A Curse So Dark And Lonely (Cursebreaker Series #1) by Brigid Kemmerer
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Web ID: 14717390Ratings & Reviews
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One of the best 2019 releases!
I have to be honest in that I was widely skeptical in picking this one up. Once I heard that it had elements of yet ANOTHER Beauty and the Beast retelling, my guards went up and I left this galley ignored for the better part of 6-months. The book had actually already been released before I picked it up, and it was because of a friend who had just gotten a galley of the sequel (A Heart so Fierce and Broken) and said it was even better than the first book. So I let me guard down, found the galley and dove in. When I think of Beauty and the Beast retelling, my mind and my heart immediately go back towards A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas which I loved IMMENSELY- so this was one of the issues I had in picking the title up in the first place. In the end, I'm really glad that I gave this book a shot because the series has now become one of my favorites and the third book's release is definitely highly anticipated! Once I actually read the book, I realized that there really wasn't a whole lot of parallels between Beauty and the Beast and this book aside from the fact that Prince Rhen is a beast, they live in a castle mostly alone, and that he was cursed by an enchantress. Every other riveting detail from the story stands firmly on its own and I was absolutely sucked into the story and invested in every single character. About halfway through my read through, I found that I wasn't able to dedicate as much time to reading as I would have liked due to teaching and testing season, I purchased a copy of the audio book via Audible that I would read on my commute to and from work. One thing that I absolutely loved about the audio book production in particular was a chapter much later in the book that is from the point of view as Rhen as the beast and the chapter is just empty in the book format. In the audio production, this chapter is replaced by the freakiest monster-like heavy breathing I've ever heard in my life- the sound literally gave me chills. Really lent itself to the telling of the story. The chemistry between Rhen and Grey was adorable, and the chemistry between Rhen and Harper was downright swoon-worthy, and the chemistry between Grey and Harper was so comical- every single character was so well-rounded and thought out. In terms of character design and character development, Kemmerer has it DOWN. World building was outstanding (how could it not be with a name like Emberfall!?). I loved just about everything about this story and can't wait to finish the series with A VOW SO BOLD AND DEADLY when it releases in January 2021. I am so ready!!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Great original take on Beauty and the Beast
If you enjoy fairy tale retelling, or just really good fantasy, this is a book for you. Harper lives in Washington, D.C. with her brother and her dying mother. One night while she and her brother are out she tries to stop a kidnapping only to get kidnapped herself and taken to the kingdom of Emberfall. Emberfall’s castle lies empty except for the prince, Rhen, and his guard, Grey. All other’s have died at the hand of the monster that attacks anyone in its path. The monster is a curse from a vicious witch out for revenge against the crown. It will be Harper’s job to break the curse, but will she be able to do it before the monster attacks? When I began reading this book I wasn’t sure I would like it because of all the hype its been receiving. However, the hype is well deserved. The characters are well rounded and multi-dimensional with their own motives. The chapters are refreshing because they switch viewpoint between Harper and Rhen giving the reader a great insight into each’s motivations and experiences. There was plenty of humor interspersed throughout all the drama and the interactions between the characters were really well done. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading the sequel (because, dang, cliffhangers).
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
WOW
WOW. WOW. WOW. The hype was not wrong. This book was incredible! From the beginning, I was sucked in. The plot started almost immediately and never slowed down. I kinda felt like I being was whisked away with the main character, Harper, into this other world and into a new life. The book moved at a great pace without being too fast. WOW. And the characters...I fell in love with the prince and his guard from the beginning. They're both so different, but oh so loveable. Honestly, they could have killed every character in the book and I still would have loved them. WOW. And Harper was so great! She never seemed to falter in her strength and fortitude. I forgot most times that she had Cerebral Palsy because she just embodied confidence and power. And I love that she was aware of the stereotypes that come from the original Beauty and the Beast story. She was aware of Stockholm Syndrome and didn't just fall at the prince's feet after he did one good thing. She was very careful and didn't just jump into a relationship. I really loved that.WOW. The only thing that I didn't love was the ending. The thing is, I can't quite put my finger on what it was I didn't love. Hopefully, the next book will resolve my dislikes from this first book ending. THAT PLOT TWIST THO. I did not see that coming. That was something I did like from the end. WOW. Overall, WOW. I know you're probably tired of me saying that now, but it was really sosososo good. I can't wait to read the next book because I already feel like I'm dying a little bit.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
A book so dark and edgy
I read this for school, and oh boy did I waste my time. The main girl, Harper, was the most realistic character but had a tragic backstory that felt shoehorned in. The main boy, rhen’s, characterization was all over the place. His relationship with Lilith felt more like torture for the sake of torture than a genuine, abusive ‘relationship”. Grey, my favorite character, was ruined by the extra chapter. First it was slow, then it was unbearably fast, and on top of the lovers’ quarrels thrown in every other chapter, the book felt so predictable. Overrated. The CP representation was nice tho.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Almost 5 Stars
I figured I would like this, but I didn’t expect to be as intrigued as I was. I read it in a couple sessions. It probably would’ve been only one, but I had to go to sleep eventually. If I still gave out half stars this would be 4.5. So normally, I’m not a big fan of portal fantasy. It’s because I don’t like how people seem to just forget their previous life. Ms. Kemmerer specifically goes against that. And I got the most emotional when Harper was sad about her mom and brother. Plus, there were stakes there: should she stay or return home, etc.? Harper, Rhen, and Grey were all great characters. Harper has CP, but it doesn’t define her. And she really comes into her own in Emberfell. She learns how to be a strong independent person. Rhen is damaged, but really cares about his people. Grey was equally developed even though he doesn’t have a POV. His character was explored well through his actions and interactions with Rhen and Harper. While I like all the characters, there wasn’t a particularly distinctive voice for Rhen and Harper. If you’re writing in a POV it should be unique-alternatively you could write in 3rd person. The romance was well-done. It was paced perfectly-not too drawn out or too slow. And it was only one aspect of this story. I ended falling in love with this world and the characters. I’m definitely eager to read more and I need to know what happens to Emberfell.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
This book was AMAZING
Give the book a chance it is definitely in my top 3 favorite books
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Really Good
I don’t usually like books that much but this one was just amazing. Rhen’s character was so detailed and his love for Harper was so interesting. I can see how people compare this being a beauty and the beast tale but it’s so alike yet different at the same time. Really really good book.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
This book never fails to captivate me.
I've read this book four times now... and was very much looking forward to revisiting Emberfall before the last book in the trilogy released. It never fails to captivate me. With so many ratings and reviews already out there for Curse, there's little for me to say that hasn't been said. It captures that perfect balance needed for a creative retelling, offering fierce and steadfast characters, gripping action and unwavering hope for success. I remember the first time I read it, thinking it was a standalone book, and then being absolutely beside myself when I learned there was more to the story, with its sequel's release still months away. I remember meeting Brigid Kemmerer, listening to her speak to a roomful of students about her process in building these incredible worlds, watching the room soak it all in. She is as lovely a person as her words are on the page. Her signed books from that day hold a special place on my shelf. Though I've held onto many quotable moments from the book, my favorite remains, "I am always surprised to discover that when the world sees darkest, there exists the greatest opportunity for light." Considering the state of the world right now, it's held true for me for so many reasons. With the final book in the series releasing this week, I'd encourage anyone looking to lose themselves in a clean, enthralling fantasy story to dive right in.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com