A Great and Terrible Beauty (The Gemma Doyle Trilogy) | 
 enlarge | Author: Libba Bray
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Category: Book
List Price: $9.99
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Rating:  288 reviews
Sales Rank: 1470
Media: Paperback
Reading Level: Young Adult
Pages: 432
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 7.9 x 5.2 x 1.3
ISBN: 0385732317
EAN: 9780385732314
ASIN: 0385732317
Publication Date: March 22, 2005
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Amazon.com
A Victorian boarding school story, a Gothic mansion mystery, a gossipy romp about a clique of girlfriends, and a dark other-worldly fantasy--jumble them all together and you have this complicated and unusual first novel. Gemma, 16, has had an unconventional upbringing in India, until the day she foresees her mother's death in a black, swirling vision that turns out to be true. Sent back to England, she is enrolled at Spence, a girls' academy with a mysterious burned-out East Wing. There Gemma is snubbed by powerful Felicity, beautiful Pippa, and even her own dumpy roommate Ann, until she blackmails herself and Ann into the treacherous clique. Gemma is distressed to find that she has been followed from India by Kartik, a beautiful young man who warns her to fight off the visions. Nevertheless, they continue, and one night she is led by a child-spirit to find a diary that reveals the secrets of a mystical Order. The clique soon finds a way to accompany Gemma to the other-world realms of her visions "for a bit of fun" and to taste the power they will never have as Victorian wives, but they discover that the delights of the realms are overwhelmed by a menace they cannot control. Gemma is left wi! th the knowledge that her role as the link between worlds leaves her with a mission to seek out the "others" and rebuild the Order. A Great and Terrible Beauty is an impressive first book in what should prove to be a fascinating trilogy. (Ages 12 up) -Patty Campbell
Product Description
It’s 1895, and after the suicide of her mother, 16-year-old Gemma Doyle is shipped off from the life she knows in India to Spence, a proper boarding school in England. Lonely, guilt-ridden, and prone to visions of the future that have an uncomfortable habit of coming true, Gemma’s reception there is a chilly one. To make things worse, she’s been followed by a mysterious young Indian man, a man sent to watch her. But why? What is her destiny? And what will her entanglement with Spence’s most powerful girls—and their foray into the spiritual world—lead to?
From the Hardcover edition.
Download Description
It's 1895, and after the suicide of her mother, 16-year-old Gemma Doyle is shipped off from the life she knows in India to Spence, a proper boarding school in England. Lonely, guilt-ridden, and prone to visions of the future that have an uncomfortable habit of coming true, Gemma's reception there is a chilly one. To make things worse, she's been followed by a mysterious young Indian man, a man sent to watch her. But why? What is her destiny? And what will her entanglement with Spence's most powerful girls -- and their foray into the spiritual world -- lead to?
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| Customer Reviews: Read 283 more reviews...
 A Great Beauty July 3, 2008
K.Warner
I was very reluctant to pick up this book. I don't usually like parnormal, mildly scary stuff, but this summer has been a milestone in my reading life. Once I picked up this book, I couldn't put it down. It was inspiring, addictiong, and got me (finally!) to pick up Twilight. I loved this book. I spent all day reading it, I wouldn't leave if I could. Just a few qualms....
Qualm Number 1: The lack of romance. Kartik is a nice guy Gemma, why can't you see that? Even though he is a little odd at times and keeps changing his opinions of her, he is engrossing to read about. Gemma dreams of him, but secretly is a coward. Sigh. Oh, Kartik.
Qualm Number 2: I comment about this more in my review of Rebel Angels, but it is apparant to me that everyone is using Gemma. They all hug her when she gives them access to the realms, and shun her when she doesn't. I find Felicity, Ann, and Pippa annoying and mean. YOu can't become friends overnight. There is a little work there.
Qualmm Number 3: I don't like how they blamed the diary on Miss Moore, and no one but Gemma really cared that much. She was a nice lady, although I kinda think she's Circe. I really have no clue though.
Qualm Number 4: How violent they are. At the end they mutilate the deer with no reward, and I felt sick. How horrible. That was not needed, as there was no outcome. And there is a lot of blood through the book if you didn't notice.
I liked how Virginia Doyle was Mary Dowd. Intresting twist. I actually didn't see that coming.
I disagree with those people who say some of the references were not needed. I am sure later in the trilogy they will play a part.
I wish I could make this longer, but I can't. So please read it, ok? oyu won't regret it, and for all it's bad moments, it has twice as many beautiful, shining moments. Thanks Libba Bray for a great summer read!
Pretty good book June 24, 2008
G. Morgan (USA)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
(daughter of user)
Well, after finishing the Twilight series, I was at a loss for what to read next. One of my best friends suggested the Gemma Doyle Trilogy. Now, after reading Twilight, nothing I used to think was great even compares, but this book comes close. However, I don't see the whole reader's attraction to Kartik thing. I didn't like him much, he didn't stand out for me, but maybe he wasn't supposed to. I guess I'll have to read the next book to decide on my opinion of him. I also found Gemma to be a good character. She started out really immature and bratty, but grew up a bit over time, as she gained responsibility for the realms. All in all, a pretty good book.
 Captivating June 16, 2008
Shanze Zar
This was a great and addicting novel. I love the Victorian type fictional novels with a little bit of fantasy thrown in. I loved it so much I read the other two and loved them. I highly recommend this book. It's a breath of fresh air!
Very good June 9, 2008
Dana B. Eckles (Dallas, TX USA)
I enjoyed reading this book very much. I am already on the 3rd one. The series is exiting and packed with adventure and mystery. I would most definitely suggest this series.
Wonderful! June 8, 2008
LovesToRead
This book is one of the best fantasy books wriiten. Gemma Doyle moves to London to stay at a boarding school after her mother dies, but she has more to worry about then how to become a proper lady. She recently discovered that she has the power to enter the relms, a beautiful world like no other. With the help of her friends Felicity, Ann, Pippa, and Kartik she must protects the magic from those who would like to take it away and keep it for themselves. Doing this puts all of them in great danger. This books keeps you reading until the last page and you will want to pick up the next one directly after.
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