All stories are made of both truths and lies, she used to say. What matters is the way that we believe in them.
Evangeline Fox, Once Upon A Broken Heart
A book I waited for a long time! Stephanie Garber is the bestselling author of Caraval, a fantasy romance series I devoured (will post about it in the future).
She knows how to grab your heart and squeeze it until droplets of pure love and hate intermingle in a flask you will want to drink.
Once Upon A Broken Heart is a new series featuring Jacks, the Prince of Hearts who was introduced in Caraval. However this time, the spotlight is on him. He is an all-time readers’ favorite (including me) because he is a world of contradiction and despite knowing the consequences of striking a deal with him, you still want to.
Jacks will rip your heart. Period.
For the sadistic readers among you, let’s see what this new series has in store for us!
Cover
A gorgeous cover that is just as promising as its title. For those of you who love to collect books, there are several special editions of this book which comes in different colors. I still prefer the dark version, but some of the hardcovers have a hidden cover under the dust jacket (4 in total).
I find this idea very exciting to have those collectable editions and I hope I can do the same with my own books in the future. In the meantime, it means breaking the bank for me so I can get my hands on one of those.
Synopsis
Heroes don’t get happy endings. They give them to other people. Is that what you really want?
Jacks, Once Upon A Broken Heart
Evangeline Fox experienced her first puppy love and for some obscure reasons, he decided to leave her. But this is only the beginning.
She seeks out the Prince of Hearts to make things right and strikes a deal with him that will change them forever.
Will Evangeline Fox get her lover back or will she find something else along the way?
Fairytales imbue the world of Caraval in a swirl of magic you will not want to leave and which sweeps away our main character.
Characters
I don’t know if I can fix your broken heart, but you can take mine because it’s already yours.
Luc, Once Upon A Broken Heart
Evangeline Fox: an innocent and naïve young lady who grew up in an unloving family ever since her parents’ death. But she has a willpower to be reckoned with.
Jacks: our beloved Prince of Hearts who will grant Evangeline her deepest desire.
Luc: Evangeline’s first love.
Stepmother: the worst mother one can wish to have.
Stepsister: important character in the story who shadows Evangeline.
As you can see, there are similarities with Cinderella when it comes to Evangeline’s family, but the story is unique. Some characters from the Caraval universe also make their appearance and we get to see what they become after the events of Finale.
Worldbuilding
The world of Caraval is expanded in this new series and we get to discover the kingdom of the North with its mysterious legends that are cursed and slip people’s minds.
Something I found particularly interesting is the Valor’s family legacy that has shaped this kingdom. I also love the fact that the author used it to fuel the main storyline.
There are all the elements necessary to make you want to live in this world and explore every nook and crannies. I could feel the essence of Caraval and it will definitely appeal to fans of the series.
What I think
According to the myths, the Prince of Hearts was not capable of love because his heart had stopped beating long ago. Only one person could make it work again: his one true love.
Once Upon A Broken Heart
All the perfect ingredients to make an unforgettable story peppered with heart-wrenching edge-of-your-seat moments.
Stephanie Garber’s romances are my favorites and she added just the right tension at every turn of the page. Plus, it’s Jacks. This mythical character featured as well in the Caraval series makes me love and hate him at the same time which is the most wonderful feeling to have as a reader.
I want MORE! Never did a year of longing felt so exasperating!
Enough about Jacks. OUABH has a rich lore and fairytales and a magical kingdom of the North which I loved. There are so many enticing details and it makes me want to go there myself.
The only thing I did not like was the cliffhanger at the end, but at the same time, this technique is proven to work. See? All I can think about now is reading the sequel!
I would have also liked a main character that is a bit fiercer, like Tella in Legendary, but Evangeline Fox is a hopeless romantic who wants to experience true love just like in a fairytale, and this is what this book is all about.
How far will you go to have your own happily ever after?
David M. Snow
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