Honestly…this was a slight let-down given how popular this author and the character Jacks seem to be. I’m not really into circus themes so I didn’t read ‘Caraval’, but OUABH sounded amazing, and when I checked it out I found so many people getting excited about a Jacks spin-off. So, I guess I had quite high expectations.

There were so many great ideas and lovely magical touches that were the precise brand of whimsy that I love. These amazing aspects just got overshadowed by more annoying features, such as frequent bouts of clunky writing. This was particularly frustrating because there were plenty of other passages that clearly show Garber can write well. There was also the odd metaphor that made no sense no matter how many times I read it.

Evangeline’s narrative voice was also very repetitive and both her and Jacks’ character developments felt a bit limited, especially given how long the book is. (I also could not stop cringing at Jacks calling Evangeline ‘Little Fox’.) A side character named Lala was really interesting though!

Plot-wise, there were some big surprises and I was genuinely enjoying the book at times, but other parts felt a little predictable or just overlong. The pacing was a bit uneven, mostly near the end where it felt like everything suddenly piled on. I totally thought I was only at 60-70% worth of plot but then spotted my Kindle progress bar at 94%! Is there too much for a standalone? Who knows. I’m interested in the sequel (out Sep 2022) – as I said, there were some genuinely great surprises and passages of lovely writing – but I don’t know if I’m invested enough to read it in the immediate future.

Overall, OUABH wasn’t really what I’d hoped for but I know plenty of people enjoyed this one! It’s intriguing and if you enjoy inventive whimsical magic, potions and characters who aren’t what they seem, you’ll likely have a good time.

Trust me when I say I'm incredibly embarrassed about how long it took me to read and review this book. I'm so sorry.

I think I kept putting this one off because I adored the Caraval trilogy. I own multiple copies and that series holds a special place in my heart so I was so apprehensive going into this new series in case I over hyped it.

I loved this book and I wish I had read it sooner, the only thing I have going for me is that I don't have to wait too long for the sequel haha.

These characters and Stephanie's writing style are just perfect. It grabs hold of you and has you never wanting it to let you go.

Easiest 5 stars I've given in a while.

FIVE STARS!! I am a huge Stephanie Garber fan and this new book did not dissapoint!!

Not only does she give us a story that we can really sink our teeth into but the covers are absolutely gorgeous!! They are definitely books you need on your shelves.

Once upon a Broken Heart is full of magic and action and twists and turns that have you reeling.

After finishing this book I have been left with the biggest book hangover and can not wait to read the next installment.

LOVE Stephanie Garber. A brilliantly talented writer and incredible fantasy voice. Can't wait to read more from her – definitely one of my go-to authors.

Once Upon A Broken Heart is such an addictive read. It's not one you can think oh I'll just read a chapter and come back to it tomorrow. It lures you in and captivates you mind and soul so you read the entire thing in one sitting and then still want more. Absolutely spellbinding.

Enjoyable but not as good as the previous trilogy. I found that main character was quite annoying and this was off putting.

I really enjoyed the Caraval series, so I was excited to be gifted an eARC of Garber's new book that is set in the same world.
Overall, I thought it was an okay read. It felt very whimsical and I enjoyed the fairy tale feel to it. However, everything seemed too convenient for me. It was great that we got to meet Scarlett and Donatella again though!

It was a fun read but I didn't enjoy it as much as the Caraval series. II think it would be a good fit for younger YA readers.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Firstly do not read this book if you haven’t read the Caraval trilogy and plan to as the ending is given away very early on.

My thoughts on this book, it offered the magic I was looking for in the Caraval series so in that respect I found it more enjoyable. However I found the writing to be repetitive at times, we could have a lot more story if that was cut out.

At the time of reading I was expecting more from it so felt let down. On reflection this book was light-hearted and fun. It had elements I never expected and now look forward to the second book.

I absolutely adored every single thing about this book and simply can‘t wait for the next! The writing, world building and characters we’re superb and I quite honestly couldn‘t put it down! this is one for the favourites shelf for sure!

This book was very nice - and I know it has since found a loving audience in the YA Romantic Fantasy genre. However, I need higher stakes and more tension in my novels (regardless of age). I never truly believed anyone was in trouble, or that anyone was romantically linked, as it all felt incredibly safe.

I had similar thoughts regarding Caraval, and I've since decided Garber is probably just not the author for me.

Love love loved this book!!!!!
Stephanie Garber does it again, I absolutely cannot wait for the second novel!

I wish I could give more stars for this book. I loved this book so so much!!! It was completely enchanting and I didn’t want to stop reading it.

After the Caraval trilogy I didn't think I could ever read anything like that again. Jacks definitely wasn't my favorite character, but he is amazing. I loved seeing things about Scarlett and Donatella.

Anyway, the story. I love that there was more magic, and something new aswell. i loved the writing as I did with the Caraval trilogy. I guess all I can say is just, read this if you loved the other books, and enjoy the ride!

“Hope is a difficult thing to kill, just a spark of it can start a fire.” 

- intricate & unique magical system
- morally grey-ish hero

There’s a whimsy and a singular magic about this world that makes me eager to read the Caraval series. Jacks and Evangeline are sweet enough and give a compelling love story that is lyrical and intriguing filled with adventure, discovery, mystery, betrayal, deception, and magic.

I was very disappointed with this book.

After reading and enjoying the Caraval series, I expected to enjoy this one but I just didn't. The pacing was off, I thought that it seemed to be written for a younger audience than intended and the main character was incredibly naive and just did not learn from her mistakes.

I don't think that I will be reading any more YA books from this author

Once Upon A Broken Heart is a fairy tale-like YA fantasy set in magical world.
The good: It's very fast-paced and dynamic, there's no draging, not many descriptions.
The bad: The magic is a little vague. I wish it all had more context. The side characters are one-dimensional, very much fairy tale-like, and the main character is so naiive that it was painful to read. The banter is a bit cheesy and the whole story felt kind of rushed. I found the character's names too sugestive.
All in all, quick and fun, but with no depth.

I haven’t binge read books in a while but when I picked up OUABH I just couldn’t put it down! I missed Jacks (he was my favourite in Caraval) so much!

It caught me a bit off guard that the story began just before the events in Caraval and then continued after the end of Caraval with the Fates being exiled. I had not realised that all 3 Caraval books took place in only 2 months!

This being said, I was happy that there wasn’t any insta love between Jacks and Evangeline, especially because Jacks was still recovering from getting his heart broken by Tella.

I loved their relationship and the ending of the book left me upset I didn’t have book 2 already! So many things happened in the last third of the book and I really can’t wait for the sequel to come out!

This was such a gripping, down a rabbit hole type book. Faes, curses, spells, vampires, deception, broken hearts, castles, - whats not to love.

I hated having to put this book down (to work/sleep etc). It was a fun whimpsical, hopeless romantic story, but i need the sequal like yesterday.

Not to give to much away but you go on a journey trying to break the curses but also pay the debts, which takes you down a twisted path, Giving you some hope and then making it go up in smoke.

Its a easy read, and would say its more younger YA audience, but this book is what i needed right now.

I actually really enjoyed this story, I liked Caraval but found the 2nd and 3rd in the trilogy lacking but this one felt fresh enough that I was able to just enjoy it.

A slow burn that pays off well, it’s so fun being back in this world again, learning more about Jack!
I will say I would have liked this even more if it was a little darker, a little creepier, there’s so much potential to make this a little more mature and spooky, it would lend itself well to that!