“A Great and Terrible Beauty” by Libba Bray is set in the dark, mysterious Victorian era. This novel is a deeply plotted tale of a group of friends, a place called “The Realms,” dangerous magic and secret orders.

Gemma Doyle grows up in the hot vibrant land of India until her sixteenth birthday when she witnesses her mother’s murder in a strange vision. As a result, Gemma is shipped to a boarding school in England called Spence, which has its own mysterious links to her mother. After a rough start, Gemma befriends Felicity, Pippa and Ann, a combination of friends no one would have believed compatible.

With visions still haunting her, Gemma discovers a hidden secret, a diary, which reveals information about the Order, an ancient society comprised of women who regulate power in the Realms, where magic can turn anything impossible to possible.

Lured by the temptation of magic, Gemma and her friends find themselves experimenting with something wild and unpredictable. Gradually, Gemma learns about the dark side of the Realms and the Order as two former students unleash a sinister creature. Even more shocking, she discovers that this incident has a mysterious connection to her mother. Gemma finds herself on a dangerous quest to piece everything together before it is too late.

Bray fuses a unique blend of wild magic with an insightful look into the lives of women in the Victorian period, which allows her to tap into a story like no other. Her characters are fascinating as some are shallow while others are complex with many facets to be explored by the reader.

Although it may take a few chapters to become accustomed to the style and social customs of the time, the story has a distinct taste and appeal for readers who are looking for something different and new to read.

This book is recommended for older teens as it contains some inappropriate scenes.