Dark, Intriguing, Good vs. Evil, Enemies to Lovers, Fantasy, Sexy, LGBTQIA, NA.

I loved this book and was completely captivated by the first page. Alessa, is an isolated young woman whose touch can kill and whose gift is meant to save everyone from an army of demon bugs. Alessa hires handsome and deadly Dante, a street fighter she finds helping a young beggar girl to be her bodyguard after attempts on her life. Alessa is desperate to make any kind of connection, and Dante is determined to stay detached yet they have a lot more in common than they think.

This book really checked all the boxes for me, there was just the right amount of romance to the story, humour and fun banter, strong and complex side characters, it has a fantastic world-building element, and there’s a level of mystery and unknown that kept me engaged while the main characters sorted through their own demons and struggles. I really appreciated that Alessa and Dante’s relationship didn’t feel forced or happen in the blink of an eye but was able to grow organically. On the other hand, I felt like her friendships with the other Fantes were a little rushed and wanted a bit more interaction with them. However, the book kept a great pace and had I been able to I would have read/listened to this all in one go.

The ending was good and left it open for the next book. Also, Dante has a couple of chapters in the last part of the book. They were interesting and mostly for the setup in book 2 and I sure do hope we get a lot more in the second book. I’d really love to get a view inside his mind, especially after how things were left. Special shout out to Narrator Carlotta Brentan who did a fantastic job, I really liked her voice for Dante and she was able to put a lot of nuanced emotion into her reading.

This was a grand slam for me, I’ll definitely be re-reading/listening to this and is one of my favourite books this year.

Special thank you to #NetGalley, #EmilyThied and #MacmillanAudio for sharing this digital copy, these are my honest thoughts on #ThisViciousGrace. Also, a thank you to narrators #CarlottaBrentan #MichaelGallagher.

Synopsis
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?

Review 4.5 star round up!
Grump x Sunshine Trope
Alessa is a likable character that you want to route for even when, as a reader, it seems hopeless that she will have the skills to save the world. I found the friendships that formed to be well paced and genuine. I liked watching the romance in this book because it was a big focus of the book but wasn't pushed on the reader. The banter was exquisite and due to Alessa's "condition" there was a lot of good tension that was built up.

I wish there was a bit more world building. We get small snipets of facts but they are not always expanded on. It would have been really interesting to learn more about the surrounding lands and how they are also effected by the demons. What their role is like on those islands, if one falls what happens to the others? That sort of thing, the world needed to be a bit more expanded or the islands needed not be mentioned. I think there could have been more information on the magic system and that would have solidified more of the world building. Overall, with how much information the author gave us, the magic and world building were adequate.

Narrator
I received an ALC and the narration was wonderful. The voice actor was clear and it was never hard to understand what they were saying.

Who do I recommend it to
If you like fantasy you will love this book as well as someone who is just starting to get into fantasy. The world building is straight forward and details that the reader must know are all given in a timely manner.

3.75 ⭐️
I did not read this seriously so take everything I say with a grain of salt because this review is purely based off vibes. That being said, I LOVED this so much it was SO fucking entertaining (I can't say good but def entertaining), I can't really comment on the actual fantasy part of the plot because I really only read this for Dante and Alessa’s relationship; if you are a super stickler for like a perfectly written fantasy book, again I honestly can't say if this is that...this was like a turkish drama in the best possible way.

More detailed review to come at some point but, there are so many twists (silly to big) and the banter is so fucking good, again not like GOOD but like ✨good✨, I literally was texting my friend every 5 seconds to gush about a line and freak out. Its not revolutionary but that banter was so entertaining and fun,

Also didn't finish this..technically; I keep seeing that this ends on a cliffhanger and I have already hit a massive cliffhanger and I don't want that to get any worse then it did....I need book 2 before I can listen to that lasy half hour

This book was an amazing story. It was a little slow at first, but it was doing a lot of world building for future books. The premise was complex and I loved not only the romance but the build of friendship in the hero characters.

I would absolutely recommend this book, and I can’t wait to hopefully read more.

*A people trapped in a war between the gods and a young woman who is supposed to serve as their savior, if only she can find the right mate to stand by her side*

Alessa’s power is meant to amplify the magical gifts of her partner but a single touch from her can kill, and while her true partner should be able to withstand the effects of her touch, three suitors have already perished by her fingertips. Isolated, not only by her power but by the traditions and rituals that go along with it, Alessa is losing hope. As the impending attack on her island draws nearer, her pool of potential partners dwindles and her people lose faith in her. Will Alessa be the one who fails to save her island? Will she fall to the attacking demons, or is there a more immediate–and closer–threat to her life?

Enter Dante, who Alessa enlists to serve as her bodyguard. They begin to form a bond, but Dante falls outside of her circle of potential mates. And he harbors secrets of his own.

Excellent. Just excellent. This is 442 pages in print, 13 hours and 13 minutes on audio, and I finished it in two days. I did not want to put it down.

I was drawn to the fantasy world and to the forbidden romance. I felt for Alessa and her constant need to reassess who she could trust. I loved how Dante takes the time to really see Alessa as a person, not as a savior up on a pedestal, and how, because of how he treats her, Alessa begins to take up her own space and stand up for herself. Instead of wilting and hiding behind all the fabric that encases her skin, Alessa begins to become her own person again.

I loved the development of Alessa and Dante’s relationship, watching friendships and loyalty grow, seeing bonds develop, and the message of being stronger together.

Carlotta Brentan’s narration captures Alessa’s loneliness, her disenchantment, her hope, her yearning, her frustration, her courage, her strength. I definitely recommend the audiobook for this one, especially to hear the beautiful Italian chapter headings.

The centuries-long war and the battle scene are epic, but so are the human emotions and stories in this book.

I received an ALC from Macmillan Audio and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

This Vicious Grace was a debut novel and it was for me a 5⭐️ read. I’m picky about YA and to be honest it didn’t feel like a young adult. And what I mean by that is, it didn’t have a childish, too overdramatic feel. This fantasy-paranormal story had a great world building and plot. And my favorite part was the very touching romance. *Sigh*
I’m just going to leave this here and highly recommend this novel. There’s no cliffhanger but there is another novel. YES!! I. Can’t. Wait.
I chose to listen to this book on audio and ebook form. I listened at work and read at home. Both were great but I think I liked listening to it. The narrators were Carlotta Brentan and Michael Gallagher and they were outstanding. I hope to hear more from them.
Thanks Wednesday Books and Hodder & Stoughton via NetGalley.
I’m leaving my review on Instagram, Amazon, B&N, BB, and FB.

One of my favorite books I've read this year!! A lush Italian setting, friends to lovers, slow burn romance, "touch her and die" vibes..... Say less. I'm desperate for book 2 already!!

I really enjoyed this! It had a great mix of drama, magic, love, and action. I was very engaged in the story while reading. I found the main character easy to like and support. The bodyguard romance angle was absolutely no surprise - but he’s such a great character that I didn’t mind the cheesiness of the situation at all. This was also absolutely beautiful to listen to on audio - definitely recommend! I look forward to reading the next one!

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, & NetGalley for allowing me to review this eGalley & audiobook!

Kingdom of the Wicked meets Shatter Me in this Italian inspired, one-touch-can-kill debut YA Fantasy!! I loved all the Italian writing, the magic, and the characters. I can’t wait for the next one! Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen in exchange for a review!

4.5 Stars

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an alc of this book.

The Finestra has one job--to find a Fonte, enhance their power, and save the island from the encroaching demon army. But Alessa is unable to touch a fonte without killing them, and her time is running out.

This book was so good! I absolutely devoured the audiobook and could hardly put it down to sleep. Alessa is an amazing main character and I love her growth and passion and raw need. I love that her strength is in the way she loves and not just her magical powers. I love the lessons of family and togetherness and hope and faith. The magic system is so interesting and I loved watching Alessa learn to wield her gift. And, of course, I love Dante.

Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Murder, Grief, and Injury/injury detail
Minor: Suicide attempt

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my advanced copy of this book! It is great!!

This is an AMAZING listen! The narrator grasps listeners attention at the first line. I devoured this listen and cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy! My favourite listen of the year!

Thank you for my gifted ALC! I enjoyed many parts of this story but I think fantasy is tough for me to love overall and I found I was confused for a good portion of the book as well. Thank you again for my copy - I don't think I will be continuing with the series though.

This was amazing! I couldn't help but leave this a star rating. The writing was beautiful, the story fast paced and exciting, and the romance was just *chef's kiss*. I love when world building doesn't take away from the story, and that's exactly how this one is written. Ah, I cannot wait for the next one!
Also, I listened to the audio of this one and it was SO good! I think it added to the experience!

This is an absolute masterpiece of ya/na writing!

Alessa is the gods chosen Finestra, the one who will save them all from Divorando, when demons will begin attacking their island. All she needs is a Fonte, someone with a magical gift that she is supposed to become linked to in order to enhance their power and protect their people in battle.

The only problem, she has killed the last three she has chosen and this is her last chance. Among training and choosing a final Fonte, there are attempts on her life. Dante, the person she chooses as her bodyguard is brash and aloof. He has many secrets, but he does vow to keep her safe. And as time passes too quickly and the Divorando approaches, she learns his darkest secret… Dante has a unique ability to help her strengthen her gift and before a better Finestra.

This Vicious Grace will pull you in. Emily Thiede’s writing is amazing, painting a broad picture that, along with the audiobook narration, will completely transport you into this story.

This book, the fantasy and adventure, the entire cast… just brilliant. I savored this one because I didn’t want it to end. I cannot wait for the next book in this incredible series!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read and review this book.

I really think this is an amazing fantasy debut. It starts of with a girl named Alessa. Alessa has this power to where she can make her partner’s power even stronger but she just can’t seem to find the right partner because everyone she has touched has ended up dead. She was picked to be the “chosen one” to help fight and win a demon invasion.

People start doubting Alessa and one night someone attempts to murder her. When a guard who she thought would protect her, helps her attacker escape, she sets out to find someone she can trust and who can protect her from, well everyone since she isn’t sure who to trust anymore. She ends up finding Dante at a fighting match and begs him to help her. Reluctantly he agrees because she agrees to pay him and he’s a sucker for her. (You’ll see what I’m talking about lol)

Through out the book Alessa and Dante start to have a connection that is stronger than just him being her body guard. Alessa figured out that Danta has a secret and this secret could get him killed and possibly her to if anyone finds out.

I really want to say more about these two and the plot BUT I don’t want to give too much away.

Another character that I really liked is Caleb, although I couldn’t stand him at first. He redeems himself in my opinion and is hilarious towards the end of the story.

I really hope that anyone who loves fantasy with a little bit of romance picks up this book. I really really REALLY enjoyed it and can not wait for a second one to come out. I have got to see more of Dante and Alessa’s relationship because the cute banter between them is just swoon worthy!

Things I loved: this book!!

Thank you to the publisher for giving me an ALC of one of my most anticipated summer reads. The world building is tight, the characterization is excellent, and I fell in love instantly. I was screaming the whole time, and I cannot wait for the sequel!

3.5 Stars

This was one of my years most highly anticipated books. A touch that kills, magic, forbidden romance, demons, and Italy? YES! The author did a phenomenal job creating a unique and intriguing world where the fate of a people rely on a young girl finding the right partner/magic. I feel for Alessa, the divine, secluded young woman carrying so many burdens and expectations yet still remarkably strong. When the handsome and mysterious Dante becomes entangled in her life, things get that much better. There is a unique cast of characters in this plot and a backstory seamlessly entwined to help the reader understand why choices are made and to help explain the magic and war that the story's climax leads toward. Really, the battle/plot had me most excited with the promise of action, magic, betrayal, secrets and love all coming together in a final, grand battle that did not disappoint. There was a bit of a cliffhanger that tickles the readers thoughts, but I still ended the read satisfied. I adored the island setting of the story, imagery of the land, and depth of the world including the hierarchy of townspeople (based on tattoo/criminal deeds), the religion/myth, and traditions it carried.

While I really enjoyed the romance and rooted for the characters of Alessa and Dante, the romance aspect tended to overshadow the main plot (would they survive the apocalypse?!?!?) with too much "I love you but I can't be with you," need for "physical touch" to feel connected, and teen angst. Some readers will like this (any Twilight fans?) but I got annoyed after awhile and just wanted them to "do it" to get it over with so we could continue the plot.

Thank you MacMillian Audio and NetGallery for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

Magic. A touch that kills. Forbidden love. Dante. - all things that made this book so good!

Alessa, the Finestra of Saverio, must find her Fonte in order to be able to fight off a swarm of demons that will attack their island. The problem? She has already killed 3 Fontes...

Everyone begins to doubt Alessa, even her own soldiers, and if they won't guard her then she must find someone who will. Enter Dante, brooding and grumpy and delicious. Alessa hires him to be her personal guard. Their banter and growing tension was what this needed to keep moving forward.

As is common with a first book, the pacing was a bit slow. In Fantasy this is a necessary process as the worldbuilding is just as important as the growth and depth of the characters. We needed the set up to fully understand the scope of what was happening. There are a lot of side characters to track and I honestly connected with them all. I enjoyed seeing this group shift and change as they grew.

That ending though....cliff hanger extreme!

I listened to this one while traveling to and from my weekend with booksta besties! The narrators did such a great job!

Thank you to @wednesdaybooks, @netgalley, @macmillan.audio and Emily Thiede for the gifted copies!

I was blown away by how compelling and well written this book was. I wanted to read it because it sounded up my alley, but it was one of those books that draws you into a deep dive from which you hate to surface. Alessa and Dante are riveting and, let's face it, sexy together. I listened to the audiobook (thank you, NetGalley!), and the narrator was phenomenal, but now I need a hard copy to drool over - and to memorize the chapter titles. Really, really looking forward to the next book already, and to rereading this one.