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mybestfriendsarefictional 's review for:
A Curse So Dark and Lonely
by Brigid Kemmerer
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury UK for giving me a chance to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this YA fantasy Beauty and The Beast re-telling. The synopsis sounded right up my street and I was really excited to get into it.
The story centers on Prince Rhen of Emberfall and Harper who is from our world. An unfortunate encounter between Harper and Rhen’s one and only remaining guard, Grey, leaves Harper reeling and most definitely not in DC anymore.
It’s made very clear from the start that this is Rhen’s last ‘season’ of which there have been hundreds, though time outside of his castles estate is passing much slower than within. I felt like the story was almost made to seem stagnant at the start to reflect on Rhen’s state of mind, he almost goes through the motions of his life, so when Grey appears with a very angry Harper, brandishing an iron bar, I think they both realised pretty sharpish that maybe this season wasn’t going to go quite to plan.
I really liked the addition of Freya and Jamison into Ironrose Castle; they added a bit more to the story, as well as Zo. It was really nice to see how both Rhen and Harper reacted around other people; especially with Harper the driving force behind most of Ironrose’s new residents. Rhen and Grey’s relationship is also really well written, and you could tell how fiercely loyal a person Grey is.
The story wove together very well and I actually couldn’t put it down when I hit the final 40%, which I read in one go. Really well done – and that epilogue, wow, I can’t wait to read more from this universe and find out all the information after the epilogue!
Age Range
I’d say that this book is marketed at the YA category; so would suit ages 13+
Finally – Would I Recommend It?
Yes definitely – I love a good retelling and this is definitely up there as a favourite. I can’t wait a whole year for the sequel, it’s too long! A Heart So Fierce and Broken, which is set for release in January 2020. Also, the paperback is to die for, so pretty!
4/5 ✰
I loved this YA fantasy Beauty and The Beast re-telling. The synopsis sounded right up my street and I was really excited to get into it.
The story centers on Prince Rhen of Emberfall and Harper who is from our world. An unfortunate encounter between Harper and Rhen’s one and only remaining guard, Grey, leaves Harper reeling and most definitely not in DC anymore.
It’s made very clear from the start that this is Rhen’s last ‘season’ of which there have been hundreds, though time outside of his castles estate is passing much slower than within. I felt like the story was almost made to seem stagnant at the start to reflect on Rhen’s state of mind, he almost goes through the motions of his life, so when Grey appears with a very angry Harper, brandishing an iron bar, I think they both realised pretty sharpish that maybe this season wasn’t going to go quite to plan.
I really liked the addition of Freya and Jamison into Ironrose Castle; they added a bit more to the story, as well as Zo. It was really nice to see how both Rhen and Harper reacted around other people; especially with Harper the driving force behind most of Ironrose’s new residents. Rhen and Grey’s relationship is also really well written, and you could tell how fiercely loyal a person Grey is.
The story wove together very well and I actually couldn’t put it down when I hit the final 40%, which I read in one go. Really well done – and that epilogue, wow, I can’t wait to read more from this universe and find out all the information after the epilogue!
Age Range
I’d say that this book is marketed at the YA category; so would suit ages 13+
Finally – Would I Recommend It?
Yes definitely – I love a good retelling and this is definitely up there as a favourite. I can’t wait a whole year for the sequel, it’s too long! A Heart So Fierce and Broken, which is set for release in January 2020. Also, the paperback is to die for, so pretty!
4/5 ✰