In Rose Thorne's gripping fantasy, Never Ever, the kingdom of Madridia is plunged into darkness by monstrous creatures, mirroring a deeper, more insidious threat. Queen Alaiya faces a desperate struggle for survival as her kingdom crumbles and strange occurrences plague the land. Haunted by unsettling truths and plagued by doubt about her own identity, she must uncover the source of the malevolent beings before they consume Madridia entirely. Alaiya's relentless quest for answers leads her to shocking revelations about her past and the true nature of her power, forcing her to confront a ruthless king and fight for her destiny. This captivating tale of betrayal, magic, and political intrigue will enthrall readers who enjoy stories of strong female leads and epic fantasy battles, reminiscent of The Queen of the Tearling and The Priory of the Orange Tree.
Review Never Ever
Oh my goodness, Never Ever completely swept me away! I went into it expecting a typical fantasy adventure, a queen battling monsters and political intrigue – and while I certainly got that, it was so much more than I anticipated. The initial setup – a kingdom shrouded in darkness, monstrous figures lurking, livestock disappearing – was wonderfully atmospheric and immediately hooked me. The sense of dread and escalating desperation felt very real, and I found myself completely invested in Alaiya's plight from the very first page. Rose Thorne does a masterful job of building suspense; the mystery surrounding the creatures, their connection to the palace, and the growing unease within the kingdom kept me guessing constantly.
What truly impressed me, though, was the depth of Alaiya's character. She's not just a strong female lead; she's complex, vulnerable, and incredibly relatable. Her journey of self-discovery, as she grapples with questions about her own identity and legitimacy as queen, is heartbreaking and inspiring in equal measure. I loved her spirit, her resilience, and her unwavering determination to protect her people even in the face of overwhelming odds. The author brilliantly portrays her internal struggles alongside the external threats, making her a truly compelling protagonist. I felt her fear, her doubt, and ultimately, her triumph.
And speaking of compelling… Lasar! The romantic tension between Alaiya and Lasar was beautifully woven into the narrative. It wasn't over-the-top or overly sappy; it felt organic and deeply connected to the overall story, adding another layer of emotional investment. Their relationship evolved naturally, mirroring the unfolding mysteries and adding a delightful touch of hope amidst the darkness. It genuinely surprised me how much I enjoyed this aspect; it was a welcome and satisfying addition to the already gripping plot.
The plot itself is a whirlwind. There are twists and turns that I didn't see coming, betrayals that left me gasping, and revelations that completely shifted my perspective on the story. It’s a thrilling ride, constantly keeping you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next. I particularly loved how the seemingly simple monster problem revealed a far more insidious and deeply rooted issue within the kingdom, forcing Alaiya to confront not just external enemies but also internal conflicts and corruption. This book is the perfect blend of political maneuvering, magical elements, and personal growth, all packaged in a richly imagined world that feels both fantastical and eerily familiar.
I completely understand the comparisons to The Queen of the Tearling and The Priory of the Orange Tree. Never Ever shares that same blend of epic fantasy, strong female characters, and compelling political intrigue, but it has a unique voice and style all its own. It's a fantastic read, and honestly, I’m already eager to reread it! I'm desperately hoping Rose Thorne has more books out there waiting to be discovered, because I'm absolutely hooked!
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 319
- Publication date: 2025
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