Once Upon a Broken Heart Book Review: a captivating fairy tale for readers

Once Upon a Broken Heart, written by Stephanie Garber, is a captivating novel in the bestselling Caraval series. This enchanting story explores fairy tale tropes, taking readers through a magical realm of true love, self-discovery, and manipulation. Garber's book quickly became a New York Times bestseller and received acclaim as a Goodreads Choice finalist and an Indie Next pick. In this review, we will delve into the critical factors of the novel, including its theme, characters, point of view, plot, dialogue, and writing style.

Author Introduction

Stephanie Garber, renowned for her New York and Sunday Times bestselling Caraval Trilogy, demonstrates her exceptional storytelling skills once again in Once Upon a Broken Heart. She resides in northern California, teaching creative writing, adding depth to her understanding of the craft.

Theme

Once Upon a Broken Heart explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the consequences of dealing with magical beings. It delves into the power of choice and the intricacies of human nature when faced with extraordinary circumstances.

Characters

The characters in Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber are central to the story's charm and intrigue. Here are some of the main characters:

· Evangeline Fox: Evangeline is the novel's protagonist, a young girl determined to save the boy she loves from a curse. She is brave, resourceful, and willing to sacrifice for those she cares about. Evangeline's journey takes her through a world of magic and manipulation as she navigates the challenges.

· Jacks: Jacks, known as the Prince of Hearts, is a mysterious and enigmatic character. He is charming and manipulative, often toying with Evangeline's emotions. Jack becomes intertwined with Evangeline's quest, offering assistance and demanding her obedience.

· Luc Navarro: Luc is the boy Evangeline loves, who is under a curse. Evangeline believes that once the curse is broken, Luc will return to her. Luc's presence and his relationship with Evangeline add an element of romance and longing to the story.

· Marisol: Marisol is Evangeline's stepsister, and their relationship is complicated. Marisol plays a role in the story's events, and her actions contribute to the twists and turns of the plot. There is a sense of tension and rivalry between Evangeline and Marisol throughout the novel.

The interactions and dynamics between these characters drive the narrative forward, creating conflict, emotional depth, and moments of connection. Garber's skillful portrayal of the characters allows readers to become invested in their fates and the outcome of their journeys.

Point of View

The novel is narrated from Evangeline's perspective, allowing readers to experience her hopes, fears, and growth firsthand. This perspective creates a strong connection between the reader and the protagonist, enhancing the story's emotional impact.

Plot

Once Upon a Broken Heart intertwines with the events of the Caraval series, following Evangeline's journey as she seeks the Prince of Hearts to stop Luc's wedding. The plot is filled with twists and turns as Evangeline sacrifices, battles the escaped Fates, and uncovers her role in a prophecy. The story is gripping, keeping readers engaged from beginning to end.

Dialogue and Hot Chapters

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber is a captivating novel that takes readers back to the enchanting world of the Caraval series. It combines elements of fairy tales with themes of true love, self-discovery, and manipulation. Here are some of the hot chapters:

· When Evangeline seeks out the Prince of Hearts: One of the novel's hot scenes occurs when she seeks out the Prince of Hearts to intervene in the wedding between Luc Navarro, the boy she loves, and her stepsister Marisol. Convinced that Luc is under a curse and will regain his love for her once it's broken, Evangeline strikes a deal with Jacks. In exchange for his help, she must kiss three people who are not Luc at a time, determined by Jack. This arrangement sets the stage for a series of unexpected and thrilling encounters.

· Evangeline turning into a stone: Another captivating scene unfolds when she reverts to flesh several weeks after turning herself into stone to save the wedding party. During her transformation, Chaos ensues as the Fates escape from their prison, wreaking havoc on the land. Evangeline becomes a hero, inspiring others to fight against the Chaos. Meanwhile, Luc has left, and Marisol faces social isolation due to suspicions of her being cursed. Evangeline's hope for Luc's return diminishes as she receives a letter from the new royals inviting her to represent them at the Nocte Neverending Ball in the Magnificent North.

· Evangeline meeting Jack: The tension escalates when Evangeline crosses paths with Jack in the North, who commands her to kiss the crown prince. As a result, the prince falls deeply in love with her, but Evangeline senses an unhealthy obsession within him. Confronting Jack, she demands that he undo the effects of her kiss on the prince. Jack offers her the opportunity to use her third and final kiss to rectify the situation. However, he reveals his manipulation, driven by his belief that Evangeline is the girl mentioned in a prophecy that foretells her opening the Valory Arch, a source of great power.

· Final Kiss on Prince: One of the most intense scenes occurs when Evangeline uses her last kiss on the prince, leading to his untimely death. Jack comes to her rescue, and they seek the guidance of Chaos, a vampire, who provides crucial information about a woman seeking poison ingredients. The revelation leads them into a confrontation with changelings, including Luc, who reveals Marisol's involvement in casting a love spell on him. To protect Evangeline, Jacks sacrifices himself by taking Luc's bite, and Evangeline spends a harrowing night warding off Jacks's vampire instincts.

Writing Style

Stephanie Garber's writing style is vivid and imaginative, transporting readers to a world of magic and enchantment. Her prose flows seamlessly, vividly depicting the story's settings and characters. The author's ability to create a sense of wonder and intrigue contributes to the novel's overall appeal.

Wrapping Up

Once Upon a Broken Heart is a spellbinding addition to the Caraval series, showcasing Stephanie Garber's prowess in crafting captivating tales of love, adventure, and deception. The novel's engaging characters, intricate plot, and exquisite writing style leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment. If you are a fan of fantasy novels filled with romance and mystery, Once Upon a Broken Heart is a must-read.

FAQs

Q: What are the main themes explored in Once Upon a Broken Heart?

A: Once Upon a Broken Heart delves into themes of love, sacrifice, choice, and the consequences of dealing with magical beings.

Q: Who is the author of Once Upon a Broken Heart?

A: Stephanie Garber, acclaimed author of the New York and Sunday Times bestselling Caraval Trilogy, is the author of Once Upon a Broken Heart.

Q: Does Once Upon a Broken Heart tie in with the Caraval series?

A: Yes, Once Upon a Broken Heart is set in.