Every book is a journey; and the experience of that journey—be it what is seen, felt and taken away by the reader—is what dictates the place the book assumes in the reader’s mind, heart and life.
What made the journey of reading The Never List so unique for me was how many elements there were in it. Every single aspect present in this book had its twin, journeying along throughout. For example, for every lighthearted moment, there is dark and tense counterpart that exists as well. This renders the book very balanced with regard to all the creative elements that make it up, which in turn, makes the reader’s journey through this book so smooth.
From the moment the book begins, the tone is set and so is the voice of the main character. Both these elements are coloured by (as mentioned earlier with regard to the presence of dualities) notes of desperation, pain, humour, strength and daring. The best part was seeing these notes being sustained throughout the book despite the ever-changing scenarios. The Never List has one of the most even forms of narration that most readers will greatly enjoy.
Outside of the fact that The Never List was written in a way I can only compare to the even flow of water over jagged rocks, it is also fantastically immersive, emotional and smart. The author, I would say, has taken on a Herculean task because of the nature of the set-up in this book. There are five main characters, which means five times the number of introductions and establishment of each of their personalities, basic back-stories and inter-personal relationships. The author has chosen a really smart and interesting way to ensure that all characters share a balanced scene space in the book, even while making sure that everything we need to know about them is there without taking away from the underlying elements that are woven in and out through every page. I truly commend the author for writing every scene, every chapter to be just right, just enough and just what is needed.
To be unable to separate the writing—even in a review—from all the other elements that make up this book is a near exact representation of how they all work together like a well oiled machine.
This is one of those books that most readers would likely devour in one sitting (two, if and only if, they are interrupted). The pace in this book, is actually rather swift, however the nature of the tone in each scene makes the reader feel like they perceive a difference. A gentle moment feels drawn out, sweet, bringing a smile and a heart clench, while a tense moment is difficult, bringing forth fear and trepidation, pushing and pulling that moment to make it both last and fly by. The same way, an action filled moment absolutely sprints and causes your heart to race. The experience of that was so wonderful and quite … organic, and keeps the reader glued to the pages, never wanting to leave.
The world building in this book (which ties back to the writing again) might just be one of the most well-planned strategies I’ve seen—especially amongst books that exist within this genre. At least, in my opinion. The most powerful tool that can be used in any set up that features a completely new magic system and world is: one, to set up something familiar about it that the readers can depend on to recognise when new information is going to appear and two, repetition that’s done just right to ensure existing rules and elements are reinforced. The author has done a fantastic job of doing both! What aids the story greatly is also some of the fairly familiar establishments that feature in it; be it the clubs, the clothing and even some of the social system—with their own unique twists of course.
The characters in a book that focuses on the relationship between five of them are certainly the pillars holding the book up. I would say getting to know each of them (including the FMC) was closely tied to the world building. Not just does the reader understand each individual character, they also come to perceive the rules of the world and the many layers of the plot that the author has hidden underneath. I enjoyed spending time with each and every single character (save the few who were never meant to be liked anyway), be it the primary, secondary or tertiary characters and watching the existing relationships flourish, while new ones bloomed and found space for themselves. That was a large part of what happens in this book and while I would’ve loved to have read more about it, I could also understand that there was more to unfold that required scene space and focus.
The plot in this story remains quietly hidden behind all the larger more perceivable sub-plots, so much so that the most obvious plot twist moment is something you never see coming until it’s quite literally upon you. Any author that can still do that to readers is one that is likely going a long way, in my opinion. The last ten percent of this book races and leaves you reeling in the many things it does and doesn’t reveal.
My favourite part of any book is when there is a theme rooted in a social system or structure. I love seeing characters talk about it, seeing it being done in a way where it’s never overlooked and there is always a subtle undercurrent of change brewing. You can expect to see and feel that in The Never List. I’m so very curious to see where Presley is going to take this story. I suspect that the series will likely get more serious as it continues; but even if it doesn’t, wherever it may lead, I can see myself following.
I had a feeling before I began this book that I would enjoy it, I’m pleased to see I was right. The Never List was a solid 9.5 for me! Please do check trigger warnings as always, as there are themes in this book that can be difficult for some.
The Never List is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of April 8th 2025.
Will you be picking up The Never List? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
The four princes of Lumathyst need a mate, and everyone wants a chance…except for her.
Threatened by invaders, the kingdom of Lumathyst is on the verge of chaos, and no one can stop it. Unless the four immortal god-princes find their fated mate―and safeguard the throne―Lumathyst will fall.
Five women have tried. Five have failed. And tonight in the royal city, the princes need to find their Chosen and hope she can survive the transformation that will make her immortal.
Only Rylee Gray wasn’t supposed to be here. She snuck in for her own dark reasons―and now they claim they’ve found their perfect match. Her. Of course, they have no idea she’s concealing a secret big enough to damn them all.
The four princes have no choice. They’ll use every delectably wicked skill they have to make Rylee fall for all of them…or watch their kingdom collapse.
