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.
I adored Rainbow Rowell’s Carry On, and I’ve been a fan of Arthurian legend since childhood so it was a no-brainer to request this book.
Arek, Matt, and the rest of their quest companions are loveable, quirky, and hilarious, but trust me when I say it’s a miracle they removed the Vile One from the throne. They’re not exactly a strategic bunch, but do share a strong found family bond. After finishing a heavy dark fantasy, this novel was a delight to read, and I snickered and laughed from beginning to end.
After Arek finds himself bound by magic to the throne of Ere in the realm of Chickpea, he learns he must marry (create a soul bond) before his eighteenth birthday – only three months away – or he dies. Figuring he’d rather entwine his soul with someone he knows rather than a stranger, he begins very awkward attempts at wooing his friends. It’s clear to their friends that Arek and Matt, BFFs since childhood, are in love with each other but both are completely oblivious to that fact. Throughout the story they teeter on the edge of revealing their true feelings for each other, but are either misunderstood, petrified, or interrupted every time. It’s both painful and highly amusing to watch.
If you’re looking for a light-hearted, feel-good, comedic read, look no further. I enjoyed every minute of this book, and although it seems to be a standalone, I’d love to see what happens next with these characters. Surely there’s another prophecy in store for them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
LIke you, I love anything Arthurian. This sounds like fun!
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I laughed so many times while reading this, Darlene. So delightful and just what I needed.
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This story does sound like a lot of fun. And, I love Arthurian legend too in all its many forms. Excellent review, Teri!
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Any books that mention Arthurian legend, I usually request them, Tessa. This has been one of my favorite lighter reads this year.
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It’s always a plus when you finish a standalone book and hope for more. Sounds like you really enjoyed the story and the characters, Teri!
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I really hope the author gives them at least one more book, Mae. I’d love to spend more time with this fun crowd.
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Thank you for sharing, Teri.
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Fab review! I really want to read this one ❤️
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I’ve heard another one of their books, In Deeper Waters, is also good. I’d love to find time to get to it.
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I’ll add them to my list!
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So This Is Ever After sounds like a really fun read! I will definitely add it to my TBR list!
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Only took me a couple days to get through it, Shari – and I could have easily done it in one sitting if not for life stuff getting in the way, lol. Hope you enjoy it!
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This sounds like a fun read. I want to know what happens to Arek!! I can see that you want more after this book, Teri! 🙂
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I’d love to spend some more time with this group, Miriam. The supporting characters were just as fun as the main characters.
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It’s lovely to find something you look forward to read, Teri.
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It sounds like a hoot.
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From the first page, Deby. I immediately wondered how these guys had managed to seize a throne, let alone sneak in the castle, lol.
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This just sounds adorable!
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I highly recommend it, Wendy. And just look at that cover!
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This sounds fun and lovely. I’m sure going to enjoy it. Great review!
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Thanks, Yesha! And I promise you will.
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This sounds like a lot of fun, Teri.
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It really was, Robbie. I laughed out loud so many times with these characters.
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