A Curse So Dark and Lonely In the enchanting world of fantasy literature, one novel that stands out is "A Curse So Dark and Lonely." This captivating story written by Brigid Kemmerer takes readers on a journey filled with magic, romance, and a thrilling curse. The protagonist of the novel, Harper Lacy, finds herself transported from modern-day Washington D.C. to the magical kingdom of Emberfall. However, this kingdom is under a dark curse, forcing Prince Rhen to relive the same season over and over again until he can break the spell.
However, this kingdom is under a dark curse, forcing Prince Rhen to relive the same season over and over again until he can break the spell. With each failed attempt, Rhen becomes more desperate, leading him to kidnap girls from different worlds in hopes of finding true love. Enter Harper, a fierce and determined young woman.
A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer | Book Review
A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
Series: Cursebreakers #1
Published by Bloomsbury YA on January 29, 2019
Genres: Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 484
Source: Publisher (Netgalley)
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Fall in love, break the curse.
Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year, Prince Rhen, the heir of Emberfall, thought he could be saved easily if a girl fell for him. But that was before he turned into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. 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 constantly underestimating her because of her cerebral palsy, Harper learned to be tough enough to survive. When she tries to save a stranger on the streets of Washington, DC, she's pulled into a magical world.
Break the curse, save the kingdom.
Harper doesn't know where she is or what to believe. A prince? A curse? A monster? 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.
You thought I’d quit YA, huh? Me too. lol. I’ve struggled to identify with YA characters as I’ve gotten older and have kind of made the shift to adult romance, but then a group of friends pushed this on me and we read the series together and OH MY GOSH. I had always loved YA fantasy, but hadn’t found one in a very long time that held my attention long enough to even finish it, much less binge a series back to back to back. I’m about a third of the way through the second book, A Heart So Fierce and Broken, right now and it’s amazing. I’m #89 in line for A Vow so Bold and Deadly at my library so hopefully things hurry along. Anyway, I loved the world and the characters and the writing, and I’m so excited to continue my journey reading through these books! As always, my main points are bolded.
1. Harper had me worried at first. Well, the whole book did because it started off very sassy teen and I wasn’t sure I was in the mood for it, but then I grew to really love her! And I loved the disability rep. Harper has Cerebral Palsy and walks with a limp. The people in the magical alternate dimension don’t understand this kind of disability and find her to be weak or injured, but she has no problems sticking up for herself and proving that she can do anything. She’s sweet, caring, empathetic, and really turns the castle upside down. This girl definitely isn’t like all the other girls who have been kidnapped by the prince’s guard commander to try and break the curse.
2. Grey is my favorite character in this book. He’s the guard commander, and I LOVE him. He’s honorable and protective and such a great guy. He’s the romantic of the two male main characters, and he coaches the prince on how to not be a cold, unfeeling jerk. If we’re likening the characters to Beauty and the Beast, which this book is a retelling of, then Harper is Belle, Rhen is the Beast, and Grey is Lumiere. Also, was he named after the grey stuff? As in “try the grey stuff, it’s delicious!” I’m convinced of this. I need to write to the author. Ok, I just did. Anyway, he’s also pretty swoony sounding.
3. Prince Rhen? He’s fine. I actually really liked him, but he was a bit broody and intense and… pouty? for my liking. He’s the typical royal personality you find in fantasy, and I guess he’s a really good Beast because he’s got that “I hate everyone, now love me so I can be human again” attitude down. I hope I get to see more of his personality in the second book, because right now he’s pretty flat.
4. The supporting characters are great. Harper, Grey, and Rhen end up at a little inn and I love the characters they meet. And as they find people to join their army against a rival queen, they encounter some really interesting people with stories that I loved.
5. The romance is pretty minimal, but I didn’t even care.
6. Oh my gosh, this is a very overwhelming book to try and review.
7. I love the world! And I loved the spin Brigid put on Beauty and the Beast. Curse has the bones of Beauty and the Beast, but Brigid has added so many interesting and amazing details that make it so different. The enchantress is a recurring character in the story, there’s another kingdom threatening invasion, there’s… traveling between dimensions, the beast (or monster, as they refer to it in the book) surfaces every season and Rhen can’t control it (think of a werewolf and a full moon). It’s all so good and fresh and unique.
8. The writing! I love Brigid’s use of words and descriptions of scenery and feelings.
9. I finished and immediately needed more. This doesn’t happen to me often. Usually I need a break, but I am plowing on through and can’t read fast enough.
I’ve read a LOT of Beauty and the Beast retellings, and I thought for sure nothing would ever satisfy me to the point that Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses did. I still love ACOTAR more than anything, but I also really, really loved Curse. Like, I can’t pick just one and that makes me really happy. Maybe there is room in my life for more B&B retellings and maybe I do still love YA fantasy (it was heartbreaking to decide I didn’t anymore). Anyway, I’m not sure I’m making sense. Bottom line, A Curse so Dark and Lonely has made me realize that perhaps I gave up on a genre I once loved too soon because I thought there was nothing left for me there. So, now I’ll venture back and see what else there is for me. I highly recommend this book, and cannot wait to see what happens next!
5. The romance is pretty minimal, but I didn’t even care.
Harper, who has cerebral palsy, doesn't let her disability define her character. Her resilience and strength shine through as she navigates through the unfamiliar world of Emberfall, facing both physical and emotional challenges. Harper's relatable character is a refreshing addition to the fantasy genre, as she proves that heroes come in all shapes and sizes. As the story unfolds, Harper finds herself torn between her growing affection for Rhen and the loyalty she feels towards her family back in the real world. The tumultuous romance between Harper and Rhen adds an element of suspense and keeps readers eagerly turning the pages to discover their fate. Kemmerer's writing is vivid and evocative, painting a rich tapestry of the kingdom of Emberfall. The world-building is masterfully done, immersing readers in a realm where magic and danger lurk around every corner. The author's attention to detail and the intricate plot keeps readers enthralled from start to finish. Moreover, the novel explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and the power of true love. It challenges conventional notions of beauty and showcases that love can exist even in the most unexpected places. The characters face their fears head-on, learn to trust one another, and discover the strength within themselves to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" is a spellbinding tale that offers so much more than your typical fairy tale. It captures the essence of the fantasy genre while adding layers of depth and complexity. Kemmerer's story is a testament to the enduring power of love and the indomitable spirit of the human heart. In conclusion, "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" is a must-read for fans of fantasy and romance alike. It combines all the elements of a captivating story - magic, adventure, and a dash of mystery - and presents them in a fresh and engaging way. Kemmerer's writing is masterful, and her characters leap off the pages, leaving a lasting impression. If you're looking for a thrilling and enchanting read, look no further than "A Curse So Dark and Lonely.".
Reviews for "Dissecting the Dynamic Relationships in A Curse So Dark and Lonely"
1. Samantha - 2/5
I was really excited to read "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" based on all the hype it had received, but I was ultimately disappointed with the book. The first issue I had was with the pacing. It was slow and dragged on, making it difficult for me to stay engaged with the story. Additionally, I found the characters to be underdeveloped and uninteresting. I couldn't connect with any of them, which made it hard for me to care about their fates. While the concept of the story had great potential, the execution fell flat for me. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to others as I feel there are much better fantasy novels out there.
2. Michael - 1/5
"A Curse So Dark and Lonely" was not my cup of tea at all. I found the main character, Harper, to be annoying and unlikeable. Her constant complaining and stubbornness grated on my nerves, and I couldn't sympathize with her struggles. The romance aspect of the story felt forced and lacking in chemistry. The writing style also didn't captivate me and I found it difficult to get immersed in the world. The plot felt predictable and cliché, leaving me bored and uninterested. Overall, I really struggled to find anything positive about this book, and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating fantasy read.
3. Benjamin - 2/5
I had high expectations for "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" but sadly, it fell short for me. The world-building felt lackluster and often inconsistent. It lacked depth and detail, leaving me with numerous questions that were never answered. The pacing was also an issue, with slow moments dragging on while important events felt rushed. The character development was mediocre and I struggled to connect with any of them. The romance felt forced and lacked chemistry, making it hard to invest in the relationship. While the concept was interesting, the execution failed to deliver a compelling story. I would recommend other fantasy novels over this one.