A Curse So Dark and Lonely
By: Brigid Kemmerer
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
A Curse so Dark and Lonely is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast that combines both the fantasy world of Emberfall with the real world that we all live in. Essentially, Prince Rhen was cursed by an enchantress and he has to make a girl fall in love with him before autumn is over or else he is doomed to repeat the season again and again and again. Meanwhile, life in the rest of Emberfall goes on as normal, except that the people are suffering because the royal family is preoccupied with the curse and cannot effectively rule. Harper is just a girl from DC who one day magically transported to the land of Emberfall where Prince Rhen and Commander Grey of the Royal Army are trying in vain to break the curse.
I really really enjoyed reading this book (like read it almost nonstop and finished in less than 12 hours including the time I was asleep). First of all, Harper as cerebral palsy which I will admit I did not know much about before reading this book, but it has led to her having a limp when she walks. Despite this though, she is such a strong character and doesn't let this one thing define her. She creates her own identity and it is truly amazing to watch her grow as a person and become more confident in herself and her abilities. I also liked this book because it really doesn't focus on romance like many other beauty and the beast retellings. The main focus of the book is Harper helping Rhen realize that he cannot keep ignoring his subjects, which leads to them concocting a brilliant plan to help the people of Emberfall. I loved the world and all the characters and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!!
