A Curse So Dark And Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

A Curse So Dark And Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
Release Date - January 29, 2019
Publisher Website - Raincoast Books

Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  496 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

An instant New York Times Best Seller! In a lush, contemporary fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Brigid Kemmerer gives readers another compulsively readable romance perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer.

Fall in love, break the curse.

It once seemed so easy to Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year over and over, he knew he could be saved if a girl fell for him. But that was before he learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. That was before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.

Nothing has ever been easy for Harper Lacy. With her father long gone, her mother dying, and her brother barely holding their family together while constantly underestimating her because of her cerebral palsy, she learned to be tough enough to survive. But when she tries to save someone else on the streets of Washington, DC, she's instead somehow sucked into Rhen's cursed world.

Break the curse, save the kingdom.

A prince? A monster? A curse? Harper doesn't know where she is or what to believe. But as she spends time with Rhen in this enchanted land, she begins to understand what's at stake. And as Rhen realizes Harper is not just another girl to charm, his hope comes flooding back. But powerful forces are standing against Emberfall . . . and it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin.

Fairytale retellings are a weakness of mine. I love them and will pretty much read anything that comes to my attention. A Curse So Dark And Lonely is one of the best, if not THE best, Beauty and the Beast retellings I have had the pleasure of reading. Brigid Kemmerer captures the essence of the tale as old as time while making it entirely her own in so many ways.

The world of Emberfall is the foundation of the story. The curse bleeds into so many elements of the world Prince Rhen inhabits. Getting the world right was vital and Brigid Kemmerer nails it. The contrast between modern day Washington, DC and the fairytale world of Emberfall only serves to create the atmosphere this story needs in order to work.

This is a story of Harper finding her strength and her voice. She is used to people treating her a certain way and blossoms as she learns to rely on herself and trust in herself. She's smart, tenacious, and resilient. She has an inner strength that makes her one of the strongest characters in this novel. She is determined and that determination makes her formidable. She experiences a lot of growth during her journey. She comes into her own in a way that is inspiring and brave.

Rhen is a desperate prince. All he wants is to break the curse that dooms his kingdom. He, in typical Beauty and the Beast fashion, is a spoiled, arrogant young man who seems to not learn from his mistakes. His growth rivals that of Harper's own in this novel. He has a sweet soul (naturally) but getting to it takes some effort. Sympathy for him is woven into the story in believable ways and we get to spend time inside his head which also helps.

There are a bunch of side characters that light up the story. Grey, Rhen's commander of the royal guard, stands out as a character that people will flock to. His relationship with Harper is as vital to the story as her relationship with Rhen. Lilith, the sadistic enchantress, is deliciously evil and fun. I wish we had gotten inside her head a bit because I expect there is more to her than we get to see. There are other characters who enhance the story being told in a way that feels entirely natural.

The romance in Beauty and the Beast is always a little tricky to pull off. There is an element of Stockholm Syndrome to the entire relationship that can be portrayed very poorly. The elements I do not like about the romance are mostly nonexistent here. Rhen and Harper get to know each other gradually. The curse is unique from most others in retellings of Beauty and the Beast in that Rhen is in human form for most of each autumn season. He only takes the form of the beast towards the end which gives a much richer, more complex courtship to their relationship. Trust and respect are vital to their relationship and it drives any connection that may be forming between the two. I like that this novel doesn't offer a typical romance or friendship between them. It feels more authentic to me because every inch feels earned. It also isn't something that either of them trusts in. They struggle with unraveling what is real in a way that made their relationship crackle with realism.

The ending of this part of Harper's story will make the reader desperate to get their hands on the sequel. Brigid Kemmerer has set up a delicious tension for the second book and there is plenty to theorize about while waiting for the sequel to be released. It's the type of ending that only serves to reignite the reader's desire to return to this world as quickly as possible.

Fans of fairytale retellings will delight in this unique take on a tale they are all too familiar with and those who are exhausted by the retelling boom will delight in the imaginative differences woven into this story. It's a more, perhaps surprisingly, modern take on the story and filled with characters who work their way into your heart.

A Reading Slump, A New Blog Feature, and Accountability

Part of my goals for 2019 were to whip this blog back into shape. It kind of got pushed to the side a bit in 2018 and it's made me want to refocus on it this year.

I have already failed in that mission so I decided to do something about it! I need a way of being more accountable, and a more fun way to pick out the books I read for the month. I decided to share my monthly 'to-be-read' list at the beginning of each month. This is a way for me to hold myself more accountable and to share what reviews will be upcoming on the blog.

I've hit a pretty big reading slump and I am hoping having this focus will help me get out of it! I have a bunch of amazing sounding books for February and with the weather being awful I hoping to make a sizable dent on this before the middle of the month.

King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo (goodreads)
A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer (goodreads)
Enchantee by Gita Trelease (goodreads)
The Umbrella Academy: Volume One by Gerard Way, Gabriel Ba, Dave Stewart (goodreads)
Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte (goodreads)
99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne (goodreads)

I am almost done 99 Percent Mine (so expect a review of that soon) and will probably be able to quickly devour The Umbrella Academy so I am expecting those will put me off to a great start.

I also have two ebooks that I am going to be reading this month:

The Blood Spell by CJ Redwine (goodreads)
The Au Pair by Emma Rous (goodreads)

I'll provide an update of my progress at the beginning of March along with my March TBR pile! This one is a little late but you can expect the March one to fall on the 1st (and it'll be around the first of the month from there on out).

What books are you excited to read this month? Any of the ones on my list also on yours? Let me know in the comments!

2019 Most Anticipated - A Curse So Dark And Lonely

It's time to kick off my annual Most Anticipated event! Each year I spotlight the books that I am eager to get my hands on in the upcoming year in hopes it'll put them on your radar as well.

This year I am starting with a novel that reimagines one of my favourite fairytales into something that sounds pretty unique and a little more modern.

That's right... It's a Beauty and the Beast retelling. A Curse So Dark and Lonely is written by Brigid Kemmerer so I anticipate a whole lot of emotional payoff in this one along with some great writing.

The Goodreads synopsis for this novel makes it seem like it is set in modern times but keeps that classic feel by having Harper be sucked into Rhen's world.

Fall in love, break the curse.

It once seemed so easy to Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year over and over, he knew he could be saved if a girl fell for him. But that was before he learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. That was before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.

Nothing has ever been easy for Harper Lacy. With her father long gone, her mother dying, and her brother barely holding their family together while constantly underestimating her because of her cerebral palsy, she learned to be tough enough to survive. But when she tries to save someone else on the streets of Washington, DC, she’s instead somehow sucked into Rhen’s cursed world.

Break the curse, save the kingdom.

A prince? A monster? A curse? Harper doesn’t know where she is or what to believe. But as she spends time with Rhen in this enchanted land, she begins to understand what’s at stake. And as Rhen realizes Harper is not just another girl to charm, his hope comes flooding back. But powerful forces are standing against Emberfall . . . and it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin.

This sounds incredible right? I like the different perspective it seems to taking while still having all the classic elements of the Beauty and the Beast story. I cannot wait to discover the world of Emberfall and all of the cursed characters within it.

Brigid, very kindly, agreed to take part in my event this year and the result is the very fun interview where I get her to reveal some details about A Curse So Dark and Lonely.

1 Describe A Curse So Dark and Lonely in three words.

Prince. Castle. Swords.

2 If someone were to make a signature ice cream in honour of your book, what might be included?

Chocolate, but only because I think chocolate ice cream should always be included, no matter what.

3 Fairytale retellings are always popular. What about the classic Beauty and the Beast tale made you want to make it your own?

I think what I love the best about Beauty and the Beast is that, at its core, it's a story about seeing beyond the exterior and finding someone's true humanity underneath. I tried to capture that magic in Curse, just without all the Stockholm Syndrome stuff that comes with kidnapping or imprisoning a girl to break a curse. In Curse, Harper is definitely kidnapped, but she doesn't want to be there, and she's very much her own person.

4 Name a song you listed to for inspiration while writing this novel (if you didn't listen to music let me know and I can quickly send another question)

I have a whole playlist! I would say that "Sound of Silence" by The Disturbed most closely captures Rhen's mood. If you haven't heard it, I insist that you give it a listen:

It's not so much the lyrics, but the way his voice conveys the mood.

5 If you could travel to anywhere, in any time period, when and where would you want travel?

This is such a tough question!! Right off the cuff, I'd say Renaissance Italy, but that's only because it seems so beautiful and charming in my imagination. I'm sure it was a really challenging time to be alive for the average person.

6 What 2019 release are you most anticipating?

This is such a tough question because there are so many!! Probably Sabaa Tahir's next book.

7 If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of A Curse So Dark and Lonely?

Not too spoilery at all!

"There is blood under my fingernails. I wonder how many of my people I've killed this time."

That opening line has me thinking that this Beast is more terrifying than those in previous adaptations. This Beast seems to be deadly and have a body count.

A Curse So Dark and Lonely releases January 29, 2019 but you can pre-order it right now from any retailer (and it is perfect use for those holiday gift cards).

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble // BAM

You can find out more about Brigid by following her on Twitter, and by visiting her her website. You can also find out more about her books on the publisher website.

Do you love fairytale retellings as much as I do? What do you think of Beauty and the Beast ones in particular? Let me know in the comments!

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to for the next book on my 2019 most anticipated list. 

ALA Excitement!

After seeing all of the BEA posts from last week I am even more excited to be attending ALA. I am looking forward to seeing New Orleans, being surrounded by bookish people, and finding out what the publishers are excited about for the back half of 2018.

I have been looking forward to this particular ALA for YEARS now because I have always wanted to go to New Orleans. It's exciting that in just a few short weeks I'll be there.

I thought I would be fun to share some things that I am especially excited about for both the trip in general and ALA in particular!

Top Things I Want To Do In New Orleans

1- Eat Beignets

Anytime I mention that I am going to New Orleans I immediately am told to make sure I try some beignets while I am there. These delicious sounding pastries are  high on my list!

2- Take A Ghost Tour

This is my one MUST DO while in the city. I am currently browsing my options as there are many. If anyone has any recommendations please send them my way.

3- Find A Local Book Store

One of my favourite parts of going to Book Expo is stopping by The Strand book store in New York. I am hoping to find a used book shop or something similar to browse while in New Orleans.

Top Books I Hope Are At ALA

Of course there are some amazing sounding books that I hope are available at ALA! I am looking forward to not just getting a chance to read some of my most anticipated reads early, but interacting with the publishers and taking part in some of the panels. There is one true crime panel that sounds amazing and I really enjoyed the publisher presentations that I attended when I attended ALA previously.

Without further ado, here are the books I most hope to pick up while at ALA:

1 What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

I love Becky's books. I love Adam's books. It goes without saying that a book written by both of them would be high on my 'must read' list. 

2 The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle

I've loved Rebecca's previous novels and I am especially intrigued by the synopsis of her first adult book. I cannot wait to meet her version of Audrey Hepburn and to completely love Sabrina.

3 A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

This one has been on my radar since I read the deal annoucement. I love a good retelling and this twist on Beauty and the Beast sounds particularly fun.

4 The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White
 
This unique Frankenstein retelling is pretty much everything I want in a novel. I am really excited to read this one and see what twists Kiersten White has added to the classic story.

5 The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory

I really enjoyed The Wedding Date and hope that Jasmine's next novel is just as cute and enjoyable. It sounds like a fun rom-com style read that will be perfect for the plane ride home (if it happens to be on offer and I am fortunate enough to snag a copy).

While I am clearly excited about a lot of things in New Orleans, I am always looking for more recommendations. Are you from New Orleans, or ever been there? Have any suggestions on what I must do, see, and eat while in town for ALA? Please leave any suggestions in the comments.

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOK

A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer (goodreads)

This is a Beauty and the Beast retelling that sounds amazing! I am really excited for this (which should surprise nobody). I love the idea of someone from 'our' world being transported to this magical cursed world and playing the part of 'Belle'.

Carve The Mark by Veronica Roth cover (goodreads)

I am very intrigued by this new series by Veronica Roth. The sci-fi feel, and potential for hate to love romance is something I am definitely into.

The cover was just recently revealed and it is pretty intriguing too.

Is that gold seeping from the walls? They look like wounds made from a blade and there is something eye catching up that bright colour against the dark background. 

TV/MOVIE

Captain American Civil War

I just got to see this last night and it was pretty amazing. Still firmly #TeamCap after watching it (though the movie did a good job of making you see both sides). The movie broke my heart for so many reasons, most of them due to Bucky Barnes. Sebastian Stan is killing it in this role, and I cannot wait to see what is next for all of these characters. If you are a Marvel movie fan, you'll love this. I think it's probably the best Captain America movie to date. Oh, and the new Spiderman is actually pretty perfect. He and Ant-man are both HILARIOUS in this movie and provide some much needed comic relief during some pretty impressive fight sequences. The introduction of Black Panther was also done really well, and they did a great job casting wise with him too.

OTHER

Book Expo America

I leave for BEA on Tuesday and I am SO excited! I am getting to see friends, meet a bunch of awesome authors, and see a brand new city. It's going to be pretty amazing. As mentioned in my BEA post - the blog should have little to no disruption while I am going so please do check back during the week for reviews and other posts.

What are you obsessed with this week?