Stephanie Garber

I wasn’t certain what to expect with Stephanie Garber’s Once Upon a Broken Heart. I loved the Caraval series and was happy with how she ended that story. So I didn’t know if I wanted to read more about any of the characters. Still, what I got more than exceeded my expectations.

Steamy and twisty, Once Upon a Broken Heart is everything I loved about the Caraval world and more. This time, we get to learn more about everyone’s favorite heartbreaker, Jacks. His origin story is one of the show more more tragic within Caraval, so I was looking forward to learning more about him and see him interact with more than just the sisters.

In one of the only issues I have with the story, Once Upon a Broken Heart spends more focus on a new heroine than on Jacks. While Evangaline is a perfectly fine heroine, she is a little too nice. In fact, I received clear Cinderella vibes with her nasty stepmother, dead father, the questionable stepsister, and the many, many sacrifices Evangaline makes for her family. Personally, I would like to see Evangaline driven by more than a need for love, but I still enjoyed her story.

That doesn’t mean I don’t want more Jacks. If this is Jacks’ story, as Ms. Garber said on social media, then I want more of him. His scenes were so much fun. Mysterious, sexy, alluring – they were everything I hoped they would be. Because of that, I cannot wait to see how his story ends. show less

4.5 stars

I am completely enraptured by the world Stephanie Garber has created. It’s incredible. She’s able to weave a story that truly has you questioning everything you think you know. I thought I had things figured out about half way into this book… everything may seem real but it’s Caraval! That’s the point! Or is it actually real?

I loved Tella way more than I expected to. She has way more depth to her than I initially thought. She’s braver than she lets people believe and show more the story between her and Dante completely sucked me in.

And now I know who Legend is!! This is yet another topic I was tossing around in my head and never felt like I had a good answer for.

I loved the ending, loved the twists and turns, loved the tension, and I LOVE the Caraval series so much show less

Stephanie Garber’s Caraval didn’t just pull me into a story—it swept me off my feet, spun me through a kaleidoscope of illusions, and left me breathless in the best way possible. I picked it up expecting a whimsical fantasy, but what I got was a full-body immersion into a world so lush, so intoxicating, it felt like falling into a velvet-lined rabbit hole where every twist shimmered with danger and delight.

From the very first page, Garber’s prose casts a spell. Her writing is show more decadent and cinematic—colors bloom, scents linger, and emotions crackle like fireworks. The setting of Caraval itself is a masterpiece: a performance where the audience becomes the players, and nothing is quite what it seems. It’s part masquerade, part mind game, part fever dream. I found myself second-guessing everything, just like Scarlett, the protagonist, who is both relatable and refreshingly complex. Her fierce love for her sister Tella is the beating heart of the novel, and watching her unravel the secrets of Caraval while navigating her own fears and desires was utterly gripping.

And Julian. Oh, Julian. The mysterious sailor with secrets stitched into his smile. The chemistry between him and Scarlett is electric, but never overshadows the deeper themes of trust, autonomy, and sacrifice. Their dynamic is layered and slow-burning, and I was completely invested in every stolen glance and sharp exchange.

Garber’s genius lies in how she balances whimsy with menace. Caraval is beautiful, yes—but it’s also dangerous. The stakes are real, the consequences chilling, and the line between performance and reality is razor-thin. I loved how the book constantly challenged my assumptions. Every time I thought I had it figured out, Garber flipped the script and left me gasping.

This is not just a story—it’s an experience. A sensory overload in the best way. I felt like I was living inside a painting made of secrets and starlight. And when I turned the final page, I didn’t just want more—I needed it.

If you love stories that feel like they were written with a paintbrush dipped in moonlight and mischief, Caraval is your ticket. Just remember: don’t get swept too far away.

Welcome, welcome indeed. show less

Overall, this was an interesting book. I was definitely kept intrigued by what was going on. It wasn't a simple breadcrumb plotline - there was so much to unravel, I'd never have guessed how it ended. I liked the atmosphere of the book a ton. All the descriptions of carnival-like actors and shops, different forms of currency outside of money, and extravagant outfits/decor made for nice visuals as I read. I also enjoyed reading from the POV of a girl with synesthesia!

That being said, I didn't show more particualarly enjoy or relate to the characters, which made it a labor to get through at times. To be honest, Scarlet was a bit dull and ignorant a lot of times, Tella was too self-centered and immature, and Julian just seemed like a less established/convincing Jacks. Like the Wish.com version.

I also found the plot to be weirdly dark in contrast to the way it was written and all the description. Which isn't necessarily bad, it just felt... odd sometimes. I will also say, the jump was brutal. Not a fan. The ending felt like that community episode where everyone's acting, trying to teach everyone else a lesson, so you end up having no idea what's real or fake. Which would fit the idea of the book, except that it just didn't feel very well planned. For example, why not just kill that absolute mambajamba, their father? Why resort to some elaborate plot? Just stab him for being an abuser and get it over with.

But I look forward to seeing where the next book goes. I am 100% interested in seeing Jacks again, and hearing about that story.

I give Rebecca Soler 4/5⭐️'s. As I've stated many times, she sounds too much like a little girl too often. Also, when she screams/has a lot of emotion, it's not only too loud, but is overdone & doesn't fit the vibe. And again with the stuffy nose thing at times. But generally, she provides a solid read. I really prefer when she's narrating, it's just the dialogue that I tend to take issue with. show less