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    A Curse So Dark and Lonely
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    A Curse So Dark and Lonely
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    A Curse So Dark and Lonely
    Ebook525 pages7 hours

    A Curse So Dark and Lonely

    By Brigid Kemmerer

    4/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook

    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.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBloomsbury Publishing
    Release dateJan 29, 2019
    ISBN9781681195094
    Unavailable
    A Curse So Dark and Lonely
    Author

    Brigid Kemmerer

    Brigid Kemmerer is the author of the New York Times bestseller Defy the Night, the New York Times bestselling Cursebreaker series, which includes A Curse So Dark and Lonely, A Heart So Fierce and Broken, and A Vow So Bold and Deadly, and Forging Silver into Stars. She has also written the contemporary young adult romances Call It What You Want, More Than We Can Tell, and Letters to the Lost, as well as paranormal young adult stories, including the Elemental series and Thicker Than Water. A full-time writer, Brigid lives in the Baltimore area with her family. www.brigidkemmerer.com @BrigidKemmerer

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    Reviews for A Curse So Dark and Lonely

    4/5

    845 ratings41 reviews

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    • 4/5
      3.5/4 stars. I really liked all the characters and the original spin on the retelling—frankly, it’s probably one of the best retellings I’ve read since Robin McKinley’s books. The action was great, and I was pleasantly surprised by the humor as well.
    • 5/5
      THIS IS SOMETHING I WANT IN A RETELLING! IT IS DIFFERENT IT IS NEW IT IS UNIQUE!!!!!!!!! Love how the author wrote about Harper. It is rare to see such a strong bold resilient female protagonist who IS NOT weak, who DOES NOT need a prince charming to save her.....Even with what she has, a disability (something that could be seen as a weakness), Harper did not make it as her weakness. She fought along with it and let it not interfere with her daily activities. Heck, she even fought a monster.
    • 4/5
      awesome character growth and goes back to some of the darkness of the original fairytales. Really wish the final chapter wasn’t there.
    • 5/5
      I love Beauty and the Beast retellings and this is one of the best IMHO. It's dark, very violent, but so good. Harper is a great heroine, a young woman kidnapped from Washington DC to break Prince Rhen's curse. Rhen is despondent, hating himself for invoking the curse which in this retelling has the beast killing his family and a lot of other people. Harper just wants to get home but also doesn't want to put up with Rhen's attitude. I especially like that she is portrayed as having CP, but tries to accommodate to the disease which is an incentive to Rhen to start taking care of his remaining people. Every character is nuanced. Grey, Rhen's only friend and his bodyguard, is caught between the Harper and Rhen as the deadline for stopping the curse approaches. The book is stand-alone though there's a bit of a reveal that could lead to more books (I already grabbed the next book). This isn't a Disney version of the fairytale but I really liked this grimmer style of the story.
    • 5/5
      I wasn't sure what to expect out of this book, but I was pleasantly surprised! Once I got started, I tore through it in just 2 sittings. Dual narration is always tricky, but I loved the distinct characters and I totally bought everyone's motives. I'm a little disappointed with where the story ended, because now that the curse is broken, I'm afraid it's going to become just a regular fantasy adventure and abandon any hint of fairy tales. That said, I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel.
    • 5/5
      diverse teen fantasy fiction (beauty and the beast in an alternate universe, heroine has cerebral palsy)

      I kind of want to give this seven stars; did not expect to like this quite so much, but Harper kicks so much butt here! She's brave, totally badass, and also incidentally has cerebral palsy (symptoms are different for each person, but Harper is able to be a total superhero in her own way). Everyone always underestimates her because of her small stature.

      Looking forward to the next one.

      !!!!!!!!
    • 5/5
      So captivating and such a truly intriguing story! I didn’t know where it was leading at any point, so refreshing!
    • 4/5
      I liked this book. It was an interesting take on Beauty and the Beast. I think the author did a decent job of world building and made the heroine very believable. By the climax of the story I do feel the writing loosened and at the point where the H and h are supposed to get together and you get a sense of closure for that part of the storyline, because this is a series, it kind of ends abruptly and leads into the next book. So you feel unsatisfied with parts of the story because it is set up to not necessarily be a cliffhanger for every aspect of the story and yet that is exactly what you get. I'm not sure if I'm reading the next book.
    • 5/5
      I loved this so much. Had me holding on right to the end to find out what happens.
    • 4/5
      A good spin on the classic Beauty & the Beast story.
    • 5/5
      Really loved it. I've been a fan of Brigid's work since diving into her Elemental Series (highly recommended by the way). Seeing this title pop up, I was super excited and was not disappointed! Finished it within a day and a half! Waiting for the next to be available.
    • 5/5
      Absolutely loved it. A great retelling and loved the romance. I personally want Grey and Harper but...le sigh. Anyways the romance was slow burn and very realistic. Part of me though does find it problematic, seeing as she was kidnapped, but I’m liking where the story is headed.
    • 5/5
      4.5 stars. I loved the story. The characters were fleshed out really well. I found some of the writing annoying... "in even intervals" written about 13 times. I loved Grey and Rhen. I enjoyed Harper, but I also found her immature and irritating at times. Overall I loved the story and couldn't put it down.
    • 5/5
      Having little knowledge of Beauty and the Beast, I really didn't know what to expect.I love this story though!!Rhen, oh my gosh, I'm so glad that Harper figured everything out that she needed to. They are going to be an amazing couple.I did think Harper had some sparks with Grey too though, and a small part of me is sad they didn't hook up instead.I got sucked into this world of Emberfall just like Harper did, and now I pine for the next book in the series.Fantasy fans, get this now!!!
    • 5/5
      I rarely read YA or anything labeled as romance, and yet this book's premise intrigued me enough to take a chance. I fully admit to stepping in with trepidation.And then...The author reached out and slapped me in the face for being so dumb. Well, figuratively speaking, anyway. I didn't care how old the main characters were or whether we were dabbling in romance. This story swept me up and held me captive.Fantasy and historical fiction are woven together in a way that feels believable. The mood is dark but hopeful. The romance is subtle; an underlying possibility, not a promise, and definitely not an instant love connection.While aspects of the plot are resolved, we are left with a cliffhanger. Now I have to get book 2, and await book 3, which I'll do because I'm hooked and have lost my ability to resist.
    • 5/5
      I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product. A Curse so Dark and Lonely completely consumed me once I started reading it! I kept telling myself it was late, and that I needed to go to sleep, but I just could not put this book down. Rhen and Harper were both trapped in tragic circumstances, and I felt compelled to continue reading until I knew how their story ended. It was devastating and beautiful, but also entirely believable. I loved Kemmerer's spin on Beauty and the Best, and thought Harper was fierce and wonderful. She's stubborn and strong, and she's willing to risk her life to save others. I don't think she ever thought of herself, because she was constantly trying to find a way back to her sick mother and troubled brother. Even after spending time with Rhen, Grey, and the people of Emberfall, she was unwilling to leave them if there was a possibility she could help save their lives. Her struggles were realistic, and she didn't accept her new surroundings without a fight.I don't typically like love triangles, and I'm not saying this has one, but there's an opportunity for one to occur. Honestly, I wanted Harper to end up loving both guys and spending her life living with both. I know that sounds really weird, but they both had qualities I admire, and I think they would have been happy in a three-person relationship. I also like that Harper has cerebral palsy. Honestly, if it hadn't been for the author's reminders, I would have completely forgotten about it. Her condition doesn't define her or affect what she's capable of. She's willing and determined to try new things, and she accepts herself exactly the way she is. Lilith called her broken, but I never saw her that way. She rides horses, runs from potential kidnappers, tries to save a women she doesn't know, and risks her life for a world that she's not a part of. I think Harper is a character that will inspire readers to be better versions of themselves."They believe her limp is the result of a war injury, but Harper is quick to correct them. 'I was born this way,' she'll snap, 'and I'm going to die this way, so teach me to work around it.' They love her for it."Rhen mentions being a douchebag prior to the curse (and even a little at the start), but we also see how he's changed over the many seasons he's had to live through it. He's learned to care about his people, and he worries about their safety and whether or not they trust him to be in a leadership position. He's been physically and mentally tortured, and still tries to protect those around him. I didn't love everything about Rhen, but I understood him and his actions. Grey was mysterious and unintentionally charming. His words and movements are very calculated, and he manages to say a lot with very few words. He's loyal to a fault, and his loyalty has cost him a lot over the years. I was unsure about him at first (when he retrieves Harper), but he quickly gained my trust and respect. I'm curious what his role will be in the next book! A Curse so Dark and Lonely may be a retelling, but Kemmerer easily made it her own. I loved her twists on the original story, and I'm happy she chose to include the surrounding kingdom and not just the cursed castle. It added an interesting and unique perspective! Harper and Rhen couldn't sit around and worry about themselves, because they had to work together to save his kingdom from an invasion. Truthfully, it was probably better for their relationship. I really, really loved this one! This book wrapped up nicely, but definitely left room for more.Originally posted at Do You Dog-ear? on January 28, 2019.
    • 5/5
      It’s lovely to escape into a fantasy that allows you to forget everything. That was the case for me while devouring “A curse so dark and lonely”; I actually forgot to eat and completely lost track of time. It has been quite a while since I’ve read a YA book that I was reluctant to put down. I loved Harper from the minute she battled Grey in the castle and ran down the hallway. I love her resilience, her independence, her generosity and her ferocity. I love the loyalty of Grey and the evil cruelty of Lilith. I love the frustrating hopelessness of Rhen’s curse and his gentlemanly fairness. In case you can’t tell I loved this fantasy and I know whichever class I give this book to will love it as well. I’ve already purchased the sequel because I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
    • 5/5
      4.5 stars , really enjoyable well written, I look forward to the next in the series
    • 5/5
      This book was great! I recommend reading it. The ending was a bit confusing like there might be another book but it could easily be just a stand alone novel too, but definitely try it out.
    • 5/5
      Enchanting and entertaining, it left me feeling more emotions than I thought possible.
    • 5/5
      This Lone Star 2020 novel will be misinterpreted as a retelling of The Beauty of the Beast, but it is its own story.The novel takes place in two settings: Washington D. C. and Emberfall. In Washington D. C., Harper's mother will die any day; she's already lived beyond what the doctors expected. Her father left when he got the family in trouble for borrowing money and not repaying it. Jake, Harper's brother, now works for the loan shark putting pressure (whatever that may entail physically or mentally) on people who also owe money. Harper always waits to make sure he's okay and then they go home to take care of mom. At any moment, they can be severely injured, even killed, over the money their father owes. It's in the very early morning while Harper is waiting on her brother when she sees a woman being abducted. Even though she has cerebral palsy affecting her leg, Harper rushes to help. When the abductor knocks her out, Harper awakes in Emberfall.Rhen's curse makes him become a monster on a regular schedule. In last few years, he has killed his family and his soldiers. He has one soldier left, Grey. The borders have been closed and the people have not seen the royal family in all this time. You guessed it--the curse is broken if a woman falls in love with him. Harper finds herself in this position. She learns about the monster although she doesn't know Rhen is the monster. She figures out, however, that she has to fall in love with Rhen to break the curse. She tells him that this is NOT going to happen. She tries to escape multiple times. In these escapes, she meets some of the people of Emberfall. She makes Rhen "see" them and fight for them. As Harper learns more about Rhen, the people, and the sorceress who cursed Rhen, Harper expects Rhen to fight and she wants to help even though she needs to go home and check on her family.I could not put this book down. I loved it. Book two will be ordered immediately!
    • 5/5
      I gobbled this one. I have no idea why this book is so underrated and not talked about more. This book had everything I love; a strong female character and two level headed side characters. I liked the politics and the interactions between the main characters. It was action packed and never boring. I'm a sucker for Beauty and the Beast retellings and this one didn't let me down. I'm definitely going to read book 2 when it's available.
    • 4/5
      This was sooo long. But, I'm all about Beauty and the beast so I loved it.
    • 5/5
      I loved this book! It's one of the best Beauty and the Beast retellings. I loved our main heroine. She's not helpless, she's strong and opinionated and I love it! Our two main male players are great, as well. I loved Rhen and all his issues. He's a hard egg to crack, but he's still an amazing characters. This is one of those books that you read and feel connected to the story and characters. It was a pretty long book, but I didn't mind at all and once I was close to the end I was sad! Great story!
    • 5/5
      Wow! I was completely engrossed with this book. It's a retelling of Beauty and the Beast but includes a parallel world and a curse that affect not just the prince but the entire kingdom. In my opinion it has more depth to it compared to Beauty and the Beast. I enjoyed this story a lot!
    • 4/5
      Liked it, but the love triangle was a little weird and Harper blushes at least five times each page.
    • 5/5
      Amazing, incredible book! I did not want to put this down! I loved everything about this book! Need to read the next as soon as I can because this was just amazing!
    • 4/5
      So freaking good. The old times kind of good familiar and yet with unexpected turns and twists. Loved all the characters ND that is saying a lot. Read it ione day. It deserves it
    • 5/5
      FUCKING PHENOMENAL how in the world have I never read this before. I’m an idiot to have not to.
    • 5/5
      A wonderfully creative retelling of Beauty and the Beast! I couldn't put it down. Every library collection should have this. Spellbinding from start to finish, with a twist that may lead to a sequel....please!!!! I highly recommend this book!