A Curse So Dark and Lonely surprised me with how addictive it became once the story found its rhythm. It starts slowly and leans heavily into the she is different trope, which tested my patience, but before long I was fully invested in Harper, Rhen, and especially Grey. Harper’s voice is the strongest element of the book. Her resilience, sharp instincts, and the emotional pull of her life back in DC made her easy to root for. I also appreciated the representation woven naturally into her character.
The plot follows a familiar Beauty and the Beast framework, yet Brigid Kemmerer adds enough tension and political intrigue to keep things interesting. Emberfall feels lived in and the stakes grow steadily as Harper becomes entangled in its troubles. Grey stood out as the most consistent and compelling character, and I often found myself wishing the story leaned even more into his dynamic with Harper.
Some elements frustrated me, including the abrupt shift in Rhen’s behaviour, the almost love triangle, and a villain who felt more theatrical than threatening. The dual point of view also created a disconnect at times.
Even so, I enjoyed the journey. It is engaging, emotional, and full of heart, and the ending left me eager to continue the series.
