A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

*** Review ***

A Curse So Dark and Lonely is a thrilling and captivating retelling of Beauty and the Beast that had me hooked from the very beginning. As a fan of retellings, I was eager to dive into this novel, and I must say, it did not disappoint.

The plot revolves around Prince Rhen, who is cursed to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year over and over again until he can find true love. With each failed attempt, his kingdom of Emberfall teeters on the edge of destruction. Enter Harper, a tough and resilient girl from Washington, D.C., who is unwittingly transported into Rhen’s world. As powerful forces stand against Emberfall, the fate of the kingdom hangs in the balance, and it will take more than breaking the curse to save it from ruin.

I was initially hesitant to read another retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but A Curse So Dark and Lonely breathed new life into the classic tale. The adventurous and exciting twists kept me on the edge of my seat, and the ending left me breathless. Brigid Kemmerer expertly weaves a story filled with magic, romance, and intrigue, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

One of the aspects that stood out to me was the relationship between Rhen and Harper. While their connection is essential to the story, it is not the sole focus. Rhen’s dedication to his kingdom and people is equally paramount, and his journey towards understanding his true responsibilities is both compelling and heartwarming. This dynamic added depth to the story and made the characters feel more relatable.

Moreover, I found the character development to be exceptional. Gray, with his stoic and mysterious demeanor, quickly became my favorite character. His dangerous aura and hidden vulnerability made him utterly endearing. Additionally, Harper’s resilience and determination made her a fantastic heroine. And of course, Prince Rhen, burdened by his cursed fate, turned out to be more likable and complex than I had expected.

Kemmerer’s writing style captivated me from the start. The atmospheric setting transported me into Emberfall, and the portrayal of the characters’ emotions and struggles felt genuine and raw. I also appreciated the representation of cerebral palsy through Harper’s character. The book handled this aspect thoughtfully, sparking important conversations about how society treats people with disabilities.

Although I loved the story overall, I found myself wishing that it had been slightly shorter. Towards the end, the pacing felt a bit slow, and I found myself longing for a quicker resolution. However, these minor concerns did not diminish my overall enjoyment of the book.

In conclusion, A Curse So Dark and Lonely is a beautifully crafted and darkly enchanting retelling that breathes new life into the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast. Brigid Kemmerer skillfully combines urban and high fantasy elements, creating a unique and thrilling world. The flawed and relatable characters, along with the powerful representation, make this a standout read. I was completely immersed in the atmospheric setting and emotionally invested in the characters’ journeys. This book exceeded my expectations, and I eagerly look forward to continuing the Cursebreakers series to discover what lies ahead for Harper, Rhen, and Emberfall.