Stephanie Garber’s Once Upon A Broken Heart is a lush and whimsical fantasy novel that immediately drew me in with its first line: “A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight.” As a reader who gravitates toward romantic fantasy with a fairy tale atmosphere, this story stood out from the start. The novel is a spin-off of her Caraval series, but it easily holds its own as a standalone.
Summary:
The story follows Evangeline Fox, a hopeless romantic who believes in the power of true love. After her heart is broken by a betrayal she didn’t see coming, she turns to the mysterious and dangerous Prince of Hearts for help. But magic comes at a cost, and Evangeline soon finds herself entangled in a world of spells, curses, and fate-altering bargains. The story unfolds in a kingdom where magic is both beautiful and treacherous, and where nothing is quite as it seems.
Review:
Garber’s prose is lyrical and vivid, almost dreamlike at times. The writing style leans heavily into the fantastical, with rich descriptions that build an immersive world. It’s not minimal or fast-paced; instead, the language slows the reader down in a way that invites them to savor the setting and mood. The writing feels intentional and well-suited for those who appreciate atmospheric storytelling.
Evangeline is a compelling protagonist—flawed, emotional, and deeply human. Her journey is filled with uncertainty and growth, making her a very likable character. The Prince of Hearts, Jacks, is equally fascinating, embodying the morally ambiguous anti-hero archetype. Their interactions are full of tension and layered meaning. Side characters are quirky and distinctive, though some feel more archetypal than deeply developed.
Love, betrayal, fate, and identity are central themes in the novel. Garber explores how far one might go for love, and whether fate is a blessing or a curse. These themes are embedded in the magical fabric of the story, making them feel integral rather than superficial. The novel also touches on grief and the lengths people go to escape or confront it.
The plot unfolds like a fairy tale with a dark undercurrent. While it doesn’t reinvent the fantasy genre, it offers enough twists and turns to keep things interesting. The structure is linear and straightforward, with well-placed cliffhangers at the end of chapters. Quotes and legends from the fictional world serve as epigraphs, enhancing the mythical quality of the narrative.
The setting is richly imaginative, and the magic system feels mysterious without being over-explained. I particularly enjoyed the romantic tension between Evangeline and Jacks, which feels organic and complex rather than forced.
Some pacing issues slow down the middle section of the book, and a few plot developments feel slightly underdeveloped or overly reliant on coincidence. Additionally, readers looking for clear resolutions may find the ending more ambiguous than satisfying.
Overall, Once Upon A Broken Heart is a beautifully written tale for fans of whimsical, character-driven fantasy. It’s ideal for readers of Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince or Erin A. Craig’s House of Salt and Sorrows. Once Upon A Broken Heart delivers a story that feels both familiar and enchantingly original. I recommend it to those who love morally gray love interests, magical bargains, and bittersweet fairy tales.
I’d rate this book: 📚📚📚📚📚 – a cute and timeless series for anyone who loves a bit of magic! It’s definitely one of my favorites. (5/5)
Love,
Victoria
GFB Ambassador