One-line Summary:

A Curse So Dark and Lonely is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the story of Harper, a young girl from Washington D.C., who is transported to a magical kingdom and tasked with breaking a curse.

The Story:

In A Curse So Dark and Lonely, written by Brigid Kemmerer, we are introduced to Harper, a seventeen-year-old girl living in Washington D.C. who has cerebral palsy. One fateful night, Harper witnesses a man attempting to kidnap a young woman on the streets. Without hesitation, she intervenes and finds herself transported to the magical kingdom of Emberfall.

Emberfall is a land cursed by an enchantress named Lilith, who has condemned the prince, Rhen, to relive the same season over and over again until he can find true love. Desperate to break the curse and save his people, Rhen has been unsuccessful in finding a suitable girl to fall in love with him. However, when Harper arrives, Rhen believes she may be the one to break the curse.

As Harper navigates this new world, she discovers that Rhen is not the monster she initially believed him to be. Together, they face numerous challenges, including a powerful enemy, political unrest, and the constant threat of the curse. Harper’s determination, strength, and compassion make her an invaluable ally to Rhen and his loyal guardsman, Grey.

The Characters:

The characters in A Curse So Dark and Lonely are well-developed and bring depth to the story. Harper is a strong-willed and resilient protagonist, who defies expectations and refuses to let her disability define her. Rhen, the cursed prince, is burdened by his past mistakes and struggles to find hope in his seemingly endless curse. Grey, Rhen’s loyal guardsman, is a complex character with a mysterious past and a deep sense of duty.

The Themes:

A Curse So Dark and Lonely explores several themes throughout the story, including:

Identity and Acceptance: Harper’s journey in Emberfall forces her to confront her own insecurities and embrace her true self. Similarly, Rhen and Grey grapple with their own identities and the roles they play in the kingdom.

Love and Sacrifice: The novel delves into the complexities of love and the sacrifices one is willing to make for the ones they care about. Harper, Rhen, and Grey all face difficult choices and must navigate their feelings amidst the chaos of their circumstances.

Overcoming Prejudice: Harper’s disability challenges the preconceived notions of those around her, highlighting the importance of acceptance and understanding. The story also explores the prejudices that exist within Emberfall’s society and the need for unity and equality.

Key Takeaways:

• Strength can be found in unexpected places, and one should never underestimate the power of determination.
• Love and acceptance can break even the most powerful curses.
• True identity is not defined by external factors, but by one’s actions and choices.

“Sometimes it is the smallest things that save us.” – Brigid Kemmerer, A Curse So Dark and Lonely

In conclusion, A Curse So Dark and Lonely is a captivating fantasy novel that combines elements of romance, adventure, and magic. Brigid Kemmerer weaves a tale of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery that will keep readers hooked until the very end. With its well-developed characters, engaging plot, and thought-provoking themes, this book is a must-read for fans of the fantasy genre.