The Ballad of Never After (Once Upon a Broken Heart, 2)

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

Stephanie Garber’s THE BALLAD OF NEVER AFTER is the jaw-dropping sequel to the 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 the 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. . . .

Also by Stephanie Garber:

The Caraval Series
- Caraval
- Legendary
- Finale

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Published Apr 2, 2024

432 pages

Average rating: 8.49

257 RATINGS

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Readers say *The Ballad of Never After* is a beautifully written, emotionally intense sequel that deepens the magical world and complex character back...

Marley

Nov 16, 2025

8/10 stars

WHOA. Okay wow a whole lot of feelings. I’m so glad that Evangeline was finally finding her mojo and finally FINALLY moved on from Luc. Also I’m not sure how I feel about LaLa anymore. I understand that her morals and emotions are different as a Fate, but it doesn’t feel like she really learned from how she hurt Evangeline. I’m convinced she will do something shady again. Also Jacks. Tearing out my heart with the stones and how sweet he was at Hollows. Still would love to know what the apples are all about because I’m sure its so juicy. I tore through this bad boy and can’t wait for the next one to come out!

Kristin Rose

Sep 16, 2025

6/10 stars

I’m feeling really conflicted about this book. On the one hand, I was immersed in the whimsical world yet again that Stephanie is so adept at writing. On the other hand, the internal monologues of Evangeline were redundantly meandering. There were many moments where I felt I could just skim through her looping thoughts and not really miss much of the story. There were many aspects of this book I absolutely loved. Jacks and Evangeline, obviously. Their relationship development is the epitome of slow burn. The Hollow, I wanted more time there. I felt Evangeline’s character development was lackluster. The ending was definitely a shock though, and I am excited to pick up on book 3 after I take a little break from this world.

Enid Cangiano

Dec 29, 2025

10/10 stars

I love this even better than the first one, I can't say I'm thrilled about that ending but I am hoping it will turn out better in book three, which I'm not even going to lie I am so glad that someone gifted it to me, even if said person forgot they did and is no longer speaking to me but I am about to get started on it. I need to know what happens next. This is the kind of fantasy book that keeps me hooked. Highly recommend.

kaireads

Sep 02, 2025

7/10 stars

This series was one I could have gone my whole life without reading HOWEVER, it’s fun and I do adore Jacks & the FMCs relationship from start to finish. Only kept reading to finally read the payoff for them but there was very very little.

Maxime

Jul 27, 2025

6/10 stars

It starts slow and i was not really hooked for the first half, but the last 150pages had me hooked and i did not see that ending coming and now i just need the 3rd one.