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Once Upon Another Time #3
Happily Ever After
Who doesn’t love a good Happily Ever After? The Cursed City is now the Blessed City, with its residents’ curses removed. Lena is now fully human, as are the rest of the giants, and together they live in peace with all the other humans in the city, all their differences now gone. And sure, Jin might have disappeared, but really, genie magic only caused trouble.
At least, that’s what the magic spell in Lena’s head is telling her. But somewhere inside, she knows that this new world isn’t right, that no real Happily Ever After would take her giant heritage from her…and that Jin is in danger.
When things are at their darkest, can a single Spark light the way?
At least, that’s what the magic spell in Lena’s head is telling her. But somewhere inside, she knows that this new world isn’t right, that no real Happily Ever After would take her giant heritage from her…and that Jin is in danger.
When things are at their darkest, can a single Spark light the way?
352 pages, Hardcover
Published May 30, 2023
12 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 17, 2024
The book was good until it wasn't. The last chapter was unnecessary. Changing strong characters unnecessarily. It felt rushed at the end. I was excited about this book and was really let down at the end. Why oh why can't we just let kids be kids?
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October 14, 2023the ending was so rushed. also is jin and that guy together now? i don’t get the ending
January 11, 2024
i'm really upset with James riley I used to love him as a writer but I feel like he let me down with this book
July 5, 2023
What I liked:
Anytime an author uses a book inside a book and breaks the fourth wall to talk to the readers, it makes for an interesting tale. James Riley has created a wonderful world in his Once Upon a Time book with characters from just about every fairy tale under the sun, which makes these books a great place to start for middle-grade readers. They already know the characters. I feel the ending was more rushed than needed, but it was fun to spend time in this world again. The dual points of view help propel the story and keep you engaged as you read.
Final Verdict:
An interesting wrap-up to these three books. Even with the Fairy Queens working against them, Lena and Shefin free the djinn and save the kingdoms. Plenty of humor and sarcastic wit for middle-grade readers. This book starts slowly, but the action picks up about halfway through. With the rushed ending, this was not my favorite of the three books.
Anytime an author uses a book inside a book and breaks the fourth wall to talk to the readers, it makes for an interesting tale. James Riley has created a wonderful world in his Once Upon a Time book with characters from just about every fairy tale under the sun, which makes these books a great place to start for middle-grade readers. They already know the characters. I feel the ending was more rushed than needed, but it was fun to spend time in this world again. The dual points of view help propel the story and keep you engaged as you read.
Final Verdict:
An interesting wrap-up to these three books. Even with the Fairy Queens working against them, Lena and Shefin free the djinn and save the kingdoms. Plenty of humor and sarcastic wit for middle-grade readers. This book starts slowly, but the action picks up about halfway through. With the rushed ending, this was not my favorite of the three books.
December 2, 2025
I did not love how this series played out. Content note: There is a very unexpected gay relationship at thrown in at the end between a main character and supporting character.
February 7, 2025
Half Upon a Time is my favorite series, I loved the comedy and the books were well written. So, with high hopes I read Once Upon Another Time and was not disappointed. There were a few problems though.
WARNING SPOILERS
When I read Happily Ever After I was so excited to see Jin, my favorite character. And though he was gone the whole book I still enjoyed it. Until I received a terrible shock on the last chapter. Jin and Shefin like each other?! No. No no no. That is just wrong. I am immensely disappointed in the end of the book. Why did Jin hide his identity from Shefin? And why couldn't he like Lena instead of ruining what could've been a great ending?
I don't know what James Riley was thinking but it ruined the ending.
WARNING SPOILERS
When I read Happily Ever After I was so excited to see Jin, my favorite character. And though he was gone the whole book I still enjoyed it. Until I received a terrible shock on the last chapter. Jin and Shefin like each other?! No. No no no. That is just wrong. I am immensely disappointed in the end of the book. Why did Jin hide his identity from Shefin? And why couldn't he like Lena instead of ruining what could've been a great ending?
I don't know what James Riley was thinking but it ruined the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2023
I was actually applauding this author for being able to write a book for kids without there having to be all the boyfriend/girlfriend stuff. The main character consistently told people that she was just a kid and didn't LIKE like her supposed "true love." But then, the author had to go and ruin things by adding in magical kisses and gross, un-kids stuff in the epilogue. The series ends on a more wholesome note if you skip the epilogue.
September 6, 2025
why build a romantic thingy between Jin and Lena to make Jin fell for the other boy at the very last minute? make it make sense?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2023
Once upon another time - Book 3
Amazing story telling. Gripping plot. Unexpected twists. And happily ever after. That would be my crisp review about the Once upon another time series.
Agreed, this is children's book/series. But I cannot recollect, when was the last time I finished a 300+ page book in a day or two. When it comes to a series, I have never ever read 2 installments back to back with so much absorbed into the series like this . Especially with the previous book in the series ended not so happily, I was tempted to continue reading to the last installment without breaking the flow.
Given the plot and the story telling, with a little bit more depth to the characters and context, this could have easily been a young adult series or even an adult read IMO. The best part I felt through out the reading is that, the motivating messages conveyed by the author to the young readers infused into the characters' dialogues and behaviors and thought processes. Having said that, it is not a book without cons. I cannot forget the disgusted feeling towards the climax due to the way the friendship between Shefin, and his friend Swiff was described. It went too far I think - if nothing, definitely for a children's book
The final installment starts with the Chaos (aka Genie) magic completely imprisoned by the Music (aka Fairy) magic. With this, the Fairy queens are able to control the Story (aka People) magic as the way they wish. Lena is tasked by the reneged Fairy princess Gwentell to restore the order and release the Chaos Magic. The adventure starts when the Fairy queens learns about this plot and counter act with the help of Shefin - who is the friend of Lena.
Overall the series is a satisfyingly fast paced, action packed and adventurous complete dramady package for children.
Amazing story telling. Gripping plot. Unexpected twists. And happily ever after. That would be my crisp review about the Once upon another time series.
Agreed, this is children's book/series. But I cannot recollect, when was the last time I finished a 300+ page book in a day or two. When it comes to a series, I have never ever read 2 installments back to back with so much absorbed into the series like this . Especially with the previous book in the series ended not so happily, I was tempted to continue reading to the last installment without breaking the flow.
Given the plot and the story telling, with a little bit more depth to the characters and context, this could have easily been a young adult series or even an adult read IMO. The best part I felt through out the reading is that, the motivating messages conveyed by the author to the young readers infused into the characters' dialogues and behaviors and thought processes. Having said that, it is not a book without cons. I cannot forget the disgusted feeling towards the climax due to the way the friendship between Shefin, and his friend Swiff was described. It went too far I think - if nothing, definitely for a children's book
The final installment starts with the Chaos (aka Genie) magic completely imprisoned by the Music (aka Fairy) magic. With this, the Fairy queens are able to control the Story (aka People) magic as the way they wish. Lena is tasked by the reneged Fairy princess Gwentell to restore the order and release the Chaos Magic. The adventure starts when the Fairy queens learns about this plot and counter act with the help of Shefin - who is the friend of Lena.
Overall the series is a satisfyingly fast paced, action packed and adventurous complete dramady package for children.
June 28, 2023
Lena and Shefin are living in the Blessed City. Everyone is happy and eagerly waiting for the fairy queen ball to take place that day. Something in the back on Lena’s mind is saying that things aren’t right, but she does her best to ignore them since to go against the fairy queens means punishment. But on her way to school that morning, she discovers a book lying on the road that seems to be for her. What could it possibly mean? And where in Jin? Could he be the key to uncovering what is really going on?
I was anxious to see how this book would end since I’ve enjoyed the previous books so much. It started strongly, with great actions and twists, plus dual points of view to help build tension. It was fun to spend time with the characters again, and the meta comments on writing and books were making me laugh, although they weren’t a prevalent as in the earlier books. Then we reached the ending. It was way too rushed, with some twists that left me completely unsatisfied. We do get a final chapter, but it wasn’t enough to make me feel better with the ending, especially since it changes what I thought I remember about a character. (Maybe I need to reread book two.) Fans will still want to read it, but it’s not as good as it could have been.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I was anxious to see how this book would end since I’ve enjoyed the previous books so much. It started strongly, with great actions and twists, plus dual points of view to help build tension. It was fun to spend time with the characters again, and the meta comments on writing and books were making me laugh, although they weren’t a prevalent as in the earlier books. Then we reached the ending. It was way too rushed, with some twists that left me completely unsatisfied. We do get a final chapter, but it wasn’t enough to make me feel better with the ending, especially since it changes what I thought I remember about a character. (Maybe I need to reread book two.) Fans will still want to read it, but it’s not as good as it could have been.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
September 5, 2025
This book seems like it has been on the teacups one too many times.
First of all, I adore James Riley. His Half and Magic series are top notch and great reads. But this series and Dragon’s Apprentice just didn’t match the genius of his other works.
What I Liked:
Gwen is the best character in this series. Her witty dialogue and sarcastic humor saves the book from being a TOTAL dumpster fire.
What I Hated:
The plot. Even for a children’s book, the pacing was rapid and nothing had any real weight. Seriously, I read this in one day.
The characters- Lena is a one dimensional character, Jinn is MIA for 99% of the book, and Shefin is an annoying little brat. All of the old characters’ appearances are forced and their personalities don’t match their younger selves.
The ending- RUSHED (more on this in the next section)
And finally… drumroll please…. THE OBVIOUS ALLEGORICAL CONTENT! This is an attempt at a deeper meaning, (which I support) (NARNIA, ANIMAL FARM) but it’s just not meant for the story or the audience. The whole plot revolves around the fairy queens (homophobic) trying to snuff out any trace of magic (queer identity). And, to make this even worse, Riley throws in a (male) character IN THE EPILOGUE who ends the story with a kiss with Shefin. Who in the world is this character? It’s probably supposed to be Jinn, but we’ll never know!
Please, James. Let the story be the focus, not the agenda.
First of all, I adore James Riley. His Half and Magic series are top notch and great reads. But this series and Dragon’s Apprentice just didn’t match the genius of his other works.
What I Liked:
Gwen is the best character in this series. Her witty dialogue and sarcastic humor saves the book from being a TOTAL dumpster fire.
What I Hated:
The plot. Even for a children’s book, the pacing was rapid and nothing had any real weight. Seriously, I read this in one day.
The characters- Lena is a one dimensional character, Jinn is MIA for 99% of the book, and Shefin is an annoying little brat. All of the old characters’ appearances are forced and their personalities don’t match their younger selves.
The ending- RUSHED (more on this in the next section)
And finally… drumroll please…. THE OBVIOUS ALLEGORICAL CONTENT! This is an attempt at a deeper meaning, (which I support) (NARNIA, ANIMAL FARM) but it’s just not meant for the story or the audience. The whole plot revolves around the fairy queens (homophobic) trying to snuff out any trace of magic (queer identity). And, to make this even worse, Riley throws in a (male) character IN THE EPILOGUE who ends the story with a kiss with Shefin. Who in the world is this character? It’s probably supposed to be Jinn, but we’ll never know!
Please, James. Let the story be the focus, not the agenda.
June 15, 2023
A good book, had me laughing and still had some sarcasm. ( Not as much as the other books in the series though, hence the stars) it was cool to see Jack and may again! I think that may grew her sarcasm back😂 oh and I'll definitely be re-reading the whole series again, but who is swiff again?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2023
An interesting wrap up to these three books. Even with the Fairy Queens working against them, Lena and Shefin manage to free the djinn and save the kingdoms. Plenty of humor and sarcastic wit for middle grade readers. This book started slowly but the action picks up about halfway through.
December 20, 2023
I loved this series! I will most definitely read it again! I didn’t see it coming that the fairies were evil, or a lot of characters past. I loved the twist at the end!! I will definitely read more books by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2024
Loved the world-building concepts and the story, and as always, everyone individually works great as a character- I just struggled a little with the execution and build-up.
When James Riley writes a plot twist, he writes them fantastically.
When James Riley writes a plot twist, he writes them fantastically.
February 15, 2025
A good end to the series. I'm going back and reading the half upon a time series now because I want to see if I can spot any hints about the fairies now. Anyway, I really like this fairy tale world, and this book was probably my favorite of the trilogy!
August 25, 2025
It was a mess. I would skip reading the first two also. Book one & book two barely had an end, and then book 3 had a smashed together ending that didn't seem to fit the other books. A random character was made the main character. If you like 2025 Disney, then this book is for you.
June 29, 2023
A really good ending to the series.
March 9, 2024
I loved this book
December 30, 2025
This was a pretty disappointing end to the trilogy. Fell pretty flat for me and the carpool kids.
March 28, 2024
So amazing, I absolutely loved the last chapter!
September 27, 2024
The fairies have taken over and rewritten everyone's stories. But there are still a few people determined to restore the truth, to free Lena and Shefin from living a lie, and to free Jin. And along the way, deep truths about this world and its origins will be revealed.
I loved Riley's Half upon a Time and how delightfully humorous it was. This is a far cry from that. The humor is gone. We now have a cast of...I don't even know how many characters to keep straight from the 1st series and this follow up trilogy, and there's a lot of twists and turns. It was a bit of work to follow what was going on. And I really missed the humor I know Riley is capable of writing. I only finished this because I have a hard time quitting on a book when I'm so close to finishing the series. Read the original first 3 and then you can really skip this follow up series. I didn't feel like it added anything.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: One b/b kiss on page.
Violence: There are magical battles.
Ethnic diversity: Fantasy world where this doesn't come up much
LGBTQ+ content: Shefin likes guys (he only likes Lena while under a magic spell), and is kissed by a guy at the end of this book.
Other: Some people are kidnapping others and changing them into different creatures/brainwashing them, etc.
I loved Riley's Half upon a Time and how delightfully humorous it was. This is a far cry from that. The humor is gone. We now have a cast of...I don't even know how many characters to keep straight from the 1st series and this follow up trilogy, and there's a lot of twists and turns. It was a bit of work to follow what was going on. And I really missed the humor I know Riley is capable of writing. I only finished this because I have a hard time quitting on a book when I'm so close to finishing the series. Read the original first 3 and then you can really skip this follow up series. I didn't feel like it added anything.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: One b/b kiss on page.
Violence: There are magical battles.
Ethnic diversity: Fantasy world where this doesn't come up much
LGBTQ+ content: Shefin likes guys (he only likes Lena while under a magic spell), and is kissed by a guy at the end of this book.
Other: Some people are kidnapping others and changing them into different creatures/brainwashing them, etc.
January 6, 2026
I liked getting to see lots of character's stories and some familiar characters. Mostly it was good, but the ending wasn't very good. I felt like there was potential at the end, but was rushed and lacking substance... almost like the author just needed to finish and threw some last minute ideas together. 🤷♀️ Overall, meh... maybe even 2.5
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews