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

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 
5 🌟 CW: violence, cancer mention, suicide, torture, descriptions of blood and corpses, death of a parent

A Curse So Dark and Lonely is my first Brigid Kemmerer book, and OMG I loved it! Do you ever read it a book and it feels like home right away? This was this book for me. We have a badass heroine with cerebral palsy, slow burn enemies to lovers, a bit of magic and a beast of course. Did I mention that it's a Beauty and the Beast retelling? (Sadly, there is no library in this version).

We follow Harper who is being the look out for her brother while he shakes some guy down for money, because he's stuck working for the loan shark their dad got caught up in. Out of nowhere she sees a man try to abduct a girl, so Harper attacks him and ends up in Emberfall.

Enter the cursed, and frankly broody, Prince Rhen. Not to mention his trusty and ever loyal commander of the guard, Grey. Grey has to be my favorite character, though we don't get chapters from his pov, only Rhen and Harper's.

I just loved adventure Harper was having and how much growth it gave her. I loved her friendship with Grey and her unfailing kindness for everyone she met in that strange Kingdom. Except for Lilith. She can rot in Hell.

We also get Harper's brother who just proves a point (with of Game of Throne reference) that readers are more equipped to find themselves suddenly in royal court situation and can pretend accordingly 😂.

This is definitely going to be a comfort read for me, and I can not wait to read the next one, but I'm on a book ban so 🤷🏾‍♂️ it will have to wait. 
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