So This Is Ever After

By: F.T. Lukens

Narrated by: Kevin R. Free

An instant New York Time bestseller!

Carry On meets Arthurian legend in this subversive, “delightfully original and whimsical” (Kirkus Reviews) 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.

Critic reviews

"No one is better suited to narrate this charming gay fantasy romp than Kevin R. Free, whose bright voice overflows with silliness and pining. Seventeen-year-old Arek has just defeated the evil ruler of the kingdom and accepted the crown, not knowing that being king means he must marry his soulmate — or face death. So he sets out to woo his fellow questers, even though he’s in love with his best friend, Matt. Free’s narration is joyful and fun. He nails every character voice — from warrior Sionna’s deep rumble to the dry, sarcastic tones of the castle steward. This audiobook is an over-the-top D&D-style adventure and a slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance rolled into one. Free gets the tone just right: heartwarming but not too serious."

Wonderful !

My little gay heart loved everything about this book! the characters the love stories! Could not put it down!

Wanting more

This is a fantastic cozy fantasy of a group of adventurers that have to deal with what comes after you kill the BBEG. Adorable loves between characters and even though I found it predictable, I was routing for it the whole entire time. I wish there was more books that feature these specific characters.

Sweet story, but very predictable.

This is a sweet story, but doesn't have much else. The writing in the first few chapters isn't that great. They dragged on entirely too long. I almost stopped listening because it was so tedious. The misunderstandings between the characters were a bit overdone and honestly annoying. Like, a Scooby Doo plot. The development felt shallow and I didn't feel like any of the characters had much depth. But it was a sweet story and the voice acting from the narrator was pretty good so there's that. If you're a young adult and want a fun, easy fantasy inspired slice of life love story, then you'll enjoy this. Otherwise, don't bother.

Funny and heartwarming

Great book. Uplifting, funny, and adorable. I laughed out loud several times and I really enjoyed the flirting.

A wonderful story!

This was truly an enjoyable listen. I found the characters to be relatable and entertaining. My only complaint is how the story began. I would have much preferred it to have begun earlier in their adventure.