Grace & Fury by Tracy Banghart

Grace & Fury was the book featured in June’s ‘Rebels in Ballgowns’ box from Fairy Loot. It was not a book I had come across before, but it was one with an interesting premise which I was excited about reading.

In this story, we are introduced to a world in which women have no rights. And in this world we meet sisters Serena and Nomi, whose world is about to change, but not in the way they expected. Serena has spent her life preparing to become a ‘Grace’ a perfect woman fit to be presented to the heir to the throne. As a result she maintains her beautiful appearance and is raised as an elegant lady, one fit to be seen alongside royalty. In contrast, her younger sister Nomi has a more rebellious side, and crucially she carries a secret which could get her into trouble in a world in which women are so restricted in what they can do. This secret of Nomi’s is one that could put both sisters in jeopardy. As Serena prepares to meet the heir, in the hope that she will be chosen as a Grace, Nomi is at her side acting as her handmaiden, to help take care of her sister. However, events at the palace do not pan out like either sister had anticipated, and both young women find themselves imprisoned, in different ways.

This was a book that I got into pretty quickly, and found it to be an enjoyable story which I finished in only a couple of sittings. I was interested to see how events would unfold, and I liked that the chapters alternated between the perspectives of Nomi and Serena, to follow each sister on their respective journeys. Both characters find themselves in difficult situations, one in a palace in which she has no control, and another in an island prison, in which life hangs in the balance on a daily basis. It was interesting to see how these two contrasting characters developed, and how they adapted to their terrifying situation.  Both Nomi and Serena find themselves outside of their comfort zone, and each must fight for each other, and for what is right. And there is plenty of fighting to be done, and the plot was action packed with the tension building up to a gripping conclusion which sets it up nicely for the next book in the series. As the story progresses it explores the strength of relationships, both through family bonds and the relationships that are built and fought for throughout. A story in which we see the strength of these women, and the way in which they learn how to fight back against those who try to oppress them.

I enjoyed Grace & Fury, and found it to be an enjoyable read with interesting characters and a well paced plot which kept my interest, as we discover a perilous journey for two sisters, one which has only just begun.