The Ballad of Never After: Once Upon a Broken Heart
#2 of 3 in Once Upon a Broken Heart Series
on Goodreads (363,139)
What’s inside...
After being betrayed by Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, Evangeline Fox discovers her own magic and believes she can use it to restore her chance at a happily ever after. However, a new curse surfaces, forcing her into a shaky partnership with Jacks once more. With the rules changed, Evangeline must navigate old friends, new enemies, and a deceptive magic that challenges her trust in her own heart.
Character compass
Evangeline Fox
Lala
Jacks
Prince Apollo
Marisol Tourmaline
Luc Navarro
Apollo Acadian
Ariel “LaLa” Lagrimas
Chaos
Discussion points
How do you think Evangeline felt when she made the deal with the Prince of Hearts? What would you do in her situation?
What do you think about the idea of fate and destiny as presented in the book? Do you think we make our own destiny?
How do the different characters’ relationships change throughout the story? Which relationship was most interesting to you and why?
What did you learn about the importance of trust from Evangeline’s adventures?
If you had a magical power like one of the characters, what would you choose and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think deeply about the characters and their motives by discussing their feelings and choices throughout the story. Highlight themes like love, betrayal, and destiny, and connect these themes to real-life situations your child might encounter. Use character decisions as a way to discuss moral and ethical dilemmas in a safe and engaging manner. Lastly, ask them to imagine alternative endings or different choices characters could have made to help develop their creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Evangeline, showcases bravery and perseverance as she navigates through magical challenges and heartbreak.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of remaining resilient and steadfast, even when faced with difficult situations in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The consequences of decisions
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, Evangeline makes choices that have far-reaching consequences, teaching readers about accountability.
Real-World Application: This lesson emphasizes to children that their choices matter and encourages them to think about the outcomes before making decisions.
Example Lesson: The power of hope and love
Explanation: Evangeline's journey is fueled by hope and her deep caring for others, highlighting the strength derived from positive emotions.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to remain hopeful and to value loving relationships in their lives, understanding these as sources of personal strength.
Example Lesson: Understanding and embracing differences
Explanation: Evangeline encounters a variety of characters with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, promoting inclusivity and empathy.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be open to and accepting of differences in others, fostering a more inclusive attitude in their daily interactions.