Hardcover, 403 pages
Published December 9th 2003 by Simon & Schuster Childrens Books
Sypnosis:A Victorian boarding school story, a Gothic mansion mystery, a gossipy romp about a clique of girlfriends, and a dark other-worldly fantasy--jumble them all together and you have this complicated and unusual first novel.
Sixteen-year-old Gemma has had an unconventional upbringing in India, until the day she foresees her mother's death in a black, swirling vision that turns out to be true. Sent back to England, she is enrolled at Spence, a girls' academy with a mysterious burned-out East Wing. There Gemma is snubbed by powerful Felicity, beautiful Pippa, and even her own dumpy roommate Ann, until she blackmails herself and Ann into the treacherous clique. Gemma is distressed to find that she has been followed from India by Kartik, a beautiful young man who warns her to fight off the visions. Nevertheless, they continue, and one night she is led by a child-spirit to find a diary that reveals the secrets of a mystical Order. The clique soon finds a way to accompany Gemma to the other-world realms of her visions "for a bit of fun" and to taste the power they will never have as Victorian wives, but they discover that the delights of the realms are overwhelmed by a menace they cannot control. Gemma is left with the knowledge that her role as the link between worlds leaves her with a mission to seek out the "others" and rebuild the Order. A Great and Terrible Beauty is an impressive first book in what should prove to be a fascinating trilogy.
First Thoughts........
"This book will be Awesome!","It will be a great Victorian novel to read!" where first impression I had when I got my hand on this book in the library. I was definetly eagered to read it! But it was not what I expected........
The Cover & Title.......
Well, to start off the title is kinda strange and wierd.... "A Great and Teribble Beauty",really... And then you have Gemma, in a corset... Really?! Not very interesting, very boring but I still read it. And I have to say after reading it I said this: "Wow, A terrible begining but a beautiful ending" Your not captivate to read this book!
The Book & My Review......
This book seriously was boring and it sucked... I even regret reading it and spending the time, since all of the characters were all wimpy and Gemma wasn't a strong character even through the end. But it did have a feel to it that sort of scared me, but other than that don't try giving your time to read this!!!! It's not even worth to review!
Recommendations....
If you love to try a crappy novel her your chance! Other than that I don't really recommend you to read it!
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