A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer turned out to be far more addictive than I expected. I went in hoping for a solid Beauty and the Beast retelling and came out genuinely invested in the characters, the politics of Emberfall, and the emotional stakes that build steadily through the story. It is very much a YA fantasy that wears its familiar elements proudly, yet it still manages to surprise in places.
The story follows Harper, a teenager from Washington DC who is juggling far too much responsibility at home. When she tries to intervene in what looks like a kidnapping, she is pulled into the cursed kingdom of Emberfall. There she meets Prince Rhen, who is trapped in an endless cycle of repeating the same season, transforming into a monster at its end. His guard commander Grey is the only other person left by his side. Harper’s arrival disrupts the rhythm of the curse and sets all three characters on a path filled with danger, political tension, and unexpected connection.
One of the strongest themes in the book is resilience. Harper’s determination is threaded through every chapter and her Cerebral Palsy is written as part of her identity rather than a defining obstacle. The story also explores responsibility and leadership, especially through Rhen’s struggle to accept the consequences of his past choices. There is a clear thread of hope running through the narrative, even when the characters themselves feel hopeless.
What worked best for me was the character work. By the end, I found myself genuinely attached not only to Harper, Rhen, and Grey but also to several supporting characters. Grey in particular stood out as the most consistent and compelling presence. His loyalty, quiet strength, and moments of softness made him incredibly easy to root for. The world building is also engaging, especially once the plot picks up speed in the second half. There are scenes that feel wonderfully atmospheric and immersive, and the emotional beats land well.
That said, the book is not without its frustrations. The early chapters move slowly and lean heavily into the she is different trope, which I found tiring. The almost love triangle felt unnecessary and I hope it does not become a recurring device in the series. Rhen’s sudden shift in attitude once Harper arrives felt abrupt and difficult to believe at times. I also struggled with the dual point of view structure. Harper’s chapters were far more compelling for me and I often felt pulled out of the story when the perspective switched. Lilith as a villain lacked nuance and her scenes sometimes felt overly dramatic rather than menacing.
Despite these issues, I had a genuinely good time reading this. Readers who enjoy YA fantasy with romance, magic, and a familiar fairy tale framework will likely find plenty to love. It is especially appealing if you enjoy character driven stories with emotional stakes and a touch of political intrigue.
A Curse So Dark and Lonely is an engaging and heartfelt retelling that balances charm with tension. It is not flawless, but it is undeniably entertaining and left me eager to continue the series.
About the author: Brigid Kemmerer – Fantasy Author
