A Heart So Fierce and Broken (The Cursebreaker Series)

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I’m realizing that I got so caught up in the poor choices you made I forgot that you knew how to make good ones. While it wasn’t fun, the tension between Grey and Rhen was interesting. These were two characters who, in the first book, became close, and events have transpired to turn them against one another. Some felt it was out of character, but I urge you to finish the whole book before passing judgments (like I almost did). after these unfortunate and unwanted changes, i had to read this book as if it were completely unconnected to ACSDAL and essentially a standalone. after doing that, after reading this story for what it is individually and not a follow up to another half, i started to enjoy this. like really enjoy this. She is totally toothless and incapable of doing anything without Grey and/or her sister propping her up. I understand that Lia Mara is meant to serve as a balm to the Celeanas and Mias of the YA world, but being compassionate and fair are only a strength when paired with competency. She started stamping her feet a bit at the end, and I wasn't convinced by all her battle-hardened warriors coming immediately to heel. I was honestly hoping Nolla Verin would usurp her, because as unpalatable as she is, it'd at least be interesting. The Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition includes an exclusive bonus chapter from Harper's point of view.

After I finished reading this earlier, I was willing to give it 2 stars, just because of Rhen, but the more I think about it, the more I realise how much I actually hated this book, so I'm just gonna lower my rating to 1 star. This pains me. This actually pains me. I wasn’t too happy to find out I just got a sample of the book it is 4 very small chapters. I am one that never reads long excerpts or if a writer has a chapter available early on, I never read it. I want to read the whole book at once. Though since I grabbed this from Netgalley I figure I have to honor my commitments and do at least somewhat of a review.

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I'm not sure if this is the end in this world or if we are going to meet this characters again and to be honest I'm not sure what I actually want. For example, I would love to see Harper and Rhen again and them getting the ending they deserve instead of all this crap, but at the same time I'm not sure I would be able to endure another book with Lia Mara. Although with another book maybe my love for Grey would return. I miss the Grey I used to know. Part of that, I think, comes from the fact that there's a lot of potential in these books as well as the characters *cough* LILITH *cough*, that simply wasn't put to good use. And while I'm at peace with how this book ended this series, I guess I can't help but be a little disappointed, or think about how it could've been better. The world-building still isn't exactly solid, but at least there's a map at the beginning to make things slightly less confusing.

Cons- I wish I cared more about Gray and Lia Mara than I did (but I know some people adore them so this definitely won’t be a problem for everyone) Then out of nowhere, a scraper named Lisak flies out of the sky, a magical creature saved from his cage by Grey, and he wants to ally with them since they can also help him return to his home and the queen Karis Luran has something he wants. Still, the Scraver also comes useful since he also gets grey to heal himself and says he could teach him more so eventually he can also heal Tycho and the Scraver can also fly, which would come in useful for them to look ahead. He could catch a goose from the sky for them to eat, so they let him come along.

In a land of myth, and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy. His name… My biggest issue (one of very few) was Lia Mara. I really liked her in A Heart So Fierce and Broken, but her characterization went off the rails in this finale. She was no longer the ambitious girl with a clear vision on how she intended to rule. Instead, she never took initiative for anything when she had previously fought her way to become Queen. I was happy for her and Grey in the end, but her mindset along the way was frustrating. I'm so sad that this story became a series when it should have remained a standalone. I really didn't enjoy AHSFAB but I was so invested in the characters and confident in BK's writing ability that I still managed to look forward to this.

Rhen and Harper still annoy me... in the last half of the book I got over it without even realizing it until I was at the end. Lol At 38 years old you’d think I’d have gotten past devoted, unconditional love stories. Brigid Kemmerer has reminded me that I haven’t. And maybe it’s because for 12+ years I’ve had my Grey/Rhen next to me; so I know love exists. Or maybe it’s because the 16 year old version of me is bawling her eyes out at how poignant and amazing these characters and their stories are. Either way I’m glad to still be able to enter a fantasy world made for teens and fall in love with it. PDF / EPUB File Name: A_Heart_So_Fierce_and_Broken_The_Cursebre_-_Brigid_Kemmerer.pdf, A_Heart_So_Fierce_and_Broken_The_Cursebre_-_Brigid_Kemmerer.epub Although I’m already dreading the possibility of a follow-up series... because I’m paranoid to touch good things in case they get messed up. However, as Kemmerer points out to us many times during this series, you cannot gain anything without risking something as well. Edit: So I just randomly decided to skim through this book because why not (didn't technically count as reading because I DEFINITELY didn't read all of it- I'd only actually read the interesting scenes. *cough* Harper and Rhen basically *cough*) and this has definitely resurfaced feelings, and I now realize that I rated this too high.

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On a very last note, Rhen, Harper, *reluctanly turns to Grey* and you too, Grey, I'm gonna miss you guys. I hope we get to meet again.

A Heart So Fierce and Broken is a darker story than its predecessor in many ways, starting from the audience’s realisation that Rhen may not be the hero to the moral conflicts each of our protagonists face. Grey doesn’t want to challenge Rhen for the crown, but he may not have a choice except to defy the king he once served if he wishes to survive and protect his people. Lia Mara wants for everyone to live and be happy, but that is a naïve wish that doesn’t take into account the history of bloodshed and violence between Emberfall and Syhl Shallow which will not so easily be smoothed over. At what point does she end up as a traitor to her people if she continues pushing for reconciliation despite the deaths that have occurred on both sides?This book can’t be read in isolation, so if you haven’t read A Curse So Dark and Lonely yet, you must start that because it is AMAZING before starting this follow-up which is just as enchanting. Featuring a dashing idealistic hero, a quietly determined and principled heroine, and a supporting cast of endearing characters, A Heart So Fierce and Broken is magical, compelling, and will leave you desperate for more! This nuanced sequel offers new perspectives and emphasizes the value and complexity of both sibling and romantic relationships. Harper to slap Rhen hard. Possibly leave him for forever a couple of weeks so this guy would see her worth. Grey may be the heir, but he doesn't want anyone to know his secret. On the run since he destroyed Lilith, he has no desire to challenge Rhen--until Karis Luran once again threatens to take Emberfall by force. Her own daughter Lia Mara sees the flaws in her mother's violent plan, but can she convince Grey to stand against Rhen, even for the good of Emberfall? A Vow So Bold and Deadly was exactly what I was hoping it would be. While I’m so sad this series is over, I couldn’t imagine a better conclusion.