Stephanie Garber Books
Stephanie Garber is the New York Times best-selling author of two YA fantasy series that are a must-read for any fantasy lover. There is a reason Stephanie Garber’s books are so popular. They have everything you could want from a fantasy book and more. With her adult debut release just a few weeks away, I knew I had to make a list of all the Stephanie Garber books in order!
Garber’s first book, Caraval, was the book that started it all. This is the first book in a trilogy that was absolutely unforgettable. Garber’s books have almost a cult-like following, for good reason. Her books are unique with magic unlike any other book, and it all starts with a magical game. If you are looking for more, check out my post Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults.
The Once Upon a Broken Heart series is Garber’s second series. It is so hard to patiently wait for each series to be completed. Garber’s newest book is an adult debut called Alchemy of Secrets. I have read it, and it is fantastic. It is everything that I have come to love about Stephanie Garber’s books, and more.
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Stephanie Garber Books In Order of Publication (by Series)
Caraval Series
- Caraval (2017)
- Legendary (2018)
- Finale (2019)
- Spectacular: A Varaval Holiday Novella (2024)
Once Upon a Broken Heart Series
- Once Upon a Broken Heart (2021)
- Ballad of Never After (2022)
- Curse For True Love (2023)
Alchemy of Secrets
Caraval Series
The Caraval series is a three-book young adult fantasy series. The first book in the trilogy begins with Caraval. Scarlett Dragna is chosen for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in Caraval, a game and performance where nothing is as it seems.
In the follow-up book, Legendary, Scarlett’s sister Tella is the center of the story as we once again enter the world of Caraval. This time, Tella is looking for answers related to her past and once again must compete in Caraval. The Fates and the Deck of Destiny are awake.
In the last book of the trilogy, Finale, the sisters have to confront their destiny as they try to unravel the mysteries of the game and the truth about their pasts. I do not want to give too much of the plot away. With this series, you must read the books in order or you will not understand the plot of the second and third books.
Caraval
Author: Stephanie Garber
Year: 2017
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: New York Times Bestselling Fantasy debut
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
When it comes to YA Fantasy books, this one is a classic. The story begins with letters from Scarlett to Legend, the leader of Caraval- a game played once a year in a far-off destination.
Every year, every time it is played, the game is different. Filled with magic and wonder, Scarlet plays this destination-based competition to win this year’s prize – her sister Tella – before anyone else can. This is a game filled with magic where the stakes become higher the longer Scarlet plays.
Why Jackie loves it
This is the first book in a three-part series that gets better and more complex with each new book. This series of YA fantasy romance books is a must-read.
Find this book in: Stephanie Garber Books / Books Like the Selection / Best Puzzle Books / Popular Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books /Books About Sisters and Bonds of Sisterhood / Best YA Romance Books / Books Like the Night Circus
Legendary
Author: Stephanie Garber
Year: 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Caraval Series #2
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Donatella and Scarlett have come out of Caraval alive but are not ready when they discover that the games have just begun. This story focuses on Tella who is determined to find out the truth about her mother.
She enters the game to win a wish and discover where she can find her mother. Tella must also deliver the name of the Caraval Master Legend. But, in order to do that, she will have to enter the game one more time.
Tella also forms an alliance with Dante. Like the first book in the Caraval series, you will never guess the characters’ motivations.
Why Jackie loves it
The Caraval series is such a fun series. It is full of unexpected twists and turns and the characters are constantly changing and adapting. If you have not read this series, it has an almost cult-like following for good reason
Find this book in: Stephanie Garber Books: 2 YA Fantasy Series / The 20 Best Books of 2018
Finale
Author: Stephanie Garber
Year: 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Caraval Book 3
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 13+
Plot
Caraval is over, but the fates were freed from the deck of cards. Tella discovers that the man she fell in love with does not really exist, and her world turns upside down. She races to discover the truth about her mother, the fallen star’s curse, and the truth about Caraval.
Why Jackie loves it
Stephanie Garber Books are YA fantasy at its finest with characters you love to hate and plot twists you never see coming. This is the third and final book in the Caraval Series with an unforgettable ending
Find this book in: Stephanie Garber Books in Order
Once Upon a Broken Heart Series
This series is the second series written by Stephanie Garber. In the first book in the series, Once Upon a Broken Heart, we are introduced to Evangeline, who makes a deal with Jacks. She does not know what she’s getting herself into. She promises him three kisses in exchange for her wish.
In the second book in the Once Upon a Broken Heart series, The Ballad of Never After, Evangeline hunts the Arch’s four stones. This book ends in a total cliffhanger that has had me waiting to read the third book for a year. I do not want to give too much of the plot away but, Evanagline has cursed herself and must rely on Jacks to undo the curse, despite promising to never trust him again. We recommend that if you are reading Stephanie Garber books, you read each series in the order of publication.
The third book in the series, A Curse for True Love, begins in a world that has been rewritten, and Evangeline’s memories have been erased. Can Jacks restore her memories?
Once Upon a Broken Heart
Author: Stephanie Garber
Year: 2021
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Once Upon a Broken Heart Book 1 of 3
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 13+
Plot
Evangeline Fox was raised in her father’s curiosity shop where she grew up learning about the legends. When Evangeline learns that the love of her life is about to marry her stepsister, she offers the prince of hearts anything in exchange for stopping the wedding. This deal takes Evangeline to the North where the real adventure begins.
The Prince of Hearts has plans for Evangaline but, throughout the story, we can never fully guess his intentions. This first book in the Once Upon a Broken Heart Series will leave you wanting much more.
Why Jackie loves it
Just when I thought that nothing could top the Caraval series, Stephanie Garber wrote this book. This YA fantasy romance book will not disappoint her die-hard fans and for those who have never read Caraval, you can fall in love for the first time.  I absolutely loved this book.
Find this book in: Stephanie Garber Books / Best Young Adult Fantasy Romance Books
Ballad of Never After
Author: Stephanie Garber
Year: 2022
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Once Upon a Broken Heart Series #2
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 13+
Plot
This is the second book in the New York Times best-selling YA fantasy series. Jacks has betrayed Evangaline for the last time and she swears that she will never trust him again. But now, Evangeline finds herself cursed and must rely on Jacks to help her try and break the curse.
Why Jackie loves it
Stephanie Garber never fails to write a YA fantasy novel that is unputdownable. Beware the ending. It is a cliff hanger so be prepared to dive right it the last book in the series immediately.
Find this book in: Stephanie Garber Books in Order
A Curse for True Love
Author: Stephanie Garber
Year: 2023
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Once Upon a Broken Heart book 3
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Evangaline Fox has what she always wanted, her fairytale castle and prince. Her husband, Prince Apollo Acadian, tells her that Jacks erased her past. She cannot remember what she lost, and her husband is going to make sure that she never remembers the truth.
Apollo keeps her very close for her “protection”, but it is only when she meets Archer that she starts to recover fragments of memory. Will she be able to recall enough of her past and the truth to put things right?
Why Jackie loves it
As always, Garber does a fantastic job of creating the perfect ending to the series- even if I am sad to say bye to the characters. The books in the series have rich characters and are complex without being overly complicated.
Find this book in:
Alchemy of Secrets
Alchemy of Secrets is Stephanie Garber’s newest book. It is her adult debut that is everything you could hope for from this author. This book takes place in contemporary Los Angeles and centers around Holland St. James, a grad student. The book alternates between the main story and the stories from Folklore 517.
Alchemy of Secrets
Author: Stephanie Garber
Year: 2025
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Bestselling author of Caraval, Adult Debut
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Holland St. James took a Folklore class that could not be found in any syllabus. If you heard about the class and could find it, your grade will appear on your transcript at the end of the semester. While other people in the class love the stories, Holland believes that they are real. She, after all, has a connection to one of the folklore tales.
When she goes to find the legendary Watch Man, she learns she will die in 36 hours unless she finds the Alchemical Heart, an almost impossible task. When she sees a man she is dating die exactly when the Watch Man predicted, she knows this is not a game. She must figure out who she can trust and who has thier own nepharious intentions.
Now Holland heads into the magical world of L.A. where the stories are coming to life and she is in a race against the clock for her life.
Why Jackie loves it
This contemporary fantasy is everything I love about Stephanie Garber, and more! I love the folklore that is woven throughout. I found it to be so unique and unlike other books I have read. The story is fast-paced and will have you on the edge of your seat. Although it is an adult fantasy, in my opinion, the content in the book is suitable for readers aged 14 and above.
Find this book in: Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Best Fantasy Books of 2025 / Stephanie Garber Books / Giftable Books
Expert Tip
If you are brand new to Stephanie Garber’s Books, here are some tips
- Begin with Caraval. You will become familiar with Garber’s writing style.
- Finish the Caraval series before you start Once Upon a Broken Heart.
- You should read Stephanie Garber Books in the order of publication. The only exception to this is the Caraval Novella, Spectacular. You can read this at any time after you have finished the Caraval series.
- I have read Alchemy of Secrets, Stephanie Garber’s newest book, and it is fantastic. It is completely unrelated to the other two YA series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to read Caraval before Once Upon a Broken Heart?
No. While we love both series and recommend reading both the Caraval series and the Once Upon a Broken Heart series, you don’t NEED to read either one first.
There are references to some of the characters from Caraval in Once Upon a Broken Heart, and some back story that is helpful. However, you can read the two series in any order.
Are Stephanie Garber’s Books Connected?
Yes. Garber has written two YA fantasy series: the Caraval Series and the Once Upon a Broken Heart Series. While these are two distinct, three-book series, there is some character crossover from Caraval into OUABH.
Is Caraval appropriate for a 13-year-old?
Yes. The Caraval Series is a young adult fantasy that is recommended for ages 13-18. We think that the entire series is perfect for anyone ages 13 and up.
What is Stephanie Garber’s New Book?
Stephanie Garber’s newest book is an adult debut! It will be published on October 7, 2025, but stay tuned. I have read it and it is spectacular!
Related Content
Epilogue
Did you read all the Stephanie Garber books? Which series did you read first?
