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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
I definitely enjoyed this one! I liked how fierce the protagonist was and so freaking determined! I liked the story and though I could do without all the love interests at every corner (though I am routing for you Master of Swords). I liked the storyline and I can’t wait to see what the second book brings! It was fast, thrilling, and you were able to empathize with the protagonists. She was someone who would do anything for the ones she loved, and I love that in a character. The story has thrilling plots and twists and turns. Definitely a fun read!
Is it just me, or does anyone else feel like they’ve added a surge of YA novels inspired by one of the French revolutions to their tbr lately? With this book, I was immediately intrigued when its description called it a Les Mis retelling.
Éponine “Nina” Thénardier witnesses her greedy father sell her beloved elder sister, Azelma, to a cruel brothel owner in exchange for a few gold coins. To save Nina from the same fate, Azelma arranges for her to be rescued from their father and swept into the mysterious Court of Miracles in the underworld of Paris. Made up of nine Guilds, the Court is a dark kingdom with political rivalries and ruthless rules of its own. Nina enthusiastically joins the Thieves Guild and becomes known as “The Black Cat” for her stealth and ability to sneak into any building. She soon discovers that the very man who bought her sister is none other than The Tiger, Lord of the Guild of Flesh, and Nina vows rescue Azelma. But when Thénardier adopts the beautiful Cosette “Ettie”, and she attracts The Tiger’s eye, Nina must concoct a plan to keep both her sisters safe.
This description, for me, is the true essence of this novel; a tale of sisterly love in a high-stakes, ominous world. It kept me on the edge of my seat as I wondered how Nina and Ettie would manage to escape the men trying to keep them caged. So why then, you might ask, is this a Les Mis retelling, aside from the characters’ names? If so, you’re asking the very question I found myself repeating throughout the book.
Yes, this book includes many other beloved Les Mis characters (Valjean, Javert, Enjolras and the Friends of the ABC, Gavroche. No Marius, surprisingly). Yes, one of the subplots involves the student-led June Rebellion and the battles at the barricade. But for a retelling, the Les Mis factor of it all is very underwhelming and left me wondering why it was even necessary. I wasn’t hyped on feelings of revolution and justice (Vive la France!), but rather felt invested in Nina’s life-or-death struggle to outwit the brotherhood she once vowed to uphold. If this book had solely relied on the fantastical, sinister world of the Court and its cast of compelling side characters (Orso, Femi, Tomasis, Lady Corday, The Tiger, etc.), it would have been just as successful, if not even more so.
That being said, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast-paced read; I couldn’t stop turning the pages as I followed Nina through the streets of Paris, from the royal palace to the sewers below. Kester Grant does an incredible job setting the scene and making you feel, smell, and hear everything Nina does, as though you’re sneaking along right beside her. I absolutely loved Nina’s sweet relationship with Ettie, as the bond the adopted sisters shared outdid all the other relationships in the book.
Additionally, you might enjoy this book if you like stories with light romance. Romance isn’t central to the plot, but rather it’s peppered throughout the book and takes a backseat to the rest of the action. However, it just didn't work for me. The flirting in which Nina partakes with not one, but three men is not only sparse – it also lacks chemistry. And don’t get me started on the scene where she surprise kisses Le Dauphin… I know it was to throw him off guard, but surprise kisses are not romantic.
The timeline of Nina’s story spans several years, however these time jumps are not well established. Despite the year being indicated at the beginning of each section, I still had a difficult time discerning how old Nina was supposed to be. At one point I stopped picturing her as a child and started imagining her as a teenager, but this was a choice I made based on the plot (read: romance) rather than clear cues indicated in the text. Also, the various animal fables at the beginning of each act didn’t add anything to the story for me – I think they were meant to enrich the plot, but I simply skipped most of them (I’m generally not a fan of this technique, though).
Overall, this was a good debut. I was surprised to learn it will be a series, as I think this book could easily succeed as a standalone novel. With the conflict resolved by the end, I’m interested to see what the second book will entail. I haven’t decided whether I’ll continue with the series, and I think I’ll wait to decide until I read the description of the sequel.
Thank you to Random House Children's via Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Éponine “Nina” Thénardier witnesses her greedy father sell her beloved elder sister, Azelma, to a cruel brothel owner in exchange for a few gold coins. To save Nina from the same fate, Azelma arranges for her to be rescued from their father and swept into the mysterious Court of Miracles in the underworld of Paris. Made up of nine Guilds, the Court is a dark kingdom with political rivalries and ruthless rules of its own. Nina enthusiastically joins the Thieves Guild and becomes known as “The Black Cat” for her stealth and ability to sneak into any building. She soon discovers that the very man who bought her sister is none other than The Tiger, Lord of the Guild of Flesh, and Nina vows rescue Azelma. But when Thénardier adopts the beautiful Cosette “Ettie”, and she attracts The Tiger’s eye, Nina must concoct a plan to keep both her sisters safe.
This description, for me, is the true essence of this novel; a tale of sisterly love in a high-stakes, ominous world. It kept me on the edge of my seat as I wondered how Nina and Ettie would manage to escape the men trying to keep them caged. So why then, you might ask, is this a Les Mis retelling, aside from the characters’ names? If so, you’re asking the very question I found myself repeating throughout the book.
Yes, this book includes many other beloved Les Mis characters (Valjean, Javert, Enjolras and the Friends of the ABC, Gavroche. No Marius, surprisingly). Yes, one of the subplots involves the student-led June Rebellion and the battles at the barricade. But for a retelling, the Les Mis factor of it all is very underwhelming and left me wondering why it was even necessary. I wasn’t hyped on feelings of revolution and justice (Vive la France!), but rather felt invested in Nina’s life-or-death struggle to outwit the brotherhood she once vowed to uphold. If this book had solely relied on the fantastical, sinister world of the Court and its cast of compelling side characters (Orso, Femi, Tomasis, Lady Corday, The Tiger, etc.), it would have been just as successful, if not even more so.
That being said, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast-paced read; I couldn’t stop turning the pages as I followed Nina through the streets of Paris, from the royal palace to the sewers below. Kester Grant does an incredible job setting the scene and making you feel, smell, and hear everything Nina does, as though you’re sneaking along right beside her. I absolutely loved Nina’s sweet relationship with Ettie, as the bond the adopted sisters shared outdid all the other relationships in the book.
Additionally, you might enjoy this book if you like stories with light romance. Romance isn’t central to the plot, but rather it’s peppered throughout the book and takes a backseat to the rest of the action. However, it just didn't work for me. The flirting in which Nina partakes with not one, but three men is not only sparse – it also lacks chemistry. And don’t get me started on the scene where she surprise kisses Le Dauphin… I know it was to throw him off guard, but surprise kisses are not romantic.
The timeline of Nina’s story spans several years, however these time jumps are not well established. Despite the year being indicated at the beginning of each section, I still had a difficult time discerning how old Nina was supposed to be. At one point I stopped picturing her as a child and started imagining her as a teenager, but this was a choice I made based on the plot (read: romance) rather than clear cues indicated in the text. Also, the various animal fables at the beginning of each act didn’t add anything to the story for me – I think they were meant to enrich the plot, but I simply skipped most of them (I’m generally not a fan of this technique, though).
Overall, this was a good debut. I was surprised to learn it will be a series, as I think this book could easily succeed as a standalone novel. With the conflict resolved by the end, I’m interested to see what the second book will entail. I haven’t decided whether I’ll continue with the series, and I think I’ll wait to decide until I read the description of the sequel.
Thank you to Random House Children's via Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I thought this book sounded really good. Then I read some of the mixed reviews. I saw it on Net Galley and decided to form my own opinion and then decide if I want to buy a copy.
I really liked it! I loved these characters from the start. Nina, Ettie, and Montparnasse are just some of my faves. Lady Corday is both frightening and brilliant.
I found the Courts intriguing, and the heists were so much fun to read about.
I will definitely be buying a copy.
I received a copy from Net Galley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really liked it! I loved these characters from the start. Nina, Ettie, and Montparnasse are just some of my faves. Lady Corday is both frightening and brilliant.
I found the Courts intriguing, and the heists were so much fun to read about.
I will definitely be buying a copy.
I received a copy from Net Galley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It just wasn't really my thing, my best friend LOVES it tho!! It's one of her favorites!!
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
I was very surprised at how much I loved this book. As it ended I was beyond ready for the next chapter, the next book. I'm a sucker for books with strong political systems and this book provided well. Not only in the monarchy but also the Guilds- they felt like they were built on a strong foundation.
Pros: Somehow the Les Mis tie in worked- even with the changes made. More of an alternate history/look into the underbelly of the city rather than a true retelling.
I am all about the guilds. 100%. In fact, I kind of wish someone would make an RPG with this setting because it works so well.
Cons: Our main character is pretty indestructible despite everything. She challenges the laws of the guild and is punished but not as severely as she probably should be.
SPOILERS
The ending is essentially a declaration of war- and I am hoping that our main character sees punishment or fallout from this instead of a stern talking to.
Pros: Somehow the Les Mis tie in worked- even with the changes made. More of an alternate history/look into the underbelly of the city rather than a true retelling.
I am all about the guilds. 100%. In fact, I kind of wish someone would make an RPG with this setting because it works so well.
Cons: Our main character is pretty indestructible despite everything. She challenges the laws of the guild and is punished but not as severely as she probably should be.
SPOILERS
The ending is essentially a declaration of war- and I am hoping that our main character sees punishment or fallout from this instead of a stern talking to.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
u know it’s going to be a good book when it has a map on the first page and this is a very good book.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
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:
Complicated