“The Ballad of Never After” by Stephanie Garber (“Caraval”) is the second book in the “Once Upon a Broken Heart” series, which is a spinoff of her “Caraval” series. 

“Once Upon a Broken Heart” focuses on Evangeline, who makes a deal with the Prince of Hearts, also known as Jacks, to stop the wedding of her step-sister, Marisol, and Luc. She believes Luc to be her true love until he suddenly announced he was marrying Marisol instead.

Heartbroken, Evangeline turns to Jacks for help, ignoring all the warnings about making a deal with a Fate. Throughout book one, Evangeline and Jacks form a reluctant alliance. Despite being warned about Jacks, Evangeline finds herself trusting him more and more.

“The Ballad of Never After” takes place immediately after the first book and continues with Evangeline and Jacks’ hesitant partnership. Garber does a great job of making the reader forgive Jacks again and again, just like Evenageline. 

This book shows Evangeline and Jacks working together to find the missing stones to open the Valory Arch. After book one, it does not seem possible for Evangeline to continue to help Jacks, but after certain circumstances come to light, she has no choice but to turn to Jacks. 

Gaber continues to write relatable characters in each of her novels. Evangeline is an optimistic girl who just wants to find love. She is too trusting and finds herself getting hurt far too often. This makes her relatable for readers, especially when Garber writes such a likable villain. 

The worldbuilding in both books is amazing. Garber’s writing is absolutely magical and makes the reader feel transported into The Magnificent North. She has so many fun and silly names for places that it makes reading the descriptions enjoyable.

There is also so much thought put into the history of this land that it does not make sense that Garber has completely made it up. The stories that each character tells about the past are so detailed and exciting. 

It is clear from Garber’s writing that she favors the villains in most stories. She makes Jacks such a loveable character that it is easy to forget he is not to be trusted. He was first brought into this world in the “Caraval” series and Garber loved him so much she gave him this spinoff.

One thing Gaber could have done better is writing certain characters out of the story. After book one, there are a few characters who make an appearance in the beginning of book two, but then they kind of fade out. This is strange, especially since one character had such an important role in the first book.

It is clear that this character’s storyline is not finished because of how persistent they were in the first book. Garber should have at least had Evangeline think of them to keep them fresh in readers minds. 

The ending of “The Ballad of Never After” will leave readers shocked. Garber throws in multiple twists within the last few chapters that are impossible to see coming. The third book in the series was just announced so readers will be waiting impatiently for what happens next.

Although this is a spinoff of the “Caraval” series, it is not necessary to read beforehand, although it would be beneficial. It is the perfect entrance into Garber’s wild writing that continues into the “Once Upon a Broken Heart” books. 

Image from Stephanie Garber via Goodreads