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joliendelandsheer's review
3.0
Review first published on my blog The Fictional Reader
WORLD
I’m still not sure how to put this book in a genre. I mean, it’s set as fantasy. And I guess it could be urban fantasy. But there aren’t really (m)any fantastical elements. I don’t really know how to describe it. It plays out in the US, more specifically Wyoming. For 400 years, a Realm has been situated there, separated from the US -which is called the Democracy in this book. The Realm has existed for generations, founded by the Father who came from Great-Britain, and the Mother, who was a Native American.
I liked part of the world these characters lived in, because I do think the Realm had some good things to offer. Like free healthcare, and affordable education. Living in Belgium, I never truly appreciated this until I realized that countries like the US don’t really have this. So in a way, it’s a good commentary. But I also wasn’t truly intrigued by the Realm. They have different “noble” families, who controlled important aspects, like wind energy, coal mining and so on. And then there was the royal family, of course. But I didn’t like how they had such a superiority complex, and complete xenophobia.
It also left me with a lot of questions. How can the US not know? Do these people not have to pay taxes to them? How do they keep normal families from moving into a house in the Realm -unknowingly? I just have a lot of questions on the workings of the system.
PLOT
I feel like the plot might be the biggest reason I didn’t truly enjoy this. Or well, maybe it was the characters who did it. Anyway, I was expecting something different from this story. I was expecting a young guy to fight for his right to be King, because his father (the previous King) died. I was expecting noble families to try and manipulate them, or someone to try and assassinate him to take over the throne. But I didn’t really get any of that.
Instead, this was a story about everyone screwing up, in my opinion. Haakon (the guy who will become King) didn’t want to be King, and has a serious drinking problem (and drugs problem). He didn’t want to be king, yet he still barks at everyone who suggests he should try and get his act together when he announces he will take the throne -that’s not a spoiler, trust me. And yes, there was a giant cover-up thrown in there, but to me it just felt like an afterthought. I wasn’t really intrigued or interested in finding out the truth.
Even the big reveal at the end -of the killer- left me cold. I just didn’t care. And I think that’s mostly because I felt like I was missing a giant chunk of relevant history. If you haven’t read this book, you may not understand what I’m saying here. But I feel that to truly understand and figure out the killer on your own, you needed a different book before his death. Because there is no way to have found out who the killer was on your own.
CHARACTERS
Let me start by saying that I disliked every character except for Roarke, who didn’t even have a POV. Everyone in this book is so extremely selfish and self-absorbed. I mean, I get that you have problems, but would it kill you to ask someone else how they are doing?
So the first person is Haakon. At first, I quite liked his POV -and his character. He seemed like just another teenage guy, with a lot of responsibilities thrown at him suddenly. But then he turned into an absolutely disgusting person. I mean, disgusting. The kind of person I want to slap and spit on.
Then we have Gwendolyn. At first, I wasn’t really into her character, because I felt so cheesy while reading her story. She met this guy, and the tropes just came out. Like, the fact that she felt like she had known him forever. While that was literally the first date. Or that he thought it was out of character for her to curse. You have known this person for one short date. How could you even know? I liked her more at the end, even though she did a complete 180 on her feelings about the Realm.
Next up, Alexander -Haakon’s best friend. I don’t think these people know what best friends are. I liked Alexander well enough, even though at one point he thought his best friend was capable of murdering his own father. I mean, really? Who would believe that about their best friend? I’m happy with his character growth throughout the book though, because he ends up doing what is best for him.
Lastly, Mary. At first I loved her, because she seemed like the underdog. And I still like her. I think she’s an extremely strong woman. But I also think she could have gotten a lesson in communication. It’s ridiculous to become so jealous that you treat your crush/best friend horribly, after you saw him talking to a girl. Really? I get that she’s a teenager, but still.
Anyway, every character here could have gotten a lesson in communication. And How Not To Be Selfish 101.
Overall, I liked this book well enough. I have to admit that I was expecting something different from the plot though. I would have enjoyed this more if I felt more for the characters or the mystery, but I didn’t. If you like YA urban fantasy, and find the synopsis intriguing, I’d say give it a go. My rating was one of the lowest, as many people gave it 4 or 5 stars.
WORLD
I’m still not sure how to put this book in a genre. I mean, it’s set as fantasy. And I guess it could be urban fantasy. But there aren’t really (m)any fantastical elements. I don’t really know how to describe it. It plays out in the US, more specifically Wyoming. For 400 years, a Realm has been situated there, separated from the US -which is called the Democracy in this book. The Realm has existed for generations, founded by the Father who came from Great-Britain, and the Mother, who was a Native American.
I liked part of the world these characters lived in, because I do think the Realm had some good things to offer. Like free healthcare, and affordable education. Living in Belgium, I never truly appreciated this until I realized that countries like the US don’t really have this. So in a way, it’s a good commentary. But I also wasn’t truly intrigued by the Realm. They have different “noble” families, who controlled important aspects, like wind energy, coal mining and so on. And then there was the royal family, of course. But I didn’t like how they had such a superiority complex, and complete xenophobia.
It also left me with a lot of questions. How can the US not know? Do these people not have to pay taxes to them? How do they keep normal families from moving into a house in the Realm -unknowingly? I just have a lot of questions on the workings of the system.
PLOT
I feel like the plot might be the biggest reason I didn’t truly enjoy this. Or well, maybe it was the characters who did it. Anyway, I was expecting something different from this story. I was expecting a young guy to fight for his right to be King, because his father (the previous King) died. I was expecting noble families to try and manipulate them, or someone to try and assassinate him to take over the throne. But I didn’t really get any of that.
Instead, this was a story about everyone screwing up, in my opinion. Haakon (the guy who will become King) didn’t want to be King, and has a serious drinking problem (and drugs problem). He didn’t want to be king, yet he still barks at everyone who suggests he should try and get his act together when he announces he will take the throne -that’s not a spoiler, trust me. And yes, there was a giant cover-up thrown in there, but to me it just felt like an afterthought. I wasn’t really intrigued or interested in finding out the truth.
Even the big reveal at the end -of the killer- left me cold. I just didn’t care. And I think that’s mostly because I felt like I was missing a giant chunk of relevant history. If you haven’t read this book, you may not understand what I’m saying here. But I feel that to truly understand and figure out the killer on your own, you needed a different book before his death. Because there is no way to have found out who the killer was on your own.
CHARACTERS
Let me start by saying that I disliked every character except for Roarke, who didn’t even have a POV. Everyone in this book is so extremely selfish and self-absorbed. I mean, I get that you have problems, but would it kill you to ask someone else how they are doing?
So the first person is Haakon. At first, I quite liked his POV -and his character. He seemed like just another teenage guy, with a lot of responsibilities thrown at him suddenly. But then he turned into an absolutely disgusting person. I mean, disgusting. The kind of person I want to slap and spit on.
Then we have Gwendolyn. At first, I wasn’t really into her character, because I felt so cheesy while reading her story. She met this guy, and the tropes just came out. Like, the fact that she felt like she had known him forever. While that was literally the first date. Or that he thought it was out of character for her to curse. You have known this person for one short date. How could you even know? I liked her more at the end, even though she did a complete 180 on her feelings about the Realm.
Next up, Alexander -Haakon’s best friend. I don’t think these people know what best friends are. I liked Alexander well enough, even though at one point he thought his best friend was capable of murdering his own father. I mean, really? Who would believe that about their best friend? I’m happy with his character growth throughout the book though, because he ends up doing what is best for him.
Lastly, Mary. At first I loved her, because she seemed like the underdog. And I still like her. I think she’s an extremely strong woman. But I also think she could have gotten a lesson in communication. It’s ridiculous to become so jealous that you treat your crush/best friend horribly, after you saw him talking to a girl. Really? I get that she’s a teenager, but still.
Anyway, every character here could have gotten a lesson in communication. And How Not To Be Selfish 101.
Overall, I liked this book well enough. I have to admit that I was expecting something different from the plot though. I would have enjoyed this more if I felt more for the characters or the mystery, but I didn’t. If you like YA urban fantasy, and find the synopsis intriguing, I’d say give it a go. My rating was one of the lowest, as many people gave it 4 or 5 stars.
foreveryoungadult's review
Graded By: Mandy C.
Cover Story: Urban Outfitters
BFF Charm: Yay x 3 and Mayb—Hell No
Swoonworthy Scale: 8
Talky Talk: Up With Royal People
Bonus Factors: Alternate Universe, Diversity
Anti-Bonus Factor: Trigger Warning
Relationship Status: Approved Tourist
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Urban Outfitters
BFF Charm: Yay x 3 and Mayb—Hell No
Swoonworthy Scale: 8
Talky Talk: Up With Royal People
Bonus Factors: Alternate Universe, Diversity
Anti-Bonus Factor: Trigger Warning
Relationship Status: Approved Tourist
Read the full book report here.
jacattack13's review
3.0
Opening line: "Before he was the enemy, James Haakon McHale III was just a seventeen-year-old in what most people knew as the state of Wyoming, wishing he was somewhere other than the predawn forest with a rifle in his grip."
Summary: This story follows 4 teenagers all with different POVs and plot lines. Hakkon, the next King who is easily controlled by the council and has no confidence and doesn't want to be king. Gwen, Hakkons soon to be wife who sneaks outside the border and goes rollar skating and meets a boy. Mary, who is a forgotten commoner but has her horse and best friend, Roarke to keep her sane. Alexander, who is Hakkons best friend and is gay but can't quite come to terms with it just yet. They all live in the state of Wyoming but it is better known as Eurus which is a kingdom all its own. These 4 teenagers have to deal with a secret that the Council have hidden away from the population for years.
My Take: I felt like having that many POVs were a little too much. 4 different POVs and all had different plot lines. It sometimes got too much. It was just all going into different directions but at the same time they did eventually converge and blend together at the end. I did start skimming in the middle because I wanted to learn more about a certain character more but the one who grew up the most were Mary and Gwen. I liked that it seemed like it was going to be a boys book but instead the girls became the heroines. I liked the twist though a bigger one lies in store when you did finish the book! *wink wink*
Highs: The plot twist was amazing!!
Lows: Got a little bored with it and too much teen angst. I know that its a YA novel and I'm sure that teenagers reading this would love it but I just got annoyed by it.
Closing line: "Even if it killed her."
Summary: This story follows 4 teenagers all with different POVs and plot lines. Hakkon, the next King who is easily controlled by the council and has no confidence and doesn't want to be king. Gwen, Hakkons soon to be wife who sneaks outside the border and goes rollar skating and meets a boy. Mary, who is a forgotten commoner but has her horse and best friend, Roarke to keep her sane. Alexander, who is Hakkons best friend and is gay but can't quite come to terms with it just yet. They all live in the state of Wyoming but it is better known as Eurus which is a kingdom all its own. These 4 teenagers have to deal with a secret that the Council have hidden away from the population for years.
My Take: I felt like having that many POVs were a little too much. 4 different POVs and all had different plot lines. It sometimes got too much. It was just all going into different directions but at the same time they did eventually converge and blend together at the end. I did start skimming in the middle because I wanted to learn more about a certain character more but the one who grew up the most were Mary and Gwen. I liked that it seemed like it was going to be a boys book but instead the girls became the heroines. I liked the twist though a bigger one lies in store when you did finish the book! *wink wink*
Highs: The plot twist was amazing!!
Lows: Got a little bored with it and too much teen angst. I know that its a YA novel and I'm sure that teenagers reading this would love it but I just got annoyed by it.
Closing line: "Even if it killed her."
booksonhermind's review
4.0
Okay, this book seriously needs to get more recognition. Why haven't more people read this, I don't know. But they better because I want a sequel and fast.
Court centers around the idea that Wyoming is actually a secret kingdom in the U.S. and it has been one for hundreds of years. It even has its own king. Now how cool is that? This was such an original setting and concept. It all starts with Prince Haakon, who does not want to be king and then bang! his father gets shot right in front of him which means he'll be king in two months time. Before that can happen though he'll be married off to Gwendolyn at the age of seventeen.
Source
There are four POV's in this story and it works really well. Haakon, the soon to be king; Gwendolyn or Gwen, the soon to be married off queen; Alexander, the prince's best friend; and Mary, an ordinary citizen of Eurus. Their choices will impact the whole kingdom which has secrets of its own. New information about the kingdom and its people will arise and depending on how our four main characters receive it'll change the course of the kingdom and all the lives it's supposed to protect.
Haakon just does not want to become king especially since the change his father went through when he became king. His father turned into a harsh and distant person -perpetually disappointed in him. He is more of a rich kid who doesn't want any responsibility, but it's thrust upon him anyway and he must figure out what to do with it. Gwendolyn (Gwen) is actually pretty rebellious. She doesn't want to be queen or married off so young to someone she doesn't even know. She's determined to find her way out of it. Alexander is holding on to a secret of his own while also trying to keep his best friend out of trouble. Mary is an ordinary girl with great strength of character. She wears her heart on her sleeve even if her best and only friend Roarke doesn't notice her. All these characters stories come together to make one page turning read.
Source
From beginning to end, Court had me enamored. And towards the end things get real. I could never have believed the dramatic change in the storyline if I hadn't read it myself. This is my second Cat Patrick book and I'm continually impressed by her writing and imagination. This underappreciated book needs more attention because it has everything to make you keep reading and wanting more.
Court centers around the idea that Wyoming is actually a secret kingdom in the U.S. and it has been one for hundreds of years. It even has its own king. Now how cool is that? This was such an original setting and concept. It all starts with Prince Haakon, who does not want to be king and then bang! his father gets shot right in front of him which means he'll be king in two months time. Before that can happen though he'll be married off to Gwendolyn at the age of seventeen.
Source
There are four POV's in this story and it works really well. Haakon, the soon to be king; Gwendolyn or Gwen, the soon to be married off queen; Alexander, the prince's best friend; and Mary, an ordinary citizen of Eurus. Their choices will impact the whole kingdom which has secrets of its own. New information about the kingdom and its people will arise and depending on how our four main characters receive it'll change the course of the kingdom and all the lives it's supposed to protect.
Haakon just does not want to become king especially since the change his father went through when he became king. His father turned into a harsh and distant person -perpetually disappointed in him. He is more of a rich kid who doesn't want any responsibility, but it's thrust upon him anyway and he must figure out what to do with it. Gwendolyn (Gwen) is actually pretty rebellious. She doesn't want to be queen or married off so young to someone she doesn't even know. She's determined to find her way out of it. Alexander is holding on to a secret of his own while also trying to keep his best friend out of trouble. Mary is an ordinary girl with great strength of character. She wears her heart on her sleeve even if her best and only friend Roarke doesn't notice her. All these characters stories come together to make one page turning read.
Source
From beginning to end, Court had me enamored. And towards the end things get real. I could never have believed the dramatic change in the storyline if I hadn't read it myself. This is my second Cat Patrick book and I'm continually impressed by her writing and imagination. This underappreciated book needs more attention because it has everything to make you keep reading and wanting more.
ruthsic's review
4.0
For more than 400 years, a secret monarchy has survived and thrived within the borders of the US, hiding in plain sight as the state known as Wyoming. But when the king is shot and his seventeen-year-old son, Haakon McHale, is told he will take the throne, becoming the eleventh ruler of the Kingdom of Eurus, the community that's survived for centuries is pushed to the limit. Told through four perspectives, Court transplants us to a world that looks like ours, but isn't. Gwendolyn Rose, daughter of the Duke of Coal, is grudgingly betrothed to Haakon -- and just wants a way out. Alexander Oxendine, son of the Duke of Wind and Haakon's lifelong best friend, already grapples with external struggles when he's assigned to guard Haakon after the king dies. And commoner Mary Doyle finds whispers in the woods that may solve -- or destroy -- everything, depending on your bloodline.
Money. Love. Power. Community. What's your motivation?
Court is like a YA Game of Thrones. The power plays, the drama, the intrigue - yep, all of that. So, there is a secret kingdom of mixed ethnicity (Caucasian and Native American) existing in the state of Wyoming, ruled for three centuries by a powerful family. The kingdom runs on it's five main resources, which are also the regions and consequently seats of power. Using four POVs, the story of Haakon's near-succession to the throne is narrated, amid the tumultuous atmosphere in the kingdom.
This book is heavily character-driven, and the four characters have distinct storylines that ultimately merge towards the end. Gwen is supposed to be the perfect bride, the Queen-to-be, but she wants anything other than that. She loves someone else, but knows it won't go anywhere as their kingdom won't allow it. Next is Haakon, a spoiled prince who doesn't want or know how to rule a kingdom at the age of seventeen. Mary is a commoner caught in the dynamics of court politics through a stranger, and Alexander is a queer character who chafes against the norms of the kingdom. Out of all the character arcs, Haakon's is the most intriguing - since he kinda goes down the Joffrey Baratheon route. His naivete for court politics is twisted in such a way that he goes paranoid and dark. Alexander could probably have helped him, if not caught up himself in the same mess of misunderstandings. He also is a passive character that doesn't seem fulfilling as a POV. Granted, he was confused about himself and his future, but damn, way to let your friend down. Finally, Mary is a supporting character that rounds up the other non-royal parts of the story, as well as being a piece that completes the puzzle. The skipping around the different POVs, though, made it a little difficult to keep each story thread straight.
As far as world-building goes, the construct seems shaky. It wasn't explained how exactly a private dictatorial kingdom flew under the radar for three centuries. It has layers, I know - the one the tourists see, and what it really is, but I find it hard to believe no one ever learnt about Eurus, not even through defectors? As for the character development, the oppressive traditional kingdom stuck in time works for the suffocation each of the main characters feel in Eurus. Coming back to the character-driven arc, I feel maybe this is why the world wasn't given as much focus. It certainly does fail when compared to other such fictional kingdoms, like Genovia or the Court in Vampire Academy. They at least blended well into the storyline, but Eurus seemed stuck in the last century and this, and even the Democracy and Realm felt like two different time points. I kept imagining them in period clothes all the time, and not as the modern teenagers they are. So, I felt the descriptions needed more work to paint a distinct picture in the mind.
In conclusion, I would say that this is an interesting start to a political-themed series, especially with that big bomb dropped near the climax. There will be a revolution or a coup, I don't know - but I am looking forward to it!
Money. Love. Power. Community. What's your motivation?
Court is like a YA Game of Thrones. The power plays, the drama, the intrigue - yep, all of that. So, there is a secret kingdom of mixed ethnicity (Caucasian and Native American) existing in the state of Wyoming, ruled for three centuries by a powerful family. The kingdom runs on it's five main resources, which are also the regions and consequently seats of power. Using four POVs, the story of Haakon's near-succession to the throne is narrated, amid the tumultuous atmosphere in the kingdom.
This book is heavily character-driven, and the four characters have distinct storylines that ultimately merge towards the end. Gwen is supposed to be the perfect bride, the Queen-to-be, but she wants anything other than that. She loves someone else, but knows it won't go anywhere as their kingdom won't allow it. Next is Haakon, a spoiled prince who doesn't want or know how to rule a kingdom at the age of seventeen. Mary is a commoner caught in the dynamics of court politics through a stranger, and Alexander is a queer character who chafes against the norms of the kingdom. Out of all the character arcs, Haakon's is the most intriguing - since he kinda goes down the Joffrey Baratheon route. His naivete for court politics is twisted in such a way that he goes paranoid and dark. Alexander could probably have helped him, if not caught up himself in the same mess of misunderstandings. He also is a passive character that doesn't seem fulfilling as a POV. Granted, he was confused about himself and his future, but damn, way to let your friend down. Finally, Mary is a supporting character that rounds up the other non-royal parts of the story, as well as being a piece that completes the puzzle. The skipping around the different POVs, though, made it a little difficult to keep each story thread straight.
As far as world-building goes, the construct seems shaky. It wasn't explained how exactly a private dictatorial kingdom flew under the radar for three centuries. It has layers, I know - the one the tourists see, and what it really is, but I find it hard to believe no one ever learnt about Eurus, not even through defectors? As for the character development, the oppressive traditional kingdom stuck in time works for the suffocation each of the main characters feel in Eurus. Coming back to the character-driven arc, I feel maybe this is why the world wasn't given as much focus. It certainly does fail when compared to other such fictional kingdoms, like Genovia or the Court in Vampire Academy. They at least blended well into the storyline, but Eurus seemed stuck in the last century and this, and even the Democracy and Realm felt like two different time points. I kept imagining them in period clothes all the time, and not as the modern teenagers they are. So, I felt the descriptions needed more work to paint a distinct picture in the mind.
In conclusion, I would say that this is an interesting start to a political-themed series, especially with that big bomb dropped near the climax. There will be a revolution or a coup, I don't know - but I am looking forward to it!
kimmym's review
3.0
(From www.pingwings.ca)
Received from Rock Star PR & Literary Consulting, for free, for review consideration. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Cover image and summary from Goodreads:
I loved the concept of this book: hidden monarchy in the present day U.S.A.? I’m intrigued! And also I LOVE that cover!
I liked the alternating viewpoints, and getting to see the kingdom of Eurus from different perspectives.
Sadly, while I read the first half of the book quickly and was super interested in the characters and what would happen to them, the second half of the book fell a bit flat for me, and unless there’s going to be a sequel (I can’t really tell from Goodreads at the time of writing this), I don’t care for the ending.
Despite my lukewarm feelings, I would recommend this because the idea is so unique. And if there is a sequel, I will definitely be reading it when it comes out!
Received from Rock Star PR & Literary Consulting, for free, for review consideration. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Cover image and summary from Goodreads:
For more than 400 years, a secret monarchy has survived and thrived within the borders of the US, hiding in plain sight as the state known as Wyoming. But when the king is shot and his seventeen-year-old son, Haakon McHale, is told he will take the throne, becoming the eleventh ruler of the Kingdom of Eurus, the community that’s survived for centuries is pushed to the limit. Told through four perspectives, Court transplants us to a world that looks like ours, but isn’t. Gwendolyn Rose, daughter of the Duke of Coal, is grudgingly betrothed to Haakon — and just wants a way out. Alexander Oxendine, son of the Duke of Wind and Haakon’s lifelong best friend, already grapples with external struggles when he’s assigned to guard Haakon after the king dies. And commoner Mary Doyle finds whispers in the woods that may solve — or destroy — everything, depending on your bloodline.
Money. Love. Power. Community. What’s your motivation?
I loved the concept of this book: hidden monarchy in the present day U.S.A.? I’m intrigued! And also I LOVE that cover!
I liked the alternating viewpoints, and getting to see the kingdom of Eurus from different perspectives.
Sadly, while I read the first half of the book quickly and was super interested in the characters and what would happen to them, the second half of the book fell a bit flat for me, and unless there’s going to be a sequel (I can’t really tell from Goodreads at the time of writing this), I don’t care for the ending.
Despite my lukewarm feelings, I would recommend this because the idea is so unique. And if there is a sequel, I will definitely be reading it when it comes out!
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