Review: A Curse So Dark and Lonely

“A good hand can ultimately lose – just as a poor one can win – but we must all play the cards fate deals.”

How many ways can I say this was so good?

It was.

It was so, so, so good.

So.

Very.

Good.

Ok.

Obviously, this is a Beauty and the Beast retelling which is storyline I would’ve have thought had been beaten into the ground, but somehow Brigid Kemmerer brings us an incredibly original spin on this tale. I think that is what surprised me the most. I can see the structure of the Beauty and the Beast story, but everything was so new, so fresh, so different.

My girl Harper.

Can this just be the standard for all our main lady characters from now on?

Harper was the ballsy, vulnerable, courageous, warm-hearted, level headed and intelligent heroine I look for in every story. I love love love how Harper was so dang strong (spirit and physically) – she asked for help, she wasn’t afraid to work hard at something, and all those pretty little princess-isms? Yeah, she couldn’t care less.

“In the second drawer, I find three circlets, each adorned with more jewels. Tiaras. Because of course.”

She’s born differently – cerebral palsy has left her with a limp and difficulty controlling her left leg – but don’t call her disabled! She fights and she fights and she practices and puts her self in constant danger … she is unquestionably the hero of this (her own) story.

I couldn’t get enough of her.

The pacing was pitch perfect and the action moved along at a great clip. We had enough pages to strongly develop the world without entering “needed a good editor” territory.

The side characters were interesting and well fleshed out. The romance is slow burning and exciting – will they/won’t they? You are really kept guessing!

It’s heartwarming, it’s romantic, there is dark magic, and, brave, intelligent men pairing off with one of the most likeable, well rounded ladies I’ve read in awhile.

It is just fantastically original, I didn’t know where this was going to end up and I love where it did. I can’t wait to read the next book and Harper … oh Harper, you are my new favourite heroine.

5*