“Scarred,” the second complete standalone novel in the Never After Series by Emily McIntire, presents readers with a captivating and dark reimagining of the classic fairy tale narrative.
Embarking on this literary journey, I braced myself for a narrative akin to ‘Wretched,’ a favorite of mine, only to be swept into an entirely different realm that utterly captivated me. Tristan and Sara, as the protagonists, set the pages aflame with their dynamic presence, both individually and as a tumultuous pair, bringing forth a storm of chaos upon their kingdom. The spark between them? Absolutely incendiary.
The story weaves together a heady mix of beloved tropes—brother’s fiancée, enemies-to-lovers, a vendetta-fueled narrative tinged with the allure of the forbidden. Tristan emerges as a character drenched in shades of moral ambiguity: devoid of empathy, egotistical, and psychopathically bent on revenge. He’s the male embodiment of a siren, irresistibly drawing me into the depths of his tumult.
Sara, on the other hand, is a force to be reckoned with, a mastermind cloaked in innocence yet wielding power that brings others to their knees. Her meticulously crafted plan is unstoppable, and her portrayal as a morally gray figure bent on revenge was nothing short of exhilarating.
Prince Tristan Faasa has always lived in the shadow of his older brother, Michael, who was destined to inherit the throne. Tristan’s childhood was marred by torment inflicted by the same brother responsible for the scar that mars his face. However, when their father passes away, Michael is poised to ascend to the throne, and Tristan is determined to thwart his brother’s reign. Leading a secret rebellion, Tristan is prepared to do whatever it takes to seize power. But when Michael’s betrothed, Lady Sara Beatreaux, enters the picture, Tristan finds himself embroiled in a new kind of conflict—one that forces him to question the importance of the crown compared to the woman destined to wear it.
Sara has her own agenda: to marry the king and eliminate the Faasa lineage, even if it means putting herself in danger. However, her plans are thrown into disarray when she encounters Prince Tristan, a man both dangerous and forbidden. Tristan is one of the men she’s been tasked with killing, but as she spends more time with him, Sara finds herself torn between her mission of vengeance and the unexpected feelings stirring within her. As secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, Sara must navigate the thin line between hatred and passion, grappling with her growing affection for the man she was never supposed to love.
“Scarred” is a compelling royal romance that delves into themes of power, betrayal, and forbidden love. McIntire expertly crafts a narrative filled with intrigue, passion, and suspense, drawing readers into a world where nothing is as it seems. With its complex characters, gripping plot twists, and richly imagined setting, “Scarred” offers readers a fresh and dark take on beloved fairy tale villains, challenging them to rethink notions of good and evil.
The storyline itself is a rollercoaster, with Tristan and Sara’s interactions forming the addictive core of the book. Diving into their psyches was an exhilarating experience, highlighting how aligned yet divergent their aspirations were against a backdrop of contrasting moral and empathetic values. The tension and intensity building up between them were masterfully executed. Once again, Emily has outdone herself, delivering a narrative that’s both thrilling and ingeniously plotted.
As the second installment in The Never After Series, “Scarred” promises readers an immersive and unforgettable reading experience. McIntire’s meticulous attention to detail and skillful storytelling make “Scarred” a must-read for fans of dark romance and fractured fairy tales alike.
