Book Review: Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
I’ve always been captivated by stories that weave magic and heartbreak into their fabric, and Once Upon a Broken Heart delivers on that front with an enchanting blend of fantasy and raw emotion. If you’ve ever made a poor choice fueled by a broken heart (who hasn’t?), then Evangeline Fox’s journey is one you’ll want to join. This book pulled me in from the first page, reminding me of the inexorable pull of love—and the messy chaos that often accompanies it.
At the heart of the story, Evangeline is grappling with the agony of watching her first love prepare to marry her stepsister, Marisol. In a desperate attempt to escape this fate, she makes a perilous deal with Jacks, the Prince of Hearts. This risky bargain involves three kisses that she must freely give at his command, a plot point that beautifully highlights the extremes we go to when our hearts are shattered. Evangeline’s journey is as much about reclaiming her agency as it is about romance, making her a relatable and flawed protagonist. I often found myself rooting for her, even as her choices sometimes veered into the naive.
Garber’s writing style resonated deeply with me. The pacing was brisk and engaging, a significant improvement from her Caraval trilogy, which I’ve also enjoyed but found occasionally convoluted. Here, we dive straight into the action, making it difficult to put the book down. Yet, amidst the swift plot progression, I did find moments of confusion—a necessary byproduct of the fairy-tale atmosphere that Garber crafts so skillfully. This tension between clarity and mystique is part of what makes the world so immersive, as if you’re navigating your own labyrinthine story.
And let’s talk about the characters! Jacks is a mesmerizing, complex anti-hero who steals the show. I mean, how can you not love a character described as “a thousand cuts happening at all once”? His blend of charisma, danger, and hidden pain draws you in as you learn that heroes often live in the shadows of their own flaws. The chemistry between Evangeline and Jacks crackles, even in the face of their morally ambiguous situations. Yet, while the banter was delightful, I hoped for a deeper romantic connection that didn’t fully manifest in this book.
One quote that struck me was, "All stories are made of both truths and lies. What matters is the way we believe in them." This line encapsulated the novel’s exploration of love, deception, and the desire for a happily-ever-after amidst heartbreak. Ultimately, it made me ponder how narratives shape our realities—both in the fictional universe and our lives.
For anyone who has enjoyed Garber’s works before, or just loves tales filled with magic, heartbreak, and quirky characters, Once Upon a Broken Heart is a must-read. Though my review may be a touch delayed—blame it on my eagerness to dive into the sequel and the well-structured approach of this book!—the time spent in Garber’s whimsical world was well worth it. It’s a fierce reminder that healing often comes through the most unexpected paths—and I can’t wait to see where Evangeline and Jacks take us next.
In short, I’d give this 4 ✰ stars—enough to keep my heart racing, but still saving a bit of room for what’s to come. As I dive into The Ballad of Never After, I can’t help but branch out into the future with hopeful anticipation, wondering just how many twists and turns this saga will take. Happy reading!
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