Thank you to NetGalley for granting this ARC, super good and fast read. The story was intruiging and the characters had an interesting back story.

This book is a good read for kids ages 8-10. The main character, Filomena is a likable character who desires more reading in her life, particularly more reading of her favorite book series. Many obstacles get in her way but the largest problem is that the final book in the series is mysterious unpublished and isn't available on its publish date. In a fun twist, Filomena begins to be followed everywhere by the main character in her book series! In this tale of good verses evil, readers will appreciate colorful characters and high adventure. Thank you NetGalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for a review.

Thanks to Netgalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I love books about books and this one is erfect for fans of Land of Stories

I really enjoyed this book! I read it with one of my students (I am a tutor for dyslexia) and she really liked it, too. The characters were developed well and the story was so cute! I highly recommend this book to kids who like fantasy that’s kinda sweet and funny.

Filomena has no friends, just bullies. She does have books and loving, over-protective parents. Her favorite books are the Never After series, a fantasy series that claims to tell the true stories of the characters from fairy tales. Then one day, she meets Jack, the main character from the stories, and they’re attacked by ogres. She’s drawn in to the world of Never After, trying to help save the land from the ogres. Filomena is smart and strong. This is an exciting story incorporating all types of familiar characters.

The Thirteenth Fairy (Never After) by Melissa De la Cruz, 336 pages. Roaring Brook (Macmillan), 2021. $17

Content: G (some danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

6th grader Filomena is so glad that today is the day that the 13th book in the Never After series is being released! But – it isn’t. The bookstore owner tells her that not even the publisher knows if it ever will. Disappointed, Filomena heads home, only to meet a boy who looks an awful lot like Jack Stalker, the hero of the Never After books. Jack, who is accompanied by Allstair – also from the books. Then Filomena defeats a troll – using a spell from the books! How can this be possible? What’s a girl to do but follow the boys through a portal and embrace her destiny to save the kingdom of Westphalia.

Lots of complications await Filomena on her quest. She is a great new hero character. I’m looking forward to more of her exploits – at least this seems like it will have a sequel.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Loved this story. Great friendship group and a mix of fairytales and real world. Readers can relate to the book nerd main character and enjoy the humor throughout.

This was such a cute book. I loved the style, the premise, and the story.

It brings up topics that are pushed under the rug, especially for young children who find it difficult to talk to adults sometimes.

While it was fast paced, I feel like it was a little rushed at parts. While I remember enjoying the story, I don't remember a lot of the book.

When Filomena Jefferson-Cho started reading the Never After series, she never thought she would one day be part of the story. Not until the day she realizes that her favourite series will not have the ending she’s been waiting for: the same day she meets Jack Stalker who she thought was a person who’s really into (and really great at) cosplay.

What I enjoyed the most about this book are the nods to the fairytales and children’s story we all grew up with: Little Red Riding Hood, Aladdin, Hansel and Gretel, The Three Little Pigs to name a few. It’s fun seeing these on the first time Filomena steps into Never After. Even the name of the place, Never After, seems like a reference to Neverland from Peter Pan (or that could be just me, haha!).

Would I recommend this book? Yes I would. Never After: The Thirteenth Fairy depicts the fact that you can be afraid and brave. It shows friendship. Most of all, it shows the depths of what someone who loves you will do to keep you safe from harm.

Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy for review. This did not affect my view and thoughts of the book.

This was an amazing read and very enjoyable. It was a fun and fast book where I loved the plot and characters. Filomena was a wonderful main character and I was thrilled to read about her adventures. I will be recommending this to all my fantasy and middle-grade lovers.

This is a fun fairy tale book I would recommend for all middle-grade collections! Witty heroine, fun premise, and entertaining action.

An interesting take on the "fairy tale remixed" genre, a kind of self-aware, meta-fiction adventure. Even though a savvy reader is going to be able to predict where the story is going, it's fun to pick out recognizable characters and situations, and see them play out in different ways.

I really enjoyed this middle school book which has a mixture of reality and fantasy in it. I think children will relate to Filomena who is sheltered by her parents, bullied at school and doesn't have confidence in herself. She loves to read and is floored when her favorite book characters come to life. I enjoyed the parts were well known story book characters made an appearance like Gretel, the 3 pigs and the wolves. It was also a fun twist that the fairy tale stories that the mortals know, aren't told correctly. This story was filled with action, adventure and heroes who have to dig deep inside and tell themselves that they are capable of great strengths. I liked the characters and would be interested in reading the next book in the series. I will be recommending this book to my students.

I have always been a fan of Melissa de la Cruz's books and this was a new fresh take on fairytales that I thoroughly enjoyed. Those who love The Land of Stories and Fairy Tale Reform school will also enjoy this new fantasy series!

I was absolutely enjoying this audiobook: narration, character growth, weaving of fairy tales, and the lyrical prologue interspersed throughout; however, the climax/ending was so disappointing that my overall enjoyment of the book was dashed as I tried to puzzle out how that resolution made any sense based on the clues and build up leading to that moment. I know this is written for a middle grade audience, but I still think that my middle grade self would not have been pleased either. I'm not sure I have enough interest to pick up book 2 honestly.

Melissa De La Cruz has long been a family favorite. The way she writes is enjoyable for every member of our family and we often times will pass her book along to other members in our household to enjoy. Never After: The Thirteenth Fairy is no exception. I love how this book starts out in modern day Pasadena and takes us into a magical world. Fantastic.

This was such a fun read! If you are a fan of fairytales you definitely need to check this out. Perfect for middle grade readers.

The stories of happily ever after have been passed down to us through generation after generation, but what if...they're all lies?
Melissa de la Cruz welcomes us into a new world of fairytales ripe with the possibility that the things we think we've always known may be based on layers of untruth, even in the world of imagination. Filomena Jefferson-Cho jumps from an overly protected, utterly normal life into the wilds of Never After alongside her new-found companions in this first book of what promises to be a fan favorite!

In Never After: The Thirteenth Fairy, Filomena finds herself right in the middle of the book series she adores. Is she dreaming? Is she still reading the book? This book is cute, and I think my fantasy-loving students will enjoy it.

I thought this story was adorable - funny and charming and definitely good for upper elementary through middle. It has a Harry Potter meets Artemis Fowl feel to it, For me it was a slow start but once I was invested, I couldn't put it down, I can't wait to pass it along to my students! Thanks to #netgalley for the opportunity to preview #NeverAfter #TheThirteenthFairy by Melissa de la Cruz. Looking forward to reading what happens in the next story!