So This Is Ever After

This book had a great premise that was wasted on a lame romance trope. Arek is the Chosen One who has just fulfilled the prophecy that he would kill the Vile One and usher in a thousand years of peace for the realm. Arek is also a 17 year old boy, who assumed that once he and his five fellow-questers finished their task, everyone could go home and resume their normal lives. He didn't expect to be crowned the new King and to have the responsibility of learning how to rule an entire kingdom. And he is especially horrified to learn that if he doesn't find someone to bond with before his 18th birthday, he will die an agonizing death.There's a lot of potential in exploring what happens when five teenagers are suddenly thrust into adult roles they never asked for, and how they cope with the “ever after” they hadn't anticipated. There's a nice blend of humor and sincerity (and a bit of violence) as they band together to figure out to repair relationships and bring prosperity and trust back to the kingdom after 20 years of Evil. And Lila the “rogue” steals the show with her unapologetic thievery and general snarkiness. I'd gladly read a book about her adventures. But the plot is seriously weakened by the “bond or die” trope, primarily because Arek is in love with his best friend Matt the magician and is afraid to tell him. So for 95% of the book we have to deal with Arek trying to “woo” his other friends while pining for Matt, and So. Much. Miscommunication. It's tiresome and annoying. It's obvious to everyone else that they are in love with each other, but Arek keeps making assumptions that Matt doesn't feel the same way, he would resent Arek if they had to bond, it would destroy their friendship, etc. etc. Repeat ad nauseum until the 11th hour. I really admired F.T. Lukens' previous work, including [b:The Star Host 27830154 The Star Host (Broken Moon, #1) F.T. Lukens https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1447534529l/27830154.SX50.jpg 47811227] and the rest of the Broken Moon trilogy. I loved the lighthearted “Men in Black” vibe of [b:The Rules and Regulations for Mediating Myths & Magic 34736638 The Rules and Regulations for Mediating Myths & Magic (The Rules #1) F.T. Lukens https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1490892182l/34736638.SY75.jpg 55922749] and its sequel. But this story was more frustrating than enjoyable. YMMV if the “best friends pining for each other” trope is your jam.