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A review by tak_everlasting
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This feels like someone read The Cruel Prince and said "I could write that!"
Spoiler alert, Garber could not.
Every interesting aspect of this book has been done better elsewhere, and the whole thing felt like a collection of interesting premises that are never explored. There was no depth to the characters or their relationships, there is absolutely no set up and pay off, and the emotionally abused girl is villified.
Defending the clunky writing style by saying that it's "YA" is an insult to young adult books everywhere. The writing style doesn't convey emotions well and holds back the story from reaching it's full potential, stripping the tension from many places by infodumping in the middle of action scenes, and skipping over any bonding time these characters may have had with one another. It's bad writing, and you can call it that.
Spoiler alert, Garber could not.
Every interesting aspect of this book has been done better elsewhere, and the whole thing felt like a collection of interesting premises that are never explored. There was no depth to the characters or their relationships, there is absolutely no set up and pay off, and the emotionally abused girl is villified.
Defending the clunky writing style by saying that it's "YA" is an insult to young adult books everywhere. The writing style doesn't convey emotions well and holds back the story from reaching it's full potential, stripping the tension from many places by infodumping in the middle of action scenes, and skipping over any bonding time these characters may have had with one another. It's bad writing, and you can call it that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Violence, Emotional abuse, and Confinement