"A Curse So Dark and Lonely" is a young adult fantasy novel that is primarily targeted towards teenagers. Written by Brigid Kemmerer, the book explores the story of Harper, a teenage girl from modern-day Washington D.C., who finds herself transported to a cursed kingdom called Emberfall. In Emberfall, she encounters Prince Rhen, who has been cursed to repeat the same season over and over again until a girl falls in love with him. The age group for "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" is primarily teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18.
Strictly for fans of the character’s first outing. (Picture book. 5-10)
While the Christmas Witch finds a spot to sleep in the woods, a girl named Poppy causes a ruckus at home, ridiculing her brother for believing in Santa. She embarks on a journey to a world unknown to her, where she meets the inventive young Poppy and sweet old reindeer Donner, who agree to help her restore Christmas to its former glory.
The age group for "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" is primarily teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18. This age group is the primary target audience for young adult novels, as they can relate to the coming-of-age themes and struggles faced by the characters. The book tackles important themes such as identity, self-acceptance, and the power of love.
The Return of the Christmas Witch
In the much-anticipated follow-up to the bestselling The Legend of the Christmas Witch, Parks and Recreation star Aubrey Plaza and creative partner Dan Murphy's fiery heroine has returned. . . and this time she's taking on Christmas.
By now you’ve heard the legend, all but forgotten, of Santa Claus’s twin sister. Many years ago, this shadowy figure followed in Santa’s footsteps, searching for him while leaving odd gifts of her own. One fateful night, they finally came face-to-face, and she hasn’t been heard from since. Until now . . .
The Christmas Witch has returned.
After centuries trapped in her icy chamber, the snow is finally melting, and Kristtörn awakens. She finds that the holiday she loved is now controlled by the mysterious Kringle Corporation. She embarks on a journey to a world unknown to her, where she meets the inventive young Poppy and sweet old reindeer Donner, who agree to help her restore Christmas to its former glory. Little do they know that she wants more than order . . . she wants revenge.
In the highly anticipated follow-up to the bestselling The Legend of the Christmas Witch, award-winning producer and actress Aubrey Plaza and her creative partner Dan Murphy give the true spirit of Christmas a modern and wonderfully witchy twist.
Aubrey Plaza, originally from Delaware, is best known for her role as April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation. She has produced and starred in several films, as well as performed at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York. She currently lives in California and is known to dress up like a witch every Christmas.
Dan Murphy is a writer and producer who lives in Los Angeles, California. Originally from Delaware, he is a graduate of the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU and has been creative partners with Aubrey for over fifteen years.
Julia Iredale is an illustrator from Victoria, British Columbia. She studied illustration at Emily Carr University of Art and Design, and now spends her time painting, making books, and, whenever possible, escaping into the magic forests of the Canadian West Coast.
By now you’ve heard the legend, all but forgotten, of Santa Claus’s twin sister. Many years ago, this shadowy figure followed in Santa’s footsteps, searching for him while leaving odd gifts of her own. One fateful night, they finally came face-to-face, and she hasn’t been heard from since. Until now . . .
Teenagers in this age group often grapple with their own sense of self and navigate the complexities of love and relationships, making them more inclined to appreciate and connect with the story's central themes. Furthermore, within this age group, "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" resonates particularly well with young female readers. Harper, the female protagonist, is a strong and determined character who defies societal expectations and is unafraid to challenge the status quo. The novel's female readers can see themselves in Harper's shoes as she grapples with her own strengths and finds her place in a male-dominated world. Overall, "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" appeals to teenagers as it presents relatable characters and addresses relevant and universal themes. The book acts as an escape for readers, transporting them into a fantastical world while still addressing the struggles and emotions they may encounter in their own lives. This age group can find solace in the characters' journeys and perhaps draw inspiration from Harper's resilience and courage..
Reviews for "The Impact of 'A Curse So Dark and Lonely' on the Middle Grade Audience"
1. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with "A Curse So Dark and Lonely." I found the characters to be flat and uninteresting, and the plot seemed to drag on without any real direction. I also had a hard time connecting with the protagonist, as her actions and decisions often felt forced and unrealistic. Overall, I felt like this book didn't live up to the hype and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Michael - 1 out of 5 stars - "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" was a complete letdown for me. I couldn't get past the unrealistic world-building and the predictable plot. The characters lacked depth and their relationships felt forced. I expected more from this book, especially considering the positive reviews it has received, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. I would not recommend it.
3. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - I really wanted to enjoy "A Curse So Dark and Lonely," but I found it to be a cliché and predictable retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real development. The romance felt forced and lacked chemistry. I didn't find anything unique or thought-provoking in this book and it left me disappointed. Overall, I wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Andrew - 2 out of 5 stars - I had high hopes for "A Curse So Dark and Lonely," but it didn't deliver. The pacing was off, with too much time spent on relationships and not enough on world-building or action. The dialogue felt unnatural and the characters lacked depth. I also found the romance to be cheesy and unrealistic. I struggled to connect with the story and ultimately felt let down. I wouldn't recommend this book.