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A review by myleejmiller
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
In Once Upon A Broken Heart, readers return to the immersive world of Caraval, this time following a businessman's daughter: Evangeline Fox. When Exangeline's life is ruined by her stepsister when her sister steals away and makes to wed who she believes is her one true love, she would do anything to get him back. Even make a deal with the fated Prince Of Hearts, who has returned to the world after years trapped in a deck of magical cards. But she is quick to realize her mistake when the wedding of her family is ruined... but not in the way she wants or expects. When magic comes to murder, she sets out to fulfill the deal she made with Jacks, the Prince Of Hearts, and set things right again.
For the longest time, I didn't realize Once Upon A Broken Heart was written by Stephanie Garber. Caraval was one of my favorite books in the year that I read it. If I'd known the author, I would've picked this book up so much sooner. Like Caraval, Once Upon A Broken Heart is an immersive, gritty, magical story spun from glorious worldbuilding and flawed characters. It was easy to get invested in every aspect of the plot: world, characters, conflicts, more. Much like my first readthrough of Caraval, I found myself unable to put this book down. I read the first 5/6 of the book within a single day and then put it off because I didn't want it to end.
Garber has an excellent hand in atmosphere and magical authenticity. It felt as though I was living through the heart-shuddering, bone-stiffening experiences of the novel. I could taste the misty air, hear the magical bells, and truly experience the universe Garber has created. I cannot wait to dive into more of her works and read the rest of this series. If you're interested in immersive, sophisticated high fantasy, read this book! It won't disappoint.
For the longest time, I didn't realize Once Upon A Broken Heart was written by Stephanie Garber. Caraval was one of my favorite books in the year that I read it. If I'd known the author, I would've picked this book up so much sooner. Like Caraval, Once Upon A Broken Heart is an immersive, gritty, magical story spun from glorious worldbuilding and flawed characters. It was easy to get invested in every aspect of the plot: world, characters, conflicts, more. Much like my first readthrough of Caraval, I found myself unable to put this book down. I read the first 5/6 of the book within a single day and then put it off because I didn't want it to end.
Garber has an excellent hand in atmosphere and magical authenticity. It felt as though I was living through the heart-shuddering, bone-stiffening experiences of the novel. I could taste the misty air, hear the magical bells, and truly experience the universe Garber has created. I cannot wait to dive into more of her works and read the rest of this series. If you're interested in immersive, sophisticated high fantasy, read this book! It won't disappoint.