Title: A Curse So Fierce and Broken
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Genre: Fantasy YA
Format: Paperback
Length: 445 pages
Series: Cursebreakers #2
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA
Publication Date: 7th January 2020
My Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Goodreads | Storygraph
Synopsis:
Harper has freed Prince Rhen from the curse that almost destroyed his kingdom. Bit all is not well in Emberfall: rumours are rife that there is a rival heir with a stronger claim to the throne and that ‘Princess’ Harper of Disi is nothing but fraud.
Grey has fled the castle carrying a terrible secret. When he is discovered by soldiers and returned to Ironrose by force, Grey’s allegiances begin to shift. And as he grows closer to an enemy princess, he is forced to decide whether he will stand against Rhen for the crown he never wanted.
My Review:
The story starts pretty much where the last one ended. Emberfall is finally free from its curse and they can finally live again.
As if it would be that easy!
Rhen is traumatised by what he experienced at the hands of magic and the rumour will is churning. He spends his time and resources hunting for his alleged magesmith half-brother, and his friend, Grey. There are some things that Rhen does in this book that I really disliked and felt were unnecessarily cruel. I’m not ready to forgive him for one scene in particular and I feel those who’ve read this book may know which one I’m referring to.
Grey is hiding out in a small town. He has no intention to be found and take his place as King of Emberfall. All he wants is a simple life but this world is not going to let him have it. He was my favourite character in A curse so Dark and Lonely and that love only grew in this novel. He goes from dutiful commander to prince and you can see how much he cares about all the people in Emberfall.
This story takes us beyond Emberfall and we are introduced to Karis Luran and her daughters. Lia Mara is the compassionate one, striving for peace between the two countries. This makes her weak in her mother’s eyes and so her cold calculating little sister, Nolla is the named heir. Lia Mara is tenacious and genuine. she cares about her country and we get to see her confidence grow as the story progresses.
One perspective I felt was lacking was Harper’s. She has a relationship with Grey and Rhen and I feel her insight would’ve been an interesting perspective to have, especially as a character from outside of the world.
I love this world and Kemmerer is fantastic at building a world that completely sucks you in. I want to live in Emberfall and that’s a credit to how fantastic she is at creating a beautiful place with her words. If there was something, I had to nit-pick on it’s the epilogue, I felt that some characters didn’t need to come back. However, this won’t stop me from nose-diving into the final book of the series.
