The second novel in the A Curse So Dark and Lonely franchise continues the captivating story of Harper, Rhen, and Grey as they navigate the treacherous world of Emberfall. In this installment, titled "A Heart So Fierce and Broken," the focus shifts to Grey as he grapples with his newfound role as the kingdom's commander and the implications it holds. With Rhen struggling to maintain control of the kingdom and Harper's absence, Grey finds himself torn between duty and loyalty. Unbeknownst to him, a powerful enemy known as the enchantress threatens to tear Emberfall apart. As Grey embarks on a journey to protect the kingdom, he finds himself questioning his place and purpose in the world. Braving dangerous territories, Grey encounters new allies and enemies along the way.
Braving dangerous territories, Grey encounters new allies and enemies along the way. Through the eyes of Grey, readers gain insight into the complex political landscape of Emberfall and the inner turmoil he faces. The novel explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the lengths one will go to protect what they love.
A Curse So Dark and Lonely
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.
Harper is our MC and has cerebral palsy. Like the author’s note says, and if you do research on cerebral palsy or have experience with people that have it (I have some experience with people that have it), people have different symptoms and it affects everyone differently. It was worse when she was younger, but she was able to get surgery to fix her left leg a little bit, but not enough to make it perfect. So she’s learned how to work around it, and that’s the important part. Her brother Jake has been getting into some trouble because of some actions from their father, and it’s all they can do to help their mom, who is slowly dying of cancer.
The author, Brigid Kemmerer, masterfully weaves together a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Her exquisite world-building and well-developed characters bring the story to life, captivating readers from start to finish. "A Heart So Fierce and Broken" is a thrilling addition to the A Curse So Dark and Lonely franchise, offering new perspectives and providing a deeper understanding of the intricate world Kemmerer has created. In summary, the second novel in the A Curse So Dark and Lonely franchise, "A Heart So Fierce and Broken," delves into Grey's journey as he grapples with his role as commander and faces threats to Emberfall. Brigid Kemmerer's captivating storytelling and vivid characters make this a must-read for fans of the series..
Reviews for "The Second Novel's Impact on the A Curse So Dark and Lonely Franchise"
1. Claire - 2 stars - I was really excited to read the second novel in the "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" franchise, especially after enjoying the first book so much. However, I found myself disappointed with this one. The pacing felt incredibly slow, and the plot lacked the same excitement and tension that made the first novel so captivating. The character development also fell flat for me, as I didn't feel a strong connection or investment in the characters' journeys. Overall, this book just did not live up to my expectations.
2. Jason - 2.5 stars - As a fan of the first book in the series, I had high hopes for the second installment. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The story felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged. The romance that was a highlight in the first book also felt forced and lacked the same chemistry. While there were some moments of action and suspense, they weren't enough to redeem the overall lackluster plot and character development. I hate to say it, but this book was a disappointment.
3. Sarah - 3 stars - I enjoyed the first book in the "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" franchise, but the second one failed to capture my interest in the same way. The writing felt repetitive and lacked the depth and complexity that was present in the initial installment. The plot felt predictable and lacked surprises, making it difficult to stay engaged. While I appreciate the attempt at expanding the world and introducing new elements, it didn't feel well-executed. Overall, I found this book to be a mediocre follow-up to a promising start.
4. Michael - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the second novel in this franchise, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The pacing was slow, and I found myself struggling to connect with the characters. The plot felt repetitive and lacked the same depth and intrigue that hooked me in the first book. The romance aspect, which was a key element in the first novel, felt forced and contrived. Overall, this book left me disappointed and wishing for more creativity and originality.
5. Emily - 2.5 stars - I was eagerly anticipating the release of the second novel in the "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" franchise, but it left me underwhelmed. The story felt predictable and lacked the same level of excitement and suspense that made the first book so enjoyable. The character development also felt stagnant, with little growth or depth. While there were a few engaging moments, they were few and far between. Overall, this book didn't live up to the expectations set by its predecessor, making it a disappointing read.