This book started off quite slow, to the point where I nearly pulled a DNF because I didn’t feel enough interest in the rest of the book. So I ended up skipping a few chapters ahead to see if things got better - and thank goodness it did. Once the actual “spark” came and it wasn’t just going on and on about the people who died due to Alessa, I was finally able to get into the story! Overall after this point the story was quite good, I liked the progression and ending as well. So if you started this book and are wondering if it’s worth staying a little longer, I’d say yes it is.

This Vicious Grace was compelling, romantic, and full of great world-building and wonderful characters. I thought the magic system was unique and loved the Italian-inspired world. The relationship between Alessa and Dante will satisfy those readers looking for some romance with their fantasy, and Alessa will surely join the ranks of some of the best YA fantasy heroines: smart, funny, and heartbreakingly resilient. I loved this book so much and can't wait to read the next one in the series!

I didn't realize this had a second novel! I almost don't want to look and see how long I have to wait to read the conclusion. I'm not much of a fantasy reader but this one was done so well and the characters are well-written.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

5 ⭐️

Some books are excellent because their plots are exciting, others because their characters are compelling, and a rare few because the writing is simply beautiful. This Vicious Grace fulfilled all three for me—it was just a delightful YA fantasy read. It’s got it all:

✔️ immersive world-building on gorgeous, Italy-inspired islands, filled with religious lore, gorgeous prose, and limoncello
✔️ a lovable heroine tasked with saving her world from an impending swarm of demons
✔️ grumpy, sexy bodyguard love interest
✔️ excellent banter and chemistry in the romance
✔️ unlikely (and adorable) friendships with layered and interesting side characters
✔️ beautiful message on the power of human connection, and the consequences of when we deprive others of it
✔️ solid cliffhanger

I have a feeling this will be the latest book I obsess over and recommend to every person I come into contact with this year. I cannot wait for the next book in the series, and this is one of those rare reads I’ll be praying turns into a TV series one of these days.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Oooh, this book was so much fun. I’ve had my eye on This Vicious Grace ever since I found out that it was a thrilling fantasy with the bodyguard trope, which is perhaps one of my favorite tropes of all time. And let me tell y’all, this did not disappoint.

One of my favorite aspects of this book is, of course, Alessa and Dante’s relationship. It was actually so sweet to see Dante go from being a stoic, grumpy “I can’t believe I signed up for this” bodyguard, to a supportive friend, to falling head over heels with Alessa. Their scenes together where they were just hanging out in the library, or in the gardens, or helping Alessa fall asleep, and just flat out enjoying each other's company was so cute. (Also I love the fact that Dante’s a reader and the scenes when he caught Alessa reading her romance novels had me DYING.) I adored the fact that he never stopped fighting for Alessa and became someone would do anything to protect her. The scene after Padre Ivini tries to intimidate Alessa with his mob, when Dante holds onto Alessa realizing he was so scared he was going to lose her, destroyed me. Not to mention all the scenes where he chases after her telling her how much she means to him, and all those pep talks he gives her about not giving up and trying to prove that she’s the strongest person he knows even when everyone around her doesn’t believe in her ability to save Saverio as Finestra. I fully empathized with Alessa’s journey to find self-love and definitely found myself tearing up during the moments where she felt like she was better off sacrificing herself for Saverio. (I do want to mention that this book has multiple instances of suicidal thoughts and mentions of suicide attempts.) In short, their relationship was so much fun to watch and I can’t wait to see more of their swoon-worthy moments in Book 2.

The found family aspect of this book was also adorable. I love found family in fantasy, and seeing Kaleb, Kamaria, Saida, Nina, and Josef grow from not believing in Alessa’s ability as Finestra to fighting alongside her was heartwarming. Their little banter and moments while training (while also becoming close friends with Dante and protecting him from Padre Ivini) were everything. I also just really appreciated how diverse this group of friends were and how Emily Thiede was able to include really great, respectful representation even in a fantasy world that is definitely set in a world modeled after Italy, just from naming characters accurately, as well as including foods and other references to various cultures. The moment I realized that Saida was a Bengali character made my heart swell so much. I’ve never seen a Bengali character in a YA fantasy novel and it truly made me so happy. I can’t wait to see if these Fonti have just as big of an appearance in Book 2!

Overall, I definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for a fun YA fantasy with a fairly easy-to-understand plot & magic system with themes similar to the found family in Raybearer and the Italian vibes of Kingdom of the Wicked. I hope we get to see the worldbuilding expanded more in Book 2, as we stayed in Saverio the entire time in Book 1. This Vicious Grace releases on June 28, so make sure to pre-order it today!

~Thank you Netgalley and St. Martins Press for allowing me to receive an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review~

5⭐𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
•I was super excited when I got an ARC for this book, I even got the notification at the same time as Together We Burn and if it wasn't for the alfredo in my mouth I would've screamed. This was one of my most anticipated 2022 releases and im so happy I got to read it early!

𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭
•I liked the plot of this book quite a lot. I felt it had twists and turns that made sense and the characters faced actual problems. It did progress at a slower pace but not enough for me to knock it from it's 5 stars. It was interesting and the looming threat was well-known and actually stood up to its build-up.

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
•Characters were my favorite part of the story. They were all unique and had traits that made sense. The Fontes's apprehension was made very clear, and the change they go through as they get to know Alessa is so realistic and adds depth to their little friend group. The war going on in Alessa's head is also realistic and her internal conflict was so well-written.

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠
•I loved the idea of the Fenestra and the Fontes and how they are put on pedestals with such high expectations. It was a change of pace from books I've recently read where the gifted are feared, not welcomed with parades and parties. The culture and use of old language and backstory really made this world stand out and I loved how the author hinted at certain areas of the world but saved them for the sequel (if there is planning to be one. I believe there is?)

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥
•This book is well worth it's 5 stars and I will most likely purchase it once it releases in June.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for sending me an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I’m so happy to have been given the chance to read this book early because I absolutely loved it! Alessa was a great MC and I loved her love interest, Dante. They were everything you want in a forbidden love story. The Fonti *wink*, were great side characters as well. Each one of them brought something different to the table. The funny banter between all involved kept me smiling. Ivini was the absolute worst, which made him a good “villain”. The end leaves you hanging and I already can’t wait for book 2.
The only reason I didn’t give the book 5 stars was because somethings could have been “deeper”. I don’t want to elaborate because it would be a spoiler. Also, certain events were easy or resolved quickly. However, I really enjoyed the book. I will read it again when it releases and I’m already to see where book 2 goes.

The world building is amazing, the lore of Finestra and Fonte is engaging, the found family is lovely, the struggle is real, but for me the very best part is the TENSION between Alessa and Dante! Slowburn romance filled with angst so good my heart ached. I love every scenes leading to the great finale! I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH.

Alessa was blessed with a gift from a God. A gift that means she's her island's first line of defense against an onslaught of demons foretold to come and decimate everything in their path every seven years. Alessa's gift amplifies that of her chosen partner, making them an unstoppable force and thereby ensuring the survival of their small island home.

However, with her touch, Alessa's gift has killed her last three chosen partners. The citizens are starting to worry, the clock is ticking, death is upon their doorstep and everyone is looking to Alessa to solve the problem. If not, there are those who would think to take matters into their own hands and eliminate the problem (i.e. Alessa herself).

After she's attacked by her own guards, Alessa doesn't know who to trust, so she hires outcast Dante as her new guard. As they prepare for the coming storm, it becomes apparent that there's more to Dante than meets the eye.

I'm typically a reader who doesn't read ARCs as far out as I did this one, but something about the description just spoke to me and what I was looking for at the moment to read.

First off, the chemistry between Alessa and Dante simply sparks off the page. They're not really adversarial with one another, but Dante is not taken in by Alessa's revered status and doesn't put much stick into her as a chosen one. This is a good thing because ultimately these are the ideals that have kinds of kept Alessa separate from other people. When she discovered she had been gifted with her powers, she immediately had to give up all family ties. Almost as though she's this sacred vessel untouched by humanity. Dante's presence in her life brings her back down to earth a bit and gives her that human connection that she's been without, and been wanting, for so long.

The pressure to succeed has also taken a toll upon Alessa. Being seen as a savior would cause anxiety in anyone, and it just further sets her apart from her contemporaries especially those with which she is supposed to be working in order to save the island. The loneliness she feels is palpable.

Once Dante and Alessa get together, you can see a markedly different side to her and you can almost feel some of the weight being taken off her shoulders. This allows her to be more comfortable around her remaining potential partners and the bond they begin to form with one another is the best kind of found family.

I just wish there was a bit more depth to the story. Everything seems to happen on a surface level. There was no real visceral, emotional reaction for me to the events in the story. Alessa begins forming friendships with her partners, but it falls just short of actually being meaningful. And the circumstances surrounding the upcoming siege upon the island didn't give me the dire, gut-wrenching feeling I was expecting because the story simply flew by.

Where Emily Thiede hands-down succeeds is with the relationship built between Dante and Alessa. I wanted to keep reading the story because I just wanted more of them. To see their banter and verbal sparring, to see them slowly begin to care for one another in a way neither can immediately define was perfection.

The rest of my quibbles I think will iron themselves out with the second book in the duology. This Vicious Grace gives readers quite the ride, but it's not over just yet, I think Emily Thiede has saved the best to come and I look forward to delving more into the mythology of everything in the next book.

*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I just couldn’t put this books down. I was so enchanted with the whole theme, setting and the character that i was hooked right from the beginning. It’s hard to believe that it’s a debut, because the writing, the pace and the word building is absolutely top-notch!! I really loved it, the easiest five stars I've given to a book in awhile

Sometimes you read a book and it’s just really easy to give it five stars. I read this book in one sitting, could not put it down. The romantic lead is everything we could want: broody, dramatic, kind, confident, hot. And Alessa, the main character, if at times too sweet, carries the story with her hearts and growth. I did see the “twists“ coming but that didn’t lessen my enjoyment of them or the novel. The writing is full of one line zingers that keep the voice fresh and fun even the tougher moments. And the end has all the payoff that we’re hopping for, the conflict is /not/ sidestepped at all. We love that. This book is also set in a non-heteronormative world which was amazing, and a breath of fresh air. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys YA fantasy with romantic sub-plots, but especially for anyone who has been feeling the social difficult of distancing, or who would say Touch is their love language.

a very solid ya fantasy. loved the atmosphere and the worldbuilding was easy to keep up with. the emphasis on friendship felt a little juvenile to me but made sense in terns of what the mc went through. it was also fun seeing the romance unfold.

This was not what I expected but in the best way possible. I absolutely loved the world. I could see this paradise in my head and just longed to jump in. The romance was wonderful and reminiscing of romantic comedy vibes. The romantic dynamic had me so invested. A wonderful book!

A gorgeous, atmospheric setting paired with romance and plenty of snark. You can't go wrong with THIS VICIOUS GRACE!

This was an excellent debut YA fantasy. I loved learning about this world and I couldn't believe how many characters I came to love. I found the ending to be really well done. Wrapped up but still very realistic. Alessa and Dante are going to be a couple readers will love and I can't see where the story takes them, and all their friends, to next. I will certainly be anxiously awaiting the next book!

On the small island of Saverio, a war is brewing. With Divorando around the corner, the god touched Finestra Alessa has three goals: Pick a Fonte, DO NOT kill the Fonte and to amplify the Fonte gift to save her island for swarms of scarabeo. But three Fonte, three weddings and three funerals have Alessa doubting she should have been chosen for this role. With the island doubting her ability and one assassination attempt after another, Alessa hired Dante, a marked killer, as her personal guard and finds his secret might just be the key to survival.

This Vicious Grace was the dark fantasy of my dreams, full of stunning imagery and beautifully lyrical writing. The characters are so well written and dynamic and the story’s plot was well considered and written. I did not know this was a series going in but I’m so excited to see where the author takes this series after such a brilliant start.

Alessa is the Finestra of the island of Saverio. She is the God-destined warrior to lead the defense against the monsters of the apocalypse. To do that, she must choose a Fonte - a magical warrior - to fight with her on doomsday. But Alessa has one problem, she keeps killing every Fonte she chose, and the people start to wonder whether she is truly their savior.

In my books, that's a rock-solid YA fantasy debut that will hook lovers of Kingdom of the Wicked with its gorgeous Italy-inspired setting. I am surprised at how much I have enjoyed this adventure. Thiede's writing is easy to follow, and although not too polished, still managed to capture enough beauty in the words. I like the magic system enough, although it's nothing very original. The world-building is, at the moment, limited to Saverio - the island where the events took place - but I assume we will get to know other places on the map throughout the next book. I also appreciate the unexpected religious interpretation critique that is very delicately handled.
The plot is layered and complex enough to keep the readers going without getting bored with tension and conflicts waiting to be solved. All the actions scenes, in my opinion, are rather good, although I would want a little more detail. Nevertheless, the ultimate battle blew my mind as I was sitting on the edge the whole time. (view spoiler) But helas, I do know the pain of having a cliffhanger all too well. This book is not even out yet and my grabby hands are already waiting for the sequel to come out.
However, the characters are honestly the spotlight of the book. Alessa is an amazing heroine who knows the stakes of her missions, and although she was stubborn, she didn't border into stupidity unlike many other YA Fantasy heroines *coughs* She has learned and grown so much throughout the book, and honestly, I am happy for her. Dante is also a compelling character. I like his personality and his manners. His romance with Alessa is everything I love, especially their banter, which is *chef's kiss*. The found family is also very enjoyable and I can't wait to see more of them in the sequel.

Overall, This Vicious Grace was a surprisingly delightful read that could have been a five-star one with some more charm (but it's okay, not everyone can reach that). Lush, beautiful, and exciting, this is now one of my most anticipated books of 2022. I look very much forwards to the sequel..

Many thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for providing me with this advanced copy.

All you need to know about this book is that I'm already desperate for the sequel and the first isn't even out yet.

This was my favorite young adult read of the year!

Through Alessa's journey, Thiede perfectly encapsulates the feelings of isolation and self-doubt that come from prejudice and ignorance. I really felt her pain and the intensity of her loneliness. This story is told through a third-person POV but with the emotional insight and depth of the MC that you expect of a first-person novel. I loved the strong yet fallible heroine, the diverse cast of supporting characters, and the swoon-worthy romance.

The use of the classic bodyguard dynamic is perfect--exactly what I was looking for when I picked up this book. The bodyguard romance reminded me (in a good way) of From Blood and Ash, mixed in with the relationship between Link and Zelda in Breath of the Wild.

The magic system and world-building are really intriguing. I love how Alessa's powers are similar to Rogue from X-Men. This "power at great cost" concept leads to compelling conflict and delightfully angsty relationship development.

A beautiful story, brimming with that "un-put-downable" appeal. I'll be thinking fondly of Dante and Alessa for weeks to come, and I'm recommending this book to everyone. What a debut! Can't wait for the sequel.

I love the cover for this book. It's so pretty. I loved the banter between characters throughout this book. The setting is also Italian-based and i felt as if I was in Italy.