REVIEW The Ballad of Never After (Once Upon a Broken Heart #2) by Stephanie Garber

The Ballad of Never After (Once Upon a Broken Heart #2) by Stephanie Garber
Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: September 13, 2022
Format: Hardcover (Personal Copy) + Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)
Publisher: Flatiron Books 

Stephanie Garber’s The Ballad of Never After picks up after the events of Once Upon a Broken Heart. Evangeline is reeling from Jacks’ betrayal and determined to lift the curse off her new husband Apollo, convinced the happily ever after ending she’s been chasing is almost within her reach. Her plans also include preventing the Fates from opening the Valory arch, but when Apollo wakes under the effects of a new curse that may be the only hope to save him. Forced to team up with the roguish Prince of Hearts, they must hunt down the missing arch stones and risk opening the Arch (and unleashing the terrible force it is rumored to be holding back).

“It was a smile like a fairytale, part villain, part hero, part impossible ever after. She couldn’t bear how much she loved it.”

The romance between Evangeline and Jacks really moves forward in this book. It’s still very much a slow-burn romance, but the tension between them is increasing, and they transition from being always combative with each other to occasional reluctant allies. I love their fun banter and how readers see more of Jacks’ backstory in this book (along with some of the other Fates). The curse on Evangeline and Apollo does complicate things, especially toward the end of the book and I’m dying to know how things will end up for them. After all, I’m a proud fan of the Evangeline and Jacks ship (Apollo is awful for Evangeline, so he needs to leave and find his happily ever after with someone else). 

I love Stephanie Garber’s whimsical writing, and she didn’t disappoint with this book. She paints imaginative pictures (like midnight armies of sparkles or pastry goblins) and evokes all of your senses (Jacks’ scent of apples and magic sounds absolutely divine). Readers will enjoy all of the traditional fairytale elements she weaves into the story, all without feeling repetitive or predictable. If you can pick up a physical copy of the book, I highly recommend it! The North is a land filled with magic and fairy tales, and the map helps bring that to life (an eBook version of the map simply doesn’t do it justice). 

Once again, Stephanie Garber delivered an amazing book with The Ballad of Never After. That ending was a cliffhanger and emotionally gut-wrenching, so I’m relieved that there will be a sequel. I would have rioted if that was the ending to Jacks and Evangeline’s story. Rebecca Soler delivered another stellar performance with this audiobook narration. I would recommend the Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart series to young adult readers who enjoy whimsical fairy tales, intricate world-building, and well-developed characters. 

About the Book

Not every love is meant to be.

After Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, betrays her, Evangeline Fox swears she'll never trust him again. 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.

But when a new terrifying curse is revealed, Evangeline finds herself entering into a tenuous partnership with the Prince of Hearts again. Only this time, the rules have changed. Jacks isn’t the only force Evangeline needs to be wary of. In fact, he might be the only one she can trust, despite her desire to despise him.

Instead of a love spell wreaking havoc on Evangeline’s life, a murderous spell has been cast. 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. Evangeline has always trusted her heart, but this time she’s not sure she can...

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.

About the Author

Stephanie Garber is the #1  New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of THE CARAVAL SERIES, which has been translated in over 25 languages. Her newest book, ONCE UPON A BROKEN HEART, releases September 28, 2021.

When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading or watching television shows with vampires. Now that her dream of becoming a published author has come true, her new dream is to visit Club 33 at Disneyland.

If your dream is to write books, Stephanie has a list of writing resources HERE. She also has a list of past interviews for anyone who’s trying to do a school assignment, or just curious about her writing: FIRST DRAFT PODCAST, 88 CUPS OF TEA, INTERVIEW WITH A CLOCKWORK READER, BOOKS INC. INTERVIEW, LIBRO.FM INTERVIEW.

Once Upon a Broken Heart (Once Upon a Broken Heart Book 1) by Stephanie Garber

Once Upon a Broken Heart (Once Upon a Broken Heart Book 1) by Stephanie Garber
Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: September 28, 2021
Format: Hardback (Barnes and Noble Exclusive Edition) + Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)
Publisher: Flatiron Books

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Evangeline thought she had it all. A boy who loved her, a father with a magical curiosity shop - that’s all she needed to be content. But when the boy she loves suddenly announces his engagement to her stepsister, Evangeline is convinced that he must be cursed. Not able to see any other choice, Evangeline makes a deal with the Prince of Hearts - the only Fate she thinks might be able to empathize with the situation. However, Evangeline ends up getting in over her head, as she should have realized that Jacks never makes a deal that doesn’t somehow benefit himself. An intricate and unpredictable adventure ensues as Evangeline is forced to guard her heart and do her best to make sure it is not broken for a second time. 

I loved how Garber kept me on the edge of my seat. Jacks is the type to play his cards close to his chest, so it took a while to get a clear picture of what his plans might be. Readers got to unravel the mystery as Evangeline did. It was also nice to get to see a different side of Jacks when he interacted with the other Fates. He’s definitely not a “hero”, but there are times when he does act with good intentions. Evangeline seems to be Jack’s opposite. For all the horrible, painful things she is subjected to over the course of the book she has a very strong spirit and she never loses her sense of wonder. 

While this is set in the same world as the original Caraval books, you don’t necessarily need to have read the original series to understand everything that’s going on in this book. However, I would caution those who have not finished Finale as this book will spoil Finale’s ending. The cameo appearances from the characters of Caraval were very sweet - I’m so happy to see that everything has worked out well for them.

With regards to the audiobook, Rebecca Soler did a great job. She really brought the emotions of the characters to life. For example, the heart-to-heart scene with Marisol and Evangeline at the end of the book was one of my favorite moments. Both Marisol and Evangeline are opening up, sharing a very vulnerable side with each other and Rebecca absolutely nailed it. For those who are curious, Rebecca is the same narrator for the Caraval series audiobooks.  

Overall, a beautiful and enchanting fantasy romance novel. One of my favorite starts to a companion or spin-off series ever! If you love the original Caraval series, then you will surely enjoy Once Upon a Broken Heart. I’m excited to see what’s next for Jacks and Evangeline when the next book, The Ballad of Never After, comes out in September 2022.

Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan

Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan
Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: October 26, 2021
Format: Hardcover (Personal Library) + Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

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Rick Riordan proved that he is not limited to stories based on fantasy or mythology with his latest book, Daughter of the Deep, a sci-fi tale inspired by Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Daughter of the Deep follows Ana Dakkar, a freshman prefect in Harding Pencroft Academy’s Dolphin House. When the unimaginable happens, Ana is forced to lead her classmates and fend off attacks from Harding-Pencroft’s rival school, Land Institute. Will she be able to successfully step into her ancestor’s shoes and come out unscathed on the other end?

There are some similarities between Ana and Percy’s stories. For example, both books have a water theme. Both Ana and Percy are put into positions of leadership because of who they are related to (Captain Nemo and Poseidon respectively). However, the similarities end there. Percy’s adventures are filled with monsters of legend and figures straight out of Greek Myth.  Ana’s adventures, while related to the tales recounted in Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and The Mysterious Island, fall under the umbrella of science fiction and things that could be achieved in the future. 

The characters in Daughter of the Deep are quite diverse. Harding-Pencroft’s freshman class and staff come from a variety of backgrounds, faiths, and experiences, and that ends up playing a role in the events of the book. Nothing ever felt thrown in just to check a box. For example, Ester Harding is the first character in one of Rick Riordan’s books to be on the autism spectrum. Rick chose not to focus on what society usually portrays as the “negative” side effects or symptoms of autism. Instead, Rick focused on how Ester’s autism ends up being a benefit to her classmates. While Ester has some struggles in human social interaction, her autism allows her to be more empathetic and enables her to communicate with sea animals. Ester’s roommates (Ana and Nelinha) never look down on her for her quirks, they simply make the adjustments necessary to make her life simpler. 

The audiobook narration was one of my favorite parts of this book. Soneela Nankani is a fantastic narrator, and she knocked it out of the park with this one. I also loved the sound effects that were played in the background. For example, there is a scene with Ana playing the pipe organ. The song that she is playing is featured in the background during that scene, and it really added to the reading experience. 

Overall, another smash hit from Rick Riordan. Full of his trademark humor and fast-paced adventure, anyone who loves the Percy Jackson books absolutely has to check out Daughter of the Deep ASAP. It is aimed at a middle-grade audience, but I believe that readers of all ages will be able to enjoy this book. If you are able, I highly recommend checking out the audiobook. As of right now, I believe the book is intended to be standalone but I’m crossing all my fingers and toes that he expands on the universe in the future. I would love to see what’s next for the new Captain Nemo and her crew.

About the Book

Ana Dakkar is a freshman at Harding-Pencroft Academy, a five-year high school that graduates the best marine scientists, naval warriors, navigators, and underwater explorers in the world. Ana's parents died while on a scientific expedition two years ago, and the only family's she's got left is her older brother, Dev, also a student at HP. Ana's freshman year culminates with the class's weekend trial at sea, the details of which have been kept secret. She only hopes she has what it'll take to succeed. All her worries are blown out of the water when, on the bus ride to the ship, Ana and her schoolmates witness a terrible tragedy that will change the trajectory of their lives.

But wait, there's more. The professor accompanying them informs Ana that their rival school, Land Institute, and Harding-Pencroft have been fighting a cold war for a hundred and fifty years. Now that cold war has been turned up to a full broil, and the freshman are in danger of becoming fish food. In a race against deadly enemies, Ana will make amazing friends and astounding discoveries about her heritage as she puts her leadership skills to the test for the first time.

About the Author

Rick Riordan is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over twenty novels for young readers, including the Percy Jackson series, the Kane Chronicles, the Magnus Chase series and the Trials of Apollo. He is also the author of the multi-award-winning Tres Navarre mystery series for adults.

For fifteen years, Rick taught English and history at public and private middle schools in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Texas. While teaching in San Antonio, Saint Mary’s Hall honored him with the school’s first Master Teacher Award.

While teaching full time, Riordan began writing mystery novels for grownups. His Tres Navarre series went on to win the top three national awards in the mystery genre – the Edgar, the Anthony and the Shamus. Riordan turned to children’s fiction when he started The Lightning Thief as a bedtime story for his oldest son.

Today, over one hundred million copies of his books are in print in the United States alone, and rights have been sold into more than 37 countries.

Rick Riordan now writes full-time. He lives in Boston with his wife and two sons.

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Crave (Crave #1) by Tracy Wolff

Crave (Crave #1) by Tracy Wolff
Rating: 3.5 Stars

Release Date: April 7, 2020

Format: Hardcover + Audiobook

Publisher: Entangled Teen

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I finally understand why people compare this series to Twilight so much. The covers are very similar, and they are both teenage angsty vampire romance stories. In addition to being similar to Twilight, I also feel like Crave was reminiscent of Vampire Academy.

I loved the more traditional vampires (no sparkling in the sunlight - yay!) and the inclusion of more paranormal species. Nothing felt thrown in just for the heck of it. Everything had a purpose. I also really enjoyed the relationship between Grace and Jaxon.

On the other hand, I didn't enjoy the pop culture references. It got very redundant towards the end, and I especially did not enjoy the slang/abbreviations (wtf, fml, af, and so on). It didn't really add anything to the story, and it took me out of the reading experience when they appeared.

Crave was still very entertaining and I look forward to reading Crush to see what happens next.

About the Author

Tracy Wolff is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over sixty novels that run the gamut from young adult action adventures to new adult romance and from women’s fiction to erotica. A long-time lover of vampires, dragons and all things that go bump in the night, Tracy loves nothing more than combining her affection for paranormal creatures with her love of writing tortured heroes and kick-butt heroines.

When she’s not writing (which is a rare occurrence), she can be found trying out new recipes, offering make-up tips online, wandering comic book/gaming stores with her sons, and watching movies or plotting stories with her besties. A one time English professor, she now writes full-time from her home in Austin, Texas, which she shares with her family. Her most recent work, the young adult vampire novel, CRAVE, “is about to become fandom’s new favorite vampire romance obsession” (Hypable).

Photos of Tracy were taken by Mayra K Calderón.

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Skyhunter (Skyhunter Duology Book 1) by Marie Lu

Skyhunter (Skyhunter Duology Book 1) by Marie Lu

Rating: 4 Stars

Release Date: September 29, 2020

Format: Hardcover

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

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Skyhunter was one of my more memorable reads of 2020. First of all, without reading a word of the story one immediately notices that the cover is gorgeous (both the jacket and the inside cover). My favorite cover of all of Marie Lu’s works. I thought the sprayed edges on the hardback were cool too. 

The novel is set in a dystopian world, and Lu lives up to my expectations from previous reads. There is more of a science fiction aspect to this series than some of her other books, as the “Ghosts” factor heavily into the events of the novel. 

I really liked Talin and Red. Talin is our main character (and we see the events of the story from her point of view) so we get to know her fairly well. The mind-to-mind conversations were cool, and I feel like they allowed Talin and Red to connect on a level that her main characters from the other series can’t. It was cool to see the use of sign language in the book. I also really liked Adena and Jaran as secondary characters. 

I really enjoyed this read, and I’m looking forward to the second installment in the series so I can (hopefully) get some of my questions answered. 

About the Book

A Quiet Place meets Attack on Titan in this unputdownable, adrenaline-laced novel.

Strikers are loyal. With unparalleled, deadly fighting skills. With a willingness to do anything--including sacrifice their own lives--to defend Mara, the world's last free nation. But to the very people she protects, Talin is seen as an outcast first and a Striker second.

No matter what others think, Talin lets nothing distract her from keeping the evil Federation and its army of haunting, mutant beasts at bay. Until a mysterious prisoner shows up and disrupts Talin's entire world. Is he a spy? A product of the Federation's sinister experiments? The clock is ticking for Talin to unravel the prisoner's secrets and discover whether he's the weapon that will save--or destroy--them all.

Explore the chilling realities of war and the power of hope in Skyhunter, with slow burn romance and nonstop action that will have you racing to the end.

About the Author

I write young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, I was born in 1984. Before becoming a full-time writer, I was an Art Director at a video game company. Now I shuffle around at home and talk to myself a lot. :)

I graduated from the University of Southern California in '06 and currently live in LA, where I spend my time stuck on the freeways

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Empire of the Vampire (Empire of the Vampire Book 1) by Jay Kristoff

Empire of the Vampire (Empire of the Vampire Book 1) by Jay Kristoff

Rating: 5 Stars

Release Date: September 14, 2021

Format: eARC (Sampler) + Hardcover + Audiobook

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

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Readers should buckle up and be prepared for anything before embarking on the wild ride that is Jay Kristoff’s Empire of the Vampire. It is a beast of a story that is filled with incredibly well-developed characters and multiple unexpected plot twists. Jay Kristoff has proven that the world is not done with vampires just yet. Curious readers should take a look at the content warning list (at the bottom of my review) prior to starting to read this book as there is a LOT happening. Empire of the Vampire is in no way a book I would recommend to younger readers due to the violence, the language, and the sexual content featured. However, adult fans of dark paranormal fantasy should absolutely love it. 

Empire of the Vampire is a dark, gritty vampire tale that follows Gabriel de Leon, the last Silversaint, as he shares his life story with the court historian. I love how the art is incorporated into the story. The artwork featured in the book is supposed to be what the historian is drawing as he takes down all the details of Gabriel’s life. The illustrator of the book, Bon Orthwick, absolutely did an amazing job illustrating some of the key moments in the life of the last silver saint. I hope that the other books in the series continue to include illustrations, as I can’t wait to see what else she produces. My favorite piece is the one she described as “thousands and thousands of vampires” - this piece was featured on her Instagram (@monolimeart) so I’m not really spoiling anything by sharing the description. 

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review a teaser eARC of Empire of the Vampire. I loved it so much that I got the hardback and the audiobook - one hundred percent worth it. Can’t wait to read the next installment in the series! 

CW: adult language, graphic content, graphic sexual content, violence, torture

About the Author

Jay Kristoff is a #1 international, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fantasy and science fiction. He is the winner of eight Aurealis Awards, an ABIA, has over two million books in print and is published in over thirty five countries, most of which he has never visited. He is as surprised about all of this as you are. He is 6’7 and has approximately 12,000 days to live.

He does not believe in happy endings.

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Last Gate of the Emperor by Kwame Mbalia and Prince Joel Makonnen

Last Gate of the Emperor by Kwame Mbalia and Prince Joel Makonnen

Rating: 4 Stars

Release Date: May 4, 2021

Format: Hardcover + Audiobook (library)

Publisher: Scholastic

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Last Gate of the Emperor by Kwame Mbalia and Prince Joel Makonnen is a perfect book for young fans of sci-fi adventure. If you loved Mr. Mbalia's humor in the Tristan Strong series, then I suspect you'll be a big fan of Yared's story. I think the book will appeal to younger gamers as well, given Yared's enthusiasm over HKO and his in-game rivalry with the Ibis. 

As much as it's required, Yared couldn't be bothered with school. His passion is the augmented reality game Hunt for Kaleb's Obelisk, or HKO. His dream is to win the Championship prize and beat his rival while doing so. His only real friend is his mechanical feline companion, Besa. When he breaks his uncle's cardinal rule and uses his real name online, he sets off a chain of events far beyond anything he could have ever expected. 

I loved the dynamic between Yared and the Ibis. Their relationship starts out as in-game rivals, but necessity quickly convinces them together. It's very easy to misjudge someone for their in-game persona - the scene where they bond while fixing Besa was one of my favorites. As a note, there is no romance aspect to their relationship. Yared and the Ibis are more like siblings than anything. 

I was amused by Yared's attitude and sass. If I talked like that to adults when I was Yared's age, I would have been grounded for weeks. Somehow, it seems to work for Yared so more power to him. The "audio transcript file" interactions between Yared and the auditor were especially funny.

Prince Araya Mengesha's performance as narrator was energetic and humorous. He did a great job with bringing Yared's personality to life, and adding depth to the story. I was surprised that this was his first narration, and I'll be keeping an eye out for anything they might work on in the future.

About the Authors

KWAME MBALIA is a husband, father, writer, a New York Times bestselling author, and a former pharmaceutical metrologist in that order. He is the author of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, a Coretta Scott King Honor book. He lives with his family in North Carolina. Visit him online at kwamembalia.com.

Kwame Mbalia Author Photo by Bryan Jones Photograhy

PRINCE JOEL MAKONNEN is the great-grandson of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I, the last emperor of Ethiopia. He is an attorney and the co-founder of Old World/New World, a media and entertainment company focused on telling powerful African stories that inspire global audiences through film, TV and books. He lives with his wife, Ariana, in Los Angeles.

Prince Joel Makonnen Author Photo by Talaya Waller

REVIEW Namesake (Fable #2) by Adrienne Young

Namesake (Fable #2) by Adrienne Young

Rating: 5 Stars

Release Date: March 16, 2021

Format: Hardcover/Audiobook

Publisher: Wednesday Books

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Namesake is one of my most anticipated reads this year, and it didn’t disappoint. Adrienne Young’s sequel to smash hit Fable picks up right where the last book left off, with Fable in a bit of a pickle and in need of rescuing as she is taken captive on the Luna. The narrator, Emma Lysy did a fantastic job bringing the different characters to life in the audiobook version. 

While the first book focuses on Fable’s relationship with her father, Namesake focuses on Fable’s relationship with her mother. For fans of Saint, don’t despair, Saint still makes an appearance in this book (yay!). Namesake’s story pulled at my heartstrings and is a tale focused on family, friendship, love, acceptance, and hope. I think Fable is one of my favorite young adult heroines of all time. I loved how the crew of the Marigold is able to find a family in each other. The character development in this book is AMAZING (the morally grey characters in the story are some of my favorites). With regards to the ending, it was very fulfilling and satisfying. While I would love to live in this world forever, I feel very happy with how things were left off. 

Fingers crossed a prequel focusing on Saint will come out someday in the future. I would love to learn more about some of the adult characters featured in the book.

About the Book

Following the Hello Sunshine Book Club pick Fable, New York Times bestselling author Adrienne Young returns with Namesake, a captivating conclusion to the duology, filled with action, emotion, and lyrical writing.

Trader. Fighter. Survivor.

With the Marigold ship free of her father, Fable and its crew were set to start over. That freedom is short-lived when she becomes a pawn in a notorious thug's scheme. In order to get to her intended destination she must help him to secure a partnership with Holland, a powerful gem trader who is more than she seems.

As Fable descends deeper into a world of betrayal and deception, she learns that the secrets her mother took to her grave are now putting the people Fable cares about in danger. If Fable is going to save them then she must risk everything, including the boy she loves and the home she has finally found.

About the Author

Adrienne Young is the New York Times, USA Today, and Indie list bestselling author of the Sky in the Deep duology, the Fable series, and the forthcoming Spells for Forgetting. Her books have been published in over twenty-five countries around the world and Fable had the honor of being selected as a Reese’s Bookclub YA Pick. 

Young is also the creator of the continuously sold out Writing With the Soul Workshop and numerous initiatives to support women and youth storytellers, including the Fable Grant. Her first nonfiction project is the soon to be released The Storytellers Workbook, in collaboration with artist and author Isabel Ibañez. 

When she’s not writing, you can find Adrienne on her yoga mat, on a walk in the woods, or planning her next travel adventure. She lives and writes in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

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