YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

Carry On meets Arthurian legend in this funny, subversive young adult fantasy about what happens after the chosen one wins the kingdom and has to get married to keep it…and to stay alive.

Arek hadn’t thought much about what would happen after he completed the prophecy that said he was destined to save the Kingdom of Ere from its evil ruler. So now that he’s finally managed to (somewhat clumsily) behead the evil king (turns out magical swords yanked from bogs don’t come pre-sharpened), he and his rag-tag group of quest companions are at a bit of a loss for what to do next.

As a temporary safeguard, Arek’s best friend and mage, Matt, convinces him to assume the throne until the true heir can be rescued from her tower. Except that she’s dead. Now Arek is stuck as king, a role that comes with a magical catch: choose a spouse by your eighteenth birthday, or wither away into nothing.

With his eighteenth birthday only three months away, and only Matt in on the secret, Arek embarks on a desperate bid to find a spouse to save his life—starting with his quest companions. But his attempts at wooing his friends go painfully and hilariously wrong…until he discovers that love might have been in front of him all along.

So This Is Ever After F.T. Lukens will be one of our GBRs for July 2023.

Please read at your own pace, and hide any spoilers ☺ You are welcome to join at any time during the month ☺

Happy Reading Everybody!

Pre-Reading Questions -

Anybody got any thoughts on this one before we start?

Has anyone read anything similar to this before?

Anybody read anything else by this author previously?

GBR reviews - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Chapter 2: (view spoiler)[Great...so the Princess is dead. Arek became the new ruler of the Kingdom of Ere. Interesting plot. I am liking the characters so far. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 12: (view spoiler)[I really liked getting to know more about Sionna. I feel bad that when she first met Arek and Matt she was there to get a mercenary job just to provide for her family. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 22: (view spoiler)[Awww...I am happy for Rion and Lila. I am glad that they got together. They are so good together. I am liking the characters. (hide spoiler)]

Ending Thoughts: (view spoiler)[This was a great read. I thought the story was entertaining and I found the ending cute. The characters were great. I thought they were funny and chaotic. I love their banter with each other. I enjoyed it a lot. (hide spoiler)]

Sharon wrote: "Chapter 2: [spoilers removed]"

It didn't waste any time, did it?

Ch 8 (view spoiler)[So he has a kingdom and money but nothing else except those with him....yeah talk about an uphill battle. I guess general staff stayed which is interesting. And how are they loyal to the castle if only there 20 years. Would make more sense if born there. (hide spoiler)]

Jamie wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Chapter 2: [spoilers removed]"

It didn't waste any time, did it?"

Nope…just dove right in. I hope you enjoy the read.

Jamie wrote: "Ch 8 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I was wondering about the loyalty to the castle aspect as well. The book gets interesting next chapter. I hope you enjoy it! (hide spoiler)]

^ You weren't kidding! That was an intense chapter!

Sharon wrote: "Chapter 12: [spoilers removed]"

I am liking her character too. (view spoiler)[She has some good depth and I feel like this "wooing" Arek will do will help him realize that about some of his party.. (hide spoiler)]

50% (view spoiler)[So the moat monster was a major pain. But loved the bit of action! (hide spoiler)]

80% (view spoiler)[Oh Matt, foolish youth you are! Arek wasn't the drunk one, he kissed you knowingly! (hide spoiler)]

Sharon wrote: "Ending Thoughts: [spoilers removed]"

The banter, quips and sarcasm were fantastic in this!

You’re right, plunged straight in. I felt I was reading the continuation of something. Can’t help but feel sorry for Arek.

First quarter. Bit late getting going with this, but I’m liking the way they’re muddling through. A little irreverent, and I’m really hoping Arek can tell Matt what he’s thinking.

Second quarter. Definitely the two densest people-how can Arek and Matt not realise they each have interest?

Sharon wrote: "Chapter 2: [spoilers removed]"

There's a tongue-in-cheek element to this I'm finding amusing.

Third quarter. See what you mean about the quips. I wonder if they did a little less whether they’d sort things out.

Finished. Review on home page. Fun read, but it would have been a lot shorter if they just talked!

Jamie wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Chapter 12: [spoilers removed]"

I am liking her character too. [spoilers removed]"

The wooing definitely gave a chance to flesh out the other characters.

Jamie wrote: "50% [spoilers removed]"

I was surprised by that - still, it gave Arek a chance to show his kindness.