Reviews

This Vicious Grace by Emily Thiede

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eponineeurydice's review against another edition

3.0

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review. I didn't know much about This Vicious Grace before jumping in, but the concept is actually very interesting. Alessa, our main character, has been chosen by a goddess for this generation to fight against monsters and sort of be a vessel for power; because of this, Alessa's touch is deadly, and she is isolated from her family and all of her loved ones. She must choose someone to be her partner in battle—I love this concept/trope of having a special bond with someone else—but for the three she's already chosen, she has accidentally killed them all. Doomsday is getting closer and Alessa doesn't know what to do.

The characterization in this was wonderful; I loved exploring all that Alessa has to deal with, and her many struggles. The writing style was vivid and immersive, and the worldbuilding was really cool. It was overall a fantastic read, what you could call a very typical YA fantasy, which isn't a bad thing at all. I did enjoy this, and how fascinating it was, but it simply wasn't groundbreaking for me and I wasn't as emotionally attached to the characters as I wanted to be. Other than those drawbacks, this is a very compelling read full of magic and the power of connection.

ananas_iris's review against another edition

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3.0

There is no space between scene transitions, which tended to be a bit confusing. One second she's talking to her friends, and the next she's alone with Dante, without any space indicating the transition.

mrs_smith's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

storysquirell's review against another edition

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dark hopeful sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

dezi_marie's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

bookishpea's review against another edition

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5.0

This Vicious Grace is an Italian-inspired fantasy book full of beautiful world-building and lovable characters. If you like slow burn, forbidden romance with a side dose of the found family trope, this book is for you!

The main characters Alessa and Dante had one of the most genuine connections I have ever read. Their flirting was cute and funny without being too cringy and Alessa's innuendo's cracked me up!

The world-building was spectacular! The entire plot of this story was so captivating and unique. The only slight flaw I had was that the first third of the book was so info heavy I found myself getting a bit confused. However, this didn't take away from the reading experience and could just be because I've devoured this book in one sitting in the early hours of the morning!!

I think one of my favourite things about this book was the found family aspect. This book looks into the effects of loneliness and Alessa's pain is so relatable. The connection she eventually has with her friends are so heart-warming and I love that they play an important part in the final action.

Overall, I went into this book blind and it was such a pleasant surprise. This is up there in my top 10 reads of the year and I can't wait for the series to be continued!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder&Stoughton for this review copy in exchange for an honest review.