BOOK REVIEW: A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
A fun, fantasy retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast
Beast and the Beast is my favorite Disney story, and where there have been several retellings of it, I have to say that A Curse so Dark and Lonely has moved itself near the top of my favorite retellings.
When I started reading the book, I wasn’t even really aware of what the book was about. I only knew that it was a fantasy and that typically is enough for me to give a book a chance. As I got into the book, I was like hmmm… this definitely has a Beauty and the Beast feel to it. You know… cursed prince who is all alone and running out of time to break the curse which can only happen if someone falls in love with him and a girl who is bitter and angry towards the “beast” because she is forced to stay with him but is overwhelmed with worry about her family needing her. Yep, that's about the exact plot of Beauty and the Beast.
May not seem like there is a lot of room for a different storyline, but wow is the plot so different and takes an imaginary twist to the classic story. I don’t think the storyline, action, and characters are as powerful, demanding or engaging as say From Blood and Ash or even A Court of Thorns and Roses, but I still really enjoyed it. It was a lighter read, an easier read. And, honestly, that tone may come from the fact that it has an underlying fairy tale quality to it.
I enjoyed the character and the development of Harper, the Belle character. She is a teenager dealing with a mother dying of cancer, a father who abandoned the family leaving them to face the potentially deadly consequences of some major debt, and an older brother who is engaging in some not so legal activities to try to buy them time with the “debt collectors.” On top of all this, she deals with Cerebral Palsy. This makes her a weakling in the eyes of her brother and family. The one who must be cared for and protected. The one who won’t be a leader or be capable of great accomplishments. So when she is taken to Emberfall where there are no stereotypes surrounding her, she is able to prove her capabilities and overcome those prejudices.
Rhen, the beast, has pretty much given up and given into the inevitability of the curse. I found him a little irritating, but I loved that Harper’s unpredictable behavior caused him to finally have to step up. Grey, Rhen’s only remaining guard, is a very mysterious character. The conclusion of the book really revolves around the evolution of his character and place in the story. The only other major character is Jake, Harper’s brother. I find him to be a complete idiot. I don’t care for him at all. His only redeeming factor is that he made a decent choice in a significant other.
As the plot moves along, I appreciate that the curse isn’t the only conflict that is facing these characters and Emberfall. There is a need to break the curse and save the kingdom, but it takes Harper’s reckless behavior to make Rhen change his perspective and outlook. She is fearless and determined. As the threats of a takeover begin to roll in from the neighboring kingdom of Syhl Shallow, Rhen begins to realize that he can’t hide in the isolated castle any longer. He is motivated by Harper’s fresh perspective and blatant dislike for him and the entire situation.
It is through Harper that the kingdom begins to get reunited, rejuvenated and spurs on the attitude change that allows them to stand up to the threats on the kingdom and Lilith, who set the curse upon them. There were a few moments; however, where the pace of the story slowed a bit, but I think that’s a common issue with books that are of this length.
Kemmerer did a great job of not forcing the romantic relationship and making it too easy. It drives me crazy when this type of environment leads to a swooning fake love. There is no hiding here how everyone feels about each other.
I really feel that this book is what it is at face value. There doesn’t seem to be the depth of content that would really drive lengthy analysis except. There is a mix of characters, multiple interconnected conflicts, and a well developed alternate world. It’s an easy and fun read that won’t hurt your brain.
Where does this book land on the bookshelf?
Probably, the middle shelf. The top of the middle shelf. I think if there was just a little more of something. I’m not sure if it’s depth, if it’s tension or if it’s unexpected dramatic twists, but there is just a little something that is needed to really push it over the edge for me. As I’ve said, I really read this for Harper. There were moments where it felt she could have carried the whole book without any of the other characters. I was angry she had to prove herself capable just because society views her differently. This calls attention to issues in our society, where we pass judgements on people simply because we are ignorant and don’t understand. In the end, this was an enjoyable fantasy read. I’m definitely going to continue reading the rest of the series to see how the story evolves since the “Beauty and the Beast” aspects seem to have been concluded.