A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

Cursebreakers #1

Rating: ★★★★✰

Dates Read: 5/25/23 - 5/26/23

    In the enchanting world of Emberfall, Prince Rhen is cursed to relive the autumn of his eighteenth year, trapped in the form of a destructive beast. The only hope for breaking the curse lies in finding a girl who will fall in love with him. Meanwhile, in Washington, DC, Harper struggles with her own challenges, including cerebral palsy and a difficult family situation. When she encounters a stranger and is transported to Emberfall, she discovers a world of magic and curses.

    As Harper spends time with Rhen, she begins to understand the gravity of his situation and the fate of Emberfall. The once despairing prince finds hope in Harper's presence, but powerful forces threaten their quest to break the curse and save Emberfall from ruin. Together, they must confront the trials ahead, navigate the complexities of love and magic, and face the imminent danger that threatens both their worlds.

    “There is blood under my fingernails. I wonder how many of my people I’ve killed this time.”

    This enchanting tale of curses and love captivated me from start to finish. Set in the magical world of Emberfall, it follows Prince Rhen, cursed to transform into a beast each season unless he can find true love and break the curse. Enter Harper, a brave and caring protagonist, who finds herself unexpectedly transported to Emberfall. With her own burdens to bear, including a family in crisis and a life-changing condition, she becomes entangled in the prince's quest to find love.

    Harper's character is beautifully portrayed, and I admired her strength and kindness throughout the story. Despite the challenges she faces, she genuinely cares for the people of Emberfall, creating a compelling internal conflict as she must choose between staying to help the kingdom or returning home to her family. Rhen, the cursed prince, is a swoon-worthy character. I felt deeply for him as he struggled with his loneliness, repeating the curse over and over without finding love. His journey to break the curse and reclaim his kingdom is heart-wrenching, and I couldn't help but root for him every step of the way.

    However, the true star of the show for me was Grey, the loyal commander of the royal guard. His strong, silent, and brooding nature added an intriguing dynamic to the story, making him a favorite character. The only slight disappointment was the one-dimensional villain, Lilith, the enchantress who cursed Rhen. I wished for more depth to her character, but her cruelty and sadistic nature did add tension to the plot.

    Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am immediately reading the rest of the series. It was a delightful and fun read, and I was fully invested in the characters' journey. If you're looking for an engaging fantasy romance with a captivating world and endearing characters, this book is definitely worth a read.