The Gemma Doyle Trilogy by Libba Bray is an interesting combination of fantasy, light horror and historical fiction, with a dash of romance thrown in for good measure. It revolves around Gemma Doyle, a young woman sent from her home in British India to the boarding school, Spence Academy, after the mysterious death of her mother. There she meets Ann, Felicity, and Pippa, three other remarkable young women and together they discover the dark past of their school, revolving closely around a mystical group referred to as The Order. In the first book, they find out that this group of sorceresses was forced to disband after one of their own, a woman named Sarah Rees-Toome, betrayed them. Throughout the series Gemma learns of her own heritage and the magical powers she possesses, including the ability to enter "The Realms," a magical world in which dreams can become reality, but everything seems to have a cost.
The Gemma Doyle Trilogy
Product Info
Publisher: Random House (9 December 2003 – 26 December 2007)
Language: English
Genre: Fantasy
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.2 inchesEditors' Review
This series addresses some of the issues faced by women in the late 1800s, and creates parallels to issues faced by women today. Libba Bray writes flawlessly, lyrically and with such her own sense of style. Gemma Doyle, our protagonist, is such a fierce leading lady that’s so likeable it hurts. The world of magic and the Realms is incredible. It’s a dream world that’s dark and inviting, beautiful and strange. You can’t help but be swept away by all of its delights. Here the girls are free from their bonds as ‘proper young ladies’ and you really see their characters and relationships grow.
Author
Libba Bray
Libba Bray is an American writer of young adult novels. She lived in Texas until she was 26 years old. After that she moved to New York City, where she now lives with her husband and fifteen-year-old son. Her father was a preacher and her mother was a teacher.
Winning Awards
A New York Times Best Seller
A Publisher Weekly Bestseller
A Book Sense Bestseller
BBYA (ALA/YALSA Best Book for Young Adults)
lowa High School Book Award
A USA Today Bestseller
Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award