This Vicious Grace by Emily Thiede

Title: This Vicious Grace

Series: The Last Finestra

Author: Emily Thiede

Release Date: June 28, 2022

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, YA

Source: digital, Kindle

TW: death, violence, war, moderate sexual content, suicidal thoughts, blood, child abuse, suicide attempt, death of parent

Synopsis

Three weddings. Three funerals. Alessa’s gift from the gods is supposed to magnify a partner’s magic, not kill every suitor she touches.

Now, with only weeks left until a hungry swarm of demons devours everything on her island home, Alessa is running out of time to find a partner and stop the invasion. When a powerful priest convinces the faithful that killing Alessa is the island’s only hope, her own soldiers try to assassinate her.

Desperate to survive, Alessa hires Dante, a cynical outcast marked as a killer, to become her personal bodyguard. But as rebellion explodes outside the gates, Dante’s dark secrets may be the biggest betrayal. He holds the key to her survival and her heart, but is he the one person who can help her master her gift or destroy her once and for all?

Thoughts

This book immediately grabbed my attention with its intriguing premise, captivating magic system, rich lore, and well-developed characters. Alessa, the protagonist, is such a palpable character that I was immediately drawn into her story.

The slow-burn romance between Alessa and Dante is exquisitely portrayed, adding depth and emotional intensity to the narrative. Their connection and chemistry are beautifully explored throughout the book.

I really appreciated the emphasis on the importance of connection with others. The author skillfully highlights the power of relationships and how they shape the characters' journeys.

The cliffhanger ending left me craving for more. It was well-executed and left me eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

The writing in this book is excellent, bringing the story to life with vivid descriptions and realistic dialogue. The tension is palpable, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The twists and reveals throughout the story are jaw-dropping and add an extra layer of excitement and enjoyment.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading This Vicious Grace. It is a captivating fantasy debut by Emily Thiede that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book to fans of fantasy and romance genres.