**A Curse So Dark and Lonely** "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" is a captivating and enchanting fantasy novel by Brigid Kemmerer. The story revolves around a cursed prince, a determined heroine, and a kingdom on the brink of destruction. This novel brings together elements of magic, romance, and adventure, making it a compelling read for fans of the fantasy genre. The main protagonist of the story is Prince Rhen, who has been cursed by an enchantress to repeat the same season—autumn—over and over again until he finds true love. However, every time he fails to break the curse, he transforms into a violent beast and wreaks havoc on his kingdom. Rhen's repeated failures have left him bitter and disillusioned.
"Harper is the undisputed hero . . . Avoiding disability inspiration tropes, she is a fallible, well-rounded character who fights for the vulnerable and resists being labeled as such herself despite how others perceive her. A fast-paced, richly detailed feminist epic." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Readers looking for a different sort of coming-of-age story or teen protagonists grappling with complex situations will fall in love with this romance-tinged novel. This book is going to fly off the shelves to all teens, but it will hold special interest for those looking for a tear-jerking romance and serious readers of realistic fiction.
Rhen's repeated failures have left him bitter and disillusioned. He has given up hope until Harper, a young woman from modern-day Washington, D.C.
Curse So Dark and Lonely - by Brigid Kemmerer (Hardcover)
This lush retelling of "Beauty and the Beast"features a kingdom in peril and a heart-stopping romance. "Slow burning, big hearted, magical fun! I loved every minute."--Wendy Higgins, "New York Times"-bestselling author.
Book Synopsis
A New York Times bestseller!
Has everything you'd want in a retelling of a classic fairy tale. - Jodi Picoult
In a lush, contemporary fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Brigid Kemmerer gives readers another compulsively readable romance perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer.
Fall in love, break the curse.
It once seemed so easy to Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year over and over, he knew he could be saved if a girl fell for him. But that was before he learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. That was before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.
Nothing has ever been easy for Harper. With her father long gone, her mother dying, and her brother barely holding their family together while constantly underestimating her because of her cerebral palsy, she learned to be tough enough to survive. But when she tries to save someone else on the streets of Washington, DC, she's instead somehow sucked into Rhen's cursed world.
Break the curse, save the kingdom.
A prince? A monster? A curse? Harper doesn't know where she is or what to believe. But as she spends time with Rhen in this enchanted land, she begins to understand what's at stake. And as Rhen realizes Harper is not just another girl to charm, his hope comes flooding back. But powerful forces are standing against Emberfall . . . and it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin.
Review Quotes
"Has everything you'd want in a retelling of a classic fairy tale: a finely-drawn fantasy world, a heroine rarely seen in fiction, and a tortured hero with a secret. I have only one complaint: I wish the sequel were already available!" --Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of A SPARK OF LIGHT and SMALL GREAT THINGS
"Absolutely spellbinding. A Curse So Dark and Lonely expands on all the beloved themes of 'Beauty and the Beast' to create an intensely original retelling: one full of fierce new characters, wicked magic, and wondrous amounts of heart. Brigid Kemmerer doesn't just tell a story, she builds an entire world that you will never want to leave." --Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of CARAVAL and LEGENDARY
"I couldn't get this creative, suspenseful take on 'Beauty and the Beast' out of my head." --Sara Holland, New York Times bestselling author of EVERLESS
"Slow burning, big hearted, magical fun! I loved every minute." --New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins
"Heartwarming, thoughtful, and romantic: Brigid Kemmerer took me on a magical journey with this dark fairy tale about growing up, falling in love, and making impossible choices. I can't wait to see where these characters go next." --Jodi Meadows, New York Times bestselling co-author of MY LADY JANE and MY PLAIN JANE
"Beautifully dark, filled with wild adventure and a modern-day heroine every reader will find a bit of themselves in." --Alexandra Christo, author of TO KILL A KINGDOM
"Harper is the undisputed hero . . . Avoiding disability inspiration tropes, she is a fallible, well-rounded character who fights for the vulnerable and resists being labeled as such herself despite how others perceive her. A fast-paced, richly detailed feminist epic." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"This enthralling modern fable champions altruism while illustrating intimacy's relationship with honesty, respect, trust, and consent." --Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Fans of Cassandra Clare, Marissa Meyer, or Alex Flinn, as well as any reader looking to sink into a top-notch story with great characters, will want to read this book." --VOYA, starred review
"A complex, creative, and compelling reimagining of Beauty and the Beast." --School Library Connection, highly recommended
"A fresh twist on an old story. . . . Fans of Sarah J. Maas will be eager for this one." --Booklist
"Kemmerer knows how to blend a compelling story with a swoony romance, and the love triangle that inevitably develops . . . is organic and unforced because of strong characterization." --BCCB
"A unique world filled with fantasy and menace . . . will leave readers anxious to see what happens next." --School Library Journal
"Kemmerer merges modern sensibilities with an epic love story in this Beauty and the Beast retelling." --Shelf Awareness
"Readers looking for a different sort of coming-of-age story or teen protagonists grappling with complex situations will fall in love with this romance-tinged novel." --Starred review, Booklist on MORE THAN WE CAN TELL
"A must-have for any YA collection. Give to teens who enjoyed A Boy Called It by Dave Pelzer or The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky." --Starred review, School Library Journal on MORE THAN WE CAN TELL
"This book is going to fly off the shelves to all teens, but it will hold special interest for those looking for a tear-jerking romance and serious readers of realistic fiction." --VOYA on LETTERS TO THE LOST
"A great concept, delivered in a compulsively readable package . . . romance readers will stay up late to finish this very satisfying and heartfelt read." --Booklist on LETTERS TO THE LOST
"Explores the ideas of carving identity out of pain and the way perception colors expectations." --BCCB on LETTERS TO THE LOST
"Readers will find themselves rooting for the real Declan to win Juliet's heart the same way his online persona did. Consider this tale of modern star-crossed love as a first purchase for YA collections." --School Library Journal on LETTERS TO THE LOST
About The Author
It once seemed so easy to Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year over and over, he knew he could be saved if a girl fell for him. But that was before he learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. That was before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.
, is magically transported to his world. Harper is not the typical fairy-tale heroine. She has cerebral palsy, which is portrayed realistically and sensitively throughout the story. Despite her physical limitations, Harper is fierce, determined, and resilient. When she is thrust into Rhen's world, she finds herself in the middle of a civil war and reluctantly becomes involved in helping Rhen break the curse. Throughout the novel, the theme of love and sacrifice is explored. Rhen's curse not only affects him but also his loyal commander, Grey. Grey has the unenviable task of serving Rhen while also trying to protect him from his own violent tendencies. He is torn between his duty and his growing feelings for Harper. The love triangle that ensues adds an additional layer of complexity to the story. One of the standout aspects of the novel is the world-building. Kemmerer crafts a rich and detailed fantasy world filled with magic, mythical creatures, and political intrigue. The kingdom of Emberfall comes alive on the pages, immersing the reader in its vibrant and treacherous setting. The writing style is engaging and keeps the reader hooked from beginning to end. Kemmerer effortlessly blends action-packed scenes with tender moments of romance and self-discovery. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, allowing the readers to develop a deep connection with the characters and become fully invested in their journey. "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" is not just a retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale. It is a story of hope, redemption, and the power of love. Kemmerer skillfully explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the strength that lies within us all. This novel is a must-read for fans of fantasy and fairy tales alike..
Reviews for "Breaking the Mold: The Subversion of Beauty Standards in "A Curse so Dark and Lonely"
1. John - 2/5 stars - "I had high hopes for 'A Curse so Dark and Lonely' based on the hype surrounding it, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The main characters were unlikeable and unrelatable, which made it challenging for me to connect with the story. Additionally, the plot was predictable and lacked originality. While the concept of a cursed prince and a tough heroine was intriguing, the execution felt lackluster. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others."
2. Sarah - 3/5 stars - "As a fan of fantasy novels, I was excited to read 'A Curse so Dark and Lonely,' but it didn't quite live up to my expectations. While the world-building was well-done, the pacing was slow, and it took a long time for the story to truly grab my attention. The romance felt forced and unrealistic, and I struggled to connect with the characters on an emotional level. Additionally, the plot was predictable, and the ending felt rushed. While it had its moments, I found myself underwhelmed by this book."
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - "I couldn't get into 'A Curse so Dark and Lonely' despite the positive reviews. The protagonist felt like a stereotypical 'strong female' character who lacked depth and complexity. The love interest was equally unimpressive, with a one-dimensional personality. The plot meandered and lacked a clear direction, making it difficult for me to stay engaged. Overall, I found this book to be over-hyped and would not recommend it to those seeking a captivating fantasy read."