No one speaks of the grace year, it’s simply not allowed in the Garner County community. Why should something be kept so secret, so quiet? In The Grace Year by Kim Ligget, a group of girls is sent off to the woods full of fear and poachers to embrace their “magic”. The time they have to survive: twelve months. The main character Tierany does not fit in with the other girls, she is actually the complete opposite. Known as the county's tomboy, Tieranny wants to work on the fields, but has no choice because she is unveiled from her childhood best friend Micheal. This forces the girls to be on top of their game, and always watch out for their next enemy. As days turn into nights and nights turn into days, everyday brings a new challenge. The theme for The Grace Year is there are always secrets that lie deep within, causing someone to have to rely on only their trust…show more content… Tierany learns that Ryker owes her dad debt. The two came to a mutual agreement that Ryker would spare Tierany without paying back the debt. Although Ryker spared Tierany a couple of times, he finally struck out in the third. Ryker ultimately takes Tierany in, and the two quickly develop a relationship. This is ultimately going against everything the grace year says. A poacher and prey don’t belong together. After having to separate after a fellow poacher finds out about the two developing a connection she cannot forget about him: After about three months Tierany realizes she needs Ryker and she walks, and looks up to what once was a beautiful place with beautiful memories,”Heaven is a boy in the treehouse, with cold hands and a warm heart” (Liggett,Goodreads). This quote proves the theme of The Grace Year because it signifies that even though Ryker was a poacher, he earned Tierany’s trust. Even though their relationship went against the rules, Ryker never failed to support Tierany, and he ended up being one of the only people that Tierany can truly
