I loved this book from start to finish!

A Curse so Dark and lonely is a very unique retelling of Beauty and the Beast. When I heard it was another retelling of my favorite fairytale I bought it immediately. Then left on my shelf for way too long.

We start out in our modern world, Washington DC. Where Harper lives with her mother and brother. Her mother is severely sick and her brother seems to look at Harper as if she can’t take care of herself. Just because she has cerebral palsy. Through the story Harper shows you just how strong and independent she actually is. She’s a very strong and inspiring character.

Then we have Emberfall, an entire different and enchanted world. With an enchanted prince. Prince Rhen, heir to the throne of Emberfall, has been cursed to relive the autumn of his eighteenth year over and over again. Until he finds someone who truly loves him for who he is.

Until then, he is destined to turn into an ever changing beast every time at the end of the season.

I really liked how Brigid Kemmerer combined our world with a magical world. Even though it sadly isn’t a reality, it does make you feel as if you could travel to Emberfall as well. And that is something I really love ❤️



Each character made me have such strong feelings for them. Especially Harper. Because she has cerebral palsy, the people around her tend to underestimate her abilities rather quickly. Even her own brother. But Harper can do anything if she wants to, sometimes just a little different. She is so strong willed and it’s so inspiring, probably to a lot of people.



Rhen, is interesting. Tbh after finishing the book I couldn’t remember why I liked him so much. But my friend @dreamwavebooks reminded me of his strategic side that I also loved. I just wish we would have gotten some more of that.

What I aslo did really love about him, also because of how his character was written, was his will to do good. Rhen’s POV really showed me how years of trying to cure this curse has treated him. He seems desperate and because of that he makes mistakes. He can come off a little rude and pushy sometimes. But after a while, when he really shows he cares, you also see that he really tries. That made me really appreciate his character. It was also a lot of fun to read his POV’s.



I LOVED Grey. (He has curly dark hair and wears armor, how could I not?)

No but seriously, his character was so good. Even though I wish he was more fleshed out. (But that will probably happen in #aheartsofierceandbroken)

His loyalty, even though it was sworn, goes so deeply. Even for Harper, and I don’t think that’s just because she kind of needs to be kept safe? Because he truly didn’t seem to mind to send her back to DC at the start.

He seems so cold but cares and sacrifices so much. I can’t wait to see more of him!

The world building was okay, but there isn’t really a good explanation why these two world are connected, I would have liked a little more logic like that.

Also the side characters and side friendships didn’t mean anything to me. They were very instant and felt rushed, as if they weren’t meant to be cared for. Even though Harper felt strongly for her friends made through her journey, I couldn’t picture it myself. This would have been solved with some more chapters where the author showed some friendship bonding.

I couldn’t put it down and when I did I couldn’t wait to get back to it. I adore this retelling and want the sequel right now