Wow wow wow. When it was described as a cross between Handmaids Tale and Lord of the Flies, I didn’t know what to expect. But, that description is spot on.
I didn’t think I was going to like this book, frankly, when I started it, as it seemed so ethereal or lyrical...which I just don’t dig. But, ultimately, it was goooooood. Super interesting rumination on feminism and female power and misogyny. Much deeper than I initially thought, too.
I didn’t love the ending and how one or two of the plot lines played out, but it is a good read. Very good. 🤓💜📚

"The truth about the grace year, what happens during that shadow year, is hidden away in the tiny slivers of filament hovering around them when they think no one’s watching. But I’m always watching."

Wow! Just wow! As I sit here, I really am not sure if I will do this book justice. I am completely blown away, and think that I will think back on this book in the days ahead.

This book truly fits the description of "dark psychological thriller" in every sense of the genre. Without giving any spoilers - or at least doing my best not to! - "The Grace Year" is about the year the girls of a certain age are sent away to "get rid of their magic". They live in a small town where beliefs are strong and traditions are held fast. Women are seen as property, and less and men have complete control. However this group of Grace Year girls will not be like those of prior years because for them - and for those in the past - the time away shows them what they are made of. They discover freedom, and just how far they will go while enjoying it. It is the mob mentality in action. Secrets seep out and survival is key. For all, the year is life changing, however *how* is vastly different for each girl.

The story is deep, dark and tugs at the emotions. It makes the reader think, and even start to evaluate one's way of thinking and believing, and - maybe - even determine where that "line" is ... the one that clearly defines where you will or won't do something. The book exposes the cruelty of others, how some can decline to such a level of primal instinct so base that it almost eradicates the humanity that lives deep within, and even -for some - how to hold on strongly to every little strand of humanity that remains. It's about survival of self, and survival of others. It's a psychological slap of the face with each twist and turn as you are hooked to the story, wanting to know how it ends.

I would strongly recommend this book, especially for those who enjoy dark psychological thrillers. I can easily say that this is one of the best books I've read so far this year.

In closing, I wish to thank NetGalley and the author for the wonderful opportunity to read such a fascinating and engaging book!!

I read this almost in one sitting, which I think is the best approach. Having read Handmaiden's Tale, as well as The Power, I see similarities but think the book stands apart and would tell readers to go in without drawing conclusions to Hunger Games or Lord of the Flies, as well.

At the end of the novel, I wanted to know more about how the tradition of the Grace Year came to be, and more of a resolution at the end (although I'm entirely certain a sequel must be in the works). Despite the pacing issues, and lack of development in some of the characters, I still would absolutely recommend this book. The questions posited are good ones, and increasingly important in today's world.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of The Grace Year.

Boy this book certainly packs a punch. Does it live up to the description of The Handmaid's Tale meets The Lord of the Flies? It certainly does. It can be really brutal and shocking. Just horrifying at times. But the real story, the story that women are strong and powerful and actually possess magic, that's where this book truly shines.

For a book that's 416 pages, it really didn’t say anything that I hadn't read before.
The Grace Year is a book with a strong premise and a lacklustre execution with plotholes, poor pacing and a structure that makes it feel twice as long as it is.
I was looking forward to reading this for a long time but unfortunately, I was disappointed by the book overall.
I am rating this 3 stars rather than 2 stars because of the ending (that I wouldn't have gotten too if I weren't sent this book for review) and the fact that this book may be more intriguing for younger readers than myself as I can see the appeal in it.

I enjoyed this book so much, that I left a review on my blog at Januarygray.net I look forward to reading more by Kim Liggett. I could not put this book down! I highly recommend everyone read this book. A Handmaids tale meets Author Alice Walker is the best way I can describe this magical and disturbing book!

This story was riveting and I imagine it will consume my thoughts for some time to come. I am in awe of the story writing and amazed at the character development,. Kim Liggett was able to build a world that drew me in and held me suspended in anticipation for what was going to happen next.

The Grace Year takes place in an unknown land and time; known only to the reader as the county. In the county, when young girls reach the age of 16 it is believed they are capable of magically powers. To rid them of this magic, and prevent them from harming others, these girls are exiled for a year. Prior to leaving, the young men in the county select future brides from the girls. Those not selected by a boy to be his future wife will be forced to live a life filled with hard labor. No one speaks of what happens during the Grace Year but it is known that not all the girls survive and many who do return are maimed or scarred. In the wilds, outside the girls camp, are a group of poachers, hunting the girls.

The county is a male dominated society. Women are to be seen and not heard, there only value is their ability to produce children, and really only male children at that. The main character, a sixteen year old named Tierney dreams of being free. She doesn’t want to be selected for marriage, she desires to live life on her terms.

At times I was reminded of ‘The Lord of Flies’. How do young people survive alone, are they capable of governing themselves? When you add to those complexities that the young group of people are all teenage girls you create a tinderbox on the verge of exploding. While there are many factors at play for the girls in exile, I think Liggett emphasizes a group of young girls capability to be ‘catty’, the ability of one to apply peer pressure to get others to collude in the bullying of one individual.

I very, very rarely give a book five stars, I really have to be moved beyond words. This book is a highly recommend from me.

Holy smoke! This book was so much more than I expected it would be. The storyline was so unique, it immediately drew me in. It was full of adventure, and suspense. A real page turner!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Interesting dystopian novel. A community that separates itself from whatever else is outside their gates. The men have very strict rules for females, Eve created sin and ruined the world so that all women must be regulated. Unable to cut their hair, a color tie is placed in their hair to show their purity, it changes when they first get their period until their 16 th year then it goes to red and they must serve their "Grace year" and rid themselves of their magic. Before the serving it is decided if a man wants to marry a girl or she will be in the workhouse, then off they go. It is forbidden to discuss what happens during that year. Some never return, some mutilated, most so severely traumatized and starving they don't speak and even the men see they need a month after the return to recuperate. The main character is more tomboy that fancy girl, her father is the doctor and he takes her with him making calls, but also teaches her about survival skills in the forest.
My opinion this is a very sad tale of men so afraid of women, they make up all kinds of craziness about them to have ultimate control. At times I wasn't real thrilled about her attitude toward others, she sees things negatively, ultimately she grows up and matures to see maybe her parents and Michael aren't so awful after all, and I have to remember she's only 16. The truely scary thing I can see this happening in a remote area, we see it in reality with dictatorships.

There was a time a few years ago, that I read EVERY YA-dystopian that was released. I loved how they each were their own different world and I loved getting lost in them. The Grace Year, has reminded me how much I have missed reading dystopian. This book has it all, mystery, redemption, a unique world, and most of all a heroine who is very brave! The Grace Year is about what happens the year girls turn 16. It is believed they receive powers and need to be separated from society. No one speaks of the grace year, so girls have no idea what to expect. I enjoyed this book through all the drama, mystery, paranoia, and chaos. I loved Tierney's journey and I couldn't put this book down. I received an advanced readers copy and all opinions are my own.

I couldn't figure out if this was trying to be a new Hunger Games or maybe an all female version of Lord of The Flies,. I finally decided it reminded me of a mixture of both at the same time. Not a bad thing.

Tierney lives, well, not sure where. It is never really explained; are we in the future, the past or some fantasy land far, far away? She is turning sixteen and as ritual demands, is being sent to spend a year (again, not really sure about the lay of the land, but it takes two days to get there) on an island. All the girls in the county turning sixteen are sent to this island in order to rid themselves of their 'magic' so they can come back and be obedient brides to the men who have chosen them.

Tierney is a bit of a rebel, not really believing in all the talk of magic, but going along with the other girls because it's easier and safer. When they finally arrive and are unceremoniously dumped on the island, things quickly start deteriorating. The reason why is pretty obvious to the reader but takes the whole of the book for even intelligent Tierney to figure out. There is the usual cast of characters; mean girls, mean girls followers, bullied girl, and of course rebellious Tierney. There are horrific happenings, mysteries to solve, starvation to stave off, and it all moves along fairly briskly. There are, however, long unnecessary passages that many authors use to either fill pages, or possibly because they like to hear themselves talk.. Either way, I did finally start skipping those long paragraphs filled with the introspective, repetitive thoughts of our heroine that do nothing to further along the story or add interest to the tale.

I'm torn as to how to rate this, as the story was interesting, the action (when it came along) was engrossing and believable, the enigmas genuine and surprising (except for the 'why' of the girls going crazy) and the characters well built and portrayed. But the long periods of Tierney talking to herself; why? how? whatif? howcome? was a tedious time filler. And don't get me started on the ambiguous ending. I hate those.


So, this is a definite four stars with one star deducted for the unneeded play by play of the main characters innermost thoughts and feelings, and the disappointingly quick ending that didn't wrap up everything.

I can’t believe I have to say this... but this book is a DNF for me. It came highly recommended and is getting a little birds, but I just couldn’t get into it. The book is a cross between The Handmaid‘s Tale and The Hunger Games - where are 16-year-old girls to go out into the forest to release their “magic” and return to society as pure young brides. This is a fantasy / magical realism which are genres that I struggle with, but I couldn’t find a connection to the characters (not even the rebellious protagonist) to hold me.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with the ARC. I loved the writing style, the plot, twists and turns, characters, all of it was my cup of tea and more! I will be reading more from this author in the future!

Don’t let the cover fool you . It’s meant to. It’s a beautiful, innocent, seductive lure.
All women at the age of 16 mysteriously change . The potent sexual magic within them comes alive ...it comes forth and can ensnare any male that breathes. That is the thought of this small town.
Tierney has just turned 16 and entered her grace year. A year to be chosen as a wife , or a worker. At this time in their life they are sent to a camp to get rid of their magic and return as promised, productive members of society.
This book is intense. You feel as Tierney does ... it’s such a ride. I truly hope you pick this up.
I guarantee you will be hooked from page one.

This review will be added to amazon and goodreads shortly.

What a phenomenal story!!!

It’s like The Handmaid’s Tale meets the Hunger Games! Completely mesmerizing and absolutely riveting!!!!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review!

This was the definition of could-not-put-down!

I saw it compared to The Handmaid's Tale and I can see why, though I think this is more accessible. The mystery reveals were well-timed and kept me wondering right up until they happened. The author portrayed the characters' frustration with the society's system well; I felt it, too. The characters were great, though I could've done with even a little more insight into some of them: Kiersten (her final change of mind felt out of character for her), and Michael, who, if I had known a bit more about his history, I might have felt like I understood his decisions better.

Overall, an amazing read!

Wow, I don't even have words to describe how amazing this book is. It's a dystopian YA novel that will speak to those who love The Handsmaid's Tale, but it's so much more than that. It's a dark and horrifying story, yet beautifully written and laced with hope. This book was 'unputdownable' and one of the best books I've read this year. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would.

What an enthralling read! 5/5 stars, no question. I look forward to publishing a version of my below review online and on social media as Teacup Traveler in Sept. 2019.

The Grace Year is at once unimaginable and devastatingly familiar. In the atemporal and patriarchal Garner County, girls are banished to the woods at age sixteen for the grace year, an opportunity to safely expel their magic and prepare for a life of service. The life waiting for them on the other side of the grace year is determined on the eve of their departure - Veiling Day, during which they will either be chosen as a wife from the pool of eligible boys and men, or left to a life of labor. Even though the girls grow up surrounded by women, mothers and sisters who survived their own grace years, the year remains a complete mystery - it is forbidden to speak of what happens in those woods.

Tierney James doesn't feel a powerful magic welling inside her. She can't imagine herself luring a grown man from his bed, or making a boy lose his mind. And she definitely doesn't dream of receiving a veil and becoming a wife. Which is good, because none of the gossipy townsfolk - Tierney's mother included - can imagine a headstrong girl like Tierney receiving a veil. All Tierney wants is to survive her grace year and begin a life working in the fields, where she'll toil alongside men as an equal - something that seldom happens in the county. But as Tierney embarks on her grace year with thirty-two other girls, the realities of the hardship ahead become clear. Supplies are limited, poachers lurk in the woods, and lines quickly begin to divide the grace year girls.

What happens next will be eerily recognizable to anyone who has experienced the misfortune of being a teenaged girl. Though the stakes are higher on a grace year, the tools women can use to tear each other down are the same in Tierney's society as they are in our own. I spent the book wondering if the power of their unity could equal ours, too - and if the girls would even survive to that point.

The Grace Year had more twists than I expected, and some that I found more believable than others. But every moment was so beautifully grounded in Liggett's expertly crafted world that I believed every word I read. My only critique is that The Grace Year is told across the four seasons of Tierney's grace year, with no chapters or clear section markers within each season. As a result, the story was hard to follow at points - I often wouldn't notice that time had skipped or perspective had changed. Whether this was a quirk of the digital galley, or an intentional choice to keep us as discombobulated as Tierney, I'm not sure. Either way, it was an absolute pleasure being whipped around by this book.

Wow. This was a journey. It was absolutely riveting. It’s been a long time since I read a book that I couldn’t put down, but this was one. Don’t let the pink cover fool you. It’s harrowing. It’s suspenseful. It’s eerie. And it’s so darn good at all of them. I highly recommend.

**Arc received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. **

Actual Rating:🌟🌟🌟🌟. 25

I could not put down this beautiful, enthralling, mesmerising story. Like I had to read this and putting it down to do things like eat and sleep were annoying. I needed to know what was going to happen next.

This is told in four seasons, with each depicting another *season* of Tierney's Grace Year. A pilgrimage all women must undertake once they reach a certain age.

The Grace Year brought to mind inspiration from the Handmaid's Tale with a dash of the Hunger Games. It was one intense ride!

I had some issues with the perspective shift in the last quarter of the book but since this is an arc I don't think it's fair to include that as it probably has changed for the final draft.

I loved these characters, I felt like the story had the right pacing and the climax was satisfying, wrapping up these girls' year long journey in a way that fit the tone of this important story.

I hope everyone will give this story a go.