Title: “Wretched” – A Haunting and Provocative Addition to The Never After Series
“Wretched,” the third book in Emily McIntire’s The Never After Series, is a dark and mesmerizing tale that delves into the life of a wicked girl who loses everything that matters to her. Narrated by the talented Vivian Bradford and Robert Hatchet, this audiobook is a haunting and provocative addition to the series that will leave listeners both captivated and unsettled.
The story follows a young woman who is both impulsive and intelligent, using her talents to help her family name grow strong. However, her life takes a dark turn when a man without a heart comes along. An undercover agent meant to spy and bring back tips, he follows her down a hidden path of faded yellow bricks, determined to uncover her secrets.
McIntire’s writing is as poetic and evocative as ever, with a lyrical quality that perfectly captures the dark and otherworldly tone of the series. The opening lines of the book, which are written in verse, set the stage for the tale that follows, hinting at the tragedy and darkness that have shaped the protagonist’s life.
The characters in “Wretched” are complex and multi-layered, with their own unique motivations and desires. The protagonist, who is never named, is a particularly intriguing character. She is both wicked and sympathetic, with a past that has left her scarred and a present that is filled with danger and temptation. McIntire explores the protagonist’s inner turmoil and the choices she makes with great skill and nuance, creating a character that is both fascinating and deeply flawed.
The relationship between the protagonist and the undercover agent is another highlight of the story. The two characters are drawn to each other despite their differences, with a chemistry that is both electric and dangerous. McIntire builds the tension between them with great skill, creating a sense of anticipation and unease that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.
Bradford and Hatchet’s narration is superb, with each narrator bringing their own unique style and energy to the story. Bradford’s portrayal of the protagonist is particularly noteworthy, capturing the character’s wickedness and vulnerability with equal skill. Hatchet’s performance as the undercover agent is equally impressive, conveying the character’s determination and hidden depths with great nuance.
One of the strengths of “Wretched” is its ability to subvert expectations and challenge listeners’ assumptions about the nature of good and evil. McIntire explores the idea that even the most wicked of characters can have redeeming qualities, and that the line between hero and villain is often blurred. The protagonist, who is initially presented as a dark and dangerous figure, is revealed to be a complex and sympathetic character with her own wounds and desires.
However, it’s important to note that “Wretched” is not for the faint of heart. Like the other books in the series, it deals with heavy themes such as abuse, trauma, and sexual violence, and some listeners may find the content triggering or disturbing. McIntire does not shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human nature, and the story can be intense and emotionally draining at times.
Despite these challenges, “Wretched” is ultimately a compelling and thought-provoking book that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of dark fantasy. McIntire’s writing is both beautiful and unsettling, and her ability to create fully-realized characters with complex motivations and desires is impressive.
As the third book in The Never After Series, “Wretched” builds upon the world and characters introduced in the previous installments, while also introducing new elements and conflicts that promise to have far-reaching consequences for the larger story arc. The ending is both satisfying and open-ended, leaving listeners eager to see what McIntire has in store for the next installment.
In conclusion, “Wretched” is a must-listen for fans of The Never After Series and anyone who enjoys a good dark fantasy with plenty of psychological depth and emotional resonance. Emily McIntire has created a story that is both beautifully written and emotionally challenging, filled with complex characters and themes that will stay with listeners long after they have finished listening. The audiobook, brought to life by the talented narration of Vivian Bradford and Robert Hatchet, is an immersive and unforgettable experience that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of twisted fairy tales.
So why not give “Wretched” a listen? With its perfect blend of dark magic, psychological depth, and emotional resonance, this audiobook is sure to keep you enthralled from beginning to end. Just be sure to brace yourself for a journey that is as haunting and provocative as it is ultimately rewarding.
Series Review:
The Never After Series, of which “Hooked,” “Scarred,” and “Wretched” are the first three installments, is a dark and twisted reimagining of classic fairy tales that pushes the boundaries of the genre in new and exciting ways. McIntire’s writing is consistently strong throughout the series, with each book building upon the themes and characters introduced in the previous installment while also introducing new elements and conflicts that keep the story fresh and engaging.
One of the strengths of the series is its ability to create a fully-realized fantasy world that is both enchanting and unsettling. McIntire draws upon classic fairy tale tropes and archetypes, but twists them in unexpected ways to create a world that is both familiar and wholly unique. The result is a series that feels timeless and yet utterly modern, with themes and conflicts that are as relevant today as they were when the original tales were first told.
The characters in The Never After Series are another highlight of the series. McIntire has a gift for creating complex and multi-layered characters with their own unique motivations and desires. From the tortured hero of “Hooked” to the wicked heroine of “Wretched,” each character is fully-realized and utterly compelling. The relationships between the characters are equally complex, with bonds of love, hatred, and obsession that shift and change over the course of the series. McIntire explores these relationships with great skill and nuance, creating a web of connections that is both intricate and emotionally resonant.
However, The Never After Series is not without its flaws. One criticism that could be leveled at the series is its reliance on certain dark romance tropes, such as the brooding bad boy and the innocent heroine who is drawn into his world. While McIntire does an admirable job of subverting these tropes and giving them her own unique spin, some readers may find them cliché or problematic.
Additionally, the heavy themes and graphic content in the series may not be to everyone’s taste. McIntire does not shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human nature, and some readers may find the depictions of abuse, trauma, and sexual violence to be triggering or disturbing.
Despite these criticisms, The Never After Series remains a compelling and addictive series that is sure to appeal to fans of dark fantasy and twisted fairy tales. McIntire’s writing is confident and assured, and her ability to weave together multiple storylines and character arcs is impressive.
In conclusion, The Never After Series is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good dark fantasy with plenty of psychological depth and emotional resonance. Emily McIntire has created a world that is both hauntingly beautiful and deeply unsettling, filled with characters who are as complex as they are compelling. The audiobooks, brought to life by talented narrators like Felicity Munroe, Rupert Hawthorne, Paul Woodson, Ella Lynch, Vivian Bradford, and Robert Hatchet, are immersive and unforgettable experiences that will leave listeners eager to dive deeper into the twisted world of The Never After Series.
