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The Ever Afters #3
Of Sorcery and Snow
Rory might be starring in her own fairy tale, but there’s more danger than happily-ever-after in this third book in a series that Kirkus Reviews calls a “fast-paced combination of middle school realism and fairy-tale fantasy.”
Life at Ever After School has become familiar for Rory. She’s been on two quests, she’s a great sword fighter, and she has terrific friends. But familiar is no fairy tale, and she’s still anxiously awaiting the chance to star in her own.
But as her connection to the Snow Queen continues to grow, Rory realizes her starring role might well be underway. When the Snow Queen sends the Pied Piper to kidnap several children, including the sibling of a fellow EAS-er, the teachers think this mission is too dangerous and won’t send any kids. But Rory, Chase, and Lena are determined to help,and it’s not long before they find themselves in more trouble than they can handle. Because it wouldn’t be Ever After School if things worked out according to plan...
Life at Ever After School has become familiar for Rory. She’s been on two quests, she’s a great sword fighter, and she has terrific friends. But familiar is no fairy tale, and she’s still anxiously awaiting the chance to star in her own.
But as her connection to the Snow Queen continues to grow, Rory realizes her starring role might well be underway. When the Snow Queen sends the Pied Piper to kidnap several children, including the sibling of a fellow EAS-er, the teachers think this mission is too dangerous and won’t send any kids. But Rory, Chase, and Lena are determined to help,and it’s not long before they find themselves in more trouble than they can handle. Because it wouldn’t be Ever After School if things worked out according to plan...
336 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2014
30 people are currently reading
1128 people want to read
About the author
Shelby Bach
5 books286 followersShelby Bach grew up reading every book she could find and writing stories in battered notebooks. She also rarely came home with a clean shirt and had lots of accidents that ended with a hunt for Band-Aids. Nowadays she writes on her laptop rather than in a notebook, but not much else has changed. She now lives in Portland, OR.
P.S. I tend to only rate books that make my "Best of the Year" roundup blog posts (in other words, prepare yourself for many five star ratings about a year in between). But I may also add a few reviews for titles I really adore.
P.S. I tend to only rate books that make my "Best of the Year" roundup blog posts (in other words, prepare yourself for many five star ratings about a year in between). But I may also add a few reviews for titles I really adore.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 27, 2016
I'm pretty sure my sister thinks I'm insane now. As soon as I finished this book, I started squealing and making all types of weird noises because I wanted to scream really loud but couldn't, so I could only squeak. THAT'S how AMAZING this book was!! This is officially my new favorite in the series so far. Rory grew up a lot in this book, but she was still relatable to other girls her age. Chase was just as INCREDIBLY AWESOME as ever, so yeah, that was one of the many reasons for my squealing. Lena was still her nerdy, loyal, awkward self. I'm not even sure if I can wait until the next book to come out to read about Rory and the gang again, there had better be some short stories in store for us this summer. The only regret I had in this book was that they didn't get to enjoy the ball, like, AT ALL, so that was a smidgeon disappointing. Oh also, CHORY FOREVER!! That is all. Thank you for bearing with me through my freak out/rambling mode, I'll leave you to read less crazy and confusing reviews.
December 3, 2021
THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD AND BECAUSE THE CHARACTERS ARE GETTING OLDER, THE PLOT IS GETTING A BIT DARKER SND THERE ARE HIGHER STAKES AND ALSO ROMANCE DEVELOPMENTS
EVERYTHING IS AMAZING, INCREDIBLE, IM SO SAD THIS SERIES HAD SUCH A SMALL FANBASE
IT GOT ME OUT OF A SEMI-READING SLUMP I DIDNT EVEN KNOW I WAS IN AND IM SO HAPPY, I LOVE IT SO MUCH
EVERYTHING IS AMAZING, INCREDIBLE, IM SO SAD THIS SERIES HAD SUCH A SMALL FANBASE
IT GOT ME OUT OF A SEMI-READING SLUMP I DIDNT EVEN KNOW I WAS IN AND IM SO HAPPY, I LOVE IT SO MUCH
August 17, 2025
reread 3 of 4 :)
February 7, 2018
Still great ride. The stakes are getting higher.
I can't believe it took me a year and a month to finish it but it's done now. :P
I can't believe it took me a year and a month to finish it but it's done now. :P
July 28, 2025
"A masterclass in escalating stakes—this frostbitten adventure will leave you breathless and desperate for more."
Shelby Bach's third installment in the Ever After series doesn't just continue Rory's journey—it transforms it. Of Sorcery and Snow plunges our heroine into a frozen labyrinth of deception and danger, where every alliance might be a trap and survival demands more than just magic. This is where the series sheds its training wheels and roars into something darker, deeper, and utterly magnificent.
What makes this book unforgettable:
The Arctic becomes a character - The merciless winter setting isn't just backdrop; it's an active force that shapes every decision, every betrayal, and every desperate act of courage. You'll feel the cold in your bones and the creeping dread of isolation.
Trust is the rarest magic of all - Without spoilers, the betrayals here cut deeper than any enchanted blade. Bach masterfully plays with reader expectations, making every interaction a potential landmine and every kind word a possible manipulation.
Rory's coming-of-age gets real - This isn't just about mastering spells anymore. It's about moral compromises, impossible choices, and the terrifying realization that being the hero might mean becoming someone you don't recognize. The emotional weight of her decisions will linger long after the last page.
The action sequences are some of Bach's finest—crystal-clear and brutally intense—but it's the quiet moments between battles that truly devastate. A whispered confession in the dark, a fleeting moment of vulnerability, the crushing weight of leadership—these are the scenes that elevate this from great fantasy to something extraordinary.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rating: 5/5 - A pivotal turning point that proves this series isn't just great middle-grade fantasy, but fantasy period. If the first two books were appetizers, this is the main course—and you're not ready for how good it tastes.
Shelby Bach's third installment in the Ever After series doesn't just continue Rory's journey—it transforms it. Of Sorcery and Snow plunges our heroine into a frozen labyrinth of deception and danger, where every alliance might be a trap and survival demands more than just magic. This is where the series sheds its training wheels and roars into something darker, deeper, and utterly magnificent.
What makes this book unforgettable:
The Arctic becomes a character - The merciless winter setting isn't just backdrop; it's an active force that shapes every decision, every betrayal, and every desperate act of courage. You'll feel the cold in your bones and the creeping dread of isolation.
Trust is the rarest magic of all - Without spoilers, the betrayals here cut deeper than any enchanted blade. Bach masterfully plays with reader expectations, making every interaction a potential landmine and every kind word a possible manipulation.
Rory's coming-of-age gets real - This isn't just about mastering spells anymore. It's about moral compromises, impossible choices, and the terrifying realization that being the hero might mean becoming someone you don't recognize. The emotional weight of her decisions will linger long after the last page.
The action sequences are some of Bach's finest—crystal-clear and brutally intense—but it's the quiet moments between battles that truly devastate. A whispered confession in the dark, a fleeting moment of vulnerability, the crushing weight of leadership—these are the scenes that elevate this from great fantasy to something extraordinary.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rating: 5/5 - A pivotal turning point that proves this series isn't just great middle-grade fantasy, but fantasy period. If the first two books were appetizers, this is the main course—and you're not ready for how good it tastes.
July 16, 2014
Ever since reading Of Giants and Ice, The Ever Afters series has been one of my favorites. Why you ask? Well, it speaks to the middle grade reader in me. Bach has a unique ability to tap into those middle grade emotions and feelings that I had way back in sixth through eighth grade. I've said it before, but Bach really knows her middle grade reader. I also love how she takes all the fairy tales and characters that I loved reading about as a kid then changes things up and creates new heartfelt tales for them. And the characters, man I love the characters. Especially Rory, Chase and Lena, such steadfast friends who have grown so much over the last couple of books. I've really become vested in these characters who experience both pain and wonderful moments together during Of Sorcery and Snow. Plus there are crushes and relationships developing that are so adorable to watch. I've found my favorite of the series thus far.
July 3, 2014
Oh my gosh! This was, without a doubt, the best book I have read all year. It was AMAZING! I cannot stop smiling and freaking out about everything that happened in this book! It is by far the best in the series. Not that the past two books were bad; they were great. It's just that this story was beyond phenomenal. I can't believe I have to wait a whole year before finding out what's going to happen to Rory and her friends! Oh, how I wish I could go to the future. If you've read the first two books, I don't need to tell you how fantastic they were and how much you need to read this book (like, NOW!), but if you've never read this series, please do so. All I'm going to say is that it's incredible, if you didn't already figure that out from reading my review.
January 9, 2015
AMAZING!!!! The best book in the series so far. I read it in a day, couldn't put it down. So good. The snow queens back!!!!
I can't wait for the next book, seriously. Chase and Rory are soooo cute. One thing that I'm curious about, are we the readers really supposed to believe that Rory's mom and Amy are not lesbians? I'm not buying this assistant story. It's been 3 books now and she acts more like the moms partner than assistant. I'm just wondering if I'm the only one who sees this?
But anyways. The plot was captivating. The character development is excellent too. I can't wait until we find out the ending to Rory's tale!
I can't wait for the next book, seriously. Chase and Rory are soooo cute. One thing that I'm curious about, are we the readers really supposed to believe that Rory's mom and Amy are not lesbians? I'm not buying this assistant story. It's been 3 books now and she acts more like the moms partner than assistant. I'm just wondering if I'm the only one who sees this?
But anyways. The plot was captivating. The character development is excellent too. I can't wait until we find out the ending to Rory's tale!
December 30, 2021
Wow can we say twist ending?! I so didn't see that one coming! I loved this book. Even more then I liked the first and I loved that one quite a bit. I find Rory to be so darn likeable and the author is doing such a great job of presenting the fairytales in a way that combines with Rory's world. I can't wait for the next installment! !!
July 16, 2015
Just when I thought I couldn't fall anymore in love with Bach's characters she kicks it up a notch! The development and unique personality of each character are just so well done. The plot is exciting and interesting and, of course, Chase and Rory are just too cute not love, lol.
High recommend this series. ❤️
High recommend this series. ❤️
January 7, 2014
A great book three in this series. The middle school fantasy reader should eat this one up. The ever after school, training ground for the fairy tale characters, is as bust as ever as Rory, Chase and their friend take up a quest to rescue the children kidnapped by the Pied Piper.
August 28, 2014
It was great now I need to know what happens! +SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT!!!!!! When will Chase and Rory finally get together?!?!?!? I mean Rory knows he like her now. AHH! Also What will the snow queen do? How will she bribe or blackmail to get allies back?!?!
June 10, 2017
A good novel to continue the series, plot was too loose, not much detail for any particular part of the book, it kept flopping around to different topics without thoroughly explaining any one of them.
December 7, 2015
It started out slow, then I couldn't put it down. You need to read the first two for this one to make sense, but they're quite good books so you should. :)
October 31, 2014
Unputdownable.
July 26, 2018
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!! These books are amazing!!
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August 23, 2021I really loved this book. If you like adventure and fairy tales you should read it.
August 4, 2025
This is a series that I should have outgrown a long time ago. I am a big advocate for reading middle-grade books at any age, but come on, man, this is a series about middle schoolers training to be fairy tale characters...This was the series for me in middle school, my gold standard, and I was afraid that upon rereading it as jaded "old person," I may find it to be not as perfect as I remember. But I must not be jaded or old enough yet, because my god, why can't more things be this good?!
Everything in this series happens for a reason. Character arcs, plot points, and the level of depth just feel like they were all decided before the first page of the first book, because there are never any hiccups or contradictions, and all of these are given the appropriate amount of spacing.
But depth is the thing that really stood out to me in this one. Of Giants and Ice (Book 1) is a fun, well-written romp about swordfighting and tweenage insecurity, and save for a couple of moments (White Snake bloodbath and patella-phobia (the latter is only if you're discerning...)), it's light and not too thought provoking--though those aforementioned "moments" show that there is potential for more. Of Witches and Wind (book 2) gently gets a little darker, with higher stakes (to be expected in a second book) and more of an emotional punch. Rory has to endure some painful stuff, but a lot of it is still rooted in relatable issues--not wanting to let her friends down, feelings of abandonment, a desire to belong--and so while the story is heavier, it's not a huge jump from the tone of book 1. Chase's backstory is definitely fucked up (middle school me was GAGGED), but Bach softens the blow AND grounds the story by centering a lot of the conflict around Rory trying to reconcile who she thought her friend was with who he really is.
This book is where the gloves start to come off. The stakes are not too high (that's for next book, don't worry), but the weight of the things the characters have to deal with increases. Rory's struggles have been mostly pretty relatable so far, but in this book she has to wrestle with her trauma over taking a life, her guilt of living a double life from her parents (to protect them! not something a child should ever be responsible for), and the responsibility of potentially dooming all of her friends to a horrible death after they trusted her to lead them. But because we've gotten to know her and all of the supporting cast so well, this still feels like a natural progression.
This book still keeps its humor, but there's definitely tragedy, too--and the first death of a prominent supporting cast member. At times, this book does feel like a transition to the final one, but a lot of important character work is done in the meantime, so it never feels like it's stalling. And there's just some bang up writing, too--Rapunzel's monologue about the uncertainty of the future and Chase's monologues on parrot-eyes and on the death of his brother are so...profound? I've tried for years to figure out how a series can have wacky junior prom shenanigans and "I'm glad he died first" in the same book without it feeling unnatural, but I haven't figured it out. I just really, really like it.
Still want more Lena, though. It's not her fault she's perfect and doesn't need any more character development! Put her in, coach!!
Everything in this series happens for a reason. Character arcs, plot points, and the level of depth just feel like they were all decided before the first page of the first book, because there are never any hiccups or contradictions, and all of these are given the appropriate amount of spacing.
But depth is the thing that really stood out to me in this one. Of Giants and Ice (Book 1) is a fun, well-written romp about swordfighting and tweenage insecurity, and save for a couple of moments (White Snake bloodbath and patella-phobia (the latter is only if you're discerning...)), it's light and not too thought provoking--though those aforementioned "moments" show that there is potential for more. Of Witches and Wind (book 2) gently gets a little darker, with higher stakes (to be expected in a second book) and more of an emotional punch. Rory has to endure some painful stuff, but a lot of it is still rooted in relatable issues--not wanting to let her friends down, feelings of abandonment, a desire to belong--and so while the story is heavier, it's not a huge jump from the tone of book 1. Chase's backstory is definitely fucked up (middle school me was GAGGED), but Bach softens the blow AND grounds the story by centering a lot of the conflict around Rory trying to reconcile who she thought her friend was with who he really is.
This book is where the gloves start to come off. The stakes are not too high (that's for next book, don't worry), but the weight of the things the characters have to deal with increases. Rory's struggles have been mostly pretty relatable so far, but in this book she has to wrestle with her trauma over taking a life, her guilt of living a double life from her parents (to protect them! not something a child should ever be responsible for), and the responsibility of potentially dooming all of her friends to a horrible death after they trusted her to lead them. But because we've gotten to know her and all of the supporting cast so well, this still feels like a natural progression.
This book still keeps its humor, but there's definitely tragedy, too--and the first death of a prominent supporting cast member. At times, this book does feel like a transition to the final one, but a lot of important character work is done in the meantime, so it never feels like it's stalling. And there's just some bang up writing, too--Rapunzel's monologue about the uncertainty of the future and Chase's monologues on parrot-eyes and on the death of his brother are so...profound? I've tried for years to figure out how a series can have wacky junior prom shenanigans and "I'm glad he died first" in the same book without it feeling unnatural, but I haven't figured it out. I just really, really like it.
Still want more Lena, though. It's not her fault she's perfect and doesn't need any more character development! Put her in, coach!!
June 2, 2022
4.5/5
I’m having the time of my life reading this series and this book is a great continuation. The build up to Rory’s tale has been immaculate and I can’t wait to see how the everything will end.
Rory may heaps be my favorite main character in any children’s book. As someone that also wants to write I am in awe of how likable and relatable Rory can be while still having personality and flaws. Lena and Chase we also such great characters as well and I love the dynamic between the three of them. The romance between Rory and Chase has been so cute so far.
But yeah.. very good book. It’s not as good as Of Witches and Wind, because the plot and location in that book was so interesting and nothing short of perfection. The arctic just didn’t captivate me as much as Atlantis, but I loved it nonetheless. There is so much more I want to learn about the Snow Queen ahh
I’m having the time of my life reading this series and this book is a great continuation. The build up to Rory’s tale has been immaculate and I can’t wait to see how the everything will end.
Rory may heaps be my favorite main character in any children’s book. As someone that also wants to write I am in awe of how likable and relatable Rory can be while still having personality and flaws. Lena and Chase we also such great characters as well and I love the dynamic between the three of them. The romance between Rory and Chase has been so cute so far.
But yeah.. very good book. It’s not as good as Of Witches and Wind, because the plot and location in that book was so interesting and nothing short of perfection. The arctic just didn’t captivate me as much as Atlantis, but I loved it nonetheless. There is so much more I want to learn about the Snow Queen ahh
April 21, 2018
WHEN MIRIAM DIED I WAS GOING TO GO KILL SOMEONE IM NOT JOKING. When she came back to life I was ok again. Just ok. WHEN HADRIANE DIED THOUGH I WAS GOING TO KILL SOMEONE AND WHEN SHE DIDNT COME BACK TO LIFE I GOT SO FUCKING ANGRY AND I NEARLY THREW THE BOOK ACROSS THE ROOM BUT I DIDNT BECAUSE I WAS READING OFF MY TABLET AND IT WOULDN’T BE A GOOD IDEA BUT I WAS ANGRY. I’m ok now. I love this book though. I will feel sad when the series is over. The cliff hanger though. That BLOODY cliffhanger. Now I really want the last book. My life will be complete when I have finished the last book. Or my soul could be shattered into a million pieces who knows.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2022
Six stars!!! Can't wait to read the last one!!!
This book was so awesome (and by the way, was anyone else wondering why Rory was so stunned when Chase... confessed...).
GIVE ME #4 NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
also, Mark was not Rory's first kill. She brought down the chimera in #2, and killed some more creatures in #1. Maybe the author (and Chase) were only counting living or speaking creatures?
Confused, guys. So confused.
But I loooooooved this book!
This book was so awesome (and by the way, was anyone else wondering why Rory was so stunned when Chase... confessed...).
GIVE ME #4 NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
also, Mark was not Rory's first kill. She brought down the chimera in #2, and killed some more creatures in #1. Maybe the author (and Chase) were only counting living or speaking creatures?
Confused, guys. So confused.
But I loooooooved this book!
August 30, 2019
I love these books, they are enjoyable and I really love that Rory's Tale is an Unwritten Tale. She gets to write her own story and it doesn't follow the steps of another tale, it's just like telling us, 'write your own story' and it reminds us that everyone's life is a story(that's what I always say) and it is our own. It's unique no matter how different or strange it is.
November 15, 2017
This book was an amazing third book in this fantastic series! It kept at the edge of my seat the whole time and I absolutely loved it! I can’t wait to start reading the last book of the series!
(5/5 stars) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(5/5 stars) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 28, 2018
Uhm... I honestly was expecting more from this third installment. Instead it is lacking something for me. It's not much a fairytale retelling than an adventure fantasy. But I'm going to read the next book with interest.
August 7, 2018
So far, this book was the best of all the Ever Afters books. It has everything a middle-schooler could possibly want in a book, and enough of a story to keep adults interested.
December 27, 2018
I really liked this series
October 16, 2019
This book series is so great. Reading it with my 10 yr old.
April 23, 2020
I loved this book. I am a special education teacher for 6, 7, and 8th grade. During COVID-19 I completed this book with two students that have 3-4 grade reading levels. They loved it as well.
March 20, 2021
SO GOOD!!
August 20, 2021
Ahhhh so good!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews