This is one of my favorite books, of course I am a sucker for retellings, no matter I always recommend this book when anyone asks for recommendation that has to do with retellings, beauty and the beast trop, Fantasy and a damsel in distress that is not your typical weak damsel in distress. I have all 3 books in the series and I enjoyed them all. ( )

I picked up the audiobook just for the sake of a book title challenge, but it was better than I expected.

It is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast and while not very deep, it was done well enough. The story itself just wasn't the strongest part, more just a background for some ideas and characters to shine through. For example, there was supposed to be a time difference between the castle and the rest of the world, but besides the difference in seasons, it was completely forgotten to be addressed when it would have caused some problems to the plot.

One of the biggest hooks for me was the main character, Harper. She might have started off as a not-like-the-other-girls character, but she definitely had more to her personality. She has cerebral palsy and it was actually something that was well incorporated and treated rather than just a hook. She is the kind of strong that doesn't require learning to fight and kicking some ass. While she does learn some fighting, it was used more for character/relationship-building rather than turning her into a warrior overnight. Instead, she grew stronger in other ways.

I also enjoyed the character of Grey, the prince's guard. He was this supportive and loyal guy and I am pretty sure without him the romance storyline would end before it even started.

That's because the prince, Rhen, is definitely a prince, even if already a bit humbled by his countless failures to lift the curse. He wasn't my favorite romantic interest, but he did grow through the book quite a bit.

I even liked the side characters. They had some spark to them. Especially Freya.

Now the romance wasn't that convincing. For a while, Harper had more chemistry with Grey rather than Rhen, which I think was on purpose. Still, I didn't find them that great together even later. I did like that they visibly grew to respect each other, though.

The book had some YA dumbness, but mostly at the beginning and it was easy to overlook. All in all, it was quite an enjoyable read but for some reason, I couldn't really care that much about the story, hence the 3*.


Bonus points for this quote:

“When my sister died,” (she) says quietly, “it was very sudden. I had no time to say goodbye. But she knew I loved her. I knew she loved me. It is not the moment of passing that is most important. It is all the moments that come before.”

( )

See the full review and more at mybookjoy.com!

Recommended: I'm not the first to say YES!
For fantastic rep of a character with a disability who is not defined solely by it, for a story that breaks from tropes early on, for situations that are morally grey and grapple with right and wrong

Thoughts:
I was thinking recently about how hard it is to find books with characters who have a disability where the book isn't focused all about how they have a disability. You know, books where they're still just people, rather than "that guy with Autism." And then I picked this up, and lo and behold, here's my answer to that gripe. This isn't even a main part of the story, but I absolutely loved the way Harper's cerebral palsy was worked into the story as an aspect of her rather than as defining her entirely.

It was hard not to hear about this book, because so many people were talking about it for so long. And to be honest, that made me steer clear of it, because I don't trust the hype and it will often make the book feel disappointing if my expectations are inflated. I also avoided it because it was largely branded as a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Having now read it, I can't believe that's how anyone would describe it, because while there are obvious parallels, there is SO much more to this world and story. Calling it a retelling is misleading, and does it no justice.

The plot takes a sharp left early on, and I was delighted to see that happen. Harper's boldness is a delight, as is the subtle way it's addressed that she's accustomed to being viewed -- by herself as well as the rest of the world -- as someone who can't take care of herself. Watching her take control of things so brilliantly made me feel so proud you would think I was her own mother.

I also appreciate that while love is, in a way, at the center of the story, it is far more than a story of "boy and girl fall in love." It felt more real, in that whispers of love swirl around as the characters live their lives near each other and work towards common goals, as they learn about each other.

So, yes, I was far behind the times on reading this book. But ultimately I feel like I am far luckier than all those who read this early on, because I didn't have to wait to start reading [b:A Heart So Fierce and Broken|42952728|A Heart So Fierce and Broken (Cursebreakers, #2)|Brigid Kemmerer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1559126810l/42952728._SY75_.jpg|66757917]. ( )

[b:A Curse So Dark and Lonely|43204703|A Curse So Dark and Lonely (Cursebreakers, #1)|Brigid Kemmerer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1574179523l/43204703._SY75_.jpg|50519947]

Rereading a Favorite

updated from my 2020 review
"A Curse So Dark and Lonely" by Brigid Kemmerer is a book that captured my heart in 2020, and three years later, it still holds a special place among my favorites. There's something magical about reading a book that feels like it was written just for you, and this story did exactly that.

In the past couple of years, life has been treating me well, and this newfound happiness has amplified my enjoyment of reading. "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" is a series that I can't help but share with everyone because it left an indelible mark on my literary journey. It was my introduction to Brigid Kemmerer's work, and since that first read, I've eagerly devoured the entire series.

What makes this book truly exceptional is the way it seamlessly melds fantasy and the modern world. The cursed Prince Rhen, who transforms into a beast every winter, is a character who has spent centuries seeking true love to break his curse. The enchantress Lilith grants him one last chance to find love, making this season his final opportunity. Enter Harper, my absolute favorite character in the fantasy genre.

Harper hails from our contemporary world and has faced considerable hardships, including her mother's battle with cancer and her absent father. What's remarkable about Harper is her resilience in the face of adversity, including her diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy. She refuses to be defined by her condition and, in order to make ends meet, her brother Jake works for some rather unsavory individuals to settle their father's debts. It's during one of these risky moments that Harper unwittingly crosses over into the fantasy realm, snatched away by Grey.

And so begins a timeless tale of transformation and growth. Harper's initial displeasure at finding herself in this unfamiliar world doesn't sit well with Rhen, who quickly realizes she isn't the typical damsel he expected. Their interactions are complicated, to say the least. However, as expected, over time, they both undergo significant changes. Harper's escape attempts inadvertently lead to her helping others, and this marks the beginning of a remarkable journey.

Without revealing too much of the plot, I must say that Rhen and Harper are the most captivating Beast and Belle duo. The story is brimming with so many elements that you could easily lose yourself in it for an entire day. What struck me most about Harper is that she isn't the archetypal heroine. It's rare to encounter a fantasy heroine with medical issues, and as someone with Cerebral Palsy myself, I found her character to be authentic and relatable. The author's research shines through in Harper's struggles, making her a more well-rounded and inspiring character.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Brigid Kemmerer for delivering the fantasy genre in a way that left me insatiable for more. I eagerly anticipate diving into the rest of the series as soon as life allows. If you're seeking an enchanting journey of love, adventure, and self-discovery, then "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" is the perfect choice. Click the link below and embark on this extraordinary adventure yourself. You won't be disappointed. ( )

* I got this book for review from the publisher for my honest thoughts*

I really enjoyed this beauty and the beast retelling. I found this book to be such a rich read with a strong world building but also very strong characters that I felt reflected the nature of these characters from the pervious myths. I was equally invested in both POVs. I also enjoyed the banter between all characters and also the representation that was given to characters with cerbal palsy. I normally found this book to fast pace and engaging but the middle of the book had a some slow moment and the ending I felt was a tad rushed, I am excited for book 2! ( )