A Curse for True Love

December 15, 2023
Despite living her happily-ever-after, Evangeline can't help but strive to recover her lost memories in this trilogy closer. Evangeline Fox awakens in the strong arms of Prince Apollo, her apparent husband, who swears to protect her from the evil Lord Jacks, who stole her memories. Unfortunately, Evangeline remembers nothing of her long and complex journey in the Magnificent North or her past romances; only the pain in her heart lets her know something is missing. At Wolf Hall, Evangeline seeks ways to unlock her missing memories, including enlisting the help of a mysterious guard named Archer, even as Apollo's behavior becomes more and more controlling. The pacing and plot feel stagnant at first, with Evangeline remembering things in flashes and moments of brief feelings, but things finally pick up once her memories return. With the point of view rotating among Evangeline, Apollo, and Jacks, there are few narrative surprises, but it's intriguing to delve into the minds of an antagonist and a Fate. The story's inclusion of the legendary Valors and the fantastical fairy-tale setting are unfortunately overshadowed by the love triangle's dramatic tug-of-war romance. Likewise, the book's various themes--power, hope, stories, and the nature of humanity--are of interest but handled in an unfocused way. The conclusion, at least, is satisfying, and it hints at future tales set in this world. Evangeline, Jacks, and Archer read white; Apollo has dark hair and olive skin. Frustratingly slow and lacking in magical wonder. (map) (Fantasy. 14-18)

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December 22, 2023

Gr 8 Up-In this highly anticipated finale to Garber's latest trilogy in the "Caraval" universe, Evangeline (who reads white) awakens with all of her memories from the past year erased. Her husband, the handsome Prince Apollo (who is Black), promises to keep her safe and whisks her back to a seemingly fairy-tale life. Her lack of memories leaves her unsure of whether she should trust Apollo, who is determined to kill the charming but villainous Lord Jacks who Apollo claims was responsible for a long list of heinous crimes. As she slowly pieces together her past, Evangeline rediscovers her love for Jacks and realizes she must stop him from making an irreversible mistake in a foolhardy attempt to keep her safe. As always, Garber's worldbuilding is lush and captivating. The beautiful prose make for a smooth, quick read, and the characters are witty and complex. The first half of the book leaves Jacks and Evangeline separated, but the second half of the book more than makes up for the lack of witty banter and forbidden romance in the first half. Garber has successfully crafted a love story that has left readers rooting for a villain from the "Caraval" series. The ending is predictable, but will give fans what they've been waiting for. VERDICT Readers will be on the edge of their seats to get to the stunning finale of this much-loved series.-Candyce Pruitt-Goddard

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