Reviews with content warning for Death - Once Upon a Broken Heart

The hype is not real. I feel like this is a Cruel Prince situation, where I can’t connect to the writing, world, or characters at all. The only good thing I can say is that I flew through this book — I read this in basically one sitting, with only a layover in between — but only because there was no character development, only “action,” with no backstory to any of the characters we met. In fact, Marisol might be the most developed character in the book, and she’s a villain. Maybe this is the kind of story I would’ve devoured in my Mortal Instruments era, but even then I think the characters are just so flat that I would’ve been completely uninterested — I guess we’ll never know. Anyway, the hype doesn’t make sense to me here, and I wish I would’ve listened to my gut and just stayed away from this author.

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the_library_of_mary's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Oh My God, I 100% get the hype surrounding this book now. I'm always hesitant when reading viral books because I think some of them get blown way out of proportion. This is book is NOT one of those.

I was sucked into this book right from the very beginning. The writing is so natural and Eva is an amazing narrator to follow. The plot moves so naturally through her and the reveals feel so satisfying, I always felt like I was putting the pieces together at the same time she was. It gave the perfect amount of mystery with a perfect balance of answers, and I'm someone that always wants to know the answers to things.

Eva and Jacks dynamic is electric. It's incredibly consistent and nothing feels rush about their changes. I can clearly follow where opinions and thoughts about each other changes, and why they go back and forth. The fact they they want to trust each other, but can't because they know better. Amazing. It kept everything so interesting and helped fill out the world.

Eva is so smart, I love her wit and her desire to try to be good. It shows a different kind of strength that is not normally displayed in such a noble way. Even when it causes issues, she sticks by her morals and beliefs and I really appreciate the about her characters. Jacks is charming but dangerous, and you feel it. You catch yourself falling for him as Eva does, and then BOOM wait he's not doing things for just the kindess of his heart.

I cannot wait to listen to the next book, I already have it from the library. These are the first books I'll be reading from this author and I will definitely be looking at her other works because her writing style and pacing is exactly my taste.

I really wanted to like Marisol. I was rooting for the evil step sister trope being proven wrong, but I'm happy with the ending and her character. I kept going back and forth about what she really did. I feel like Eva needs to always trust her first instinct it's always right.

Luke becoming a vampire, definitely didn't see vampires at all in this book and didn't see that coming at all. He is definitely coming back in some way. I still think he was kinda a jerk, I know Marisol owned up to the love potion, but ehhh I still don't really buy it.

The protectors and the prophecy, very nice add. I love the concept of fate in this book and the unavoidable actions that happen. I can't wait to see where these mysteries go, I'm completely hooked on this series.

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louise_french_rider's review

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adventurous emotional lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I loved that book, the universe is easy to understand, the plot, characters are awesome. This is a good romantasy, I can't wait to read the next book. Hopefully it will be as great as this one.
The world building is really cute and cozy in its own way. It seems beautiful, at least in my head.
This is a good choice for people coming from romance to fantasy. It's accessible to everybody. Maybe it was a little harder to understand the magic system at first, that might be because I haven't read the Caraval first, but when we start a separate series we either make sure that the magic system is understandable or we explain it a bit better. Anyways it doesn't prevent you from understanding and following the plot.
I had a blast reading it!

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unboundbooklover's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-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? Yes

4.0

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amkleintje's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Honestly was expecting a predictable story, but it genuinely kept me guessing! It was a different read than I expected and felt unique enough which is hard in fantasy! I enjoyed it.

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thejadylady's review

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adventurous dark hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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