I’ve heard so many good things about F.T. Lukens books, so this is me attempting to start it. There are quite a few stand alone books, so don’t ask me why I needed to start with the first. But if you love the idea of friendship groups and magical Chosen Ones, this is for you. Keep reading this book review of So This is Ever After for my full thoughts.
Summary
Arek hadn’t thought much about what would happen after he completed the prophecy that said he was destined to save the Kingdom of Ere from its evil ruler. So now that he’s finally managed to (somewhat clumsily) behead the evil king (turns out magical swords yanked from bogs don’t come pre-sharpened), he and his rag-tag group of quest companions are at a bit of a loss for what to do next.
As a temporary safeguard, Arek’s best friend and mage, Matt, convinces him to assume the throne until the true heir can be rescued from her tower. Except that she’s dead. Now Arek is stuck as king, a role that comes with a magical catch: choose a spouse by your eighteenth birthday, or wither away into nothing.
With his eighteenth birthday only three months away, and only Matt in on the secret, Arek embarks on a desperate bid to find a spouse to save his life—starting with his quest companions. But his attempts at wooing his friends go painfully and hilariously wrong…until he discovers that love might have been in front of him all along.
Review
We love a Chosen One who never wanted to be chosen. Someone who just wanted to do the thing and be done with it. Except now he’s King and he has to marry or die? That twist is fabulous and early on. So while this book take place in the part of ‘ever after’, it’s about finding these moments of happiness. So This is Ever After has truly fabulous characters and reading their antics in audiobook form was truly a hilarious chaotic experience. Kevin R. Free does a phenomenal job!
It’s a story full of failed dates, dating tropes, and people being unable to confess their feelings. A whole host of ‘well I thought I was clear’ and ‘so they must not feel the same’. It’s perfect for fans of that vibe! So This is Ever After is comical and cozy. And just a whole lot of fun? So glad I’m embarking in the Lukens universe! Find So This is Ever After on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop.org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.