The Ballad of Never After: An Honest Reflection
I picked up The Ballad of Never After with high hopes, lured by the enchanting world created by Stephanie Garber in her Caraval series. The magic of Caraval had captivated me, weaving a tapestry of adventure and romance that left me breathless. So, naturally, I was eager to dive into the sequel of Once Upon a Broken Heart, hoping for another whirlwind experience. Instead, I found myself in a whirlwind of frustration and disbelief.
Key Themes and Characters
The journey follows Evangeline, now desperately searching for a cure for her husband, Apollo. However, as I journeyed through pages filled with her self-doubt and impulsive decisions, my anticipation waned. Evangeline, despite her potential as a heroine, frequently felt more like a damsel in distress, caught in the web of her affections for Jacks—a character who oscillated between “captivating” and “infuriating.”
Jacks, the darkly charming love interest, exhibited a toxicity that had me shaking my head in disbelief. The dynamic between him and Evangeline was riddled with misunderstanding and poorly timed passion, leaving me wondering whether their love was meant to be or simply a case of dramatic irony. Their relationship didn’t develop positively; rather, it felt like watching a toxic relationship unfold—a frustrating experience for anyone hoping for a heartfelt love story.
Writing Style and World-Building
Garber’s writing style in this installment was, at times, accessible, but it also lacked the vibrant, immersive quality I had expected. The world-building felt shallow, as if the enchanting realms were merely backdrops for the tumultuous relationship drama. Descriptions often fell into the realm of tell rather than show, leaving me yearning for a more substantial connection to the fantastical elements that initial drew me in.
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at the frequent imagery, such as “a vein throbbed in his neck” and “fisting an apple," which became repetitive. It reduced moments that should have felt profound into instances of comic relief rather than emotional depth.
Memorable Moments and Frustrations
One particular scene stands out as both humorous and appalling: a character literally finds herself naked before others in a situation that feels less romantic and more invasive. I wanted to scream, “Where are the boundaries?!” Moments like these left me confused about whether the relationship glorified or undermined healthy dynamics.
Yet, amidst the head-slap-worthy moments, I found remnants of magic. The ending provided a glimmer of tension that reminded me of the excitement of the first book, hinting at mysteries that weaved back to the enchanting unknowns Garber is known for.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, The Ballad of Never After will likely attract readers who relish dramatic tension and romantic angst, especially if they enjoyed Once Upon a Broken Heart. However, it left me yearning for the nuanced relationships and vivid world-building I had so loved in Garber’s earlier work.
As I closed the book, I couldn’t shake the feeling of disappointment; however, it did spark lively conversations in my reading circles about toxic love and character growth, underscoring the power books hold to challenge and inspire.
If you’re someone who enjoys lively discussions about character morals and can appreciate a rollercoaster of emotions (even if they frustrate), this might still be a worthy pick. However, if you’re after a refreshing escape into a world of true enchantment, I’d suggest revisiting Caraval instead.
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