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A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

A Great and Terrible Beauty

by Libba Bray
  • Critics' Consensus:
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  • First Published:
  • Dec 1, 2003, 416 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Mar 2005, 432 pages
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There are currently 65 reader reviews for A Great and Terrible Beauty
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Melina, 12

I absolutely loved this book!
A Great and Terrible Beauty was one of the best books I've ever read!! Something that I really loved about it was how it started in with the action right from the beginning and didn't stop until the end. I like books that are fast paced, can surprise you, and are well written. This book had all three. It only took me a few days to read because it was so good. I ended up reading it under my bed covers with a clip on light because I just couldn't put it down. The characters were well developed, and I particularly like the way the story is told. All the verbs are present tense, so it seems that the story is happening as you read it. I thought that was very effective. I was hooked on this book and now I can't wait for the sequel. Read it, you'll get hooked too!
malie

I am 14 yrs old and I throughly enjoyd this book. I really like how there is so much mystery and interesting characters. I cannot wait for the next book to come out.
Twinki

This book was amazing. I've already read it many times. It uses rich language and has a thick, thrilling plot. Once I started reading this book, it was hard for me to stop. I would highly recommend this book to any reader and I think they would thoroughly enjoy it. I am 14 yrs old, and i found this book through a friend whose teacher had assigned it for her.
BrittanyY

A Great And Terrible Beauty is a wonderfull book. Iread it in one hour and know I am readding it agan for a schoo report! I loved this book and highly recomend it ti all of my friends!
L. Lindsay

The cover of this book comes close to suggesting a classic romance, but after reading it I realized I had it all wrong. To make a good story, it's my opinion that you have to have a careful balance between danger and humour; this hits it right on. Also, the depth that the author goes into on Gemma's character is spectacular, and it sort of prompts you to think about the decisions you're making now that will decide your life later.
I've read a lot of books and not many authors have been able to write about such a close friendship as Gemma's without making the plot seem cheesy. Throughout the book there is a constant back and forth from friendship to power that we see even today in society, and by bringing it down to the level of teenage girls in the victorian age, the clash is more understandable.
Megan H.

I'm a huge reader, I read anything and everything. And when I noticed this book on the NEW BOOKS table at Borders, I picked it up and asked for it for Christmas...I read it in a day and am hooked.

Gemma is such a wonderful character that I can identify with. She has trouble with making friends at first, wants to become something better than what she is, and discover the looming mystery that follows her. I'm in agony waiting for the next book.
Alicia

This was the best book I have ever read! The book kept moving forward and left me waiting for more. I heard that this was part of a trilogy...I hope it is.
Kitty

This is a great book! It is very well-written.

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