What do you think?
A Gifted Poison
Not yet published
Expected 1 Oct 26‘Once a beauty, but now a beast.’
The realm stands on the edge of a blade. Kingdoms burn. The mines have fallen. And death is no longer a question. It’s a certainty.
With two mirrors each, Myrenna and Eve are locked in a race against time. The Queen sets her sights on Perridorm, determined to claim the heart she desires, leaving ruin in her wake.
While Eve dives deeper into the spindle in search of answers, Myrenna prepares for war. But dream weaving, lost artefacts, and the blood on their hands aren’t their only obstacles. The mirrors have their own agendas. And when too many threads of fate are tangled, the fairytale risks tearing at the seams.
Desperate to survive and regroup, the last of our heroes flee Perridorm. But when death comes for one of their own, the fragile trust they’ve built begins to crack. Will grief tear them apart? Or forge them into something stronger?
Ancient monsters stir. Old magics rise. And with the Battle of Carnell and the Summer Solstice Ball converging on one final night, everyone must fight. For love, vengeance, freedom… or power.
In the explosive finale to the Finding Ever After series, love defines choice, hope fuels strength, and every story hurtles towards its reckoning.
This time, Happily Ever After demands blood.
The realm stands on the edge of a blade. Kingdoms burn. The mines have fallen. And death is no longer a question. It’s a certainty.
With two mirrors each, Myrenna and Eve are locked in a race against time. The Queen sets her sights on Perridorm, determined to claim the heart she desires, leaving ruin in her wake.
While Eve dives deeper into the spindle in search of answers, Myrenna prepares for war. But dream weaving, lost artefacts, and the blood on their hands aren’t their only obstacles. The mirrors have their own agendas. And when too many threads of fate are tangled, the fairytale risks tearing at the seams.
Desperate to survive and regroup, the last of our heroes flee Perridorm. But when death comes for one of their own, the fragile trust they’ve built begins to crack. Will grief tear them apart? Or forge them into something stronger?
Ancient monsters stir. Old magics rise. And with the Battle of Carnell and the Summer Solstice Ball converging on one final night, everyone must fight. For love, vengeance, freedom… or power.
In the explosive finale to the Finding Ever After series, love defines choice, hope fuels strength, and every story hurtles towards its reckoning.
This time, Happily Ever After demands blood.
Paperback
Expected publication October 1, 2026
About the author
K.E. Barden
5 books91 followersK 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
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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you’ve made it this far, THANK YOU!
We’re finally at the end of this beloved series and I cannot thank everyone enough for the support.
This was by far the hardest book to write to date, but when you have so many fairytales and character arcs it’s like a fine thread that you have to weave in just the right way. (Says the woman who is terrible at stitching).
It’s bittersweet coming to the end of a series and saying goodbye to a world and characters you’ve been entrenched in for so long. I genuinely hope the book delivers everything you ever hoped for and I’m beyond grateful to be able to share with you.
Thank you 🙏
Kim xx
We’re finally at the end of this beloved series and I cannot thank everyone enough for the support.
This was by far the hardest book to write to date, but when you have so many fairytales and character arcs it’s like a fine thread that you have to weave in just the right way. (Says the woman who is terrible at stitching).
It’s bittersweet coming to the end of a series and saying goodbye to a world and characters you’ve been entrenched in for so long. I genuinely hope the book delivers everything you ever hoped for and I’m beyond grateful to be able to share with you.
Thank you 🙏
Kim xx
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am lucky enough to have received this book as an ARC and the below thoughts are my honest thoughts and opinions on the book.
A Gifted Poison is the fifth and final book in the Finding Ever After series, and K E Barden does not disappoint. This book is the perfect ending to my favourite series.
I didn't realise until I read this book that K E Barden had left so many loose ends throughout the other books, but they were clearly intentional because this book definitely wrapped everything up into a perfect little bow.
With the return of so many of my favourite characters, and the winding roads the story takes I feared for the safety of every one of my favourite characters. So many times throughout the book I was essentially clutching to the edge of my seat and the only way I can really explain how it felt was 'ball edging' CONSTANTLY but it meant that I couldn't put the book down and I was invested.
This book holds so much emotion, description and really pulls you in so you feel like you're a part of the world!
I have loved this series since I found it, and I am excited that it's finished, obviously sad, but so very very happy I found it and it will still be my recommendation for anyone that they must read this series
A Gifted Poison is the fifth and final book in the Finding Ever After series, and K E Barden does not disappoint. This book is the perfect ending to my favourite series.
I didn't realise until I read this book that K E Barden had left so many loose ends throughout the other books, but they were clearly intentional because this book definitely wrapped everything up into a perfect little bow.
With the return of so many of my favourite characters, and the winding roads the story takes I feared for the safety of every one of my favourite characters. So many times throughout the book I was essentially clutching to the edge of my seat and the only way I can really explain how it felt was 'ball edging' CONSTANTLY but it meant that I couldn't put the book down and I was invested.
This book holds so much emotion, description and really pulls you in so you feel like you're a part of the world!
I have loved this series since I found it, and I am excited that it's finished, obviously sad, but so very very happy I found it and it will still be my recommendation for anyone that they must read this series
Review of advance copy received from Author
‘Once a beauty, but now a beast.’
‘Villains were made in this world, not born.’
‘All stories matter.’
I had the absolute HONOUR of reading an early copy of this stunning book, A Gifted Poison by Barden, the final book in the Finding Ever After series.
To say this is a PHENOMENAL finale, book and the tying up of an incredible series would be an understatement. Barden is a true creator, storyteller and writes books that are somehow whimsical and gritty and unique 🩶🧚♂️✨
I am BEYOND proud of you babe and all that you have accomplished. You have POURED every piece of yourself into this book and series and not only did I devour it in betas, I inhaled it all over again with my ARC read where I still couldn’t put the book down (and I knew what was coming 😂)
These characters are complex, morally grey, with scrappy heroes, spicy villains and cheeky gallows humour that had me snort laughing in the best way (IYKYK)
Also: The Chemistry with these characters were 👩🏻🍳💋 (you know what you did Barden 😏😘)
It’s so hard to do call outs with No Spoilers, so I’m going to do rapid fire FAVES with No Context:
🥀 The Rotten Apple 🍎
🥀 Bridgerton Trik would NEVER 🫢
🥀 Flynn you’re an utter cupcake 🧁
🥀 *Sings Black and Gold Piggy* 🐷
🥀 The Yearning 🥹
🥀 ‘This is a reckoning.’ ⚔️
🥀 Porchid and The Chad. Enough said 😉
🥀 What in the Skin Cottage is happening?! 👀
🥀 ‘They stood as one. Seeker. Huntsman. Fairy.’ 🧚
🥀 The. Freaking. Ball. Edging 🎭
Honourable mentions are:
Hawt merman energy 🔥, angry goats 🐐 that need therapy, bitchy witches 🧙🏼, sea creatures slaying 🧜🏽♀️, careful who you kiss 💋 and ‘Dance with me’ 💃🏻
Standout moments are:
‘Love has no reason, when it is true. Even the sanest of us can be driven wild by it.’
‘Keep secrets. Just don’t keep them from me.’
‘We are not endings. We are beginnings.’
In other words: you definitely, absolutely need to read this book when in comes out in October 😘
‘Villains were made in this world, not born.’
‘All stories matter.’
I had the absolute HONOUR of reading an early copy of this stunning book, A Gifted Poison by Barden, the final book in the Finding Ever After series.
To say this is a PHENOMENAL finale, book and the tying up of an incredible series would be an understatement. Barden is a true creator, storyteller and writes books that are somehow whimsical and gritty and unique 🩶🧚♂️✨
I am BEYOND proud of you babe and all that you have accomplished. You have POURED every piece of yourself into this book and series and not only did I devour it in betas, I inhaled it all over again with my ARC read where I still couldn’t put the book down (and I knew what was coming 😂)
These characters are complex, morally grey, with scrappy heroes, spicy villains and cheeky gallows humour that had me snort laughing in the best way (IYKYK)
Also: The Chemistry with these characters were 👩🏻🍳💋 (you know what you did Barden 😏😘)
It’s so hard to do call outs with No Spoilers, so I’m going to do rapid fire FAVES with No Context:
🥀 The Rotten Apple 🍎
🥀 Bridgerton Trik would NEVER 🫢
🥀 Flynn you’re an utter cupcake 🧁
🥀 *Sings Black and Gold Piggy* 🐷
🥀 The Yearning 🥹
🥀 ‘This is a reckoning.’ ⚔️
🥀 Porchid and The Chad. Enough said 😉
🥀 What in the Skin Cottage is happening?! 👀
🥀 ‘They stood as one. Seeker. Huntsman. Fairy.’ 🧚
🥀 The. Freaking. Ball. Edging 🎭
Honourable mentions are:
Hawt merman energy 🔥, angry goats 🐐 that need therapy, bitchy witches 🧙🏼, sea creatures slaying 🧜🏽♀️, careful who you kiss 💋 and ‘Dance with me’ 💃🏻
Standout moments are:
‘Love has no reason, when it is true. Even the sanest of us can be driven wild by it.’
‘Keep secrets. Just don’t keep them from me.’
‘We are not endings. We are beginnings.’
In other words: you definitely, absolutely need to read this book when in comes out in October 😘
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Gifted Poison concludes the Finding Ever After series, and what an epic journey it has been, full of tears, grins, laughter, cheers, heartbreak, and, ultimately, a sense of hope.
The previous four stories collide in one epic finale. No stone is left unturned and, true to any war,
Eve, Hansel and Porchid. The Crow bros. (my favourites!). The Seven. Snow and Malek. Rumple and Pip. Myrenna... and so many other characters whose lives found their way into my heart for different reasons. From the true villains to the true heroes, every character had their part to play. Everyone felt like they carried weight within the story, and each blow left another mark on my heart.
A Gifted Poison gives another meaning to "Finding Ever After". It holds happiness and sadness, light and dark, grief and hope. Not every fairytale is meant to shine in the same way, while for others, this ending becomes a new beginning.
I loved EVERY moment of this book.
My emotions were pulled in so many directions. The action and adrenaline kept pulsating right through to the end, but underneath all of that was something that mattered even more to me: choice, autonomy, and the possibility of deciding what comes next.
And Eve... to finally let go and realise that she can decide her own future. It was the ending I could have hoped for.
Congratulations, K.E. Barden!! You did it!!!
This series has forever rewritten fairytales for me. Not in a bad way, but in a hopeful one. After everything these characters have been through, that feeling of hope meant so much.
And those last nine words?
Perfection.
I received this book as an ARC, however, this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.
The previous four stories collide in one epic finale. No stone is left unturned and, true to any war,
Eve, Hansel and Porchid. The Crow bros. (my favourites!). The Seven. Snow and Malek. Rumple and Pip. Myrenna... and so many other characters whose lives found their way into my heart for different reasons. From the true villains to the true heroes, every character had their part to play. Everyone felt like they carried weight within the story, and each blow left another mark on my heart.
A Gifted Poison gives another meaning to "Finding Ever After". It holds happiness and sadness, light and dark, grief and hope. Not every fairytale is meant to shine in the same way, while for others, this ending becomes a new beginning.
I loved EVERY moment of this book.
My emotions were pulled in so many directions. The action and adrenaline kept pulsating right through to the end, but underneath all of that was something that mattered even more to me: choice, autonomy, and the possibility of deciding what comes next.
And Eve... to finally let go and realise that she can decide her own future. It was the ending I could have hoped for.
Congratulations, K.E. Barden!! You did it!!!
This series has forever rewritten fairytales for me. Not in a bad way, but in a hopeful one. After everything these characters have been through, that feeling of hope meant so much.
And those last nine words?
Perfection.
I received this book as an ARC, however, this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The final installment is here and she's a marathon not a sprint!!! The longest book of the series but there's so much in it that needed to be included. I'm desperate to get my hands on anything that got edited out!!!
For fans of the series you'd already know how Barden has a large cast of characters and somehow this book collected and tidied up every character for an epic finalé. It's hard to write a spoiler free review on this one because there are so many details that I definitely needed closure on after These Grave Hearts. There were so many moments that caught me off guard and experiencing those shocks was my favourite part. There are details from the first 4 books that suddenly make sense which thankfully I reread earlier this year to prepare and I'll likely re-read A Gifted Poison again soon because hunting for those Easter eggs is so much fun, and I know there's more to find.
Separated characters are reunited, couples officially couple off, Eve wears a dress (gasp!), and the crow bros. are brilliant in this one too. The contrast between the brothers is so well done. It was also a lot of fun playing "Spot the out of context teasers from the beta readers."
There are so many well described characters whose individual personalities shine in the final installment which is a testament to how they've been written leading up to book 5. The villain storyline is so well done and the continuous dark magic elements established in previous books make this a book that keeps you engaged and obsessed from start to finish.
Excellent story, brilliant execution. 5 🌟 read.
For fans of the series you'd already know how Barden has a large cast of characters and somehow this book collected and tidied up every character for an epic finalé. It's hard to write a spoiler free review on this one because there are so many details that I definitely needed closure on after These Grave Hearts. There were so many moments that caught me off guard and experiencing those shocks was my favourite part. There are details from the first 4 books that suddenly make sense which thankfully I reread earlier this year to prepare and I'll likely re-read A Gifted Poison again soon because hunting for those Easter eggs is so much fun, and I know there's more to find.
Separated characters are reunited, couples officially couple off, Eve wears a dress (gasp!), and the crow bros. are brilliant in this one too. The contrast between the brothers is so well done. It was also a lot of fun playing "Spot the out of context teasers from the beta readers."
There are so many well described characters whose individual personalities shine in the final installment which is a testament to how they've been written leading up to book 5. The villain storyline is so well done and the continuous dark magic elements established in previous books make this a book that keeps you engaged and obsessed from start to finish.
Excellent story, brilliant execution. 5 🌟 read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Gifted Poison is the final book in Kim's Finding Ever After series and now that I've finished it, I'm not okay... what do you mean this world is finished, these characters done, their stories told and over?
I'm not ready to let go... but that's the beauty of Kim's writing and incredible story telling - you become part of the narrative, you are right next to the characters as they fight for their lives and their land and her immersive style is showcased so beautifully with this series, so you really never need to let go... these characters will stay alive through these five books forever.
Doing a review so far into a series can be really hard so as not to give spoilers, so I'll do my best!
We immediately start where book four left us, our heros all in far flung places, fighting wars on all fronts, some in the midst of an actual war, some within their minds and others desperately clawing for power, redemption or a happily ever after.
As all roads lead to the Silver City we follow, Eve, Hansel, Snow, Malek, the dwarves, Myrenna and so many others on their journies, where love and loss are interspersed with forgiveness and betrayal and as each page is turned, you have honestly no idea how the story will conclude. Will our favourite characters meet again, or will death come between them... and for the characters you like the least, well they get their comeuppance, or will they win?
It is quite literally, such a magnificent story.
Kim has poured her heart and soul into this book and I'm so humbled to have been here from the beginning to cheer her on and discover and explore her breathtaking world and in-depth characters.
If you adore:
- dark fairytales with a unique twist
- epic worldbuilding
- lovers to the end
- threads all coming together
- death, betrayals and mayhem
- such a satisfying conclusion
- multiple POV
- happily ever after - but not for everyone...
- a full series ready to binge
- a love that conquers, another that destroys
Then this book, this series is an absolute must. I read this prior to release date.
I'm not ready to let go... but that's the beauty of Kim's writing and incredible story telling - you become part of the narrative, you are right next to the characters as they fight for their lives and their land and her immersive style is showcased so beautifully with this series, so you really never need to let go... these characters will stay alive through these five books forever.
Doing a review so far into a series can be really hard so as not to give spoilers, so I'll do my best!
We immediately start where book four left us, our heros all in far flung places, fighting wars on all fronts, some in the midst of an actual war, some within their minds and others desperately clawing for power, redemption or a happily ever after.
As all roads lead to the Silver City we follow, Eve, Hansel, Snow, Malek, the dwarves, Myrenna and so many others on their journies, where love and loss are interspersed with forgiveness and betrayal and as each page is turned, you have honestly no idea how the story will conclude. Will our favourite characters meet again, or will death come between them... and for the characters you like the least, well they get their comeuppance, or will they win?
It is quite literally, such a magnificent story.
Kim has poured her heart and soul into this book and I'm so humbled to have been here from the beginning to cheer her on and discover and explore her breathtaking world and in-depth characters.
If you adore:
- dark fairytales with a unique twist
- epic worldbuilding
- lovers to the end
- threads all coming together
- death, betrayals and mayhem
- such a satisfying conclusion
- multiple POV
- happily ever after - but not for everyone...
- a full series ready to binge
- a love that conquers, another that destroys
Then this book, this series is an absolute must. I read this prior to release date.
September 29, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars
✨ A final chapter worthy of the Ever After… ✨
The final book in the Finding Ever After series is here… well the ARC for me… and what an absolutely WILD ride! This is a gritty, epic fantasy retelling packed with familiar fairy tale elements, dangerous magic, complicated relationships, secrets, betrayal, and a whole lot of chaos.
There is SO much happening in this chunky finale, and I loved watching all the different storylines and characters come together as the series builds towards its ultimate conclusion. The emotional rollercoaster was real, and yes… I absolutely recommend having tissues nearby! 🥹
I especially loved seeing how the concept of the Ever After was brought full circle. It felt like such a fitting way to wrap up the series.
If you love epic fantasy with multiple fairy tale retellings woven together, morally grey characters, magic, battles, and an intricate plot, this series definitely deserves a place on your TBR! ✨
Tropes You’ll Love 🥰
🧚♀️ Fairy tale retellings
⚔️ Epic fantasy
🌑 Gritty & dark fantasy
🔮 Magical powers
🪞 Enchanted mirrors
🐺 Dark transformations
🖤 Morally grey characters
💥 Epic battles
🩸 Revenge & betrayal
✨ A final chapter worthy of the Ever After… ✨
The final book in the Finding Ever After series is here… well the ARC for me… and what an absolutely WILD ride! This is a gritty, epic fantasy retelling packed with familiar fairy tale elements, dangerous magic, complicated relationships, secrets, betrayal, and a whole lot of chaos.
There is SO much happening in this chunky finale, and I loved watching all the different storylines and characters come together as the series builds towards its ultimate conclusion. The emotional rollercoaster was real, and yes… I absolutely recommend having tissues nearby! 🥹
I especially loved seeing how the concept of the Ever After was brought full circle. It felt like such a fitting way to wrap up the series.
If you love epic fantasy with multiple fairy tale retellings woven together, morally grey characters, magic, battles, and an intricate plot, this series definitely deserves a place on your TBR! ✨
Tropes You’ll Love 🥰
🧚♀️ Fairy tale retellings
⚔️ Epic fantasy
🌑 Gritty & dark fantasy
🔮 Magical powers
🪞 Enchanted mirrors
🐺 Dark transformations
🖤 Morally grey characters
💥 Epic battles
🩸 Revenge & betrayal
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
Once upon a time meets Grimm's original fairytales in the Finding Ever After series.
Five books after the end came, and it is truly bittersweet. This conclusion was an amazing adventure full of raw emotion, intense tension, and heartbreaking moments.
Kim, your book was wonderful, and I feel so lucky that I had the chance to read an early copy. I won't give anything away because you absolutely need to read the previous books first to understand the weight of this finale.
The only thing I will say is that I loved Flynn—he is hands down my favorite character in the series, along with Odion and Florian. I am also incredibly happy with how Trik's ending wrapped up.
Kim, thank you so much for letting me be an ARC reader for your books. The Finding Ever After series will always be in my heart. Highly recommended for any fantasy lover!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Once upon a time meets Grimm's original fairytales in the Finding Ever After series.
Five books after the end came, and it is truly bittersweet. This conclusion was an amazing adventure full of raw emotion, intense tension, and heartbreaking moments.
Kim, your book was wonderful, and I feel so lucky that I had the chance to read an early copy. I won't give anything away because you absolutely need to read the previous books first to understand the weight of this finale.
The only thing I will say is that I loved Flynn—he is hands down my favorite character in the series, along with Odion and Florian. I am also incredibly happy with how Trik's ending wrapped up.
Kim, thank you so much for letting me be an ARC reader for your books. The Finding Ever After series will always be in my heart. Highly recommended for any fantasy lover!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
~’Keep loving him,’ she said. ‘Love him for how amazing he is. How Good. Even when he is being a stubborn arse.’ - The Gifted Poison🥺🔥 K.E Barden has gone and done it again! Not only was this a very successful series but it ended on a marvelous note. I honestly can’t wait for the world to read this series because I can’t count how many times I’ve reread these books myself, if you are a fan of The Decendants or Disney Retelling then this is most definitely a series to add to your TBR!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews