A Curse So Dark and Lonely

A Curse So Dark and Lonely
Let me just start of by saying I am very careful when it comes to recommending a retelling. That said if you have not read this, please do.

I could not put it down.
Brigid Kemmerer has put an unique spin on a classic story, sticking to the original story line just enough to make you wonder how she is going to put a spin on it. This novel is a good mixture of magic, romance, tension and challenge to intrigue even the laziest of readers into finishing the book.

***Spoiler alert – there is a second book.

“I am always surprised to discover that when the world seems darkest, there exists the greatest opportunity for light.” 

Brigid Kemmerer, a Curse so Dark and Lonely

I love the characters and cannot wait to see what Grey, Rhen and Harper get up to in the next one.

This story has a good plot based on the childhood classic the Beauty and the Beast, with a modern spin of a tricky curse, some form of time/space travel and digital age vs pre-technology development. (the candle-lighting era as my husband refers to it)

Harper finds her way to Emberfall unexpectedly, when she steps up to be a hero. Thinking Washington DC at night is the scariest thing you can experience, Harper quickly finds out the world is much bigger than she thought. Faced with difficult decisions and a lot of personal growth the three main characters whisk you away to Emberfall with them. ( I kinda wish I could go there.)

“We are all dealt a hand at birth. A good hand can ultimately lose – just as a poor hand can win – but we must all play the cards the fate deals. The choices we face may not be the choices we want, but they are choices nonetheless.”

Brigid Kemmerer, A Curse so Dark and Lonely

Kemmerer’s use of an unlikely main character makes this story even more memorable. Harper has Cerebral Palsy and therefore face even more challenges than your typical heroine. I found that to be appealing. In a world where it has become the norm to single out and bully differently abled people, Kemmerer has emphasized the strength people with these circumstances have. I admire her for pushing the norm and showing the world there is more than just the typical beauty. That being different is not just okay but something to be applauded. That the only person who can limit you, is yourself.

Be sure to add this to your reading list. It is kid friendly, although I would only recommend this for high school and older.