DNF (for now). Will hopefully come back and try again at another time. I really wanted to enjoy this but I struggled to get into it.

I appreciated the body positivity and autism rep in this book. Gia was enjoyable to read though it took me a few chapters to get into the book.

Given recent events, we've seen an increase in young adult patrons looking for books that center political and social change, especially when that change is brought about by young adult protagonists. A Prayer for Vengeance is an excellent addition to a library display or reading list for young adult patrons interested in exploring different attitudes and approaches to political and social change.

Ich weiß ehrlich gesagt nicht, wie ich dieses Buch bewerten soll, da ich es aufgrund relativ kurzer Ausleihdauer (ohne Verlängerung) nicht lesen konnte.

Actual rating: 4.25 stars

I adored both the plus size rep and the autistic rep, and I thought Gia and Milo worked really well as a couple. I also loved the sister angst, which got a nice amount of tears out of me.

The premise is very interesting, but the story is slow paced and I was just having a normal time in the first half, but the second part is where it gets great!

Sometimes I felt like it would have worked even better as an adult book instead of young adult.

I really enjoyed this one. Also, I'd like to mention the pretty cover, it's the first one that really caught my eye and I'm pleased that it was also good. Overall this was a good read.

I so wanted to love this book - and honestly there isn't anything wrong with it. The writing is good, the characters are well thought out, and I love the autism representation. It took me a while to get into the book and I had a hard time pushing through it. It's very possible this wasn't the right book for me right now. I have no hesitation recommending this to teen readers and readers looking for fat rep and autism rep.

Thank you NetGalley and Page Street Publishing for the E-arc!
I actually screamed with joy when I got approved for the book! I had seen this book a bunch and wanted to read it so badly. I am so glad to have received a copy for review. There needs to be more plus-size characters in fantasy and romance books. Gia is such a fantastic character; I love seeing her conflict and struggle over her past actions and the present. I love it when we get to see and understand the motives/remorse characters feel during their redemption.
I also think the romance was fantastically done. Sometimes Romance tends to get overshadowed by the other plot elements but the story really focused on it without it being overdone. There was so much genuine chemistry between our characters and it didn't feel forced.

i’ve needed this book for so long.
i saw myself so much in gia. she is a bigger girl, and full of rage and tired of being seen as just a bigger girl who feels too much. she fought hard and loved harder. and i’ve never related to a character as much as Gia. As a bigger girl, it’s refreshing and inspiring to read about one being a main character. I’ve dealt with a lot of hate internally with my body and wishing it were different. that i was different. but reading about Gia and her story just made me so happy to get that representation. i am so happy i got to read this and experience this - genuinely might cry over it later.

"Prayer for Vengeance" offers a gripping narrative that immediately draws readers in with its strong themes of revenge, redemption, and complex relationships. From the outset, the protagonist, Gia, is portrayed as a formidable force seeking justice for the wrongs committed against her sister and their people.

Gia's character is a highlight, embodying a perfect blend of strength and vulnerability. Her internal conflict and remorse over her past actions create a multidimensional character, making her journey toward redemption all the more compelling. The accidental awakening by Milo sets the stage for a well-paced and satisfying development of their relationship. The chemistry between Gia and Milo is expertly crafted, and the progression feels natural, adding depth to the story.

The strained relationship between Gia and her sister adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the narrative. The unresolved communication issues between them contribute to the realism of their dynamic, showcasing imperfect characters with genuine flaws to overcome. This element of the plot adds depth and authenticity to the overall storyline.

The action sequences are well-executed, injecting the story with a thrilling energy that keeps readers engaged. The author skillfully weaves together the threads of vengeance, redemption, and familial relationships, creating a satisfying tapestry that propels the narrative forward.

The conclusion of the book is particularly commendable. The resolution ties up loose ends gratifyingly, delivering on the promises set up throughout the story. It leaves readers with a sense of closure and fulfillment, enhancing the overall satisfaction derived from the novel.

In summary, "Prayer for Vengeance" successfully combines elements of action, redemption, and complex relationships. Gia's journey, coupled with the well-developed dynamics between characters, results in a delightful read. While the unresolved issues between Gia and her sister may leave some readers wanting more closure, the overall narrative is a testament to the author's storytelling prowess.

Forgot to review upon release! LOVED this one. Preordered within the first few chapters. More fat rep in fantasy please!!

This was a cool, unique story with cool world building. I loved the inclusion of an autistic MC. Unfortunately, even though the world building was cool I also found it very confusing - the prologue throws you in with no explanation and I never quite found my footing.

A Prayer for Vengeance is this fantasy setting grounded in trust and betrayal. In how we can trust someone, believe what they are saying, and in how they can so badly betray us. About leaders, powerful figures in our lives, and legacy figures who spill lies and disguised words. What story will people tell about us when we have no voice? When we face away? A Prayer for Vengeance examines the inaccuracies of history, of records, and stories.

A Prayer for Vengeance is a dual-POV YA fantasy, narrated by a plus-sized girl who was turned to stone, and the autistic boy who brought her back to life. The book is a quick sweet read, and easy to devour even if it slowed a little at times. I fully understand I shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, but the story itself is way more intriguing than the cover sets it out to be, which is a pro for the story but a small con for the book as a whole. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you to Page Street Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this title.

Loved this book so much! As a neurodivergent person myself it was so great to see a depiction of someone neurodiverse that was done well. Also I am so happy to see a plus size MFC. It means so much to be able to read a fantasy and be able to see yourself in the characters you’re reading.

Set in a Roman-inspired fantasy world, this book hooked me with its unique concept and its questions about truth and the burden of history (and how it's written by the winners), its badass plus-size FMC, and the thoughtful depiction of an autistic character MMC. The world-building was done really well and filled my head with settings reminiscent of Ancient Greece. My only wish for world-building would be a better grasp of the other Orabellian city-states – where they were located in reference to Tresttato and their gods/goddesses. I believe this book is a stand-alone so I don’t believe that wish will be resolved. I enjoyed the book quite a bit.

This YA Fantasy had a story of betrayal & revenge at its core that slowly built up to serve some karma left and right as characters faced truths and adjusted their intentions. With a little bit of romance sprinkled in and plenty of action to keep the momentum going, I was here for it!

Mid-day through the book felt a little slow though and I found myself picking it up a little less often. Thankfully, by the end, the action picked up once again & I was satisfied with the ending.

3.75/5

Received as an eARC from NetGalley

Positives:
The characters are interesting and have really good character development. Gia and Milo are so sweet together and both feel like real fleshed-out people. Gia feels like a genuinely unique FMC which is a breath of fresh air and Milo's autism is represented really well. The world-building is good, but is generally a weak point in the book. The plotline is intriguing and unique with a genuinely interesting climax.

Negatives:
The world-building is confusing and can sometimes take you out of the story because you're trying to figure out what the characters are talking about. It took me like halfway through the book before I figured out what an 'icon' actually was.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters are a real selling point, there's good diversity, and the plotline is interesting without being overbearing. I would recommend this book a YA audience who's interested in mythology and fantasy. Specifically, I think girls who fit that category would really like this book, just for Gia.

I loved Gia and Milo so much!!
Set in a Roman-inspired fantasy world, this book hooked me with its unique concept and its questions about truth and the burden of history (and how it's written by the winners), its badass plus-size female MC, and the thoughtful depiction of an autistic character (the male MC).
I would gladly read more books in this world and can't wait for Leanne Schwartz's next one!

P.S. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A PRAYER FOR VENGEANCE was a fantastic fantasy debut about curses, beasts, and monsters, with a girl out for vengeance at the center of it all. There were so many things I loved about this book and it’s one I started, intending to read just a few chapters, but it hooked me so quickly that I couldn’t put down until I turned the last page. I loved the world-building and the politics that rule in this small town, and I loved Milo’s role as temple ward and the tasks that come along with his job. A few things I loved about this book were:⁣
⁣⁣⁣
⁣➽ Plus sized FMC⁣
⁣➽ Neurodiversity/fantastic autistic representation ⁣
➽ Greek mythology ⁣
⁣➽ Curses and Magic⁣
⁣➽ The mythology of the town and the beasts⁣
⁣➽ Sweet romance between Milo and Gia⁣⁣
⁣➽ Religion gone wrong ⁣⁣
➽ Delightful characters ⁣
⁣⁣
Definitely pick this one up if you’re looking for a fast-paced fantasy with wonderful characters and an immersive, engaging storyline. 4.5 stars.