Neverthorn

Of Quirks and Curses, Book 1

De: Shannon Mayer

Narrado por: Nicole Poole, Aiden Snow

In a realm where magic reigns, a legendary Hero once stood against the encroaching darkness. But with his death, hope dwindled, and the best the world can muster is Harlow Daygon—a thief, magic school dropout, and notorious troublemaker.

At nearly thirty, Harlow can't even cast a simple rune without blundering it. So why does anyone think she can take up the mantle of Hero? Reluctantly, she's dragged back to Neverthorn Academy with seven former classmates, tasked with training to confront and defeat the Villain of their world.

But the challenges are stacked against her: Professor Hot-as-Sin makes it clear she's a failure. Professor Used-to-Be-a-Mean-Girl has a vendetta. And lurking in her past is a secret so dark it could reveal she's not the Hero the world needs—but the next Villain.

With fate hanging in the balance, can Harlow embrace her destiny before the shadows claim her?

Narrated in duet style.

©2025 Shannon Mayer (P)2025 Podium Audio

Loved this!

Fast paced, intriguing, complicated, and fun urban fantasy adventure! Loved the characters and the story! Looking forward to the next book! The narration brought the story to life!!

Just wow!

Neverthorn by Shannon Mayer

If you're craving a story packed with found family, unique magic, academy drama, and a healthy dose of slow-burn romance, look no further: Neverthorn by Shannon Mayer delivers all that and more.
 
What to Expect:
·       ✅ Scrappy, badass FMC in her late twenties
·       ✅ Found family & talking animal companion (hello, Bandit!)
·       ✅ Hilarious cursing hijinks (think The Good Place style)
·       ✅ Deadly magical trials
·       ✅ Two mysterious, swoon-worthy love interests
·       ✅ High-stakes magic academy drama
·       ✅ A sizzling slow burn
·       ✅ Twists, betrayals, and a “holy sh*t” ending
 
Harlow is a former magic school dropout who’s spent years surviving the gritty real world. But when a prophecy demands her return to Neverthorn Academy, she’s reluctantly pulled back in, along with her lovable crew of magical misfits.
 
Now in her late twenties, Harlow isn’t your average student. She’s got grit, street smarts, and a mouth that’s been magically sanitized thanks to school rules. Her creatively censored curses are laugh-out-loud funny and give strong The Good Place vibes.
 
The worldbuilding is refreshingly original, with a magic system that's as quirky as it is deadly. Trials test not only magical prowess but loyalty, trust, and determination. And just when you think you’ve figured out who’s good and who’s evil, the story flips it on you.
 
There are two potential love interests, both with their own deliciously shady pasts:
·       One is a broody professor from Harlow’s past with serious enemies-to-lovers tension.
·       The other is a charming new professor from a sister academy—definitely a friends-to-more vibe.
The chemistry? Off the charts. The burn? Exquisitely slow. And yes, there might be a kiss (but you’ll have to read it to find out).
 
I devoured this book in two sittings (and only stopped because, well, work). It’s fast-paced, hilarious, full of magic and heart and I need the sequel like, yesterday.
 
The ending? Absolutely ruthless in the best way. Shannon Mayer, how dare you leave us hanging like that!
 
If you love fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still packs an emotional punch, Neverthorn will be your next obsession.
 
📚 Rating: 5/5 Magic-Fueled Shenanigans

💫 Can’t wait for Book 2!

A captivating Read

love love love ❤️ what an amazing start. cant wait for the second book

Great Story

I can’t wait until book 2. Good plot and narrator. Cliff hanger. Wish I knew when the next book comes out.

what a fun read!

Shannon never fails to entertain! the banter! And the MFC's attitude and smart mouth is fantastic! Nicole & Aiden as the narrators were a perfect fit. Can't wait for book 2!

Exceptional! Didn't want it to end.

Shannon Mayer has an amazing talent to be able to draw you in. Have you truly care about the main character from the moment you meet them. And either loath or like the supporting characters as she weaves them through the story. Neverthorn isn't your ordinary school or Academy book. It isn't primarily for the typical teenager. This book is aimed at a more mature audience, though perfectly acceptable for tens as well. No worries Mom's. I can't wait for more from Neverthorn or her sister Academies. The book is definitely a favorite and one that will be read or listened to over and over again.

Such a fun read!

One thing you gotta know about Shannon Mayer is she’s always going to SERVE.
She loves to write a mouthy badass mature FMC and I love her for it.
She also always gives us the best animal besties, this time it’s a cheeky talking trash panda and I can’t get enough.
If you’re all grown up but Goblet of Fire was your favorite Harry Potter book when you were young. Then this is the book for you!
This one is full of adventure and self discovery. So excited for book 2!

Great Start

This is a great start to an exciting story. Great character development and fast paced. As usual Ms Mayer has a FMC that you can’t help but rally behind. Narrators Ms Poole is great. Mr Snow was as not adept at voices especially his Irish accent. I had to skip to text when OConnor ‘spoke’. Nevertheless very enjoyable.

Probably Just Me

The narrators did a great job.
I love Harlow's character.
However, I find myself not liking Typhon and I am annoyed with her interest in him. I wasn't a fan of Opie from the very beginning and I really want Tarquinius out the picture.
On another note, I am very positive my husband would love to use the language gag rune on me.
Now to wait for the next book.

Thrilling

Such an amazing, well rounded story! A must read! Shannon has done it again. Once you start, you can't stop!