a lighter tone, Ever After delves into Ulla's experiences as she was held captive by the Älvolk and its traumatic effects on her psyche.
In this final story, Ulla and her friends from her time in Merella search for the mythical first city and the bridge that connects the realms. The Omte Origins series is just that, the origins of the Omte people talked about in her Trylle series. If you are familiar with the Omte series of books and the rich history that Amanda Hocking created. One of the aspects that I enjoyed in the original series was taking the idea of a troll and turning it on its ear.
Trolls have always been depicted as dirty and scary creatures, a la Harry Potter. Instead, the history of the troll people is much more complicated, nodding to both Scandanavian and Norse people. The original series touches on some of the mythos, but I am glad that Hocking took the time and detailing of this series to flesh out the ideas.
The Omte Origins story follows a naive Ulla, as she first comes to Merella for education and a chance to research her family find who abandoned her. Even with everything Ulla has been through, she has an endearing kindness that permeates her interactions with people. This draws people to her. In the previous two books, Ulla meets Dagny and Pan. Both become very important in her life but in different ways. Dagny becomes a surly sister and Pan a love interest. This basis of family helps give Ulla the stability to seek her missing family and find out what really happened.
Ever After is a super fun conclusion to the series. It is both heartfelt and action-packed, which is par for the course for Hocking's books. They are always a good mashup. Check out this series and all of the Trylle books.
In this final story, Ulla and her friends from her time in Merella search for the mythical first city and the bridge that connects the realms. The Omte Origins series is just that, the origins of the Omte people talked about in her Trylle series. If you are familiar with the Omte series of books and the rich history that Amanda Hocking created. One of the aspects that I enjoyed in the original series was taking the idea of a troll and turning it on its ear.
Trolls have always been depicted as dirty and scary creatures, a la Harry Potter. Instead, the history of the troll people is much more complicated, nodding to both Scandanavian and Norse people. The original series touches on some of the mythos, but I am glad that Hocking took the time and detailing of this series to flesh out the ideas.
The Omte Origins story follows a naive Ulla, as she first comes to Merella for education and a chance to research her family find who abandoned her. Even with everything Ulla has been through, she has an endearing kindness that permeates her interactions with people. This draws people to her. In the previous two books, Ulla meets Dagny and Pan. Both become very important in her life but in different ways. Dagny becomes a surly sister and Pan a love interest. This basis of family helps give Ulla the stability to seek her missing family and find out what really happened.
Ever After is a super fun conclusion to the series. It is both heartfelt and action-packed, which is par for the course for Hocking's books. They are always a good mashup. Check out this series and all of the Trylle books.
recordofabibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
What an awesome ending to a really beautiful story! The storyline is all tied up and doesn't leave you feeling like there are missing odds and ends. I enjoyed reading about Ulla and the gang!
Hocking's story telling is so easy to follow, concise and enjoyable.
Hocking's story telling is so easy to follow, concise and enjoyable.
lisaluvsliterature's review against another edition
4.0
This was a very detailed and perfect ending to this trilogy. I also loved how it brought all the different types of trolls from the other series together. One thing that I was really appreciative of was how the author made sure to kind of do a recap as the story went along, in ways that fit in seamlessly instead of like an info dump at the very beginning to refresh what had happened in the books before.
Ulla finally does learn who her true parents are, and we get to see many of the characters and locations from the other books and like I said, it brings it all back together for a final battle where we join with characters we knew from the first two series that go with this one. There are creatures that are so unique, like murder snails, yeah, you read that right. And the spiders, whoa! They make another appearance similar to what Ulla found in one of the earlier books of this trilogy. Towards the end I felt a little bit like the battle was going on for so long, but part of that could be because we started getting very short chapters from people that were the main characters in the other series, Wendy and Bryn, interspersed with Ulla’s chapters.
The title of the second book gets a bit of an exploration with a rhyme/song in this book. And there is a bit of a time conundrum for some of the characters that did have me doing some thinking as I read. Overall a good series, and I think one that would definitely be easy for someone to read now that they could sit down and read all three straight through.
Review first published on Lisa Loves Literature.
Ulla finally does learn who her true parents are, and we get to see many of the characters and locations from the other books and like I said, it brings it all back together for a final battle where we join with characters we knew from the first two series that go with this one. There are creatures that are so unique, like murder snails, yeah, you read that right. And the spiders, whoa! They make another appearance similar to what Ulla found in one of the earlier books of this trilogy. Towards the end I felt a little bit like the battle was going on for so long, but part of that could be because we started getting very short chapters from people that were the main characters in the other series, Wendy and Bryn, interspersed with Ulla’s chapters.
The title of the second book gets a bit of an exploration with a rhyme/song in this book. And there is a bit of a time conundrum for some of the characters that did have me doing some thinking as I read. Overall a good series, and I think one that would definitely be easy for someone to read now that they could sit down and read all three straight through.
Review first published on Lisa Loves Literature.
heylaurenisla's review against another edition
the first book was so slow, the second book picked up but i still didnt rlly understand what was going on, then the third book went so quick, mostly near the last couple pages LOL
like i wish there was more set up and the reader had more knowledge of what was going on. i thought it was so weird that ulla had a vision and suddenly she (and the reader) FINALLY understood everything. i get it, shes special but is she realllyyyyy that special? i wish there was more of an explanation as to why the ogonen were so powerful.
but the third book was really good, i found myself devouring it more than the first/second, even though it didn't seem like part of the trilogoy? very gory, lot of violence, war vibes etc. idk i really hope the very first series about the trolls are alot more flowy and comprehensive
like i wish there was more set up and the reader had more knowledge of what was going on. i thought it was so weird that ulla had a vision and suddenly she (and the reader) FINALLY understood everything. i get it, shes special but is she realllyyyyy that special? i wish there was more of an explanation as to why the ogonen were so powerful.
but the third book was really good, i found myself devouring it more than the first/second, even though it didn't seem like part of the trilogoy? very gory, lot of violence, war vibes etc. idk i really hope the very first series about the trolls are alot more flowy and comprehensive
booktubebekah's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely loved this series! Incredible storyline and characters!
the_bookbasket's review against another edition
3.0
Ulla Tulin wakes up in a plane with no memory of getting there. Her gut feeling tells her that something is up and that she needs to get to the bottom of it, but she needs her friends to help her fill in the missing pieces.
It's not every day that you suddenly forget a month worth of memories, but it's also not every day that you get captured by your father and half-sisters so they can perform a sacred ritual. Unfortunately, this is what happens to Ulla and her friends.
After leaving Sweden, Ulla tries to remember what has happened during the last month and why her father so badly wanted to drain her of her blood (no he is not a vampire, sorry).
I was of course more invested in The Ever After than I was in The Lost City. It feels like Hocking was just setting up a scene for a whole lot of things to happen in The Morning Flower and The Ever After. This is still a very good trilogy and I would definitely recommend it if you need some light fantasy reading.
The characters were a good bunch, although in a few years time I am sure I won't remember them all that well (She says like she really met them).. But I did enjoy the dynamics of the group.
Yes, Wendy and Finn from the original Trylle trilogy also make their way in the books, but I wasn't as invested in the characters this time.
Maybe a reread would change my opinion, in about two or three years.
It's not every day that you suddenly forget a month worth of memories, but it's also not every day that you get captured by your father and half-sisters so they can perform a sacred ritual. Unfortunately, this is what happens to Ulla and her friends.
After leaving Sweden, Ulla tries to remember what has happened during the last month and why her father so badly wanted to drain her of her blood (no he is not a vampire, sorry).
I was of course more invested in The Ever After than I was in The Lost City. It feels like Hocking was just setting up a scene for a whole lot of things to happen in The Morning Flower and The Ever After. This is still a very good trilogy and I would definitely recommend it if you need some light fantasy reading.
The characters were a good bunch, although in a few years time I am sure I won't remember them all that well (She says like she really met them).. But I did enjoy the dynamics of the group.
Yes, Wendy and Finn from the original Trylle trilogy also make their way in the books, but I wasn't as invested in the characters this time.
Maybe a reread would change my opinion, in about two or three years.
onebookmore's review against another edition
5.0
In The Ever After, Ulla, Pan, Dagny, and Elof have returned after being held captive, and none can remember their month of captivity. As Ulla and her friends try to regain their memories, they continue to uncover a plot that involves her parents, a mythical city, a mysterious and dangerous secret society, and mythological children’s stories. Ulla’s journey is long, complex, and dangerous, and the consequences of failing are severe. The Ever After is the most action-packed and exciting of the trilogy, and the unexpected twists left me shocked, devastated, and delighted.
I know I said it in my last review, but Hocking’s skill in creating vivid and immersive worlds bears repeating. The Omte Origins is a complex story with many layers, and Hocking weaves the story together as seamlessly and masterfully as she does the rest of the Trylle world. The characters, mythology, literature, languages, culture, and more are all dynamically developed and fascinating. I continue to be amazed at Hocking’s storytelling ability.
I loved the slow-building romance between Ulla and Pan. Their relationship is strong and deep, built on friendship, respect, trust, and admiration. Plus, they have great chemistry. I loved watching their connection grow throughout the first two books, and Hocking takes it to the next level in this one.
I also adored the protagonist, Ulla. Ulla is not a warrior. She’s not beautiful. She’s a little chubby, and she is the epitome of a hero. She is searching for herself, for a sense of where she came from and what happened to her and her family, but she finds out so much more than that. Ulla discovers things that can shake the foundation of the Trylle world. I love her determination, strength, perseverance, loyalty, and kindness. People gravitate to her because she is a good person and a true friend. She’s also the reason some of my favorite characters from Trylle and Kanin Chronicles (the first and second series in the Trylle world) make an appearance in this series.
You don’t need to read Trylle and Kanin Chronicles, but if you did, it’s fascinating to see how all of the characters and stories connect and merge in this epic conclusion. Wendy, Loki, Finn, Brynne, Tove, and so many other beloved characters return to help Ulla, Pan, and their friends in their quest. It is awesome and heartbreaking, and I didn’t want the story to end. Thanks so much to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.
https://onebookmore.com/2020/12/28/arc-review-the-ever-after-by-amanda-hocking/
I know I said it in my last review, but Hocking’s skill in creating vivid and immersive worlds bears repeating. The Omte Origins is a complex story with many layers, and Hocking weaves the story together as seamlessly and masterfully as she does the rest of the Trylle world. The characters, mythology, literature, languages, culture, and more are all dynamically developed and fascinating. I continue to be amazed at Hocking’s storytelling ability.
I loved the slow-building romance between Ulla and Pan. Their relationship is strong and deep, built on friendship, respect, trust, and admiration. Plus, they have great chemistry. I loved watching their connection grow throughout the first two books, and Hocking takes it to the next level in this one.
I also adored the protagonist, Ulla. Ulla is not a warrior. She’s not beautiful. She’s a little chubby, and she is the epitome of a hero. She is searching for herself, for a sense of where she came from and what happened to her and her family, but she finds out so much more than that. Ulla discovers things that can shake the foundation of the Trylle world. I love her determination, strength, perseverance, loyalty, and kindness. People gravitate to her because she is a good person and a true friend. She’s also the reason some of my favorite characters from Trylle and Kanin Chronicles (the first and second series in the Trylle world) make an appearance in this series.
You don’t need to read Trylle and Kanin Chronicles, but if you did, it’s fascinating to see how all of the characters and stories connect and merge in this epic conclusion. Wendy, Loki, Finn, Brynne, Tove, and so many other beloved characters return to help Ulla, Pan, and their friends in their quest. It is awesome and heartbreaking, and I didn’t want the story to end. Thanks so much to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.
https://onebookmore.com/2020/12/28/arc-review-the-ever-after-by-amanda-hocking/