Book details
A Great and Terrible Beauty (The Gemma Doyle Trilogy)
Description
Its 1895, and after the suicide of her mother, 16-year-old Gemma Doyle is shipped off from the life she knows in India to Spence, a proper boarding school in England. Lonely, guilt-ridden, and prone to visions of the future that have an uncomfortable habit of coming true, Gemmas reception there is a chilly one. To make things worse, shes been followed by a mysterious young Indian man, a man sent to watch her. But why? What is her destiny? And what will her entanglement with Spences most powerful girlsand their foray into the spiritual worldlead to?From the Hardcover edition.
Age
12-17
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
416 pages
Book in series
#1
Why to read
- Engaging Historical Fantasy: 'A Great and Terrible Beauty' blends historical fiction with fantasy elements, creating an immersive world set in the Victorian era with a magical twist. This unique combination offers readers an escape into a richly detailed world that is both familiar and enchantingly new.
- Complex Female Characters: The novel features a cast of complex and diverse female characters, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and personal growth arcs. Readers who appreciate character-driven stories will find the relationships and individual journeys of these characters compelling and relatable.
- Themes of Empowerment and Identity: Libba Bray explores themes of female empowerment, identity, and societal expectations. The protagonist, Gemma Doyle, and her friends grapple with the constraints of their time while discovering their own powers and desires, making the story resonate with readers who are navigating their own paths.
- Mystery and Suspense: At its core, 'A Great and Terrible Beauty' is a tale shrouded in mystery and suspense. The plot is filled with secrets, supernatural elements, and a looming sense of danger that keeps readers engaged and eager to uncover the truth alongside the characters.