A review by eve_reads
A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

 Overall Thoughts:
⁕ I wouldn't say there is anything special about the plot or character development in comparison to other YA retellings. But goodness was it an addicting comfort read. The fast-paced chapters and familiar tropes had me devouring this in a day. It's like brain junk food. 

⁕ This tries and fails so hard to be a feminist story. Harper is a kick-butt heroine, but it doesn't negate the "pick me"/"not like other girls" energy, strong enforcement of traditional gender roles, and lack of consent that is prevalent throughout the text.

⁕ The ending has a wacky, cobbled-together feel to it. A solution to one of the major conflicts appears out of seemingly no where and it didn't feel as satisfying as I would have hoped.

⁕ The characters in this book are more diverse than other Beauty and the Beast retellings. I especially appreciate the disability rep. 

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