The Court of Miracles (A Court of Miracles #1)

The one thing about reviewing a book early is having so few people to talk to about it!

So I first requested this book on Netgalley purely for the cover. I had not seen this book anywhere, never heard of the author, knew nothing about its contents.

Man, was this the best cover pick ever.

I LOVED this book. I honestly thought this was an adult historical fiction due to the writing style, gritty and, at times, gruesome details, and the unbelievably, truly morally grey main character (I say this because grey characters are hard to do and I don’t see them done well in YA all that often). There is no magic in this book except for the author’s writing and storytelling (another thing I didn’t expect). And yet the characters held this story together and kept me enraptured the entire time. This book does involve thievery, and I love that the author doesn’t try to overdo the plans or try to mislead you (because, again, this can go awry). And I love that the main character is driven by her passion – something that shines throughout. (It also helps that there weren’t any needless side plots thrown in that would dissuade the MC’s passion, which I was nervous would happen a few times – if you’re an avid reader of YA then hopefully you’ll catch my drift).

I don’t think this will be a book for everyone – it is slow and simmering, building upon itself with each chapter, but I can see how this can deter some readers. But if you like books about thievery, underground organizations, several murder attempts, and 1800s France, then I highly recommend it!

At first, it seemed like a weird combination to say this book is like Les Misrables meets Six of Crows. But surprisingly, it works really well. This was such a fun, adventurous, and fast-paced young adult fantasy novel by a new and promising author. The Court of Miraclesis a beautifully written and empowering story that is a perfect blend of history and fantasy.

The characters are so well developed and easily relatable. Nina is such a strong and wickedly kickbutt heroine. I loved how she was portrayed and how her bond with her sisters was the most important thing to her. Her relationship with her sister, Ettie, was moving and so realistic. She would do absolutely anything for her younger sister, and that says a lot about the type of character she is in this brutal world. Nina’s relationships with Ettie and her friends are constantly tested, so it goes to show just how strong she really is.

But the story isn’t just about Nina’s bond with her younger sister. It’s also filled with shocking betrayals. Nina thought she knew who she could trust but she quickly realizes that she can trust no one but herself in her cruel world.

I was obsessed with the world building. It’s enchanting, a charmingly vibrant world that’s filled with just as much darkness as there is light. The magic aspect fits so well into this world; I enjoyed how the magic was separated into factions and how it molded into the law of the world. Just every aspect of this world and its contenders (because in a way, this world is either be the hunter or be hunted) is hauntingly beautiful. The world building was everything I hoped for and more.

The story itself is filled with breathtaking and riveting moments, moments that I was remembering days after reading this story. Grant’s writing is superb and truly grasps the reader’s attention. She’s created a story filled to the brim with betrayal and surprising twists. The Court of Miraclesis a wholly new and fascinating world steaming with historical flavors, and Grant does a phenomenal job combining two different genres. She brings to the table a strong and compelling story, one that I really hope many young adult fantasy readers choose to read.

Overall, I was blown away by this fantasy debut and I cannot wait to see what the author has in store for us next.The Court of Miraclesis filled with adventure, shocking deception, strong relationships, sisterly bond, and so much more. I highly recommend this fantasy story to all readers!

The cover and the synopsis piqued my interest enough to request an Arc of this book. Honestly, I didn’t think I would be crazy for it. I just thought it was be good. This is one of the rare times ,where I’m glad I was wrong. This is was no ordinary story. I loved every page of it.

This book sucked me in from the beginning. The world building was phenomenal I love how the outcasts and criminals of society come together and build their own underground world. There’s a code of honor among them. Even, if some of its members are cruel, twisted and depraved. It’s a world I wouldn’t survive a day in. Yet, from the outside looking in. I’m entranced by the inner working of the 9 guilds that make up this untouchable society.

Our main MC is Nina. I love how in the beginning her sister does something to protect her. So, you think she is weak and has no back bone. But you couldn’t be further from the truth. She might be small but she is mighty. Her strength and intelligence is how she survives this world. She starts out on her own mission. To rescue the sister that gave up everything for her. But that goal soon spirals into something bigger and beyond her. Will she survive taking on a monster and a city on the brink of a revolution?

Youll have to read the book to find out.

“You must make your enemies your allies.
And if you can’t do that, then destroy them.
Them, and all who follow them,
so that fear doesn’t come for you when you sleep.”

The Court of Miracles is a fusion of Les Miserables and the Jungle Book. Set in 1828 Paris after a failed revolution. The poor and the overlooked have created a court of criminals (The Court of Miracles) with different guilds specializing in thieving, murder, drug trafficking, prostitution and more.

“Now these are the of
the Miracle Court,…
the Wretched that keep
them may prosper,
but the Wretched that
break them must die.”

The criminal underground is more organized than ever, and caught in the middle of the politics is Nina (Eponine), the black cat of the Guild of Thieves.

The criminals are cutthroat, and the city is alive with mystery, and mischief, and smog; it breathes life into the narrative with every turn of a page. Brutal. Full of flawed, fascinating characters. A wild, eventful ride from start to finish.

I enjoyed every minute of this book and devoured it like a delicious religieuse (la Reine des Gateaux would approve, no doubt), in the course of two days.
A sumptuous adventure chock-full of angry young men and daring dark women you really dont want to cross.
There werent any dragons, fae or witches, but this story is more than magical enough, all by itself.
Can you hear the people sing? Yes, I jolly well can; theyre singing the praises of Kester Grant.
One Novel More, please, Ms Grant.

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