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A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY

Name: A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY
Author: Brigid Kemmerer

Brigid Kemmerer

Harper is whisked away to the world of Emberfall where she meets the cursed Prince Rhen, who will turn into a monster unless he finds true love. (Ages 13 to 17)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The story includes repeated monster attacks, murders, torture, war, serious injuries, a character's death from cancer, grief, kidnapping threats, criminal coercion, and emotionally complex romantic and family situations. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

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At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

Death of a character4/5
Frightening scenes4/5
Violence4/5

Strongest positives

Courage & resilience5/5
Creativity & curiosity4/5
Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5

Why this rating?

The royal family is murdered, Harper's mother dies of cancer, and other deaths are threatened or presumed, with grief affecting the characters.

Graphic injury2/5

Why this rating?

Descriptions of physical injuries and blood are present, particularly regarding the prince's transformation and combat scenarios.

Strong language2/5

Why this rating?

Mild to moderate language is plausible for this YA novel, but the supplied passages do not quote or document specific words or frequency.

LGBTQIA characters2/5

Why this rating?

Jake has a boyfriend, Noah, and their relationship is part of Harper's family and the story's supporting cast.

Romance3/5

Why this rating?

The curse depends on romantic love, and feelings develop between Harper and Rhen, though romance shares focus with political and survival plots.

Frightening scenes4/5

Why this rating?

A bloodthirsty winged monster, magical torture, invasion, kidnapping threats, family danger, and repeated peril create sustained frightening tension.

Sexual content & nudity1/5

Why this rating?

Contains some romantic tension and implied intimacy, but no explicit sexual content.

Violence4/5

Why this rating?

Repeated fantasy violence includes monster attacks, invasion, battles, sword attacks, killing threats, and characters being forced to harm others.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5

Why this rating?

Harper repeatedly confronts danger, grief, disability-related barriers, magical threats, and overwhelming military forces to protect others.

Creativity & curiosity4/5

Why this rating?

The magical curse, parallel-world travel, transformation, political bluff, and imaginative strategy invite sustained fantasy imagination and problem-solving.

Diverse representation3/5

Why this rating?

Harper is a protagonist with cerebral palsy; the cast includes LGBTQIA characters and characters from different kingdoms and social positions.

Educational value1/5

Why this rating?

Explores themes of leadership and social responsibility in a fantasy context.

Kindness & empathy4/5

Why this rating?

Characters rescue displaced families, care for the sick and injured, protect civilians, form supportive friendships, and help rebuild a kingdom.

Positive messages4/5

Why this rating?

The story emphasizes responsibility, loyalty, sacrifice, empathy, protecting vulnerable people, resisting coercion, and rebuilding after conflict.

Good role models4/5

Why this rating?

Harper shows initiative and compassion; Grey demonstrates loyalty; characters protect civilians and care for the injured, despite morally difficult choices.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
Which choice in A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY would you have made differently, and why?
Who changed the most in A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY, and what caused that change?

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