Book Summary Contents
Introduction:
A Curse for True Love Summary | Exploring Tale of Memory and Love’s Curse
What happens when the memories that define you are stolen away, and you are forced to navigate a world full of deceit, love, and a cursed destiny? A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber takes readers on a gripping, emotional journey with Evangeline Fox, a princess who must confront the darkness of her past and the manipulative prince she once thought she loved.
This A Curse for True Love Summary explores the twists and turns of Evangeline’s journey, filled with magic, betrayal, and self-discovery, all set against the backdrop of a stunning, fairy-tale world.
Quick Summary
Key Insights:
Evangeline Fox embarks on a journey of self-discovery and love while grappling with her lost memories.
Jacks, the villain turned protector, sacrifices everything for her safety.
Apollo, the seemingly heroic prince, is revealed as a manipulative antagonist.
Recommendation:
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy complex romantic fantasy with themes of fate and free will.
One-Sentence Book Description:
A Curse for True Love is a magical tale of love, betrayal, and memory, where a princess must uncover her forgotten past to choose her true love.Primary Audience:
Fantasy and romance readers, particularly those who enjoy intricate world-building and emotional depth.
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A Curse for True Love Summary & Plot Summary
Non-Spoiler Section:
At the center of A Curse for True Love is Evangeline Fox, a princess who wakes up to find her memory stolen. She remembers nothing of the past year or her supposed marriage to Prince Apollo Acadian, a prince who claims to have returned from the dead to be with her. As Evangeline grapples with her forgotten memories, she finds herself ensnared in Apollo’s twisted narrative. Apollo has told her that the villainous Lord Jacks was responsible for poisoning him and stealing Evangeline’s memories, but something doesn’t add up.
With the help of the mysterious Kristof Knightlinger and the enigmatic Archer (who is later revealed to be Lord Jacks), Evangeline embarks on a journey of rediscovery, unearthing painful truths, and uncovering a love far more complicated than she ever imagined.
Spoiler Section:
As the story unfolds, Evangeline’s memories return in fragments, revealing her deep connection to Lord Jacks, whom she initially believes is the villain. It is revealed that Apollo, the prince she once adored, is the true antagonist—manipulative, controlling, and willing to sacrifice Evangeline’s memories for his own gain. Apollo’s obsession with her leads him to erase her memories and manipulate the narrative around her, all while claiming to be the loving husband who has returned to save her.
In stark contrast, Jacks, despite his dark, destructive nature, is revealed to be the true protector and the one who sacrificed everything, even his heart, to save Evangeline. With the revelation of Apollo’s treachery, Evangeline confronts her feelings for Jacks, defying the curse that was meant to keep them apart and ultimately choosing her love for him above all else.
A Curse for True Love Summary By Chapter
Chapter 1:
Evangeline wakes with no memory, and Apollo, claiming to be her husband, tells her Lord Jacks stole her memories. Apollo shows a tattoo of her name on his chest.
Chapter 2:
Evangeline questions her lost memories as the price for her new life. Apollo assures her safety but keeps her confined in his castle.
Chapter 3:
Physicians confirm Evangeline’s memory loss. Kristof offers to help uncover her past. Apollo warns her against seeking Jacks.
Chapter 4:
Apollo meets with Kristof to vilify Jacks publicly. He confesses to erasing Evangeline’s memories to protect her and prevent her from remembering Jacks.
Chapter 5:
Evangeline discovers a scar on her wrist and feels uneasy despite the royal treatment. Apollo takes her to witness a “Firenight.”
Chapter 6:
Evangeline is disturbed by a magical book about her “love story” with Apollo. A title referencing “The Archer and the Fox” triggers painful memories.
Chapter 7:
Evangeline attempts to leave the castle but is stopped by Apollo’s guards. She learns her scar is Jacks’s mark, and her blood is needed to track him.
Chapter 8:
Apollo prevents Evangeline from meeting with Lord Slaughterwood. A scroll about the Tree of Souls is revealed, which Apollo believes grants immortality.
Chapter 9:
Evangeline sees a scandal sheet with a drawing of Archer (Jacks), confirming his identity. She plans to meet him and receives a note from Madame Voss.
Chapter 10:
Evangeline is pushed into a well and rescued by a “golden-haired angel,” later revealed to be Jacks. She lies about the fall, but Apollo grows suspicious.
Chapter 11:
Jacks, disguised as “Archer,” forces Evangeline into self-defense training. He reveals he turned back time to save her life, causing her memory loss.
Chapter 12:
During training, Jacks gives Evangeline his dagger, triggering a fragmented memory. She realizes he lied about knowing her.
Chapter 13:
Apollo orchestrates a fake attack on Evangeline to make her depend on his protection. He orders the execution of his guards to cover up his actions.
Chapter 14:
Evangeline plans to find Jacks after her memory is triggered by his dagger. Apollo invites her to a grand dinner, where she hopes to see Jacks.
Chapter 15:
Apollo hosts the dinner, trying to control Evangeline. Lord Belleflower reveals the deaths of her guards, disturbing her. Apollo dismisses it and toasts to “curses.”
Chapter 16:
Evangeline is disturbed by Apollo’s toast and meets Aurora Vale, who talks about the cursed story in the North. Aurora notices Jacks’s dagger, raising Apollo’s suspicion.
Chapter 17:
Evangeline tries to meet Jacks secretly, but Aurora foils her plan. An assassin attacks Evangeline, but Jacks appears and kills the attacker.
Chapter 18:
Jacks chastises Evangeline for her lack of self-preservation. She realizes he’s the one who rescued her from the ocean, not Apollo.
Chapter 19:
Apollo investigates a massacre and forces a boy to draw Jacks as the murderer. He kills the boy to maintain the false narrative that Jacks is responsible.
Chapter 20:
Evangeline confronts Jacks, feeling an intense connection. She accidentally says “Archer” during a kiss with Apollo, fabricating a memory to cover her mistake.
Chapter 21:
Jacks observes Evangeline and Apollo. He confronts Castor, who hints that Aurora knows Jacks’s plans. Jacks prepares to leave for Evangeline’s safety.
Chapter 22:
Evangeline sees a drawing of Archer (Jacks) and decides to warn Apollo about Jacks’s presence. Her new guards inform her Apollo has gone to the Cursed Forest.
Chapter 23:
Evangeline meets Lord Byron Belleflower, who attacks her in the Cursed Forest. She escapes after stabbing him with Jacks’s dagger.
Chapter 24:
Apollo orders Evangeline’s immediate retrieval from the Cursed Forest after she escapes.
Chapter 25:
Evangeline enters the Cursed Forest, trapped in an illusion of her best day. Chaos (Castor Valor) helps her, and Jacks stabs him.
Chapter 26:
Evangeline confronts Jacks, who admits he turned back time to save her life and caused her memory loss.
Chapter 27:
Jacks takes Evangeline to “The Hollow,” where he pretends they are married. She finds a letter in his doublet, triggering the full return of her memories.
Chapter 28:
Apollo meets with Wolfric and Honora Valor, seeking help with the Tree of Souls. Wolfric warns that drinking its blood will cost Apollo’s life.
Chapter 29:
Evangeline and LaLa find Aurora’s hidden lair and learn about her curse on Jacks out of jealousy for him.
Chapter 30:
Evangeline regains her full memories, realizing her love for Jacks and Apollo’s betrayal. She plans to find Jacks and express her love.
Chapter 31:
Evangeline is confined to Merrywood Village, where she remembers Aurora’s connection to Jacks. She plans to escape to find him.
Chapter 32:
Apollo recalls how Aurora helped him erase Evangeline’s memories. He learns that Evangeline has regained her memories when he sees the protection cuff on her wrist.
Chapter 33:
Evangeline and LaLa escape the royal encampment. Jacks acts cold but is warned by Chaos (Castor Valor) that he is dangerous. Jacks stabs Chaos.
Chapter 34:
Evangeline and LaLa plan to escape to Merrywood Forest. Evangeline finds Jacks, who behaves strangely. Chaos warns her that Jacks is not safe.
Chapter 35:
Aurora leads Apollo through the Cursed Forest to the Tree of Souls, where Apollo plans to drink its blood for immortality.
Chapter 36:
Evangeline learns the glass cuff on her wrist protects her from Apollo’s harm. LaLa helps her escape to find Jacks and stop him from making a “horrible decision.”
Chapter 37:
Apollo discovers Evangeline has escaped and orders his guards to find her.
Chapter 38:
Evangeline and LaLa find Aurora’s spellbook in Merrywood, which reveals Aurora’s curse on Jacks and her jealousy of Evangeline.
Chapter 39:
Evangeline receives a note from Jacks but believes his heart has already been altered. They follow flower petals to a dead fox, signaling Jacks’s cruelty.
Chapter 40:
Aurora reveals that Jacks intended to destroy his heart, not regain it. Evangeline plans to save him with love despite Aurora’s warnings.
Chapter 41:
Evangeline arrives at the phoenix tree, where she confesses her love for Jacks. She kisses him, breaking the curse. She survives the kiss despite the intense effects.
Chapter 42:
Evangeline and Jacks share endless kisses, symbolizing their renewed love.
Chapter 43:
Apollo arrives and sets the phoenix tree on fire, capturing Evangeline. She screams for Jacks as she is taken away.
Chapter 44:
Apollo carries Evangeline to the Tree of Souls, enduring pain from her protection cuff. He shackles her to sacrifice her for immortality.
Chapter 45:
Jacks searches for Evangeline and is tricked by Aurora. He learns that Apollo has taken her to the Tree of Souls.
Chapter 46:
Evangeline struggles at the Tree of Souls. Apollo confesses his love and plans to sacrifice her for immortality. He kisses her as she fights.
Chapter 47:
Jacks arrives at the Tree of Souls and attacks Apollo. Wolfric and his sons restrain Jacks, but he fights for Evangeline.
Chapter 48:
Evangeline frees herself as Apollo drinks from the Tree of Souls, which consumes him. His face is trapped in the roots.
Chapter 49:
Jacks fights Wolfric’s sons. Evangeline frees herself and stops the fight. She and Jacks leave the cavern, uncertain of their future.
A Curse for True Love Main Characters
Evangeline Fox: The protagonist, a princess whose memories are stolen by the manipulative Prince Apollo. Throughout the book, Evangeline embarks on a journey of self-discovery, love, and betrayal, ultimately discovering the power of her own choices.
Prince Apollo Acadian: The charming, initially heroic prince who turns out to be a controlling and manipulative villain. His obsession with Evangeline leads him to erase her memories and orchestrate her life as a puppet.
Lord Jacks (Archer): The enigmatic “villain” of the story, who is initially painted as a threat to Evangeline. However, as the narrative unfolds, it is revealed that Jacks’s actions, while dark, are driven by a deep love for Evangeline, and he is ultimately her savior.
Kristof Knightlinger: A journalist who plays a pivotal role in guiding Evangeline toward the truth about her lost memories.
LaLa: A Fate and one of Evangeline’s closest friends, who helps her navigate the world of curses and offers support as Evangeline tries to piece together her identity.
Aurora Valor: A cunning and manipulative character who becomes an antagonist in the story. Her obsession with Jacks leads to complex interactions with the main characters.
A Curse for True Love Themes & Analysis
Romance Tropes:
The book explores classic romance tropes like “love conquers all” and “star-crossed lovers,” but with a dark twist. Evangeline and Jacks’s relationship is defined by their past traumas, misunderstandings, and the complex reality of being tied by a curse. Their love is neither easy nor perfect, and the novel subverts the typical “happily ever after” trope, presenting love as something earned through sacrifice and choice.
Identity and Memory:
Evangeline’s loss of memory plays a significant role in her development throughout the novel. Her search for her true identity is symbolic of the broader theme of reclaiming one’s past in order to understand who you truly are. Her journey underscores the power of memory in shaping identity and the difficulties of navigating a world where the truth has been manipulated.
Power and Control:
Apollo’s manipulations showcase the dangers of power and control, as he seeks to dictate Evangeline’s life and her love. In contrast, Jacks’s love for Evangeline is not about control but sacrifice. The book raises critical questions about the dynamics of power in relationships, making the reader question what true love looks like when intertwined with control.
Free Will vs. Fate:
Jacks, a Fate, believes he is cursed to harm those he loves. The central conflict between fate and free will is explored in depth, with both Jacks and Evangeline struggling to defy the paths set before them. The book posits that true love can transcend fate, allowing for the power of choice to define one’s destiny.
Author Spotlight: Stephanie Garber
Stephanie Garber is a New York Times bestselling author, best known for her Caraval series. With her signature blend of romance, magic, and high-stakes adventure, Garber creates richly imaginative worlds that captivate readers. A Curse for True Love is her latest foray into exploring the darker sides of love and memory.
Garber’s writing style is immersive, drawing readers into her enchanting yet perilous world, filled with vibrant characters and emotional complexity.
Questions the Book Answers
What is A Curse for True Love about?
It’s a story of love, betrayal, and memory. Evangeline Fox wakes up with no memory of her past year, including her marriage to Prince Apollo, and embarks on a journey to uncover the truth and rediscover her true love.Who is the protagonist in A Curse for True Love?
Evangeline Fox is the protagonist, a princess who has lost her memory and must piece together her past to understand her true identity and love.Is A Curse for True Love worth reading?
Yes, if you enjoy complex love stories with magical worlds, dark curses, and emotional depth, this book will captivate you.What are the main themes of A Curse for True Love?
Themes of love, memory, power, control, and fate vs. free will are explored in depth throughout the book.How long does it take to read A Curse for True Love?
It typically takes about 10-12 hours to read, depending on reading speed.Who should read A Curse for True Love?
Fans of fantasy, romance, and magical realism, especially those who enjoy stories filled with twists, turns, and complex characters, should read this book.What is the relationship between Evangeline and Jacks?
Evangeline and Jacks share a complex, tragic love story filled with manipulation, sacrifice, and deep emotional connection.How does A Curse for True Love end?
The book ends with Evangeline embracing her love for Jacks and defying fate, ultimately choosing her own path despite the curses that seek to tear them apart.
Conclusion :
A Curse for True Love Summary: Tale of Memory and Love’s Curse
In conclusion, A Curse for True Love is a spellbinding tale that combines love, sacrifice, and the power of memory. With its richly crafted world, emotionally complex characters, and unpredictable twists, it offers a fresh perspective on the fairy tale genre. If you’re looking for a story that blends romance and fantasy with deep emotional stakes, this novel is a must-read.
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Attachments & References
- Amazon’s book page
- Goodreaders’s book page
- Author’s image source: caraval.fandom.com
- Book Cover: Amazon.com
- Quotes sources: Goodreads
