Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

This was another brilliant book from one of my favourite authors. Beautiful descriptions that don't go overboard and drag the story on, colourful characters that like to throw surprises around every turn and a love story to last the ages

The final book in The Omte Origins, Ever After, brings to a close the exciting series staring Ullaakuut "Ulla" Tulin. While the previous novels in the series had a lighter tone, Ever After delves into Ulla's experiences as she was held captive by the Älvolk and its traumatic effects on her psyche.

In this final story, Ulla and her friends from her time in Merella search for the mythical first city and the bridge that connects the realms. The Omte Origins series is just that, the origins of the Omte people talked about in her Trylle series. If you are familiar with the Omte series of books and the rich history that Amanda Hocking created. One of the aspects that I enjoyed in the original series was taking the idea of a troll and turning it on its ear.

Trolls have always been depicted as dirty and scary creatures, a la Harry Potter. Instead, the history of the troll people is much more complicated, nodding to both Scandanavian and Norse people. The original series touches on some of the mythos, but I am glad that Hocking took the time and detailing of this series to flesh out the ideas.

The Omte Origins story follows a naive Ulla, as she first comes to Merella for education and a chance to research her family find who abandoned her. Even with everything Ulla has been through, she has an endearing kindness that permeates her interactions with people. This draws people to her. In the previous two books, Ulla meets Dagny and Pan. Both become very important in her life but in different ways. Dagny becomes a surly sister and Pan a love interest. This basis of family helps give Ulla the stability to seek her missing family and find out what really happened.

Ever After is a super fun conclusion to the series. It is both heartfelt and action-packed, which is par for the course for Hocking's books. They are always a good mashup. Check out this series and all of the Trylle books.

Requested this without realising was the last in the trilogy, my bad, but although I was a bit lost, I did really enjoy this and I’m off now to get the first two and read them properly in order, the way they should be enjoyed. Great writing, addictive storyline (even when lost) and fabulous characters. I loved it

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

I thoroughly enjoyed this conclusion to the trilogy and will miss the characters. As with all her books, the writing is fluid and the story flows, capturing you and drawing you into this fairytale world. I look forward to reading the next series.