NEVER EVER AFTER, by Sue Lynn Tan, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Oct. 28, 2025, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult)
A young woman catches the eye of a prince in Never Ever After, a Cinderella reimaging influenced by Chinese fairy tales by Sue Lynn Tan.
Life in the Iron Mountains is harsh and unforgiving. After the death of her beloved uncle, Yining has survived by becoming a skilled thief and an even better liar. When she acquires an enchanted ring that holds the key to a brighter future, it is stolen by her step-aunt, and Yining must venture into the imperial heart of the kingdom to seize it back.
Amid the grandeur of the palace, Yining catches the eye of the ruthless and ambitious prince, who tempts her with a world she’s never imagined. But nothing is as it seems, for she’s soon trapped in a tangle of power, treachery, and greed—her only ally the cunning advisor from a rival court who keeps dangerous secrets of his own. To break free, she must unravel the mystery of her past and fight for a future that both frightens and calls to her. —Synopsis provided by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Never Ever After is the first book in a new YA fantasy romance series that reaches far beyond the tale it reimagines.
The story follows Yining as she accidentally slips into the prince’s notice and seemingly captures his heart. Yining has become street smart over the years, but court is an entirely different beast. Dealing with politics and forming uneasy alliances are only the beginning of her problems.
Never Ever After reads like a fairy tale, with lush world-building and fantastical magic crafting a wondrous setting from beginning to end. In author Sue Lynn Tan’s deft hands this world comes vividly to life. The story never feels rushed or clunky. There are no information dumps or sudden epiphanies that explain everything away. Although there is a big plot twist that does briefly jolt you out of the story’s cocoon before settling back in. The romantic elements are there but, at this point, play a secondary role.
Never Ever After is a fantasy that you can get lost in. It moves quickly while allowing you time to savor the brightest moments. I’m excited to see where Tan takes readers in her next book.
Copyright © 2025 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
