Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Caraval spin-off has more magic and less character appeal.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 46 kid reviews
Kids say the book is an enchanting and impactful read that resonates with many young readers, showcasing a beautiful romance and strong character development, especially through the struggles of the protagonist, Evangeline. While some reviewers noted mild inappropriate content, most agree it is suitable for ages 12 and up and recommend it for its clean, fairy-tale-like storytelling and emotional depth.
- emotional depth
- clean romance
- captivating characters
- appropriate for teens
- impactful storytelling
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In ONCE UPON A BROKEN HEART, Evangeline gets her heart stomped on by Luc, a boy who suddenly falls for her stepsister Marisol and plans a hasty marriage. Evangeline will do anything to stop the wedding, even beg for help from one of the most unpredictable Fates, the Prince of Hearts. Unfortunately, the Prince of Hearts' version of help is turning the wedding party into stone. Now the only way for Evangeline to save everyone is to drink a potion and turn to stone herself. Two weeks later, she's revived by the Poisoner Fate and considered the kingdom's new hero. Empress Scarlett is so impressed that she offers to send Evangeline as her emissary to the kingdom in the north where the crown prince is choosing his bride in a series of fancy parties. Luc has gone missing, Evangeline is still heartbroken, and she hasn't finished fulfilling her dangerous bargain with the Prince of Hearts, but there's no refusing an empress.
Is It Any Good?
Fans of the Caraval series will be immediately drawn into this spinoff series, but more by the magic, ballgowns, and twisty intrigue than by the new main character. The Fates and their magic remain from the Caraval series, especially the troublesome and irresistible Prince of Hearts, but there's more magic in store in the Magnificent North where stories and enchanted archways hold a mysterious power. There's also power in attending balls and attracting the attention of the gossip rags and handsome princes. It's too bad for Evangeline, the main character, that she can't tell if anyone's affections or intentions are real, not when she's made a bargain with heartless Prince of Hearts that makes her his puppet on command.
Sadly, this bargain is not the only way Evangeline lacks power as the hero. She also seems to be along for the ride in a whirlwind romance with the northern prince, and who cares if she doesn't love him and doesn't understand why he's suddenly so into her? She's on her way to being a queen. Who wouldn't want that? The answer will be many readers who don't think being shallow is all that remarkable as a personality trait. She does start to come around, though, when the gossip rags turn on her and she's in mortal danger facing an even more dangerous Fate. Perhaps she'll grow into her hero role as the series continues and her ties to a prophecy and some forbidden magic are finally revealed.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the gossip newspapers in Once Upon a Broken Heart. How do they skew the truth? How do they sway popular opinion? Why do you think everyone in both kingdoms reads them?
What do you think of Evangeline as a female hero? Is Jacks correct that she can be a hero or have "happily ever after"? Do you think she can have both?
Will you read the next in the series? How does it compare so far with the Caraval trilogy?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Flatiron Books
- Publication date : September 28, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 416
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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