Stephanie Garber writes fantasy that feels like a dangerous fairy tale — full of magic, deception, dark romance, and a world where nothing is as it seems. Her debut Caraval started a bidding war among eight publishers. And Once Upon a Broken Heart, her second series, was even more popular.
This is the complete reading order for 2026.
Where to start with Stephanie Garber?
For the romantasy fan: Start with Once Upon a Broken Heart — more romance, more slow burn, more Jacks.
For the fantasy fan: Start with Caraval — more adventure, more magic, more spectacle.
For the full experience: Read Caraval first — the two universes are connected and Once Upon a Broken Heart contains references that will resonate more deeply if you know the Caraval series.
Series 1: Caraval — the beginning of the universe
The Caraval series is Stephanie Garber's debut series — a captivating adventure about a magical game where nothing is as it seems.
| # | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caraval | 2017 |
| 2 | Legendary | 2018 |
| 3 | Finale | 2019 |
| 3.5 | Spectacular (novella) | 2024 |
Caraval — Book 1
Scarlett Dragna finally receives the invitation she's always dreamed of: a chance to attend Caraval — the legendary annual game full of magic, riddles, and danger. But when her sister Tella becomes the prize in the game, Scarlett must race through illusions, magic, and peril to save her.
In Caraval, everything is a game — but some things are real. And it's almost impossible to know which ones.
Start here for the full Garber experience.
Legendary — Book 2
The sequel follows Tella instead of Scarlett — a second Caraval game, more political intrigue, and the mysterious Legend whose identity is finally revealed.
Finale — Book 3
The grand finale. Tella, Scarlett, and Legend face impossible choices as old secrets unravel and the final battle begins.
Spectacular — novella (2024)
A festive Christmas novella set in the world of Caraval. Read after the trilogy for extra magic.
🌙 Fan of Caraval?
Our fantasy bookmarks are perfect for saving your most magical Caraval pages.
→ View fantasy bookmarks
Series 2: Once Upon a Broken Heart — the romantasy series
Once Upon a Broken Heart is set in the same universe as Caraval but follows new characters — Evangeline Fox and Jacks, the Prince of Hearts. It is Garber's most romantasy-colored series and her most popular on BookTok.
| # | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Once Upon a Broken Heart | 2021 |
| 2 | The Ballad of Never After | 2022 |
| 3 | A Curse for True Love | 2023 |
Once Upon a Broken Heart — Book 1
For as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has believed in a happily ever after — until she discovers that the love of her life is marrying someone else. Desperate, she strikes a dangerous bargain with Jacks, the Prince of Hearts — one of the most dangerous Fates in the universe.
Jacks is one of the most talked-about morally gray love interests on BookTok. The tension between him and Evangeline is present from the very first page — and remains the driving force of the story throughout the trilogy.
Trope: Forbidden romance + slow burn + enemies to lovers
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
The Ballad of Never After — Book 2
After Jacks' betrayal, Evangeline vows never to trust him again. Now that she has discovered her own magic, she believes she can win back her happily ever after herself. But the world of the Fates is more dangerous than she thought.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
A Curse for True Love — Book 3
The finale of Evangeline and Jacks' story — and the answer to the question that has been held back for three books in the trilogy.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
The connection between Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart
The two series are set in the same universe with overlapping characters. The Mirror of Infinite Endings — a new Jacks and Evangeline novella — was released in September 2026 and connects to Once Upon a Broken Heart.
Series 3: Alchemy of Secrets — adult debut (2025)
In 2025, Garber published her first full-length adult novel: Alchemy of Secrets. The book follows Holland St. James, a former student of a secret folklore class whose life is turned upside down by hidden banks, dangerous magic, and a family with Hollywood connections.
Different in tone from her YA work — more mysterious, more mature, and more historical fiction-esque. For readers who want more Garber after the YA series.
The complete reading order at a glance
Recommended order:
- Caraval
- Legendary
- Finale
- Once Upon a Broken Heart
- The Ballad of Never After
- A Curse for True Love
- Spectacular (novella)
- The Mirror of Infinite Endings (novella, September 2026)
- Alchemy of Secrets (adult debut, 2025)
Why Jacks is BookTok's most talked-about antagonist
Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, is one of the most cited morally grey love interests on BookTok — dangerous, manipulative, and with a background that makes him understandable in a way that simply "evil" cannot describe.
The tension between Jacks and Evangeline is addictive because Garber never fully gives in to his feelings — until the very last moment, there remains doubt as to whether he truly wants to help her or is using her for his own purposes.
Complete your Stephanie Garber reading set
🌙 The perfect Stephanie Garber reading set:
✔ Fantasy bookmark — for every magical Caraval page
✔ Spicy bookmark — for the tension between Jacks and Evangeline
✔ Blind Date Book (Fantasy) — surprise yourself with your next dark romantasy
✔ Book Review Notepad — record your Jacks theories for each book
✔ Reading Log (€1.99) — keep track of all Garber series
✔ Glass Can — for your iced coffee or matcha while reading
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Happy reading — never trust Jacks! 🌙📚
Frequently Asked Questions about Stephanie Garber
Where do I start with Stephanie Garber?
For the best experience: start with Caraval. For the most romantasy-focused entry: start directly with Once Upon a Broken Heart.
Are the Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart series connected?
Yes — both series are set in the same universe with overlapping characters and locations. You will understand the references better if you read Caraval first.
Do I need to read Caraval before Once Upon a Broken Heart?
It's not mandatory but highly recommended. Readers who are already familiar with Caraval will enjoy the Easter eggs and recurring characters in Once Upon a Broken Heart more.
Are Stephanie Garber's books available in Dutch?
Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart have been translated into Dutch. The other parts are currently only available in English.
What is the newest Stephanie Garber book?
The Mirror of Infinite Endings, a Jacks and Evangeline novella, was released in September 2026. Alchemy of Secrets, her adult debut, was released in 2025.