If you’re a fan of fairy tales but crave something with a modern twist, Until the Last Page by Chantal Gadoury should be next on your reading list. This enchanting novel blends fantasy, humor, and heartfelt moments to deliver a fresh take on classic stories, all while creating a compelling journey of self-discovery and adventure.
A Crash Landing into a World of Magic
The story begins with twenty-five-year-old Josephine (Jo) Hart, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she literally crash lands into a world of fairy tales. Instead of the graceful “Once Upon a Time” we all expect from these stories, Jo’s journey starts with a bang—she nearly squashes a frog underfoot! But this isn’t just any frog. He’s Aneurin, a snarky, cursed prince who needs a kiss from his true love to break the spell.
From the moment Jo and Aneurin meet, their banter is electric. Aneurin’s sarcastic wit clashes hilariously with Jo’s no-nonsense attitude. It’s a dynamic that immediately sets Until the Last Page apart from typical fairy tale narratives. Rather than falling into the usual clichés, Gadoury brings a sharp, modern sensibility to their interactions, which keeps the reader hooked.
A Journey Through Familiar Tales
As Jo and Aneurin embark on their quest to break his curse, they journey deeper into the world of familiar fairy tales—stories that Jo recognizes but finds slightly altered. Gadoury expertly weaves in characters and elements from well-known fables, giving them a fresh spin. It’s this mix of the familiar and the unexpected that adds depth to the plot. You never quite know what twist is coming next, which keeps the pages turning.
The pair’s journey isn’t just about breaking Aneurin’s curse or finding Jo a way home. As they encounter new challenges, Jo and Aneurin also grow as individuals. Their initial clashing evolves into a partnership built on mutual understanding, and you can’t help but root for them—whether that’s to break the spell or realize how much they mean to each other.
A Story of Heart and Humor
What makes Until the Last Page so delightful is its perfect blend of humor and heart. Aneurin’s sharp tongue and Jo’s exasperated responses create plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but there’s also a deep emotional current running beneath the surface. Both characters are on personal journeys—Jo, who has literally fallen into a fairy tale, must discover what she truly wants from life, while Aneurin faces the uncertainty of his future as a cursed prince. This emotional depth adds layers to the story, making it more than just a fun, lighthearted read.
Unexpected Twists
Just when you think you know where the story is headed, Gadoury throws in an unexpected twist. Enter a devious man with the ability to spin straw into gold—a nod to Rumpelstiltskin—and things get complicated fast. This twists up the stakes and brings a sense of urgency to the plot, reminding readers that in the world of fairy tales, nothing is ever quite what it seems.
Until the Last Page is an imaginative, magical adventure that fans of fantasy and fairy-tale retellings will love. With its sharp humor, charming characters, and unexpected twists, it’s a book that keeps you engaged until—well, the last page. Jo’s journey from crash-landing in a fairy tale to discovering her own strength is heartwarming, while Aneurin’s blend of snark and sincerity makes him an unforgettable character. Together, they navigate a world that’s familiar yet fresh, filled with surprises at every turn.
If you’re looking for a story that feels like a classic fairy tale but with a modern edge, Until the Last Page is your perfect match.
Until the Last Page
Every good fairytale begins with "Once Upon a Time," or they're supposed to at least. But for twenty-five year old Josephine Hart, her "Once Upon a Time" began with her literally crash landing inside a book of fairy tales and nearly crushing a frog—who is actually a prince. An annoying, snarky frog prince named Aneurin, seeking the kiss of true love to break his curse. He vows that if Jo agrees to help him find his princess, he will get her home.
With every turn of the page, their adventure leads them deeper into fairytales familiar to Jo. Through their journey, they discover that despite their initial clashing, they're both exactly what each other needs. It is only when they encounter a devious man with a talent for spinning straw into gold that they realize just how quickly their plot can take an unexpected twist.
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