Review: Never Ever After (Never Ever After #1) by Sue Lynn Tan

*I received an advance reading copy of this book from Hachette Book Group Canada in exchange for an honest review.

Never Ever After

(Never Ever After #1)

by Sue Lynn Tan

October 28, 2025 

Goodreads Summary:

Not all fairy tales end happily ever after in this Cinderella-inspired fantasy by the bestselling author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess—for fans of Renée Ahdieh, Tahereh Mafi, and Stephanie Garber.

Life in the Iron Mountains is harsh and unforgiving. After the death of her beloved uncle, Yining has survived by becoming a skilled thief and an even better liar. When she acquires an enchanted ring that holds the key to a brighter future, it is stolen by her step-aunt, and Yining must venture into the imperial heart of the kingdom to seize it back.

Amid the grandeur of the palace, Yining catches the eye of the ruthless and ambitious prince, who tempts her with a world she’s never imagined. But nothing is as it seems, for she’s soon trapped in a tangle of power, treachery, and greed—her only ally the cunning advisor from a rival court who keeps dangerous secrets of his own. To break free, she must unravel the mystery of her past and fight for a future that both frightens and calls to her.

This sweeping fantasy romance inspired by Cinderella and a Chinese fairy tale is the first in a breathtaking new series by the acclaimed author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess.

Review

I absolutely adore Sue Lynn Tan’s worldbuilding and characters so reading Never Ever After was a must. The numerous clever contrasts and the dreamy yet unpredictable storyline made for quite a tale.

Never Ever After was a little weak in the beginning but grew stronger the more the story unfolded. Similarities to other books gradually became unique. The buildup was slow but the characters, with their ulterior motives, kept things interesting. Always scheming. So much plotting. “Yet power is meaningless when it destroys those it is meant to protect.” (arc, p. 101) The forbidden magic was intriguing- I hope we dive deeper into its workings in the next book(s).

There is an obvious love triangle in Never Ever After though it’s not very solid. Yining was drawn to Prince Zixin and Jin because both opened her eyes to new worlds and irrevocably changed her (life). “…I have the heart of a thief not a hero.” (arc, p. 257) While their entanglement only played a small part to the story, I know we haven’t seen the last of the love triangle given the way Never Ever After ended. I’m hopeful Yining will make the right choice.

I’m usually pretty good at spotting plot twists but I did not see the big one in Never Ever After. As cruel as the betrayal seemed, it made so much sense. Plenty of hateful individuals act out of entitlement and selfish needs so Princess Chunlei’s actions, fueled by survival instincts, were more than valid. A reminder of the undeniable reality court ladies face. “Betrayal isn’t always rooted in malice, it could be a slip of the tongue, an unthinking comment.” (arc, p. 259)

The Never Ever After series is a vast world that I can't wait to explore more fully. Also, I have high hopes the characters will surprise me again!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.