Stephanie Garber

Stephanie Garber is an American author recognized for her young adult fantasy fiction, particularly the Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart series, which are connected trilogies.

Garber's writing journey began while she was a college resident director. After facing numerous rejections for several manuscripts, her fourth attempt, a science fiction novel, attracted a literary agent. However, when that book did not find a publisher, she pivoted to writing "Caraval." She has mentioned that "Caraval" was not initially conceived as a romance or the start of a series. The "Caraval" trilogy was later completed with the sequels "Legendary" and "Finale."

Her published works have garnered a range of critical responses. "Caraval" received positive attention, including a starred review from Publishers Weekly, but also faced criticism for a potentially unclear message. Despite mixed reviews, "Caraval" achieved significant commercial success, appearing on The New York Times Best Seller list for fifteen weeks and reaching the second position. Film rights for "Caraval" were optioned by Twentieth Century Fox. Subsequent books in her series have also appeared on bestseller lists, with "Legendary" reaching number one.

Stephanie Garber's path to publication involved persistence. She began writing during her time as a college resident director, eventually submitting multiple manuscripts. Her breakthrough came when a literary agent expressed interest in a science fiction novel, though it ultimately did not sell. This led her to create "Caraval," a work that evolved into a surprise series. Garber has indicated that "Caraval" was not initially intended as a romance or the first book in a trilogy. The series expanded with "Legendary" and "Finale." Critical reception for her books has been varied. While "Caraval" earned praise for its imaginative setting and prose from Publishers Weekly, others, like NPR's Caitlin Paxson, found its message muddled. Despite critical debate, "Caraval" found significant commercial success, appearing on The New York Times Best Seller list. This pattern of bestseller status continued with subsequent titles like "Legendary," which reached the number one spot on the same list, though it also received critiques regarding plot and prose from publications like Kirkus Reviews.

Garber's young adult fiction is characterized by interconnected fantasy worlds that explore themes of love, sacrifice, and hope, as noted in reviews of "Caraval." Her narratives often feature magical settings and intricate character dynamics. The "Caraval" series, followed by the "Once Upon a Broken Heart" series, is set within the same fictional universe, allowing for a shared narrative tapestry. Reviewers have highlighted Garber's skill in worldbuilding, with Publishers Weekly specifically praising this aspect in "Once Upon a Broken Heart." However, some critics have pointed to narrative challenges in later installments, with Kirkus Reviews describing "Finale" as having overwrought prose and a convoluted plot, and "The Ballad of Never After" as a disappointing follow-up. Despite these criticisms, the immersive quality of her magical worlds continues to draw readers, as evidenced by the consistent presence of her books on bestseller lists and the positive sentiment from fans eager to revisit her creations.

“intriguing characters, an imaginative setting, and evocative writing combine to create a spellbinding tale of love, loss, sacrifice, and hope”

“ultimately, the message of Caraval ends up muddled.”

“weak plot and ultraviolet prose”

“a tour de force of imagination.”

“While this second installment does not stand on its own—readers will need to be familiar with the characters, events, and world-building of the previous book to fully understand and appreciate this one—fans will be delighted to spend more time with Tella, Dante, and Scarlett, and to immerse themselves again into Garber's magical world”