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A review by hazychapters
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Well, I think this review is going to be a bit complicated 😅
I did enjoy it quite a bit: the nostalgia to be back to Caraval and discover more about the world; read again Stephanie Garber's writing; and Jacks. Oh, Jacks! Always true to himself! Well, I must admit, I was a bit disillusioned when I read that his hair was dyed blue 🥲 But this book is about Evangeline, not Jacks (this was the selling point at the beginning). Just saying...
On the other hand, it's a little more complicated, and this is because of one thing: the VERY fairytale side, a "girly" princess aesthetic with pink and glitter all over. Of course, Caraval is also in this kind of vibes, but it seemed to me more... refined. There, I have the feeling that a bucket of glitter and rhinestones has been thrown between the pages of the book. The atmosphere may appeal, but for me, it is not. I told myself that Evangeline would catch up and... without much surprise, we have a silly character, naive like no other, and very childish. Even Donatella seemed more mature to me! Don't get me wrong I love Donatella!
A little disappointed, even if I am not very surprised either, and this since the release of the US cover (me who hates hearts and pink, hehe, I was disillusioned). The universe is very beautiful, the plot interesting (but rushed), even if it goes all over the place to ultimately reach an almost obvious conclusion. I hope the sequel will raise the level a little.
Oh, and, I still haven't got over the vampires. Quite honestly, what are they doing here?
I did enjoy it quite a bit: the nostalgia to be back to Caraval and discover more about the world; read again Stephanie Garber's writing; and Jacks. Oh, Jacks! Always true to himself! Well, I must admit, I was a bit disillusioned when I read that his hair was dyed blue 🥲 But this book is about Evangeline, not Jacks (this was the selling point at the beginning). Just saying...
On the other hand, it's a little more complicated, and this is because of one thing: the VERY fairytale side, a "girly" princess aesthetic with pink and glitter all over. Of course, Caraval is also in this kind of vibes, but it seemed to me more... refined. There, I have the feeling that a bucket of glitter and rhinestones has been thrown between the pages of the book. The atmosphere may appeal, but for me, it is not. I told myself that Evangeline would catch up and... without much surprise, we have a silly character, naive like no other, and very childish. Even Donatella seemed more mature to me! Don't get me wrong I love Donatella!
A little disappointed, even if I am not very surprised either, and this since the release of the US cover (me who hates hearts and pink, hehe, I was disillusioned). The universe is very beautiful, the plot interesting (but rushed), even if it goes all over the place to ultimately reach an almost obvious conclusion. I hope the sequel will raise the level a little.
Oh, and, I still haven't got over the vampires. Quite honestly, what are they doing here?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Death of parent