Once Upon A Broken Heart Jun 2026

Jacks was originally the antagonist in Caraval . He was the villain who tried to trick the main characters. In Once Upon a Broken Heart , Garber retcons his story slightly, giving him a tragic backstory ( The Ballad of the Archer and the Fox ). Readers who finish the trilogy will likely return to Caraval to see Jacks as the monster, which makes his redemption in this series hit even harder.

"I have a bargain to fulfill," Evangeline reminded him, her heart doing a nervous dance against her ribs. "You promised to help me find the second key to the Valor Arch." Once Upon a Broken Heart

Evangeline makes a deal: In exchange for stopping Luc’s wedding, she will give Jacks three kisses. Not on the lips—she isn’t suicidal—but on the cheek, the hand, or the forehead. It seems like a simple transaction. Jacks was originally the antagonist in Caraval

, to be given at the time and place of Jacks’ choosing. But as Evangeline soon learns, bargaining with a Fate is a dangerous game where every wish comes with a hidden cost. Why You’ll Be Obsessed Once Upon A Broken Heart | Stephanie Garber - NetGalley UK Readers who finish the trilogy will likely return

Their dynamic is defined by sacrifice. Jacks repeatedly saves Evangeline, not because he wants to, but because he can’t stop himself . He tells her he is incapable of love, yet he cries tears of blood when she is hurt. He steals her first kiss (on a ferris wheel) knowing it will build a magical bond, even though it tortures him.

The quote that defines the series comes from the final book, A Curse for True Love :

Evangeline is a refreshing change from the cynical heroines of modern fantasy. She wants to be a damsel, but only so she can save herself. Her greatest strength is her relentless optimism. She consistently chooses love and hope, even when the world tells her she is foolish. This isn't naivety; it is a radical act of defiance in a world designed to break her.