A Curse So Dark and Lonely (Cursebreakers #1) by Brigid Kemmerer - Restarting August 14th 2023

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Aly wrote: "ch 51 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I am glad that Jake and Noah went back with Harper too. I think that they add more to the story. I wondered why Rhen recognized Harper when he was the monster but not Grey. That seemed odd to me. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Aly wrote: "Finished [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I wasn't really expecting Grey to be the King's son but I liked the twist. I am not sure why he is so nervous about going back. Not many people know about his origins so I don't know why he wouldn't go back. He clearly wants to protect Rhen because he is loyal like that. And wouldn't Grey be the halfling that they were talking about because he would be the son of the King and the sorceress? So Grey would have magic? (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Katie wrote: "Chapter 48- [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I really loved that Jake and Noah went to Emberfall. I like the dynamic that they bring to the story. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Sarah wrote: "Chapter 25: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I have to agree with you. I love Harper. I love how selfless and fierce she is. And I also loved the scene when she told the Queen's thugs off. (hide spoiler)]

[Karen]

Katie wrote: "I'm starting today!! I read this a year ago, but I wanted to re-read it before I read the next book!! :) :)"

I must be one of the few who haven't read it, but saw the second one was out and decided I'd better get on with it! Avoiding spoilers for now, but will go back and respond once I get to the appropriate spot.

[Katie]

@Karen! YAY! Glad you're getting to this book! :) Can't wait to hear your opinions!

[Sarah A]

Vanessa wrote: "75% [spoiler removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I was so happy when she asked Grey to come back for her. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah A]

Aly wrote: "ch 41 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I was wondering the same thing. Love my break the curse but Lilith can just go something else to them. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah A]

Finished: (view spoiler)[ How can Harper not know if she loves Rhen or not? Girlfriend, you jumped in front a knife for him, if thats doesn't show you.

I really hope Grey really killed Lilith because I really don't want her to come back.

I never would have guessed that Grey was the heir to the throne. (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

Oh my so many updates! I can't wait to jump back in, will do shortly!

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Sarah wrote: "Finished"

(view spoiler)[I thought the same thing. Harper risked her life to save him and she doesn't know if she loves him or not? It makes no sense. I was a little unsure about that part. Usually, a happily ever after is cut and dry where the main couple loves each other and all is well but it didn't really play out that way in this book. I also hope that is the last of Lilith but I have a feeling that we will see her again in the next book. It would be too easy to get rid of her for good. I also hadn't guessed Grey's origins. I am so excited to read the next book! (hide spoiler)]

[Karen]

Ch1 - what a curse. Curious to know what/if he did to justify such an unpleasant experience. 327 previous efforts...not fun!

[Karen]

Up to ch11. Can’t read all the spoilers on the app, but I noticed Katie’s comment about Lilith. I’m intrigued that she’s had such a short introduction, and I have so many questions about her. While Harper and Rhen haven’t got off to the best of starts, they do seem quite honest with each other. I admire Grey’s loyalty, but am convinced there’ll be more to his story than we’ve been told so far.

[Karen]

Up to ch20. Quite a few of you have commented on the style of this opening. It has such a warm feel, even when writing about some pretty unpleasant events. Grey’s allegiance to Rhen does hint at a more positive character than our first impressions, and I’m really enjoying the interaction between Grey and Harper.

[Karen]

Vanessa wrote: "38% I really like the friendship that Harper and Grey seem to be forming.

I don't really get how there is just a room of gore. Especially is Rhen is fine. Is the room enchanted to always be there..."

(view spoiler)[ Vanessa, there's no doubt Rhen is rather piqued by how easy Grey seems to find talking with Harper. I like the fact Grey keeps him on his toes a little - but I have wondered whether there's more to this enchantment and if the two characters are part of the same person/swapped. (hide spoiler)]

[Karen]

Katie wrote: "Chapter 27- [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I can't work Lilith out. What does she gain from this enchantment? (hide spoiler)]

[Karen]

Aly wrote: "ch 31 I'm glad they're going out to talk to the people. And it's good they didn't kill that man, of course people are angry and don't trust the royals after they've been abandoned to the monster a..."

(view spoiler)[ I think there's a lot being kept from us. Desperately trying to think of versions of Beauty and the Beast to see where this might go. (hide spoiler)]

[Karen]

Up to ch39. (view spoiler)[ A few of you have talked about Lilith’s conditions and I think the wording to Grey will be important. I guess he’s going to take Harper home to resolve that part of her story, but I think he’ll defy orders and she’ll return. The curse has to be broken somehow. (hide spoiler)]

[Karen]

Finished. Review on home page. Pleased I had an inkling of what was to come, and I’m desperate for my library hold of book two to come in.

[Anna 'Bookbuyer']

Karen wrote: "Katie wrote: "Chapter 27- [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

I don't understand it either? Is she really just being a bitch? Like is it only for revenge?

[Anna 'Bookbuyer']

Vanessa wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Finished"

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No more Lilith. She must be gone! 😡 (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

I'll join on the 8th :D

[Maddie]

So I picked it back up early. I also started it a long time ago XD So I didn't read the whole thing this month.

Chapter 50 (view spoiler)[OMG I was internally yelling at the book like 'WHY CAN'T GREY JUST COME BACK AND GET YOU' and then her mum goes and dies like 'ugh of course how typical that timing'. AND THEN JAKE AND NOAH ENDED UP IN THERE AS WELL! How perfect! And Rhen knows she's there somehow, this is going to be great! (hide spoiler)]

I've read like 300 pages since yesterday, it's so gooooood

[Maddie]

Monster (view spoiler)[I love how Rhen listened to Harper when he was the monster, and how he destroyed Karis Luran. I'm very happy with that! (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

Sarah wrote: "Finished: (view spoiler)[How can Harper not know if she loves Rhen or not? Girlfriend, you jumped in front a knife for him, if thats doesn't show you.

I really hope Grey really killed Lilith because I really d..." (hide spoiler)]

I think that's what did it. (view spoiler)[Her jumping in front of the knife. (hide spoiler)]

Yes I'm worried for Lilith as well!

And why would they just throw that plot point in. So does that mean that (view spoiler)[Rhen isn't the heir even though he's a prince too? (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

Review: Absolutely damn incredible book! 5 stars. It sure did take me a long while to read, but my god this book <3 I'm so happy I have #2 on hand so I can jump in soon!
I loved the setting, I loved Kemmerer's ability to change tone of voice while swapping between Rhen and Harper, I loved how the romance was good, but it wasn't shoved in my face too much, it was gradual and gentle. And just the camaraderie between her and Grey, how it didn't feel like too much between them, it was perfect.
I'm so glad that Harper told Grey that one thing I was thinking forever, I'd be mad if she didn't suggest it!
I need to know about Lilith though!

[Milly]

Chapter 10 (view spoiler)[ So far nothing interesting has happened. It's a really slow burner. (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

I was so invested in the story XD

[Milly]

41% (view spoiler)[ Things are getting slightly more interesting now. Rhen and Harper seen to be connecting more and I can't wait to find out more about this Karis person. (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

Yes keep going! :D I need all the updates! Will you be reading #2 as well?

[Milly]

Planning on it!! I’m just waiting it for it to come out in hardback over here. Whenever I get a series I have to have all the books in the same format, otherwise I’ll freak out.

[Maddie]

Yeah that's the same as me XD Usually it's released her in large paperback, but because I needed the hardbacks I ordered them online. I've got my #2 waiting for me to read, but I'm so busy with other books right now so take your time XD

[[deleted user]]

I know the plan, at least for some, is to start it today. Unfortunately I am feeling under the weather. So not sure if I will read much today.

[Maddie]

Yeah no worries! I'm in no hurry haha

[Milly]

Maddie wrote: "Monster [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ OMG...YES THIS WAS SO CUTE!!!!!!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Milly]

Finished (view spoiler)[ Is anyone going to point out that Harper or Jake hardly gave any reaction to their mum’s death. It was like a little to none reaction. Like what?? How??

I have to find out what happens next, but I can’t find the book in hardback anywhere :( (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Read 217 pages. The first 150 were meeeh..
But these last 100 have been interesting.

[[deleted user]]

Finished. WOW.
JUST WOW.
I mean that in a bad way.
This book.


It had three interesting scenes and thats it.
It was just so UNINTERESTING.

[Maddie]

Amelia wrote: "(view spoiler)[Finished Is anyone going to point out that Harper or Jake hardly gave any reaction to their mum’s death. It was like a little to none reaction. Like what?? How??

I have to find out what happens ..." (hide spoiler)]

They knew it was coming though. I agree it should have been more emotional, but it's different when it's expected

[Anna 'Bookbuyer']

************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★

Date changed. Restarting May 21st 2020. Happy Reading ☺

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

[Simone]

Hello! Akshita and I will be reading around six chapters per day. Feel free to join in!

[Akshita]

Chapter 1-6
I don't have have much to say about it yet except that the chapters are short and quick to read.
I am not much into fantasy, but this one seems like something I might enjoy. It's quite easy to get into.

[Simone]

Chapters 1-6

I think that it has a pretty promising start. I do read a lot of fantasy, and I really like retellings in general. I'm glad to see that you're expanding your horizons, and I hope that you enjoy it!

(Lol I have a rather long one for this section, and I doubt that it'll ever be this long again until the end of the book.)

(view spoiler)[We are introduced to the main characters, Harper and Rhen. We are also introduced to Grey and Lilith, a side character and villain, respectively.

Rhen is a prince who was spoiled and arrogant. Because of this, he is cursed to repeat his eighteenth year's autumn over and over, and becomes a beast at the end of it. In order to break the curse, he must get a girl to fall in love with him. While he does not have much trouble while human, when he becomes a monster he inevitably scares the girl away (not super surprising, considering the monster part killed all of the castle's residents, sans Grey). Because of the fact that he's a little indisposed, he is unable to properly rule, and his kingdom is, needless to say, not doing so well.

Harper is a girl with cerebral palsy, who is brought/kidnapped into their world when she saves another girl from being kidnapped. We don't find out much about her, but I'm interested to see how her family fell into such a state.

Lilith, the enchantress who cursed the prince in the first place, comes and says that this will be the last time. If Rhen cannot get Harper to fall in love with him, then he will become the monster forever.

I'm really interested in finding more about all of the characters, including Lilith (gotta love a good a villain backstory). I'm also interested to see how they will repair the kingdom, and the sort of backlash that will come from abandoning the kingdom for 5 years. (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

How old is Harper supposed to be? Was it mentioned? Did I miss it?
Coz' I cannot help but imagine her as a 13-14 yr old..which is clearly annoying every time Rhen calls her "My Lady". Maybe knowing her age would help me form a better picture..

[Simone]

Akshita wrote: "How old is Harper supposed to be? Was it mentioned? Did I miss it?
Coz' I cannot help but imagine her as a 13-14 yr old..which is clearly annoying every time Rhen calls her "My Lady". Maybe knowing..."

I believe that she is around 17.

[Simone]

Chapters 6-12

(view spoiler)[Rhen has ordered Grey to kill him if he cannot break the curse before he becomes a monster. Harper runs away, the trio saves some people, they go to an inn, and Harper learns more about the curse. We see the beginnings of a love triangle. I have mixed feelings on Rhen, but I like Grey. (hide spoiler)]

[Bea (Books And Bees of Bea)]

Simone wrote: "Hello! Akshita and I will be reading around six chapters per day. Feel free to join in!"

Hello! I'll join in since this book is on my TBR pile for so loooong. Will try to catch up today. :)

[Akshita]

Simone wrote: "Chapters 6-12

[spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[
I like Rhen and Grey equally so far. The patience with which Rhen is treating Harper even after all these seasons of failure and disappointment is really impressive.
I am craving to know their backstories, how they ended up in such a situation.
I found it quite intriguing that the monster changes its form every time. (hide spoiler)]

[Simone]

Bea (Books And Bees of Bea) wrote: "Simone wrote: "Hello! Akshita and I will be reading around six chapters per day. Feel free to join in!"

Hello! I'll join in since this book is on my TBR pile for so loooong. Will try to catch up t..."

Welcome!

[Simone]

Chapters 12-18

(view spoiler)[Harper finds out more about the curse. They go back to the inn to give food, and they learn about Karis Luran, the queen of Syhl Shallow, who wants to take over Emberfall. More romance between Rhen and Harper this portion. I still like Grey more. (hide spoiler)]