This immersive fantasy features an incredibly dynamic backdrop and it is imbued with magic that just breathes life into the characters. Much like its cover, it’s rich with beautiful storytelling, compelling characters that will sear themselves to your very soul by the end. There’s betrayal, forbidden romantic entanglements, found family, political machinations, and so much to love about this book. Despite the fact this story is fantasy fiction, I think many will identify with Alessa, because, at her core, she’s a young woman with the weight of the world thrust upon her shoulders and essentially trying to figure it out before the world goes to hell. Literally. Currently, I think most of us feel the same. I would definitely say to add this to your TBR, but if you’re someone who really enjoys listening to your books, listen to this one. The narration is phenomenal, and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Let’s start this off with Alessa. She’s been chosen by the Gods as the Finestra, the saviour of Saverio. With the power to amplify another’s gift, she’s the perfect weapon against the demons who seek to devour her home. Unfortunately, after the death of her third marriage partner, the people are turning to zealots who think that perhaps this is a sign that Alessa should be the one killed next. After her own soldiers attempt to assassinate her, she hires Dante, a young man marked as a killer to protect her. However, the secrets he’s hiding could be the ultimate betrayal both for her heart, and for her people. Could he be the one to help her master her gift, or doom them all?
I’m just going to say it. Emily Thiede knows how to set up a world, including the political intrigue that comes along with stories like this one. You’d think humour would have no part in this book, but it catches you by surprise and helps diffuse some of the heavier tension that looms over the book. As I mentioned at the start, Alessa encapsulates very identifiable characteristics. As she’s carrying the weight of the world (which she didn’t want or ask for), she’s actively looking for connection. Not just a romantic connection though, she really wants a friend, because she’s lonely. There’s no shying away from emotions here, despite the way that Alessa has been trained. That connection is honestly what truly elevates this book. Alessa is actively not trying to lose herself to this role she’s been given. And the exploration of identity is fantastic.
Identity isn’t the only theme within this story either. Family is another significant theme, where Alessa explores exactly what it means to have vs. find your family. Every character that Alessa interacts with is there to teach her, and us, a lesson in trust, friendship, and betrayal. Leaving Dante aside for the moment, the connection she ends up making with the other Fontes is really touching. It’s not just about romantic bonding, but about creating friendship in all of its moments. The cautious meeting, awkward moments, and fun moments just help lighten the darker moments of the book.
The magic system was where I felt the book fell a little short. I wish it had been a little more fleshed out, but that being said, it might have messed with the pacing of the story. It would have been great to learn more about how the magic system was interwoven with the political aspect of it. There’s also more magic that I can’t talk about that I would love to know a bit more about, but for the sake of no spoilers, I won’t get into.
Finally, the romance! This was definitely a slow-burn, and I loved every second of it. Not only did it make sense for the story, but Dante was just the excellent grumpy love interest. Haha, maybe it’s because I’m married to my own grumpy person, but I just lived for Alessa and Dante’s banter. The tension that builds as they grow from cautious business associates to tentative friends, and eventually passionate lovers brought a smile to my face. If there’s fanart that I would love to collect, it would be of Alessa and Dante. I think the only thing that I hate is that I have to wait for the next book.
Magic system aside, this book was a very solid read that kept me riveted from start to finish, and I HIGHLY encourage everyone to listen to it. And then buy a physical copy to have on your shelf. Have you seen that cover? It’s just begging to be displayed. Add it to your TBR!
This Vicious Grace is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
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?
Emily Thiede’s exciting fantasy debut, This Vicious Grace, will keep readers turning the pages until the devastating conclusion and leave them primed for more!
