*An early copy received from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review*

In The Grace Year, 16 years old girls have to spend a year in the forest in order to rid themselves of ‘magic’ and prepare themselves for their assigned roles in life. In this suspenseful page-turner, there are obvious elements of The Handmaid’s Tale, Lord of the Flies, Hunger Games, and other YA dystopian novels with strong female leads.

There are interesting, and sometimes disturbing, glimpses of female rebellion and societal uprising as the girls struggle to survive. While Tierney, the main character, searches for independence and the right to choose her path, she repeatedly has to rely on the help of the men around her. Tierney was introduced as a character that often rebels against her expected role; however, the novel takes a disappointing turn with a rushed/inexplicable love story that becomes a centralized part of the plot. The love triangle waters down Tierney’s character (and my overall rating).

*3.5

Likes

This book was interesting, to say the least. From the moment I read the first page, I definitely felt those Handmaid's Tale vibes that I was promised. It's a patriarchal world but the girls have a powerful magic that begins to appear when they are sixteen. At this time, they are thrown into the wild for their grace year so that the magic can be released and they can come back to be perfect wives. The only problem is not all of them come back. There is definitely an element of mystery to this book that gives you an eerie feeling, wondering who and when someone is going to get taken. I thought it was an interesting concept and Tierney is an interesting character. At times, I wasn't sure if I did or didn't like her, but she was very passionate. The relationship between all of the girls that went out into the wild was also interesting. I had expected there would be more camaraderie, but it was far from that, in all honesty. One of the characters, Kiersten, really got on my nerves and she was just plain creepy! I thought that the first part of the book and the last part of the book, where they weren't in the wild, were much easier to follow. I definitely felt those Handmaid's vibes and while it made me angry, it made me angry in a good way. That's what I was looking to feel when I decided to request and read this book. So I was pleasantly pleased with that part of the book! The ending was also really awesome and I wish that there was a second book in the same world because I HAVE QUESTIONS.

Dislikes

While I enjoyed this book, I didn't find myself in love with it. I found it difficult to follow at times and I was a little confused with the different settings. I was also confused with the whole poachers aspect. It wasn't really explained too much, just that they were people to be scared of. The black market stuff wasn't clear and I was left with many questions about how that happened, why that happened, etc. I felt that the romance was kind of weird as well, especially in the dystopian type world that the main character was in. It was predictable but it didn't really feel as much of a romance. It was more like a protector type of relationship and I think that interpretation worked for it better. The girls' magic also wasn't described as well as I'd hoped. The summary on GR above does a pretty good job of it but other than that, there wasn't much else explained. I wanted a little more world-building in there to make myself feel like I was in that world and to be able to imagine what it felt like to be there.

Recommendation

I'd recommend this book to fans of the Handmaid's Tale as well as those who are looking for a unique dystopian fantasy.

Kim Liggett – The Grace Year
Kim Liggett has made a huge leap in quality from The Last Harvest, published in 2018, to the excellent The Grace Year which was a very clever mix of teenage angst and gender suppression in an unnamed, superstitious and backward society. Dystopian novels with a strong emphasis on gender are dime a dozen at the moment both in adult and YA fiction, but The Grace Year stands amongst the best of them. Tierney James lives in an isolated village where at the age of sixteen girls are chosen to be brides and there is shame upon the families of those not chosen, who then do not have families and are given menial jobs. Tierney is a tomboy and does not expect to be chosen…. However, before the marriages take place the girls (chosen and not chosen) are banished for a calendar year to an isolated camp to survive for themselves, they are not allowed to leave and there are many dangers. Many girls do not return and punishments can be inflicted upon their families.

Why does this happen? It is believed that for this year girls develop magical powers and if they’re kept isolated then they cannot cause any harm to the rest of the village. Kim Liggett creates a very believable setting and society in which suppression dominates the everyday lives of girls who do not know any better. Tierney was a terrific leading character who does not believe the magic is real. As the girl’s time in the isolated camp lengths the author plays an excellent game of smoke and mirrors as the full extent of the conspiracy is revealed. The Grace Year really worked as a young woman fighting against oppression in a dystopian society where she had no voice. Although I enjoyed Tierney’s voice at times I thought she was too mature for her years and the second part of the novel, where it truly heads into Lord of the Flies territory, in the camp was slightly too long. These are small gripes though for a novel which was very entertaining, thoughtful, had plenty of twists and much to say about gender. Excellent stuff.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

Wow. When I first started reading this book, I immediately noticed the resemblance to The Handmaid's Tale, which the summary even mentions. I almost shelved it and didn't continue because I thought "Oh, I've read this before." But I'm really glad I kept reading because I really enjoyed it!

It does have echoes of The Handmaid's Tale, but it's different enough to be interesting. It makes you think about things that are happening that's definitely more rare these days. And it's great that it's YA and aimed at a younger audience. (Though that's not the only group who would enjoy it.)

Wow. I honestly need a day to digest what I had read. This felt so timely and so spot on for me. Comparisons to The Handmaiden’s Tale do The Grace Year an injustice; this is its own story and it’s just as amazing.

As a high school librarian, I read a lot of YA and lately, I have been finding myself unable to anything beyond, "It was ok" when asked how I felt about a book. The Grace Year gave me a book to rave about again. While I enjoyed Moxie and The Nowhere Girls and loved the strong feminist message, I was overjoyed to find such a strong feminist message in a dystopian novel. It made me feel like another audience of young people would be getting the message.
The story is riveting from page 1, the writing strong, and many complexities of female relationships are explored, at least to some degree. Some of the characters where a bit underdeveloped for me, but at the same time, when a stereotype is appropriate, why not use it.
I did find the lack of development in response to Ryker's "Thinning the herd" comment annoying. Also not sure if I buy the end with Tierney and Michael; both seem too quick to forgive/forget.

Man oh man! This story grabs you from the very beginning and doesn’t let go! The story of Tierney and the Grace Year girls has the same feminist grit as The Handmaids Tale but with a softer touch that makes the story truly original.

This book was excellent. I'm not sure if I can say I "enjoyed" it, because the whole thing was pretty stressful. But I was completely riveted through the whole thing. This was completely different from what I was expecting, and I was pleasantly surprised. I couldn't put it down, and some instances actually had me holding my breath in anticipation. This is the first time I've read anything by Kim Ligget, and I'm definitely interested in checking out her other works now.


There were some dystopian tropes present, but I thought everything was given a unique twist that kept it interesting. When I started reading I wondered if the somewhat distant, disillusioned tone would keep me from connecting with the characters, but it was handled very skillfully, and I ended up caring deeply for them. Overall this storyline was unique, intense, and very well written. I don't want to give anything away, but this was so much more than I expected in every way. I really can't do this book justice, but I’m excited for everyone to get a chance to read it.


*I received a free ARC via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

Update: Ok, this was seriously SO good! When it comes out, this book is going to be a huge hit, and if the stirrings I hear about a film adaptation are true I hope to god that they do not screw this up. Anyway, I happen to be a big fan of dystopian YA fiction and this is a standout in the genre. The story nods strongly at Lord of the flies, and at the Handmaid's tale, but the story is fresh, unpredictable and SO timely. This is the story that Vox should have been. The author isn't afraid to go "there" and the brutality and violence of the Grace year really hit hard, because it is very much a dog eat dog world, and this commentary about how girls treat each other when they feel powerless is just so...on point. I did get really irritated intially when the love story aspect was brought in (me: Oh shit this just descended into the crap instalove territory that i hate so so much in YA) but I quickly got over my irritation because this portion does so much to further the plot. Then the ending. Oh my poor heart. I really did love this book.

Okay, I am not even done with this, but this is currently my fave dystopian feminist YA probably ever! This is going to be a major hit and could not be more timely!

I adore Liggett’s writing and this by far her best to date. Every sentence is so beautifully structured and weighted. The horrors are felt so much more because of the great care given to ever word. I received it as an ARC and can’t wait to buy the final copy. What a glorious read! I will be raving about it for forever!

Very timely and appropriate to start discussions with young women about feminism. A little predictable in places and the twist ending was not much of a surprise. But overall I would recommend to young women who are interested in learning more about what the patriarchy means.

I love me a good dystopian novel. This one was so relevant to what was going on right now that it was creepy. After l looked at Kim Liggett's instagram and saw her comment about how this was her way of unpacking all of the sadness and rage over what was happening in the world, it all made sense. The Grace Year is about a world where men hold all the power and that women turn on each other.

I sat down to read this book as a part of my nighttime routine and literally could not find a good stopping point. I stayed up until 2 to finish it! The camp experience had elements of the best parts of The Hunger Games and Lord of the Flies

The only thing I wasn't a huge fan of was how sudden the "love" springs up. Now don't get me wrong, I love a good tortured couple, but I think I would have enjoyed a little more build up.

I'm excited that this is going to be made into a movie for those that maybe don't read because the message is so, so, so important.

I really enjoyed this one, it was fantastic, excellent writing. I got sucked in and a few hours later realized it was 1am and I had to get up soon for work.

It was a little bit of everything, I felt like I was reading a mash up of Maze Runner, Hunger Games, and a few other books, it was similar in a lot of ways to a lot of dystopian books out there but at the same time I think that was what made it really good, dystopian books are right up my alley, I am always on the look out for a good one. This was an easy read that sucked you in, it had good world building, I could picture easily what was going on. The ending left me wanting a second book, and if there was one, I would read it in a heartbeat!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!...to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!!!!!!!!!

Stick with me...

First, you need to know that I love Kim Liggett. I have read most of her books, and I enjoy the fact that they are all different. In fact, one of her books gave me nightmares. I loved it! So...if her name is on the book, I purchase it.

When I first started this book, I was afraid that it was going to be so in your face political. YA books right now are sooooo political, and I feel like instead of telling a really good story, the issue, or issues, the author wants to address take away from the the actual story. (My opinion. YA is extremely heavy-handed in expressing political views at this moment in time. MY OPINION!) It can be done in a subtle way that leaves a reader with something to ponder, and I, personally, would like to see that more.

Also, this book came with a lot of hype, and it isn't even published yet. That usually guarantees that I might not enjoy it as much. Sometimes hype is just hype. As I was in the early stage of reading, I was thinking that I knew where she was going with the story...nothing new here.

Then there is the format, it's written in seasons, not chapters. That was off-putting to me. I kept thinking that if I was frustrated with finding a place to stop, teens are not going to enjoy it either. In my experience, short chapters are best for them. (and adults)

BA-BAM!!!!!!! (That is the sound of me getting hit in the head with the awesomeness that is this book!)

You know what? This book IS worth all of the hype! It wasn't political at all, as a matter of fact, it's just an fantastic story that I cannot stop thinking about! Why did I read it so early?!?!?!? Now I have to wait until September to discuss it with my teens and adults. UGH!!! (Oh yes! My adult book discussion group will HAVE to read this!)

My initial dislike of the format disappeared quickly. I couldn't put the book down, so stopping wasn't an issue. How can you put a book like this down? IMPOSSIBLE!!!

Did I figure out what was going to happen...heck to the no! It dropped my jaw more than once! In fact, at one point I startled my son because I yelled out loud about what was happening, even took joy in it. Then, Kim took my joy away, but she's a bigger person than me...LOL!!! (You'll see when you read it.)

That characters are so great! She did a really good job of making each one an individual. If you took away the names, I would've known who was talking. That's a some great writing! I had VERY strong feelings about each one. She also got me! Man! She's is marvelous!!!

PLEASE PURCHASE THIS BOOK!!! READ IT!!!! PLEASE, PLEASE READ IT!!!

At this point, Kim Liggett could write lists of random words, and I would purchase them! This is a book that is already being talked about, and when it comes out, it's going to explode! What an author!!! What a story!!!

The things we do to girls. Whether we put them on pedestals only to tear them down, or use them for parts and holes, we’re all complicit in this. But everything touches everything else, and I have to believe that some good will come out of all this destruction. The men will never end the grace year. But maybe we can.’

At its heart, the above excerpt sums up the message of this book for me.
A brutal story, chilling in its execution, but utterly compelling. A must-read, and I’m so thankful to NetGalley for allowing me to read this prior to publication.
From an early age girls in this dystopian world know that they are feared. It’s a commonly-held belief that they have the power to turn men mad with desire and to manipulate other women. As a result, upon reaching sixteen the girls are forced to live apart from their community for a year in an attempt to rid themselves of their powerful magic, and prepare them to return and take up their places in the community.
We follow Tierney and her fellows Graces as they make their journey to the encampment. It’s a journey fraught with danger, but sometimes the greatest danger comes from within.
Watching the girls settle into their lives there was a sense of optimism. Under Tierney’s guidance, people started to make plans for the future and to prepare for the changing seasons. Unfortunately, not everyone is happy with this scenario and things start to go badly wrong.
The harrowing account of the girls’ camp experience was akin to Lord of the Flies. Nothing more brutal than a girl scorned, and the desire the girls show to punish one another was discomforting. This is not a read you want to ignore, but there are so many moments I wanted to weep at the senseless cruelty that pervaded every action.
In spite of the horrors that seem to be at every turning, there are glimpses of hope. Watching Tierney slowly realise just what some of her past encounters truly signified, and fighting for her deep belief in what was right was stirring. Seeing her reassess everything she thought she knew about the poachers and her home world, gave a brief glimpse of what might be...if people were brave enough. Though some of our expectations were cruelly cut down, the turns taken in this story offer hope where it’s most needed.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an advance readers copy of The Grace Year in return for my honest review.

First off I loved loved loved this book. The Grace Year is not in the genres I normally read or I have I ever read a book like this. Kim Liggett had a way of describing things in the book without using a bunch of descriptions. I could picture everything that was happening as could I "see" the landscape. I hate when I read a book and the author spends so much time describing things that I find myself skipping over some of the story. This was not the case with this book! I could feel what every character was going through and couldn't stop reading to see what was next. Although I wish there was more time spent with Ryker. :)

Unputdownable so well written so involving..A book that reminds me of The Handmaidens Tale.A book that will be passed from woman to woman. Grab this book. #netgalley #st.Martinspress.

An intense book with tension and lush description. A strong heroine and a world that echoes Handmaiden's Tale.

I think the strength in this book lies in its concept, not its execution. Instead of taking a familiar story and making it something completely new and inspiring and harrowing, it was just the same thing we've seen over and over again, not only in YA but in literary fiction as well. Also, I'm afraid to say, it's been done better, several times over.. Let's start with the characters - Tierney is bland and a poor caricature of every YA dystopian heroine. Kiersten, as the misunderstood villain, is almost ridiculous and too overdone, and Gertie as the castoff from the popular crew who is later befriended by the, also castoff, main heroine is probably, the most interesting character. The plot itself feels recycled and while I understand the purpose of the forbidden romance was necessary in terms of driving the big plot twist at the end, it felt contrived, unsurprising and, well, cheesy. Honestly, I don't enjoy writing reviews like this, but in a time where books like this are so important, it is extremely disappointing when they don't deliver. This is absolutely nothing against the author - like I said, I appreciate what she was trying to do here, the pieces just didn't fit together. And when it comes to recommending a story like this to readers, unfortunately, there are other titles I would recommend first.

With thanks to #Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC.

Wow! Just wow!

The story and characters in this book have been with me since I began reading, often I will devour a book in one sitting, but this one needed and deserved to be read more slowly, so that all of the visceral feelings, emotions and judgements could be experienced, sorted and reminisced upon.

As other reviewers have stated, I too believe that it could be described as, “The Handmaid’s Tale” meets “Lord of the Flies”.

The tale begins in a patriarchal society where men are revered and girls’ value is only as future wives and mothers of boys. Girls are sent away for their sixteenth year, “the grace year” to rid themeselves of their magic - that which fascinates and seduces the men in ‘the county’. Prior to their departure veils (wedding veils) are presented to those girls seen as worthy enough or esteemed enough to be wives on their return. If a girl doesn’t receive a veil her life will be spent ‘in service to the county’.

The reader follows Tierney, the main character through her grace year. Tierney struggles to survive as the other girls descend into chaotic, primitive behaviour - turning against one another; becoming bloodthirsty vengeance filled creatures with little regard for one another.

In the midst of this Tierney discovers who she really is, and who the people around her are, she begins, ‘to really see’. Ultimately Tierney’s strength will need to be enough to survive the grace year unbroken.