Once Upon a Broken Heart

Another whimsical novel in the Caraval universe! 4.5 stars rounded up because I really enjoyed this. I mostly love Stephanie’s writing but- and I mentioned this in my Caraval reviews - I feel like there’s a lot of rumination from the characters, sometimes feeling redundant and taking away from the story. I’m really excited to continue with this series! and if you take one thing from this review - read Caraval first!!!!!

Originally reviewed on Cyn's Workshop


Once Upon a Broken Heart takes readers back into the Caraval world with an all-new lead and a magic-focused plot.

Storytelling
Once Upon a Broken Heart follows Evangeline in the world Garber created with her Caraval series. Now, in case you’re wondering, no, you don’t have to have read Caraval to appreciate this story.

It features some characters from the Caraval series, and while reading the Caraval series would give more insight into who they are, they are not the focal point. Instead, Garber does a fantastic job highlighting those crucial moments from Caraval and summarizing them for the reader.

Garber focuses on building up this story from the ground up. The world is already established, but the callbacks to the Caraval series give the world the history it needs to ground the reader. Moreover, by focusing on the magic within the story, Garber maintains an engaging, fast pace.

Characterization
Following Evangeline, Once Upon a Broken Heart takes an exciting turn. Again, Garber lets the magic and history drive the story forward, creating this intricate mystery about a magically locked door. However, although the magic moves the story forward, Garber does not neglect the characterization.

Evangeline is such a wonderful character. Her belief in love and her love of curiosities make her so charismatic. But she is also so selfless in a way that does not make her annoying. Instead, the reader can tell she feels that she genuinely cares about other people with all her heart.

And then there is Jacks. Jacks is a character readers of Caraval will be familiar with. He is mischievous, and it is hard to see where his desires lie. He is self-serving, but is he evil? He likes to joke that he has no heart, but his actions and how Jacks takes care of Evangeline show he cares.

They have a strong dynamic here, making them incredibly wonderful to read about. The reader is invested, but they are also kept guessing where they are going.

The same can be said for Marisol. Once Upon a Broken Heart is a fairy-tale-like story, so this underlines the themes of the wicked stepmother. But does Marisol fit the bill of the wicked step-sister? Again, the reader is kept guessing. Evangeline has a good relationship with her step-sister, and Marisol is slightly more tempered. Again, Garber keeps the reader guessing, making the reader invested in how these character dynamics will play out.

Final Thoughts
Once Upon a Broken Heart is perfect for readers who love that fairy-tale atmosphere and storytelling, and Garber delivers that with something unique.

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Ohmygod !! The whole world made of the North and South legends, the Fates and the vampires, potions, curses is so enchanting! Never felt out of place because I could visualise all of it. Evangeline is such a resilient character, she's involved in everything and takes things in her own hands. Jacks, as of now, is a charming villian. Despite his villianous nature cos he's eventually a Fate, you can't help but hope for more from him. The betrayal and mystery relating to the prophecies and the Valory Arch is keeping me going. I can never predict what Jacks is upto next. Really engaging, could not put it down !

The first part of the book i thought of putting it down, but i am glad i did not and now i will immediately start part 2!

Evangeline was irritating with her bleeding heart!!! My god.