The ballad of never after

Stephanie Garber

Book - 2022

"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 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 th...e 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. . . "--

Saved in:

Young Adult Area Show me where

YOUNG ADULT FICTION/Garber Stephani
0 / 1 copies available
Location Call Number   Status
Young Adult Area YOUNG ADULT FICTION/Garber Stephani Due Apr 8, 2024
Subjects
Genres
Romance fiction
Fantasy fiction
Novels
Published
New York : Flatiron Books 2022.
Language
English
Main Author
Stephanie Garber (author)
Edition
First U.S. edition
Item Description
Sequel to: Once upon a broken heart.
Physical Description
403 pages ; 25 cm
Audience
Ages 13-18.
ISBN
9781250268426
9781250879530
Contents unavailable.
Review by Booklist Review

"If you are tempted to trust him again, remember all that he's done." So begins a letter from lead character Evangeline--one she wrote herself. Previously used as a tool and plaything for Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, one of the capricious Fates introduced in Once upon a Broken Heart (2021), she knows she has a weakness for him and his magical ways. Between her cursed husband, Apollo, and her first love, Luc--now a bloodthirsty vampire--Eva can hardly keep track of the odds stacked against her. She's been determined never to trust Jacks again, but it's starting to seem like she has no other choice--and Jacks certainly doesn't seem willing to give her one.Garber has created a lush fairy-tale world and each book in this series expands the lands and the Fates who torment them. While Evangeline remains the main character, it's a delight to continue to see how she relates to everyone around her, from Fates like Jacks and LaLa, to her husband Apollo, and her (actually wicked) stepsister Marisol.

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review

Gr 9 Up--This sequel to Once Upon a Broken Heart jumps right back into the action with Evangeline willing to go to desperate lengths to save Apollo. The only person she believes can help her is Jacks. She agrees to open the Valory Arch for him, but it's not long before a new curse slows them down and puts Evangeline's life in danger. Again, she's faced with the decision--can she trust a Fate? And can they both get what they want? Nonstop adventure and multiple twists will keep fans turning pages, and the will-they-won't-they nature of Jacks and Evangeline's relationship will leave readers breathless. Unfortunately, Evangeline hasn't grown much as a character, and her decisions are often frustrating. However, those who have yearned to return to this world won't be disappointed. Another cliffhanger ending all but ensures more to come. Most characters cue white; a few have "olive" or darker skin. VERDICT Recommended for fans of romance and fantasy, and where the first book was popular.--Mandy Laferriere

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review

Evangeline faces new dangers in her quest for happiness in this follow-up to 2021's Once Upon a Broken Heart. As Evangeline Fox seeks a cure for her poisoned husband, Prince Apollo, the enticing and infuriating Fate Jacks reappears, offering to save Apollo if she unlocks the Valory Arch. Remembering the long list of ills brought upon her by the Fate, Evangeline refuses. When the new heir arrives and Apollo wakes with a new curse and glowing red eyes, she is forced to delve into the mysteries of the Valors and find the arch's four missing magical stones whose powers are luck, truth, mirth, and youth. The inclusion of expanded Valor lore alongside the preexisting blend of fairy-tale and paranormal creatures is intriguing and fits the overarching theme of storytelling as history. The ongoing use of emotions as a scale for displaying and determining one's humanity, especially by Fates, is equally interesting. Unfortunately, the impact of Evangeline's often amusing narration and numerous surprising plot twists is diluted by the meandering pacing, convoluted sensory descriptions, and close focus on Evangeline's fluctuating attraction toward her potential love interests. Despite the positive emphasis on hope and happily-ever-afters, Evangeline's romantic relationship with Jacks borders on manipulative and toxic. Evangeline reads White; side characters are fantasy diverse. A disappointing delivery on a potentially gripping second volume. (map) (Fantasy. 13-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.