A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber

Enchanting Conclusion to a Spellbinding Trilogy

In the realm of young adult fantasy, few authors weave tales as captivating and darkly romantic as Stephanie Garber. With “A Curse for True Love,” she delivers a stunning finale to her “Once Upon a Broken Heart” trilogy that will leave readers breathless, heartbroken, and ultimately spellbound.

A Journey Through Broken Hearts and Shattered Dreams

From the moment we first met Evangeline Fox in “Once Upon a Broken Heart,” we knew we were in for a wild ride. A girl with rose-gold hair and an unshakeable belief in love, Evangeline’s journey has taken her from the humble curiosity shop of her father to the glittering courts of the Magnificent North. Along the way, she’s bargained with Fates, battled curses, and fallen head over heels for the enigmatic Jacks, the Prince of Hearts himself.

“The Ballad of Never After” raised the stakes, plunging us deeper into a world where magic comes at a price and true love might just be the most dangerous curse of all. Now, with “A Curse for True Love,” Garber brings it all home in a finale that’s equal parts heartwarming and heartrending.

A Dance of Shadows and Light

The Prince, the Fox, and the Twisted Fairytale

At its core, “A Curse for True Love” is a story about choices. Evangeline finds herself married to Prince Apollo, living what should be her happily ever after. But as any reader of Garber’s work knows, happily ever afters are never quite what they seem.

With her memories stolen and her true love, Jacks, branded a villain, Evangeline must navigate a labyrinth of lies and half-truths. Apollo, desperate to keep her by his side, weaves a web of deception that threatens to suffocate the very love he claims to protect.

Garber’s prose shines as she explores the darker side of fairytales:

“Apollo had tried to save her. He’d tried to protect her, but he hadn’t been enough. He could see that now. The spell Jacks had cast on her wasn’t going to be broken by anyone who was merely human.”

Jacks: A Heart in Shadow

But it’s Jacks who steals the show in this final installment. The Prince of Hearts, cursed to kill with a kiss, grapples with his own demons as he fights to save Evangeline from a fate worse than death. Garber peels back the layers of his character, revealing a vulnerability that makes him all the more irresistible:

“He had been brokenhearted. Not in the same sense that most people thought of, as if one person had broken his heart. Jacks’s heart had been broken over and over again until it was no longer capable of hope and care and love.”

The dynamic between Jacks and Evangeline crackles with tension, their stolen moments fraught with danger and desire. It’s a testament to Garber’s skill that she can make us root for a love that seems doomed from the start.

A World of Wonder and Woe

The Magnificent North: A Character in Itself

One of the trilogy’s greatest strengths has always been its setting, and “A Curse for True Love” doesn’t disappoint. The Magnificent North comes alive in vivid detail, from the glittering halls of Wolf Hall to the eerie depths of the Cursed Forest. Garber’s world-building is immersive and enchanting, with each location feeling like a character in its own right.

The magical systems at play—from the story curse that twists tales to the terrifying Tree of Souls—are intricate and fascinating. Garber seamlessly blends familiar fairytale tropes with her own unique brand of magic, creating a world that feels both fresh and timeless.

A Cast of Colorful Characters

While Evangeline, Jacks, and Apollo take center stage, the supporting cast is equally compelling. From the enigmatic Valor family to the delightfully unpredictable LaLa, each character adds depth and richness to the story. Special mention must be made of Aurora, whose complex motivations and tragic backstory make her a villain you can’t help but feel for (even as you want to throttle her).

Themes That Resonate

The Power of Choice and the Nature of Love

At its heart, “A Curse for True Love” is an exploration of what it means to truly love someone. Is it about protection at all costs? Or is it about trusting in the strength of your bond, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds?

Evangeline’s journey forces her to confront these questions head-on. Her unwavering belief in the power of love is tested time and again, but it’s her ability to choose love—even when it seems impossible—that defines her character:

“Evangeline knew that Jacks had told her heroes didn’t get happy endings. But that didn’t mean they were supposed to give them to the villains.”

The Weight of the Past and the Hope for the Future

Another powerful theme running through the book is the impact of our past on our present and future. Jacks, haunted by the lives he’s taken, struggles to believe he deserves happiness. Apollo, clinging to a false narrative, can’t see beyond his own desires. It’s only by confronting their pasts and choosing to move forward that any of the characters can hope for true happiness.

A Masterclass in YA Fantasy

Pacing That Keeps You on the Edge of Your Seat

Garber’s pacing is impeccable, balancing quieter character moments with heart-pounding action sequences. The final act, in particular, is a rollercoaster of emotions that will have readers frantically turning pages, desperate to know how it all ends.

Prose That Sparkles Like Stardust

As always, Garber’s writing is a joy to read. Her descriptions are lush and evocative, painting vivid pictures in the reader’s mind:

“The air was still thick with dirty soot. But he could see again through all the grimness, through the ash. He could make out a tree in the clearing that hadn’t caught fire. An ordinary oak tree with a violet-haired girl leaning against the bark, hand on one hip of her iridescent dress as she brought the other hand to her lips and feigned another cough.”

In Conclusion: A Triumph of Love and Magic

“A Curse for True Love” is a fitting conclusion to a trilogy that has captivated readers around the world. Stephanie Garber has crafted a story that will linger in the hearts and minds of fans long after the final page is turned.

For those who have followed Evangeline’s journey from the beginning, this book offers a satisfying and emotional payoff. And for readers new to Garber’s work, it serves as an enticing gateway into a world of magic, romance, and the enduring power of hope.

In a market saturated with young adult fantasy, the “Once Upon a Broken Heart” trilogy stands out as a shining example of the genre at its best. With “A Curse for True Love,” Stephanie Garber cements her place as a master storyteller, crafting tales that are at once timeless and utterly contemporary.

So, dear reader, are you ready to lose yourself in a world where curses can be blessings, villains can be heroes, and true love might just conquer all? Pick up “A Curse for True Love” and prepare to be enchanted. Just remember: in the Magnificent North, nothing is ever quite as it seems, and happily ever after is only the beginning of the story.