Book Summary Contents
- 1 Once Upon a Broken Heart Summary – The Thrilling Journey of Love, Betrayal, and Fate
- 2 Once Upon a Broken Heart Summary & Characters & Themes
- 3 Stephanie Garber: The Storyteller Behind the Magic
- 4 Your Once Upon a Broken Heart Questions Answered (FAQs)
- 4.1 Is Once Upon a Broken Heart 18+?
- 4.2 Can a 13 year old read Once Upon a Broken Heart? Yes, generally.
- 4.3 What order do you read the Once Upon a Broken Heart series?
- 4.4 Does Once Upon a Broken Heart have LGBT+ representation?
- 4.5 What happens in the end of Once Upon a Broken Heart? (No Spoilers!)
- 4.6 Is the Once Upon a Broken Heart series ending sad?
- 4.7 Who is the protagonist?
- 4.8 Who is the Prince of Hearts?
- 4.9 Is it connected to Caraval?
- 4.10 What is the main conflict?
- 5 Conclusion
- 6 Get Your Copy
- 7 Sources & References
Once Upon a Broken Heart Summary – The Thrilling Journey of Love, Betrayal, and Fate
Imagine your true love suddenly engaged to your stepsister. Desperate, you’d bargain with a Fate, right?
Even one infamous for breaking hearts? That’s exactly where Evangeline Fox finds herself in Stephanie Garber’s enchanting and perilous Once Upon a Broken Heart.
This Once Upon a Broken Heart summary dives deep into a world where fairytales bleed into reality, magic demands a steep price, and love might be the most dangerous spell of all. Buckle up for a whirlwind of curses, prophecies, and a Prince of Hearts who’s anything but charming.
Ready to step into the Magnificent North? Let’s go.
TL;DR: Once Upon a Broken Heart Quick Summary
What it is: A dazzling, dark YA fantasy about heartbreak, dangerous bargains with immortal Fates, and a prophecy that could change everything.
The Journey: Framed for murder, entangled in ancient prophecies (the Valory Arch), and bound to Jacks, Evangeline fights for her life and a chance at her own happy ending.
Key Appeal: Electrifying enemies-to-??? romance (Jacks!), lush world-building, breakneck pacing, shocking twists, themes of hope vs. fate.
Perfect For: Fans of romantic fantasy, morally gray characters, fairytales with bite, and unputdownable plots.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars – Highly addictive and recommended!
Pros: Unforgettable characters (Jacks!), immersive world, perfect blend of romance/action/mystery, killer ending setup for sequels.
Cons: Whirlwind initial romance feels abrupt (intentionally so), Apollo’s character is less developed (also intentional due to plot).
Once Upon a Broken Heart: Was It Worth the Heartache?
Once Upon a Broken Heart delivers a wildly engaging and addictive reading experience. Garber’s signature strengths are on full display: lush, immersive world-building that makes the Magnificent North feel like a character itself, razor-sharp dialogue (especially the electric, tension-filled exchanges between Evangeline and Jacks), and a plot that moves at breakneck speed with genuinely surprising twists.
The central theme of hope versus cynicism, embodied by Evangeline and Jacks, provides a compelling emotional core.
Writing Style & Pacing: Garber’s style is highly accessible (perfect for the 8th/9th-grade readability target) yet richly descriptive. It’s easy to get swept away. The pacing is excellent – it hooks you immediately and rarely drags. While the whirlwind romance with Apollo feels intentionally rushed (due to the spell), the overall balance between action, mystery, and character moments is well-maintained.
The Ending: The ending of this first book is masterfully crafted. It provides satisfying closure to the immediate murder mystery plotline (clearing Evangeline’s name) while leaving massive threads wide open: Apollo’s suspended fate, the looming threat/possibility of the Valory Arch, and most importantly, the unresolved, intensely complicated dynamic between Evangeline and Jacks. It’s a cliffhanger that feels earned and propels you desperately towards the next book. It absolutely fits the flow of escalating stakes and revelations.
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5 out of 5)
Verdict: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, wholeheartedly. It’s perfect for fans of:
Romantasy with morally gray love interests (think Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout).
Dark fairytale retellings or vibes (Marissa Meyer, Naomi Novik).
Fast-paced, twisty YA fantasy with strong heroines.
Intricate world-building and unique magic systems.
Once Upon a Broken Heart Summary & Characters & Themes
What is Once Upon a Broken Heart About? The Core Story
Once Upon a Broken Heart spins the tale of Evangeline Fox, a young woman whose life is built on the foundation of her parents’ magical love story. She believes fiercely in fairytales, true love, and happy endings. So, when her beloved Luc suddenly announces his engagement to her timid stepsister, Marisol, Evangeline is convinced it’s not his choice – he must be cursed. Driven by heartbreak and hope, she does the unthinkable: she seeks out the legendary, dangerous Prince of Hearts, Jacks.
Jacks is a Fate – an immortal being tied to concepts like heartbreak. He’s mercurial, cruel, and notoriously untrustworthy. Yet, Evangeline makes a bargain: three kisses, given to whomever Jacks chooses, whenever he demands them, in exchange for him stopping Luc’s wedding. It seems simple, but bargains with Fates never are. The consequence is catastrophic: Jacks stops the wedding by turning the entire wedding party, including Luc and Marisol, into stone statues.
Revived weeks later by another Fate, Poison, Evangeline finds her world transformed. The scandal sheets paint her as “Valenda’s Sweetheart Savior,” a martyr who sacrificed herself. Luc, freed from stone, was later mauled by a wolf and is now a reclusive invalid. Her father’s beloved curiosity shop is gone. Seeking a fresh start and hoping to help Marisol (now dubbed the “Cursed Bride”), Evangeline accepts an invitation to the Magnificent North as an ambassador.
The North is a land steeped in ancient magic and darker fairytales. Here, Evangeline encounters Jacks again, discovering he’s an exiled Fate with a hidden agenda tied to a powerful, sealed artifact: the Valory Arch. Whispers of a prophecy suggest Evangeline herself might be the “key” destined to open it – a prospect some fear will unleash horror. Jacks manipulates events, orchestrating Evangeline’s whirlwind romance and engagement to the charming Crown Prince Apollo Acadian. Evangeline suspects Apollo’s intense, instant devotion isn’t real but a spell cast by Jacks as part of their bargain and his own mysterious plans.
Torn between duty, fear, and a desire to free Apollo from enchantment, Evangeline marries him. On their wedding night, she kisses him, hoping to break Jacks’s spell as agreed. The spell shatters, but Apollo collapses, seemingly dead. Framed for his murder, Evangeline becomes the “fugitive wrongly accused” from the prophecy. Her only reluctant ally is Jacks himself.
Their desperate quest to clear Evangeline’s name leads them through a labyrinth of lies, curses, and dangerous figures like Chaos, the vampire Lord of Spies. Shocking truths emerge: Marisol confesses to cursing Luc out of jealousy and her stepmother’s cruelty. Luc, found infected with vampire venom, reveals more before Jacks kills him to protect Evangeline.
Ultimately, using truth serum, Evangeline forces a confession from Apollo’s brother, Prince Tiberius, who poisoned Apollo believing Evangeline’s kiss would activate the poison and prevent the prophecy. Evangeline’s name is cleared, but the mysteries of the Valory Arch, Jacks’s true motives, and her own prophesied role remain wide open as she faces her next fateful door.
Key Characters: Who’s Who in the Fairytale?
| Character | Role | Key Arc |
|---|---|---|
| Evangeline Fox | Protagonist | Idealistic believer in love & magic ➔ Heartbroken bargainer ➔ Reluctant princess & prophesied “key” navigating dangerous truths. |
| Jacks | Prince of Hearts (Fate) | Exiled immortal master manipulator ➔ Uses Evangeline for his own ends ➔ Reveals vulnerability & complex motives. |
| Prince Apollo | Crown Prince of the Magnificent North | Charming royal ➔ Bewitched into obsession with Evangeline ➔ Victim of poisoning & prophecy. |
| Marisol | Evangeline’s Stepsister | Timid “Cursed Bride” ➔ Revealed as jealous curser of Luc ➔ Conflicted between remorse & self-preservation, ultimately betraying Evangeline. |
| Luc Navarro | Evangeline’s First Love | Seemingly cursed into engagement with Marisol ➔ Victim of wolf attack ➔ Revealed as pawn, infected by vampire venom. |
| Prince Tiberius | Apollo’s Brother | Impish rebel prince ➔ Revealed as member of the Protectorate ➔ Confesses to poisoning Apollo to stop the Valory Arch prophecy. |
| LaLa | The Unwed Bride (Fate) | Embodies rejection & toxic tears ➔ Vibrant, loyal friend to Evangeline ➔ Holds animosity towards Jacks. |
| Poison | The Poisoner (Fate) | Palace potion master ➔ Revives Evangeline ➔ Provides pragmatic warnings. |
| Chaos | Vampire Lord | Lord of Spies and Assassins ➔ Powerful, ancient, dangerous ➔ Holds secrets about the Valors & Valory Arch. |
| Agnes Tourmaline | Evangeline’s Stepmother | Cruel, socially ambitious ➔ Source of Marisol’s insecurities ➔ Static antagonist. |
Unpacking the Magic: Themes & Tropes
| Element | Description | Example in the Book |
|---|---|---|
| Core Themes | ||
| Hope vs. Cynicism | The battle between Evangeline’s unwavering belief in happy endings and Jacks’s jaded view of love & fate. | Evangeline clinging to her mother’s “infinite endings” vs. Jacks mocking “pathetic” speeches about love. |
| Appearance vs. Reality | The constant deception – people, Fates, news stories, and magic are rarely what they seem. | The “Sweetheart Savior” narrative vs. Evangeline’s guilt; Jacks’s beautiful, tragic facade vs. his cruelty. |
| Cost of Magic | Every spell, bargain, or Fate’s intervention comes with severe, often unforeseen consequences. | Stopping the wedding turns everyone to stone; breaking Apollo’s spell seemingly kills him. |
| Fate vs. Free Will | Can Evangeline choose her own path, or is she bound by the Valory Arch prophecy and Jacks’s machinations? | Her struggle to avoid becoming the “key” while events conspire to push her towards it. |
| Romance Tropes | ||
| Morally Gray LI | Love Interest (Jacks) is charismatic but dangerous, manipulative, and morally ambiguous. | Jacks’s deals, lies, cruelty, yet moments of unexpected (maybe?) softness. |
| Fated Mates | Suggestion of a deep, possibly destined connection between Evangeline and Jacks, despite the danger. | The prophecy link, their intense pull, Jacks’s unusual reactions to her. |
| Love Triangle | Evangeline’s past love (Luc), bewitched suitor (Apollo), and complex connection (Jacks). | Though Luc is past and Apollo bewitched, the dynamics create tension. |
| Key Conflicts | ||
| Man vs. Supernatural | Evangeline navigating the dangerous world of Fates, vampires, and ancient magic. | Bargaining with Jacks, confronting Chaos, dealing with curses. |
| Man vs. Society | Evangeline framed for murder, battling public perception shaped by scandal sheets. | Being hunted as Apollo’s killer; the “Cursed Bride” stigma on Marisol. |
| Man vs. Self | Evangeline’s internal struggle between hope and despair, trust and suspicion. | Questioning if her hope is foolish; deciding whether to trust Jacks (even a little). |
Stephanie Garber: The Storyteller Behind the Magic
Stephanie Garber is the #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author who whisks readers away to worlds where fairytales shimmer with dark edges. Before enchanting readers with Evangeline and Jacks in Once Upon a Broken Heart and its sequels (The Ballad of Never After, A Curse for True Love), she captivated audiences with the dazzling and dangerous trilogy Caraval (Caraval, Legendary, Finale).
Her books, celebrated for their lush imagery, intricate plots, and compelling romantic tension, have been translated into over thirty languages, cementing her status as a powerhouse in young adult fantasy.
Garber’s writing is instantly recognizable for its vivid, sensory-rich descriptions. She paints worlds that feel tangible – from the shockingly white, apple-and-blood scented church of the Prince of Hearts to the misty, myth-soaked landscapes of the Magnificent North, complete with pepper-black dragons searing fish sticks.
Her talent lies in making the fantastical feel immersive and real. She primarily uses a close third-person perspective, often focusing tightly on her protagonist (like Evangeline), allowing readers deep access to their thoughts, fears, and hopes, making their journeys intensely personal.
More Books Summaries of Stephanie Garber:
Your Once Upon a Broken Heart Questions Answered (FAQs)
Is Once Upon a Broken Heart 18+?
No, it’s classified as Young Adult (YA). It contains romantic tension, some violence (magical consequences, vampire themes, poisoning), and emotional intensity, but no explicit adult content.
Can a 13 year old read Once Upon a Broken Heart? Yes, generally.
It’s appropriate for mature middle-grade readers and up (ages 13+). Parents might want to note the themes of heartbreak, manipulation, and peril, but it’s within standard YA boundaries.
What order do you read the Once Upon a Broken Heart series?
Read them in publication order:
Once Upon a Broken Heart
The Ballad of Never After
A Curse for True Love
Does Once Upon a Broken Heart have LGBT+ representation?
The main romance in the first book is heterosexual. The broader series features supporting characters with diverse identities, but significant explicit LGBT+ relationships develop more prominently in the later sequels.
What happens in the end of Once Upon a Broken Heart? (No Spoilers!)
Evangeline clears her name regarding Apollo’s poisoning, uncovering the true culprit. However, Apollo’s fate is left suspended, the Valory Arch prophecy looms larger than ever, and Evangeline’s complex relationship with Jacks reaches a critical turning point, setting up major conflicts for the next book. It’s a satisfying resolution to the immediate mystery but ends on a cliffhanger for the larger story.
Is the Once Upon a Broken Heart series ending sad?
The series (Once Upon a Broken Heart, The Ballad of Never After, A Curse for True Love) is now complete. Without spoiling: The ending is emotionally intense and bittersweet for some characters, but it provides resolution to the central romance and prophecy arcs. Whether it’s purely “happy” or “sad” is subjective and depends on reader interpretation – it’s complex and true to the series’ themes. Expect tears, but also catharsis.
Who is the protagonist?
Evangeline Fox.
Who is the Prince of Hearts?
Jacks, a dangerous and exiled Fate with whom Evangeline makes a perilous bargain.
Is it connected to Caraval?
Yes, it’s set in the same world, occurring after the Caraval trilogy. Characters from Caraval (especially Jacks) appear, but you can start with OUABH.
What is the main conflict?
Evangeline’s struggle against a dark prophecy, her entanglement with the manipulative Jacks, and her fight to find her own happy ending in a world where magic and Fate conspire against her.
Conclusion
Ready to have your heart broken (in the best way)? Stephanie Garber’s Once Upon a Broken Heart is a spellbinding start to a trilogy that masterfully blends hope, heartache, and magic. If you crave a fantasy romance with bite, unforgettable characters, and twists that leave you gasping, this is your next must-read.
Evangeline’s journey is just beginning, and trust us, you’ll want to follow her every step. Grab your copy today and step into the Magnificent North! What fate will you choose?
Get Your Copy
Sources & References
- Amazon’s book page
- Goodreaders’s book page
- Author’s image source: audible.com
- Book Cover: Amazon.com
- Quotes sources: Goodreads
