A Heart so Fierce and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

Cursebreakers #2

Rating: ★★★★✰

Dates Read: 5/30/23 - 6/1/23

    Prince Rhen of Emberfall may have broken the curse, but new troubles emerge. Whispers of him not being the rightful heir and the use of forbidden magic swirl around the kingdom. While Harper remains by his side, Grey, the guardsman, is nowhere to be found, adding to the uncertainty.

    Grey, rumored to be the true heir, has been on the run since his encounter with Lilith. He has no intention of challenging Rhen's rule, until the threat of Karis Luran looms over Emberfall once again. As her daughter, Lia Mara, questions her mother's violent plans, Grey faces a difficult choice - to stand against Rhen, even if it means challenging his loyalty to the kingdom.

    Initially, I wasn't sure if I loved the book being mostly in Grey and Lia Mara's POV. However, as I delved deeper into their narratives, I couldn't help but fall in love with them. The character development in this book is phenomenal, especially in the case of Grey, whose journey tugged at my heartstrings. I found myself empathizing with him and the struggles he faced.

    The writing style is top-notch, and the pacing kept me fully engaged throughout the novel. Unlike some fantasy books that lose momentum in the middle, this one maintained its grip on me, even during the moments I didn't necessarily like what was unfolding. I also appreciated the introduction of new characters like Iisak and Tycho, whose backgrounds and stories added depth to the overall plot. Iisak's intriguing personality and Tycho's adorable charm made them unforgettable additions to the narrative.

    Moreover, the sisterly bond portrayed in the book resonated with me. The way the siblings evolved from a contentious relationship to admiring each other's strengths and supporting one another during crucial moments was truly heartwarming. I was baffled at the end, and I'm eager to dive right into the next book to find out what awaits the characters.