This Vicious Grace has been one of my anticipated reads for quite a while thanks to the synopsis and it didn't at all disappoint! I got so hooked into this that I was looking for excuses to keep listening and voluntarily did some cleaning and tidying with no moaning whatsoever all so I wouldn't have to stop listening!

First of all, I really enjoyed the narrator, they did a brilliant job at bringing the story and emotions of the characters to life and made it so easy to listen to.

Second of all, I LOVED the Italian influence throughout, as well as the magic and demons, not to mention the slow burn romance! I loved Alessa and the way that she blossomed throughout the book. She goes from being quite sad and lonely to having a group of friends and becoming a much stronger person who's capable of holding her own. I'm genuinely excited to see what comes next for her and her character development!

I also really loved Dante as a male lead, his banter with Alessa was on point and I adored them together! I wasn't sure what the romance aspect was going to be like, if it would fade a little into the background but as much as I loved the plot and the story, I was pretty pleased that the romance took up a significant portion of the book. Honestly, the chemistry between them was *chef's kiss* and the way they grew closer thanks to her powers and worked together? Absolutely stunning.

While the romance has a pretty big focus, the plot is still brilliant, with a cult set against Alessa, assassins after her and her trying to make her power work and train so that they're prepared for the battle against Crollo. There's so many great twists and turns, particularly towards the end that had me going back and re-listening because they were so brilliant, but also in some cases I may have cheered out loud! There's also some heartwarming moments thanks to the friendships that form between Alessa and the others although I will admit that Nina annoyed me a little bit for a while there!

Ultimately, there's a great cast of characters, an intriguing magic system and plot, and a swoony romance that isn't placed to the side in favour of the plot and overly complicated political systems etc which can sometimes be found in fantasy books, meaning that this book is super easy to binge read and get lost in. My only little niggle is that the pacing had a couple of issues thanks to some info-dumping, but I still really enjoyed listening to this and I'm already eagerly anticipating the sequel!

I am so torn on how to rate This Vicious Grace. On the one hand, I read the whole book over two nights and couldn't wait to read it again, but on the other hand, the more I thought about it afterwards, the less good the book appeared. I was originally going to give it 3.5 rounded up to 4 because I enjoyed it, but since I waited a few days to review, it's now become a 3.5 rounded down for me.

This Vicious Grace has a strong premise, and I was settling in for some great fantasy worldbuilding. But this book is firmly on the side of romance first, plot second. I love a good romance, but it's not what I'd gone into this novel expecting after the opening, so I kept waiting for the narrative to become something more.

Emily Thiede is an excellent writer, and there are hints at greatness at every point in this novel. The concept and worldbuilding are obviously there, but it just never makes it to the page. I have no doubt that there is a lot of world and law in Thiede's notes that answer everything that I felt This Vicious Grace lacked, but it doesn't make it into the story, so there was just always a disconnect for me.

The Italianate setting was interesting, but it's never clear whether This Vicious Grace is set in a fantasy world that just speaks Italian, an alternate universe Italy, or a post-apocalyptic future Italy. There are hints that the post-apocalypse might be the case, but that doesn't necessarily gel with the way the narrative is set out. It was also hard to get a sense of time and setting, as there was very little description of the book's surroundings. I was often confused with descriptions that seemed to veer from the modern to the ancient leaving me floundering for a sense of place.

Because of the primacy of the romance, the side plots were incredibly under-developed, as were character relationships and side characters. I didn't particularly care about any of the antagonists as there was nothing original or engaging about their villainy, and Alessa's cohort of Fontes were all basically interchangeable characters who didn't really do much except exist. And the less said about Alessa's relationship with her brother the better - that was the only part of the story that I thought was genuinely badly written.

With proper world-building and a more developed sub-plot, this would have been a five-star read. I've no doubt that when the inevitable sequel is released Thiede will have developed past the shortfalls of a debut author and will probably address a lot of this, so I'm genuinely looking forward to reading the rest of the series as it continues. I'd love to see the world that is missing from this book fleshed out and developed.

The audio version, however, was excellently narrated, and I adored hearing the Italian spoken.

So this beauty is out today, and usually if you throw a cliffhanger ending at me I might be pissed, but not when it means I get MORE OF THIS 👏👏 A definite must read for fantasy/romance fans!

Alessa has been married three times and killed every one of them with her “gift”. A gift which her spouse is meant to enhance to help save their beautiful island soon when a swarm of monsters descends, but which seems to have the opposite effect. But with only weeks until the expected attack, it seems some people think that Alessa’s death might be the only thing to save them - so she hires Dante, a hot outcast/killer, to be her bodyguard. As they get closer, it turns out that the secret he’s been hiding may be the only thing to actually help Alessa save their people - or to destroy them…

Queue lots of sexy sizzling slow burn romance because Alessa shouldn’t touch anyone for fear of killing them 🔥 The chemistry between Dante and Alessa is what I read fantasy for (why don’t other genres ever get it as good?!) and I am so grateful this isn’t a standalone story as I need more!

So much else to love about this story though - the beautiful island setting and language based on Italy, the food, the clothes, the friendships Alessa eventually forms, the action (in every sense of the word 😉😉), the total lack of assumptions around gender and sexuality (Alessa marries men and women) and just watching Alessa’s transformation into a bit of a badass. Loved it and cannot wait for more!

I really loved the Italian inspired setting and influence in this book.

Right from the start, this book draws you in with a brilliant opening. To save her home, Alessa has to choose a partner to combine her magic with, that proves to be tricky when her touch is enough to kill a suitor. Three funerals later and Alessa is running out of time and options. Such a great concept!

Given her situation, Alessa is a very isolated character at the start. This story really focuses on how she’s able to build connections.

The love interest is a grumpy but loveable bodyguard, Dante. I really liked that he was supportive of Alessa and their relationship was very sweet, although there could have been a bit more romance.

Other relationships that are explored include the ones between Alessa and the other suitors, her mentors and the family that gave her up. All the characters have strong motivations and there’s a lot of mistrust between them all, including Alessa and Dante, which makes for some interesting dynamics.

Aside from the character development, I also enjoyed the political intrigue and build up to the final scenes. The ending did feel a bit rushed, with all the action packed into just a few pages, and I would have liked a bit more world building. However, it’s a debut which shows a lot of promise and there’s plenty of potential to develop these areas in the sequel to come.

Listening to the audiobook was a great way to take in this story. The narrator was very good and kept me engaged throughout, it was lovely to hear the Italian phrases out loud. There was a surprise switch of narrator towards the end which worked very well. It left me hoping for more chapters from that perspective in the next book.

I’m very highly anticipating the sequel!

I adored this book. The Italian setting and influences made this fantasy romance feel fresh and different for a genre bursting at the seems with great titles.

Alessa is the latest Finestra gifted unbridled power to protect her home but she is the first Finestra whose power is killing those it's supposed to protect. After the death of her first three Fontes, she's becoming desperate, as are the people of Saverio, who face certain death if Alessa cannot find a partner to channel her power. Enter Dante, needed by Alessa to keep her safe as the pressure builds for her to prove her worth. Their charming friends to lovers relationship adds joy and humour to an otherwise dire situation and has all the classic hallmarks of YA romance but with some new and refreshing takes.

This is YA fantasy romance at its finest, with engaging and witty side characters, a swoon worthy love interest and an MC who is trying to find herself in a world that keeps trying to tell her who she must be. I'm absolutely thrilled to have been able to read an advance copy of this, so thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton. I CANNOT wait until the second instalment!

This story is just not very special. There's a Chosen One who struggles with her task and gets help from a Handsome And Mysterious, Brooding Stranger Who Is Handsome And Mysterious And Who Broods A Lot. And also repeatedly tells her that he's not a good person, and then goes to brood some more. What happens next will surprise nobody, and of course I'm not complaining about YA doing YA things, but it felt so bloodless and lacked any chemistry. (It also didn't help, that while we were informed that Alessa is 18 and Dante 19, she read more like 16 and he like 30).

The lack of chemistry wasn't restricted to the romance; there were friendships and family-ties that we were told were deep and strong but felt shallow and so when the characters gasped and cried about betrayals I could only shrug my shoulders and go "Well...Shit happens I guess?"

The faux-renaissance Italy setting was intriguing at first, but nothing much was made of it (except that we got a quote in Italian at the start of every chapter...). So, in the end, it was just....nothing special.

I was really impressed with this debut YA fantasy novel. Such an interesting premise, and it didn't contain too much world-building as some fantasy novels do, instead just getting straight on with the story. I liked the dynamics between Alessa and Dante - lots of witty banter and tension here - and also Alessa's relationships with her peers and family. This was a refreshing tale which I think will be very popular. Great for fans of mythology.

I listened to the audiobook of This Vicious Grace and enjoyed the narration, which was appropriately expressive and full of dark and light, just like the narrative.

The concept of this book is fantastic and unique. The world building is extensive.
I found the audiobook to be quite a long listen and wish there had been a male narrator alongside the existing narrator. The narrator was good, I just feel more variation would’ve enhanced the listening experience.
I’ll be reading a physical copy of the book, when I can, because the world building makes me want to visualise everything which I do better when reading physical format.

This book had such an interesting concept. A great fantasy debut full of Italian influences, God's, Demons and saviours I found it demanded my attention and I was hooked. I enjoyed the magic/power element of the story along with the world building and learning about the Finestra, Fontes and the demons. The romance aspect was well paced and I really enjoyed the build up and the way these 2 came together. The kind of enemies to friends to more was great to see blossom. This book was full of banter which I really enjoy in a story. Overall the build up to the big battle was slow but not too slow that I was bored. I enjoyed how the story ended and am looking forward to reading the next one. I would have liked maybe a bit more of Dantes POV as we only get 3 chapters of him right at the end.
I listened to the audio version and I'm so glad I did. I loved hearing the narrators reading the Italian sayings at the start of each chapter and it definitely helped with pronunciation as I'm sure I would have butchered it if I'd read it 🤣.

This vicious grace by Emily Thiede

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you to netgalley, hodder & stoughton and Emily for the opportunity to read this book.

5/5 stars from me

This book was amazing. The plot, the characters, everything was near enough perfect. Drama, romance and a little bit of action. The twists were really well written, especially those surrounding the male characters.

I read this on a plane and had to sit there trying to cry as alessa and dante opened up about their losses and again with the friendships alessa formed. I really enjoyed the twist on the chosen one trope and the magic system was so interesting. I'm excited to see what the author does next and will definitely pick up anything else they write.

The audio added an extra layer to the book too. The narrators did a great job and the italian(?) Phrases at the start of each chapter sounded beautiful when read aloud so I enjoyed that too. Sometimes I find audiobooks a little slow even when sped up but the pacing on this one was well done.

Debut novels these days are getting better & better. Vicious grace- the story of a Girl gifted by Gods.
Only to find the gifts are not working the way she supposed them to & everyone she touches dies!
The goes from there into a journey of survival instincts - The Island & herself. This being the 1st book in the trilogy has definitely intrigued my interest.

There were some really fascinating elements like Magic, Island setting, manipulative priests & hired killers that made the book worth the read. However, considering this is 448 pages long there could be better world-building done. Now I am just waiting for the next 2 books - read all of them & then share a wholesome review

Can you be in actual love with a book? Because I think I am actually in love with this book!

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder books , macmillan audio for an e-audio arc in return for an honest review.

“Three weddings. Three funerals. Alessa's gift from the gods is supposed to magnify a partner's magic, not kill every suitor she touches.”

Ok I requested this book for a few reasons the cover is delicious, the blurb sounded right up my street and I love an audio book! I did not think that I would be falling truly, madly, deeply in love.

This is a debut novel, a D.E.B.U.T! The writing is beautiful, there’s such depth but it’s an easy read because it’s so immersive, the world building is fantastic you are instantly transported to the Amalfi coast it gave me real “The Reach” home of House Tyrell vibes from Game of Thrones. This is YA which I love, I am a huge fan of YA but this book just hits a little different and I think it will prove equally popular by fantasy romance/fiction readers.

I would be shocked if anyone didn’t take to the characters . Alessa is such a great protagonist, strong “chosen one” without a single whiney interaction in site, Alessa is the Finestra chosen by the Gods as a powerful amplifier who must find her forte who’s power she can wield to battle an impending demon invasion the problem is she keeps unaliving her chosen fortes. Dante picked as her personal bodyguard is great from the first interaction I know he was going to be exactly what everyone wants in a fantasy YA novel- grumpy, cynical, brooding!

The supporting cast of characters are also great I didn’t expect to love them so much Kaleb, Nina, Kamaria, josef and Saida, fantastically crafted characters with great development.

There’s magic, there’s romance, there’s enemies to lovers, the chosen one, demons, supernatural powers, epic battles and it’s set - I’m not sure what else you want but if you aren’t full satisfied after this book then I don’t think there’s hope for you!

Story aside I am reviewing the audio version and it did not disappoint absolutely outstanding narration, the narrators were just the perfect choice for this book, it’s around a 13 hour listen which is a great length - they really drew me in and I didn’t get that looking around the room feeling, I’ll just pop on my phone feeling that I sometimes do with audio books.

I need to get a physical copy because I need on my shelf and I want to live this story all over again.

I went in to this book with no expectations and it absolutely blew me away- 5 stars from me ,I don’t think I can wait for the next book in the duology!

I have to admit this audiobook caught me by surprise. I really struggled with the first 20% to get into the story but once the pace picked up I was quickly engaged.

The story is a stunning insight into the weight of duty and the loneliness that accompanies otherworldly power. I really connected with the characters in the Last Finnestra and enjoyed the Italian influence and quotes throughout.

Overall this was a solid read and I’m really grateful to have been provided an arc of this by the publisher and NetGalley 💕🍋

I had the pleasure to listen to the audiobook through NetGalley. When the narrator started speaking in Italian I nearly jumped and doubled checked it was the right audio twice because I really didn’t expect it 😂. So that was amazing, the pronunciation was excellent and hearing Dante whispering “Luce Mia” every now and then made my heart melt.

The whole story reminded me of Shatter me because the protagonists are very similar (at least Alessa is similar to the Juliette of the first books); it seems she has a deadly touch and she yearns for human love and for hugs. She is very sweet and you can think she relies on Dante just because he is the only one there able to bear to be near her, but it’s impossible not to see their connection and the way they understand each other. The relationship Alessia develops with all the other Fonti is very sweet as well and it made me realize just how wonderful of a person she is and how much I’d love to have her as a friend. The fact she had to abandon her family to do her duty is heartbreaking and the betrayals in the plot made me cry a bit.

This first book shows great great potential for an incredible series!

Emily Thiede, Hodder & Stoughton, anyone please can I have book two now? Thank you! Lol
Oh. My. Dea! Stunning! Absolutely stunning! How on all of Saverio did Emily Thiede create this hilariously beautiful story? I LOVE IT!

Every review you read will gush about the banter, and I’m no different. It is one of the highlights. There are numerous things to rave about, but the banter is, by far, one of the best.
The relationship between Alessa and Dante is damn-near perfection. The right amount of tension, mistrust, humour, lust and love. I couldn’t get enough of them. And then you have the Fonti (yes, I remembered the plural. Lol), all fabulous, well written with unique personalities & quirks. And even a surprise or two thrown in.

Luscious descriptions, prose, absolutely everything is captivating and had me enthralled from the beginning to the cliffhanger of an ending.

As I was able to listen via the audiobook, it helped bring the story to life. It enhanced every scene, every word, and especially the chemistry between Alessa & Dante and gave me the freedom to immerse myself into their world and lives.
Five stars all the way, and a part of that is thanks to the narration. Some of the words including the Italian would have been difficult for me, but the narrator took care of that for me.

Thank you so much, once again, NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton, for granting my request.
I will be sad now until I have book two.

thank you so so much to Emily Thiede, Hodder & Stoughton, and Netgalley for granting me access to this audiobook because it honestly made the read that much more fun!! i loved the narrators, they were great!!

now onto the book… just wow!
i literally could not put the book down like holy shit it was so addictive!!! it was such a ride! (the ending had me bawling🥹) it was so beautifully fast paced and it just had me wanting more!!!
the beautiful magic and world Emily had created was just so much fun to read about! and the characters??? the way Kaleb became my favorite after i hated him??? LOVE IT!!

Alessa is such a strong character and i loved her awkwardness so much. the way she grew around Dante was amazing. they were made for each other😭
i love Dante as well and it was a great contrast to Alessa - lowkey a grumpy/sunshine trope🥰 and their dynamic was perfect from the beginning!!

i love all of the Fonte!!
Kaleb and Kamaria are my favorite and i just loved the found family that was created between the Fonte and Alessa!!!

i love the sense of community that was emphasized throughout the book and the way it truly came true at the end. as someone from Italy who grew up with that, i loved seeing it translated in there, especially with the Italian proverbs and curses😂🖤

In This Vicious Grace we follow Alessa as she hires outcast Dante as bodyguard after her islands residents believe killing her is the only way to stop a demon invasion.

The worldbuilding in this was great and I really enjoyed the romance and banter between the two characters.

Both narrators did a wonderful job and I can't wait to read the next book!

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the chance to review This Vicious Grace.

I found this to be quite a unique story. I really liked the characters, especially Alessia and Dante and the banter between them. I felt that this was a slow-paced story but I still enjoyed reading it and I also liked how it ended. I m really excited to read the sequel!

Huge thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for the eArc!

Thanks to Netgalley and publishers for this audio of This Vicious Grace

I actually enjoyed this narration of This Vicious Grace.
The narrator's voice was captivating and brought the book to life.
The story itself was a great story. It was a great blend of italian influences, magic, demon enemies, and a slow-burn romance, paired with strong main characters, it's set up was great.
The world building however was overlooked by too much information and the pacing was inconsistent at times.

Listening to this audiobook is alot of fun, it’s like being the third person watching two people go on an adventure and you’re there for the ride with them.

The story of Alessa as she tries to survive with her bodyguard Dante after her soldiers believe a powerful priest she’s better off dead, the two work together to ensure she can survive and save herself and the future of her country.

The characters have such a great chemistry in this book, and the audiobook really does bring that chemistry to the fore as they banter, bicker and learn about one another throughout the book. Alessa is a fierce and quick-witted character that really pushes herself and Dante is a tough and honest companion that really antagonises with the main character so well throughout - I love these two I really do, and can’t wait for more.

The plot is quick-paced and never stops for a second, entangled with the romance, this book keeps you hooked for every second you’re reading, with as she develops these characters perfectly and delivers a story that makes you need the sequel as soon as you put it down. I really appreciate how the writer brings the character to life, for sure however the world building, I can’t even remember it, I’ll be honest, the romance really does take centre stage here and you just get flooded with information at points that I hope in the next installment gets fixed.

I really loved reading this, it was a great romance and I want more from this author as they grow in their craft, if this is their first, I wanna see what they do in the future.