Once Upon a Broken Heart: A Heartfelt Journey through Fantasy and Emotion
When I first heard that Stephanie Garber, the mastermind behind the mesmerizing Caraval series, was diving back into her magical world with Once Upon a Broken Heart, my heart did a little leap. The promise of romance, heartbreak, and a touch of whimsy cast a spell over me, and I found myself eagerly flipping through the pages. It’s been two months since I closed the book, and while I’m late to the review party (sorry, Giuls!), sharing my thoughts feels essential—especially since I’m already diving into the next installment!
This enchanting tale revolves around Evangeline Fox, a hopeless romantic whose heart shatters when her first love decides to marry her stepsister, Marisol. In an act of desperation, she makes a deal with the elusive Prince of Hearts, Jacks, trading three kisses to stop the wedding. The captivating premise had me practically begging for Evangeline to find her way, even if her choices sometimes made me want to shake her!
Garber’s writing shines brighter in this novel than in the Caraval trilogy. The pacing is brisk, with every chapter charged with action and emotion, making it hard to put down. I relished the mix of truths and lies woven throughout the narrative, as one particularly poignant quote states, “All stories are made of both truths and lies. What matters is the way we believe in them.” It perfectly encapsulates the fairy tale vibe—sometimes confusing but utterly immersive.
Speaking of characters, I found Evangeline to be both charming and frustrating; her idealism often leads her into naive decisions. Yet, her journey makes you root for her. On the other hand, Jacks stole the show with his dark charm and anti-hero magnetism. His complexity is beautifully illustrated when he says, “Heroes don’t get happy endings, they give them to other people.” Emotionally layered and enticing, he kept me on my toes.
While the romantic tension had its high moments—oh, those chapters 43, 44, and 45!—it didn’t completely sweep me off my feet. I had high hopes for their chemistry, but the romance felt secondary compared to the overarching journey. Still, I’m here for the ride, eagerly anticipating more of that banter as I dive into the next book.
For anyone who loves tales of love, heartbreak, and magical deals—especially if you’ve read Caraval—this book is a must. Garber’s world invites you to believe in the impossible and revel in emotions that feel achingly real. Once Upon a Broken Heart reshapes not just the old tales but our understanding of love and sacrifice.
In the end, reading this book was a delightful experience that reignited my passion for fantasy, love, and storytelling. If you find yourself in need of a beautifully written escape filled with heartbreak and hope, then Once Upon a Broken Heart might just find a home on your bookshelf—just don’t forget your hopes and dreams at the door!
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