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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
A fast read, with fun characters and action. Some plot lines are a little clunky, and impossible situations saved by a suddenly revealed trick etc. However it is good fun and plenty of references to the Les Mis stories as you travel along.
First of a trilogy.
First of a trilogy.
This book just kind of jumped from one thing to another without much in-between, everything happened in quite a quick succession, it got confusing at times. Overall it kept me engaged, it was entertaining and I like MC. I dont know much about the French revolution so some of the story was lost on me.
Incredible! Just an incredible story!! Lots and lots of mystery, intrigue, beautiful sister love and strength, found families and a touch of romance! Nina is fierce and I mean FIERCE! She goes above and beyond to protect her sisters (real and found sisters). I love Nina's calculating ways, her reckless loyalty and her love of not giving a damn of who she takes down to accomplish her goals. Like yes, Nina keeps in mind the safety of her Guild family but she still seeks her revenge. Now a bit about the world building, I've heard that it's partly inspired by Les Misérables and while I haven't read or seen this original material before, I very much want too! I think it would be great to see what inspired this incredible tale of revenge, justice and loyalty! The various guilds mentioned throughout the story and amazing! My personal favorite would have to be Nina's Guild of Thieves and my other favorite character, Montparnasse's Guild of Assassins! There's also the Guild of Letters that interests, probably because I too consider myself a teller of stories ;) There is one warning I will give you though..... EXPECT A BOOK HANGOVER BECAUSE THERE'S A CLIFFHANGER ENDING *cue the tears*
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
*I would like to thank Netgalley and the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review*
This was one of my most anticipated reads for this year and I'm so glad to say that I was not disappointed.
This is a retelling of Les Misérables and I'd say it would be best to go into this with at least some knowledge of the story in order to better understand some of these characters and their significance.
Talking about characters, I loved the characters in this. There is a large cast of characters, despite this all of the characters have their own personality and I never once got confused about who was who. Nina is a great protagonist and her relationship with Ettie and the lengths she was willing to go to protect her is what really made this book for me.
The world building was also really well done and I loved learning more about the Court of Miracles and each of the different guilds that make it up.
I will say it was very slow going in the beginning and it took awhile for me to really get into the plot however once I did I fell in love with it. And the ending of this was so good and I can't wait of the sequel.
Overall, this book did not disappoint and I gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
Trigger warnings for: abuse, poverty, drug misuse, slavery, prostitution
This was one of my most anticipated reads for this year and I'm so glad to say that I was not disappointed.
This is a retelling of Les Misérables and I'd say it would be best to go into this with at least some knowledge of the story in order to better understand some of these characters and their significance.
Talking about characters, I loved the characters in this. There is a large cast of characters, despite this all of the characters have their own personality and I never once got confused about who was who. Nina is a great protagonist and her relationship with Ettie and the lengths she was willing to go to protect her is what really made this book for me.
The world building was also really well done and I loved learning more about the Court of Miracles and each of the different guilds that make it up.
I will say it was very slow going in the beginning and it took awhile for me to really get into the plot however once I did I fell in love with it. And the ending of this was so good and I can't wait of the sequel.
Overall, this book did not disappoint and I gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
Trigger warnings for: abuse, poverty, drug misuse, slavery, prostitution
Good Read
I didn’t know what to expect when I started this book. I love the characters and how the story unfolded. I look forward to reading more.
I didn’t know what to expect when I started this book. I love the characters and how the story unfolded. I look forward to reading more.
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I really enjoyed this book! It scratched both the Les Mis fan part of my brain, as well as the French history part, which made it super fun to read. It's definitely a dark story—fitting, considering what it's based on and the time it is set in—but not too dark that it was disturbing or difficult to read. It's still a long time to wait for the sequel (another year!), but thankfully, this book leaves on a relatively satisfying note so you aren't waiting in suspense forever. I'm looking forward to seeing where the sequel takes us!
Pros: Enjolras survives the novel
Cons: Can literally do everything. Break into the Palace? 3 times! Get someone out of the most secure prison? She only takes 5 minutes to think of a plan!
Valjean appears in this novel, but as a criminal mastermind, completely disregarding his redemption arc in the actual story of Les Mis. Also Javert is a woman, who had a thing with Valjean, which is why she hates him (rather than a driving force of justice). Enjolras is here, but always referred to as St. Juste (kind of makes me think he might as well have been a new character). Marius, no matter how significant to both Cosette and Eponine's stories is nowhere to be seen.
Also the Dauphin of France, Enjolras and Montparnasse all love Nina and will do whatever she wants (even after robbing them, getting them arrested and whatever else she does). And everyone is in debt to her. And Enjolras was up 5 minutes after he was badly wounded and patched up because Nina needed him.
I didn't like this book. If you want to read a book about a criminal underworld, read The Lies of Locke Lamora.
2 stars because I did actually read it all, and it is easy to read
Cons: Can literally do everything. Break into the Palace? 3 times! Get someone out of the most secure prison? She only takes 5 minutes to think of a plan!
Valjean appears in this novel, but as a criminal mastermind, completely disregarding his redemption arc in the actual story of Les Mis. Also Javert is a woman, who had a thing with Valjean, which is why she hates him (rather than a driving force of justice). Enjolras is here, but always referred to as St. Juste (kind of makes me think he might as well have been a new character). Marius, no matter how significant to both Cosette and Eponine's stories is nowhere to be seen.
Also the Dauphin of France, Enjolras and Montparnasse all love Nina and will do whatever she wants (even after robbing them, getting them arrested and whatever else she does). And everyone is in debt to her. And Enjolras was up 5 minutes after he was badly wounded and patched up because Nina needed him.
I didn't like this book. If you want to read a book about a criminal underworld, read The Lies of Locke Lamora.
2 stars because I did actually read it all, and it is easy to read
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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:
No