Scan barcode
megj23's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Death, Murder, and War
Moderate: Blood and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child abuse and Genocide
carriepond's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This was a really strong debut novel. The most compelling part for me was the relationship between Alessa and Dante, which had great banter and felt very natural. I loved how Thiede made them make sense-- they are both outsiders for a variety of reasons, with reasons to question the status quo, and they're both lonely, isolated from friendship and family for so long that they were able to develop a really strong bond quickly. I also loved how, although Alessa and Dante were the main event, there were a lot of side characters who had mini story arcs, so to speak, which leaves a lot of room to build on in the second installment.
And, speaking of the second installment, I very much appreciate how the big plot points were pretty much tied up by the end of the book. Lest I spoil anything, I won't go into detail, but Thiede leaves us lots to look forward to, with some unresolved issues and a preview of challenges to come rather than leaving the reader hanging with an extreme cliffhanger, which is something that annoys me for planned multi-book series. This Vicious Grace could stand on its own without reading the next installment, but Thiede creates such compelling characters that I am looking forward to returning to their world, no manipulation-by-cliffhanger needed!
I think the main place the book showed Thiede's first-time author status was the magic system. It wasn't fleshed out as much as I'd like, and what there was came in several info dumps toward the beginning, so I had a hard time understanding how it worked and what was at stake. But honestly, I was willing to shrug that off because I was enjoying everything else about it.
I recommend This Vicious Grace to anyone who enjoys YA, especially YA fantasy, to folks who are looking to be transported to a pretty cool world for a little while, or those who like romances with witty banter that feel genuine. I will definitely read Thiede's follow-up, which comes out in August!
Graphic: Violence and War
Moderate: Religious bigotry and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, and Death of parent
wickedgrumpy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The chosen one chooses a (life) partner to weather the battle with, and with our main character, she has chosen and killed three times while trying to train for the end of the world.
I have some issues with the book, but overall it was very readable and the ending left enough questions and plot for the next installment. Not sure if I would continue, but I'm not immediately opposed.
Minor: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Infertility, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Police brutality, Medical content, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Outing, Abandonment, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, and Deportation
frantically's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Dante and Alessa absolutely had my heart. They are so perfect for each other, even though they tried to deny it.
This had such a good "found family" trope and the author was able to really differentiate the characters (something I was scared she wouldn't be able to do, after they were basically all introduced at the same time).
I'm looking forward to the next book! 😍
Graphic: Violence, Religious bigotry, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Death, Self harm, and Death of parent
The sexual content is mainly fade to black but is a bit more graphic than typical YA.luckylulureads's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
Moderate: Physical abuse, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Grief, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
holthmsn's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Death, Violence, Religious bigotry, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content
demjin's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This is 3.5 stars, it was gonna be 4 but the ending ruined it for me. I was here for the book and fine with the lackluster worldbuilding when I was enjoying the romance but the ending brought too much plot into the picture that I didn't care enough about. It was like it was trying to be something it didn't need to be.
But I'm always here for grumpy-sexy-deadly bodyguard would do anything for girl when she bats her eyelashes at him trope and I'll stand by that
Moderate: Death and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child abuse, Chronic illness, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Suicide attempt, Murder, Alcohol, and War
melaniereadsbooks's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
The Finestra has one job--to find a Fonte, enhance their power, and save the island from the encroaching demon army. But Alessa is unable to touch a fonte without killing them, and her time is running out.
This book was so good! I absolutely devoured the audiobook and could hardly put it down to sleep. Alessa is an amazing main character and I love her growth and passion and raw need. I love that her strength is in the way she loves and not just her magical powers. I love the lessons of family and togetherness and hope and faith. The magic system is so interesting and I loved watching Alessa learn to wield her gift. And, of course, I love Dante.
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide attempt
ode_to_readers's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was trying to read this at every chance I had. On the bus to and from work, at work (during lunch of course..), before bed, in bed, in the morning in bed, during breakfast. Surprisingly it still took me two days to read but I’m glad because I got to savour every second I was reading.
Alessa’s growth was just astounding to see and I couldn’t help but feel so proud for her. Her friendship with Dante was absolutely perfect at pushing both their boundaries and challenging their beliefs. Their banter in every scene were my favourite parts.
Even the growth of the other Fontes (sorry- I mean Fonti) was developed perfectly. You can flick from the front to the back of the book and see a complete difference and yet it didn’t feel rushed at all. Their growing trust and friendship was so heartwarming.
Even the battle scene at the end had me on the edge of my seat. It was written perfectly and had me wanting to cheer and sob all at once.
Basically I need the next book NOW please and thank you
Moderate: War
Minor: Hate crime, Sexual content, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
themoonlightarchive's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The people of Saverio are beginning to doubt her ability to protect them and she no longer trusts the guards who are meant to protect her. Alessa hires a brooding street fighter with a few secrets up his sleeve as her bodyguard and begins to train with the Fontes that remain on the island, the few that didn’t leave in fear, hoping to build a connection that will stop her from killing them. But will this be enough to stop the demons when they come?
With beautiful, engaging and atmospheric writing, This Vicious Grace was a compelling debut with so many things that I adored, like the italian-inspired worldbuilding and mythology, the found family trope, a grumpy but sweet bodyguard, and endless batter. Thiede pairs divine magic and religious tension in the best way and crafts characters who grow with each page, who are deeply fascinating and loveable. If you love books with all of this, several scenes that will have you sobbing into the pages and more, This Vicious Grace is perfect for you.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Gore, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Murder, Abandonment, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail