Rating: - Quite good but does it diserve 5 stars?
Indeed it Does!
A friend of mine reccommended this to me years ago and I ended up buying it, but it took me a year(or was it years?) to start reading it. I was amazed at how fresh it was! I had expected it to be slightly dull like some other Victorian era books, but I think the fantasy bits and the age of the girls keeps it from being so.
The contents of this book are comfortably intresting with its mystery and Gemma's sarcasm as well as other humorous characters. However, in my opinon, it shouldn't be over analyzed with the gypsy bits as I see someone has already had a fit.
Great read!

---

Rating: - Libba Bray is a genius!
A Great and Terrible Beauty is another one of my favorite books! It details the story of a young British girl who grew up in India and after her mother's death was sent off to a British boarding school in nothern England. However, despite her normal appearance, Gemma is anything but and can open realms to a different world. A touch of historical fiction (the book is set during the Age of Imperialism in the Victorian Era)and dash of fantasy, A Great and Terrible Beauty is the perfect combination of genres to compose a truly fantastic novel! I would recommend this book to anyone, but the story is probably more appealing to females.
This book is also part of a trilogy (the apparently new hip-thing in writing!) and I would strongly recommend the sequel, Rebel Angels, to anyone who was intrigued by A Great and Terrible Beauty and wants to follow Gemma on a continuation of her journey. The third book is not currently out, but I'm hoping it's just as great as the other two books!

---

Rating: - Great and not at all terrible
Libba Bray's Great and Terrible Beauty is a tragic and spooky novel about a teenage girl sent to an Brittish boarding school that brings ladies into society. The book's narator, the teenage girl, is Gemma Doyle who on top of all things is having strange and frightening visions she herself doesn't understand. But to add to her problems, she doesn't fit in at this new school, Spence. She is not extremely wealthy nor is she extrordinarily beautiful, she is without a mother, her father isn't well, and her brother is a snob. From the start she is at odds with the most popular girls.

Gemma is upset about the recent loss of her mother. And the visions get more disturbing. She doesn't understand what's happening...

All she knows is that she isn't alone. SOMEONE has followed her from her home in India to England. And SOMETHING is calling to her in her dreams.

Libba Bray has created a mysterious and powerful novel that will keep readers constantly working to solve the case. But perhaps the answer isn't logical... it's magic?

definetly 5 stars

---

Rating: - Should be on your summer book reading list
If you haven't yet discovered the story of Gemma ..... what are you waiting for? This is a great book. The characters each become a small part of your family and you can't help but root for Gemma as she learns all about her talent. There is a lot of suspense and excitement. It may even make you re-write your name... enjoyable and recommended highly -- must follow up with Rebel Angels and awaiting the third book.

---

Rating: - LOVED IT!!
Libba Bray is an incredible author who is full of surprises. This book marks the Victorian age. Gemma is a wonderfull character with her flaws and her insecurities. With her friends at her side she can conquer the other realms.

The novel is full of forbiden loves, secret orginazations, and unruled magic--you could not ask for more. On her journey to discover magic she unearths much of the past as well as defines herself. I was bewitched from the beginning and could not put this book down for the life of me. I read it over and over in anticipation of the next and final book.