Review: The Graces by Laure Eve

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Everyone said the Graces were witches.

They moved through the corridors like sleek fish, ripples in their wake. Stares followed their backs and their hair.

They had friends, but they were just distractions. They were waiting for someone different.

All I had to do was show them that person was me.

Like everyone else in her town, River is obsessed with the Graces, attracted by their glamour and apparent ability to weave magic. But are they really what they seem? And are they more dangerous than they let on?

This beautifully-written thriller will grip you from its very first page.

My rating:

★★★★★

The Graces was an impulse buy after seeing it on a table in Waterstones, I knew nothing about it other than it was possibly about Witches and it had the most beautiful cover. Within five pages I decided this book was going to be brilliant, by page 90 I was hooked and already hoping there was going to be sequel. I tried and failed to read it slowly, devoured it in two sittings. I couldn’t get enough of it, before I knew it I’d turned the last page.

The story follows River, new to town and like everyone else is fascinated by the Graces. The Graces, rumour has it are Witches. River is determined to enter their good graces and show them she isn’t like the others, convinced they can help her bring her father back, though River doesn’t divulge any information about what happened to him. Before you know it everything spirals out of control and hidden agendas are revealed.

I’m in awe of Laure Eve’s writing. Vividly beautiful, painting a picture you fall into headfirst, I didn’t want to come back.  The character development is brilliantly written, maintaining the air of mystery that surrounds them all. I found River fascinating, she’s incredibly selfish and shows the lengths people are willing to go to get what they want. I love an unreliable narrator and River is definitely my favourite by far. Another favourite is Wolf. A regular presence at the Grace’s house, though seems to be an outsider. I don’t want to give anything away, honestly, just read it. I can’t recommend The Graces enough!

 

Publication date: 01/09/16

Pages: 432

Published by: Faber & Faber

Buy from Waterstones Book Depository