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arual_14o3's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Classism
Minor: Bullying and Murder
chronic_listener's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.25
I thought the opening of the story from the POV of a door bell was just genius and I was immediately hooked.
I loved the writing style, it was magical and whimsical and so easy to follow in my opinion. I was not expecting the fairytales vibes mixed with humor and I was pleasantly surprised. The 400 pages / 10 hours completely flew by! Can't wait to see where this story goes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Violence and Death of parent
Minor: Emotional abuse
my_personal_escape's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Violence and Death of parent
Minor: Emotional abuse
smartcookiesca's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Death of parent
noellegrace8's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I cannot express how much I love this. Jacks x Evangeline's dynamic just works. He is mean and dark and full of desire, but in a way that makes you know there's a reason he is the way that he is, which gives you hope for him as naive as Evangeline's. He's a fully fleshed out character. She is as well, good-hearted and smart but fully capable of making mistakes. She's like a sweet fluffy pink frosted cupcake. They make every scene interesting. I hate Marisol's character though - she's very much like Taryn from Folk of the Air. And the plot does not disappoint. It is crisp and new, an almost-redo on old fairytales and prophecy stories. So much of the worldbulding/lore and plot twists here are fresh. And I adore the descriptions of all the dresses!!
I give Rebecca Soler's performance 4.5/5⭐️. She gives a steadily good performance in which the listener can tell the difference between the characters. However, sometimes her vocals are far too loud/unequalized.
I give Rebecca Soler's performance 4.5/5⭐️. She gives a steadily good performance in which the listener can tell the difference between the characters. However, sometimes her vocals are far too loud/unequalized.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Bullying, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Grief, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Alcohol
latibluee's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
part 1 of this book was a disappointment but i pushed through and it did get better in parts 2 & 3.
the interactions (arguments, flirting, banter, yearning, etc.) between eva and jacks saved it for me for sure.
the interactions (arguments, flirting, banter, yearning, etc.) between eva and jacks saved it for me for sure.
i might continue this trilogy later on but i've heard some spoilers about a possibly heartbreaking cliffhanger at the end of 2nd book and then 3rd book being by far the worst ?? so i'm in no rush and will get to it... someday... in the future... if im really bored...
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, and Classism
emilywemily6's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I am loving how this author is expanding on the world of the Caraval series. I think Evangeline more than the Dragna sisters and I think it’s because while she acts like a teenager and makes mistakes, she also tries to fix them in very heroic ways. She is flawed and young but I still see her strengths in this book. Her efforts to do the right thing made for an interesting story with lots of dynamics, and leads into the future books well. I also felt like I never knew what would happen next in the story. Lots of plot twists I didn’t see coming, which made for a fun and quick read. I’m so excited to continue reading this series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Grief, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent and Classism
boba_nbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Spice Rating: 🫑 / 5 🌶️
Will all of Stephanie Garber's books be 5 star reads for me?? Only time will tell.
Evangeline Fox thought her first love would be her forever love until she finds out that he is engaged to her step-sister. After the death of both of her parents, Evangeline cannot take any more heartbreak, so she goes to the one person who might understand: the Prince of Hearts. Evangeline decides to strike a deal with this immortal to stop the wedding. But Evangeline soon learns that bargains with immortals are more dangerous than they let on. This simple heartbreak sets off a cataclysmic chain of events that will alter Evangeline's life forever. Does she have enough hope to go on searching for her happily ever after?
Once Upon a Broken Heart can easily be described in a couple of words: magical and whimsical. This fairytale of a novel questions how stories are passed down, who is trustworthy, and whether endings are as clear-cut as happily ever afters and tragedies.
I'm so glad I read the Caraval trilogy prior to this book and would suggest that reading order to anyone looking to start their Stephanie Garber journey, since these books have interconnecting worlds and characters. They happen within a short time period of each other, too.
I loved seeing some of my favorite characters from the Caraval trilogy make appearances in this novel. In the case of the Prince of Hearts, I always appreciate his antics and the way his character fluctuates--he always keeps you guessing. Evangeline is a great new heroine who didn't choose this life but was forced into it. I love a reluctant protagonist who is just as strong as any other.
Stephanie Garber's writing is nothing short of magnificent. The way she weaves these magical tales and settings while masterfully developing her characters should be studied. Sometimes Young Adult (YA) books can feel a bit too immature for an adult audience, but Garber's books do not. They are just as enjoyable to an adult audience as they would be for teens.
Thank you for this wonderful world, Ms. Garber. I can't wait to read more of it.
Will all of Stephanie Garber's books be 5 star reads for me?? Only time will tell.
Evangeline Fox thought her first love would be her forever love until she finds out that he is engaged to her step-sister. After the death of both of her parents, Evangeline cannot take any more heartbreak, so she goes to the one person who might understand: the Prince of Hearts. Evangeline decides to strike a deal with this immortal to stop the wedding. But Evangeline soon learns that bargains with immortals are more dangerous than they let on. This simple heartbreak sets off a cataclysmic chain of events that will alter Evangeline's life forever. Does she have enough hope to go on searching for her happily ever after?
Once Upon a Broken Heart can easily be described in a couple of words: magical and whimsical. This fairytale of a novel questions how stories are passed down, who is trustworthy, and whether endings are as clear-cut as happily ever afters and tragedies.
I'm so glad I read the Caraval trilogy prior to this book and would suggest that reading order to anyone looking to start their Stephanie Garber journey, since these books have interconnecting worlds and characters. They happen within a short time period of each other, too.
I loved seeing some of my favorite characters from the Caraval trilogy make appearances in this novel. In the case of the Prince of Hearts, I always appreciate his antics and the way his character fluctuates--he always keeps you guessing. Evangeline is a great new heroine who didn't choose this life but was forced into it. I love a reluctant protagonist who is just as strong as any other.
Stephanie Garber's writing is nothing short of magnificent. The way she weaves these magical tales and settings while masterfully developing her characters should be studied. Sometimes Young Adult (YA) books can feel a bit too immature for an adult audience, but Garber's books do not. They are just as enjoyable to an adult audience as they would be for teens.
Thank you for this wonderful world, Ms. Garber. I can't wait to read more of it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Emotional abuse and Sexual content
fluture's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
An intense fantasy romance. The plot was good and can make you suspect everyone before the culprit finally got revealed. Perang batin dengan pemikiran karakter utama cukup relatable and very much humane. The book is enjoyable to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Blood
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Emotional abuse
emmieanna's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Objectively, this is not the best written book I have ever read, the world building is pretty basic and I do wish that certain aspects were more elaborate. This is definitely a plot over anything else kind of book (which are my faves I will say) but character development is a consequence of the plot, not what drives the plot.
However, I was HOOKED. I was making notes on my kindle like nobody’s business and was really rooting for the characters. I am so undecided with who my favourite is at this point, (LaLa is winning so far, then probably Apollo) and I will definitely be continuing the series.
However, I was HOOKED. I was making notes on my kindle like nobody’s business and was really rooting for the characters. I am so undecided with who my favourite is at this point, (LaLa is winning so far, then probably Apollo) and I will definitely be continuing the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Blood and Murder