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The Ever Afters #4
Of Enemies and Endings
How will this tale end?
The whole fairy-tale world is on high alert. The Snow Queen and her minions are targeting Characters, and Ever After School is the only safe refuge left. Rory knows a final confrontation is inevitable, and she worries about the safety of her family and friends–particularly Chase, who has been acting very strange lately.
Will Rory be able to count on Chase when she needs him most? Is she strong enough to put an end to the Snow Queen’s terrible reign once and for all? Only one this is certain: it’s time for Rory to find out if her tale ends in happily ever after.
The whole fairy-tale world is on high alert. The Snow Queen and her minions are targeting Characters, and Ever After School is the only safe refuge left. Rory knows a final confrontation is inevitable, and she worries about the safety of her family and friends–particularly Chase, who has been acting very strange lately.
Will Rory be able to count on Chase when she needs him most? Is she strong enough to put an end to the Snow Queen’s terrible reign once and for all? Only one this is certain: it’s time for Rory to find out if her tale ends in happily ever after.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published June 30, 2015
25 people are currently reading
886 people want to read
About the author
Shelby Bach
5 books286 followersShelby Bach grew up reading every book she could find and writing stories in battered notebooks. She also rarely came home with a clean shirt and had lots of accidents that ended with a hunt for Band-Aids. Nowadays she writes on her laptop rather than in a notebook, but not much else has changed. She now lives in Portland, OR.
P.S. I tend to only rate books that make my "Best of the Year" roundup blog posts (in other words, prepare yourself for many five star ratings about a year in between). But I may also add a few reviews for titles I really adore.
P.S. I tend to only rate books that make my "Best of the Year" roundup blog posts (in other words, prepare yourself for many five star ratings about a year in between). But I may also add a few reviews for titles I really adore.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
May 13, 2016
I received an ARC copy from the author in return for an honest review. You can support my blog by reading it there.
No worries; no spoilers! I don't give anything away, but I do reference events from previous books. Also, this being the last book in my favorite series, I'm entitled to a little fangirling. Or a lot. At least some. Right. Here we go.
Oh. My. GUMDROPS.
So much angst! So much anxiety! So much fun!
I can't remember the last time I was so emotionally invested in a book and there were so. many. emotions.
You know those jokes about book hangovers and readers not caring about reality because they're entirely consumed by a fictional universe? This is that book. I still haven't recovered. I finished it two weeks ago and I'm reading a new book and I still just want to think about this one.
Spoilers for Of Enemies and Endings will be avoided with this review, but I have to warn you that once you start this book you really shouldn't put it down. (And definitely not at chapter 18. ESPECIALLY not at chapter 18. That crushed my soul for a whole weekend.)
Of Enemies and Endings is the final book of The Ever Afters series. Everything is coming to a head and everything has changed for Rory. At the end of the last book, she finally told her parents about Ever After School and it's fun to see her family dealing with this. I loved Amy, and it's great seeing her family adjust not only to this new world, but who Rory is in this new world. I will admit, I've become increasingly impatient with Maggie, Rory's mom, as the series progresses but that's a clear sign of just how well she's portrayed. How do you think an overprotective mother is going to react to this stuff?
And then there's Chase.
Whose position changed at the end of the last book.
You all know what I'm talking about. I'm just going to say this development adds substantially to the emotional roller coaster ride.
Now a warning. Of Enemies and Endings is a lot more serious than the others. The series has gradually become so, with higher stakes each book, but this one really takes the cake. Usually, we have the fun banter of the Characters -specifically Chase- to keep things more light-hearted and upbeat. Well. Bach doesn't drop the jokes cold turkey, but as tensions rise and the deadline for Rory's face-off with the Snow Queen approaches there are considerably less. Specifically Chase's.
I must admit that I laughed hysterically at the end of Chapter 8. And I feel really, really bad about that. Sorry.*
Shelby Bach's foreshadowing skills continue to astound me. There were things mentioned in book two that led directly into a major event in the finale and I didn't even notice the clues. Every detail in every book is so masterfully and subtly interwoven that I am in awe. Stunned, even.
She also has an amazing knack for making her characters so realistic, doing what they should be doing instead of doing what you want them to be doing. Which is both frustrating and wonderful at the same time.
Something I really liked about Of Enemies and Endings is that it doesn't follow the traditional format of a Tale and quest. It's so unpredictable. Which is quite fitting, considering the Tale of Rory Landon is an Unwritten one. While some of the plot twists I did see coming, there were some that smacked me right between the eyes like one of Lena's Baseball Bats of Destruction.
The real surprise for me in this book was Hansel. We get to see a side of him here that clashes with the image Rory has built of him, and I love that. I love seeing new facets of characters, of looking at them from another perspective. He's my favorite minor character in this book and definitely worth mention.
This book got me right in the gut, guys. I mean, I loved the others. But this one. Right in the gut. I laughed. I cried. I was terrified. I yelled at characters. A lot. There were parts that ripped my heart out, parts that almost stitched it back together, and then parts that wrenched it out and tore it to shreds again. To say this is an emotional roller coaster ride would be a gross understatement, but the most important thing you need to know is that it's worth it. Every single moment -even the heartbreaking ones- are worth it. This is an amazing piece of storytelling, quite possibly the best book of the whole series, and while it's full of angst and emotional turmoil and moments that will make you want to throw it across the room, it's exactly how the series needs to end.
Gosh, I feel like I'm spelling out all this gloom and doom for you. Don't worry! Whatever you do, don't dread this book. Because it's amazing and wonderful. It's just a lot more intense than the others. It's the conclusion. This is where everything comes to a head -things you didn't even know were things!- and this is where everyone hits their lowest low, collectively and individually.
There's a lot going on in this book. Expect a knot of excitement and anxiety in your stomach the entire time. I think, in part for me, this was from knowing that this was the end. The End.
I wanted to gobble it whole and put it off and savor it indefinitely all at once! This book was spectacular. It was not disappointing. It was everything I wanted it to be, plus more.
I am completely satisfied with the series. Not to say I wouldn't love to see more if, perchance, we got some short stories. Or even more books in the same world (if we were to be really, really lucky). But I have no complaints. This final book is beautiful and I immediately wanted to read it again.
Of Enemies and Endings gets five stars from me, while The Ever Afters series collectively receives twenty, plus: two thumbs up, a squeal of delight, lifetime devotion, instant recommendation to every single human being who asks, and an immortal place high on my list of all-time favorites
Thank you, Shelby Bach, for this awesome and amazing adventure. I hate to see it end, but man, what an ending.
Of Enemies and Endings will be available June 30th and keep an eye on my channel and blog, because I'll probably have some kind of celebration for it.
*Comments to be understood after YOU'VE read the book.
No worries; no spoilers! I don't give anything away, but I do reference events from previous books. Also, this being the last book in my favorite series, I'm entitled to a little fangirling. Or a lot. At least some. Right. Here we go.
Oh. My. GUMDROPS.
So much angst! So much anxiety! So much fun!
I can't remember the last time I was so emotionally invested in a book and there were so. many. emotions.
You know those jokes about book hangovers and readers not caring about reality because they're entirely consumed by a fictional universe? This is that book. I still haven't recovered. I finished it two weeks ago and I'm reading a new book and I still just want to think about this one.
Spoilers for Of Enemies and Endings will be avoided with this review, but I have to warn you that once you start this book you really shouldn't put it down. (And definitely not at chapter 18. ESPECIALLY not at chapter 18. That crushed my soul for a whole weekend.)
Of Enemies and Endings is the final book of The Ever Afters series. Everything is coming to a head and everything has changed for Rory. At the end of the last book, she finally told her parents about Ever After School and it's fun to see her family dealing with this. I loved Amy, and it's great seeing her family adjust not only to this new world, but who Rory is in this new world. I will admit, I've become increasingly impatient with Maggie, Rory's mom, as the series progresses but that's a clear sign of just how well she's portrayed. How do you think an overprotective mother is going to react to this stuff?
And then there's Chase.
Whose position changed at the end of the last book.
You all know what I'm talking about. I'm just going to say this development adds substantially to the emotional roller coaster ride.
Now a warning. Of Enemies and Endings is a lot more serious than the others. The series has gradually become so, with higher stakes each book, but this one really takes the cake. Usually, we have the fun banter of the Characters -specifically Chase- to keep things more light-hearted and upbeat. Well. Bach doesn't drop the jokes cold turkey, but as tensions rise and the deadline for Rory's face-off with the Snow Queen approaches there are considerably less. Specifically Chase's.
I must admit that I laughed hysterically at the end of Chapter 8. And I feel really, really bad about that. Sorry.*
Shelby Bach's foreshadowing skills continue to astound me. There were things mentioned in book two that led directly into a major event in the finale and I didn't even notice the clues. Every detail in every book is so masterfully and subtly interwoven that I am in awe. Stunned, even.
She also has an amazing knack for making her characters so realistic, doing what they should be doing instead of doing what you want them to be doing. Which is both frustrating and wonderful at the same time.
Something I really liked about Of Enemies and Endings is that it doesn't follow the traditional format of a Tale and quest. It's so unpredictable. Which is quite fitting, considering the Tale of Rory Landon is an Unwritten one. While some of the plot twists I did see coming, there were some that smacked me right between the eyes like one of Lena's Baseball Bats of Destruction.
The real surprise for me in this book was Hansel. We get to see a side of him here that clashes with the image Rory has built of him, and I love that. I love seeing new facets of characters, of looking at them from another perspective. He's my favorite minor character in this book and definitely worth mention.
This book got me right in the gut, guys. I mean, I loved the others. But this one. Right in the gut. I laughed. I cried. I was terrified. I yelled at characters. A lot. There were parts that ripped my heart out, parts that almost stitched it back together, and then parts that wrenched it out and tore it to shreds again. To say this is an emotional roller coaster ride would be a gross understatement, but the most important thing you need to know is that it's worth it. Every single moment -even the heartbreaking ones- are worth it. This is an amazing piece of storytelling, quite possibly the best book of the whole series, and while it's full of angst and emotional turmoil and moments that will make you want to throw it across the room, it's exactly how the series needs to end.
Gosh, I feel like I'm spelling out all this gloom and doom for you. Don't worry! Whatever you do, don't dread this book. Because it's amazing and wonderful. It's just a lot more intense than the others. It's the conclusion. This is where everything comes to a head -things you didn't even know were things!- and this is where everyone hits their lowest low, collectively and individually.
There's a lot going on in this book. Expect a knot of excitement and anxiety in your stomach the entire time. I think, in part for me, this was from knowing that this was the end. The End.
I wanted to gobble it whole and put it off and savor it indefinitely all at once! This book was spectacular. It was not disappointing. It was everything I wanted it to be, plus more.
I am completely satisfied with the series. Not to say I wouldn't love to see more if, perchance, we got some short stories. Or even more books in the same world (if we were to be really, really lucky). But I have no complaints. This final book is beautiful and I immediately wanted to read it again.
Of Enemies and Endings gets five stars from me, while The Ever Afters series collectively receives twenty, plus: two thumbs up, a squeal of delight, lifetime devotion, instant recommendation to every single human being who asks, and an immortal place high on my list of all-time favorites
Thank you, Shelby Bach, for this awesome and amazing adventure. I hate to see it end, but man, what an ending.
Of Enemies and Endings will be available June 30th and keep an eye on my channel and blog, because I'll probably have some kind of celebration for it.
*Comments to be understood after YOU'VE read the book.
February 27, 2016
I cannot believe that this is the end. You always know that a series you love is going to end eventually, but you can't imagine how it possibly could. How could the author ever get all of your feels resolved in one book? Well, Shelby Bach has succeeded in this book. I didn't feel like it ended abruptly, or left and loose ends. I love this series so much, and as much as I hate to see it end, this book was amazing, and I couldn't have asked for a better ending. I have read this series ever since Of Giants and Ice was released, and I am so glad that I picked this series up that day at the bookstore. Rory, Lena, and Chase have been amazing characters to read about, and this series has been incredible. This book was definitely more mature than the previous books, it being the conclusion and all, but it wasn't mature in a bad way. More like you knew that everything was coming to a head soon. Okay, now that I've gotten this far in my review without fangirl squealing, it's time to release the kraken! *cue heavenly choir* CHORY! CHORY! CHORY! CHORY! SQEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HERE COME SOME MAJOR SPOILERS, SO DON'T CLICK THIS UNLESS YOU REEEEEALLY MUST KNOW RIGHT NOW! Okay, time to move along. I felt super hesitant to start reading this book when I first got it. I thought, "What if it doesn't live up to my expectations? What if Chaurora doesn't happen? What if she kills one of my favorite characters? What if it doesn't end properly? What if Chase ends up with Adelaide instead of Rory? What if? What if? What if? Well let me tell you, release all of your doubts right now, this book, is AMAZING! I will probably go back and reread my favorite parts immediately after writing this review. Don't feel afraid to end this series, it's surprisingly easy to close the book after it's finished. You feel, accomplished, and happy, and sad, but excited to see what comes from the magic pen of this author next. This will always be one of those series I wish I could just shove at everyone and force them to read it, and love it as much as I do. I will continue to recommend this series to anyone who shows the slightest interest in reading, as I hope to give them the same feelings I have for this series. Thank you for bearing with me through this crazy, jumbled, not-very-helpful, fangirl-crazed review. And thank you, Shelby Bach, for writing this incredible, magical, relatable, sad, happy, exciting series.
August 4, 2015
Oh, gumdrops. This book...THIS BOOK...was amazing. Better than you can ever expect!
I'm doing an entire reread of the series, then I'll post a full book review when I am finished. But WOW. I'm blown away.
I'm doing an entire reread of the series, then I'll post a full book review when I am finished. But WOW. I'm blown away.
July 29, 2018
Ahhhhhhhhhh!! One of my new favourite series! Why did it have to end?!
December 6, 2021
I HAVE NO WORDS
THIS IS AN AMAZING FINALE, JUST AS INCREDIBLE AS IT WAS WHEN I FIRST READ IT, I FORGOT SO MANY THINGS SO IT FELT LIKE MY FIRST TIME BUT HONESTLY ITS JUST AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE READING IT
ITS SO BITTERSWEET TOO AND IM SO SAD THE SERIES IS OVER AND THERE'S NO MORE CONTENT BUT IM SO SO HAPPY I HAVE THIS WORLD AND THESE CHARACTERS TO KEEP WITH ME :,)
6492/5 stars, i can't express enough how much i love this series
THIS IS AN AMAZING FINALE, JUST AS INCREDIBLE AS IT WAS WHEN I FIRST READ IT, I FORGOT SO MANY THINGS SO IT FELT LIKE MY FIRST TIME BUT HONESTLY ITS JUST AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE READING IT
ITS SO BITTERSWEET TOO AND IM SO SAD THE SERIES IS OVER AND THERE'S NO MORE CONTENT BUT IM SO SO HAPPY I HAVE THIS WORLD AND THESE CHARACTERS TO KEEP WITH ME :,)
6492/5 stars, i can't express enough how much i love this series
September 8, 2015
Originally posted at Log Cabin Library
First off I love that cover, it is by far my favorite of the entire series. The expressions on the Snow Queen and Rory's face, Rory looks so determined while the Snow Queen looks so, well icy. And the snowflakes, love how they sparkle. It makes me cold just looking at it, but it is even more gorgeous and detailed in person. And that title (chosen by Rachel, one of her readers), sets you up for what kind of story it's going to be. The story has been building up to this point ever since Rory found out that the "fate of magic would fall into her hands." And Bach really doesn't disappoint.
The main characters are Rory, Lena and Chase, throughout the series they have been three of the best friends and one of the things that I have loved most about the series. Each of them has grown and honed their skills as characters of their tale. Together they have endured quite a bit. However, Of Enemies and Endings really tests their friendship, changing them even more and led to some of the biggest roller-coasters of emotions for me. There were moments when I was questioning peoples motives and thought process, I mean come on Chase you promised Rory that you'd always come if she was in trouble. But, I still had faith that there could really be only one outcome to the story, but was still surprised by the path that got us there. There was even one particular death that took me completely by surprise and was particularly difficult for me, good thing I also keep tissues near by whilst reading. Of Enemies and Endings defiantly had some very sad moments, but an ending that really left me satisfied. It's not all sad moments though, I don't want you thinking that this is going to end in a dark/sad way. There were also some very funny moments that made me laugh right along with Rory (end of chapter eight), which was just perfect by the way. That's the thing about Bach's series, she knows just what her characters need and how things should happen and that particular scene was just perfect. Well and all her characters, even down to Rory's parents and Amy are so well written. Who knew Amy had such non-magical skills when fighting off witches? Well and the ending, that was a wonderful ending. Oh and one can't forget the budding feelings that were developing in Of Sorcery and Snow, yeah there are plenty of those too. Such sweet moments. Overall, I'm sad the series is over, hopeful that Bach will find inspiration for another series of books, and thankful that I can always pick this book up and read all of them again!
I received an ARC from the author for free in exchange for an honest review.
First off I love that cover, it is by far my favorite of the entire series. The expressions on the Snow Queen and Rory's face, Rory looks so determined while the Snow Queen looks so, well icy. And the snowflakes, love how they sparkle. It makes me cold just looking at it, but it is even more gorgeous and detailed in person. And that title (chosen by Rachel, one of her readers), sets you up for what kind of story it's going to be. The story has been building up to this point ever since Rory found out that the "fate of magic would fall into her hands." And Bach really doesn't disappoint.
The main characters are Rory, Lena and Chase, throughout the series they have been three of the best friends and one of the things that I have loved most about the series. Each of them has grown and honed their skills as characters of their tale. Together they have endured quite a bit. However, Of Enemies and Endings really tests their friendship, changing them even more and led to some of the biggest roller-coasters of emotions for me. There were moments when I was questioning peoples motives and thought process, I mean come on Chase you promised Rory that you'd always come if she was in trouble. But, I still had faith that there could really be only one outcome to the story, but was still surprised by the path that got us there. There was even one particular death that took me completely by surprise and was particularly difficult for me, good thing I also keep tissues near by whilst reading. Of Enemies and Endings defiantly had some very sad moments, but an ending that really left me satisfied. It's not all sad moments though, I don't want you thinking that this is going to end in a dark/sad way. There were also some very funny moments that made me laugh right along with Rory (end of chapter eight), which was just perfect by the way. That's the thing about Bach's series, she knows just what her characters need and how things should happen and that particular scene was just perfect. Well and all her characters, even down to Rory's parents and Amy are so well written. Who knew Amy had such non-magical skills when fighting off witches? Well and the ending, that was a wonderful ending. Oh and one can't forget the budding feelings that were developing in Of Sorcery and Snow, yeah there are plenty of those too. Such sweet moments. Overall, I'm sad the series is over, hopeful that Bach will find inspiration for another series of books, and thankful that I can always pick this book up and read all of them again!
I received an ARC from the author for free in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2016
I thought this book was a perfect ending to the series. It was action packed, crazy and totally worth the read. Rory has proven to be one of the most brave and heroic heroines ever. She proved this to us when she was willing to give up her own life, multiple times, to save her friends. Even when Chase wasn't being so faithful to her, she fought and almost died for him. There is a strong emphasis on the value of friendship, like when Lena drops everything to try and save Rory from almost certain death. There is mystery in the book, like when Solange, the Ice Queen, creates trap after trap for Rory and her friends to fall into. There is a strong sense of fear, especially when Rory is worried she'll turn out like the Ice Queen, especially after hearing her story. There is a huge sense of family, especially when Rory has a "sister moment" with her baby sister and realizes that Solange hurt her own baby sister. Rory is worried that she'll do something to accidentally hurt her sister. There is friendship, hope, trust, and the strong bond of family in this book. All in all, this book was definitely a must read and a perfectly satisfying end to an amazing series of books.
December 3, 2015
I loved of Enemies and Endings! It was amazing! I loved the final showdown between Rory and the Snow Queen, it was beautifully written! I wish there was another book, I think everything was wrapped up, but I wish there was more of an afterward. Overall though, I have nothing bad to say about this book or the series.
November 30, 2014
I NEED to read this book! I loved the whole series and I'm absolutely dying to find out if Chase and Rory end up together and if they don't I think I don't know how I'll go on! Seriously though, probably one of my most favorite series ever!!!
July 24, 2015
Great ending to the series! Though I am sad...its that horrible thing were a series you love is ending. it a simultaneous wish for the series to never end, and being grateful it is ending instead of being dragged on. looking forward to what this author cones up with next!
Read
December 24, 2015Wow, just wow. A amazing end to a great series. I'll miss Rory, Chase and Lena. All throughout the book it was one thrilling seen after another. A real page turner. The only one that can compete is the first one. My favorite.
March 7, 2016
I adore this series. I want so much more in this world. way to stick the landing, Ms. Bach.
March 28, 2021
cried like 6 times but I’m fine :)
August 20, 2022
This,the final chapter of a four book series, did NOT disappoint! I was enchanted from start to finish.
August 17, 2025
an A+ nostalgic reread
February 6, 2016
This was a really good book.
Like her others in this series, it felt crisp and fresh. I like her characters. Chase in anybody else's hands would be either obnoxious or -- worse -- the golden boy the author was in love with. Chase is neither. So many of her characters are fantastic.
Fourth books in action-adventure series usually weary me a bit. The stakes can't get any higher, we've met all the characters we're ever going to care about, they've powered up most of the way, there's no place for jokes and no time left for learning and discovering...and we get into the running-and-fighting-and-running-and-fighting drag.
This one got a bit of that, but managed to avoid some. Which is a notable achievement. I did wish it had a few more spots of rest and healing somewhere along the way (I don't care. You do NOT fight life and death battles every day for many days, watch people you love die, kill some folks/monsters every day, get invaded and nearly lose everybody you love over two consecutive days (days that included her best friend nearly dying, about sixteen different serious relation tramas with the love of her life, total relationship overhaul with her mother, etc), and then stay up for more than 24 hours doing seriously strenuous world-saving stuff ...eat some oatmeal, sleep for 8 hours, and be fresh, blooming, party-ready, and not in need of any therapy at all. Or even downtime to reflect, grieve, process, think it through. Please?
That aside...the relationship stuff actually really worked. I liked the fact that it wasn't just "everything gets worse for the hero until it all gets better again." There were minor wins along the way. Many of them were personal wins, some of them were tactical. Somebody actually came up with a reason for the main love interests to have massive drama that didn't reflect badly on either of their characters!
The fights were beautifully done. Her martial arts always feel realistic.
I want to see a movie of this, now.
Mostly, I had a great old time. I can't wait to see what Shelby Back writes next.
Like her others in this series, it felt crisp and fresh. I like her characters. Chase in anybody else's hands would be either obnoxious or -- worse -- the golden boy the author was in love with. Chase is neither. So many of her characters are fantastic.
Fourth books in action-adventure series usually weary me a bit. The stakes can't get any higher, we've met all the characters we're ever going to care about, they've powered up most of the way, there's no place for jokes and no time left for learning and discovering...and we get into the running-and-fighting-and-running-and-fighting drag.
This one got a bit of that, but managed to avoid some. Which is a notable achievement. I did wish it had a few more spots of rest and healing somewhere along the way (I don't care. You do NOT fight life and death battles every day for many days, watch people you love die, kill some folks/monsters every day, get invaded and nearly lose everybody you love over two consecutive days (days that included her best friend nearly dying, about sixteen different serious relation tramas with the love of her life, total relationship overhaul with her mother, etc), and then stay up for more than 24 hours doing seriously strenuous world-saving stuff ...eat some oatmeal, sleep for 8 hours, and be fresh, blooming, party-ready, and not in need of any therapy at all. Or even downtime to reflect, grieve, process, think it through. Please?
That aside...the relationship stuff actually really worked. I liked the fact that it wasn't just "everything gets worse for the hero until it all gets better again." There were minor wins along the way. Many of them were personal wins, some of them were tactical. Somebody actually came up with a reason for the main love interests to have massive drama that didn't reflect badly on either of their characters!
The fights were beautifully done. Her martial arts always feel realistic.
I want to see a movie of this, now.
Mostly, I had a great old time. I can't wait to see what Shelby Back writes next.
July 28, 2025
"This book didn't just end a series—it crawled inside my heart and rewrote all the rules of what an ending should be."
Let's be honest: finales are hard. They carry the weight of every page that came before, every promise the story ever whispered to you at 2 AM when you couldn't put it down. Of Enemies and Endings doesn't just bear that weight—it transforms it into something breathtaking.
This isn't Rory Landon's last stand against the Snow Queen. It's her metamorphosis—from a girl who survived fairy tales to a young woman who understands them. The magic here isn't in the spells (though those are dazzling) but in the way Shelby Bach makes you feel every step of Rory's journey in your bones. That moment when she faces not just her enemy but herself? I had to put the book down just to breathe.
The Ever After School's halls have never felt more alive, nor more haunted. Every classroom, every training yard hums with the ghosts of all the stories that brought us here. And the characters—oh, the characters. Chase, Lena, even the villains—they don't just get endings. They get truths, raw and beautiful and sometimes shattering.
What destroys you isn't the battles (though they're epic). It's the quiet spaces between them—the whispered conversations, the last goodbyes, the realization that growing up sometimes means leaving magic behind... or finding it where you least expected.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) - A finale that doesn't close the book on Rory's world, but throws the doors wide open in your imagination. I'll live in this ending forever.
P.S. That last line? Perfect. I won't spoil it, but when you read it, you'll understand why some stories never really end—they just become part of you.
Let's be honest: finales are hard. They carry the weight of every page that came before, every promise the story ever whispered to you at 2 AM when you couldn't put it down. Of Enemies and Endings doesn't just bear that weight—it transforms it into something breathtaking.
This isn't Rory Landon's last stand against the Snow Queen. It's her metamorphosis—from a girl who survived fairy tales to a young woman who understands them. The magic here isn't in the spells (though those are dazzling) but in the way Shelby Bach makes you feel every step of Rory's journey in your bones. That moment when she faces not just her enemy but herself? I had to put the book down just to breathe.
The Ever After School's halls have never felt more alive, nor more haunted. Every classroom, every training yard hums with the ghosts of all the stories that brought us here. And the characters—oh, the characters. Chase, Lena, even the villains—they don't just get endings. They get truths, raw and beautiful and sometimes shattering.
What destroys you isn't the battles (though they're epic). It's the quiet spaces between them—the whispered conversations, the last goodbyes, the realization that growing up sometimes means leaving magic behind... or finding it where you least expected.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) - A finale that doesn't close the book on Rory's world, but throws the doors wide open in your imagination. I'll live in this ending forever.
P.S. That last line? Perfect. I won't spoil it, but when you read it, you'll understand why some stories never really end—they just become part of you.
July 12, 2015
The conclusion of the Ever After series.
Rory is arguing with her mother, who did not move to EAS, when witches attack them. After a frantic fight, other EASers show up -- they were alerted by their inability to reach her -- and turn the tide.
Chase is not one of them. Has been a problem for some time. .
Meanwhile, Solange is picking up allies. Rory is packed off to teach her classes in swordplay -- she's been Hansel's assistant -- and Rapunzel's foreseeing is breaking down because there are so many missions.
It involves tales, heroic sacrifices leading to to death, a heavily interrupted birthday, letters, Rory babysitting her little sister, Chase's big secret coming out, Rapunzel being impentrable because she says exactly what is true, a melting ice castle, and much more.
Rory is arguing with her mother, who did not move to EAS, when witches attack them. After a frantic fight, other EASers show up -- they were alerted by their inability to reach her -- and turn the tide.
Chase is not one of them. Has been a problem for some time. .
Meanwhile, Solange is picking up allies. Rory is packed off to teach her classes in swordplay -- she's been Hansel's assistant -- and Rapunzel's foreseeing is breaking down because there are so many missions.
It involves tales, heroic sacrifices leading to to death, a heavily interrupted birthday, letters, Rory babysitting her little sister, Chase's big secret coming out, Rapunzel being impentrable because she says exactly what is true, a melting ice castle, and much more.
April 1, 2016
Great book!
I'm pretty sure this one is my favorite of the quartet. I read it in like a day and a half. :)
Things I love:
The characters--they are so believable
The creativity-- M3s, bats of destruction, the cannon etc... it been one of the more unique, middle grade, fairy tale type stories I've read recently.
The crushes and cute relationships
Things that irked me a bit:
The relationships-- ok they are super cute and lovable but Chase and Rory are only like 14. They act older, like 15/16 perhaps so their actions fit they age they act but not the age they actually are. Perhaps I am just sheltered- I don't go to a public school-- but I find it very hard to believe that kids would be passionately kissing at age 14. Then again...they are in the middle of a war. ;)
My only regret was that I didn't read this one right after I finished the other three. (There was a several month gap.) I think I forgot some of the beautiful little details and had a bit of trouble piecing them all back together. All in all this was a fantastic book.
I'm pretty sure this one is my favorite of the quartet. I read it in like a day and a half. :)
Things I love:
The characters--they are so believable
The creativity-- M3s, bats of destruction, the cannon etc... it been one of the more unique, middle grade, fairy tale type stories I've read recently.
The crushes and cute relationships
Things that irked me a bit:
The relationships-- ok they are super cute and lovable but Chase and Rory are only like 14. They act older, like 15/16 perhaps so their actions fit they age they act but not the age they actually are. Perhaps I am just sheltered- I don't go to a public school-- but I find it very hard to believe that kids would be passionately kissing at age 14. Then again...they are in the middle of a war. ;)
My only regret was that I didn't read this one right after I finished the other three. (There was a several month gap.) I think I forgot some of the beautiful little details and had a bit of trouble piecing them all back together. All in all this was a fantastic book.
July 24, 2015
What an amazing ending....it was everything I'd ever hoped for. I couldn't put it down. The only thing is that it didn't answer the question I've been wondering about for the entire series...... Are Rory's mom and amy together now??? Like theres no way she's just an assistant.
The Rory/chase was perfect. Loved seeing lena's progression too. Shelby Bach did what jk Rowling failed to do, killed off enough characters to make us feel something and to help the storyline go forward, but not enough that I had to throw the book at a wall.
I wanted to cry when it was over because of how involved I've been in the series. It's weird to see that this is a book aimed towards middle school aged readers....I loved it and I'm 23!!
The Rory/chase was perfect. Loved seeing lena's progression too. Shelby Bach did what jk Rowling failed to do, killed off enough characters to make us feel something and to help the storyline go forward, but not enough that I had to throw the book at a wall.
I wanted to cry when it was over because of how involved I've been in the series. It's weird to see that this is a book aimed towards middle school aged readers....I loved it and I'm 23!!
July 14, 2015
So sad to think this is the end of the series! I usually - scratch that, never - read books targeted for this age group. I'm an adult. I read adult books. But i LOVE the Ever After series! Shelby's done an amazing job of writing a story that pulls you in and keeps you interested all the whole weaving in integrity and loyalty and problem solving and seeing possibilities where others see conflicts and sweet young love and the angst of middle school and the exasperation of parents. Particularly parents of extraordinary children. I've so enjoyed the series and just hate to see my young friends go...
February 5, 2017
I LOVE THIS BOOK. The plot is brilliant, the characters are so relatable, the emotions are nearly tangible - I know, I know, I said the same thing about the last book, but it still rings true for this one. Lena is fan-flipping-tastic, Chase is even more so (in a different way), and Rory kicks butt. You'll smile, possibly laugh, definitely cry - this book makes you want to live in this world. It makes you want to be a hero. This will be one of those books that will give me happy memories for years to come, I just know it. <3 Shelby Bach, you are amazing.
July 26, 2025
War is coming to the Ever Afters, and Rory is struggling to figure out how to prove to her mother that she can battle, understand why Chase is being so distant, and comprehend what lays behind the door of her dreams, all while the Snow Queen draws close enough to freeze everybody she holds dear! Bach brings this exhilarating series to a close with more emotion, more action, and more twists that are guaranteed to give fans plenty to cheer about! As the winter comes closer and the armies rise, Rory and her friends find their lines being stretched too thin...
December 11, 2015
This is the final novel in the EAS series as we say farewell to Roy and Chase. Sadly I did not really enjoy this book. I loved the other ones and was looking forward to this coming out. I found it boring and the writing kinda choppy. Granted all the books have been written that way but at least they were interesting. I found myself skimming a lot near the end. My biggest question I have is are Amy and Rory's mom a couple? I emailed the author and asked but she did not get back to me.
June 4, 2018
I've read this book so many times and it is just as satisfying with every read! Totally recommend this series to any fantasy lovers out there, even if you're a teenager or adult. Now to get Bastian to read this series!
Want to read
January 16, 2015I can't wait until this comes out! Gumdrops, I remember when the first came out...... They grow up so fast..
April 25, 2016
This series was amazing, definitely my second or third favorite series in the world.
August 26, 2016
Oh my God. It's over. WHAT WILL I DO WITH MY LIFE NOW?!?!?! *starts crying* CHORY, I WILL SHIP YOU FOREVER AND ALWAYS. NEVER FORGET THAT
January 19, 2025
YOU MAKE A REALLY BEAUTIFUL OLD LADY
IM THROWING UP IM SCREAMING IM CRYING
IM THROWING UP IM SCREAMING IM CRYING
February 24, 2021
I really like it. It was so awesome. Rapunzel died though. That made me sad. But Chase and Rory kissed😍😍😍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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