Even After...

by Kara M. Zone

Philip Avery and Rose Everhart are bound by fate, their connection undeniable, their souls intertwined by something deeper. 

But destiny is never simple, fate can be cruel, and love isn’t always enough.

Torn between his pack and Rose—his trium perfectum, the one person meant to balance his magic, heart, and very being. Philip walks away when his alpha demands a choice—his pack or Rose—leaving behind the one person who truly saw him. 

Even after heartbreak and separation, their souls refuse to sever. 

Philip and Rose must decide: Can love survive the weight of regret? And is redemption possible when the person you hurt is the one you’ve always belonged to?

Genres: Shapeshifters

120 pages, ebook

Published March 18, 2025

About the author

Kara M. Zone crafts tales of magic, mayhem, and mischief.

She is the author of the forthcoming new adult dark fantasy:

Book .05: An Accidental Faerie Tale
Book One: Cinders Burn at Midnight
Book 1.5: Even After...
Book Two: Ashes Fall at Dawn
Book Three: Only Embers Remain

Expanded Editions:
An accidental Faerie Tale
Even After

The Trium Perfectum universe includes 12 full-length novels in the Soverign City series; three novellas (to date); and a standalone Romance Series in Shadows Ridge (date TBD)

Stick around! You're in for a wild ride!

When she is not writing her own books, Kara works as indie publishing and writing consultant.​ Contact her at contact@karamzone.com

Reviews

[Deandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeing the Trium Perfectum in different ways with different people is so interesting to watch unfold!

Any and all character storylines in this universe are PERFECTION!

This is the story of Rose and Philip, (Aiden and Finns parents) here we see how their relationship came about and the Highs and lows that every couple of the Trium Perfectum goes through and the trials that come along with a magical world full of enchanting beings.

The character development is so on point that you can't help but fall in love with these characters!

AND OMG, I LOVE BOB WITH ALL MY HEART!

The emotionally driven characters are the takeaway from this book and any book in the Emberlands series!

Once again, a five-star Novella!

[Kelsey Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as an ARC but all opinions are my own!

I absolutely loved this. Kara is such a talented author and this was no exception. I was so excited to read Philip and Rose’s story after reading Cinders Burn at Midnight and An Accidental Faerie Tale. I loved that it followed their story from the very beginning as children. During the high school years and some of the college years, Philip did NOT pass the vibe check and I was like so furious at him for a big portion of this novella. He came through in the end though. All the stuff that happened when they went to the Fae world was so crazy and I love seeing people come into their power when they need it most. This was a very moving and emotional story and I really enjoyed reading it.

[Unleishd_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Even After* is a fantastic novella in the *Trium Perfectum* world. Kara M. Zone has this way of writing that makes you connect with the characters on such a deep level. The magic? Woven in so seamlessly, it adds this extra layer of wonder that makes the story even more powerful. I couldn’t put it down, just needed to see where everything would go. And Bob…you’ll love him!

[RogueMarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about Phillip and Rose's love. I especially loved seeing their journey grow from kindergarten through university. It made getting to know them so good. The connection between both and the difficulties they faced. Loved it!

[Rogère Buivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This time we enter the world of Rose and Philip who knew since childhood that they were connected.
But as Philip grow distant and kind of mean, Rose is battling for her safety and wellbeing.
Until that fate moment when Philip get his reason back and only focus on Rose, they finally let their love connect.
Little did they know that their path to happiness will be full of obstacles.
But love conquers all after all, and they will find their way to each other.
Another amazing book.
Did I start this book at 1:00 am? Yes.
Did I stay awake until 3:00 am to finish this book? Also yes.

[Book Witchling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose to read this after reading the second book. I am glad I did and do wish I would have read it before. It fills in the blanks and answers the questions that I had about things Philip said about his past with Rose. However. I do think it would haven given a few things away when reading the second book/make it easier to guess what would happen.

Either way, super happy there is a novella about young Philip and Rose

[Andrea Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great novella. Easy to read and keeps your attention. It gives you a small look into the Emberlands world. The MMC and FMC notice their bond at a young age, but the MMC chose his pack over the bond. Once she moves on, he realizes he will do anything to get her back.

[Kailey Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wholeheartedly loved this novella and finished it in one sitting! The character development was amazing and I enjoyed watching the two MCs relationship transform! I hope we get to see more of them!

[Noemi Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Even After. Philip and Rose’s story is so frustratingly perfect.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it and read it in one sitting. This series is only the second fantasy series I've been able to get into and I just love the characters. In this one, we get a background of Philip and Rose and how they grew up together. The magic in the story is just really cool and I enjoy how it keeps them together even from a far. The pet Rose gets in the end is awesome.

[Brittney Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ This novella is from the perspective of Rose and Philip (Finn and Aiden’s parents) and the story of how they fell in love. The story starts in kindergarten where they first meet and goes all the way until Rose gets pregnant with her first child (Finn). From a young age they knew they were each others other half of the Trium Perfectum link but they did not connect that link until well into adulthood. They go from friends to enemies to reluctant allies to lovers. We get to see them all throughout their childhood and into adulthood, meeting characters we have heard about along the way. I loved having their perspective and hearing their story of love (and betrayal). The characters were fun and I liked the difference that this fated mates had as compared to the others.

[Kendra Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book (1.5) right after finishing books 1 and 2. It had some great information that further fleshed out the interworking's of both those books. We get a giant flashback into the story of Rose and Philip (Aiden, Finn and Reagan's parents). It flashes a year or more at a time as they grow up together and fall victim to the influence of others. We see that their relationship was not all sunshine as the kids remember it, there was a very rocky start that helped them both find personal strengths. It's an interesting take on fate and sometimes the trials are necessary to end up where you're meant to be.

[Janessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in one evening, I could not put it down! I loved the story between Rose and Philip!

[Bookish._.Banter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Available: Exclusively through her newsletter via www.karamzone.com

✨ARC Review ✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you read Cinders Burn at Midnight (highly recommend if you haven’t, what are you waiting for ?!) and were lucky enough to get An Accidental Faerie Tale while it was available, then it only makes sense for you to grab this novella. I love character backstories and this one centers around Finn and Aiden’s parents.

I found myself telling Philip he was an idiot multiple times while reading, and picking up the pieces of Rose’s heart myself while they navigated the pull of the Trium Perfectum and the cruelty of Taylor and his pack.

I won’t tell you what happens, so you’ll have to get the novella for yourself! Book 2 of the Trium Perfectum series Ashes Fall at Dawn, releases later this year.

[ThatBook Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even After is a novella set in between Cinders Burn at Midnight and Ashes Fall at Dawn. This takes us out of the main story with Kaitlin, Max, Aiden and Finn and centers around two new characters.

Rose and Phillip's relationship begins as children, knowing they are bonded by the trium perfectum. But Phillip is torn between his pack and Rose, and ultimately chooses his pack. Being the only family Rose really has, she's left with no one. Being tormented and bullied by the pack for years, Rose struggles but remains steadfast and strong.

But the pull of the trium perfectum is strong, always drawing Rose and Phillip into each other's orbit. I really enjoy the push and pull between them, the mistrust, the regret, and the love. The characters are well written, and there is enough mystery and angst to keep you guessing.

I believe Rose and Phillip are Aiden and Finn's parents, so I'm really looking forward to seeing how this plays into Ashes. Yet another fantastic tale by Kara M. Zone! I'm hooked!

[Sarah Metcalf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short novella set in the Trium Perfectum series. This is the story of Phillip and Rose, Finn's parents. It starts with Phillip and Rose meeting in kindergarten and progresses through all the younger stages of their lives. What begins as a beautiful childhood friendship goes through changes during adolescence and high school. When pack comes between them, can things ever be the same or get better?
This is a wonderful addition to this series. After reading Ashes Fallat Dawn, it gives more of the story of Phillip and his trouble with Tanner Asheborn. A negative history was talked about, but this story goes into that detail as well as some of the references at the end of book 2.
I like how this story starts with the kids at such a young age and develops their relationship through the good and the bad. Phillip was not always the good guy and you really get to see his character development. And after reading this story, I now question some of the things happening throughout Ashes and am eager to see what will come of the interactions with Tanner in the rest of the series.

[DarkDigital Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smokes and holy magical bomb wave!!!!

Rose - ice magic and abandoned by her parents and abused by her grandmother, she attends many schools. She seems to be the outcast, except for the trium connection with HIM, but he suddenly doesn’t want her????

Philip- wolf shifter, loves Rose and understands the connection they have, but when he is told to choose her or the pack? Well he chooses the pack! And then he watches everything unfold even when the pack bullies and attacks Rose!?

Kent- yeah I don’t even know how to touch on him? He is with Rose for many years, but he so I’m not sure if he’s a redeeming character or not…

This novella in the trium perfectum series is an amazing tale of love, connection, betrayal and trauma and most importantly- using it all to move on and better yourself and your life! Enjoy the magical world and honestly? This author is an instant hit with me!!

[Amanda✨️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah yes, nothing says “true love” like magical soul bonds, impossible choices, and emotional damage. Even After gave me all of that—in under 150 pages—and I am not okay (in the best way).

Philip and Rose’s connection? Off the charts. The angst? Delicious. The emotional whiplash? Free with every chapter. I found myself rooting for them while also wanting to knock some sense into Philip (respectfully, of course—he’s been through it).

It’s a quick read, but it manages to deliver some solid feels, a touch of fantasy, and just enough longing to keep you invested. Do I wish it were longer? Yes. Do I want a follow-up where we just let these two breathe and maybe go to therapy? Also yes.

Perfect if you like your romance with a dash of magic, a sprinkle of heartbreak, and a whole lot of “WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS?” energy.

[Angiewagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really don't know what to say. I am obsessed with this series and ALL of the characters. Not just what you consider the "main" characters. They all add something special to the series.
Max & Aiden in An Accidental Faerie Tale & Philip & Rose's story. I love seeing how all of he people come together for this amazing story.
And Kara's writing. The way she tells the stories, you feel like you are there. Hiding in the shadow's watching everything happen. She makes you feel like you are part of the story.

I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it!

Kara M. Zone strikes again. This book was a quick, easy read, and I found myself connecting to the characters immediately.

Rose is so sweet, and keeps to herself but isn't weak, and I found myself really enjoying her character journey and rooting for her.

Phil was such a sweetie pie!! A good cinnamon roll MMC.

Love me a good romantasy and this was exactly that.

[Ashley Hobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this novella. Explains some of the background of things that occurred in the other 2 books which was so helpful to fill in the gaps. Love learning about Finn’s parents and more about the past of the world that has been built.

Favourite quotes include:
“Does he light people on fire when he gets excited?” Rose asks. Malak pops his bushy eyebrows up and says, “No. But he will pee on you.”

[Rose Dinsmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I was shockingly unprepared for this story… I read it in one sitting and was completely hooked from page one! And then to realize I KNEW THEM the whole time! I felt a little bit embarrassed but also thrilled to peel back the layers of these characters I feel like I know so much better now. I can’t wait for the full length story!

4 1/2 💜’s.

[Alba Dorado · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐
It's just been as or even more incredible than 'Cinders Burn at Midnight, - the previous one I read.

[Lisa Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about how 2 peopled stayed together since kindergarten. They went through people trying to kill them and take their magic. I recommend you read this book!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will read anything by Kara M. Zone! Her writing style is unique and her stories are unique. She's creating a world I don't want to miss!

[Sabine A McDaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great novella revealing more of Kara's world that she has created. It bridges so many thing together and I really enjoyed the read. 🥰

[Alejandra Guerrero · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's nothing but a series of unconnected scenes with little context (if any). Badly written, at that.

[Originalninja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I wish I could read again for the first time. I loved it! The growth in the story, the characters. It was so good.