skellington1999 's review for:

A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber

3.75

adventurous emotional hopeful sad tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

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The book begins with yet another dose of heartache: it’s clear that Evangeline and Jacks love each other, but the story quickly reminds us that time always demands an equal exchange. Patience becomes difficult here, as the plot falters under the weight of its twists. Trapped in the castle and stripped of her memories, Evangeline’s chapters lose momentum, and much of what she recalls feels repetitive. This slowed the pace so much that I often found myself skimming through entire pages.

Later, when the story pivots back toward Jacks, the narrative regains some of its spark. Evangeline’s determination shines more strongly, and her arc becomes less about passivity and more about agency. The ending, however, feels somewhat abrupt. Some of the biggest emotional payoffs are cut short, and certain confrontations that had been building never fully materialize, leaving the finale a bit lackluster.

Still, as a whole, the series reads like a fairy tale, enchanting in its whimsy and heartbreak. Jacks, in particular, stands out—an endlessly compelling character whose complexity elevates the story, even amid its youthful tone and soft romance.