Never Ever After

By Sue Lynn Tan

A New York Times bestseller Not all fairy tales end happily ever after in this dark and fierce reimagining of Cinderella by the bestselling author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess--for fans of Holly Black, Tahereh Mafi, and Stephanie Garber.

Order now and receive the SPECIAL FIRST EDITION while supplies last--featuring a designed case cover under the jacket and illustrated endpapers, in addition to shiny foil and embossing. This must-have special edition is only available in the limited first printing.

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.

Never Ever After is the first in a breathtaking new fantasy romance series influenced by Chinese fairy tales from the acclaimed author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316576204
• ISBN13: 9780316576208
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.3" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 13 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 8 to 12

Customer Reviews

Dark and Magical

While this does have little bits of a Cinderella with the gifting of a dress by a magical fish, getting the attention of the prince, and fleeing from the palace, this goes way past that and dives deep into a dark world with magic that people covet and fear, iron walls to trap, and a tough resourceful young woman willing to do anything for freedom and a new start away from a completely awful step aunt. No timid Cinderella is Yining is! In fact she actually steals an invitation to that ball. This tale does get dark with so many plots to take over lands, steal magic, and betrayals and heartbreak that I really felt for Yining, cause she deserves a break and she does not get it, at least no in this book! Not much romance (except as a way to get something) between Yining and the two men interested, Jin and the prince, and that was alright. I too am unsure which one would be best because each have other reasons for wanting Yining on their side and make choices that I questioned. Definitely all morally grey characters but lots of action, even to rescuing ladies from a evil magic user, freeing trapped beasts, and discovering the truth of a hidden past and a path that may or may not lead to the home and freedom that Yining yearns for. I am excited to see what the next book will bring! This was a great fantasy book and I am glad the chance to read it and I really hope I won't have to wait long to see what happens next for Yining!