The second entry in the A Curse So Dark and Lonely series continues the enchanting tale of Harper, Rhen, and Grey as they navigate the treacherous realm of Emberfall. In A Heart So Fierce and Broken, author Brigid Kemmerer delves deeper into the characters' lives, their struggles, and the consequences of their choices. The story picks up shortly after the events of the first book, with Harper no longer in Emberfall. Instead, we are introduced to the perspective of Grey, the commander of Rhen's guard. Grey is burdened by guilt, torn between loyalty to his brother and his growing doubts about Rhen's ability to rule justly. As events unfold, Grey finds himself embarking on a dangerous mission that will test his loyalties and lead him to unexpected connections.
As events unfold, Grey finds himself embarking on a dangerous mission that will test his loyalties and lead him to unexpected connections. Meanwhile, Harper has her own set of challenges. While she yearns to return to Emberfall and be with Rhen, she grapples with the responsibility of her own world and the expectations placed upon her.
The unexpected origins of popular Christmas traditions
The unexpected origins of popular Christmas traditions 03:54 Though December 25 is the day Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the date itself and several of the customs we've come to associate with Christmas actually evolved from pagan traditions celebrating the winter solstice. "Christmas is really about bringing out your inner pagan," historian Kenneth C. Davis told "CBS This Morning." According to Davis, Christmas was celebrated as early as the fourth century, suggesting that it had almost nothing to do with Jesus Christ. "In ancient Rome there was a feast called Saturnalia that celebrated the solstice. What is the solstice? It's the day that the sun starts coming back, the days start getting longer. And most of the traditions that we have that relate to Christmas relate to the solstice, which was celebrated in ancient Rome on December 25. So when Christianity became the official religion in a sense, in Rome, they were able to fix this date. . There's a little discrepancy about it but there's no question that the fact that it was celebrated in Rome as an important day with gift giving, candle lighting, and singing and decorating houses really cemented Christmas as December 25."
Another custom we can thank the pagans for? Christmas trees. Davis explained that the evergreen trees signaled the "return of life" and "light" as the winter solstice meant the days were starting to get longer. "They started to hang an apple on it, so little red balls on green trees — get the picture here? . So all of these things celebrate the idea that life and light are coming back into the world, which is essentially what Christmas means to Christians around the world."
Mistletoe, though, that was started by the Druids, who believed it was an all-powerful healing item from the sacred oak tree. "If you met someone in the forest you gave them the sign of peace under the mistletoe so people started to hang mistletoe above their doorways as a symbol of peace. This was such a powerful symbol of paganism that English churches actually banned the use of it," Davis said. Davis also pointed out that the very first instance of a "war on Christmas" actually dates back to the Puritans in the mid-17th century. "They knew all of these things, the date, the traditions, were pagan ideas. The Puritans banned Christmas for 20 years in America before the celebration became just too popular."
And so the Church decided to replace the most important pagan festivities with new Christian holidays on the same dates – as the calendar remained pretty much the same as before, it was much easier for the one-time pagan populace to adjust to this new faith.
As she encounters new allies and enemies, Harper must embrace her strengths and confront her fears. A Heart So Fierce and Broken adds new layers to the fantasy world of Emberfall, introducing new characters and new dangers. It explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the complexity of relationships. Kemmerer expertly weaves together multiple perspectives, giving readers a richer understanding of the story and its characters. One of the main strengths of this second entry is the development of Grey's character. From being a secondary character in the first book, Grey takes center stage in this installment. Readers witness his growth as he grapples with his own insecurities and tries to find his place in the world. His experiences shed light on the inner workings of Emberfall's politics and the challenges faced by those in power. The central theme of the series, the curse that plagues Emberfall, continues to loom over the characters' lives. As they search for a way to break the curse, they must confront their own demons and make difficult choices. The consequences of their actions affect not only themselves but also the fate of the kingdom. Overall, A Heart So Fierce and Broken builds upon the foundations established in A Curse So Dark and Lonely, taking readers on an emotional journey filled with twists and turns. Kemmerer's writing style draws readers in, making it difficult to put the book down. With its engaging characters, intricate plot, and thought-provoking themes, this second entry in the series is a must-read for fans and newcomers alike..
Reviews for "The Significance of the Title in the Second Book of A Curse So Dark and Lonely"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I was really excited for the second entry in the "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" series, but I found it to be extremely disappointing. The plot felt disjointed, with random subplots thrown in that didn't add much to the overall story. The pacing was also off, with the action sequences feeling rushed and the character development lacking depth. Additionally, I found the writing style to be lackluster and repetitive. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and uninterested in continuing with the series.
2. John - 2.5 stars - I had high expectations for the second book in the "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" series, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The characters, who I loved in the first book, seemed flat and one-dimensional in this installment. The romance that was so captivating in the first book felt forced and melodramatic here. The plot tried to pack in too much, resulting in a lack of focus and a cluttered storyline. While there were moments of excitement, they were overshadowed by the overall disappointment I felt while reading this book.
3. Sarah - 3 stars - Although I enjoyed the first book in the series, the second entry failed to hold my attention. The pacing was slow, and the plot lacked the intensity and urgency I was expecting. The characters, while familiar, didn't seem to experience much growth or development. Additionally, I found the writing to be overly descriptive, leading to a lack of action and suspense. While the book had its moments, overall, it didn't live up to the expectations set by its predecessor.