These Grave Hearts

Finding Ever After #4

by K.E. Barden

‘Black glass and boned frames, a depth so dark it withers flames.’

The deeper the secret, the darker the tale. The city lies in ruins. The grimoire is lost. Snow has escaped. The Tinker is dead.

As the prophecy looms over the Seeker, Eve must descend into the Kingdom of Nysa’s depths to face the sea witch. But she is not the only one seeking the mirrors. As rival courts clash and ancient powers awaken, Eve finds herself pulled into a storm that threatens to consume everything she has ever known.

Fuelled by fury and desperation, Myrenna is preparing for war. But with her enemies closing in, her only chance at happiness lies between a broken kingdom, her mines and the whispers of the gilded mirror.

With the peril looming, our heroes are scattered across the realm. Some are trapped in cursed mines, some hunted through wildlands, and others play games where survival comes at a deadly cost. Strings have been pulled and it will take everything they have to fight back against destiny.

In the fourth installment of the Finding Ever After series, enemies become lovers, friends become traitors, and alliances shift. The cost of survival grows, and when a Happily Ever After isn’t guaranteed, nobody is safe.

626 pages, Paperback

Published February 14, 2026

About the author

K E Barden is an independent author based in Brisbane. Her first book, The Gilded Mirror was written entirely on a mobile phone and was a finalist in QWC's Adaptable program in 2025 where she pitched the series to directors and screen producers for screen adaption. 

When she isn’t writing, you can usually find her spoiling her high maintenance cat, building fairy castles or comparing her real boyfriend with her book boyfriends.

Her books are a combination of fiction, romance and fantasy focusing on choice, flawed characters, romance and complex relationships. 

You can find Kim on social media @ KEBardenAuthor

Reviews

[K.E. Barden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello Grimms,

This book has been on my laptop for YEARS, patiently waiting to see the light of day and join its sibling's on the shelf. I'm so excited to be releasing this book and I can promise that all your favourite characters are back.

In the fourth installment we see threads woven together, hard decisions made and a whole bunch of shocking moments. Sorry not sorry.

For those who have made it this far, THANK YOU. This industry is tough and I'm grateful to every single reader who picks up one of my books.

Kim xx

[Michele (michelethebookdragon) · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Grave Hearts is another action filled addition to the Finding Ever After series.

There is so much going on in Bellatorre and Perridorm with all the major players in this story having a part to play in this book.

With Snow, Malak, Florian and Pip in Felldryn trying to broker an alliance with Adanna and Odion, we certainly see a different Snow coming to the surface. Snow is no pushover, but more importantly I feel she may not be the kind, compassionate ruler that Bellatorre needs.

Back in the Silver City, Hansel, Flynn and Piccadilly have their hands full keeping the rebellion hidden and making decisions that will have far reaching effects for all.

In the Queen's mines the search for the Bone Door is getting closer. Myrenna's expectations of what is behind the door and the power it will give her is chilling.

This increase in power is felt far away and even below the sea in the Kingdom of Nysa, home to sea nymphs and merfolk. Cyrene and Eve visit the kingdom under the sea on a quest that has devastating consequences.

What an intense ride this fourth book in the series was. You can tell that all the pieces are being put in place for a cracking finale in book five.

Will alliances be made in time? Will evil triumph in this war? Who will survive?

The Finding Ever After series is full of adventure and derring do, the fight for freedom, the overthrowing of evil and cruelty, unrequited love and some of the most amazing characters from the fairytale realm. As always you must read the short story at the end of the book!

Many thanks to Kim for an ARC prior to publication 🙏🏻

[Amber (amberdevouredthis) · Rating 5 out of 5]

oof KE Barden really stomped on our hearts with this one. Things got real uhh, grim 😅. This is the 4th book in the Finding Ever After series, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive an ARC for all 4 books so far 🥹

What I love about Kim’s books is that we get so many POVs. I know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I’d drink the whole teapot! 💖

Move over bat boys, a hot new bombshell has entered the villaaaa 🐦‍⬛👀 Without any spoilers on who they are, I really enjoyed getting to know the crow shifter brothers and their motivations - the brothers definitely have a type, and it’s women who would step on them 😌

I’m also crossing my fingers for more of the two princes in book 5 - and Kim you better be keeping my sweet baby Malak safe 😭

I feel like this book was the darkest so far, everyone was really going through it. With each book, we meet more and more interesting new characters, but the survival rate is getting lower and lower 🫣 (again, do not hurt that half-orc lover boy). My partner finished reading The Gilded Mirror recently and boy did these characters not even know the trauma coming their way.

Thank you Kim for sending me an early copy and congrats on this incredible book!! I am so intrigued by Snow’s character arc and I cannot wait for book 5’s release! 🫶🏽

[Kelsbookreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about book 4 in the Finding Ever After series, These Grave Hearts, except that K.E Bardon has ruined me. Absolutely broken me in the way only an incredible storyteller can.

The fight for survival is brutal, the changing loyalties and rash decisions are jaw dropping and the action scenes and raw emotions the characters portray are breathtaking. All in all, I think the journey this book and characters has taken me on so far has changed my brain chemistry and has made me question the back-stories of many of my favourite fairytales. Kim just writes the hell out of this world and I can't help but wonder how book 5, the last in the series is going to finish me off.

We follow some of our favourite characters (and not so favourite...) as they fight for survival against a Queen who seemingly can't be defeated, who is gaining power and does not take prisoners and will stop at nothing until she is in control of everything and everyone. But with new players on the scene, potential alliances and untapped power that could sway the very threads of fate - there is still hope - no matter how miniscule it may seem.

Don't walk into this series expecting just another basic fairytale retelling, this series breaks the mould, revamps and refreshes it with unique and detailed world building and characters who may share names with our childhood favourites but turns them on their heads.

If you love;

- dark fairytales
- brutal and violent scenes
- separated lovers
- friends to lovers
- guilt and loss
- jealous and spite filled characters
- detailed and intricate world-building
- feeling like your heart is ripped from your chest...

Then you can not go past these books. I read this prior to official release day.

[Lauren Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

KE Barden returns with her signature beautiful, illustrative prose for another installment in the Finding Ever After Series.
Straight back into the action with Book 4! This series has a large cast of characters and they're scattered across the map again. The prologue delivered for me, who was desperate to get more of Eve's back story then at the start of chapter one, we're back to Myrenna's devious machinations, seeing more locations in the realm and getting a deeper understanding of what is motivating these charterers as they keep growing and changing. In particular Snow and Florian had really interesting character developments. Piccadilly caught me by surprise in this book too. I really enjoyed every chapter she popped into. Darker magic elements in this book which were a really interesting way to drive the narrative and get an insight to the characters in how they handled the plot getting a bit dark and twisty.
I love how these books hold me captive, not only for the compelling characters, but a plot with so many moving parts that you can get so lost in "The Realm."
I'm already planning to re-binge the series as soon as a release date is announced for book 5.

[Meg Paff]

A huge thank you to K. E. Barden for providing These Grave Hearts as an ARC read. I really appreciate the opportunity to read and review this book early.

These Grave Hearts was easily one of my favourite books in the series so far. The writing is strong, the atmosphere is deliciously dark, and I love how the story continues to weave classic fairytales together into something far more twisted and Grimm-like than the softened modern versions. The magic and tone really suit this world, and it makes for such an immersive read.

One of the biggest strengths of this series continues to be the characters, especially the morally complex female main characters. They are well fleshed out, and the author does such a good job of making you emotionally invested in them, whether those feelings are positive or not.

After struggling a bit with Book 3 (A Glass Darkly) due to the character separation and large time jumps, which sometimes felt like they were pulling the story backwards rather than pushing it forward, I was so happy to find that these pacing issues felt largely rectified in book 4. The story flowed more smoothly, with less disruptive time jumping, and it genuinely felt like the plot was progressing in a satisfying way.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed These Grave Hearts and it left me excited to continue the series with the next release.

[Ashley Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you to K E Barden for providing a digital ARC to review*

I love how with every book, the world-building just expands with every new location being so cool and interesting. Eve & Hansel are back! I really missed them in the last book, and I enjoyed following Eve into the kingdom of Nysa. Cyrene’s mother is actually terrifying.

Once again, there are multiple storylines going on with different characters. I love how we’re getting more of the twins and learning more about the history and the stories connected to their lineage. There’s also a sweet budding romance that has some tension. This book is a real turning point with Snow. Her character arc is so interesting, and I’m wondering if she ends up as a villain or a hero.

I love getting to know more about the Crows and seeing how different the three brothers are. I also enjoyed learning more about Piccadilly; she’s such an interesting character. There are a lot of dark moments in the story, especially in the mines, with Myrenna doing anything to get what she wants. She is becoming an unstoppable force, and I’m wondering just how she can be stopped.

As always, there are multiple cliffhangers, and I can’t wait for the final book to see how it all concludes. Make sure to read the short story at the end, they’re so much fun and add even more lore to the story.

[Liz Bench · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay this is. I have no words but like I need to have some words for how this book feels. So I'll start with this. I hate Snow and you will see why if you read the series which I highly suggest you do. The whole book was like, twist and turns everywhere which I quite admire however saying that where it left off I hope there's a fifth book because like we need to know. Anyways big thanks to the author for letting me be an ARC reader and I cannot suggest your series enough because it's absolutely amazing.

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted more! Any slow parts of the series were made up for in this book. I ended this one thinking ‘that’s it?’ and I’m already ready for more. I’ll be impatiently waiting for the next book. This will be your favourite of the series! By the way, I hate Snow!!!

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review
This is my first time receiving an Arc review book and it being apart of one of my favourite series is a dream💚
Finding ever after Book 4:
Okay first and foremost I love this series, I found it last year during a con at Brisbane and had the privilege to talk to the author who is genuinely such a sweet person and I hope to talk to her again in person now that I’ve read all the books.
Now the review for book 4, now I’ll admit I slightly struggled through part of book 3 cause I’m not the biggest fan of Snow, now don’t get me wrong her character is interesting and I enjoy seeing what she’s going to do next, I genuinely don’t trust the girl.

But book four oh my god I breezed through this book, I genuinely couldn’t put it down. Every single switch of POV had me itching to see what each character was up to cause no matter which pov it is, something is happening and it had me begging to know what would happen next. One of the things I’ve loved about this series are the characters, and they connect to fairy tail characters and seeing how Kim(The author) has chosen to interpret them into her own version in this series.

This book is probably the darkest out of the series, with many scenes which had my jaw on the floor. If you don’t do death, blood or gore, this probably isn’t the book for you. But if you love dark and twisted tales this is the one for you. I would say the only negative part I’ve found with this series as there is many moving parts and pov changes, I sometimes forget where the characters are at (Specifically the dwarves idk what it is but I keep forgetting who’s who and where they are😂😅) but that’s probably more on me 😂.

Overall this book was an emotionally rollercoaster to say the least, and had me clutching my pearls every few pages.

Florian has hands down become my favourite character in the whole series, because he continues to want to help even when he is struck down and talked down to by so many people, what I loved most about this book is that we start to see more people see his worth and what he brings to the table.

Cyrene and Piccadilly were characters I was excited to see more of this book and my god did they deliver, they are both such strong willed characters fighting for what they believe to be right. Even when life has dealt them such shitty cards

Learning more about the twins and Perridorm has been so interesting, introducing them at the end of the last book was a little teaser into what we would see in this book and I’m excited to see what happens next!

The twins themselves, I love them so much Adanna is a true queen and I adore her, she holds herself in such a way that even though what she has to go through is horrible, she never lets that strip away her kindness (unlike another princess)

Odion is rough around the edges but you can tell he loves his sister and his kingdom. He doesn’t trust easy and pushes others away because of this. Seeing him open up with Florian was something I wasn’t expecting but man was I happy when I did! Genuinely excited to see more of their relationship grow(Please let these two live happily ever after 🥺)

Evaline Rafter, yes I said Florian is my favourite character but Eve is my everything, I love her so much and every time I read from her pov my heart broke. She holds so much pain and grief inside her and you can tell she’s struggling to make herself keep going. But still she persists, you can see her hope growing, and I just want her to find Hansel again so they can talk and tell each other how they feel 🥺😩 She deserves good and happy things, and one of my favourite things about her is that she is still trying to crack jokes, even in dire situations. She just wants to help and protect the people around her. You can tell she still wants her revenge but I think she’s slowly realising there is more to life than revenge.

Hansel my love, he is the hero, I don’t care that Eve said he had a Hero complex, my man wants a purpose in life and I think he’s found it in helping others, into protecting others, but man do I want to slap him sometimes and tell him to take help when it’s offered! He’s such a strong willed character and the way I perceive him in the books that he thinks taking help will be a sign of weakness. But I’m hoping he’s starting to understand accepting help isn’t weakness it’s strength! Also I understand his weariness of those around him because no one truly at any point is ever being 100% honest in these books😂

Flynn, I love that guy so much, he’s been to hell and back again and I just want him to be okay, to find his happiness. And to be frank be free. I want to see more of his character and see him become friends with Hansel, cause I know if the two of them just had a honest to god conversation they would actually become great allies and friends.

Malak, my sweet boy the world is too cruel to you when you are so nice. You deserved none of the nasty words thrown at you, and I want you to find someone who loves you! And who will appreciate you, you’ve only tried to do what you think is best, and have apologised when you’ve seen you’ve upset people and have tried to have conversations, when the people you are trying to fix things with just aren’t worth it.

Snow… genuinely I was hoping I was really hoping book four would change my perception of you, and would make me like you. I was wrong. I have never detested a character in a way that I do you. I understand you have your traumas and you have gone through so much but oh my god, you truly are the most selfish, self-absorbed character I have ever read. But that’s what makes you an interesting character to read. Snow the one who will take over from Myrenna and make Bellatorre good again, yeah nah to me Snow is worse than Myrenna, cause at least she owns her wickedness and is open about her cruelty. Where Snow is hiding in the shadows plotting against everyone around her for own gain!

Trik and Dread, honestly both of them are severally messed up characters and I don’t condone any of their actions. But in a weird way I understand them, dread is hopelessly in love with Myrenna and would do anything for her love, affection and attention, which probably stems from his abusive childhood, so in his head he equals pain and suffering to love cause that’s all he’s known. Trik in his own messed up way just lost the love of his life and his own brother, wouldn’t help him when he was suffering, he’s lost and flouncing clinging to the only thing he can which is revenge.

Bryn oh my god, my sweet dwarf man just needed a flower to save his cousin and then became the reason the bone door got opened. He is struggling my god is my boy struggling, he’s seen so much death in his time in the mines and I know he’s paying the price of it and he’s going to be drowning in his own guilt. But him blowing up the mines, as soon as I realised what he was going to do, all I thought was do it, avenge the others who fell before you. But at the same time I worry for him this is going to take a toll on him🥺

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘What would you do to save your kingdom?’

‘Can fear and love not hold hands?’

‘Fate always plays its cards right.’

These Grave Hearts is book four in the Finding Ever After series and this dark darling packs a PUNCH 🩶

The YEARNING, the slow burn, the twist and turns, the REVEALS and the tension 👀 Barden you have some explaining to do with THAT ENDING 🖤⚔️

There’s conflict and betrayal, romance and unlikely allies, humour and tenderness. Rival kingdoms, heartbreak and hope. This is a story that will leave your mouth agape and your heart begging for more!

If you love the OG Grimms Fairytales meets Once Upon a Time with savage sea creatures, cosy found family, shifting alliances where the hero isn’t always true and the villain might just make you question your morals:

This is your sign to add These Grave Hearts to your shelves and support such a beautiful, hardworking, talented indie author ♥️

I can’t wait for everyone to experience this crafty, fast paced magical world that will rescue or rip your hearts out 😉💔🧜🏽‍♀️☠️🧚‍♂️

Fave moments with no context are:

🩵 ‘I was hoping for a beauty, not a beast.’
🩵 ‘Kindness costs everything.’
🩵 ‘Monsters breed monsters.’
🩵 ‘It’s your favourite crow.’
🩵 ‘The price is Snow.’
🩵 ‘You’d make a divine corset.’

Standout lines are:

‘Magic lingers in everything, but love lingers too. It sits inside your very soul.’

‘What does it feel like? To be the bad apple?’

‘I don’t want to share your secrets. I want to keep them.’

A delicious 5 ⭐️🩶

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Grave Hearts is the beautifully dark fourth instalment in the Finding Ever After series, and I loved every single page.

This book brings together the threads from books two and three into one epic, emotionally charged story. I avoid spoilers in my reviews, so forgive a little vagueness, but everything that unfolds here feels intentional, layered, and immersive.

Snow’s journey is wild, confronting, and emotionally intense. It moves into a different space than before, and that shift really worked for me. I was fully invested in every moment of her experience.

Hansel, Porchid, and Flynn’s storyline is just as powerful. My heart genuinely ached for Hansel, and I absolutely adore Porchid. Huge credit to the author for conveying Porchid’s personality so clearly through description alone, it felt vivid without needing to be overstated.

Dread and Trik, though… I need more of them with Flynn. Just the brothers. There’s something deeply compelling and heartbreaking about them. I felt drawn to them while also feeling so much sadness for where they are. Dread’s blindness when it comes to love or infatuation was frustrating in the most effective way, I genuinely wanted to jump into the book and shake him. And Trik at the end, with Snow… ugh. I need the final book immediately (no, not what that sounds like).

Then there’s Eve and Cyrene. I loved the cottage scenes and the quieter moments they brought. That downtime was such an important counterbalance to the intensity elsewhere, allowing space to breathe before the story plunges us, quite literally, into the ocean and opens up an entirely new world. That sense of discovery was magical.

The short fairytales at the end were a beautiful addition. I also want to acknowledge the way Dante and Eve’s memories and grief were handled. Knowing this is personal to the author, it was written with such care and respect. As a reader who understands loss, those moments carried a deeper resonance, a feeling of being allowed to sit with grief rather than rush past it. I’m truly grateful for that tenderness.

Now comes the wait for book five. If you love dark, reimagined fairytales that aren’t afraid to sit in complexity, intensity, and emotion, don’t wait. Read this series. You won’t regret it.

I received this book as an ARC. This review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.

[Spice Bound · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started The Gilded Mirror towards the end of 2025 and carried on through The Ever After series until I received the ARC for These Grave Hearts.

I think it would be fair to rate the series as a whole rather than individually bc i really just read them one after the other and then the day after I finished book 3 I received the arc. I had my moments with the first 2. Where as the last 2 I found myself enjoying so much more. Maybe we could bring that down to I’ve already invested my time but I really couldn’t put down A Glass Darkly & These Grave Hearts.

I guess we could describe it as a build up, during the first 2 we are somewhat together orrr focused on the same goal before we split off in different directions and find ourselves in utter chaos. From all angles the stakes are high and they are all very much fighting to stay alive.

There is a lot going on which I don’t mind, I quite liked following the characters each in their seperate quests although I had to remind myself which dwarves were which lol I kept getting them mixed up.

I genuinely missed Eveline in A Glass Darkly and was so grateful to see her back. I was unsure whether Book 4 would wrap the series up or if we would carry on 🥹👀

I fear we have a while to go before anyone gets a HEA.

Which I 100 percent can’t wait to see.
I hope Eveline THE SEEKER gets the world she deserves I love her character so much.. I also hope that means she ends up with Hansel.

I love the side companions, Pip, Malak & Florian. While there dynamics were tense or awkward for a bit I have enjoyed seeing them become more… like found family.

Snow. I don’t like her. I have so many theories swirling around in my brain tho so I can’t wait to see what else transpires. lol I have it written down in my notes that she’s a spoilt brat lol. 😂



Aside from that.

Over all, for me was a good 3.75 🩷

[Maeghan Bonner · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Grave Hearts is the next installment to the Finding Ever After Series.

This time, all the players are taking center stage as we jump from POV to POV. This installment is no less exciting than the others.

We have Snow, Florian, Pip, and Malak trying to broker an alliance with the siblings. However, a side of Snow is showing that I do not care for. Yes, she isn't a pushover and doesn't want to let others take advantage of her, but she is becoming a very nasty and unpleasant person. I have not liked Snow from the moment she woke up, but I definitely do not like her now, I kinda hate her. I am getting some "evil queen" vibes from her.

Florian on the other hand, I was lukewarm to him going to this book, but his character arc has changed my mind. I really like the golden retriever, allergic to everything Prince.

Hansel and the rebellion are still in the Silver City continuing to fight when things take a turn for the worse.

I really enjoyed reading about Eve's adventure in this book. She is one of my favourite characters in this series. Seeing her explore the cabin and the weaving was really interesting to experience. I'm also glad she reconnected with Cyrene.

The Evil Queen... Myrenna... she is hell bent on finding out what is behind the Bone Door and I fear it is not going to be good.

This is nowhere near the end of the story. But, pieces are being put into place for the final book. Will there be a HEA for any of our characters?

I cannot wait to find out!

[♠️♥️Amy♦️♣️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Grave Hearts is an action-packed, deliciously dark addition to the Finding Ever After series and easily one of my favourites so far. The writing is strong and immersive, with a Grimm-like atmosphere that twists classic fairytales into something far more brutal and compelling than their modern counterparts.
The story spans multiple locations and perspectives, with every major character playing an important role as the series moves closer to its finale. One of the biggest strengths continues to be the cast, particularly the morally complex female characters, who are richly developed and emotionally engaging—even when their choices are unsettling.
After some pacing issues in book three, I was really pleased to see how much smoother and more focused this installment felt. The plot flows well, the stakes continue to rise, and it’s clear that all the pieces are being carefully set in place for what promises to be an explosive conclusion.
Overall, These Grave Hearts is an intense, immersive read full of magic, rebellion, and dark fairytale intrigue. It left me eager to continue the series and see how everything unfolds. And as always, don’t miss the short story at the end.
Many thanks to K. E. Barden for the ARC 🙏🏻

[Amara Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, Lush, and Completely Addictive!

These Grave Hearts is K.E. Barden’s most intense and breathtaking installment yet. This series has always pushed the boundaries of fairytale retellings, but book four takes everything deeper with darker magic, higher stakes, and emotional punches that land hard.

Kim juggles multiple storylines with incredible finesse, creating a world that feels vast, dangerous, and beautifully alive. Every character arc is layered and compelling, full of shifting loyalties, impossible choices, and the kind of growth that leaves you aching. The world‑building is stunning, the atmosphere immersive, and the tension never lets up.

What I love most is how boldly this book reshapes familiar fairytale figures into something fierce, flawed, and unforgettable. Nothing is predictable, nothing is simple, and every chapter feels like a step closer to a storm you can’t look away from.

This is a dark fairytale done right! Rich, emotional, and utterly consuming. If you love intricate world‑building, morally grey characters, and fantasy that isn’t afraid to break your heart, this series is a must‑read. Book five cannot come fast enough.

[shyandlonelywriter · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

I've been an ARC reader for Kim since the first book of this series and I want to say that I love this series. The Finding Ever After series is one of my favorite series. The characters, the descriptions, the tension. Everything about these books is perfect.

We follow the characters as they try to find a way to defeat the Evil Queen who seems to be undefeated. Everyone is doing anything they can. Alliances, new characters, and tension. This book is an emotional roller-coaster. Enemies come closer and friendships break.
My favorite character in this series is Flynn and honestly, I want to read a book about him. He might not be the MMC of the series but I love him. Dread, he might be a villain, but I admire his devotion. I think that he's the most devoted character that I've met until now. Florian and Odion… chef's kiss. I won't say anything else about them.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man this book took me for a RIDE. Things are looking even more Grimm 😉 in the fourth book of this series and the way it ended has me wondering how on earth we're going to reach the conclusion in one piece! I think we'll most likely be battered, bruised and possibly a little heartbroken. I get a feeling not everyone is going to be getting a happy ending.

These books are getting darker and grittier as we go along and I am SO here for it. Some of these scenes were brutal! You won't hear any arguments from me about that though. Oh, and the beauty and the beast line? Perfection. No notes 👏🏼

I'm also extremely curious to know what the heck is going on with a particular princess - are we getting a princess in her villain era? 🤔
Book 5 is going to wreck me - I just know it.

[Megan Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m still trying to find the right words for how much this book moved me. From the very first page, K.E. Barden wraps you in an atmosphere that is as beautiful as it is unsettling.

​These Grave Hearts is more than just a story; it’s an exploration of grief, secrets, and the thin line between the living and the dead. Barden has a gift for lyrical prose that makes even the darkest moments feel poetic. The world-building is immersive, and the pacing kept me turning pages late into the night.

​If you enjoy stories that are gothic, atmospheric, and emotionally resonant, you need to add this to your TBR immediately. It’s one of those rare books that feels both timeless and completely fresh.
​I can’t wait to see what K.E. Barden writes next!"

[Lilith's_Library_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Grave Hearts is a hauntingly beautiful dark fantasy that combines suspense, magic, and complex characters into a gripping read. K.E. Barden’s storytelling is immersive, with an atmospheric world that feels alive and full of secrets. The plot is engaging, with twists and turns that keep you invested, while the emotional depth of the characters adds real heart to the story.

The pacing is strong overall, though a few sections could have been tightened slightly, but this doesn’t take away from the overall experience.

Overall, These Grave Hearts is a compelling addition to Barden’s works and a must-read for fans of dark, character-driven fantasy.

[May · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Grave Hearts is the 4th book in the Finding Ever After series.

Each book has had me absolutely enthralled but this one was next level ! I was absolutely hooked all the way through. Each twist and turn and test of loyalty had me on the edge of my seat and that ending… ahhh I need more like yesterday !

Favourite line was “ What does it feel like ? To be the bad apple ?” Honestly can’t wait for what’s to come next with that one.

[Donna Heard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the finding ever after series. The characters have gone on their own side missions some have reunited others must wait until they finished what they started. I love how the author blends the fairy tale characters together to form the story. Will the rebels be enough to take down the witch? Will Hansel and Eve ever find each other again? There are so many questions and hopefuls going into this book.

[Paige Seach Sorrenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

This series is something else. I have read a few fairytale retellings but this is so different in the best way. This is book 4 in the series and the story continues on as our Main Characters try to best the tyrant evil Queen, her war and the sisters Grimm.

This series draws you in and keeps you in, waiting to see what happens next.

If you’re looking for a mashup of fairytale retellings that are dark, quest like plot, friends to lovers, fantastic world building then this is it

[Tanya Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Finding Ever After series is amazing. This book is full of action. Eve is on her journey finding the objectives her seeker skill is pulling her to. The rebellion is building and some big things happen. The evil queen is still trying to find snow and gain more magic. Speaking of Snow she is showing some evil actions. I'm left needing the next book!!

[The Fantasy Bookwyrm · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC read. 4.5 stars. Barden is the absolute queen of fairytale retelling. She has done it again in book 4. Found family’s, found enemies, adventure, mystery, this entire series has it all. I love the characters, all have their own quirks and add to the depth of the story. Absolutely can not wait for book 5

[Sian Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well written book.
I’m glad we finally have Eve and Hansel back. I love their stories and character.
I still don’t like Snow she touch all about herself but I love most of all the characters 🙂

I can’t wait to see what the 5th has in store 😁