**A Curse So Dark and Lonely**
**Definition**
*A Curse So Dark and Lonely* is a young adult fantasy novel written by Brigid Kemmerer. Published in 2019, the book is a modern retelling of the classic fairy tale *Beauty and the Beast*, blending elements of romance, adventure, and fantasy.
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## A Curse So Dark and Lonely
### Introduction
*A Curse So Dark and Lonely* is a contemporary fantasy novel authored by Brigid Kemmerer, first published in 2019. The novel reimagines the traditional *Beauty and the Beast* fairy tale within a richly developed fantasy world, incorporating themes of courage, redemption, and transformation. It is the first installment in the *Cursebreakers* series and has been praised for its complex characters, engaging plot, and fresh take on a well-known story.
### Background and Publication
Brigid Kemmerer, an established author in the young adult and contemporary romance genres, ventured into fantasy with *A Curse So Dark and Lonely*. The novel was published by Bloomsbury Publishing and quickly gained attention for its unique blend of classic fairy tale motifs with modern sensibilities. The book’s success led to the continuation of the story in subsequent novels, expanding the *Cursebreakers* series.
### Plot Summary
The narrative centers on Harper Lacy, a young woman from Washington, D.C., who suffers from cerebral palsy. Harper is unexpectedly transported to the kingdom of Emberfall, a magical realm cursed to repeat a cycle of destruction and despair. The curse afflicts Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall’s throne, who transforms into a monstrous beast each autumn and must find a way to break the curse before his kingdom is destroyed.
Harper becomes entwined in the fate of Emberfall as she navigates the dangers of the kingdom, confronts its dark magic, and challenges the traditional roles expected of her. Unlike the original *Beauty and the Beast* tale, Harper is portrayed as a strong, independent protagonist who actively shapes her destiny rather than passively waiting for rescue.
### Characters
#### Harper Lacy
Harper is the novel’s protagonist, characterized by her resilience, intelligence, and determination. Living with cerebral palsy, she represents a departure from typical fantasy heroines, bringing diversity and realism to the genre. Harper’s journey involves not only breaking the curse on Emberfall but also overcoming her own personal challenges.
#### Prince Rhen
Prince Rhen is the cursed heir of Emberfall, doomed to transform into a beast and lose control each year. His character is complex, embodying both vulnerability and strength. Rhen’s struggle with his curse and his responsibilities as a leader form a central part of the narrative.
#### Grey
Grey is a skilled warrior and Rhen’s loyal friend and protector. His character adds depth to the story, providing a grounded perspective on the events unfolding in Emberfall. Grey’s loyalty and bravery are pivotal in the fight against the curse.
#### Autumn
Autumn is a secondary antagonist in the story, a powerful sorceress whose actions have contributed to the curse on Emberfall. Her motivations and backstory add layers of intrigue and conflict to the plot.
### Themes
#### Retelling of Classic Fairy Tales
The novel is a modern reinterpretation of *Beauty and the Beast*, maintaining core elements such as the cursed prince and the transformative power of love, while subverting traditional tropes. It challenges the notion of passive femininity and explores themes of agency and empowerment.
#### Disability Representation
Harper’s character is notable for her portrayal as a protagonist with cerebral palsy, a condition rarely represented in fantasy literature. The novel addresses her physical challenges realistically without defining her solely by her disability, promoting inclusivity and diversity.
#### Courage and Redemption
The story emphasizes the importance of courage in the face of adversity and the possibility of redemption. Characters confront their fears, make difficult choices, and seek to break cycles of pain and destruction.
#### Power and Responsibility
The narrative explores the burdens of leadership and the consequences of power. Prince Rhen’s role as a ruler is complicated by his curse, highlighting themes of duty and sacrifice.
### Style and Reception
Kemmerer’s writing style in *A Curse So Dark and Lonely* is noted for its vivid descriptions, fast-paced action, and emotional depth. The novel balances moments of tension with character-driven introspection, appealing to a broad young adult audience.
Critics and readers have generally responded positively to the book, praising its fresh take on a familiar story and its inclusive representation. Some reviews highlight the novel’s strong character development and engaging plot, while others note its effective blending of fantasy and contemporary issues.
### Series and Adaptations
#### The Cursebreakers Series
Following *A Curse So Dark and Lonely*, Brigid Kemmerer continued the story with sequels *A Heart So Fierce and Broken* (2020) and *A Vow So Bold and Deadly* (2021). The series expands on the world of Emberfall, introducing new characters and further exploring the consequences of the curse.
#### Television Adaptation
In 2020, it was announced that *A Curse So Dark and Lonely* was being adapted into a television series by ABC Signature and Disney’s Freeform network. The adaptation aims to bring the story to a wider audience, though details about casting and release dates have been limited.
### Impact and Legacy
*A Curse So Dark and Lonely* has contributed to the growing trend of reimagined fairy tales in young adult literature. Its inclusive approach to character representation and its emphasis on agency and empowerment have resonated with readers seeking diverse and meaningful stories.
The novel’s success has helped solidify Brigid Kemmerer’s reputation as a versatile author capable of blending genres and addressing contemporary themes within fantasy narratives.
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## References
*Note: This article is based on publicly available information and does not include external links.*
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**Meta Description:**
*A Curse So Dark and Lonely* is a 2019 young adult fantasy novel by Brigid Kemmerer, offering a modern retelling of *Beauty and the Beast* with themes of courage, redemption, and inclusivity. It is the first book in the *Cursebreakers* series and has been adapted for television.