Stephanie Garber Books in Order: Complete Series and Reading Guide
Stephanie Garber first became widely known for the magical world of Caraval, a fantasy series built around elaborate games, mysterious identities, impossible bargains, and the question of whether anything happening inside Caraval can really be trusted. The original trilogy follows sisters Scarlett and Tella Dragna, but the story eventually opens into a much larger world populated by Fates, princes, curses, and dangerous magic.
Garber later returned to that universe with the Once Upon a Broken Heart trilogy, shifting the focus to Evangeline Fox and Jacks, the Prince of Hearts. The two trilogies can technically be approached separately, but reading Caraval first gives you more context for the shared world and avoids revealing some of the connections established in the earlier books.
Stephanie Garber Books in Order
For a first-time reader who wants the connected fantasy story in the most spoiler-conscious order:
- Caraval (2017)
- Legendary (2018)
- Finale (2019)
- Once Upon a Broken Heart (2021)
- The Ballad of Never After (2022)
- A Curse for True Love (2023)
- Spectacular (2024)
- The Mirror of Infinite Endings (2026)
Then, if you want Garber’s separate adult fantasy, read Alchemy of Secrets (2025).
26 Witches (2020) is unrelated to the Caraval universe and can be read at any time.
Caraval Series
The Caraval trilogy is where Stephanie Garber’s fictional universe begins.
The main trilogy consists of Caraval, Legendary, and Finale. Spectacular, published later, is a holiday novella set in the Caraval world. Macmillan currently lists all four together on its Caraval series page.
1. Caraval (2017)
Scarlett Dragna has spent most of her life dreaming about seeing Caraval, the legendary performance and game where the audience becomes part of the spectacle.
But Scarlett’s life on the island of Trisda is controlled by her cruel and powerful father, so Caraval seems like an impossible dream. When an invitation finally arrives, Scarlett and her sister Tella get their chance to attend.
Then Tella disappears.
Scarlett is told that the disappearance is part of the game, but she cannot bring herself to believe that her sister’s safety is merely entertainment. She has five nights to find Tella while navigating a world where costumes, identities, magic, and reality are constantly changing.
The deeper Scarlett goes into Caraval, the harder it becomes to determine which people are helping her, which are manipulating her, and whether the game’s rules mean anything at all.
Caraval introduces the magical atmosphere, elaborate games, romance, secrets, and shifting realities that define Garber’s fiction. It is also the essential starting point for understanding the larger world that later expands through Once Upon a Broken Heart.
2. Legendary (2018)
Legendary shifts the central perspective toward Tella Dragna, Scarlett’s younger sister.
Tella has survived Caraval, but surviving the game has not made her life simpler. She makes a dangerous bargain with a mysterious stranger and discovers that there is another game waiting for her.
This time, Tella needs to uncover something almost impossible: the true identity of Legend, the mysterious master behind Caraval.
As she becomes increasingly involved with the world surrounding Caraval, Tella encounters secrets about the Fates, magical beings whose history reaches far beyond the game itself. Romance, deception, debts, and magical bargains become increasingly important as Tella tries to understand what she has agreed to.
The book expands the mythology of Caraval considerably and begins establishing the magical history that becomes important in Garber’s later books.
3. Finale (2019)
Finale concludes the original Caraval trilogy, but the story is no longer simply about winning a magical game.
The Fates have been released, Legend has claimed the throne, and the lives of Scarlett and Tella have become intertwined with the fate of the empire.
Tella must decide whether she can trust Legend or a former enemy, while Scarlett faces revelations that change her understanding of her own life. Meanwhile, Legend has to make decisions that could determine not only his future but the future of the people around him.
The final book brings together the sisters’ stories while expanding the conflict involving the Fates, magic, love, and power.
Importantly, Finale closes the original Caraval trilogy, but it does not close the entire fictional universe. The publisher explicitly points readers toward the later Once Upon a Broken Heart books for Jacks’s continuing story.
4. Spectacular (2024)
Spectacular is a Caraval holiday novella, rather than a fourth full-length novel in the original trilogy.
Set in the Caraval world, the story brings readers back to the atmosphere of magic, celebration, romance, and spectacle that made the original trilogy distinctive.
Because it was published several years after Finale, it is best treated as supplementary reading after completing the original trilogy.
Macmillan lists Spectacular alongside the three main Caraval novels and identifies it as a holiday novella.
Best place to read it: After Finale.
Once Upon a Broken Heart Series
The Once Upon a Broken Heart trilogy moves the spotlight to Evangeline Fox and Jacks, the Prince of Hearts.
Although it is a separate trilogy, it takes place in the same broader universe as Caraval. Macmillan describes it as a new series following the Prince of Hearts and Evangeline Fox, while its own materials identify A Curse for True Love as the conclusion of the trilogy.
5. Once Upon a Broken Heart (2021)
Evangeline Fox has always believed in true love and happily-ever-after endings.
Unfortunately, the person she loves is about to marry someone else.
Desperate to change her fate, Evangeline makes a bargain with Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, one of the mysterious Fates introduced in the Caraval universe.
But bargains with Jacks are never simple.
Evangeline soon discovers that getting what she wants may require a much greater price than she expected. Her journey takes her into the Magnificent North, a fairy-tale-like world filled with enchanted places, powerful curses, dangerous princes, and people whose motives are almost impossible to read.
The novel changes the tone of the universe somewhat, leaning heavily into fairy-tale romance and magical folklore while retaining Garber’s characteristic uncertainty about what is real and what is illusion.
6. The Ballad of Never After (2022)
Evangeline’s relationship with Jacks becomes even more complicated in The Ballad of Never After.
A new curse changes the rules, forcing Evangeline into another uneasy partnership with the Prince of Hearts. Jacks remains dangerous and difficult to trust, but Evangeline begins to realize that he may not be the greatest threat facing her.
The story expands the mythology of the Magnificent North and introduces more secrets surrounding curses, magical objects, kingdoms, and the history of the people who control them.
Evangeline is also forced to reconsider what she wants from her supposed happily-ever-after. The closer she gets to the truth, the more difficult it becomes to distinguish love from manipulation.
Macmillan identifies this as Book Two of the Once Upon a Broken Heart series.
7. A Curse for True Love (2023)
A Curse for True Love brings Evangeline’s story toward its conclusion.
Evangeline has finally reached what appears to be her happily-ever-after. She is married to a handsome prince and living in a legendary castle.
But there is a devastating problem: Evangeline has no memory of the price she paid to reach this point.
Jacks and the other characters from the Magnificent North become increasingly important as the truth behind the curse begins to emerge.
The novel brings together romance, memory, prophecy, magic, betrayal, and the question at the heart of the entire trilogy: what would you sacrifice for a true love story?
Macmillan identifies it as the deadly conclusion to the Once Upon a Broken Heart trilogy.
8. The Mirror of Infinite Endings (2026)
The Mirror of Infinite Endings returns readers to the world of Once Upon a Broken Heart.
This book is important to classify correctly. It is not simply Book 4 of the original trilogy. Macmillan currently describes it as a Once Upon a Broken Heart companion. Its scheduled publication date is September 22, 2026.
The story returns to Jacks and Evangeline after the events of the original trilogy, with the publisher describing them as having finally found their happily-ever-after in the Hollow.
Of course, in Stephanie Garber’s world, a perfect ending is rarely as simple as it appears.
The book also features cameos from fan-favorite characters and twenty full-page illustrations by Lotusbubble. Because it is a companion to the trilogy rather than a replacement for the original three-book sequence, readers should finish Once Upon a Broken Heart, The Ballad of Never After, and A Curse for True Love first.
Best place to read it: After A Curse for True Love.
Alchemy of Secrets Series
Stephanie Garber’s Alchemy of Secrets is separate from the Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart universe.
It is also significant because it marks Garber’s move into adult fantasy. Macmillan currently lists Alchemy of Secrets as one of Garber’s three major series.
9. Alchemy of Secrets (2025)
Holland St. James has always believed that the strange legends and supernatural stories people dismiss as folklore might actually be true.
Her opportunity to investigate those beliefs comes through a mysterious class called Folklore 517: Local Legends and Urban Myths, taught by an enigmatic professor in an old movie theater.
Holland soon discovers that some of the legends surrounding Los Angeles are far more than stories.
Her search for the truth pulls her into a magical world hidden beneath modern Los Angeles and puts her between two mysterious men, Gabriel Cabral and Adam Bishop, both of whom claim they have been sent to save her life.
The problem is that Holland cannot determine which one is telling the truth.
Alchemy of Secrets combines contemporary fantasy, urban legends, romance, mystery, and magical adventure. It also begins a new series, rather than connecting directly to the Caraval books. The publisher’s bibliographic information identifies it as Volume 1 of Alchemy of Secrets.
Is there a sequel to Alchemy of Secrets?
Yes. Stephanie Garber said in August 2026 that she was back at work on the sequel and that the sequel already has a title, although she had not yet publicly revealed the title.
As of September 2026, Alchemy of Secrets remains the only published book in that series.
26 Witches
26 Witches (2020)
26 Witches is quite different from Garber’s fantasy novels.
It is an illustrated alphabet book introducing 26 witches, one for each letter of the alphabet. Each witch has her own supernatural ability, and the book uses rhymes and illustrations to create a playful, child-friendly introduction to its magical characters.
The book was published by BookBaby in 2020 and illustrated by Danica Stojanović. It is not connected to the Caraval or Once Upon a Broken Heart storylines.
Because it is an illustrated children’s alphabet book rather than a fantasy novel, it is best presented separately from Garber’s main fiction bibliography.
Stephanie Garber Books in Publication Order
If you want Garber’s books in the order they were originally published, including her shorter and separate works, the sequence is:
- Caraval (2017)
- Legendary (2018)
- Finale (2019)
- 26 Witches (2020)
- Once Upon a Broken Heart (2021)
- The Ballad of Never After (2022)
- A Curse for True Love (2023)
- Spectacular (2024)
- Alchemy of Secrets (2025)
- The Mirror of Infinite Endings (2026)
The 2026 book is scheduled for publication on September 22, 2026, so as of September 19 it is an upcoming release rather than a book that has already been published.
Which Stephanie Garber Series Should You Read First?
Start with Caraval
If you want to experience Garber’s interconnected fantasy world in the most complete order, start with Caraval.
The original trilogy introduces the magical mythology, the Fates, Legend, and the world that later becomes relevant to Jacks and Evangeline.
Then read Once Upon a Broken Heart
After finishing Finale, move to Once Upon a Broken Heart.
The second trilogy has a new central character and a somewhat different fairy-tale atmosphere, so it works well as a fresh story while still expanding the universe you already know.
Read Spectacular afterward
Because Spectacular is a holiday novella connected to Caraval, it is best saved until after the original trilogy.
Read The Mirror of Infinite Endings last
Finish the three main Once Upon a Broken Heart books before reading The Mirror of Infinite Endings. The publisher explicitly describes the new book as a companion and places it back in the world of Jacks and Evangeline.
Read Alchemy of Secrets separately
You do not need any Caraval books before reading Alchemy of Secrets.
It begins a new adult fantasy series with a new cast, setting, and mythology.
Are Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart Connected?
Yes.
They are two different series set in the same broader fantasy universe.
The Caraval trilogy introduces the world and characters surrounding Caraval, while Once Upon a Broken Heart moves into the Magnificent North and focuses on Evangeline Fox and Jacks.
The connection is particularly important because Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, appears in Caraval before becoming one of the central characters in Once Upon a Broken Heart.
That means you can technically start with Once Upon a Broken Heart, but starting with Caraval provides more context and reduces the chance of encountering spoilers for the earlier trilogy.
Can You Read Once Upon a Broken Heart Without Reading Caraval?
Yes.
Once Upon a Broken Heart was written so that readers can follow Evangeline’s story without having completed the original trilogy.
However, there is a difference between being able to understand a book and getting the fullest experience from the shared universe.
Readers who start with Once Upon a Broken Heart may encounter characters, mythology, and references whose significance becomes clearer after reading Caraval.
For that reason, the spoiler-conscious order is:
Caraval → Legendary → Finale → Once Upon a Broken Heart → The Ballad of Never After → A Curse for True Love
Is Spectacular a Fourth Caraval Book?
Not exactly.
Spectacular is a Caraval holiday novella rather than a fourth full-length installment of the original trilogy.
The core Caraval story remains:
- Caraval
- Legendary
- Finale
Spectacular is supplementary and can be read afterward. Macmillan’s Caraval page lists it separately alongside the three main novels.
Is The Mirror of Infinite Endings Book 4?
It depends on how a bibliography labels the series.
Some book databases currently list it as Book 4, but the publisher describes it more specifically as a Once Upon a Broken Heart companion. That distinction is useful because the original trilogy remains complete with A Curse for True Love.
For Whimsy Read, I would therefore label it:
The Mirror of Infinite Endings: Once Upon a Broken Heart Companion
rather than presenting it as an ordinary fourth novel in the completed trilogy.
Is Alchemy of Secrets Connected to Caraval?
No.
Alchemy of Secrets begins a new series with its own setting, characters, magic, and mythology.
It is a contemporary fantasy about urban legends and hidden magic in Los Angeles, centered on Holland St. James. The publisher identifies it as Volume 1 of a new series.
Stephanie Garber has confirmed that she is working on the sequel, so the series is expected to continue.
How Many Stephanie Garber Books Are There?
As of September 2026, there are 10 individually published works commonly included in Garber’s bibliography, counting 26 Witches, the four Caraval-related books, the four Once Upon a Broken Heart books including The Mirror of Infinite Endings, and Alchemy of Secrets.
The count can vary between websites because boxed sets, collector’s editions, companion books, novellas, and separately categorized children’s books are sometimes counted differently.
For a reading-order guide, the more useful breakdown is:
- Caraval: 3 main novels + 1 holiday novella
- Once Upon a Broken Heart: 3 main novels + 1 companion
- Alchemy of Secrets: 1 published novel, series ongoing
- 26 Witches: 1 standalone illustrated alphabet book
What Genre Are Stephanie Garber’s Books?
Garber is best known for fantasy and fantasy romance, particularly books marketed to young adult readers.
Her major themes and genres include:
- Young adult fantasy
- Fantasy romance
- Romantasy
- Fairy-tale fantasy
- Magical realism-inspired fantasy
- Adventure
- Mystery
- Curses and magical bargains
- Enemies-to-lovers romance
- Contemporary fantasy
Alchemy of Secrets broadens her bibliography into adult contemporary fantasy, while 26 Witches is an illustrated children’s book.
About Stephanie Garber
Stephanie Garber is the #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author of the Caraval, Once Upon a Broken Heart, and Alchemy of Secrets series. Her books have been translated into more than thirty languages.
Her breakthrough came with Caraval, which introduced the elaborate magical game that became the foundation of her best-known fictional universe.
She later expanded that world through Once Upon a Broken Heart, placing Jacks and Evangeline at the center of a fairy-tale-inspired story involving curses, princes, magic, and the search for a happily-ever-after.
With Alchemy of Secrets, Garber began another fantasy universe, this time aimed at an adult audience and built around urban legends and hidden magic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stephanie Garber’s first book?
Caraval is Stephanie Garber’s first published novel. It was published in 2017 and became the first book in the Caraval trilogy.
What order should I read Stephanie Garber’s books?
For the connected fantasy universe, read Caraval, Legendary, Finale, then Once Upon a Broken Heart, The Ballad of Never After, and A Curse for True Love. Read Spectacular after Finale and The Mirror of Infinite Endings after the Once Upon a Broken Heart trilogy.
Should I read Caraval before Once Upon a Broken Heart?
For the fullest experience, yes. The two series share a universe and important characters, although Once Upon a Broken Heart can be read independently.
Is Once Upon a Broken Heart a sequel to Caraval?
It is better described as a companion series set in the same universe, rather than a conventional direct sequel. It follows Evangeline Fox and Jacks and expands the mythology established in Caraval.
How many books are in the Caraval series?
There are three main Caraval novels: Caraval, Legendary, and Finale. Spectacular is a later holiday novella set in the same world.
How many books are in the Once Upon a Broken Heart series?
The original trilogy contains three novels: Once Upon a Broken Heart, The Ballad of Never After, and A Curse for True Love. The Mirror of Infinite Endings is a later companion to the series.
Is The Mirror of Infinite Endings a new Stephanie Garber book?
Yes. The Mirror of Infinite Endings is scheduled for September 22, 2026, and returns to the Once Upon a Broken Heart universe. The publisher describes it as a companion book featuring Jacks and Evangeline.
Is The Mirror of Infinite Endings about Jacks and Evangeline?
Yes. The publisher’s description says that Jacks and Evangeline have finally found their happily-ever-after and are living in the Hollow, while hinting that one secret could change that apparent ending.
Is Alchemy of Secrets part of the Caraval universe?
No. Alchemy of Secrets begins a separate contemporary fantasy series. It follows Holland St. James and is set around magical urban legends in Los Angeles.
Is Alchemy of Secrets a standalone?
No. It is the first book in a new series. Stephanie Garber has also confirmed that she is working on a sequel.
What is 26 Witches?
26 Witches is an illustrated alphabet book featuring 26 witches, one for each letter of the alphabet. It was published in 2020 and illustrated by Danica Stojanović.
Which Stephanie Garber book should I read first?
If you want her signature fantasy world, start with Caraval. If you specifically want her newer adult fantasy, start with Alchemy of Secrets. Both are separate starting points for different fictional universes.
Final Thoughts
Stephanie Garber’s bibliography is easiest to understand as two connected YA fantasy trilogies, one newer adult fantasy series, and a few companion or standalone works.
For the main connected story, the cleanest path is:
Caraval → Legendary → Finale → Once Upon a Broken Heart → The Ballad of Never After → A Curse for True Love
Then add Spectacular after the Caraval trilogy and The Mirror of Infinite Endings after the Once Upon a Broken Heart trilogy.
If you want to explore Garber’s newer work outside that universe, Alchemy of Secrets is the beginning of a separate adult fantasy series. And 26 Witches sits completely apart from both worlds.
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