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A review by leahlovesloslibros
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It honestly breaks my heart (truly, no pun intended) that I didn't absolutely adore this book. Stephanie Garber is hands-down one of my favorite authors. I had been waiting for her to announce her next book for so long after the Caraval series ended and when she finally did, I was immediately obsessed. I don't even really love Jacks (one of the MCs of this book, who is from the Caraval series), but I was still so looking forward to being thrust back into the Caraval universe.
When the book started, it showed promise. For the most part, I enjoyed the first good chunk. Once it got to the part about vampires, though, she totally lost me. It seemed like she started writing a totally different storyline. I know Garber is a huge fan of vampires, so I'm guessing she just really wanted to put them in the story, but it really just turned me off. It went on for quite some time, too, and it just didn't seem like it fit with the rest of the world she had created in the Magnificent North.
Personal feelings on the vampire section aside, Garber still worked her writing magic in terms of the world that she created. I love her descriptions; they make you feel like you're really there. She paints a gorgeous picture for her readers. I will likely still buy and read the sequel in hopes that it is better than this one, but I'm going to be cautious with my excitement towards it.
When the book started, it showed promise. For the most part, I enjoyed the first good chunk. Once it got to the part about vampires, though, she totally lost me. It seemed like she started writing a totally different storyline. I know Garber is a huge fan of vampires, so I'm guessing she just really wanted to put them in the story, but it really just turned me off. It went on for quite some time, too, and it just didn't seem like it fit with the rest of the world she had created in the Magnificent North.
Personal feelings on the vampire section aside, Garber still worked her writing magic in terms of the world that she created. I love her descriptions; they make you feel like you're really there. She paints a gorgeous picture for her readers. I will likely still buy and read the sequel in hopes that it is better than this one, but I'm going to be cautious with my excitement towards it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Toxic relationship, Blood, Torture, Emotional abuse, and Death of parent