A Great and Terrible Beauty (Gemma Doyle, Bk 1)
Author:
Genre: Teen & Young Adult
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genre: Teen & Young Adult
Book Type: Paperback
Helpful Score: 2
Normally, the cover of this book would have sent me running for the hills. I am not a fan of "period books" and always find myself kind of resentful of authors who try to cram a healthy dose of history down my throat when I'm just trying to enjoy a good story.
However, Libba Bray has made me change my tune. Set in turn-of-the-century London, A Great and Terrible Beauty is the first installment of the Gemma Doyle trilogy. It's hard to categorize these books - the publisher seems most comfortable with "gothic thrillers." They have a little bit of everything - romance, the supernatural, mystery and some horror, too. It's a great mix, in my opinion.
This book begins the story of Gemma Doyle, a young British girl who has been raised in India. The untimely (and suspicious) daath of her mother leads Gemma's father to send her back to England to attend Spence Academy, a tony finishing school for young ladies. Gemma is not your shrinking violet and makes for a great herione -- she bucks societal molds for young ladies, and refuses to do what's expected of her -- in this world, and the other she explores throughout the series.
It's difficult to do this review justice while still staying spoiler-free... so, I guess I'll just say, read this book. Make sure you have its sequels, "Rebel Angels" and "A Sweet Far Thing" on hand for when you finish, because this is a series you'll want to read one right after another.
However, Libba Bray has made me change my tune. Set in turn-of-the-century London, A Great and Terrible Beauty is the first installment of the Gemma Doyle trilogy. It's hard to categorize these books - the publisher seems most comfortable with "gothic thrillers." They have a little bit of everything - romance, the supernatural, mystery and some horror, too. It's a great mix, in my opinion.
This book begins the story of Gemma Doyle, a young British girl who has been raised in India. The untimely (and suspicious) daath of her mother leads Gemma's father to send her back to England to attend Spence Academy, a tony finishing school for young ladies. Gemma is not your shrinking violet and makes for a great herione -- she bucks societal molds for young ladies, and refuses to do what's expected of her -- in this world, and the other she explores throughout the series.
It's difficult to do this review justice while still staying spoiler-free... so, I guess I'll just say, read this book. Make sure you have its sequels, "Rebel Angels" and "A Sweet Far Thing" on hand for when you finish, because this is a series you'll want to read one right after another.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
