“A Great and Terrible Beauty, Book 1”

Author: Libba Bray

Let’s talk about the writing. The author for this book has a unique hand in describing the story.  I can’t say it was worse or better than anything else I’ve read, because everyone has a different style of writing. Some tend to have more description, detail, or unique characters. And then it’s hard to find a book with a great story that is well written for your specific tastes. For “A Great and Terrible Beauty”, I like the unique sound that flowed from it. Sentences like (and I quote): “The air is gloomy, alive with the smoke from the gaslights that line London’s streets,” and “moonlight pokes through the stained glass in weak slices.” For the plot line, all I can say is that it was very interesting, although, the mystery was a bit predictable and slow paced. Sometimes I had stopped to wonder where it was all going. But, that curiosity on its own was enough to keep me reading. I think the characters’ voices could have been more unique, but other than that, it was pretty good.

After a frightening vision comes true of her mother’s death, Gemma Doyle is sent to live in Spence Academy for girls in London.  She meets an unpleasant click of girls who are bullies to anyone lower than themselves, especially new girls such as Gemma. But Gemma is different and grabs the upper hand on them. Creating friendships and exploring forbidden realms of power, Gemma explores the reasons behind her uncontrollable visions. Although, there is a strange young man shadowing her and he tells her to get rid of the visions for good. But how can she do that if she can’t even control when they come? And since she is given an enticing offer to learn how to control and use her visions’ power, Gemma is unsure of herself and her decisions.

I knew from the start that there were two books after this one. So, I naturally didn’t expect it to end completely. I was happy with it though, and plan on eventually reading the next books that follow. I’m not sure if I would recommend this book as exceptional because, for me, it had a mediocre rating. It just depends on what your tastes are and what you’re looking for. 

 *Click to Read:
“A Great and Terrible Beauty, Book 1”
“A Great and Terrible Beauty, Book 2; Rebel Angels”
“A Great and Terrible Beauty, Book 3; The Sweet Far Thing” 

I want to thank everyone who visits my blog regularly and supports me by following or e-mailing encouragement. Every book I have read is special to me and now they all have a new purpose and significance. Thanks! :)