Explore the enchanting world of Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber with this detailed summary and character guide. Perfect for fantasy lovers and fans of the Caraval series.
Once Upon A Broken Heart Chapter Summary By Stephanie Garber
Summary of Once Upon A Broken Heart By Stephanie Garber
Characters Description of Once Upon A Broken Heart
Evangeline Fox : An innocent and imaginative girl who has a deep belief in true love. She wants to live like a fairy tale and makes a dangerous deal to heal her broken heart.
Jacks (Prince of Hearts) : A mysterious, charismatic and emotionally wounded Fate. He plays with people’s hearts, but is himself broken by loneliness.
Luc Navarro : Evangeline’s first love, who is about to betray her and marry her stepsister Marisol.
Marisol Fox : Evangeline’s stepsister, who has the image of a loving sister, but the ambition and cunning hidden within her is gradually revealed.
Apollo : A prince of the Acadian North, to whom Evangeline’s story connects. Seemingly perfect, but with many secrets hidden behind his life.
LaLa : Another Fate, who is charming and complex. She is Jacks’ companion and appears several times in Evangeline’s journey.
Story Begins – From Heartbreak to Fateful Deal
The story begins with a twist where Evangeline Fox learns that her lover Luc is now going to marry her own half-sister Marisol. This shock breaks Evangeline from within. She believes that this cannot be true love – there must be a spell or something is wrong.
To save her love story, she takes a dangerous step. She goes to the Prince of Hearts, Jacks – a Fate who plays with emotions and fate.
Evangeline asks Jacks for help to stop Luc’s wedding. Jacks agrees to help, but asks for three “kisses” in return — he doesn’t say from whom or when.
This is where fate and emotion come into play in the story.
The Result – The Wedding Is Stopped, But With Tragedy
Evangeline’s goal was to stop the wedding, but Jacks’ method was extremely strange and dangerous. On the day of the wedding, all the guests turn to stone. This incident shocks everyone and Evangeline is accused of witchcraft.
She is arrested. She goes on trial. But receives a mysterious and unexpected pardon and is then sent to a new world — the Kingdom of the North.
The Magical World of the North – New Beginnings and New Conspiracies
The North is a place where fairy tales are believed to be true. Fate is still alive and the echoes of old magic are felt. Here Evangeline gets a chance to rediscover herself.
She arrives at the Magnificent North Palace, where she is invited to take part in palace life. There she meets Apollo Acadian — a prince who seems perfect but harbors many secrets.
Jacks Returns and New Riddles
Evangeline thinks Jacks is gone from her life, but he doesn’t. He mysteriously reappears — sometimes helping, sometimes misleading.
This time around, Jacks and Evangeline’s relationship has both a strange attraction and tension. Evangeline is drawn to Jacks’ sadness and loneliness, but she knows that trusting Jacks completely can be dangerous.
Evangeline is conflicted — she relies on Jacks’ help and is also suspicious of him.
Marisol and Luc’s Truth Revealed
As Evangeline explores the world of the North, she uncovers truths about her past:
Marisol really did use magic or trickery to get Luc.
Luc’s love for her was not as deep as Evangeline thought.
He is not just a loving sister, but an ambitious and selfish person.
These truths don’t break Evangeline, but make her stronger.
Mysteries and New Tricks About Apollo
Evangeline grows closer to Prince Apollo. They form a political alliance and personal bond. But then Apollo is the victim of a mysterious death — and suspicion falls on Jacks.
Now Evangeline is faced with many questions:
What is the real reason for Apollo’s death?
Is Jacks really her sidekick or a mastermind?
Is she destined for more than broken hearts and betrayal?
Final Twist – A Sign of a New Power
As the story draws to a close, Evangeline feels some strange changes in herself — like something different is running through her veins. Is there a power within her?
Jacks takes certain actions to save her that reveal his true feelings. Perhaps, he too has a heart that beats for Evangeline — but he is afraid to admit it.
The story comes to a halt at a mysterious turning point — where Fate, Feelings, and Future are all tangled together.
Main Themes and Messages
Theme Meaning
A broken heart can also be a beginning The story shows that a broken heart can create a new direction in life.
Balance between trust and fear Jacks and Evangeline’s relationship reflects this struggle.
The truth is not seen, it is felt Evangeline slowly realizes the truth about Marisol and Luke.
The heroine’s self-growth as Evangeline grows from an innocent girl to a brave, independent woman.
Love isn’t always easy, but if it’s true, it can change everything.
Conclusion – A fairy tale that touches the heart
“Once Upon a Broken Heart” isn’t just a fairy tale. It’s an inner journey – from heartbreak to self-discovery. Evangeline’s journey teaches us that stories are sometimes truer than reality.
Jack’s sadness and mystery, Evangeline’s innocence and courage, and the magical world of the North – all combine to create a story you can’t forget.
FAQs – Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
1. What is the story of Once Upon a Broken Heart about?
The novel follows Evangeline Fox, a hopeful romantic who turns to the Prince of Hearts, Jacks, to stop the wedding of her true love. But her deal with Jacks unravels a magical world filled with dangerous secrets, where every wish has a price.
2. Is this book connected to the Caraval series?
Yes, it takes place in the same universe as the Caraval trilogy. However, it starts a brand-new story with new characters. While it includes Jacks from the original series, it can be read without reading Caraval.
3. Who are the main characters in the novel?
The key characters include:
Evangeline Fox – A brave, curious girl searching for true love.
Jacks (Prince of Hearts) – A cunning and emotionally complex Fate.
Marisol Tourmaline – Evangeline’s stepsister, with secrets of her own.
Luc Navarro – Evangeline’s former love interest whose choices drive the plot.
4. Is the book appropriate for teenagers?
Yes, the book is suitable for readers aged 14 and older. It includes romance, fantasy, and mild emotional tension, but nothing graphic or inappropriate for young adults.
5. Do I have to read Caraval before this book?
No, prior reading of Caraval isn’t required. Once Upon a Broken Heart is a standalone series that introduces new characters and a fresh storyline, though familiarity with Jacks enhances the experience.
6. Is this book part of a series or a standalone?
It is part of a trilogy. The complete series includes:
Book 1: Once Upon a Broken Heart
Book 2: The Ballad of Never After
Book 3: A Curse for True Love
7. What are the major themes explored in this book?
The novel touches on deep themes such as heartbreak, fate, desire, betrayal, and the risks we take for love. It also questions whether true love is destiny—or a dangerous illusion.
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