Never After: The Thirteenth Fairy
by Melissa de la Cruz
Published by Roaring Brook Press
Releasing on December 1, 2020
MA FICTION—Fantasy
Real life and fairy tales collide in Never After: The Thirteenth Fairy, book one in the new middle-grade Never After series from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Descendants series, Melissa de la Cruz.
Nothing ever happens in Filomena Jefferson-Cho’s sleepy little suburban town of North Pasadena. The sun shines every day, the grass is always a perfect green, and while her progressive school swears there’s no such thing as bullying, she still feels bummed out. But one day, when Filomena is walking home on her own, something strange happens.
Filomena is being followed by Jack Stalker, one of the heroes in the Thirteenth Fairy, a series of books she loves about a brave girl and her ragtag group of friends who save their world from an evil enchantress. She must be dreaming, or still reading a book. But Jack is insistent—he’s real, the stories are real, and Filomena must come with him at once!
Soon, Filomena is thrust into the world of evil fairies and beautiful princesses, sorcerers and slayers, where an evil queen drives her ruthless armies to destroy what is left of the Fairy tribes. To save herself and the kingdom of Westphalia, Filomena must find the truth behind the fairytales and set the world back to rights before the cycle of sleep and destruction begins once more.
Melissa de la Cruz has been a favorite author of mine for years. I loved her Blue Bloods series and also the Descendants series. So I was beyond excited to read her newest middle grade, Never After: The Thirteenth Fairy. And it did not disappoint; I was enamored with this book.
I love when fairy tales and real life crossover and collide. And that’s exactly what you get with Never After: The Thirteenth Fairy. Our protagonist, Filomena, loves The Thirteenth Fairy, her favorite book series. So you can imagine her surprise when one of the characters visits her in her world, saying the stories are real and they need her help to save their world. Now it’s up to Filomena to right the world and save those of her favorite fairy tale series.
Filomena was such a fun protagonist. I loved her strength and character growth and I loved that she still battled insecurities and her fears, which is what made her feel so real. I definitely believe that many readers will be able to connect with her character. Her relationship with her parents is what I love to see in middle grades, and her friendships with her story book characters was just absolutely wonderful. She doesn’t hesitate to help them save their world, even if it means putting herself in danger.
This story is a wonderful enchanting middle grade read. I usually stick with young adult books, but I raced through this book; I had the hardest time putting this story down. Each page is filled with magic and fairy tales galore. And Melissa de la Cruz’s signature writing style truly brought this beautiful read to life. I really hope she continues with this series because I definitely believe she can do a lot with this new world.
I will honestly read anything Melissa de la Cruz writes, as all of her books are captivating and unique. If you loved her Descendants series, then I highly recommend reading Never After: The Thirteenth Fairy. It’s one of those stories filled to the brim with adventure, friendship, family love, and fairy tales. It’s a magical story that is bound to take you on a journey of magic and imagination.
MELISSA DE LA CRUZ is the #1 New York Times, #1 Publisher’s Weekly and #1 Indie Bound bestselling author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for readers of all ages, and edited the inspiring anthology of true stories, Because I Was a Girl. She grew up in Manila and moved to San Francisco with her family, where she graduated high school salutatorian from The Convent of the Sacred Heart. At Columbia University, she majored in art history and English. Melissa de la Cruz lives in West Hollywood with her husband and daughter.
BOOK BLOG TOUR
November 30
Turn the Page Tours – Welcome Post/Book Review
December 1
Emelie’s Books – Book Review, Mood Board
Finding Faith, Holding onto Hope, and Living with Love – Book Review, Favorite Things About Never After: The Thirteenth Fairy
December 2
Adventurous Bookworm – Book Review & Favorite Quotes
PoptheButterfly Reads – Promotional Post
December 3
Struck by Stories – Book Review, Mood Board
Kait Plus Books – Mood Board, Favorite Things About Never After: The Thirteenth Fairy
December 4
Peachnace – Book Review
Book Briefs – Book Review
December 5
Pop Reads Reviews – Book Review
Leann Reads Books – Book Review
Lady Readsalot – Book Review
December 6
The Book View – Book Review, Favorite Quotes
Justice for Readers – Book Review, Book Playlist
BOOKSTAGRAM TOUR
November 30
Turn the Page Tours – Blogger’s Choice
The.Book.Nerd.Fox – Book Review
December 1
December 2
Adventurous.Bookworm – Blogger’s Choice
Stacialovestoread – Promotional Post
Popthebutterfly – Blogger’s Choice
Reading_with_Nicole – Book Review
December 3
Kaitplusbooks – Blogger’s Choice
December 4
Bookishoney – Blogger’s Choice
Gwendalyn_books_ – Blogger’s Choice
Coveted.Stories – Book Review
December 5
Leannreadsbooks – Blogger’s Choice
Onemused – Book Review
Mellasmusings – Book Review
Bookbriefs – Blogger’s Choice
December 6
_popreads_ – Blogger’s Choice
Thebookviewblog – Blogger’s Choice
Justiceforreaders – Blogger’s Choice
Ladyreadsalot_ – Blogger’s Choice
Up for grabs during this book blog and bookstagram tour will be one finished copy of Never After: The Thirteenth Fairy by Melissa de la Cruz! To enter to win, follow along on the blog tour. This giveaway will begin on November 30th and end on December 7th at 12:00 a.m. CST. It will be open to USA readers only. There will be 1 winner.
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