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This Vicious Grace by Emily Thiede
4.0
adventurous dark tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

An interesting fantasy read with multiple outside influences including mythology and religious folklore. High stakes narrative with a strong female protagonist that has flavors reminiscent of Rebecca Roanhorse's Black Sun and Rory Power's In a Garden Burning Gold. The world building can be a little info dumpy, which results in a diluted atmospheric content, but the plot progression is interesting and tense. Lovers of the grump/sunshine trope will enjoy the character banter between Alessa and Dante. A good exploration of religious fervor and an enjoyable debut.