We return to the Cursebreaker series for its second instalment with A Heart So Fierce And Broken, following the lost and confused Grey as he battles with his true identity. Emberfall is full of secrets and lies, with alliances making and breaking every day - who can Grey really trust? Civil war is brewing, but who is on which side.
Following on from the revelation that Grey is the secret rightful heir to the Emberfall crown, and Rhen's victory over Syhl Shallow and it's ruler Karis Luran - Grey is on the run. He knows that Rhen would stop at nothing to prove he is the rightful heir to the crown, including executing his unknown mystery brother. The newly reunited Harper and Rhen are looking relentlessly for their ex-commander (without knowing his secret identity), however, their happily-ever-after could be under threat by Karis Luran's latest plan. She has named her younger daughter Nolla Verin as the heir to her throne rather than the peace seeking, intelligent older sister Lia Mara. Nolla Verin's first mission as heir is to seduce Prince Rhen to reunite their countries, while Lia Mara has her own secret mission of bringing peace between the two countries. But with civil war brewing in Emberfall, can peace ever been found?
While the first instalment in the Cursebreaker series followed Harper and Prince Rhen, the second book changes direction and, instead, follows Grey and Lia Mara. A clever tactic adopted by Kemmerer as it allows the series not to get bogged down with the well-developed characters of Rhen and Harper, but instead allows for the growth of Grey and the introduction of new character Lia Mara. Personally, I was excited when I found out that Grey was the main character of the second book, as he was my favourite from in A Curse So Dark And Broken, the ending also aided the transition to a Grey centred second book.
The ex-commander developed a lot through the plot of the second book. Going from the cold, military-esque royal guard to a would-be-leader, that while tactical, showed love and care for various characters throughout the book. The majority of these relationships surround the rag-tag group whose journey we follow throughout most of the book - Grey, Lia Mara, Jake, Noah, Tycho and Iisak. Grey's blossoming friendship with Tycho gives the reader an insight into the relationship that, perhaps, could have occurred between Grey and Rhen had they been brought up as siblings. If you've read the first book, then you'll know that the relationship between Grey and Jake is strained at best. Throughout A Heart So Fierce And Broken, while their relationship has its highs and lows, they become a formidable duo with some of the best interactions seen in the series so far. Overall, I enjoyed the adventures of this group of individuals that find themselves thrown together from very different walks of life - and become friends.
The chapters point-of-view switches between that of Grey and one of the series new characters, Lia Mara. The eldest daughter of the ruthless Karas Luran is nothing like her mother and is everything her home-land does not respect. She's intelligent and caring, willing to compromise and beautiful in ways not deemed as such in Syhl Shallows. Her love for little sister Nolla Verin is endearing and polarising in comparison to that of the relationship between Rhen and Grey. A Heart So Fierce And Broken acts as a coming-of-age journey for Lia Mara, who learns of her own worth as the book progresses. Her relationship with Grey is one that you root for throughout the book. If you're a fan of Harper, then the chances are you will like Lia Mara as well; they both have strong independent woman vibes and are inspiring in their own right.
Another recurring character from the first book is the return of one of the series villains, Karas Luran. I personally prefer her as a villain compared to Lillith in the first book. Whilst they both appear a similar amount of times in the series, Karas Luran just exudes an intimidating presence even in the scenes that she is not present for. Rhen, the ish-hero of the first book, does not come across as positively in the second instalment. He was a clearly flawed character first time round but his very few appearances this time round only serve to further damage his character's reputation more. Although, looking at the bigger picture, there is one book remaining in the Cursebreaker trilogy - perhaps a redemption arc is en route for Rhen in A Vow So Bold And Deadly. I trust Kemmerer either way.
The excellent pacing I raved about in the first book continued through to it's sequel, the development of Emberfall and neighbouring Syhl Shallows is improving book on book. The world is rich with detail and depth, with history and laws that make it come to life. I particularly enjoy the ironic similarities that Kemmerer alludes to when comparing both countries that are sworn enemies. I will say, I do miss Harper in this book - she was such a strong presence in A Curse So Dark And Broken and perhaps there is something to be said about how similar Harper and Lia Mara's characters are in terms of characteristics. But I will reserve full judgement until I have read the final book.
Did I enjoy A Heart So Fierce And Broken? Yes. Did I enjoy it more than A Curse So Dark And Lonely? Perhaps. Will I be picking up A Vow So Bold And Deadly? Absolutely.
Thanks for reading, Rhi x.
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