Welcome to Week One of our fantasy romance book club read along for The Never List by Jade Presley!

Let’s dive into our thoughts for the first quarter of the book.

A Solid Setup Without the Info Dump

We’re officially into The Never List, and I am into it. Jade Presley’s writing flows smoothly for the most part, with a compelling start that pulls readers right into the action.

This week’s chapters give us a strong setup without overwhelming us with backstory or heavy exposition. The lore—like the goddesses who sacrificed themselves to protect their city—is woven into action in a way that feels natural and immersive. Sure, there are a few moments where information is repeated or overly explained, but that’s a forgivable quirk for a debut fantasy author.

Meet Rylee: Strong Female Character Energy

Rylee is exactly the kind of heroine I love. She’s bold, loyal, and not afraid to speak her mind—even if it gets her into trouble (which it definitely will). Her sass, especially in scenes with Jax, had me grinning. The moment she “baa’s” at him? Priceless.

Rylee’s motivations are clear and emotionally charged. She’s determined to find her missing sister, despite everyone else assuming she’s dead. Her interactions with the guards, her wealthier friends, and the men in power reveal so much about her character in a short amount of time.

Tension, Trials, and Troubling Kings

Can we talk about the kings’ test scene for a second? Because WOW. The tension was thick, and that evil king? Yeah, I’d like to see him get what’s coming. I half-wished Rylee had magically sucked the air from his lungs and walked away like a boss. (Shoutout to The Hunger Games and Ever After fans—you’ll spot some familiar vibes here.)

Jax, our mysterious love interest, is an intriguing contrast to Rylee. He clearly wants her, but he’s afraid she won’t want him back. There’s so much romantic tension building, and while I get why she didn’t pick him as her first, I’m already rooting for them.

What’s Next?

Next week, we’ll be reading through to Chapter 24—and trust me, I’m so tempted to binge ahead. If you’re following along, drop your thoughts in the comments below! What did you think of Rylee, Jax, and that first trial?

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Happy Reading, Fantasy Lovers!
Let’s meet back next week for more drama, danger, and magic.