4/5 Stars: ‘A Curse So Dark and Lonely’ is a Young Adult, Fantasy Re-telling by Brigid Kemmerer; ‘A Curse So Dark and Lonely’ is a fast-paced, richly detailed, imaginative variation of ‘Beauty and The Beast’, featuring representation of Cerebral Palsy. Kemmerer successfully balances themes of darkness; magic; and heart; however, sometimes the suspension of disbelief is strained. ‘A Curse So Dark and Lonely’ is more than a romance, or even a curse. It is about learning to sacrifice and believe that you can sacrifice for a world beyond your own. To believe and conquer your weaknesses; to find out who you truly are. That said, there are mixed opinions on whether to pick up the sequel.