I loved this book. It was such an interesting mesh of how religion can influence your life, for better or worse, and fantasy. The setting was amazing - I'd read a fantasy book set in "Italy" any time. The characters were flawed and loveable. It was nice to see where they came from and how they grew into a group of friends you were rooting for.
Found family at its finest. Great banter.
I enjoyed the plot and found it to be unpredictable which was nice.
I'm so excited for book 2. It can't come out soon enough.

Alessa is a Finestra. She can draw from and amplify her partner's powers. However, she’s so powerful that she ends up killing her own partners in the process. Now she must find one capable of withstanding her before the next demon wave hits, and in the meantime, she must also hire a new bodyguard to protect herself from people trying to assassinate her.

This Vicious Grace by Emily Thiede paints an Italian-inspired and fast-paced fantasy romance

I think what I loved most about the story was Alessa herself. I found to be a sympathetic main character. She's lonely and touch-starved and she can't even hug her twin brother out of fear of killing him.

On top of that, there were a lot of fun romance tropes and I really enjoyed the bickering dynamics between Alessa and Dante, her disgruntled bodyguard.

However, asides from Dante and Alessa, the majority of the side characters fell flat and some of the characters’ choices and reactions were baffling to me. For a story whose magic system and themes hinge around the idea of togetherness, I wish it had fleshed out its characters and their relationships more in order to make for a compelling story. Hopefully this can be worked on in the upcoming sequel.

This Vicious Grace was absolutely fantastic. There was just something completely captivating about the magic, mythology, setting, and characters that kept me reading long into the night. I loved how the magic relied upon others for strength. The romance... gah what an incredibly slow burn with so much chemistry, tension, and banter. I fell totally in love with all the characters but Dante has my heart. I cannot wait to read the next book. There HAS to be a next book right?

If you are looking for a beautiful, unique, YA fantasy with a fantastic slow-burn romance and the start of a really fun squad, pick this book up!

This Vicious Grace is an italian influenced fantasy world where magic gifted people must battle hordes of deadly demon bugs each generation. The Finestra and Fonte team is chosen by the goddess Dea who must marry and partner in the fight to conquer the insects that attack the city. Alessa Paladino is the Finestra and she must choose her partner wisely out of all of the Fonte who have been gifted elemental magic. The right Fonte will enable her to bring out her power and amplify it, the wrong choice will lead to his or her death. At eighteen, she has chosen incorrectly three times and has suffered through the guilt of three funerals. In this situation anyone would feel like a black widow picking off innocent victims rather than the savior of an entire island. Alessa takes it deeply to heart and becomes paralyzed with indecision.

What I noticed right off the bat was that this protagonist isn't your typical strong, confident, kickass female lead that saves the world with one hand tied behind her back. She's a more relatable teen with insecurities and doubts. She's overwhelmed with feelings of inadequacy about the savior role that's been thrust upon her. Alessa sees herself as a failure and shrinks away from confrontation when challenged or threatened. I think many more readers could identity with that internal struggle at some point in their life. It gives the story a coming-of-age feel in a fantasy setting. This young woman must learn how to recognize her weaknesses and turn them into strength in a very short, finite time.

The other overwhelming challenge Alessa faces is that the very townspeople she is expected to save start to turn on her. While the chosen Finestra is typically revered and protected at all costs, many start to lose faith in her and want to do her harm. After all, if you can't believe in yourself, how can you expect others to do so? It doesn't help that there is a "priest" sowing seeds of doubt around town. He and his followers are pushing the idea that she should die in order for a better candidate to fill her shoes before it's too late. Even her own family and guards betray her, pushing her feelings of isolation and helplessness to a whole new level.

It was pretty frustrating to see the callousness of these people all around her, who so casually discussed murdering an innocent girl who was desperately trying to help them. They quickly formed a mob mentality and lost all sense of reason because of a silver-tongued con man.

When her situation becomes desperate, Alessa turns to a criminally marked, anti-social stranger who fights for money on the wrong side of town. Dante is rough around the edges and prickly, the complete opposite of her in many ways. I think being exposed to his unapologetic personality helps her reach for those qualities within herself. No matter how impersonal and distant he tries to be with her, when he sees the weight she's silently carrying, he begins to soften. It's gradual, but you can see how he grows an attachment against his better judgment. Against all odds, he becomes a confidant, a friend, and someone she finally feels safe with. However, Dante has a dark past and a secret that could bring ruin upon them both if discovered. The subtle romance growing between them is impossible for too many reasons but necessary for one: they make each other feel whole. They are seen for the first time in their life and supported in a way that defines partnership. And yet, it is her duty to marry another when the time comes to fulfill her destiny.

This was a unique fantasy world, however it was a little slower paced in the first half than I would have liked. It dragged at times, forcing me to push through sections where I was feeling the urge to set the book down. I'm very glad I did, because the second half picked up. Especially the battle scene at the end which was action-packed and filled with suspense. Obviously there is a bit of a cliffhanger here because this book is part of a duology, but it isn't too painful to handle. Alessa and Dante still have much to do until they can put this fight behind them. A new enemy is coming for them in the next installment that will culminate in the ultimate battle of good vs. evil. I for one am invested to see how it will all go down.

What a fun, engaging read! I was surprised by how quickly I fell into the story. It drew me in within the first couple chapters, and I loved the story and character development along the way.

The magic system in this story is simple but effective. I liked the fantastical elements thrown into a romantic comedy. It definitely satisfied my inner fantasy lover. The romance between Dante and Alessa, the focal point of the story, was great. I liked their dynamic and the slow burn / build of their relationship. We even get to know some of the side characters more, and they were fun additions.

Overall, this story struck me as one of those novels where you know what you're going to get based on the description, and when you're in the right mood, it ticks all the boxes. It provided me the reprieve from current events that I desperately was looking for, and I enjoyed this story immensely. I can't wait to read the next book. (I"m so excited there's going to be another book!)

Rating: 5/5 winged demons

Format: ebook. Thank you @wednesdaybooks, @ektwrites and @stmartinspress for sending me this e-book to review!

To Sum Up:
Alessa has a gift but it comes at a terrible price. She must find a suitor before she faces a hoard of demons and unleashes the full potential of her power. The problem is she keeps accidentally killing them before they can begin their training.

What I enjoyed:
Set in a lush fantasy realm with vivid characters and lots of snarky banter, this book flew by! The magic is dangerous and interesting, the stakes are high and there is an epic slow-burn romance! This book delivered all the feels and with a fast-paced plot, I didn't have anything I could really complain about here, pretty easy 🌟5/5🌟from me!

Wow. That's about the best way to begin this review. This Vicious Grace has everything I want in a fantasy novel. The stakes are high, the characters are bold, and the setting takes my breath away. But then Dante walks onto the page and everything skyrockets. His and Alessa's banter is perfection. I've never wanted to walk into a story as much as I did this one. I love how Alessa grows through the book. She starts out uncertain and by the end, she's almost a completely different person. Sorry, Dante. People CAN change. I can't wait to see what happens next, and I already know it will be phenomenal. I could not put this book down. It's a definite reread.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I am just starting this listen and AHHHHHHHH I am loving it. I cannot wait to update you on my review

Such a great book that drew you in from the very beginning. I loved the story and the characters and could not put it down.

There was a lot that I liked in this book, but also quite a bit that I felt was to be desired. I loved that this was set in Italy. The setting is pretty lush and I think the sprinkles of Italian language throughout was helpful in setting the tone. But I think what I loved the most was the tension between Alessa (the princess stand-in) and her bodyguard, Dante. HELLO??? New trope that I love UNLOCKED. I did not realize I needed tension such as this in so long, but here I am fully on this train. And the fact that <spoiler> Alessa's touch kills people so they can't touch but then it turns out that he's the only one she CAN touch???? </spoiler> GOODBYE. But, that is where my appreciation ends for the novel. I feel like so much more of the story could have been more developed. Alessa as a main character could have been a bit more developed, the magic system needed more explaining and tied to that, the whole religious-evil-baddies coming to get them needed waaaay more building. If it wasn't for the angsty romance, I think I would have dnf'd this because it just felt to typical. I think there is a really interesting premise here, I just wish I was able to understand the backstory more.

Author Emily Thiede’s debut novel This Vicious Grace ticks a lot of familiar boxes: A divinely blessed heroine has tremendous power but is essentially cursed to carry it alone (literally, she’ll kill anyone she touches). She must help save her homeland from a ritualistic invasion of demonic forces. She falls in love with a man who comes from the same subgroup she’s been taught all her life was not just an enemy but evil. And she’ll have to figure out who she really is along the way. Yet, Thiede’s story manages to mix all these elements together into a near-perfect blend of fantasy romance magic, one that will leave readers both thoroughly satisfied and eager for a sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Alessa has been chosen by the divine to fight for her people. Her gift is amplifying the gifts of others, but this has come at a dangerous cost and she is not sure she can master it in time to save her people. When she hires Dante to be her bodyguard, she has no idea that he has a secret that may help her.

I really enjoyed this book! The mythology and the magic system are interesting and well explained. I also really liked the Italian-inspired setting steeped in tradition and religion, and would love to learn more about the world beyond her island. I was rooting for Alessa in her fight, and I really enjoyed her dynamic with Dante. It was a slightly formulaic story but with highly original details, and I enjoyed the writing and the characters. I would be curious to continue the series and see where these characters go.

OMFG this is easily one of my favorite books of 2022 - highly recommend. I came into it having high expectations. I'd heard some really, really good things, and my god did the hype live up. I'm currently dying for book 2 - i need it desperately. I came into this book after reading something utterly terrible, and literally anything could be better. and in like five chapters I was sold, and within fifteen, the chemistry between the MC and the Love Interest was already MILES better than the last book I read.
And then I just feel in love with Alessa and Dante. The world Thiede creates is so good, so unique and captivating. It sucks you in. The story she created thoroughly captures your attention and you go on this journey with Alessa, and you feel everything she feels. This book legit made me feel everything, including a bit rage-y at certain characters. But Thiede wrote something phenomenal and everyone needs to read it ASAP and I need book 2 like, right now.

<b> <I> Thank you so much to Net Galley and to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of “This Vicious Grace” by Emily Thiede in exchange for an honest review. All of the following opinions are formulated on my own. Any quotes in this review should be cross-referenced with the final copy for any possible edits.</I> </b>

<b> Overall rating: </b> 4.75 out of 5 stars (Rounded up to Five Stars)

<b> Favorite quote(s) </b> "How cruel, that sharing someone else's grief did nothing to alleviate it for them. In physics, there were rules and forces, equal and opposite reactions, a balance. But emotions didn’t obey rules, and though sympathy settled over her like a blanket, it did nothing to help him."

'“Sympathy, kindness, love, and friendship—all those precious human experiences that made for a full life—those were for other people, not her.”

<b> My favorite elements: </b> I was so excited when I noticed this book has disability representation. And it was released a few days before disability pride month! I strongly applaud the publisher for this even if it was not on purpose. The story is crafted with blended Italian influences and a demonic, slow-burn romance. I really enjoyed the main characters and how strong they were. The banter was a fantastic addition to this lush and vivid fantasy world.

<b> My criticisms: </b> There are a few information-dumps which function as world-building. These did not bother me, yet some might disagree. I was more invested in the romance than the plot.

<b> If you liked the following, you will probably like this book: </b>
<i> - Together We Burn
- Kingdom of the Wicked
</i>

<b> Will I finish the series? </b> Absolutely!

<b> Tropes: </b>
- slow burn
- playful banter and tension
- strong MCs
- bodyguard trope
- chosen one (sort of)

This was a delight to read! An even balance of character banter, tension, and an overall intriguing plot really set the stage for a great fantasy book.
Once I really got into it, it was impossible to stop reading and I tore through it quite easily.
Our main character Alessa, although put in a unique position, I found myself relating to her--her realization that her biggest 'flaw' might be her fear of being around others/loneliness, was human to say the least. This is idea of overcoming loneliness and really becoming the person you want to be is then paired with the character of Dante, who is the perfect second piece of the puzzle. Hearing his story and how they mirror each other, alongside betrayal, tension and a beautiful new world--really wraps this together as a classic young adult fantasy book done amazingly.
I had such a fun time getting to know every aspect of the world & its characters!

The cover drew me in, the synopsis made me stay and I’m glad I did!
Alessa is a Finestra, who must use her “gift” to save her island. Of course this “gift” kills anyone she touches. When people of the island start doubting Alessa things get dicey. She enlists the help of the dark and mysterious Dante. With the support of Dante, Alessa suggests an unorthodox method to using her gift to save the island.
The world building, characters and storytelling were enjoyable! The relationship progression between Dante and Alessa was perfection.

Y'all I am FULLY obsessed with this book. It is SO GOOD. I’m always nervous starting a new YA fantasy because often they can feel immature and pretty generic to me, but even though this has many familiar elements, it still feels so fresh and enjoyable and I LOVE the writing.

The atmosphere Emily Thiede has created within these pages is just so magical and lush. The world building is perfect - we're given enough information to understand what's going on without it feeling like an info dump, a tricky thing with high fantasy. I absolutely love Alessa and her inner monologue, she is such a fun character to be inside as a narrator. Dante is perfection - the banter and relationship that grows between them is incredible. I was honestly vibrating with anticipation whenever they were together. I bookmarked so many passages as I read (something I NEVER normally do) and I went back and reread them several times before I'd even finished the book.

I read this while on vacation in Australia and even the stunning views and wonderful company of my cousins wasn’t distracting enough to stop me from constantly thinking about this gorgeous story. It is absolutely one of my top reads of the year and I can’t recommend it highly enough!

Thank you so much to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Alessa keeps killing her spouses.

Appointed by the goddess Dea to save the island of Saverio from a once-in-a-generation Doomsday, Alessa is the latest in a long line of Finestras. Like her predecessors, she has the unique ability to amplify the gifts of magical citizens known as Fontes. Every generation, the Finestra partners with a Fonte and together, they harness their skills to defeat the regularly invading army of monsters. There's just one problem: Instead of amplifying their powers, Alessa's touch has killed all three of her Fontes.

With a new set of Fontes brought forward like lambs to the slaughter, growing unrest as a wayward priest causes the peoples' faith to waver, and traitors threatening her life, Alessa must look outside the her sanctuary for protection. She hires a reluctant brawler named Dante as her personal guard. Dante has a mysterious past and knows nothing of the privileged life of Finestras, but his loyalty may be the difference between life and death.

Judgment day is quickly approaching, so Alessa must find her place among a group of potential Fonte partners united in their unwillingness to work with her. After years of isolation as a savior, Dante may be the key to helping Alessa unlock her true self and with it, her power.

I didn't have massive expectations going into this novel, but it really surprised me. Yes, the Italian-inspired naming conventions feel a bit flimsy, but the last of the worldbuilding is really solid and easily weaved into the narrative without feeling like an info dump. It allows the plot to flow and kept me on my toes.

Alessa is an intriguing protagonist. Her position is unique, but it's easy to sympathize with her. She doesn't do everything confidently, but she’s clever and doing her damnedest. Dante is such a fun character— grumpy, secretive, but secretly a soft inside— and he balances out Alessa's anxious perfectionism beautifully. The banter between them is some of the best I've read in a while and it really had me rooting for them.

Emily Thiede's rich side characters are what really help this novel stand out. The Fontes could have been stale and one-note, but I grew seriously attached to this ragtag group (some more than others) with big personalities and major chemistry. Alessa's mentor and her husband served as a great foil to Alessa and her struggle to find true partnership. Even Alessa's brother and biggest dissenter felt like fascinating characters. As much as I enjoyed the plot, it's the characters that will keep me coming back for book 2.

The Last Finestra is a stunning debut that's even more whimsical, brutal, and endearing than I'd expected!

If you are looking for a fantasy romance novel with a lot of tension, this book is perfect for you!

I went into this book thinking it was going to be an action filled fantasy story with some cutesy romance scenes since that's how these stories go. I clearly was wrong, so that is on me. I loved the first third of the book, but then it got redundant with the love tension. It was cute at first, then I was over it.

I really liked the MCs Alessa and Dante. They were strong and likeable with fun character developments.

Thanks Netgalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

I absolutely loved everything about This Vicious Grace! Alessa and Dante are wonderful characters both individually and together, and it was so enjoyable watching them grow and interact with each other over the course of the story. The magic system is so interesting, with Alessa being able to amplify others' powers and not being able to create magic on her own, but needing another person to do so. This ties back into the culture of the island and how a community is stronger together, which I think is pretty rare to see in a "chosen one" type story. Also, I've been to Italy, and I definitely felt transported back as I was reading this book, which is an amazing feeling to have. I'm super excited to see more of this world and these characters in book 2!

Buy, Borrow, or Bypass: Definitely buy a copy of this book! It was chosen as the B&N YA Book Club Pick for July, so there is a special B&N edition while stock lasts, which is the one I preordered. I know this is a book I will reread, and I'm so glad to have another beautiful book for my shelves. :)