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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
I gave this book four stars only because I felt like things were getting wrapped up too quickly in the end. I loved the first half of the book, and all of the different interactions between the characters. However, the second half just didn’t really do it for me as much. I’m glad that this book is a part of a series, so we’ll be able to see where else this plot line is going because there were also a lot of loose ends left over (not a bad thing, just something to be aware of!). Overall, really enjoyed this read and I can’t wait for the second book!
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for an advance copy of this book!
When I heard about this book, I knew I needed to read it right away. A historical YA Les Mis-based novel where Eponine is the heroine? Sign me up! The nods to the original book and musical were numerous and I enjoyed finding them while reading. The story and worldbuilding in this book are exceptional and the historical aspects are well-researched and portrayed in a fascinating way. Nina is a compelling main character and her oftren rash decisions drive the narrative forward.
The narrative skips around a lot and often jumps many years without warning. To me this cheapened some of the emotional connections between characters, most specifically that of Nina and the boys of the Societe.
The main characters --Nina and Ettie -- have names taken right from the pages of Les Mis. That is where the similarities end. Nina is very different from the lonely pining Eponine of the original, and her relationship with Cosette -- the driving force behind this story -- is significantly changed as well. Woven throughout all of this is an original story line of the Court and the thieves guild that is very engaging and well-written. Some other familiar Les Mis characters make an appearance in one way or another (like Enjolras and Javert), while others are noticeably absent (Marius).
Most of the characters taken directly from Les Mis were lovingly crafted into amazingly well-written characters, but in that process also became so foreign from the source text as to be different characters entirely. I would have almost preferred if the characters weren't supposed to be the same characters we know from Les Mis, but instead were original characters that existed alongside the original story.
Overall, this was a gripping story that definitely kept me intrigued, and contained characters that were interesting and had a lot of heart. Will definitely recommend once it hits shelves. If you want the familiar characters and story of Les Mis, this book is not it. But if you want a new, engaging story with nods to the original Les Mis while somehow adding even more intrigue, this book is for you.
When I heard about this book, I knew I needed to read it right away. A historical YA Les Mis-based novel where Eponine is the heroine? Sign me up! The nods to the original book and musical were numerous and I enjoyed finding them while reading. The story and worldbuilding in this book are exceptional and the historical aspects are well-researched and portrayed in a fascinating way. Nina is a compelling main character and her oftren rash decisions drive the narrative forward.
The narrative skips around a lot and often jumps many years without warning. To me this cheapened some of the emotional connections between characters, most specifically that of Nina and the boys of the Societe.
The main characters --Nina and Ettie -- have names taken right from the pages of Les Mis. That is where the similarities end. Nina is very different from the lonely pining Eponine of the original, and her relationship with Cosette -- the driving force behind this story -- is significantly changed as well. Woven throughout all of this is an original story line of the Court and the thieves guild that is very engaging and well-written. Some other familiar Les Mis characters make an appearance in one way or another (like Enjolras and Javert), while others are noticeably absent (Marius).
Most of the characters taken directly from Les Mis were lovingly crafted into amazingly well-written characters, but in that process also became so foreign from the source text as to be different characters entirely. I would have almost preferred if the characters weren't supposed to be the same characters we know from Les Mis, but instead were original characters that existed alongside the original story.
Overall, this was a gripping story that definitely kept me intrigued, and contained characters that were interesting and had a lot of heart. Will definitely recommend once it hits shelves. If you want the familiar characters and story of Les Mis, this book is not it. But if you want a new, engaging story with nods to the original Les Mis while somehow adding even more intrigue, this book is for you.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was halfway through before I realized this was Les Mis inspired/retelling. I enjoyed the Guilds and their different strengths and liked Nina. The writing was smooth, enjoyable, and easy to read. I was disappointed only in the confusion I felt by the passage of time. I know there are dates in some of the chapters, but I felt like I never really knew how old Nina was supposed to be or how much time had passed. A teen, I figure. But beyond that, it’s anyone’s guess. Especially when she goes back and forth between talking about boys/young men.
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Disclaimer: I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
(From Instagram @between.these.paiges) The Court of Miracles was billed as mix of Les Miserables and Six of Crows and while I've never read (or watched) Les Mis, I do feel like it lived up to what I expected in that regards.⠀
⠀
It was a quick read with a compelling main character. The writing was very poetic, so I feel like I have to be in a certain mood to read it but overall, I definitely enjoyed this one and if the plot sounds interesting to you, make sure to pick it up!⠀
To Add--My true rating for this book is 3.5 stars, primarily because of the writing. It was poetic and beautiful but at times did get to be a bit much. However, I'm a fan of more direct writing and this could very well be something that makes it 5 stars for you.
(From Instagram @between.these.paiges) The Court of Miracles was billed as mix of Les Miserables and Six of Crows and while I've never read (or watched) Les Mis, I do feel like it lived up to what I expected in that regards.⠀
⠀
It was a quick read with a compelling main character. The writing was very poetic, so I feel like I have to be in a certain mood to read it but overall, I definitely enjoyed this one and if the plot sounds interesting to you, make sure to pick it up!⠀
To Add--My true rating for this book is 3.5 stars, primarily because of the writing. It was poetic and beautiful but at times did get to be a bit much. However, I'm a fan of more direct writing and this could very well be something that makes it 5 stars for you.
Kester Grant’s The Court of Miracles is inspired by both Les Miserables and The Jungle Book. Set during the time of the French Revolution, those wretched that are forgotten and neglected, just outside the gates of the opulent palace in Paris, draw together and create their own laws to survive by. This Court of Miracles is made up of 9 guilds that coexist but do not interfere with one another’s business where possible.
On the night Alzema is sold by her father into the Fleshers Guild, she arranges for her younger sister Nina to be accepted into the Thieves Guild, where she will be protected from the same fate. Nina desperately tries to save Alzema but finds her way blocked by the same set of laws that are now protecting her. In her new guild, she becomes the Black Cat and forms both new allies and enemies- and maybe even friends. To save her sisters, both by blood and by bond, Nina must challenge the complacency, hypocrisy, and willful ignorance around her and be willing to sacrifice everything.
I really enjoyed Grant’s debut novel and can’t wait to read the next book in the series when it comes out! I love the bond created between Eponine “Nina” and Cosette “Ettie.” The whole story line of the guilds within the Court of Miracles and the laws they are supposed to follow was so cool. And the scheming lengths to which Nina must go for the one she has promised to protect are a sight to behold. On another note, I am in love with this Illumicrate edition with the metallic foiling on the jacket and the black sprayed edges <3.
The Court of Miracles: 4/5 Stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
On the night Alzema is sold by her father into the Fleshers Guild, she arranges for her younger sister Nina to be accepted into the Thieves Guild, where she will be protected from the same fate. Nina desperately tries to save Alzema but finds her way blocked by the same set of laws that are now protecting her. In her new guild, she becomes the Black Cat and forms both new allies and enemies- and maybe even friends. To save her sisters, both by blood and by bond, Nina must challenge the complacency, hypocrisy, and willful ignorance around her and be willing to sacrifice everything.
I really enjoyed Grant’s debut novel and can’t wait to read the next book in the series when it comes out! I love the bond created between Eponine “Nina” and Cosette “Ettie.” The whole story line of the guilds within the Court of Miracles and the laws they are supposed to follow was so cool. And the scheming lengths to which Nina must go for the one she has promised to protect are a sight to behold. On another note, I am in love with this Illumicrate edition with the metallic foiling on the jacket and the black sprayed edges <3.
The Court of Miracles: 4/5 Stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
I hadn't reading of the other books this has been compared to so had no idea what to expect however I really enjoyed this book. I really liked the colourful characters and the the court of miracles with its different criminal guilds. It was an easy read that kept me interested in the story all the way through.
Kester Grant's version of France in the 1820's may look similar to 1820's France that we know, but her France shows the criminal underbelly fighting against the grueling reality of a distant monarchy who do not care for their people's lives. As young Eponine watches her own father sell her sister to the fiercest Guild in The Court of Miracles, she adopts one of the last things her sister says to her as her life motto: "Sometimes we must pay a terrible price to protect the things we love." For those she loves, Nina becomes one of the most renowned thief to enter The Court to bring vengeance upon the men who took her sister from her. Grant creates an intriguing world of deception, love, and revenge that will keep readers on their toes the whole time.
Grant expertly takes the world of Les Miserables and increases the character development of the beloved characters within the novel in this beautiful retelling. While fans of the original novel/musical agree that the lovely Eponine deserved better, Grant allows her to shine as the narrative follows her surviving on the dark streets of France. While adding original characters and changing the fates of the characters already known to readers, she explores what could have happened if at least one character infiltrated the French officials to find out their plans to rid the country of the revolutionaries.
Grant's writing style will immerse readers into the underground as the intrigue of the various courts overtakes them completely. This novel kept me wanting more and more as I read, and I was devastated when it ended. I greatly look forward to any additional pieces of the story that Grant may give to readers and will eagerly recommend it to anyone!
I received this arc through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated above are mine. Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me this Advanced Reader's Copy, I enjoyed every minute of it.
Grant expertly takes the world of Les Miserables and increases the character development of the beloved characters within the novel in this beautiful retelling. While fans of the original novel/musical agree that the lovely Eponine deserved better, Grant allows her to shine as the narrative follows her surviving on the dark streets of France. While adding original characters and changing the fates of the characters already known to readers, she explores what could have happened if at least one character infiltrated the French officials to find out their plans to rid the country of the revolutionaries.
Grant's writing style will immerse readers into the underground as the intrigue of the various courts overtakes them completely. This novel kept me wanting more and more as I read, and I was devastated when it ended. I greatly look forward to any additional pieces of the story that Grant may give to readers and will eagerly recommend it to anyone!
I received this arc through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated above are mine. Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me this Advanced Reader's Copy, I enjoyed every minute of it.
I need time to gather my thoughts and just...come back from the high this book threw me into. It was different from what I expected, and so much better for it. I...I just can't stop smiling, I loved every second of this ride, and I can't wait to talk more about it. And I need the second book now!