Driven by fierce female characters who are pushed to the edge of their capabilities, Grace and Fury by Tracy Banghart is a refreshing and engaging novel about rebelling against female oppression.
In a world where women are sold to their future husbands and forbidden to read, two sisters strive to make the best of their respective situations. Serina, having trained all her life to be “a perfect woman,” is determined to become a Grace–the most respected position a women in the realm can earn. Her younger sister Nomi, however, isn’t satisfied with being her sister’s handmaiden for the rest of her life.
When the Heir to the kingdom chooses Nomi as a Grace instead of her sister, it is Serina who takes the fall for Nomi’s biggest secret. With both sisters trapped in worlds completely foreign to them, they are determined to find their way back to one another. But they have to be careful, one misstep could cost them their lives.
Flawed yet realistic in their characterization, Serina and Nomi show that strength comes in many forms. The dual perspective presented by the two sisters keeps the subject matter interesting as both characters grow and develop throughout the book, becoming closer in their understanding of each other even as they remain physically apart. Though the plot is at times predictable, the perpetual tension woven throughout the novel keeps readers engaged and invested in the two sisters’ fates.
An enjoyable novel that will have readers eagerly awaiting the sequel, Grace and Fury is well worth the read.