Deadly Ever After by Brittany Johnson

I think this book is aimed more at young adults, so I’m probably not the target audience. The story follows Amala and Kha’dasia after death as they travel through a mysterious forest and race to reach the Coliseum of Wilted within five days. Their other option is finding true love’s first kiss but the wrong kiss could mean permanent death.

At first, I struggled with this book. Around Chapter 12, I was seriously considering DNFing it. I liked the premise, but I wasn’t enjoying how differently the girls were treated. Kha’dasia is constantly challenged because she’s headstrong she needs to be “broken by the Elders,” while Amala is treated with much more patience. It felt less like character growth and more like bullying at times.

What kept me reading was the worldbuilding. I loved the idea of gods being shaped by the beliefs people have about them. The romance was also incredibly sweet and easily one of the strongest parts of the story.

Then Chapters 14 and 15 completely changed my opinion. The book jumped from a 3-star read to a 4-star read for me. The themes about self-discovery, identity, and realizing you can change your life really started to shine.

By Chapter 24, I was so glad I hadn’t DNFed. The differences between the girls’ journeys finally began to make sense, and the story felt much more intentional. It reminded me a little of Steven Universe with its themes of division, understanding, and coming back together.

That said, Chapters 37 and 38 knocked my rating back down to about 3.5 stars. Some conflicts felt like they could have been resolved much more quickly, and I found myself frustrated with the direction certain scenes took.

Overall, this is a book with a fantastic premise, strong romantic elements, and some thoughtful themes about identity and growth. While the pacing and character treatment didn’t always work for me, the middle section of the story was strong enough to keep me invested and curious about how everything ends.

6 days agoEdited to

... Read moreReading Deadly Ever After was a fascinating journey for me, especially as someone who doesn't usually gravitate toward young adult fiction. The premise caught my attention immediately—a race through a supernatural forest with life-or-death stakes and the concept of true loves' first kiss as a form of salvation. It’s a creative take on both fantasy and romance. What truly stood out was the unique worldbuilding, particularly the idea that gods are shaped by the beliefs of people. This notion adds a compelling layer to the story, making the fantasy setting feel alive and deeply connected to the characters’ internal struggles. The portrayal of Amala and Kha’dasia’s distinct paths after death also raised interesting questions about fairness, strength, and resilience. While the treatment of the two protagonists initially felt imbalanced, the narrative growth by the middle chapters deepened my appreciation for the story’s themes of self-discovery and identity. It reminded me, in some ways, of thoughtful animated series like Steven Universe, which explore complex themes of personal and social division and the hope of reconciliation. I also appreciated the emotional depth of the romance, which felt genuine and touching without overwhelming the narrative. The inclusion of crisis helpline information in the book underscores its sensitivity to darker realities some readers may face, adding a comforting and supportive note that amplifies its relevance. From a personal standpoint, the story’s message that change is possible and that everyone belongs somewhere resonated strongly. It’s a reminder that even flawed or painful journeys can lead to growth, understanding, and connection. If you enjoy fantasy that mixes heartfelt romance with meaningful reflections on identity, Deadly Ever After is worth exploring—especially if you’re willing to push through some slower or challenging moments in the plot.

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