Author hub
Stephanie Garber
Stephanie Garber writes YA romantic fantasy for readers who want curses, magical games, doomed bargains, fairy-tale logic, and aching romantic tension. The main decision is whether to begin with Caraval for world context or Once Upon a Broken Heart for the romance-forward Jacks and Evangeline path.
Last checked: August 25, 2026.
Best starting points
| Reader goal | Start here | Why this path works |
|---|---|---|
| I want the full world context | Caraval | Start with Caraval, then read Legendary and Finale before Once Upon a Broken Heart. |
| I want romance-first fairy-tale longing | Once Upon a Broken Heart | This is the stronger romantasy-crossover entry if you mainly want Evangeline, Jacks, curses, and impossible happily-ever-after tension. |
| I want a complete trilogy | Once Upon a Broken Heart | The main trilogy is Once Upon a Broken Heart, The Ballad of Never After, and A Curse for True Love. |
| I want the newest companion release | The Mirror of Infinite Endings | Macmillan lists it as a Once Upon a Broken Heart companion, volume 4, on sale September 22, 2026. |
How the major paths differ
| Path | Use it for | Know before starting |
|---|---|---|
| Caraval | Magical games, sisters, illusion, spectacle, and the original world foundation. | It is YA fantasy first, with romance and spectacle woven through the game. |
| Once Upon a Broken Heart | Curses, Fates, Jacks, longing, fairy-tale logic, and stronger romantasy crossover. | You can start here, but Caraval gives extra context for the Fates. |
| The Mirror of Infinite Endings | A companion return to the Magnificent North with illustrations and cameos. | Read the main Once Upon a Broken Heart trilogy first. |
| Alchemy of Secrets | Garber's newer fantasy direction outside the Jacks/Evangeline trilogy. | Macmillan lists it separately from both Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart. |
Current release notes
Macmillan's Stephanie Garber author page lists Caraval, Once Upon a Broken Heart, and Alchemy of Secrets. Macmillan also lists The Mirror of Infinite Endings as a Once Upon a Broken Heart companion, volume 4, with a September 22, 2026 on-sale date, 256 pages, illustrations by Lotusbubble, and digital audio availability.
Reader fit
Garber is a smart recommendation for romantasy readers who want emotion and enchantment without expecting adult high-spice fantasy romance. Her books are built around yearning, bargains, half-truths, magical consequences, and the question of whether a happy ending can survive a world designed to trick people.
Reader FAQ
Where should I start with Stephanie Garber?
Start with Caraval if you want the safest world-building order. Start with Once Upon a Broken Heart if you mainly want Jacks, Evangeline, and fairy-tale romance.
Do I need Caraval before Once Upon a Broken Heart?
Not strictly, but reading Caraval first gives context for Jacks, the Fates, and the wider magic of the world.
What is The Mirror of Infinite Endings?
It is a Once Upon a Broken Heart companion, listed by Macmillan as volume 4. It should be read after the main trilogy.
Is Stephanie Garber adult romantasy?
No. Her core books are best described as YA romantic fantasy crossover: lush, emotional, magical, and romantic, but not adult spice-forward romantasy.
Related Fabled Romance paths
- Once Upon a Broken Heart - romance-forward Garber path
- Low-spice romantasy - best expectation match
- Folklore romantasy - fairy-tale adjacent discovery
- The Crimson Moth - another YA-crossover romantic fantasy route