Scan barcode
A review by mary_do_12
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
i’ve heard so many good things about this book, and that was the problem.
i think if i would’ve gone into this story unbiased, i could’ve enjoyed it a lot more. however, by hearing all about the greatness of this book, i set out with expectations way too high. and that probably has influenced my reading experience a lot. so keep that in mind for this review.
the characters for this book looked very promising — i knew jacks from caraval already; you know, hot, handsome, haunting or something like that (i just made that shit up). the world building we don’t even have to talk about; great, gorgeous, going above (idk what is happening to me, alliterations have gotten the best of me).
and with it, (most of) the characters in the story were just bound to be amazing and unique.
however, i found myself unable to connect to evangeline for most parts. i’m a fan of strong fmc’s and even though they displayed her as brave — which i’m not arguing with — she just wasn’t giving me the energy i wanted. i wanted powerful, passionate, period. i got sweet, sincere, senseless. know not every character can be strong and independent, but i feel like in this universe such a character would’ve fit better, especially paired with jacks. but then again, who am i to judge.
the plot felt very random and senseless at points — a fact that i’ve pointed out for caraval as well. i suppose it’s just the charme of stephanie’s stories and world, but it made it hard for me to have something to cling on to and create tension. that is why especially the first two parts of the book, i just wasn’t hooked to the story.
now i have to say, about the last fourth of the book or so, i finally was able to feel something for the characters and plot. every since thevampire stuff , things started to connect and make sense a little bit more. also, the scene in which jacks was bitten ?? top tier.
i’ve debated a long time on how many stars i should give this, but in the end i couldn’t spare more than 3. i had to remind myself that i’m rating my reading experience and not necessarily the book itself (sorry). i feel like as a re-read this could maybe get a little more from me.
or maybe the real problem with me and this book is I‘M CONFUSED and it’s making me throw things (i have issues).
i think if i would’ve gone into this story unbiased, i could’ve enjoyed it a lot more. however, by hearing all about the greatness of this book, i set out with expectations way too high. and that probably has influenced my reading experience a lot. so keep that in mind for this review.
the characters for this book looked very promising — i knew jacks from caraval already; you know, hot, handsome, haunting or something like that (i just made that shit up). the world building we don’t even have to talk about; great, gorgeous, going above (idk what is happening to me, alliterations have gotten the best of me).
and with it, (most of) the characters in the story were just bound to be amazing and unique.
however, i found myself unable to connect to evangeline for most parts. i’m a fan of strong fmc’s and even though they displayed her as brave — which i’m not arguing with — she just wasn’t giving me the energy i wanted. i wanted powerful, passionate, period. i got sweet, sincere, senseless. know not every character can be strong and independent, but i feel like in this universe such a character would’ve fit better, especially paired with jacks. but then again, who am i to judge.
the plot felt very random and senseless at points — a fact that i’ve pointed out for caraval as well. i suppose it’s just the charme of stephanie’s stories and world, but it made it hard for me to have something to cling on to and create tension. that is why especially the first two parts of the book, i just wasn’t hooked to the story.
now i have to say, about the last fourth of the book or so, i finally was able to feel something for the characters and plot. every since the
i’ve debated a long time on how many stars i should give this, but in the end i couldn’t spare more than 3. i had to remind myself that i’m rating my reading experience and not necessarily the book itself (sorry). i feel like as a re-read this could maybe get a little more from me.
or maybe the real problem with me and this book is I‘M CONFUSED and it’s making me throw things (i have issues).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Murder, and Blood