A Curse So Dark and Lonely Series is a captivating and enthralling collection of novels that transports readers to a world of fantasy and enchantment. Written by acclaimed author Brigid Kemmerer, this series takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with magic, romance, and destiny. The first installment of the series, "A Curse So Dark and Lonely," introduces readers to the protagonist, Harper, a young woman with cerebral palsy, who finds herself transported to the magical kingdom of Emberfall. In this cursed land, she encounters Prince Rhen, who has been doomed to repeat the same season until he finds true love. As Harper navigates this unfamiliar world, she discovers her own strength and determination, while also forming a deep connection with Rhen. The second book in the series, "A Heart so Fierce and Broken," continues the story and introduces readers to new characters and challenges.
“This enthralling modern fable champions altruism while illustrating intimacy's relationship with honesty, respect, trust, and consent.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
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. Heartwarming, thoughtful, and romantic Brigid Kemmerer took me on a magical journey with this dark fairy tale about growing up, falling in love, and making impossible choices.
The second book in the series, "A Heart so Fierce and Broken," continues the story and introduces readers to new characters and challenges. This installment shifts the focus to Grey, Rhen's loyal guard, and introduces a rebellion brewing in Emberfall. With unexpected alliances and dangerous secrets, Grey's journey becomes incredibly captivating and unpredictable.
A Curse So Dark and Lonely (The Cursebreaker Series) (Hardcover)
This retelling of Beauty and the Beast captured my heart from page one through powerful storytelling and refreshing new twists on a classic story. With her mom dying and her brother slipping further into a life of crime, Harper feels the weight of too many responsibilities. When an impulsive attempt to stop what appears to be a kidnapping leaves Harper abducted instead, she lands in Emberfall the prisoner-slash-guest of the prince. Will a street-smart girl from contemporary Washington DC and a prince cursed to become a monster at the end of every summer defeat a spurned and power-hungry witch? Unfortunately for the prince, Harper has no interest in hanging around Emberfall, breaking curses and falling in love. As the pages turn, her interactions with a prince who has much to learn about girls and friendship are witty and touching, and I appreciated how Harper’s cerebral palsy was incorporated realistically into the story without it coming across as a weakness. Almost five-hundred pages and I read in less than a day. A Curse So Dark and Lonely is that captivating!
Description
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.
About the Author
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
Praise For…
“Has everything you'd want in a retelling of a classic fairy tale: a finely-drawn fantasy world, a heroine rarely seen in fiction, and a tortured hero with a secret. I have only one complaint: I wish the sequel were already available!” —Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of A SPARK OF LIGHT and SMALL GREAT THINGS
“Absolutely spellbinding. A Curse So Dark and Lonely expands on all the beloved themes of 'Beauty and the Beast' to create an intensely original retelling: one full of fierce new characters, wicked magic, and wondrous amounts of heart. Brigid Kemmerer doesn't just tell a story, she builds an entire world that you will never want to leave.” —Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of CARAVAL and LEGENDARY
“I couldn't get this creative, suspenseful take on 'Beauty and the Beast' out of my head.” —Sara Holland, New York Times bestselling author of EVERLESS
“Slow burning, big hearted, magical fun! I loved every minute.” —New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins
“Heartwarming, thoughtful, and romantic: Brigid Kemmerer took me on a magical journey with this dark fairy tale about growing up, falling in love, and making impossible choices. I can't wait to see where these characters go next.” —Jodi Meadows, New York Times bestselling co-author of MY LADY JANE and MY PLAIN JANE
“Beautifully dark, filled with wild adventure and a modern-day heroine every reader will find a bit of themselves in.” —Alexandra Christo, author of TO KILL A KINGDOM
“Harper is the undisputed hero . . . Avoiding disability inspiration tropes, she is a fallible, well-rounded character who fights for the vulnerable and resists being labeled as such herself despite how others perceive her. A fast-paced, richly detailed feminist epic.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“This enthralling modern fable champions altruism while illustrating intimacy's relationship with honesty, respect, trust, and consent.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Fans of Cassandra Clare, Marissa Meyer, or Alex Flinn, as well as any reader looking to sink into a top-notch story with great characters, will want to read this book.” —VOYA, starred review
“A complex, creative, and compelling reimagining of Beauty and the Beast.” —School Library Connection, highly recommended
“A fresh twist on an old story. . . . Fans of Sarah J. Maas will be eager for this one.” —Booklist
“Kemmerer knows how to blend a compelling story with a swoony romance, and the love triangle that inevitably develops . . . is organic and unforced because of strong characterization.” —BCCB
“A unique world filled with fantasy and menace . . . will leave readers anxious to see what happens next.” —School Library Journal
“Kemmerer merges modern sensibilities with an epic love story in this Beauty and the Beast retelling.” —Shelf Awareness
“Readers looking for a different sort of coming-of-age story or teen protagonists grappling with complex situations will fall in love with this romance-tinged novel.” —Starred review, Booklist on MORE THAN WE CAN TELL
“A must-have for any YA collection. Give to teens who enjoyed A Boy Called It by Dave Pelzer or The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.” —Starred review, School Library Journal on MORE THAN WE CAN TELL
“This book is going to fly off the shelves to all teens, but it will hold special interest for those looking for a tear-jerking romance and serious readers of realistic fiction.” —VOYA on LETTERS TO THE LOST
“A great concept, delivered in a compulsively readable package . . . romance readers will stay up late to finish this very satisfying and heartfelt read.” —Booklist on LETTERS TO THE LOST
“Explores the ideas of carving identity out of pain and the way perception colors expectations.” —BCCB on LETTERS TO THE LOST
“Readers will find themselves rooting for the real Declan to win Juliet's heart the same way his online persona did. Consider this tale of modern star-crossed love as a first purchase for YA collections.” —School Library Journal on LETTERS TO THE LOST
- Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Contemporary
- Young Adult Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Adaptations
- Young Adult Fiction / Romance
- Young Adult Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
- Paperback (January 7th, 2020): $10.99
“A must-have for any YA collection. Give to teens who enjoyed A Boy Called It by Dave Pelzer or The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.” —Starred review, School Library Journal on MORE THAN WE CAN TELL
The final book of the series, "A Vow So Bold and Deadly," brings the story to an epic and satisfying conclusion. As Emberfall faces its greatest threat yet, the characters are tested in unimaginable ways. Kemmerer's masterful storytelling and intricate world-building ensure a breathtaking finale that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. What sets the A Curse So Dark and Lonely Series apart from other fantasy novels is its exploration of important themes such as disability, identity, and love. Harper's character challenges common stereotypes and shows that strength comes in many forms. The romance between Harper and Rhen is also beautifully written and evolves throughout the series, showcasing the power of love even in the face of adversity. Overall, the A Curse So Dark and Lonely Series is a must-read for fantasy lovers of all ages. With its compelling characters, rich world-building, and thrilling plot twists, it is a series that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end. Brigid Kemmerer's ability to blend the magical with the relatable makes this series a true gem in the genre. So, dive into this enchanting world and prepare to be spellbound by the A Curse So Dark and Lonely Series..
Reviews for "Discovering the Haunted Locations of the Fark and Lonely Curse Books"
1. Mike - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" series, but I found it to be underwhelming. The characters lacked depth and the plot felt predictable. I also felt that the romance between the main characters was forced and lacking in chemistry. Overall, I was left feeling disappointed and not invested enough to continue with the series.
2. Emily - 1/5 stars - I cannot understand the hype around "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" series. The writing was mediocre at best, filled with clichés and tedious descriptions. The story felt contrived and the characters were one-dimensional. I struggled to connect with any of them and found myself disengaged throughout the entire series. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone looking for a captivating fantasy read.
3. Sarah - 3/5 stars - While "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" series had an interesting concept, I felt that the execution fell short. The pacing was slow, making it difficult to stay engaged with the story. Additionally, the world-building lacked depth, leaving me feeling confused and wanting more. Although the characters were relatable and had potential, their development felt rushed and incomplete. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and unsure if I would continue with the series.
4. James - 2/5 stars - I was excited to dive into the "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" series, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The plotline felt unoriginal and lacked surprises. The love triangle aspect felt forced and added unnecessary drama. Furthermore, the pacing was uneven, with certain parts dragging on and others feeling rushed. I couldn't fully connect with the characters either, as they felt too familiar and lacked unique personalities. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed by this series.