For some reason, the website I bought this book from, send me the book 2 weeks early. I had pre-ordered the book in advance, and it had happened before that I received it a day or two before publishing. However, never two weeks too early. But, I took my chance and read it so that I could share my review on the day of publishing, which is today (26-1-21)!
The Cursebreakers trilogy started with a retelling on Beauty and the Beast, in my reviews of the first and second book in the series, I was very positive about the story and Brigid Kemmerer's writing. Yet, I did end with the statement that this book would be the make or break of the series for me. Luckily, I can say that I liked how the series concluded with this last book! Even though, I still stand by the fact that the first book could also have been a standalone and I would have enjoyed it as much. The second book was not what I had expected it to be, but I was happy with how Kemmerer brought the narrative back to Harper and Rhen.
I don't exactly know why, but I'm team Rhen. Even though he made some bad choices in the second book, I do not think that he deserved what he went through. The fact that the perspectives in the narrative of the second book changed, was one of the reasons why I did not like it as much as I liked the first book of the series. I wanted to know what went on in his head, during some tough moments in A Heart So Fierce and Broken. Don't get me wrong, I love Grey and Lia Mara, I just like Harper and Rhen better.
The books are very YA, the story is easy to understand, there are no complicated magic systems and overall I found the series very fun to read. Kemmerer's writing style is flowy and you keep turning the pages. Even though the characters re quite young, they go through a lot and you see their development. I love how Jake and Noah also adjust to this new world they entered and stay there. This contrast to the modern world and modern ideas is fun to read. The comparison between this medieval world and their modern beliefs and knowledge is funny to see.
I still think that all these characters are very strong. They have their own personalities, beliefs, backgrounds and act from them. Yet, during the story we see them learn, adjust and grow too. In perspectives, their characters shine through in the writing, which was well done.
I did have some points of critique (do not read if you do not want to be spoiled!!):
- I did not always find Lilith as strong in her dialogue. I mean she was the villain, just in her motives/speech, she could have been made even worse.
- Like I mentioned, I wish that we read some more of the perspectives of Harper and Reid in the second book.
- I would have liked to see Rhen as King in the end, and that the two kingdoms would have been united in that way.
- I think that Lia Mara is a bit young to become pregnant, also we read one sex-scene (even though more are implied), but it still felt not necessary. I liked the puking on Grey's shoes tho (and Noah reaction).
These are all minor things and do not ruin the series for me. It were fun books to read and I enjoyed it a lot. I finally got my sister to start reading and will definitely recommend them to her.
Overall, I really recommend this series if you're looking for a light YA fantasy read. The story is fun, characters are fun to read and the world is well built. I will definitely add other books of Kemmerer to my tbr because I really like her writing style! Most things I didn't like were just personal taste from my side or my expectations. So this series deserves a solid 4 stars!
I hope you enjoyed this review, see you soon!
With love,
Julia
*Some of the links are affiliate links, without extra costs for you, I earn a small commission on your purchase.
Comments