A Great and Terrible Beauty

So, there are 2 kinds of fiction books that I seem to be drawn to. One is non-technical science fiction books with a good moral story and the second is any fiction written about about any time period before 1920. Especially, anything written for the time period between 1880 and 1920 and you've got me. A double you got me if the locale happens to be England or South America. Of course, I do enjoy many other types of books but these tend to be the most enjoyable and entertaining for me.


Libba Bray recently had my attention while I read her Gemma Doyle series. A Victorian / Gothic supernatural fantasy written primarily for young adults. She had me washing dishes and putting kids to bed faster than I have in a long time. I'm not a huge fan of fantasy but there's more to the story and the supernatural part doesn't get carried away.


The trilogy is a coming of age story of young women at a finishing school in the Victorian era preparing to bow for their queen while at the same time trying really hard not to conform to the world's expectations of them. Includes a good dose of the supernatural, fantasy, magic, secrets and hunky teenage heart throbs. These 3 books will definitely be on the shelf for Bryn to read during her teen years.


All 3 books are fascinating and action packed. I have to say the 3rd book is much thicker than the previous 2 and it takes awhile to get through the first half but the last half is worth it. For some easy fun summer reading I would definitely recommend them. Remember that's coming from a girl who's always loved a Victorian story.