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ashs_books's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, I loved this book sooo much!! Just as much as the first one!! Grey is my absolute favourite! And I loved all of the characters in this story, especially Iisak and Tycho. The last part of the book was very intense and now I’m VERY frustrated that I have to wait for the next book! Like grrrrrrrr!!! Why did I do this to myself?! This series is so good! Read it now!!!
ashction's review against another edition
5.0
OH MY GOD.
If you're not reading this series already, you're really, really missing out. I don't think I've read a better YA fantasy in YEARS.
It's the crying over this book at the public service desk for ME.
Brigid Kemmerer has done it again. A Curse So Dark and Lonely was such a pleasant surprise for me earlier this year. I read so much of the book before I could even mark I was reading it because it sucks you in immediately, and I found that I couldn't put it down. The same thing happened with A Heart So Fierce and Broken, especially once the ball got rolling and we really got into the heat of the action.
There's a lot here that's really narratively interesting. Unlike ACSD&L, which followed Harper and Rhen, AHSF&B follows Grey, after his realization on his true identity, as he tries to avoid doing harm to Rhen via his very existence and exists undercover. Simultaneously, we're introduced to Lia Mara, first-born of Karis Luran in Syhl Shallow but not the daughter who is set to become queen. It's a bold move to start your novel off following two characters who, to the reader's initial perspective, come off as villains and threats to Rhen, who readers are attached to from the previous novel. But when Lia Mara and Grey cross paths and take off together - seeking alliances from each other - the journey that follows quickly complicates matters, complicates readers' opinions on Rhen and his claim to the throne, and explores royalty and rule without cruelty. It's a fascinating way to enrich a fantasy that's already well-plotted and intricate, and I'm truly obsessed with how good Brigid's writing is in this series. I know A Vow So Bold and Deadly will be an epic conclusion!
I don't want to give too much away, so I won't discuss too many spoilers, but the romance once again is a perfect ten, and I was left swooning often. The character development and their emotional journeys are compelling, contemplative, and crafted to perfection. I truly don't know if I've ever read a BETTER sequel to an already stellar first book.
Also, THE EPILOGUE. I AM CRYING. I WANT TO DIE. OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY G O D
So yeah, Brigid is going to tear my heart out in AVSB&D, but I think I'm going to love it. One more month left!(!!)
If you're not reading this series already, you're really, really missing out. I don't think I've read a better YA fantasy in YEARS.
It's the crying over this book at the public service desk for ME.
Brigid Kemmerer has done it again. A Curse So Dark and Lonely was such a pleasant surprise for me earlier this year. I read so much of the book before I could even mark I was reading it because it sucks you in immediately, and I found that I couldn't put it down. The same thing happened with A Heart So Fierce and Broken, especially once the ball got rolling and we really got into the heat of the action.
There's a lot here that's really narratively interesting. Unlike ACSD&L, which followed Harper and Rhen, AHSF&B follows Grey, after his realization on his true identity, as he tries to avoid doing harm to Rhen via his very existence and exists undercover. Simultaneously, we're introduced to Lia Mara, first-born of Karis Luran in Syhl Shallow but not the daughter who is set to become queen. It's a bold move to start your novel off following two characters who, to the reader's initial perspective, come off as villains and threats to Rhen, who readers are attached to from the previous novel. But when Lia Mara and Grey cross paths and take off together - seeking alliances from each other - the journey that follows quickly complicates matters, complicates readers' opinions on Rhen and his claim to the throne, and explores royalty and rule without cruelty. It's a fascinating way to enrich a fantasy that's already well-plotted and intricate, and I'm truly obsessed with how good Brigid's writing is in this series. I know A Vow So Bold and Deadly will be an epic conclusion!
I don't want to give too much away, so I won't discuss too many spoilers, but the romance once again is a perfect ten, and I was left swooning often. The character development and their emotional journeys are compelling, contemplative, and crafted to perfection. I truly don't know if I've ever read a BETTER sequel to an already stellar first book.
Also, THE EPILOGUE. I AM CRYING. I WANT TO DIE. OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY G O D
So yeah, Brigid is going to tear my heart out in AVSB&D, but I think I'm going to love it. One more month left!(!!)
marlfox580's review against another edition
Just lost it's appeal? Was enjoying it but lost momentum.
nightwithbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Is it a 5 star read? I don't know. But I enjoyed every minute of it
jillian_2000's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
hsecen's review against another edition
3.0
This book definitely took a turn away from the retelling of Beauty and the Beast, and into some new territory. It was a solid book. There were plot points that I didn’t like and some parts that I really enjoyed seeing. Some of this book confused me.
My confusion in particular focuses around my perception of the different kingdoms. At one point they seem oppressed, at another they seem violent and loyal, and it really made it hard for me to throw some support behind one cause. And maybe that was the author’s intent, so showcase a grey area (hah) but it felt like being untethered, and I couldn’t connect to the story as much as I’d like. And now that I think back on some of the characters, like Lia Mara’a sister, it was a similar case, and because I couldn’t tell whether I should like her or hate her, there was just zero connection to the sisterly bond that played a role throughout the book.
Despite all my complaints, there were things I did enjoy about the book. The relationship between Grey and Lia Mara was so cute. The pacing was a little slower, there weren’t many action beats, but in those slower scenes, their relationship had the chance to grow and I enjoyed reading that. I also liked the way the first book focused on Rhen and Harper while in this one we get more Grey and Lia Mara. It really plays into understanding that there’s more sides to a story, and it’s interesting to see more perspectives on the dynamics between all the kingdoms. The turn this Beauty and the Beast retelling took is very original. There was one conversation that made it very obvious (to me at least) how the end of this book would play out. But the overarching conflict between Grey and Rhen - I couldn’t tell you how things will be resolved, which is a good thing. I’m ready to start the next book and get more answers because there were so many questions I had by the end of this book.
My confusion in particular focuses around my perception of the different kingdoms. At one point they seem oppressed, at another they seem violent and loyal, and it really made it hard for me to throw some support behind one cause. And maybe that was the author’s intent, so showcase a grey area (hah) but it felt like being untethered, and I couldn’t connect to the story as much as I’d like. And now that I think back on some of the characters, like Lia Mara’a sister, it was a similar case, and because I couldn’t tell whether I should like her or hate her, there was just zero connection to the sisterly bond that played a role throughout the book.
Despite all my complaints, there were things I did enjoy about the book. The relationship between Grey and Lia Mara was so cute. The pacing was a little slower, there weren’t many action beats, but in those slower scenes, their relationship had the chance to grow and I enjoyed reading that. I also liked the way the first book focused on Rhen and Harper while in this one we get more Grey and Lia Mara. It really plays into understanding that there’s more sides to a story, and it’s interesting to see more perspectives on the dynamics between all the kingdoms. The turn this Beauty and the Beast retelling took is very original. There was one conversation that made it very obvious (to me at least) how the end of this book would play out. But the overarching conflict between Grey and Rhen - I couldn’t tell you how things will be resolved, which is a good thing. I’m ready to start the next book and get more answers because there were so many questions I had by the end of this book.
tbgr_l57l's review against another edition
5.0
I know I loved the first book BUT THE SEQUEL??? Not only does this focus on my favourite character from A Curse So Dark And Lonely (Grey
kitttycatcait's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
brinaleee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0