Emma Chats… returns. I thought over the few weeks I’d talk about what I’m taking part in. One of 2019s fandoms has been A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer. I have to say it’s one book I wanted to read since I received it back in February, but with hype and mood, it never happened until now. YOU DIDN’T TELL ME HOW AMAZING THIS BOOK IS!!!??? (or did I not listen!?) So I’m taking part in the GLOBAL read along that Bloomsbury YA are hosting, each week we are reading 20 chapters (or so!?) I’m actually sticking to the readalong can you believe, so far that is. I’m in the middle of the book and I all I want to do is get to the end! IT’S SO GOOD!

So today I thought I would do like a discussion post, bookclub-y type post on Week 1 and Chapters 1-20. I’d love for you to join me if you are a super fan already, or reading it as part of the global read along. Let’s spread some Curse love. But before here is what the book is about, if you’ve been living under a rock like I have the better part of when it got published. HAHA! 😂

Fall in love, break the curse.

It once seemed so easy to Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year over and over, he knew he could be saved if a girl fell for him. But that was before he learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. That was before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.

Nothing has ever been easy for Harper Lacy. With her father long gone, her mother dying, and her brother barely holding their family together while constantly underestimating her because of her cerebral palsy, she learned to be tough enough to survive. But when she tries to save someone else on the streets of Washington, DC, she’s instead somehow sucked into Rhen’s cursed world.

Break the curse, save the kingdom.

A prince? A monster? A curse? Harper doesn’t know where she is or what to believe. But as she spends time with Rhen in this enchanted land, she begins to understand what’s at stake. And as Rhen realizes Harper is not just another girl to charm, his hope comes flooding back. But powerful forces are standing against Emberfall . . . and it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin.

Why did you pick now as a time to read the book?

I have to say it’s one book I wanted to read since I received it back in February, but with hype and mood, it never happened until now. YOU DIDN’T TELL ME HOW AMAZING THIS BOOK IS!!!??? (or did I not listen!?)

What’s your first impression of the book so far?

I think the caps in my previous post speaks volumes. Instantly I was intrigued by the modernity of the retelling. I love the reflection of modern day and whoosh Harper is in Emberfall, stuck in this world because of the curse. I wasn’t really sure what to expect if I’m honest, I managed to stay away from the reviews and spoilers. Rhen is a normal person by day but then a monster during the end of the season. He has to fall in love to break the curse. All I know is that everyone loves it and that is me included. I especially love Harper is a diverse character but that makes her all the more interesting and gutsy and is amazingly KICKASS!

Who’s your favourite character so far?

Have you read any retellings before?

Favourite moment of the first 20 chapters?

When Harper plays cards with Grey. I think that’s when I fell for him a little bit and it was the first that either of them really had a heart to heart. A turning point I think for the rest of the book. Plus I really want to recreate the game of King’s Ransom.

Favourite Quote

‘You asked how I got her to play with me. As if there were some trick to it.” He wraps up the stack. “My lord, I did nothing. I sat down and asked.’

Predictions for the rest of the book.

In terms of romance I think I’d like Harper to go with Grey if that is the case. But then I think the whole point of Beauty and the Beast is to fall for the beast which is Rhen. I want to say I’m going to be surprised but then I know there’s another book, so anything can happen really.

*I’m over half way now and I can’t promise whether I’ll stick to the readalong. I love it though. It’s been a long time since I read a fantasy like this, so much ACOTAR but where you can’t help but fall in love with the storyline. 

Join in with me! I want to fangirl over this book. Have you read this book? Just don’t give anything away as I’m still reading it! ☺️