Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

A Fairytale with a Twist

Once upon a time, in a world where fairytales and reality intertwine, a young girl named Evangeline Fox believed in true love and happily ever afters. But what happens when the love of your life is about to marry someone else? Stephanie Garber’s “Once Upon a Broken Heart” takes us on a mesmerizing journey through the Magnificent North, where magic is as real as heartbreak, and deals with Fates can change your destiny forever.

A New Chapter in Garber’s Magical Universe

Fans of Garber’s bestselling Caraval trilogy will find themselves in familiar territory with this spinoff series. While “Once Upon a Broken Heart” stands on its own, it expands the enchanting world we’ve come to love, introducing new characters and delving deeper into the mysterious realm of the Fates.

The Story Unfolds

A Desperate Bargain

Evangeline Fox, our pink-haired protagonist, is no damsel in distress. When she learns that her true love, Luc, is set to marry her stepsister, she takes matters into her own hands. In a moment of desperation, she strikes a deal with the infamous Prince of Hearts, Jacks—a charismatic and wicked Fate who promises to help her in exchange for three kisses.

Be Careful What You Wish For

As anyone who’s read a fairytale knows, deals with magical beings rarely go as planned. Evangeline quickly learns that bargaining with an immortal is a dangerous game. Jacks, it seems, has plans of his own—plans that could lead to either the greatest happily ever after or the most exquisite tragedy.

Characters That Come to Life

Evangeline Fox: A Heroine to Root For

Garber has crafted a protagonist who is both relatable and extraordinary. Evangeline’s unwavering belief in love, despite the obstacles she faces, is both her greatest strength and her potential downfall. Her journey from a lovestruck girl to a young woman grappling with the complexities of magic and fate is captivating.

Jacks: The Prince of Hearts

Oh, Jacks. Where do we even begin? This blue-haired, dimpled Fate is the embodiment of “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Charming, dangerous, and utterly unpredictable, Jacks steals every scene he’s in. His motivations are as murky as his morals, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

A Cast of Colorful Characters

From the mysterious Chaos to the bubbly LaLa, Garber populates her world with a diverse cast of characters, each with their own secrets and agendas. The interactions between these characters add depth and intrigue to the story, making the Magnificent North feel like a living, breathing place.

Themes That Resonate

The Nature of Love

At its core, “Once Upon a Broken Heart” explores the many facets of love—first love, unrequited love, and the kind of love that can change the course of your life. Garber doesn’t shy away from the pain and confusion that often comes with matters of the heart, making the romantic elements of the story feel authentic and relatable.

The Power of Choice

Throughout the novel, Evangeline is faced with difficult decisions that will shape not only her future but the fate of those around her. The theme of choice—and the consequences that come with our decisions—is woven throughout the narrative, adding weight to every twist and turn.

Magic and Its Price

In true Garber fashion, magic in this world is as beautiful as it is dangerous. The novel explores the idea that all magic comes with a price, forcing characters (and readers) to question whether the ends justify the means.

A World You Can Get Lost In

The Magnificent North

Garber’s world-building skills are on full display in “Once Upon a Broken Heart.” The Magnificent North is a place where magic and reality blur, where curses are real, and where stories have the power to shape the world. From the glittering ballrooms of Nocte Neverending to the dark and mysterious underground lairs, each setting is vividly described, immersing readers in this fantastical world.

A Unique Magic System

The magic in Garber’s world is both whimsical and terrifying. From love potions to vampire venom, each magical element is well-thought-out and integral to the plot. The Fates, with their unique abilities and complex motivations, add a layer of intrigue that keeps readers guessing.

Garber’s Signature Style

Prose That Enchants

Garber’s writing style is as magical as the world she’s created. Her prose is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid pictures with words. Descriptions of magical events are particularly stunning, bringing the fantastical elements to life in the reader’s mind.

Pacing That Keeps You Hooked

The story moves at a brisk pace, with each chapter ending on a note that makes you want to keep reading. Garber masterfully balances action, romance, and intrigue, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment.

A Promising Start to a New Series

“Once Upon a Broken Heart” is the first book in a new trilogy, and it sets the stage beautifully for what’s to come. While the story has a satisfying arc of its own, Garber leaves enough tantalizing threads dangling to make readers eager for the next installment, “The Ballad of Never After and A Curse for True Love.”

What’s Next?

With the stage set and the characters established, one can only imagine what twists and turns await in the sequel. Will Evangeline find her happily ever after? What are Jacks’s true intentions? And what secrets does the Magnificent North still hold? These questions and more will keep readers speculating until the next book hits the shelves.

Final Thoughts

A Magical Read for Fantasy Lovers

“Once Upon a Broken Heart” is a must-read for fans of YA fantasy and romance. It combines the best elements of fairytales with a modern sensibility, creating a story that feels both familiar and fresh. Garber’s talent for creating complex characters and intricate plots shines through, making this a standout in the genre.

Not Just for YA Readers

While marketed as YA, the themes and complexity of the story make it appealing to adult readers as well. The exploration of love, fate, and the consequences of our choices resonates regardless of age.

A Word of Warning

Be prepared to be left wanting more. Like all good fairytales, this one will cast a spell on you, leaving you eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Evangeline’s story.

In conclusion, “Once Upon a Broken Heart” is a magical, romantic, and thrilling start to what promises to be an unforgettable trilogy. Stephanie Garber has once again proven herself to be a master storyteller, crafting a tale that will make you believe in the power of love, magic, and the endless possibilities of “what if.” So go ahead, make a deal with fate, and lose yourself in the pages of this enchanting novel. Just remember, in the world of the Fates, happily ever after might not be quite what you expect.