Title: The Grace Year
Author: Kim Liggett
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Publication Date: October 8, 2019
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Summary
In order to come of age in Garner County, all girls have to participate in the Grace Year. But no one but the women knows what goes on because it’s forbidden to talk about. To become dutiful wives and mothers, all girls must face and get rid of their magic.
Tierney is about to turn 16 and embark on her Grace Year. She’s ready to face it; she’s rejected her societal norms all her life and is ready to live out a year in the wilderness. When she’s done, she’s convinced that she’ll finally get to live her life the way she wants.
However, Tierney quickly realizes that the Grace Year is much more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. Will she make it out alive?
Review: The Grace Year
Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday books for sending me an early copy to review! Since young adult dystopian fiction is one of my favorite things, I couldn’t wait to get to this book. It sounds like a mash-up of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Hunger Games, and I couldn’t have been more excited. The story, the concept, and the atmosphere all worked, but the execution lacked a bit for me.
For the most part, this book is marketed as a Handmaid’s Tale equivalent for the YA genre, which I would agree with for the most part. Tierney lives in a highly conservative society, where men blame women for their wrongdoings. So, they’re made to be submissive, but Tierney doesn’t want that. I loved this concept, and Tierney’s development throughout the book was believable. Her eyes are open to the actual goings on of her society, and we learn more about it through her eyes.
What turned me off about this book was the execution. For most of the book, I was more reminded of The Lord of the Flies than anything else, with the girls turning against each other as they’re trapped in the wilderness. Which is a fantastic story concept! I just wanted more insight into this society and some of the other characters. Besides Tierney, most of the side characters fell flat for me. Outside of their direct interactions with Tierney, we don’t get much characterization, even for her love interest. I wanted to know more about them and see more vulnerability there.
Basically, I loved this concept, I just wish the structure was a bit different, with a stronger sense of the world overall. The creepy vibes, though, will make it a perfect October release!
3.5/5 stars