Once Upon a Broken Heart

Once Upon a Broken Heart

Book • 2021

by Stephanie Garber

The IRRESISTIBLE first novel in the #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING Once Upon a Broken Heart series, about love, curses, and the lengths that people will go to for happily ever after

For as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has believed in true love and happy endings . . . until she learns that the love of her life will marry another.

Desperate to stop the wedding and to heal her wounded heart, Evangeline strikes a deal with the charismatic, but wicked, Prince of Hearts. In exchange for his help, he asks for three kisses, to be given at the time and place of his choosing.

But after Evangeline’s first promised kiss, she learns that bargaining with an immortal is a dangerous game ― and that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than she’d pledged. He has plans for Evangeline, plans that will either end in the greatest happily ever after, or the most exquisite tragedy.

Continue the adventure in The Ballad of Never After, A Curse for True Love, and The Mirror of Infinite Endings!

Also by Stephanie Garber:

The Caraval Series
- Caraval
- Legendary
- Finale

- Spectacular

Alchemy of Secrets

Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Romance
Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Dark Fantasy
Young Adult Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / General
416 pages

Bara says...

Ages 13+, but every child is different

The narrative centers on complex romantic stakes, supernatural deals, and emotional manipulation suitable for teenage readers. It features thematic elements of heartbreak and high-stakes supernatural bargains that require a level of maturity to process.

Content Safety Breakdown

Detailed breakdown of potentially concerning content

Sex & Nudity

2/5

The story features a central romance with romantic tension, yearning, and some passionate kissing between the lead characters. The relationship dynamics are a key plot focus, but the content remains at a young adult literature level.

Violence & Gore

2/5

The narrative includes fantasy-based peril, magical threats, and some stylized action sequences involving curses and conflict. The violence is not graphic, focusing more on the suspense and danger to the characters.

Profanity

1/5

The language is very mild, consisting mostly of occasional uses of words like d*mn or h*ll in character dialogue. These terms are used very infrequently and typically for emphasis rather than as strong insults.

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking

1/5

There are occasional references to social drinking at events like balls or celebrations. No substance abuse or significant drug themes are present in the narrative.

Frightening Scenes

2/5

The story relies on a dark, fairytale atmosphere with themes of curses, betrayal, and psychological manipulation. Younger readers may find the magical stakes and the manipulative nature of the antagonist to be somewhat intense.

Key Insights

Quick summary and important considerations

A story about a girl who makes a risky deal with a magical prince to fix her broken heart, teaching the value of thinking before you act.

Content Warnings

Emotional manipulation
Thematic obsession

Detailed Analysis

In-depth insights for parents and educators

What Parents Need to Know

The book features a fantasy setting with high emotional intensity, manipulation, and the potential for dark, tragic outcomes.

What Kids Can Learn

Readers examine how emotional pain can cloud one's judgment and influence poor decision-making.

Key Topics Discussed

Romantic obsession
Supernatural contracts
Emotional maturity

Why Parents Might Like It

The writing serves as an accessible entry point into fantasy fiction with strong atmospheric world-building.

Positives & Learning

What makes this content valuable for children

Positive Messages

3/5

Encourages self-advocacy and the critical importance of scrutinizing agreements before finalizing them.

Positive Role Models

3/5

The protagonist demonstrates determination in the face of rejection, though she often makes impulsive decisions for love.

Diverse Representations

1/5

No specific cultural, ethnic, or identity diversity indicated in available information.

Educational Value

2/5

Promotes reading comprehension and analysis of thematic consequences in literature.

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