Once Upon a Broken Heart
8.12 / 10 659K ratings
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2021
- Publisher
- Flatiron Books
- Pages
- 408
- ISBN
- 9781250268396
For as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has believed in happily ever after. But when she learns the love of her life is to marry another, her dream is shattered. Desperate to stop the wedding, she makes a deal with the wicked Prince of Hearts, a charismatic and mythical immortal. He asks for three kisses in exchange for his help, to be given at the time and place of his choosing.
But bargaining with an immortal is a dangerous game. Evangeline soon discovers that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than just a few kisses, and his plans for her could lead to the greatest happiness she has ever known or the most exquisite tragedy. This story of love, curses, and the lengths people will go to for their own happy ending explores a magical world of intricate bargains and unforeseen consequences, where a broken heart might just be the most powerful weapon of all.
But bargaining with an immortal is a dangerous game. Evangeline soon discovers that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than just a few kisses, and his plans for her could lead to the greatest happiness she has ever known or the most exquisite tragedy. This story of love, curses, and the lengths people will go to for their own happy ending explores a magical world of intricate bargains and unforeseen consequences, where a broken heart might just be the most powerful weapon of all.
Subjects
- Fantasy
- Epic
- Romance
- Magical Realism
- Fiction
- Paranormal
- Performing Arts
- Folklore & Mythology
- Children's fiction
- Social Science
- Young Adult Fiction
- Fairy Tales & Folklore
- Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology
- American literature
- Dark Fantasy
- Paranormal, Occult & Supernatural
- New York Times bestseller
- YOUNG ADULT FICTION
Original edition
Once Upon a Broken HeartOriginally published in 2021 English Macmillan Trade
Other editions (13)
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
Evangeline Fox, with her striking rose gold hair and an unwavering belief in true love, found her world shattering when the man she adored, Luc, was set to marry her stepsister, Marisol. Convinced that a cruel enchantment must be at play to steal her happily ever after, a desperate plea led her to the opulent, shadowed church of the Prince of Hearts. There, amidst the whispers of ancient magic and dangerous Fates, she struck a perilous bargain with Jacks, the enigmatic and wickedly charming Prince. In exchange for his intervention to halt the wedding, she promised him three kisses, to be claimed whenever and however he chose.
The Prince of Hearts, true to his word, stopped the wedding, though not in the way Evangeline might have imagined. With a chilling display of power, he turned the entire wedding party to stone. Horrified and guilt-ridden, Evangeline, in an act of selfless love, offered herself as a sacrifice to reverse the curse, unknowingly stepping further into Jacks's intricate, manipulative game. She soon learned that dealing with a Fate, especially one as ancient and unpredictable as Jacks, came with a price far greater than she could have foreseen. His motives were shrouded in mystery, hinting at an ancient prophecy and a hidden agenda that involved her directly.
Her journey then led her to the magnificent, glittering realm of the North, a land brimming with its own secrets and dangers. She found herself swept into the elaborate preparations for the Nocte Neverending, a grand celebration where the Crown Prince sought a bride. It was here that she encountered Prince Apollo Acadian, a man whose earnest gaze and genuine affection offered a stark contrast to Jacks's shadowed allure. Yet, even Apollo's seemingly pure devotion was not entirely his own; it was a carefully orchestrated enchantment, a subtle manipulation by Jacks, who had entwined their destinies with an enchanted kiss.
As Evangeline navigated the treacherous currents of court intrigue and burgeoning feelings, she began to unravel the tangled web of deceptions. Her own stepsister, Marisol, proved to be far from the innocent victim Evangeline had always perceived, having used powerful love spells to ensnare both Luc and, later, Apollo's brother, Tiberius. The very foundations of her understanding of love and loyalty crumbled. When she finally confronted Luc, he was a shadow of his former self, a newly bitten vampire, bewitched and abandoned by Marisol, and in a brutal turn of events, Jacks delivered a fatal blow to him.
The whispers of a prophecy surrounding the Valory Arch, an ancient, powerful artifact, began to haunt Evangeline, foretelling a strawberry blond-haired girl as the key to its unlocking. She realized Jacks had been using her, not for love, but to fulfill his own dark desires connected to this prophecy. The climax arrived with a heart-wrenching twist: in a desperate attempt to save Apollo, Evangeline shared a kiss with him, a kiss that, instead of saving, seemed to seal his demise, leaving her accused of murder and plunged into utter despair.
Yet, the truth, as always in this world of Fates and magic, was far more convoluted. Apollo was not truly dead, but caught in a suspended state, a consequence of the intricate magic at play. Evangeline, her heart now truly broken, was left to piece together the fragments of truth and lies, questioning everything and everyone around her, especially Jacks. Her journey, initially a quest for a fairytale ending, had transformed into a perilous path of self-discovery, where the lines between hero and villain, love and manipulation, blurred with every treacherous step. Her story, she realized, was far from over, holding the potential for infinite endings, both blissful and tragic.
The Prince of Hearts, true to his word, stopped the wedding, though not in the way Evangeline might have imagined. With a chilling display of power, he turned the entire wedding party to stone. Horrified and guilt-ridden, Evangeline, in an act of selfless love, offered herself as a sacrifice to reverse the curse, unknowingly stepping further into Jacks's intricate, manipulative game. She soon learned that dealing with a Fate, especially one as ancient and unpredictable as Jacks, came with a price far greater than she could have foreseen. His motives were shrouded in mystery, hinting at an ancient prophecy and a hidden agenda that involved her directly.
Her journey then led her to the magnificent, glittering realm of the North, a land brimming with its own secrets and dangers. She found herself swept into the elaborate preparations for the Nocte Neverending, a grand celebration where the Crown Prince sought a bride. It was here that she encountered Prince Apollo Acadian, a man whose earnest gaze and genuine affection offered a stark contrast to Jacks's shadowed allure. Yet, even Apollo's seemingly pure devotion was not entirely his own; it was a carefully orchestrated enchantment, a subtle manipulation by Jacks, who had entwined their destinies with an enchanted kiss.
As Evangeline navigated the treacherous currents of court intrigue and burgeoning feelings, she began to unravel the tangled web of deceptions. Her own stepsister, Marisol, proved to be far from the innocent victim Evangeline had always perceived, having used powerful love spells to ensnare both Luc and, later, Apollo's brother, Tiberius. The very foundations of her understanding of love and loyalty crumbled. When she finally confronted Luc, he was a shadow of his former self, a newly bitten vampire, bewitched and abandoned by Marisol, and in a brutal turn of events, Jacks delivered a fatal blow to him.
The whispers of a prophecy surrounding the Valory Arch, an ancient, powerful artifact, began to haunt Evangeline, foretelling a strawberry blond-haired girl as the key to its unlocking. She realized Jacks had been using her, not for love, but to fulfill his own dark desires connected to this prophecy. The climax arrived with a heart-wrenching twist: in a desperate attempt to save Apollo, Evangeline shared a kiss with him, a kiss that, instead of saving, seemed to seal his demise, leaving her accused of murder and plunged into utter despair.
Yet, the truth, as always in this world of Fates and magic, was far more convoluted. Apollo was not truly dead, but caught in a suspended state, a consequence of the intricate magic at play. Evangeline, her heart now truly broken, was left to piece together the fragments of truth and lies, questioning everything and everyone around her, especially Jacks. Her journey, initially a quest for a fairytale ending, had transformed into a perilous path of self-discovery, where the lines between hero and villain, love and manipulation, blurred with every treacherous step. Her story, she realized, was far from over, holding the potential for infinite endings, both blissful and tragic.
What other readers say
Liked
Many readers found Once Upon a Broken Heart to be an enchanting and magical journey, praising its vivid and imaginative world-building that felt like a true fairytale. The atmosphere was often described as dreamy and captivating, drawing readers into a whimsical setting filled with lore, curses, and unique magic. The book's short chapters and fast pacing contributed to a highly engaging and unputdownable reading experience, with many finishing it in a single sitting. Reviewers frequently highlighted the compelling characters, particularly Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, who was lauded for his alluring, morally grey, and manipulative yet undeniably charismatic nature. His complex dynamic with the hopeful and kind-hearted protagonist, Evangeline, was a significant draw, creating palpable tension and an exciting "enemies-to-lovers" appeal. The writing style was often celebrated as lyrical, beautiful, and enthralling, successfully weaving together mystery, magic, and romance with unexpected twists and turns that kept readers invested.
Disliked
However, some readers found the book to be a confused and frustrating experience. A common criticism centered on the protagonist, Evangeline, who was often perceived as annoyingly naive, wishy-washy, and overly passive, with things happening to her rather than because of her. Supporting characters, including Jacks for some, were sometimes deemed one-dimensional or lacking in substance, serving more as tropes than fully developed individuals. The plot itself was frequently described as disjointed and chaotic, lacking clear structure and veering into bizarre, unexplained elements, such as the sudden introduction of vampires that made little sense to some. Critics also pointed out instances of "telling" rather than "showing," with heavy-handed info-dumps and a reliance on dialogue to convey crucial plot points, which detracted from the narrative flow. For some, the fast pacing occasionally felt rushed, hindering emotional depth, while others felt the book contained too many unanswered questions and plot threads, primarily serving as setup for future installments.
In short
Ultimately, Once Upon a Broken Heart elicits a wide range of opinions, from fervent adoration to significant disappointment. While many found it to be a spectacularly imaginative and romantic fantasy, others felt it lacked substance and coherence. The book appears to shine brightest for readers who appreciate a lighthearted, fairytale-esque narrative with a strong focus on a captivating, morally ambiguous male lead and an engaging romantic dynamic. It would appeal to those who enjoy whimsical fantasy with a quick pace and don't mind a protagonist who learns and grows from her naivety. However, readers seeking deep character development, intricate and logical world-building, or a tightly structured plot with minimal loose ends might find it less satisfying. It is particularly recommended for fans of the author's previous works or those looking for a charming, character-driven fantasy romance with a touch of magic and mystery.
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