Author of the Caraval series Stephanie Garber returns with a new series that combines both new and familiar characters. After losing her father, Evangeline Fox lives a Cinderella-like existence with an evil stepmother and unfriendly stepsister. Her only respite is in the boy she loves and longs to one day marry. She and Luc meet in stolen moments until one day he no longer answers her letters.

When Evangeline hears that Luc is to marry her stepsister, she becomes desperate and convinced that he has been cursed. She turns to the infamous Fate, the Prince of Hearts, asking him to stop the wedding. He promises to do so in exchange for three kisses given to the recipient of his choosing at the time of his choosing. Evangeline knows of the danger of bargaining with a Fate, but in her desperation she agrees. Her choice sets her on a path full of adventure and danger with the constant threat of the Prince of Hearts hanging over her head.

It was exciting to read a new book in the Caraval universe that kept that series’s fantastical imagery without being set during the Caraval. While Garber’s other books all occurred during the magical Caraval games, this book was distinguished by its separation from the games. It did not take place in one setting like the Caraval books. Evangeline traveled to the distant Kingdom of the North in this book, further expanding the setting of Garber’s books. This book showed how magic is everywhere in the world that Garber has created. 

This book revealed more of that world with ideas such as stories that couldn’t be told outside of a country’s borders and street vendors selling apples roasted by pet dragons. There are vampires and magic poisoners and vain princes. Evangeline herself is seen as a magical heroine by her kingdom after she takes drastic action to save her first love. I enjoyed the descriptions of the magic and romance in this book. 

Evangeline’s constant belief that she has control over her own destiny as she barters with Fates and cheats death is exciting to read about and sets her apart from Garber’s other heroines. While all of Garber’s heroines are courageous and strong, Evageline has a unique conviction that she can change her Fate and a lack of fear when it comes to the Fates. Her mother’s lessons where she was taught that everyone has the power to make small decisions that change their future instill Evangeline with a special power and she never feels hopeless.

While I greatly enjoyed the Caraval series, I liked this book more than any of them. The many characters and ideas in the Caraval series were difficult for me to remember. In contrast this book was an easy read that told a new fantasy narrative in a familiar way. I would give this book nine out of ten stars. It was a quick and engaging read that I would recommend to romance and fantasy lovers as it is a perfect combination of the two.

Check out Once Upon A Broken Heart from the Newport Beach Public Library!