The Grace Year

by Kim Liggett
The Grace Year cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 1456
  • Added: 2025-10-06
  • Updated: 2025-10-06
  • ISBN: 9781473582699
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2020-02-06
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 4

The Grace Year is a gripping feminist dystopia that explores themes of power, oppression, and the bonds between women. Set in an isolated village, the story follows Tierney James as she navigates the dangerous grace year, a ritual where girls are sent into the wilderness to release their supposed magic. The narrative seethes with love, brutality, violence, and hope, offering a remarkable and timely story of resistance and empowerment. The book has been critically acclaimed for its visceral and haunting portrayal of a young woman fighting to take control of her own life in a society that seeks to control her.

Reviews
Must Read Books or Die · 2023-08-28
good 4.50

A highly enjoyable read with some minor critiques on world-building. The story is engaging and thought-provoking.

This reviewer thoroughly enjoyed the book, rating it between 4.5 to 5 stars. They found the story engaging and thought-provoking, appreciating the exploration of survival and resistance. However, they also expressed a desire for more backstory and information about the world-building, which they felt could have added depth to the narrative. Despite this, they found the novel to be a compelling and powerful tale that left a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    While I really enjoyed The Grace Year--it's definitely a 4.5-5 star read for me--I did want a little more backstory and information about how in the world.

    It's a dark but powerful tale of survival and resistance.

    The Grace Year is a chilling, thought-provoking story that lingers long after the last page.

Mike Finn's Fiction · Mike Finn · 2020-06-29
thought-provoking 4.50

The novel is praised for its deep exploration of patriarchy and its impact on young women, with sharp prose and gritty realism.

Mike Finn's review highlights how The Grace Year stands out as one of the best books he's read, thanks to its vivid portrayal of a dystopian society. He appreciates the novel's ability to dissect the complexities of patriarchy and the struggles faced by young women. The sharp prose and gritty realism make the story both thought-provoking and engaging. The reviewer also commends the novel for its ability to linger in the mind long after reading, making it a memorable experience.

Quick quotes

    One of the best books I've read this year.

    A deeply thought-through vivisection of what patriarchies do to young women.

    The Grace Year manages to be both a deeply thought-through vivisection of what patriarchies do to young women and a gripping, page-turning story.

Reddit - r/YAlit · 2020-06-29
fantastic 4.00

The novel is praised for its fantastic representation of the struggles women face during the transition into womanhood.

The Reddit discussion on r/YAlit highlights The Grace Year as a fantastic representation of the struggles women face during the transition into womanhood. Participants in the discussion appreciate the novel's ability to capture the complexities and challenges of this transition, making it a relatable and impactful read. The reviewer also notes the novel's success in blending dystopian elements with feminist themes, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with readers.

Quick quotes

    The novel overall was a fantastic representation of some of the struggles women face when transitioning into womanhood.

    It's a chilling, thought-provoking story that lingers long after the last page.

    The Grace Year is a chilling, thought-provoking story that lingers long after the last page.

Smart Bitches Trashy Books · 2019-10-10
haunting 5.00

The book is described as a haunting, feminist YA speculative thriller that is twisted, memorable, and eerie.

The reviewer from Smart Bitches Trashy Books describes The Grace Year as a haunting and eerie exploration of feminist themes within a dystopian setting. They find the novel to be twisted and memorable, effectively capturing the struggles and fears of young women in a patriarchal society. The reviewer appreciates the speculative thriller elements that add depth and intrigue to the story, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    The Grace Year is described as a 'haunting, feminist YA speculative thriller,' and I mostly agree with that assessment.

    It's twisted, memorable, and eerie.

    The Grace Year is a chilling, thought-provoking story that lingers long after the last page.

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