The first book in the critically acclaimed New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling Gemma Doyle trilogy, the exhilarating and haunting saga from the author of The Diviners series and Going Bovine. 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? “A delicious, elegant gothic.”—PW, Starred “Shivery with both passion and terror.”—Kirkus Reviews "Compulsively readable." --VOYA A New York Times Bestseller A Publishers Weekly Bestseller A Book Sense Bestseller BBYA (ALA/YALSA Best Book for Young Adults) Iowa High School Book Award Garden State Teen Book Award Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award
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"This book is amazing. Full of strange things and rich characters - it literally transports you to this magical place full of mystery and unknowns where each step has you holding your breath in anticipation of what's to come. Add to that the drama of an all-girl boarding school, traveling gypsies, and an undertone of Wicca and you've got a fantastic read!"
— Michelle (4 out of 5 stars)
" This book is great! The themes are great! Late 1800's, 'witch craft', and coming of age. All with the twist of the mystery of the realms. "
— HMT, 4/27/2017" I flew through this book despite the fact that the characters didn't feel realistic at all. It was fun and mysterious... "
— Elizabeth, 2/15/2014" Tackles some very real and important issues, but wasn't altogether pleased with the plot - a little too predictable and not enough excitement for me. "
— Natasha, 2/9/2014" Was surprised to really like it. "
— Becca, 1/30/2014" Gave up half-way through. I don't know if it was me or the book, but if it's taken me over 21 days and the ebook expires - that's not encouraging. "
— Sara, 1/27/2014" I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were definitely parts that fit and stereotypical teen novel, but overall it stood out as a great story and adventure. The main character learns so much about herself. I'm excited to see where Gemma ends up in the next book! "
— Christa, 1/24/2014" Amazing writing, it was breathtaking to read the way the words were on the paper. There were so many times that I would read a passage and think, "that was beautifully written." But the plot was too windy and slow. I still don't know exactly where the author was going with it. There was a girl who cut herself to deal with emotional pain and I have personal experience with someone I know who did that, so I was ok with it being included. What made me uncomfortable was the lesbian moments that seemed to be passed off as young girls pushing boundaries. As much as I enjoyed the brilliance of the writing, the content didn't inspire me to pick up the next book. I am likely to try the author in a different series though, simply because she writes well. "
— Erika, 1/21/2014" I wasn't sire what I thought this book would be, but i was a bit disappointed. This book was certainly differnt from any other historical fiction I've read. I enjoyed the plot greatly but some parts were just a little weird or I didn't seem to quiet understand. Overall I didn't really enjoy this book a whole lor "
— Kat, 1/20/2014" I kept comparing this story with the movie Dead Poets' Society, except that had no supernatural elements. "
— kb, 1/20/2014" This series remained mediocre throughout. It had just enough intrigue thrown in to make me want to grab the next one in hopes that the story would get better, but never actually delivered. "
— Ashley, 12/21/2013" I really enjoyed following Gemma throughout this book! "
— Noelle, 5/8/2013" My main problem with this book was the name Gemma being used. Given that this is set in Victorian England, and the name Gemma wasn't really popular until 1980's (in America), it just seemed very out of place throughout the whole book. Other than that, it was a darn good read. "
— Amy, 4/7/2013" didn't get past the first few chapters so I cannot comment on the entire book. I don't have plans to finish it. "
— Kaci, 3/16/2013" Not the best, but certainly not the worst. I'll read the next one. "
— Erin, 2/4/2013" I started this book and just couldn't force myself to finish it. Perhaps it was just too dark and sinister for my tastes. Perhaps it wasn't quite what I was expecting. Either way, I just didn't care for the story. "
— Tautchia, 6/1/2012" A good entertaining read but it didn't leave me wanting more. "
— Theresa, 3/21/2012" This book was amazing! I loved how Libba Bray gave us a new prospective of young British ladies, but with a great twist! "
— Lily, 3/20/2012" The writing style was fine, but I just didn't want to stick with this tale, especially knowing it is a series. "
— Cami, 2/3/2012" Parts were confusing, but overall a fun read. "
— Claire, 6/1/2011" Entertaining, but I don't feel compelled to continue the series. "
— Aarti, 5/23/2011" At first I was really intrigued, but near the end I started to get a bit to twisted for my taste. The journey was good, but the outcome, not so much. I think what got to me were the recurring sexual fantasies of the main character. It just seemed a bit creepy. "
— Sarabeth, 5/23/2011" so far so good as they liek to say! really cool and its making me get all excited for the end! about (insert correct number of pages here) through! <br/>and, dedicated to one of my dear friends...it's uber loltastic! "
— missymoocow, 5/18/2011" it was really intense and just a relly good book all around very well written that is if you are a 15 year old girl "
— Zeynab, 5/17/2011" When I read this book, I could not put it down. It was absolutely amazing the way Libba discribed each place and person. This book made me absolutely speechless, so I wish I had more to say. But my breathe has been taken away. I offer good praises to the author and everyone who reads it. "
— Emily, 5/16/2011" This was one of the best books that i have ever read!! on a scale of 1-10, i would give this book a 10!!! "
— Vicki, 5/15/2011" A painfully slow read, undeserving of all the recognition it has received. "
— Mercedes, 5/15/2011" This was recommended to me by a book friend. I liked it, much more than I thought I would based on other friends' reviews. This is exactly the type of book I LOVED to read when I was 14. This just might be better written :) "
— Kmac214, 5/15/2011" I mean... I didn't love it, and it had a really slow start, but I'm glad I gave it a chance. It got better. Now I'm going to read the sequels and hope they move along a bit faster. "
— Violet, 5/14/2011Libba Bray is the author of the bestselling Gemma Doyle Trilogy and the Diviners series, among others, and the author of Beauty Queens, which was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, and Going Bovine, which won the Michael L. Printz Award.
Nicolette McKenzie was born and
educated in New Zealand. Her television work includes the compilation and
presentation of three programs of New Zealand poetry for the BBC, as well as
comedy, revue, and popular drama. She played the role of Mrs. Bennett for the
BBC World Service adaptation of Pride and
Prejudice.