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The Ever Afters #2
Of Witches and Wind
In this second book in a series that Kirkus Reviews calls a “fast-paced combination of middle school realism and fairy-tale fantasy,” it’s up to Rory to save the Ever After School—and deal with her father’s fiancée.After taking part in a successful real-life fairy tale, Rory Landon is now an Ever After School veteran. She has better friends than she’s ever had, and she’s stronger, more confident, and ready to take on whatever comes next. Or so she thought. When a nefarious plan from The Snow Queen threatens the entire Ever After School program, it is up to Rory and Chase to save everyone. Between this new adventure and what is happening at home—where a potential stepmom has entered the picture—Rory wonders if she really has what it takes to come to the rescue.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2013
36 people are currently reading
1231 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 111 reviews
August 16, 2013
I literally stayed up to midnight so I could read this when it was delivered to my Kindle. I then commenced to stay up for plus two hours to read before realizing I should actually SLEEP (who needs sleep when you have Chase Turnleaf?!).
Rory's back, baby, and she's better than ever! Now an Ever After School veteran, has just defeated ICE GRIFFINS in the first chapter, in another of Shelby's amazing book openers. There's also a whole new cast of characters, including King of Corny Ben, new and beautiful (oh, and you KNOW Adelaide's jealous) Mia, and mute girl Chatty (Chase came up with it), who shows up soaked and with seashells in her hair.
Rory's excited to spend Spring Break at Ever After School with her two best friends Lena and Chase when the story really begins-Ben's quest to Atlantis begins- but this time, the stakes are Much, MUCH higher. If Rory and co. don't get the Water of Life in seven days time, everyone at Ever After School with perish, thanks to a poisoning done by Snow Queen's spy-but who is it?!
You KNOW there's gonna be drama-but the good kind, since this is Shelby! Rory's insanely worried about sick Lena, everyone's pointing their poisoned fingers at Rapunzel, Chase is more complicated than ever, there's a new stepmom stepping into the picture, and we're introduced to a brand new mean girl (I'm sorry to say Adelaide wasn't in this much) Madison, there are hostile natives, and Rory's afraid of disappointing...well, EVERYONE.
I have to say, I really, really, enjoyed a sequel. CRAZY! I was a little sad old characters like Adelaide, the triplets, and Kelly weren't in this much, BUT, it does make up for it with new ones, like Ben, Chatty, Mia, Kenneth, and the new secrets and plot twists to grasp.
This book does take place one year after the first, and I was happy to see the characters HAD matured, and that there was clearly a difference from the two books, but just enough familiarity. Plus, Chase was in it a lot. Come on, this is CHASE! It perfectly mastered, action, friendship, humor, mystery, and drama, plus Rory getting some courage to stand up for herself, and had the same realistic problems that she shared (sort of) in the first book.
Plus, Shelby was kind enough to provide an EPIC plot twist fifteen percent through-image yourself with your mouth hanging open trying to process it at 2:30 in the morning. She did not disappoint!
Rory's back, baby, and she's better than ever! Now an Ever After School veteran, has just defeated ICE GRIFFINS in the first chapter, in another of Shelby's amazing book openers. There's also a whole new cast of characters, including King of Corny Ben, new and beautiful (oh, and you KNOW Adelaide's jealous) Mia, and mute girl Chatty (Chase came up with it), who shows up soaked and with seashells in her hair.
Rory's excited to spend Spring Break at Ever After School with her two best friends Lena and Chase when the story really begins-Ben's quest to Atlantis begins- but this time, the stakes are Much, MUCH higher. If Rory and co. don't get the Water of Life in seven days time, everyone at Ever After School with perish, thanks to a poisoning done by Snow Queen's spy-but who is it?!
You KNOW there's gonna be drama-but the good kind, since this is Shelby! Rory's insanely worried about sick Lena, everyone's pointing their poisoned fingers at Rapunzel, Chase is more complicated than ever, there's a new stepmom stepping into the picture, and we're introduced to a brand new mean girl (I'm sorry to say Adelaide wasn't in this much) Madison, there are hostile natives, and Rory's afraid of disappointing...well, EVERYONE.
I have to say, I really, really, enjoyed a sequel. CRAZY! I was a little sad old characters like Adelaide, the triplets, and Kelly weren't in this much, BUT, it does make up for it with new ones, like Ben, Chatty, Mia, Kenneth, and the new secrets and plot twists to grasp.
This book does take place one year after the first, and I was happy to see the characters HAD matured, and that there was clearly a difference from the two books, but just enough familiarity. Plus, Chase was in it a lot. Come on, this is CHASE! It perfectly mastered, action, friendship, humor, mystery, and drama, plus Rory getting some courage to stand up for herself, and had the same realistic problems that she shared (sort of) in the first book.
Plus, Shelby was kind enough to provide an EPIC plot twist fifteen percent through-image yourself with your mouth hanging open trying to process it at 2:30 in the morning. She did not disappoint!
August 24, 2014
Why is this book not available at ANY bookstores by me?????????? Someone please explain, Im getting frustrated! !!!! Seriously how do SIX barnes and nobles not have it, am I missing something?
April 24, 2015
Original BookTube review HERE
I finished this book a couple of weeks ago, and I still keep flipping through and reading bits of it. I just can’t let it go yet. It was that good. This is one of those rare books where I’m torn between zipping right through it or only reading a little at a time so I can savor it and stretch it out forever. Or at least until the next book comes out. I did not want this story to end!
This is the sequel to Of Giants and Ice, which I reviewed awhile back. If you’ve seen it, you know how much I adored that book. And if you haven’t, there’s a link to it below.
So, what did I like about this book? Holy crap, what didn’t I like about this book?! There are so many things to love!
Let’s start with story. While the first book was far from simple, this book is much more complex, between the number of plot twists and subplots. The adventure is gripping and addictive. I loved how it started out, because we get to a better look into the Ever Afters training program and we learn more about the characters associated with it. Bach has a perfect balance between main character Rory’s family problems, personal crises and her goals for the actual adventure throughout the book. There is never a dull moment in these stories, whether it be a sword fight or dealing with the repercussions of her parents’ divorce.
Rory is a fantastically relatable character. Characters always have flaws, but Rory’s are so perfectly related in her actions and perception, it’s hard not to love this depth. Rory’s particular kryptonite is self-doubt and it’s marvelously portrayed. In moments of peril she acts with confidence, but alone in the quiet, doubts worm through her brain and they continue to fester there, which I also felt was realistic. How many kids confide things like that to others before they’ve given in to it?
There is not only a satisfactory amount of depth here, but also development. In both books the crux of Rory’s problems remains the same, though she deals with different off-shoots of the core issue –mainly helplessness and lack of self-confidence. This way the issues are fresh and new each time instead of repetitive.
But what I really loved about this book –what really made it for me –was Chase Turnleaf. Chase was my favorite character in book one, and he keeps getting better, and more interesting. ‘Of Witches and Wind’ delves deeper into his character and back story and it’s so awesome! But I can’t really talk about that. I’ve got to leave something for you to find out for yourself, don’t I?
There were many plot twists throughout the story to keep you on your toes, and at least one of them I never even saw coming, which is always a great bonus. The writing is engaging and never lost my attention. As with the first book, Bach integrates not only fairy tales into her world, but its lore and mythology as well. The use of these lesser known ingredients of the folklore is another reason I love this story so much. It adds another layer of depth to the Ever Afters world, and it also makes it unique in the hundreds of retold fairy tales out there now.
Another thing that I appreciate about this book is how it remains in its middle grade genre. It’s a relief to see a twelve-year-old girl character who isn’t talking about boys or love. There is some crushing in these stories, which I think is more realistic, but it’s nice to see that it isn’t the main focus of the story. This book is about family and friends –oh, and the quest to stop a homicidal sorceress from taking over the world. Right. That too.
There is so much that I love about this –the characters, the universe, Ben’s cheesiness, Bach’s version of Atlantis, and the ending! I just have to say that this book had THE perfect ending. You got that?
Of Witches and Wind receives five stars and if you haven’t read The Ever Afters by Shelby Bach, you need to. RIGHT NOW.
I finished this book a couple of weeks ago, and I still keep flipping through and reading bits of it. I just can’t let it go yet. It was that good. This is one of those rare books where I’m torn between zipping right through it or only reading a little at a time so I can savor it and stretch it out forever. Or at least until the next book comes out. I did not want this story to end!
This is the sequel to Of Giants and Ice, which I reviewed awhile back. If you’ve seen it, you know how much I adored that book. And if you haven’t, there’s a link to it below.
So, what did I like about this book? Holy crap, what didn’t I like about this book?! There are so many things to love!
Let’s start with story. While the first book was far from simple, this book is much more complex, between the number of plot twists and subplots. The adventure is gripping and addictive. I loved how it started out, because we get to a better look into the Ever Afters training program and we learn more about the characters associated with it. Bach has a perfect balance between main character Rory’s family problems, personal crises and her goals for the actual adventure throughout the book. There is never a dull moment in these stories, whether it be a sword fight or dealing with the repercussions of her parents’ divorce.
Rory is a fantastically relatable character. Characters always have flaws, but Rory’s are so perfectly related in her actions and perception, it’s hard not to love this depth. Rory’s particular kryptonite is self-doubt and it’s marvelously portrayed. In moments of peril she acts with confidence, but alone in the quiet, doubts worm through her brain and they continue to fester there, which I also felt was realistic. How many kids confide things like that to others before they’ve given in to it?
There is not only a satisfactory amount of depth here, but also development. In both books the crux of Rory’s problems remains the same, though she deals with different off-shoots of the core issue –mainly helplessness and lack of self-confidence. This way the issues are fresh and new each time instead of repetitive.
But what I really loved about this book –what really made it for me –was Chase Turnleaf. Chase was my favorite character in book one, and he keeps getting better, and more interesting. ‘Of Witches and Wind’ delves deeper into his character and back story and it’s so awesome! But I can’t really talk about that. I’ve got to leave something for you to find out for yourself, don’t I?
There were many plot twists throughout the story to keep you on your toes, and at least one of them I never even saw coming, which is always a great bonus. The writing is engaging and never lost my attention. As with the first book, Bach integrates not only fairy tales into her world, but its lore and mythology as well. The use of these lesser known ingredients of the folklore is another reason I love this story so much. It adds another layer of depth to the Ever Afters world, and it also makes it unique in the hundreds of retold fairy tales out there now.
Another thing that I appreciate about this book is how it remains in its middle grade genre. It’s a relief to see a twelve-year-old girl character who isn’t talking about boys or love. There is some crushing in these stories, which I think is more realistic, but it’s nice to see that it isn’t the main focus of the story. This book is about family and friends –oh, and the quest to stop a homicidal sorceress from taking over the world. Right. That too.
There is so much that I love about this –the characters, the universe, Ben’s cheesiness, Bach’s version of Atlantis, and the ending! I just have to say that this book had THE perfect ending. You got that?
Of Witches and Wind receives five stars and if you haven’t read The Ever Afters by Shelby Bach, you need to. RIGHT NOW.
July 23, 2018
This book took my breath away. I felt what the characters felt, it was just, awesome. My favourite out of the first two! Things move very quickly in this book, if you can keep up, read this series!
November 15, 2015
I absolutely loved Of Witches and Wind. I love the characters, they just grabbed me. I liked how much they didn't know about each other, it made some interesting conflicts. I also loved the way everything ended up resolved. It was fitting and I felt all the characters got what they needed/deserved. This book was amazing, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a new series.
April 18, 2013
This will be the best book on the planet. I can feel it.
March 8, 2014
3.8
Again, I could see and note the flaws but, it remains, I could not put this book down.
Engrossing, intriguing, amusing, and insightful.
I enjoyed.
Again, I could see and note the flaws but, it remains, I could not put this book down.
Engrossing, intriguing, amusing, and insightful.
I enjoyed.
November 7, 2020
I think I loved this one even more than the second one because the characters showed more weakness and I think, in my mind at least, that made them seem more real.
January 28, 2018
I woke up at 5am to finish this book. I’m loving this series more and more.
February 7, 2014
After reading the first book in this series, I was so eager to read the next one that I was constantly looking to see when the next book was being published. Now I am anxious for book 3. I really like all the characters and how they are developing. I also like how we get hints of what might be coming when Rory finally gets her own story which is why I always ready for the next book since I can never quite guess what will happen next. As a youth service librarian, I have come across quite a few books which use fairy tales and fairy tale characters. Many have been for older young adult readers. I am glad to see more middle school books with these elements, especially one like the books in this series, which are fresh and fun.
January 22, 2015
While she is waiting for her tale, Rory has a lot to worry about. A deadly disease has hurt almost all of the ever afters. SHe is one of the few not affected. Because of this she must quest for the water of life. Along the way many items are needed and there are battles to be fought. They all will learn that friends aren't always as we think.
This is a great sequel and an amazing adventure. There is a lot of suspense and action. I would recommend this to readers 10 and older.
This is a great sequel and an amazing adventure. There is a lot of suspense and action. I would recommend this to readers 10 and older.
December 1, 2021
this is my third (?) read through and i still love it so much 😭😭
i'm literally so happy, i love the characters so much and i love their relationships and you can tell they're getting older and growing up, so bittersweet
BASICALLY I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK AND THIS SERIES AND IM SO SAD IT'S UNDERAPPRECIATED
i'm literally so happy, i love the characters so much and i love their relationships and you can tell they're getting older and growing up, so bittersweet
BASICALLY I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK AND THIS SERIES AND IM SO SAD IT'S UNDERAPPRECIATED
December 30, 2021
Another great book! Such a fun read. I really think it be might be the best new mid grade series out there. Can't wait for the next.
July 26, 2013
I enjoyed this sequel to Of Giants and Ice. We learn much more about Chase in this book. I am now impatient for the next book.
June 8, 2022
4.5 needs more lena. And I don't care what rory says, eating three pizza slices stacked on top of each other is fucking iconic.
August 8, 2025
obviously rereading the first means I have to reread the rest…
August 5, 2013
In Book Two, Rory is feeling more confident. She's just finished battling ice griffins after all. Doesn't that make you a veteran or something? Yet, the Evil Snow Queen is working against the Ever After Program and Rory quickly finds herself as a companion in a new quest. The stakes in this book are much higher then before as the entire school has been poisoned. Rapunzel sets forth a prophecy that five characters must travel forth and in seven days time draw the water of life from the spring in order to save the school. Rory begins to have doubts whether she will be able to help to save the school and her friend Lena. Of Witches and Wind is filled with many light moments, snarky comments, puns, humor and a plot that escalates the tension just the right amount. There are some beautiful moments between Rory and Chase where she finds that she doesn't really know everything about him. That he has had a lifetime before she was even born. So yeah, plenty of secrets, prophecies and a story that I really enjoyed reading. Bach has a lovely way of capturing the angst of a middle grader and at the same time developed a beautiful story about friendship. She captures the voice of a middle grade girl with the doubts, insecurities that they may feel. My favorite quote, "Doubts can conquer a person more quickly then an army. If you know yours, you can conquer them instead." In the end, as Bach puts it best in her acknowledgments, "Of Witches and Wind is all about how surviving middle school is so much easier when you have great, caring, loyal friends."
July 28, 2025
"This sequel doesn’t just continue the adventure—it cranks up the magic, danger, and heart to 11."
Rory Landon is back, and this time, the fairy tales aren’t just dangerous—they’re personal. If you thought Of Giants and Ice was wild, buckle up, because Of Witches and Wind dives deeper into Rory’s world with even higher stakes, darker twists, and a storm of magic that’ll leave you breathless.
What I loved:
🔥 The magic gets REAL – No training wheels here. Rory’s facing curses, witch trials, and forces way beyond her control, and the way she wrestles with power (and consequences) feels raw and authentic.
🌪 The stakes are sky-high – This isn’t just about saving the day; it’s about survival, loyalty, and what happens when the line between hero and villain starts to blur.
💔 Emotional gut-punches – The friendships? Tested. The family secrets? Exposed. The sacrifices? Painful. (In the best way.)
Shelby Bach’s writing is so immersive—you’ll feel the wind howling, smell the magic in the air, and flinch when the spells backfire. And Rory? Still the most relatable "Chosen One" ever, because she’s messy, brave, and absolutely refuses to quit, even when she probably should.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) – A storm of a sequel that proves this series isn’t just good—it’s legendary. If you love fairy tales with teeth and heroes who earn their happy endings, this is a must-read.
P.S. Now that I’ve finished the whole series, I can confidently say this book is where things get really wild—and you’re not ready for what’s coming next. Buckle up.
Rory Landon is back, and this time, the fairy tales aren’t just dangerous—they’re personal. If you thought Of Giants and Ice was wild, buckle up, because Of Witches and Wind dives deeper into Rory’s world with even higher stakes, darker twists, and a storm of magic that’ll leave you breathless.
What I loved:
🔥 The magic gets REAL – No training wheels here. Rory’s facing curses, witch trials, and forces way beyond her control, and the way she wrestles with power (and consequences) feels raw and authentic.
🌪 The stakes are sky-high – This isn’t just about saving the day; it’s about survival, loyalty, and what happens when the line between hero and villain starts to blur.
💔 Emotional gut-punches – The friendships? Tested. The family secrets? Exposed. The sacrifices? Painful. (In the best way.)
Shelby Bach’s writing is so immersive—you’ll feel the wind howling, smell the magic in the air, and flinch when the spells backfire. And Rory? Still the most relatable "Chosen One" ever, because she’s messy, brave, and absolutely refuses to quit, even when she probably should.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) – A storm of a sequel that proves this series isn’t just good—it’s legendary. If you love fairy tales with teeth and heroes who earn their happy endings, this is a must-read.
P.S. Now that I’ve finished the whole series, I can confidently say this book is where things get really wild—and you’re not ready for what’s coming next. Buckle up.
May 29, 2017
So, after finishing the first book, i was so pumped up for the second one. I had to wait about a day before I could go to the library again and was so ready to get that book. I was fulfilled with happiness and joy at the end of book 2, after discovering that Shelby Bach's amazing storytelling had once wowed me again...but this was better. The action, suspense, and tension this book was filled with is and was still overwhelming and surprising. As Rory faces problems in the real world with her dad and his new fiance, she also faces problems in the real world.
*spoilers coming*
As Rory is sent as a companion to Ben on a quest to find the Water of Life to save EAS, she encounters so many things. Previously, she learns Chase is half Fey which develops later on in the book. Rory's willingness and determination was dumb-founding and I don't know how she did it...except for the fact that she's in a book. Anyway, before I go on a rant and start telling you about how much I NEED Chase and Rory to get together, even though I know they do in the end and also about the entire book, i should probably wrap it up. I love this book and absolutely refuse to think anything else about it. Anyway, if you read this, that's cool! if you didn't...well, I guess that's okay.
*spoilers coming*
As Rory is sent as a companion to Ben on a quest to find the Water of Life to save EAS, she encounters so many things. Previously, she learns Chase is half Fey which develops later on in the book. Rory's willingness and determination was dumb-founding and I don't know how she did it...except for the fact that she's in a book. Anyway, before I go on a rant and start telling you about how much I NEED Chase and Rory to get together, even though I know they do in the end and also about the entire book, i should probably wrap it up. I love this book and absolutely refuse to think anything else about it. Anyway, if you read this, that's cool! if you didn't...well, I guess that's okay.
November 12, 2016
This series just keeps getting better and better. This book? Intense. Secrets are revealed and there also a lot of quality bonding time for two of my favorite characters. I'm about 110% sure they're gonna be your favorites too, trust me. These books are beautiful and perfect for all ages, so get it. If you can't find it, the internet is a wonderful place. Check out Amazon. And besides that, your library should be able to get it for you, so you have no excuse to miss this. There is plenty of action and the battles are really well written and easy to follow. So enjoy, book lovers! Another great series!
November 9, 2020
Rory and her friends are back at EAS for more missions and mayhem - only this time, most of the academy is fighting a deadly poison that can only be cured by a special spring of water, one that has been hidden uncomfortably close to the arrogant fey and Glass Mountain! Bach continues this fun and enjoyably witty series with more action and fantasy that will have fans cheering and crying with every chapter. With new students and new family dilemmas, Rory may not survive long enough to reach her own Tale...
February 21, 2015
Wow. Just wow. How is this so good? This is one of the better fae books I've ever read, and a rollicking adventure. I mean, it's possible that I just don't know how to read critically any more (working morning shifts will do that to you), but I don't think that's it. This one manages to be honestly perilous, deal with friendship, heroism, and truth. And also be hilarious and include a train made out of pumpkins.
May 25, 2014
There are some books that have a great first book but the sequel makes it worse. Not so with this book. Ms. Bach has woven a beautiful tale of magic, hardship, and friendship while the humor adds life to everything. As a sequel, it is beautifully written. It moves the story forward but adds new and exciting elements. The characters change but they're still the same people you fell in love with the first time. I sincerely enjoyed this book and simply cannot wait for the next one.
October 10, 2017
Wow! This book was absolute stunning and outstanding! I loved this sequel to the first one so much! I loved how the author wrote the dialogue and how she made each character an important role in the story. This was such an adventurous and exciting story to read and I was at the edge of my seat the whole time. I will definitely recommend this amazing series to my friends and I can’t wait to read the third book!
October 24, 2019
I think that any person who likes land of stories should like this book because it has a lot of fantasy and magical characters 🧜🏻♀️🧚🏻♀️
I mean like who doesn’t like magic ?! But honestly this is one of my top favorite books that I’ve read through my life!!
I would take my phone and read like basically everywhere!!
I am not going to give out any clues but we are now starring Chase Turnleaf and Solange has another wicked plot up her sleeve.
Enjoy reading!
I mean like who doesn’t like magic ?! But honestly this is one of my top favorite books that I’ve read through my life!!
I would take my phone and read like basically everywhere!!
I am not going to give out any clues but we are now starring Chase Turnleaf and Solange has another wicked plot up her sleeve.
Enjoy reading!
November 13, 2015
This is a very important part of Rory's story, and although I won't reveal them, Chase has a major character backstory. I absolutely love this book, and there are a lot of funny parts. I love how Shelby Bach uses the fairy tales and it's just an amazing series.
July 30, 2018
So far, this is rather a great series. It is not perfect -- the characters feel a couple years older than their stated age, and some of the 'off-camera' scenes were a bit confusing -- but it is fast-paced and exciting, with some very good character development.
December 4, 2019
From what I remember, this was my favourite one from the series. and I think that still holds.
reading count: 4
reading count: 4
September 5, 2017
I loved this book as much as the first one. I can't wait for my daughter to read it too. The characters are great and it is action packed.
January 19, 2019
I TOTES LOVE THIS BOOKKKKKK!!!!!!! I LOVE RORY AND CHASE!!!!AHHHHHH!!!!I LOVE RETOLD FAIRTALES !!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews