Never Ever After was as good as I thought it would be considering how much I love Sue Lynn Tan’s adult books. This has the action, the mystery, and the world I love! What a gorgeous YA debut! Keep reading this book review of Never Ever After for my full thoughts.
Summary
Yining stopped believing in dreams the day her beloved uncle died. Driven to survive, she’s become a good thief and an even better liar. When she acquires an enchanted ring that could yield the key to a better life, it is stolen by her grasping stepaunt, and Yining must venture into the imperial heart of the Iron Mountains to seize it back.
Amid the grandeur of the palace, Yining catches the eye of the ruthless and ambitious Prince Zixin, who tempts her with a world she’s never imagined. But nothing is as it seems as she’s soon trapped in a tangle of power, treachery, and greed-her only ally a cunning advisor from a rival court who keeps dangerous secrets of his own. Desperate to secure her freedom, Yining embarks on a perilous quest where she must choose who to trust, unravel the mystery of her past, and fight for a future that both frightens and calls to her
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Never Ever After is rooted in whimsical magic we can’t explain, in wishes we sometimes regret, and powers as blessings and curses. The world building in Never Ever After was one of my favorite elements. Sue Lynn Tan examines how quickly we get used to gilded cages. I loved the world which evolves quickly in front of our eyes with the layers of deceit, the quick formation of lies, and the twists and turns of court. There’s this dichotomy of political capital, of smooth talking manipulation, and being forced to compromise to survive. To adapt, change our colors, and use our voice.
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Never Ever After is a story which feels like an action packed folktale. It explores monstrosity. If monsters are born or made and what makes a monster. I loved how much politics are packed within this series starter alongside the action which is constantly thrumming. I cannot wait to dive into the next one! Find Never Ever After on Goodreads, Storygraph, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.