A Curse So Dark and Lonely (The Cursebreaker, #1)

by Brigid Kemmerer

[Briana @ Pages Unbound]

A Curse So Dark and Lonely is an enchanting, romantic tale perfect for fans of fairy tale retellings who want a slow-burn, swoonworthy romance combined with a more active, political take on "Beauty and the Beast."  The novel introduces readers to protagonist Harper Lacy, who must fall in love with Crown Prince Rhen of Emberfall in order to break the curse that has consigned him to turning into a violent beast at the end of each season--but it takes readers beyond this classic love story and asks how Harper and Rhen can help the kingdom outside the castle doors, what steps they can take to protect the people of Emberfall, even if the curse is never broke.  The result isn't perfect, as intricate political machinations do not seem to be the novel's strength, but the ambition of making a "Beauty and the Beast" story more than a romance stage in an isolated palace and the the passion and complexity of the characters help make the story shine even through its small flaws.

The romance--and the two characters in it--is really the high point of A Curse So Dark and Lonely. It's been a while since I read a novel where I was so invested in the romance, captivated as I watched the two characters come closer together slowly but surely, hesitant to trust each other but hoping they could--and then that the trust would turn into something more. This is a lovely, slow burn romance that builds over the course of the novel and brings the readers right along with it.

The characters themselves, however, are also wonderful an individuals. Harper is a bit rough around the edges, understandable since her mother has cancer, her father has run out, and her brother is apparently involved with the Mafia.  She's no-nonsense and straightforward, but she is also kind and does what's right even when it's hard and even when it seems foolish. Rhen is equally complex, a man struggling with a curse that has lasted seemingly forever, tired of his fate but also hoping to do what he can for his people.  (A lot of readers prefer the guard commander Grey as the most interesting character; I like him, as well, and he is complex, but I actually think his real time to shine will be in the companion novel Kemmerer has planned.)

I had just a couple small issues with the book. First, the enchantress who has cursed Rhen doesn't seem to have a plausible motivation.  There's an explanation, but it seems flimsy. It doesn't explain her desire to torture Rhen, Grey, and really anyone else any chance she gets or her apparent desire to see Emberfall as a whole burn to the ground. She's a bit flighty and actually reminded me of Lucinda from Ella Enchanted the way she randomly pops in and out of places and causes unasked-for havoc, but inexplicably more sadistic than Lucinda. She makes sense as a plot-mover, not so much as a character, which is a shame considering how complex the rest of the characterization in the book is.

Second, I didn't really understand all the political maneuverings in the novel.  I understand Kemmerer has written contemporary YA before, so maybe "how to run a country" is not her area of expertise, but I was a bit lost when things like "closing the borders and stopping all trade" were presented as "initially wise" moves that "protected the country."  I also was not 100% clear on why all the royal guard was gone, why the prince was no longer communicating with his army or...anyone, etc. I think there are some obvious solutions to their problems that were never taken or addressed.

These questions did not ruin my enjoyment of the book, however.  I loved reading this take on "Beauty and the Beast" and meeting a cast of fantastic characters who all had to find ways to overcome their doubts and past mistakes to do what they could for other people. In many ways, the book isn't so much about romance or even saving a kingdom as it is about personal sacrifice and finding strength in unlikely places. Highly recommended.