A Great and Terrible Beauty
This Book is Currently in the Wild!
2 journalers for this copy...
Amazon.com
A Victorian boarding school story, a Gothic mansion mystery, a gossipy romp about a clique of girlfriends, and a dark other-worldly fantasy--jumble them all together and you have this complicated and unusual first novel.
Gemma, 16, has had an unconventional upbringing in India, until the day she foresees her mother’s death in a black, swirling vision that turns out to be true. Sent back to England, she is enrolled at Spence, a girls’ academy with a mysterious burned-out East Wing. There Gemma is snubbed by powerful Felicity, beautiful Pippa, and even her own dumpy roommate Ann, until she blackmails herself and Ann into the treacherous clique. Gemma is distressed to find that she has been followed from India by Kartik, a beautiful young man who warns her to fight off the visions. Nevertheless, they continue, and one night she is led by a child-spirit to find a diary that reveals the secrets of a mystical Order. The clique soon finds a way to accompany Gemma to the other-world realms of her visions "for a bit of fun" and to taste the power they will never have as Victorian wives, but they discover that the delights of the realms are overwhelmed by a menace they cannot control. Gemma is left wi! th the knowledge that her role as the link between worlds leaves her with a mission to seek out the "others" and rebuild the Order. A Great and Terrible Beauty is an impressive first book in what should prove to be a fascinating trilogy.
A Victorian boarding school story, a Gothic mansion mystery, a gossipy romp about a clique of girlfriends, and a dark other-worldly fantasy--jumble them all together and you have this complicated and unusual first novel.
Gemma, 16, has had an unconventional upbringing in India, until the day she foresees her mother’s death in a black, swirling vision that turns out to be true. Sent back to England, she is enrolled at Spence, a girls’ academy with a mysterious burned-out East Wing. There Gemma is snubbed by powerful Felicity, beautiful Pippa, and even her own dumpy roommate Ann, until she blackmails herself and Ann into the treacherous clique. Gemma is distressed to find that she has been followed from India by Kartik, a beautiful young man who warns her to fight off the visions. Nevertheless, they continue, and one night she is led by a child-spirit to find a diary that reveals the secrets of a mystical Order. The clique soon finds a way to accompany Gemma to the other-world realms of her visions "for a bit of fun" and to taste the power they will never have as Victorian wives, but they discover that the delights of the realms are overwhelmed by a menace they cannot control. Gemma is left wi! th the knowledge that her role as the link between worlds leaves her with a mission to seek out the "others" and rebuild the Order. A Great and Terrible Beauty is an impressive first book in what should prove to be a fascinating trilogy.
I really enjoyed this one! Fantasy books are not typically my thing, but this one has such elements of character and plot that I found myself really getting into even the magical portion of the story. It was a bit confusing in parts, a bit disorienting, but that added to the mystique rather than detract. I'm looking forward to reading Rebel Angels, the follow-up to this book.
Wow thanks for the RABCK! I've seen this mentioned in a swap and it sure looks interesting. Glad you like it too.
Gosh I didn't realize I have this book for so looong...
During which, I totally forgot that this book is part of a trilogy, so as I noticed the unread pages dwindling) I was a little disappointed that things aren't being wrapped up.
This YA fantasy is set in the 19th century in a Victorian girl boarding school (or rather, finishing school, preparing the young women for debut and landing a good husband.) The willful Gemma entered the school after the death of her mother - cholera as the public record went, murder as Gemma witnessed.
I'd like this more if most of the characters aren't so vapid and spoilt - I get it they are supposed to be how women are at that era, but it's somewhat disappointing that Gemma and the other girl aren't any better than the popular clique - once they get admission into the clique they just act like the rest, playing planks on those who loses favor with the top girl. Not to mention the guy who kept showing up with vague, empty warnings but unable to deliver real threats. All these faults make this an okay YA read but not beyond.
During which, I totally forgot that this book is part of a trilogy, so as I noticed the unread pages dwindling) I was a little disappointed that things aren't being wrapped up.
This YA fantasy is set in the 19th century in a Victorian girl boarding school (or rather, finishing school, preparing the young women for debut and landing a good husband.) The willful Gemma entered the school after the death of her mother - cholera as the public record went, murder as Gemma witnessed.
I'd like this more if most of the characters aren't so vapid and spoilt - I get it they are supposed to be how women are at that era, but it's somewhat disappointing that Gemma and the other girl aren't any better than the popular clique - once they get admission into the clique they just act like the rest, playing planks on those who loses favor with the top girl. Not to mention the guy who kept showing up with vague, empty warnings but unable to deliver real threats. All these faults make this an okay YA read but not beyond.
Journal Entry 5 by 
Azuki
at Little Free Library - 3075 Virginia St. in Coconut Grove, Florida USA on Tuesday, August 8, 2017
Azuki at Little Free Library - 3075 Virginia St. in Coconut Grove, Florida USA on Tuesday, August 8, 2017
Released 6 yrs ago (8/5/2017 UTC) at Little Free Library - 3075 Virginia St. in Coconut Grove, Florida USA
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Bookcrossing is a wonderful online community of book lovers dedicated to sharing books with each other and the world at large. We are also curious to see how far and wide our books can travel. I would appreciate if you can make a journal entry on this book so we know where the book has been. You don't have to set up an account.
Feel free to keep this book, return it to where you found it, or pass it on to the next reader. If you sign up as a member, you will hear from the book as it travels and gets journaled. Feel free to explore the BookCrossing site, and visit our forum to meet other booklovers. Membership is confidential, free, and spam-free. Happy reading!
