Where Genres Collide Traci Dowe YA Author

Book Talk 1/17/2020: Tessa Gratton’s Strange Grace

Traci Kenworth

Strange Grace by Tessa Gratton. Margaret K. McElderry Books. Sept. 18,2018.

Amazon’s Blurb: “Gloriously dark and romantic.” —Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Touched Queen
“An alluring and seductive fairy tale.” —Justina Ireland, New York Times bestselling author of Dread Nation
“Horrifying, heartbreaking, and heartwarming, a lush fairy tale rooted in a moral quandary.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“An eerie, consuming tale of sacrifice and faith. Haunting and unique.” —Booklist
“Evocative.” —BCCB

Once, a witch made a pact with a devil. The legend says they loved each other, but can the story be trusted at all? Find out in this lush, atmospheric fantasy novel that entwines love, lies, and sacrifice.

Long ago, a village made a bargain with the devil: to ensure their prosperity, when the Slaughter Moon rises, the village must sacrifice a young man into the depths of the Devil’s Forest.

Only this year, the Slaughter Moon has risen early.

Bound by duty, secrets, and the love they share for one another, Mairwen, a spirited witch; Rhun, the expected saint; and Arthur, a restless outcast, will each have a role to play as the devil demands a body to fill the bargain. But the devil these friends find is not the one they expect, and the lies they uncover will turn their town—and their hearts—inside out.

My Review: Each year the Slaughter Moon rises, a boy is sacrificed to ensure the best in the valley. Something went wrong with the last run. Now, the moon has risen early and the boy Mairwen loves may be sacrificed for nothing. Together, she, another friend with a troubled past, Arthur, and the Runner or Saint in question, Rhun must battle the devil to find the truth of the tale. Was a bargain really struck between a Grace witch and the devil? Or is it all a lie the Grace witches tell. Can Mairwen, a Grace witch herself, even trust her mother?

I LOVED this story! It wraps a hold on you fast and drags you in! You’ll love the odd characters of Mairwen, Arthur who suffered through childhood dressed as a girl and later is revealed to be a boy and who shares a deep secret with Rhun, and Rhun, the boy who must tackle all to save those he loves. The characters were deep, three-dimensional beings. The story haunting. Terrible. Wicked. The truth must come out. The truth will come out. But can anyone handle it? The devil of an old story-with a new twist on it!