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.