Introduction
This book is the third part of the “Once Upon a Broken Heart” series by Stephanie Garber, who is also the author of the Caraval series.
Plot Overview
The story revolves around Jacks, a Fate; Apollo, the Prince of the North; and Evangeline, who arrives in the North hoping to find her true happy ending. Evangeline has lost all her memories and believes she has found true love because she is married to Prince Apollo. However, she doesn’t remember the price she paid for this fairytale or what she has lost. Apollo is determined to ensure she never discovers the truth.
My Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Set in a fairytale-like setting, this book transports you into an ethereal world where you can almost smell the cookies the author describes. The whimsical world Garber creates feels surreal and comforting, like stepping back into childhood and revisiting beloved fairy tales.
Jacks is portrayed as a cruel and tormented villain, weary of his curse that causes him to kill everyone he kisses. He has given up on love and believes he doesn’t deserve it. Evangeline, having lost her memories, is kept in the dark by Apollo, who is determined to hide the truth from her. Yet, when Evangeline meets Jacks, she feels a longing she can’t quite place, even though she knows it’s wrong because she’s married.
Apollo works hard to convince everyone that Jacks is a monster, rallying all of the North against him.
The story starts slowly, with Evangeline trying to regain her memories. At times, it feels like being stuck in traffic—frustratingly slow with little progression.
The magic, a key element of the fantasy genre, is also noticeably lacking, making the book feel more like an ordinary rom-com rather than a fantasy novel.
While the characters are well-portrayed, the romantic chemistry between Jacks and Evangeline fell flat. It’s hard to pinpoint when they fell in love—was it during their moments of conflict and coldness? Their scenes together are too few, and they’re often apart.
I also expected a dramatic moment when Evangeline regains her memories, but it happens too easily, without the emotional punch or dramatic flair I anticipated.
Moreover, Jacks often feels sidelined in this book, almost like a secondary character rather than a main one.
After two cliffhangers in the previous books, the series concludes with a sweet but unsatisfying ending. I was left wondering what was going on in Jacks’s head, as the author misses the opportunity to delve into his thoughts. Sadly, we’re left without answers.
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