logo

61 pages 2 hours read

A Curse So Dark and Lonely

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2019

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Brigid Kemmerer

A Curse So Dark and Lonely

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

496

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Maryland • Contemporary

Publication Year

2019

Publisher

Bloomsbury YA

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL580L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer, Harper, a girl from Washington, DC, is transported to the kingdom of Emberfall where she meets Prince Rhen, cursed to transform into a monster unless he finds love. Together, they combat external threats to Emberfall while exploring their feelings for each other, seeking to break Rhen's curse and save the kingdom. The story addresses themes of disability, grief, and violence.

Mysterious

Dark

Romantic

Suspenseful

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.2

175,709 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Brigid Kemmerer's A Curse So Dark and Lonely is praised for its strong character development and an inventive twist on the "Beauty and the Beast" story, blending fantasy with contemporary elements. Critics commend the engaging plot but note some pacing issues and predictability. Overall, it's a compelling read for YA fantasy fans, despite minor flaws.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Curse So Dark and Lonely?

Readers who enjoy A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer are fans of young adult fantasy, especially those who appreciate modern retellings of classic fairy tales like Beauty and the Beast. Comparable to works such as A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas and Throne of Glass by Maas, these readers seek strong character development, romance, and adventure.

4.2

175,709 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Harper

A determined and resourceful young woman who finds herself in the kingdom of Emberfall and quickly becomes involved with its fate. Initially hardened and weary due to her past, she is motivated by a sense of justice and responsibility.

The prince of Emberfall who is struggling under the weight of a curse that transforms him into a monster each season. He is a complex character dealing with the burden of leadership and personal guilt.

Rhen’s loyal guardsman, known for his endless patience and dedication. Despite his unwavering loyalty, he struggles with guilt over past actions related to the curse on Rhen.

The main antagonist and enchantress responsible for cursing Rhen and his kingdom. She takes pleasure in tormenting others and uses her magical abilities to enforce her will.

Book Details
Pages

496

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Maryland • Contemporary

Publication Year

2019

Publisher

Bloomsbury YA

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL580L

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.