THIS BOOK. I felt so sorry for Alessa, until Dante showed up ofcourse ;) I felt like the story progressed really naturally, I usually don't even like slow burn but this was written really well! I kind of want to compare them to the grympyxsunshine trope, but Alessa isn't really super sunshine?? more like, grmpy x less grumpy, which I loved! I can't wait for This Cursed Light!!!

I received an ARC of the book from the publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

As a critic who is focused on representations of under-represented groups, my curiosity was piqued when I came across names such as Tomohiro, Kamaria and Saida alongside the likes of Alessandra and Dante, and also the depiction of queer relationships. However, I must say that I would much prefer if the book didn't drop in nods to these marginalised communities as in my opinion, more harm was done, than good.

The reason I say this is because Emily's depiction of them was done in a very superficial manner as if nothing about the way they are, their circumstances actually matter. Instead, many of these depictions appear to flirt dangerously with racial stereotypes. Guess who is the kind and gentle mentor who gets hurt or the sultry and flirty, potential love interest? Making things worse is the highly Eurocentric backdrop which made it seemed (albeit probably unintentionally) as though these cultures had been white-washed. In fact, the book is actually highly evocative of the forced conversions of native cultures by evangelicals.

Perhaps I am going a step too far but as someone who grew up loving books, unbothered by the fact that none of the characters look like me simply because it is more important to me that the stories engage with themes and concerns that resonates with me, something can be said about recent attempts to depict under-represented peoples here. Very often, it just feels like pandering. It feels like publishers are leeching onto a trend, a bandwagon that ultimately brings nothing to the table.

Strangely enough, the lack of nuance in depicting the foreign is not limited to the Orient. As mentioned, the book heavily engages with Latin/Italian culture. However, there is a certain strangeness in how despite Dante's insistence that the plural for 'Fonte' is 'Fonti' (something that is mentioned twice), 'Fontes' is used throughout!

A lot of the complains can be attributed to how the book is poorly written as we are often told and not showed why something is the way it is. Huge suspensions of belief were also required to engage with the book. For instance, there was absolutely no sense of urgency despite an incoming apocalypse. There is a great deal of world building and lore which is very, very fascinating but none of it appears to be explained or conveyed onto the page.

That said, Alessa is undeniably a strong and inspiring hero with struggles that are highly relatable so yes, the story is undoubtedly empowering. However, the problem to me is that she represents a form of feminism that reeks of White Feminism, a brand of female empowerment that is self-centered and unconcerned with other marginalised communities for they are regarded as being useful, only to make her seem more interesting.

This was a really interesting and thrilling read. I liked the fantasy elements and how it weaved in with the other genres. The writing was done really well and it kept me hooked all the way through as i wanted to know what happened to Alessa and Dante. The action set pieces were exciting and i enjoyed the tonal pacing as it done well and appropriate for the set up written by Thiede. I'm really looking to follow up books in this series as this one was such a good read.

This was a real surprise. I didn't think I would love this as much as I did. An easy 5 star. 5 star plot, 5 star characters, 5 star love interest. Some of the plot points seem like something you might have read before, but theyˋre done so uniquly and well, that you dont want to put the book (or audiobook) down. I loved the found family aspect, again, it´s something you don´t expect, because of how everything is set up and the expectations other books might have given you. I love it, when authors play with the reader´s expectations like that. One of my favorite reads this month, maybe this year? I can´t wait for the next book.

Plot was ok just this book fell a bit flat. Enjoyed the magic and romance elements though between the two characters! And some great banter! I am probably not the intended audience for this as it felt like middle of the road YA.

This Vicious Grace is a beautifully woven book of history, romance and fantasy that left me enthralled.
Many Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Overview:
Alessa has a gift- a deadly one that is meant to magnify her partners magic but instead ends up killing them. So far she has attended three funerals.
With only weeks left until a hungry swarm of demons comes to devour her island she is running out of time to stop the invasion- and traitors within her own guard don’t think she is truly the saviour.
With no one to trust he hires Dante- an outcast marked as a killer, to be her personal bodyguard until the day of her next wedding- but with rebellion brewing and Dante hiding a huge secret of his own that could be her salvation- will she save them or destroy them all?

Review:
Plot- this was genuinely a delight. I have been in a bit of a lull reading wise within both YA and fantasy so I was hesitant to pick this up. The first few chapters are quite heavy on the worldbuilding but once I was into this story it is genuinely delightful and one of the best books I have actually gotten to read this year.
It has action, comedy, flirty banter with swoon worthy romance and a rebellion plot that keeps you guessing all the way through who is trustworthy- and the character development is brilliant.
The plot kept me engaged throughout, as did this glorious world and the ending of this book- I screamed.

Pacing wise, the story started slightly slow which is purely due to the fact it’s very heavy on the worldbuilding, but once I was about three chapters in I was hooked.

World building- Fantastic, a bit heavy at the beginning but once that’s done your basically in the world.

Characters- Alessa was a brilliant heroine. Did she have the normal YA chosen one feel- Yes but in a cynical manner. Did she just want it all to be over and live a normal life- Yes. She was actually quite refreshing with the fact she is extremely cynical as a chosen one as to why it actually has to be her and what tradition is and her development throughout was expertly done.
Dante… I would die for this man. His banter, sarcastic secretive nature and general humour and slowly developing relationship with Alessa is absolutely fantastic. He was by far my favourite in this story and his background and development? *Chefs Kiss*
We have a tonne of side characters and honestly I’m really impressed with how they all worked and interacted together, as well as developed alongside each other.
Also- Massive appreciation to this author for having lead characters in that New Adult age range i.e. 18-20 and we need more of this please!


Final Thoughts,
A beautifully intricate fantasy with great characters, great chemistry, and has left me desperate for more work form this author.

I was so incredibly impressed with this debut novel. The story was so fascinating and the romance was sweet. I laughed multiples times while reading and even shed a tear or two. I cannot wait for the sequel. The magic system was interesting and I'm looking forward to seeing how Emily expands the world. The friendship group that Alessa finds is just perfection, I can not wait for the sequel. One of the best books I’ve read so far this year

Alessa is the Finestra, chosen to protect her people from a swarm of bloodthirsty demons who descend upon her world at regular intervals. But to do this, she needs a partner whose magic she can amplify - unfortunately for Alessa (and the people relying on her for their survival), everyone she touches dies.

When the people of Saverio start to doubt whether Alessa truly is the chosen one who can save them all, she hires Dante to protect her. But, Dante has a secret of his own, which might put Alessa and Saverio in even greater danger.

This Vicious Grace is a high-stakes, YA fantasy with a really cool concept. The world building was brilliant and it was a fast-paced novel that I couldn't put down. There were some great side characters too, helping (or hindering) Alessa in her attempt to save her people - a calling she never asked for or wanted. I also loved the romance elements and cannot wait for book two!

This book had me hooked from the beginning and I flew through the book. I really enjoyed the story and the discussions around love and that there are different types of love and being lonely. I also liked the discussions around people in power and how the poorer people are not given the same protections.

Alessa was an interesting character though she could get annoying at times especially at the risks she took but you know what if I was under the pressure she was under I may become a little reckless too. I really did sympathise with her though as she is unable to touch anyone without killing them so she has become isolated and lonely and fed the fantasy that once she finds her true partner then she will have everything she desires. But unfortunately for her she keeps killing her partners and this makes her struggle with her own self worth and whether the world would be better off without her.

Once she meets the mysterious Dante though, she starts to believe in herself more and learns that she is more capable than she gives herself credit for and he helps her to see a world outside of her gilded cage. I really liked Dante and how he showed Alessa that the world she has been taught to believe in may not be as just and fair as she thinks. He makes her question things and see that just because something has been done a specific way it doesn’t mean that is the only way.

I also really enjoyed the side characters and hope we get to see more of them in the sequel and how they initially did not want to be near Alessa but by the end they learnt to trust her and she learnt to trust them and they became a unit. It was so great to see Alessa build relationships that are not romantic because she had been starved of friendship too which she needed and found in them.

The second half of the book had some intense moments and some revelations that I did not see coming but I loved as it added more mystery to the world and history that we have been told. I hope we get to explore this more in the sequel.

I did feel the ending was a little rushed, I was hoping to see more of the battle that has been built up throughout the book and some of the aftermath especially regarding Dante and what happens to him. I am especially looking forward to seeing more of him and his arc in the sequel.

i absolutely adore this book. first thing, let's address the big elephant in the room. it's an italian-inspired fantasy, and, i was so so so scared about the use of italian. blame previous experiences. i was so happy to read correct italian, with correct grammar. also, without knowing where the author got the inspiration for her world, i was able to pinpoint the exact part of italy that she envisioned as the setting for the book. also, the story. i loved it. it's already a comfort book, the characters are so lovely and real, i'm obviously swooning after Dante but Alessa, our MC, is a really nice protagonist, she's sassy when you need it but she's not only that. another thing i really loved was the found family trope, for a girl who was essentially removed from everyone, that was the most important part. romance and friendship and love, in every form.

5 STARS.
Loved this. This might be my favourite read of the year so far….
Definitely one of the best debuts I’ve ever read.
I don’t know why but I thought this would be a slow paced fantasy with romance as a subplot, but the romance in this was my favourite part. I’m a sucker for a fantasy romance, and this book really delivered on that. You have a grumpy love interest, Dante, who is actually the sweetest! The banter him & Alessa have is so natural & their relationship progression throughout the book is probably one of the best I’ve read in ANY book. The fantasy/main plot does take a back seat to the romance a lot of the time, so bare that in mind if you don’t like that type of book. Emily also writes the side characters really well, they’re not just thrown in and I felt a real attachment to them, especially Kamaria.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a fantasy romance with well written characters, and I’m surprised it’s not being spoken about more.
Thankyou so much to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I looooved the italian aspects of this book, and I was so invested in the slow burn romance. Overall for a debut book I really enjoyed this, I felt that the characters were really strong, sometimes the pacing threw me off a little but generally this is a really good book.

This novel has an incredibly interesting concept- the blurb dragged me in as soon as I read it. The story doesn't develop in the way the blurb indicated it would - I thought it would involve being on the run and going into hiding long term but it involves far more local and royal strategising and makes excellent use of a spectrum of strong secondary characters. The fantasy element in this is powerful and beautiful and it makes for an utterly compelling and unique read..

I had a really hard time not DNF’ing this. I enjoyed the concept, but the writing, the characters and even the romance was absolutely dull.

As this count down towards this massive and scary event comes with each chapter I legit could read no urgency. It was told so matter of fact, and just did absolutely nothing for me.

I enjoyed Dante, but him and Alessa’s story was also a weird pacing for me. One moment its still bodyguarding and brooding, and then she can touch him and sparks fly.

The world-building and explanation behind Alessa’s story I also felt could have been described simpler because I constantly found myself having to go back to understand what is going on.

Overall, I could see the potential and I think the concept is really unique. Just wasn’t for me- but it can absolutely be for you!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

Painfully mediocre.
So, the plot. Oh, for suuure, there's stuff happening. But for all the threat of the world ending and people dying, it all feels very.... paltry. The worldbuilding is flimsily fabricated, and the settings are sketched out with the weakest of details.
All in all, this reads as if it's an overlong, overly dressed-up, dull one-shot of the "grumpy-bodyguard" trope and nothing more. Barely any plot happens. And what plot there *is* is for the most part filtered through the protagonist's overstuffed feelings of *woe-is-me* and other self-pitying sentimentality which I'm really not in the mood to push through.

So. If you're into that, this is the story for you!
(Sadly, it was not for me.)

2.5/5
DNF'ed at 70%

With a deadly swarm of demons only weeks away, and the entire island relying on her, can Alessa master her powers without killing anymore of her partners, or is she doomed to fail?

Although the narrative voice felt a little juvenile at times (over explaining, overused metaphors, sometimes a little overly flowery, etc), I did really enjoy the story.
The world was interesting and not overly complicated. There weren't too many info dumps, we were just gradually exposed to the history, religion and political landscape.
This was an interesting set up for a conflict, but it fell down in its logic here and there for me. It felt like the age of the Finestra was purely to place this book as YA, when it didn't entirely make sense to give this power to a child, and the story could have explored some more of its darker themes if it were to lean into an older audience. Then, the nature of her powers (and why they were killing people) wasn't fully explained, although maybe this is something to be explored more later...
This was a fun read though, aside from some slightly forced dialogue, I largely enjoyed the dynamic between Alessa and Dante, and Alessa and her Forti.

Four stars because despite my various critiques, the pacing was good so I was able to stay invested in the narrative all the ways through. An enjoyable story and romance, although I'm not sure did the ending grab me enough to be inclined to pick up the sequel.

Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for my e-arc of this title, received in exchange for an honest review.

This was an easy light cosy read, I would recommend this as a nice break between epic fantasy novels. Looking forward to the sequel and reading more from Emily Thiede.

Wow! This book blew me away with its gripping plot, great characters, and an heart=pounding ending.

When I first started reading, I did not have any expectations. I did not want to be disappointed; thus, I stopped myself from guessing the plot and just enjoyed every chapter. What astonished me the most was the characters. They drew me in instantly, especially Alessa. Her journey and development surprised me, and I look forward to her character in the sequel.

As for the plot, it was intriguing at the beginning. But when I reached the middle of the book, the plot felt dragged and slowed down a little bit. However, the end was quite spectacular because I got to see the battle that was both nerve-racking and heartwarming.

If you are a fan of YA fantasy with a fierce heroine, sizzling romance, and a touching friendship, you should try This Vicious Grace!

Let it be said that I am a sucker for Dante and my enjoyment of this book solely depended on his sassy ways. It’s definitely a YA read and something I struggled to be gripped by, I found it easy to put down and leave for hours. However, it was a good read and I will be reading the sequel.

It has a good start, a busy middle and an epic ending. The characters are so rich and full of life and we receive a fabulous storyline.

I loved the narration from Alessa's POV, she is an amazing narrator to carry the story with a sharp tongue and plenty to say.

I can't wait for the sequel! Or to break open my Fairyloot copy