A review by mikasana
The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber

adventurous dark emotional lighthearted mysterious medium-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

4.5

Cute but messy.

This is definitely romance first and fantasy second. I feel like the first 66% of the book is half plot half side quest MESS and trying to navigate through the tide of what’s actual plot vs what isn’t could get tiresome. I feel like the story was trying so hard to be whimsical that it often backfired and made some very convoluted plot decisions that always had a “just wait and see” element to it. It felt chaotically sporadic and often frustrating at times.

And while I do not get the crazy hype around Jacks himself, EvaJacks did have their cute moments especially towards the end. Standard two idiots in love being two idiots in love. I personally think Evangeline deserves better but I love her character and will cheer for her chosen love regardless.

4.5/5