Once Upon a Broken Heart
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Once Upon a Broken Heart
Once Upon a Broken Heart is the first installment in Stephanie Garber's young adult fantasy series, set in the same whimsical universe as her Caraval trilogy. The story follows Evangeline Fox, a young woman who believes in true love and happy endings until her beloved is set to marry another. In her desperation, Evangeline makes a dangerous bargain with Jacks, the enigmatic and powerful Prince of Hearts, a Fate known for his fatal kisses and unpredictable nature. The narrative weaves together themes of romance, magic, and destiny as Evangeline navigates a world filled with immortal beings, ancient curses, and perilous quests to achieve her own version of happily ever after, or face an exquisite tragedy. The book is designed for a young adult audience, exploring emotional depth and complex relationships within a fantastical setting.
Things to Consider
Witchcraft & Occult
Witchcraft and occult themes are central to the story, involving powerful immortal beings known as Fates, magical bargains, curses, spells, and the introduction of supernatural creatures like vampires.
Evangeline makes a deal with Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, an immortal Fate, to alter events, which is a core magical bargain. Characters also engage in self-mutilation, 'cutting themselves with knives to use their blood to do something magical.' Marisol uses a 'love potion' created from a spell book to enchant Luc. The plot also introduces vampires, creatures with supernatural abilities and dark associations.
Anti-Christian Themes
The book features prominent themes of interacting with pagan-like deities and Fates, using magic, and making bargains with supernatural entities, which are contrary to traditional Christian teachings. The concept of praying to a 'Prince of Hearts' in a 'church' setting blends religious imagery with pagan practices.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Ages 14 and up. This recommendation is based on the presence of mild violence, including descriptions of injuries and vampire activity, some romantic tension and kissing, infrequent mild profanity, and significant themes of magic and dealings with supernatural entities known as Fates.
Good to Know
The series is a spin-off of the Caraval series, and some readers recommend reading Caraval first for a fuller understanding of the world and characters. The content progression across the series is noted to intensify romantic tension, but core content concerns remain consistent with the first book's established themes.
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