YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

Face your fears, fight the battle.

Emberfall is crumbling fast, torn between those who believe Rhen is the rightful prince and those who are eager to begin a new era under Grey, the true heir. Grey has agreed to wait two months before attacking Emberfall, and in that time, Rhen has turned away from everyone—even Harper, as she desperately tries to help him find a path to peace.

Fight the battle, save the kingdom.

Meanwhile, Lia Mara struggles to rule Syhl Shallow with a gentler hand than her mother. But after enjoying decades of peace once magic was driven out of their lands, some of her subjects are angry Lia Mara has an enchanted prince and magical scraver by her side. As Grey's deadline draws nearer, Lia Mara questions if she can be the queen her country needs.

As two kingdoms come closer to conflict, loyalties are tested, love is threatened, and an old enemy resurfaces who could destroy them all, in this stunning conclusion to bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer’s Cursebreaker series.

Pleased the first three chapters give us insight into what's going on with the three main characters since the events of the previous book. I do wonder how things will play out here as so many areas to reconcile.

Chapter 4
(view spoiler)[ I'm already sad again, I just can't see how this will end well for Rhen and Harper. I'm hoping it will though, especially that she'll stay with him. These chapters have seriously already made me sad. (hide spoiler)]

Up to ch9. Rhen is determined not to seem weak. (view spoiler)[ They will have to act together to try and combat Lillith. Pleased Zo has helped Harper. (hide spoiler)]

Up to ch16. (view spoiler)[ Hard to see how they can fight such opposition from their own. I also thought Grey would end up with Harper-perhaps I misread his thoughts previously. (hide spoiler)]

Up to ch25. (view spoiler)[ It seems so unfair that as they reach understanding Lillith returns and causes chaos. Why is she so determined to pursue this vendetta? (hide spoiler)]

Up to ch40. Rather in awe of Harper’s determination to help. (view spoiler)[ That news about the soy really does make me think Lia Marva’s sister is more invested in this fight than we thought. (hide spoiler)]

Finished. Review on home page. Fitting end.

Ch 13 (view spoiler)[I hate that it’s come down to war. I feel like this is all just a big miscommunication that could easily be fixed if Rhen and Grey simply sit down for a civilized conversation. I’m hoping something good happens for once, maybe like Lilith going to h#ll or something lol I’m so sick of her (hide spoiler)]

Karen wrote: "Up to ch9. Rhen is determined not to seem weak. [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[That’s what I’m sayin smh, come together to fight your common enemy and hell even let the women resolve things since they’re both so hotheaded 🤦🏽‍♀️ (hide spoiler)]

Ch 26 (view spoiler)[And Lilith strikes again, seriously I’m so over her I have no words. And did she really kill everyone? I feel like throwing my kindle right now (hide spoiler)]

Danique wrote: "Chapter 4
[spoilers removed]"

I am so late! but I loved the multiple POVs as well as I was having problem with Rhen after the second book.

Ch 34 (view spoiler)[Wow. I just hate Lilith. Gah everything is revolving around her and what she's done. Now she killed everyone and is still continues to torture and torment Rhen. This just has me exhausted. I'm not loving this and I'm ready for a win for the good guys. I don't even care about the kingdoms anymore I just want Lilith gone once and for all. (hide spoiler)]

Finished (view spoiler)[I must say I think this was kind of blah for me. Everything was based on Lilith's actions and manipulations. Not only that but the end was rather abrupt, left things hanging and felt unresolved. I want to know how if Rhen gave up his throne how Lia Mara and Grey will even continue to be together ruling two completely different kingdoms. Also her being pregnant was only mildly exciting, I feel like this is such a cliche addition to books nowadays-it really served no purpose. Also this book needed an epilogue=BADLY. (hide spoiler)]

Karen wrote: "Up to ch40. Rather in awe of Harper’s determination to help. [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I think this was another plot issue that feels unresolved. Her sister is so blood thirsty and even at one time thought of killing Lia Mara to take the throne. I don't know if she'll ever be for peace even with things ending the way they did. I think they will have to watch out for her forever and that will be exhausting. Like I don't see even a time of peace on the horizon for any of them :( (hide spoiler)]

Shorouk wrote: "Danique wrote: "Chapter 4
[spoilers removed]"

I am so late! but I loved the multiple POVs as well as I was having problem with Rhen after the second book."

I think we all were. Rhen in book two was not the same one we all fell in love with in book one :(

I somehow seriously can't make myself go through the book, sorry guys! I'm DNF'ing it for now, maybe I'll pick it up later..

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Date changed. Restarting April 1st 2021. Happy Reading ☺

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I have started on time for once so yay! (I actually started a bit at midnight and then read more today morning!)

- Omg yay, a Harper pov which I missed so much!! 🙌
- Chapter 5: (view spoiler)[Again, I missed feisty Harper a lot. (hide spoiler)]
- Chapter 7: (view spoiler)[
- No one was forcing rhen's hand (until later) so I don't really buy any of his explanations honestly. 🤷🏻‍♀️
- Poor Harper she's just stuck between people who are important to her...😭 (hide spoiler)]
- Chapter 8: (view spoiler)[Harper being cooler than both male leads combined - such a QUEEN! Yes I'm full-on fangirling at the moment! (hide spoiler)]
- Chapter 12: (view spoiler)[
- Uh Oh...Tension in Syhl Shallow
- All of our characters are in so much stress 😭
(hide spoiler)]

yayyyy I'm so excited to start today!

Chapter 8
(view spoiler)[I'm loving this so far, we've gotten back our Rhen and Harper, damn I missed them so much. Now the next Rhen/Harper chapter isn't for another 70+ pages. WHYYY. Why can't this whole book just be their POVS.
Anyways, I'm really glad Rhen told Harper about Lilith, there is no doubt that they work better together. I just hope they don't get into another argument as long as Rhen doesn't do something stupid. (hide spoiler)]

@myfortressofbooks - chapter 8
(view spoiler)[ haha I agree! Literally not gonna lie, but she would make a better queen than Lia Mara -oop (hide spoiler)]

Evelyn wrote: "Chapter 8: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Yeah I wouldn't mind if it was just Rhen and Harper but I guess it's necessary for the plot. And it was switched at a point when Harper was being so cool! 😑 (hide spoiler)]

Evelyn wrote: "@myfortressofbooks - chapter 8
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I agree, Harper's totally got the personality and she makes up whatever court knowledge she's lacking with her bravery and wit. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14: (view spoiler)[
- Lia Mara getting attacked every second is giving me so much anxiety!
- And even if she's all for peace, she needs to show her brave side to really make her people loyal to her.
- I feel like she's kinda back to where she started so hopefully she'll start doing something that changes things. 😩
(hide spoiler)]

myfortressofbooks wrote: "Chapter 14:
TOTALLY AGREE

Chapter 16
(view spoiler)[ Lia Mara still isn't a very good queen, she has much to learn. I don't think she needs to harm her people for disobeying her, but I do think she needs to be much more strict. She is still too naive and it seems as though she just trusts everyone even though 2 people have already tried to kill her. (hide spoiler)]

Evelyn wrote: "Chapter 16
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Yes, she should know that she can be strict without harming them as her mother did but she just sits there waiting for others to take action... (hide spoiler)]

Starting at 40% | Enjoying Rhen and Harper's chapters way more than the others but that's to be expected. I honestly don't mind Grey but Lia Mara...🤷🏻‍♀️

Chapter 15: (view spoiler)[I remember the author tweeting how she was blushing while writing these kinds of scenes lol 🙈 (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 17: (view spoiler)[
- There's so much Lilith did to both Rhen and Grey during the curse that we don't know and it makes me so sad.
- That scene was horrifying and it makes me even sadder knowing what Rhen did to Grey after going through all of that together.
- Zo is such a great friend! And she's feisty like Harper hehe
- I'm glad Rhen is at least trying and he talked to Zo so that's good! 👏
(hide spoiler)]
Chapter 18: (view spoiler)[
- OMG that was so SCARY 😱 and when the SUV headed her way ugh 😭
- Harper - Best Girl! Still thinking of protecting Rhen. How is she so brave? 💕
- Why do her chapters just fly by so fast?! 😞
(hide spoiler)]
Chapter 19: (view spoiler)[
- Rhen ordering Grey to be taught how to shave is both funny and ridiculous! 😆
- Grey and Rhen both keep thinking about each other and honestly, they're better as a team.
- Ugh, Dustan is so annoying...😒
(hide spoiler)]
Chapter 20: (view spoiler)[
- Rhen has issues if he's angry w/o even knowing her reasoning...
(hide spoiler)]
Chapter 21: (view spoiler)[
- Silvermoon visit was a mess...
- Yes Rhen you were being very petty! 😤
(hide spoiler)]
Chapter 24: (view spoiler)[
- Lilith doesn't give us a break huh? 😱
(hide spoiler)]
Chapter 25: (view spoiler)[
- Ohhh is Harper going to go to Syhl Shallow??
- Omg wait is that Zo's heart!!! 😱 😭
- I was right, pls pls let Harper be alright on the way...
(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 27
(view spoiler)[UGHHHH. How could Brigid end Rhen's chapter like that. He definitely thinks that heart is Harper's, which is just so sad. Almost as sad for me is that Zo is actually dead now. Lilith PULLED her heart out. poor girl, and Dustan, they're all dead, my god.
Really hoping Grey can help, I just hope it doesn't take too long. (hide spoiler)]

myfortressofbooks wrote: "Starting at 40% | Enjoying Rhen and Harper's chapters way more than the others but that's to be expected. I honestly don't mind Grey but Lia Mara...🤷🏻‍♀️
Chapter 15: [spoilers removed]
Chapter 17:..."
(view spoiler)[ i know right, why can't Lilith just die already, and for real this time. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 45
(view spoiler)[ yassss. they did it!! I was scared for a second when Rhen turned back into a monster, but thank god the only thing he did was kill Lilith, which YAY finally, hopefully shes dead dead now. (hide spoiler)]

Finished!
(view spoiler)[ So Lia Mara is pregnant... wow ok, I don't know if it was planned....
Anyways, talking about Lia Mara, I didn't like her at all in this book. She didn't grow at all as a queen and it enrages me that Grey is somehow in love with her, I think he deserves someone so much better.
I really wish we got a better Rhen and Harper scene after everything was resolved, but instead we were just stuck with a Lia Mara and Grey scene🙄
Also how tf are Grey and Lia Mara going to be together when they rule two different kingdoms... like what?!
Rhen deserved better, but I still really liked this book! (hide spoiler)]

Starting at 80% of the way through.
.
.
Chapter 37: (view spoiler)[I didn't realize Chesleigh was Ellia Maya! I wonder who else is involved? (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 44: (view spoiler)[Ever since that attack on Harper, I kinda already guessed that it was Iisak's son but I'm curious if he was controlled by her or what? (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 45: (view spoiler)[That was honestly pretty anti-climatic...😞 (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 47: (view spoiler)[
- At least Ellia Maya did some good evacuating the people at the palace huh?
(hide spoiler)]

It's Done! Honestly not sure if it'll be a 3 star or a 4 star yet but it was good if not great. Glad to have completed another series!

Evelyn wrote: [spoilers removed]

(view spoiler)[Agree. I really would've liked a slightly different ending because this one didn't satisfy me. I don't know how Grey and Lia Mara are going to manage ruling two countries either. I just wish we got more of Rhen and Harper because it feels like they've been demoted to secondary characters in book 2 and 3? (hide spoiler)]

myfortressofbooks wrote: "Evelyn wrote: [spoilers removed]
[spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[ I knowww!! It sucked that they weren't in it at all in book 2 and then it book two it just felt like they weren't in it enough. (hide spoiler)]

Evelyn wrote: "[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Yeah, Lia Mara and Grey just couldn't top Harper for me and I feel like there's still plenty of loose ends untied... (hide spoiler)]

Aaah I want to start this one, but I'm also really dreading it because I didn't really like the last one.. :/

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Date changed. Restarting May 27th 2021. Happy Reading ☺

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Date changed. Restarting September 4th 2021. Happy Reading ☺

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Starting this now! I am excited to finish this series. I couldn't find any series recaps online for the second book so hopefully, I remember everything okay enough not to get lost. =P

Oh shit no recaps?? I might need to read the ending though, or it recaps enough. Please let me know!

Maddie wrote: "Oh shit no recaps?? I might need to read the ending though, or it recaps enough. Please let me know!"

No, the third book just kind of jumps right into things. There isn't a real recap of the previous book.

Do you remember how Heart ended?

15% (view spoiler)[I admit to being a little bit lost at first since I read the second book when it was first released. I couldn't find a recap online for the second book so I went ahead and started reading anyway.

I do remember being kind of appalled at Rhen's behavior at the end of the second book when he had Grey and Tycho whipped. I honestly don't know what I would be feeling if I were Harper. I mean, she loves Rhen but she also cares about Grey. It's a tough spot for her to be in. The start of the book has Rhen and Harper pretty at odds with each other. Their relationship has been strained because of what Rhen did to Grey and then Harper helping Grey escape.

I don't entirely remember the threats that Lilith made to Rhen at the end of the second book but I keep wondering what will happen with that. Lilith has made an appearance to torment Rhen but she hasn't hurt him or done anything too dastardly yet.

Grey and Harper have been my favorite characters in this series and I am really excited to learn how things will unfold. And as conflicted as their relationship is, I am really rooting for Rhen and Harper's HEA. (hide spoiler)]

Maddie wrote: "Do you remember how Heart ended?"

(view spoiler)[The only things that I remember well is that Rhen had Grey and Tycho whipped because Grey wouldn't tell Rhen who the lost heir was. Harper was horrified by this and she helped them escape. Her brother and her brother's boyfriend went with them. At the very end of the book, Lilith makes an appearance after everyone thought that she was dead. She threatens Rhen, though I don't remember exactly what she threatens him with. I know that part of it involved her threatening to take Harper back to DC. (hide spoiler)]

I know something happened with the flying creature thing, he wanted revenge for a dead child or something? Maybe I should re-read the last 50 pages or so

Maddie wrote: "I know something happened with the flying creature thing, he wanted revenge for a dead child or something? Maybe I should re-read the last 50 pages or so"

(view spoiler)[Yeah, Iisak was the creature with wings. He is/was the king of his people. He had a son and I don't remember what happened exactly but I think that the son was killed inside of the Syhl Shallow borders? I might be remembering it wrong though. (hide spoiler)]

29% (view spoiler)[I am not a fan of how timid Lia Mara seems so far. I don't remember her being that way in the last book. I don't remember every detail of the last book but I thought that I remembered Lia Mara being very capable and brave. So far she seems cowed by everything. I hope that she develops a backbone soon.

I am really curious about how things will turn out with Grey since he is in a strange land and the people there don't like him one bit. And all of the prejudice against magic. The people of Syhl Shallow are very opposed to it in such a hateful way. It seems like the attack on Lia Mara in the throne room was made to look like a magic attack when it really wasn't magic at all. I wonder what the point of that was? In the long run? Do the magic haters just want to make magic look even worse?

And I am all down for Lia Mara's gentler approach to ruling the kingdom after her mother's brutality, but I don't think that she should constantly let people walk all over her or undermine her either. Her sister needs to step back and let her sister do her job. And Lia Mara definitely should have disciplined the woman in the throne room that disrespected her. I am not saying that she should have tortured her on the spot or anything, but she shouldn't have let her walk away like that. Does this kingdom have anything against incarceration for disobedience? I mean, there has to be a middle ground between doing nothing and having someone tortured. (hide spoiler)]

58% (view spoiler)[The love scene between Lia Mara and Grey put such a smile on my face and warmed my heart. Also kind of made me giggle when Grey said that they would figure it out. I can't believe that they were both virgins, but I think that it was fitting. Such a beautiful moment in all the chaos that surrounds their lives right now.

Rhen and Harper had an equally moving fade to black moment. Leading up to that moment they were so at odds with each other though. I am glad that they finally made up. I really liked that they were both trying to protect the other. I think that there is a lot of gray area where Rhen is concerned. I think that he has the best intentions but perhaps doesn't make the best choices. I was glad to hear that Rhen regretted what he did to Grey. I think that Rhen loved Grey like a brother well before he knew that he really was his brother. I think that it is the fact that Grey has magic that really trips Rhen up and his fear of magic tends to lead him to make bad decisions. I keep wondering why Rhen is so afraid of magic though. Can it only be Lilith and the curse or is it just something ingrained in him from childhood?

I am going to be honest, I did NOT expect what happened with Lilith. I can't believe that she killed all the guards so gruesomely and attacked Rhen and Harper. I really was not expecting that at all. I was a little shocked. Lilith really has a thing for Rhen. In the creepiest of ways, of course. It makes me wonder if she is really trying to punish him for the fact that all of her people are dead or for the fact that he rejected her after sleeping with her all that time ago before the curse. Did she just want him and his rejection incited everything that she did? Well anyway, it's clear that the special blade that the mercenary gave Rhen was a dud. Harper got her with it and it didn't seem to slow her down. And I'm sad that Dustan died. I liked him. Now Zoe and Harper are on the run. I wonder if they will go to Grey and ask for help? And what was that creature that was after them when they were trying to get away? Maybe Lilith turned Grey back into the beast and cursed him again? (hide spoiler)]