Once Upon a Broken Heart
Ratings309
Average rating3.9
This book was a revelation. An immersive experience, I was so invested in these characters and the story. The world was fantastic! A very entertaining, twisty world that kept me guessing. I have to say I was expecting an “in your face” ending, so I was a little disappointed about where it left off. But I had a great time reading it and I can't wait to get my hands on book 2!
Note to self: Read the Caraval series!
Absolutely loved being back in this world and loved Evangeline's story. This book definitely was a setup book but I still loved it and never thought the story dragged. It was always moving toward something even if we didn't get any answers to questions.
OMG, I loved it so, so much. I knew I was going to love it because I've already read the Caraval series and it's one of my favorites and I know how beautiful and magical Stephanie Garber's writing style is. I was so excited to get to know Jacks better.
This book left me wanting more and I can't wait for the next one, I bet it's going to be even better than this one!
In this first installment of the folow-up series to the Caraval series, Evangeline thinks her true love has been put under a curse by her stepmother. All of a sudden, he wanted to marry Evangeline's stepsister and stopped talking to Evangeline. Evangeline ends up making a deal with the fate, Jacks, to stop this wedding from happening. But of course, making a deal with the Fates is never a good idea, and everyone at this wedding turns to stone. From there, Evangeline must reluctantly work with Jacks to figure out the politics of the North, all while trying to protect herself from all of the machinations going on around her.
I love a good fairy tale story. I love the whimsical, fantastical setting that quickly turns dark and malevolent. Stephanie Garber is incredible at this type of story, as shown in the Caraval series. The plot was ever-changing, full of plot twists and betrayals. The characters were all complex with hidden motivations. This all combined to create a fast paced, wonderful story. The naivete of Evangeline would normally be annoying to a reader, but because Garber employs the fairy tale devices, it just adds to the fantastical nature of the story. Jacks is the perfect broody anti-hero/villain (depending how you look at him) who keeps the story interesting. He is constantly being pushed and pulled to and from Evangeline in ways that make the reader want to scream (in a good way). I can't believe I have to wait for the sequel for who knows how long!
TW: attempted murder, blood, bones, cults, death, emotional abuse, hostages, murder, poisoning, violence, questionable consent
I loved it! It's two out of two books that I have rated 5 stars for this author. This was simply magical, I was hooked from the first chapter till the end of the book, but if I'm being honest I'm still hooked: the sequel could come out tomorrow and it still would be later than I would want! The characters, the story, the world, the feeling of watching a new classic fairytale come into this world! I. JUST. LOVED. IT.
This probably was my most anticipated book of the year so I really wanted to like it, and for most part I did, but I feel that something was missing.
I should say that the story surprised me completely since I expected one thing and I received far more. The twists and turns of the story kept everything so interesting, and honestly I couldn't predict anything. From friend to foe, to the kisses function. I or Jacks's motivations.
I love the world, it is so imaginative and vivid that I need to see more of that. Door bells that think or feel, not sure, tiny dragons, fate's magic and rose gold hair?!?
Low key this book made me rethink my love for vampires...
Anyway, for some reason I got very confused at the end of the book as to where Jacks stands as friend or foe to Evangeline. Through the story it seems like Jacks couldn't care less for her and then he needs her to do something . But now he might think higher of her than he lets show and that he might care more than we know. At last the extra contents of this book is telling me otherwise maybe? Now I don't know if I should care for him or not.
I have not read Legendary or Finale so I didn't know him, and apparently he does something to Donatella, so I'm intrigued. But the way, I prefer him blonde, just so you know. Also how on earth did Scarlet and Donatella end up there??? ( hoping that if I finish the Caraval series I find out)
I feel that as far as I know Jacks is a very complicated character or he is just an a**. I really hope it is the first because I feel that there are two hearts at risk here, Evangelin's and mine's. As you can see I do like the guy at some twisted level. what I did not like was when he was calling her “Pet”. I was like: “WHY?...”
Very looking forward to the next book so I can live in peace with all the answers that I need and hopefully a happily ever after.
