Bestselling author Stephanie Garber never misses with her young adult fantasy series, Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart. These magic-filled worlds are set in the same universe, and many new fans wonder: What’s the best reading order? I hope that you’ll stick with this article to learn more about both series and which one to read first!

What is Caraval?

Caraval is the first book of Stephanie Garber’s debut trilogy. It’s a young-adult fantasy that focuses on the protagonist, Scarlett Dragna, and her search for her younger sister, Donatella “Tella” Dragna, after she goes missing in an attempt to escape her abusive father. In order to find Tella, Scarlett must compete in an enchanted game, where the line between reality and fiction becomes muddled. Along the way Scarlett meets charming sailor Julian Santos, and although there’s mutual distrust, Julian becomes a key character in the book.

If you would like to have a more in-depth review, check out these posts!

What is Once Upon a Broken Heart?

Once Upon a Broken Heart is part of Stephanie Garber’s second trilogy and is set in the Caraval universe, and focuses more on one of the side characters from Legendary, the Prince of Hearts. However, this time, the protagonist is lover-girl Evangeline Fox. Evangeline Fox is sent by Scarlett and Tella to the Magnificent North to attend a ball, and while there Evangeline Fox attempts to find her happily ever after, after striking a deal with the Prince of Hearts. Yet, things don’t turn out the way Evangeline thinks they will.

If you would like to read more about this series, check out these posts!

Caraval or Once Upon a Broken Heart? Which Should You Read First?

Since these two trilogies are set in the same universe, many readers find themselves asking the question.

“Should I read Caraval before Once Upon a Broken Heart?

In my opinion, I say yes! I say this because the Caraval trilogy offers good context for the Prince of Hearts’s arc in the OUABH trilogy, and readers will truly understand his motivations behind his actions. The Caraval trilogy gives you a deeper appreciation for the world-building and recurring characters in OUABH. Even though Once Upon a Broken Heart can technically stand alone, you’ll miss out on layers of nuance and Easter eggs. Trust meit’s worth starting with Caraval!

TLDR: Yes! I highly recommend reading the Caraval trilogy before Once Upon a Broken Heart

Have you read both trilogies? Which one did you read first–and do you think it matters? Let me know in the comments below!