Bold, brutal, and beautiful–a must-read fantasy full of fierce sisterhood, action, and political intrigue for fans of The Selection series, Caraval, and The Handmaid’s Tale. Serina Tessaro has been groomed her whole life to become a Grace–someone to stand by the heir to the throne as a shining, subjugated example of the perfect woman. It’s her chance to secure a better life for her family, … to secure a better life for her family, and to keep her headstrong and rebellious younger sister, Nomi, out of trouble. But when Nomi catches the Heir’s eye instead, Serina is the one who takes the fall for the dangerous secret her sister has been hiding.
Trapped in a life she never wanted, Nomi has only one option: surrender to her role as a Grace until she can use her position to save Serina. But this is easier said than done…a traitor walks the halls of the palazzo, and deception lurks in every corner. Meanwhile, Serina is running out of time. Imprisoned on an island where she must fight to the death to survive, surrounded by women stronger than she is, one wrong move could cost her everything. There is no room for weakness on Mount Ruin, especially weaknesses of the heart.
Thrilling and captivating, Grace and Fury is a story of fierce sisterhood, and of survival in a world that’s determined to break you.
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I really enjoyed this book! Both Serina and Nomi were fleshed out, realistic characters, although they were very different from each other. They’re also sisters, which is fun! They both end up in very different circumstances, that bring out their weaknesses and force them to grow as people. Plus, the side characters were interesting too.
Predictable.
This book didn’t WOW me. It was ok, and I don’t regret reading it. But the plot was pretty unoriginal and I couldn’t really connect with any of the characters. It was interesting and it was entertaining, but I don’t think I’ll invest my time in the sequel.
What I like the most in this story, was the sisterhood. Together or apart, Nomi and Serina always think about each other. Even when things go wrong, not how they planned, when they got hurt and angry, the unconditional love that they have always shines through.
I really did enjoy to read this book, and I can’t wait to see the author’s next great, feminist books. 5/5
Oh my word! I read the synopsis of Grace and Fury and I thought it sounded good, but nothing prepared me for the greatness that is Grace and Fury.
The beginning was a bit slow and hard for me just because I’m not used to reading stories in third person, but I could feel the goodness bubbling under the surface if I just stuck with it. Grace and Fury was like The Hunger Games meets The Bachelor and it’s I was sucked in I couldn’t put it down.
There were so many moving parts and different pawns were in play that I don’t know how Tracy Banghart was able to keep it all straight! I initially thought that I would favor Nomi, the rebellious sister over her counterpart, Serina, but Serina turned out to be a total bad ass! I was seriously surprised and charmed by her growth and becoming tough as nails and standing up for what she believes.
Both Serina and Nomi were thrust into situations that were the complete opposite of what they were essentially groomed for and it was awe inspiring to see them go to great lengths to get back to each other and right the oppressive situation that not only them, but all women living.
Grace and Fury is an empowering tale or bold sisters who took risks in a time when no one else would. The story is filled with cloak and dagger moments and clandestine meetings. Grab this story and experience the brilliance of Tracy Banghart!
Tracy Bangheart’s Grace and Fury captured my attention from the moment I read the dedication, “For every woman who has been told to sit down and be quiet…and who has stood up anyway.” Then there was the intriguing juxtaposition, on page one, of Serina, standing coolly on the steps of the town’s fountain in her finest gown, looking at her furious sister who is glaring at her from the edge of the crowd. Like many teens, Serina is excited to go to the capital city, thereby escaping her small-town upbringing. She has been trained for this all her life. She has the opportunity to compete for the coveted honor of being chosen to be a Grace by the Heir to the throne; with it comes the chance to live a luxurious lifestyle in the palace as one of the first women in the Heir’s harem. Her sister, Nomi, must travel with her as her personal maid.
It is not long before the ugly side of this society becomes apparent: There are oppressive rules under which the women live, and cruel punishments are meted out for any infraction. The author is a masterful storyteller, and the greatest strength of the book is the story itself, presented in alternate chapters told from the perspective of the two sisters. The big themes are those found in many epic tales: There is palace intrigue; there is infatuation; there is love; and there is compassion battling against self-serving narcissism and self-preservation.
The book moves rapidly with plenty of action, but there is introspection, too. The characters mature into adulthood very quickly. They are not black-and-white personalities; they have both good qualities and imperfections. In the beginning the sisters love each other, but they are two-dimensional and don’t understand one another. By the middle of the book, they are three-dimensional, and I liked both sisters very much. By the end, each can walk in the shoes of her sister and respect her choices, something many of us never learn to do.
Despite the breakneck speed with which the adventure unfolds, and thetemptation to find out quickly what is going to happen at the end, read carefully. The author has incorporated important foreshadowing to help the reader predict possible outcomes, despite some surprising plot twists. The two girls are forced to make moral judgments that could cost them their lives. They are not superwomen, but they are growing into powerful leaders (so maybe they ARE superwomen!).
While Grace and Fury is advertised for young adult readers ages 14 and up, it is a fast-paced, enjoyable read for adults, too. Set in a world different from our own, it addresses universaal themes that we should all consider. There are some striking parallels with our current global society. I personally couldn’t put it down.
Two sisters fight for freedom in a fantasy novel with a blisteringly fast pace and a cathartic ending.
Grace and Fury by Tracy Banghart is a story set in a world where women and girls have no rights. Serina has been groomed and coached to be the perfect Grace for the heir. To stand by his side and be his, or at least one of his. Serina’s sister Nomi is to be her handmaiden and really wants nothing to do with the world that has set so many limits on those like her. In a twist the heir chooses Nomi and Serina ends up imprisoned for a crime Nomi commits. Now each must fulfill the role that the other had intended in order to save them both.
This is a story that is kind of hard to explain without either giving too much away or doing a poor job. There are twists and turns, both expected and surprising. The characters of Serina and Nomi are both strong (fury) and graceful, as the need arises. As I was reading it, one page just kept following the other as the story drew me in. The characters were dynamic and complex and rose to every occasion.
Overall I very much enjoyed Grace and Fury by Tracy Banghart and how it created a story that while fantastic was just grounded enough to make it one that you can connect with more than you might otherwise think.
(I voluntarily reviewed an advance review copy of this book I received for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)
This is a book that’s hard to put down. It’s full of high-stakes situations and twists that I didn’t see coming.
There were a few things about the world that I didn’t feel were completely explained, but that didn’t end up affecting the story at all to me.