Journey to Enchanting Worlds with 20 Books Like “Once Upon a Broken Heart”
“Once Upon a Broken Heart” by Stephanie Garber has become a treasure among fans for its inventive world-building, intricate plot, and profound characters. This magical tale of Evangeline Fox—a resilient protagonist who makes a desperate deal with the Prince of Hearts, a charming yet dangerous figure from folklore—has us yearning for more fantastical adventures.
If you’ve been captivated by Evangeline’s journey and are seeking books like “Once Upon a Broken Heart,” we’ve curated a list of 20 stories that evoke similar thematic depth, magical elements, and compelling narratives.
1. “Caraval” by Stephanie Garber
In Caraval, two sisters escape from their cruel father to participate in a legendary game where nothing is what it seems.
Elements in common with “Once Upon a Broken Heart”:
- Vibrant, whimsical world crafted by the same author.
- A daring heroine on a life-changing journey.
- A richly woven storyline involving games, danger, and magic.
2. “Legendborn” by Tracy Deonn
After Bree’s mother dies, she discovers a secret society responsible for her death and vows to uncover the truth.
Elements in common with “Once Upon a Broken Heart”:
- A strong female protagonist dealing with loss.
- A blend of contemporary and fantasy elements.
- Secrets, intrigue, and powerful alliances.
3. “Stardust” by Neil Gaiman Young
Tristran Thorn embarks on a magical journey to bring back a fallen star for his beloved, revealing a captivating world beyond the Wall.
Elements in common with “Once Upon a Broken Heart”:
- A magical world that blurs reality and fantasy
- Themes of love and adventure.
- A complex, evolving protagonist.
4. “Daughter of Smoke & Bone” by Laini Taylor
In this enchanting tale, Karou leads a double life – one as an art student in Prague and another working for a monstrous creature who deals in wishes.
Elements in common with “Once Upon a Broken Heart”:
- A captivating fantasy world that parallels reality.
- A strong female protagonist with secrets.
- Themes of love, identity, and ethereal creatures.
5. “Sorcery of Thorns” by Margaret Rogerson
Raised as a foundling in one of Austermeer’s Great Libraries, Elisabeth has grown up among the tools of sorcery. But her peaceful life is disrupted when a disaster releases some of the library’s most dangerous grimoires.
Elements in common with “Once Upon a Broken Heart”:
- Magical elements intertwined with everyday life.
- A brave heroine battling against dark forces.
- Intricately woven plot involving adventure and self-discovery.
6. “A Curse So Dark and Lonely” by Brigid Kemmerer
In a modern retelling of the Beauty and Beast tale, Harper, a girl struggling in the modern world, is whisked away to an enchanted kingdom to break a cruel prince’s curse.
Elements in common with “Once Upon a Broken Heart”:
- Classic tale revamped with a twist.
- A courageous protagonist navigating a magical realm.
- Dark curses, sacrifice, and unanticipated love.
7. “The Star-Touched Queen” by Roshani Chokshi
Maya, cursed with a horoscope that promises a marriage of Death and Destruction, is married off to Amar, the king of Akaran, and uncovers numerous secrets about herself and her kingdom.
Elements in common with “Once Upon a Broken Heart”:
- Mythological and celestial elements with a magical touch.
- A heroine discovering her strength and destiny.
- Themes of love, fate, and power.
8. “Strange the Dreamer” by Laini Taylor
Lazlo Strange, a war orphan and junior librarian, is obsessed with the mythical lost city of Weep. His dream becomes reality when he joins an extraordinary quest to the city.
Elements in common with “Once Upon a Broken Heart”:
- A story steeped in mythology and magic.
- Exploring the power and impact of dreams.
- Larger-than-life adventures that transform the protagonist’s life.
9. “An Enchantment of Ravens” by Margaret Rogerson
Isobel, a master painter, lands in trouble when her portrait of a faerie prince angers the faerie court. To save her life, she must stand trial for her alleged crimes.
Elements in common with “Once Upon a Broken Heart”:
- The intersection of the human world and a dangerous magical realm.
- Power dynamics and enchantments that play a significant role.
- A central forbidden romance.
10. “The Shadows Between Us” by Tricia Levenseller
Alessandra’s plan to woo, marry, and kill the king gets complicated when she ends up falling for him.
Elements in common with “Once Upon a Broken Heart”:
- A love-hate relationship that evolves over time.
- A strong female lead with cunning plans.
- Power dynamics and thrilling intrigue.
11. “The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black
After witnessing their parents’ murder, Jude and her sisters are taken to the land of Faerie. Jude must learn to navigate the treacherous politics of the faerie courts.
Elements in common with “Once Upon a Broken Heart”:
- A mortal caught in a cruel and beautiful magical realm.
- Power politics played in an opulent court.
- Themes of survival, strategic alliances, and betrayal.
12. “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern
Two magicians, Celia and Marco, compete in a mysterious circus, falling in love amidst the high stakes game.
Elements in common with “Once Upon a Broken Heart”:
- An immersive, magical world that captivates readers.
- Star-crossed lovers caught in intricate games.
- A beautifully constructed narrative, teeming with magic and romance.
13. “The Ten Thousand Doors of January” by Alix E. Harrow
January Scaller finds a strange book that carries the smell of other worlds and tells a tale of secret doors and love.
Elements in common with “Once Upon a Broken Heart”:
- A heroine discovering secrets about her world and herself.
- Exploration of magical doors leading to otherworldly adventures.
- Themes of self-discovery, courage, and the power of stories.
14. “Ninth House” by Leigh Bardugo
Alex Stern discovers that Yale’s secret societies are no ordinary groups–they perform magic that manipulates global events.
Elements in common with “Once Upon a Broken Heart”:
- The blending of reality and supernatural elements.
- Deeper secrets and intrigues hidden in grand establishments.
- A determined heroine navigating a dangerous world.
15. “Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo
Six outcasts undertake an impossible heist in the notorious Ice Court, revealing an epic tale of magic, survival, and redemption.
Elements in common with “Once Upon a Broken Heart”:
- A group of diversely intriguing characters on a daring quest.
- High-stakes adventure with supernatural elements.
- Themes of trust, loyalty, and the quest for a better life.
16. “A Darker Shade of Magic” by V.E. Schwab
Kell, one of the last Antari–magicians with a rare ability to travel between parallel Londons–journeys to prevent the destruction of the Londons.
Elements in common with “Once Upon a Broken Heart”:
- Multi-layered world-building, each with its unique personality.
- A magical adventure that transcends the borders of worlds.
- A complex, morally grey cast of characters.
17. “Queen of the Tearling” by Erika Johansen
Kelsea Raleigh must claim her rightful place as the Queen of Tearling and navigate the politics and power struggles within her kingdom.
Elements in common with “Once Upon a Broken Heart”:
- A strong female protagonist thrust into a position of power.
- Political intrigues set against a backdrop of magic and wonder.
- A vividly built world facing socio-political changes.
18. “Spindle Fire” by Lexa Hillyer
This Sleeping Beauty reimagining follows the adventure of two half-sisters as they navigate separated paths to break their shared curse.
Elements in common with “Once Upon a Broken Heart”:
- Familiar fairy tales reimagined in an innovative narrative.
- Strong sister relationships at the story’s heart.
- Themes of love, sacrifice, and destiny intertwined with the magical element.
19. “The Hazel Wood” by Melissa Albert
Alice must unravel the mystery behind her mother’s disappearance and the cruel supernatural world from her grandmother’s tales.
Elements in common with “Once Upon a Broken Heart”:
- An eerie, atmospheric fantasy world within a contemporary setting.
- A plot revolving around the search for a missing loved one.
- A rich narrative linking fairy tales to present reality.
20. “Wicked Saints” by Emily A. Duncan
Three unlikely allies—a prince, a cleric, and a girl disguising herself as a boy—come together in a bid to assassinate a king and stop a war.
Elements in common with “Once Upon a Broken Heart”:
- An intricate blend of magic, world-building, and religion.
- Characters with complex motivations and alliances.
- A plot centered on assassination, conflict, and intertwined fates.
Drawing the curtain on this compilation, we trust that these 20 books will offer captivating journeys reminiscent of the rich storytelling, heartache, and enchantment we loved in “Once Upon a Broken Heart.” Each tale is an ode to the power of stories, promising extraordinary characters navigating through beautifully crafted worlds and intricate plots.
May your reading journey be filled with the very magic and wonder that made “Once Upon a Broken Heart” such a compelling read!
