A wonderful new book from Stephanie Garber. I enjoyed the story and and the characters. And i can not wait to see where this story goes next.

Yet another amazing book from one of my favourite authors!
I adored this! The 2nd one was even better and I absolutely cannot wait for the 3rd!

"Once Upon a Broken Heart" by Stephanie Garber is a magical and enchanting YA fantasy novel that explores the power of love, heartbreak, and the importance of self-discovery. The story follows Evangeline Fox, a girl who has had her heart broken and turned to a mysterious, otherworldly figure named the Prince of Hearts to mend it. However, as she navigates through the magical and dangerous world of the Prince, she realizes that not everything is as it seems.

Garber's writing is beautiful and lyrical, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to a world full of magic and wonder. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, with enough action, romance, and character development to keep the reader engaged throughout the novel.

One of the strongest aspects of the book is the characters. Evangeline is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, whose journey of self-discovery and growth is both empowering and inspiring. The Prince of Hearts, although initially mysterious and alluring, is a complex character whose motivations and intentions are slowly revealed as the story unfolds. The supporting characters, including the charming and enigmatic Julian and the fierce and loyal Belle, add depth and nuance to the story.

The romance in the novel is also well-handled. Garber avoids the usual tropes and cliches of YA romance and instead focuses on the development of a deep and meaningful connection between Evangeline and the Prince of Hearts. The exploration of the different types of love, including platonic and familial love, adds an extra layer of depth to the story.

The world-building in the novel is also impressive. Garber creates a rich and intricate world full of magic, monsters, and mystery, that is both fascinating and immersive. The use of fairy tale elements, such as the Prince of Hearts and the magical creatures that inhabit the world, adds an extra layer of whimsy and enchantment to the story.

Overall, "Once Upon a Broken Heart" is a beautifully written and captivating novel that will appeal to fans of YA fantasy, romance, and fairy tales. Garber's unique and imaginative storytelling, combined with her well-developed characters and world-building, makes for a truly magical reading experience

This book is everything to me and I cannot believe that it took me so long to read it. Ever since I finished this book I have not stopped thinking about it and Evangeline and Jacks.
Everything about this book amazed me and was such a huge step up from the Caraval series, which I loved but not as much as this series. I absolutely love this world and these characters and would definitely read a hundred books set in this world.
The writing was so well-written and so easy to fall in love with. I loved that I never knew what was going to happen next and the way this book ends on a cliffhanger had me wanting to read the sequel straight away.
This book is an instant favourite for me and I cannot wait to reread it and fall in love with this world and these characters all over again.

Once Upon A Broken Heart is such a beautifully written fantasy. The world-building is outstanding. The story is well written with an enchanting storyline and well-developed characters that engage from start to finish. The world is atmospheric and feels real with vivid descriptions and rich imagery. Stephanie Garber has earned herself a spot on my auto-buy authors list. I cannot get enough. Highly recommended. Be sure to check out Once Upon A Broken Heart today.

WOW, a fantasy love story that I couldn't get enough of!

Magical, romantic, colourful, and uses some familiar tropes but without being cliched, which was great. Stephanie Gerber creates such a full world with her beautiful prose. I'm going to read the Caraval series next, I think! Thank you for the chance to review this book.

such a beautiful novel with Stephanie Garber’s writing. The book was so intriguing and enchanting for this world. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I read Stephanie Garber's 'Once Upon a Broken Heart' and never has a book ending made me more shocked than this one.

But I won't spoil it!

This is a colourful, exciting book, packed full of magic that turns well known romance and fairy story tropes on its head, that - importantly - don't push too much into cliché territory. Garber's world building was something that I really enjoyed, particularly the focus on the different types of Fates and their abilities. Jax as the Prince of Hearts was my favourite - a delightfully complex character, who I'm really looking forward to seeing more of.

However, whilst I usually adore romance fantasy novels, the main characters did start to grate on me towards the end. Everyone is stunning in this world! A young woman with unusual pink hair and linked to a prophecy that has the power to change the world! It's all very neat. ...Perhaps this is because I like my characters with more warts and flaws and have been exposed to too many 'gritty' fantasy novels.

Parts of this book could have gone into more depth about certain areas of the world I felt it simply glossed over, but knowing that there is a sequel in 'The Ballad of Neverafter', I shall seek out the answers with baited breath.

I will say that Garber does a wonderful job of misdirecting the reader. Just when you think you've guessed where the plot might be going, she pulls the rug out from underneath your feet. And I'd happily be shocked over and over again.

LOVED THIS TO PIECES

I am very upset with myself that I didn't read this for over a year of owning it. An absolute fairytale delight. I enjoyed this even more than Caraval and enjoyed the amazing tension and banter between Evangeline and Jacks.

Jacks. I love you. I can't wait to see him slowly come undone for Evangeline. I am now extremely scared and excited to read The Ballad of Never After because WHY IS EVERYONE CRYING?

When Evangeline Fox learns that the love of her life is about to marry someone else, she is convinced that he's been cursed and tracks down the legendary Prince of Hearts.
As a Fate, the Prince of Hearts, Jacks, has magical abilities and a reputation of having deadly kisses.
Jacks agrees to stop the wedding in exchange for three kisses and Evangeline soon learns that Jacks has plans for her that could change the world.

Having only read Caraval previously by the author, I was intrigued by this new series, especially as the blurb intrigued me.
Evangeline was a likeable character, and I could understand why she was willing to make a deal with Jacks to stop Luc - her boyfriend's - wedding given that she had lost everyone else she loved. Yet, while I did like Evangeline, I don't feel that I fully connected with her or any of the other characters.
It wasn't until I read other reviews for this book that I realised it was set in the same world as the Caraval series and that some of the characters from those books were in this one.
The setting was interesting, and I liked the magic and parts of the North that were shown/described.
The plot was fairly interesting and held my attention, but I wasn't gripped and did guess a couple of things that happened.
I am slightly disappointed that I didn't enjoy this more, but it was easy enough to read.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read.

After falling head over heels for the Caraval series, I couldn't wait to see what Stephanie was going to do next.

Set during the closing events pf Finale, Evangeline Fox has her heart broken by the man she loves. She seeks help from The Prince of Hearts, Jacks, notorious for exacting a high price for his deals. Devastated after the deal goes wrong, Evangeline jumps at the chance when the ruling queen asks her to travel to The Magnificent North, a wild and magical land.
And so we enter a world of magic, mystery and opulence, beautifully portrayed to ensnare the senses and leave you captivated. But when the crown prince dies, and Evangeline is the main suspect, she must risk everything to clear her name, solve the mystery, and avenge the prince. But with only the most devious Fate to help her, Evangeline faces a world of unknown dangers.

I loved the level of descriptive writing once again inherent in Stephanie's writing. It sets the scene so well and completely immerses the reader into the densely magical and sparkling universe that she has created. The characters are great, seeing Jacks once again is incredible, and I cannot wait to see what happens next!!

Even though i had not read Stephanie's previous series, I was able to understand what was happening in Once Upon A Broken Heart. Once Upon a Broken Heart was a really enjoyable and great fantasy book and will defiantly explore the other works by Stephanie.

I really liked the Caraval series by Stephanie Garber series when it was released, and this book is written in the same vein. Unfortunately I feel like I have outgrown the genre a bit and was ultimately bored.

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber is the first book in a series following Evangeline Fox after her heart is broken when her love becomes engaged to marry her stepsister. In her desperation to get Luc back, she makes a deal with The Prince of Hearts which sets her off on a completely unforeseen path to the Magnificent North, which will either be her happily ever after or her undoing.
This is an enchanting fairy tale full of twists and turns, magic, true love, danger and intrigue, no one can be trusted or is what they first appear. I raced through this story in a matter of days, it was unputdownable and the perfect book for reading as the nights draw in and the weather turns cold. I can’t wait to read the next instalment to find out what happens next. Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for a digital review copy.

This was my first Stephanie Garber book, and I am so glad I gave this one a go! Evangeline is a fantastic character, and all I can say is I need book two!

To stop the wedding of her true love to another, Evangeline Fox strikes a deal with the Prince of Hearts. However, she quickly discovers that a deal with a fate is never straight forward and she is merely a pawn in a much larger game.

Stephanie Garber is fabulous at creating whimsical, romantic fantasy with lots of beautiful gowns, charming suitors, steamy kisses and fairytale curses. It's why she, deservedly, has so many adoring fans.

This type of fantasy isn’t usually what I would gravitate towards, being so romance driven, but I do enjoy spending a few hours with one of Garber's books, getting wrapped up in the dreamy worldbuilding and romantic drama. It’s Garber’s characters more than anything that keep me coming back for more.

Jacks is absolutely the highlight for me, thanks to his mischievous spirit and witty banter. Is he a hero or a villain, or both?! I really appreciate how Garber generally makes all of the characters feel morally grey at times. It’s the perfect way to balance out the sweetness of the frothy dresses and kissing.

I did find the plot a little unfocused and meandering in parts, and the ending weirdly anticlimactic. However, I’m mostly just here for the dreaminess and romance. Both of which were delivered in spades.

While it didn’t rock my world, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Once Upon a Broken Heart to romance lovers that enjoy a quick read in a fantasy setting.

I absolutely devoured this book. Having been a fan since Caraval first released, I know I was going to enjoy this, and boy was I right. Garber has such a great way of writing that allows you to get lost in the world, even if you aren't necessarily the target audience. I admittedly, read the physical whilst listening to the audio, as can't read ebooks anymore, but I felt reading it in tandem added to the experience of enjoyment. I am so flipping excited to get started with Ballad now I've finished this. I gave this 4.5 out of 5 stars.

I am so excited for book 2 - I need fairyloot to hurry up and get them sent off! Back to the Caravel world we go

Having read the Caraval series I was excited to have the opportunity to review Stephanie Garber's new series. While I enjoyed it I don't think it is as good as it's predecessors.

Stephanie clearly expects readers to have a prior understanding of the universe in which the story is set with mentions of characters from Caraval without any context so new readers may miss certain aspects.

The plot is good but didn't immediately grip me however as always Garber's way with words weaves an evocative and spectacular world of magic.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

3 stars!

Giving this 3 stars because whilst I enjoyed it, it didn't blow me away nor did it make me feel much.

To me, reading this book felt like when you're listening to a song, waiting for the beat to drop, yet it never does.

Evangeline Fox is helplessly in love with her friend Luc. When she learns that he is due to marry her stepsister, Evangeline makes a deal with Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, in order to stop the wedding. What she didn't expect was that one simple deal would upend her life and lead her down a very dangerous path.

The premise was promising, Jacks could've delivered such an amazing story and yet it felt a little too flat and a little all over the place.

The world is still fascinating, the magic is still interesting, but everything else about this book felt very mild.

Whilst it wasn't my favourite, I can definitely see why people would love it. I'll be picking up the sequel and hopefully will grow more engaged with the story as the series goes on.