The "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" series is a captivating young adult fantasy series written by Brigid Kemmerer. It consists of two books: "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" and "A Heart So Fierce and Broken." The series is a unique retelling of the classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast. It introduces us to the protagonist, Harper Lacy, who is a teenage girl from present-day Washington, D.C. One fateful night, she is transported to Emberfall, a mystical kingdom cursed by an enchantress.
In the wrong hands this magic item is a force for a terrible, toxic evil that transcends the imaginary machinations of Acerak the DemiLich, and can potentially affect the relationships of the people involved. This magic item just honestly sucks, and it’s really frustrating when used against players, especially low Dex casters like the Wizard or god forbid the Cleric (what monster would just Kneecap an entire party so anticlimactically). Ultimately, if you’re going to have a magic item for your big bad, it should at least be interesting damnit! It should be thematic, and scary, with a tangible, interesting affect on the battle that makes it memorable. For example, the staff of a Warlock serving a dark hunger from beyond the Far Realm that cuts the total rolled from any healing spell in half and applies it to the holder as well.
Binding Words covers a wide territory, temporally and geographically, to show how amulets are embedded in the fabric of medieval European society as both physical and cultural artifacts. In the wrong hands this magic item is a force for a terrible, toxic evil that transcends the imaginary machinations of Acerak the DemiLich, and can potentially affect the relationships of the people involved.
One fateful night, she is transported to Emberfall, a mystical kingdom cursed by an enchantress. In this cursed land, every season the prince is transformed into a monstrous beast until a girl falls in love with him. In "A Curse So Dark and Lonely," we follow Harper as she navigates Emberfall, trying to find a way back home.
Binding Words
“Binding Words covers a wide territory, temporally and geographically, to show how amulets are embedded in the fabric of medieval European society as both physical and cultural artifacts. The book avoids artificial distinctions between magic and religion, prayer and charm, to show how an amulet can be simultaneously devotional and protective. This contextualized approach is a significant contribution to the field.” —Karen Jolly, University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Description
- Reviews
- Bio
- Table of Contents
- Subjects
In the Middle Ages, textual amulets—short texts written on parchment or paper and worn on the body—were thought to protect the bearer against enemies, to heal afflictions caused by demonic invasions, and to bring the wearer good fortune. In Binding Words, Don C. Skemer provides the first book-length study of this once-common means of harnessing the magical power of words.
Textual amulets were a unique source of empowerment, promising the believer safe passage through a precarious world by means of an ever-changing mix of scriptural quotations, divine names, common prayers, and liturgical formulas. Although theologians and canon lawyers frequently derided textual amulets as ignorant superstition, many literate clergy played a central role in producing and disseminating them. The texts were, in turn, embraced by a broad cross-section of Western Europe. Saints and parish priests, physicians and village healers, landowners and peasants alike believed in their efficacy.
Skemer offers careful analysis of several dozen surviving textual amulets along with other contemporary medieval source materials. In the process, Binding Words enriches our understanding of popular religion and magic in everyday medieval life.
“Binding Words covers a wide territory, temporally and geographically, to show how amulets are embedded in the fabric of medieval European society as both physical and cultural artifacts. The book avoids artificial distinctions between magic and religion, prayer and charm, to show how an amulet can be simultaneously devotional and protective. This contextualized approach is a significant contribution to the field.” —Karen Jolly, University of Hawaii at Manoa
“Binding Words will become a prized source of information and inspiration for future research on magic, popular culture and text.” —Bettina Bildhauer, Times Literary Supplement
“Don Skemer’s study on medieval textual amulets represent the latest return on what is already proving to be a remarkable profitable investment of scholarly and publishing resources.” —Steven P. Marrone, Catholic Historical Review
“Don Skemer’s book makes a very important contribution to the study of medieval charms. The author offers a new and detailed synthesis about textual amulets and presents new materials based on his own experience of medieval manuscripts and archives. . . . The book is an excellent piece of scholarship and will be an indispensable companion for any research on medieval beliefs.” —Edina Bozoky, Speculum: A Journal of Medieval Studies
“[Skemer] has taken an enormous, important, and understudied topic and ranged widely through its history. . . . He buttresses his points with rich footnotes that show the amazing breadth of his erudition. His book will be fundamental for all future work in this field, and hopefully will inspire more work on early modern and antique amulets as well.” —Michael D. Bailey, Magic, Ritual, and Witchcraft
“Although Binding Words presents a focused and extensive examination of a specific magical mechanism used in the later medieval period, the greatest asset of the book rises not only from the multiple aspects of medieval culture that it reveals but also from the many areas of research that it includes. This book would be a useful tool to any scholar of popular culture seeking to look beyond the modern definitions of magic and religion through the study of a particular facet of medieval society.” —Bridgette Slavin, Journal of Religious History
Don C. Skemer is Curator of Manuscripts in the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections at Princeton University's Harvey S. Firestone Memorial Library.
Contents
1. Christian Doctrine and Practice
2. The Magical Efficacy of Words
3. Methods of Production and Use
4. General Protection and Specific Benefits
5. Textual Amulets for Women
Appendix 1: The Canterbury Amulet, mid-thirteenth century (Canterbury Cathedral Library, Additional MS 23)
Appendix 2: French or Burgundian Amulet Roll, early fifteenth century (private collection)
Appendix 3: Italian Amulet, late fifteenth century (Princeton University Library, John Hinsdale Scheide Collection, no. 7923).
She quickly becomes entangled in the prince's life and the kingdom's politics. With her strength and determination, she becomes an unlikely heroine and brings hope to the cursed land. In the sequel, "A Heart So Fierce and Broken," we shift our focus to Commander Grey, a secondary character from the first book, and a new protagonist, Lia Mara. This book expands the world of Emberfall and introduces us to a neighboring kingdom, Syhl Shallow, and its own set of challenges. It delves deeper into the complexities of the curse and the struggles of the characters. The series explores themes of love, sacrifice, redemption, and the power of choice. It is filled with intriguing plot twists, political intrigue, and well-developed characters. Kemmerer's brilliant storytelling keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. Overall, the "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" series is a must-read for fans of fantasy, fairy tales, and strong character development. It offers a unique twist on a beloved tale and leaves readers eagerly awaiting the next installment..
Reviews for "Exploring the Concept of Fate in A Curse So Dark and Lonely"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" series. The first book started off promising, with an interesting take on the Beauty and the Beast story. However, as the story progressed, I found myself losing interest in the characters and the plot. The world-building felt shallow and the romance was forced. I struggled to connect with the main characters and found their actions and decisions frustrating. Overall, I was hoping for a captivating fantasy series, but this one fell short for me.
2. Mark - 2 stars - I have to say, I was not a fan of the "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" series. The concept of a retelling of Beauty and the Beast intrigued me, but the execution was lackluster. The writing style was average at best, and the pacing felt off. The characters lacked depth, and I couldn't bring myself to care about their struggles. The love triangle felt unnecessary and only added to my frustration. Unfortunately, this series didn't live up to the hype for me.
3. Sarah - 3 stars - While I didn't hate the "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" series, I also didn't love it. The first book started off well, with an intriguing premise, but the plot became predictable and the twists lacked surprise. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to fully invest in their stories. The romantic aspect felt forced and lacked chemistry. Overall, it was an average fantasy series that didn't stand out from others in the genre.