"A Curse So Dark and Lonely" is a young adult fantasy novel written by Brigid Kemmerer. This book falls under the young adult age category, targeting teens between the ages of 14 and 18. The story follows the protagonist, Harper, who is an 18-year-old girl with cerebral palsy. She is transported to a fantasy kingdom called Emberfall, where she encounters the cursed prince, Rhen. Rhen is trapped in a constant cycle of repeating the same season until he can find a girl to fall in love with him. However, this curse has turned him into a murderous monster who destroys his kingdom and kills its inhabitants.
Meeting in the Chapel, Strange explains that Hunter's advice and friendship have been helping renew Strange's own self-confidence. Strange notes that his title is just an illusion of rank; he's just a man who filled a niche that needed his specific skills. Hunter offers their continued support on Strange's path. The two engage in less serious conversation for a few moments, sharing a few jokes, and Strange thanks Hunter for their friendship.
Delighted Hunter noticed, Strange explains that it s the life essence of the world transmigrating between each level of existence; the Abbey is in a waypoint of existence where the veil of planes is quite thin. Already in his youth, Stephen had great interest in medicine and eventually started a career as an outstanding Neurosurgeon, but lost the precise control of his hands in a car accident.
However, this curse has turned him into a murderous monster who destroys his kingdom and kills its inhabitants. Harper's arrival brings hope and a potential opportunity for Rhen to break the curse. What sets this book apart is its emphasis on disability representation and the exploration of complex themes such as love, sacrifice, and identity.
Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange is one of the playable Heroes in Marvel's Midnight Suns. Outside of battle, he performs Research at the Forge in the Abbey. He is introduced together with Iron Man in the exposition of the game, where he seeks help from Johnny Blaze. The beginnings of Dr. Stephen Strange date back to the year 1963, where Stan Lee and Steve Ditko created him for Strange Tales #110. Over the years his story has expanded and readers have been able to explore how the Sorcerer Supreme came to be. Already in his youth, Stephen had great interest in medicine and eventually started a career as an outstanding Neurosurgeon, but lost the precise control of his hands in a car accident. Modern medicine could not restore his hands, a fact that left the formerly wealthy Strange as a desperate man and made him drift off into debt and poverty. In his endeavours for a cure, he eventually contacted the Ancient One. Stephen became an eager student of sorcery and received the title Sorcerer Supreme. In Marvel's Midnight Suns, he will reveal some details to Hunter from his life. [2]
Despite being initially skeptical of her abilities, Harper proves to be resourceful, resilient, and a powerful force in the plot. As the story progresses, readers are taken on a journey filled with romance, political intrigue, and magical elements. "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" appeals to young adult readers who enjoy fantasy novels with strong and relatable protagonists. It sheds light on the importance of empathy, self-acceptance, and overcoming obstacles. This age category book serves as an engaging and empowering read for teenagers, capturing their imagination and resonating with their own personal struggles and aspirations..
Reviews for "The Representation of Diversity in 'A Curse So Dark and Lonely' for Teens"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "A Curse So Dark and Lonely". Firstly, I found the plot to be completely predictable and lacking any depth. There were no surprises or twists that kept me engaged. Secondly, the characters felt one-dimensional and underdeveloped. I couldn't connect with any of them and didn't really care about their fates. Overall, I just didn't find this book to be compelling or memorable in any way.
2. Mark - 2.5 stars - I have mixed feelings about "A Curse So Dark and Lonely". On one hand, I appreciate the unique take on the Beauty and the Beast story and the inclusion of disability representation. However, the pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself losing interest multiple times throughout the book. Additionally, I felt that the romance was forced and lacked chemistry. While there were some aspects I enjoyed, overall, I just didn't find this book to be as captivating as I had hoped.
3. Sarah - 3 stars - "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" didn't live up to my expectations. While the concept was intriguing, I felt that the execution fell flat. The writing style didn't engage me, and I found myself getting bored and skimming through parts. The characters also didn't resonate with me, and their actions felt forced or nonsensical at times. While it had its moments, overall, I didn't feel a strong connection to this book and probably won't be continuing with the series.