"A Great and Terrible Beauty" is a young adult fantasy novel by Libba Bray, set in the late 19th century. The story follows Gemma Doyle, a teenage girl who discovers she has magical powers after the tragic death of her mother. She is sent to a boarding school in England, where she uncovers secrets about her family's past and the mysterious Order that connects her to a hidden world. As Gemma navigates the challenges of friendship and betrayal, she learns about the dangers of her newfound abilities. The novel explores themes of identity, power, and the struggle between good and evil, all while immersing readers in a richly detailed historical setting.