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heartscontent's review against another edition
5.0
You can find this review of The Court of Miracles on my blog, Heart's Content!
A big shout out and thank you to FFBC Tours for including me in the tour and to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!
Slump? What slump?
The Court of Miracles was utterly out of my typical preference in reading, however, when I read that blurb and saw that cover, I knew I had to read this book and I solemnly swear I shall, for the rest of my life, always always always listen to my intuition because it has never led me wrong ever.
This story is the first one where despite the protagonist being such a large presence in it, the plot utterly outweighs literally everything and everyone. The story flows so well that had the author been a seamstress, this book would be the cloth with the highest thread count with not a single breath capable of slipping through the space between one thread and another. The plot is tight, filled with mystery, intrigue, betrayal, politics and thrill. My heart was beating throughout the last thirty percent of the book and I was genuinely sitting at the edge of the seat, my eyes unable to even consider getting distracted. Despite this, I guessed nothing. There were moments where my reactions were out loud and I start to talk to (read: shout incoherently at) the closest seated family member, spewing what just happened even though they had no context, because I had to tell someone–MY MIND WAS BEING BLOWN.
The characters. Here’s the thing, despite it being so well plotted out, it’s such a surprise that each character had such a very specific presence, role and personality. Every single page is a like a domino that the author has placed just at that precise location and nothing makes sense until they’ve already fallen and you watch the consequences and then finally… the whole picture. Or at least what the author wants you to see.
Usually any ambiguity in the protagonist’s love interest has me jaded and makes me disengage from the protagonist, but here’s the thing, I was with the protagonist through the whole of her journey I felt everything she did. But gosh there was this one character I think my heart settled on.
This story is about love. About obsession and revenge. But not that kind you would presume and at the same time the kind you would expect. The metaphors, the drama! I swear it felt like I was watching it happen, goosebumps and shock spreading through me! The author has handled a lot of social ideas and issues in subtle ways hidden beneath the layer of fiction. I highly recommend this book, be prepared for a ride with the biggest rush ever.
A big shout out and thank you to FFBC Tours for including me in the tour and to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!
Slump? What slump?
The Court of Miracles was utterly out of my typical preference in reading, however, when I read that blurb and saw that cover, I knew I had to read this book and I solemnly swear I shall, for the rest of my life, always always always listen to my intuition because it has never led me wrong ever.
This story is the first one where despite the protagonist being such a large presence in it, the plot utterly outweighs literally everything and everyone. The story flows so well that had the author been a seamstress, this book would be the cloth with the highest thread count with not a single breath capable of slipping through the space between one thread and another. The plot is tight, filled with mystery, intrigue, betrayal, politics and thrill. My heart was beating throughout the last thirty percent of the book and I was genuinely sitting at the edge of the seat, my eyes unable to even consider getting distracted. Despite this, I guessed nothing. There were moments where my reactions were out loud and I start to talk to (read: shout incoherently at) the closest seated family member, spewing what just happened even though they had no context, because I had to tell someone–MY MIND WAS BEING BLOWN.
The characters. Here’s the thing, despite it being so well plotted out, it’s such a surprise that each character had such a very specific presence, role and personality. Every single page is a like a domino that the author has placed just at that precise location and nothing makes sense until they’ve already fallen and you watch the consequences and then finally… the whole picture. Or at least what the author wants you to see.
Usually any ambiguity in the protagonist’s love interest has me jaded and makes me disengage from the protagonist, but here’s the thing, I was with the protagonist through the whole of her journey I felt everything she did. But gosh there was this one character I think my heart settled on.
This story is about love. About obsession and revenge. But not that kind you would presume and at the same time the kind you would expect. The metaphors, the drama! I swear it felt like I was watching it happen, goosebumps and shock spreading through me! The author has handled a lot of social ideas and issues in subtle ways hidden beneath the layer of fiction. I highly recommend this book, be prepared for a ride with the biggest rush ever.
chelseaj_'s review
3.0
Maybe more 3,5, the story was enjoyable and fast-paced, but I felt like there was something missing from the character development and character relationships
bexthebookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
halfpennywren's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Sexual violence, Violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Slavery and Trafficking
Minor: Animal death and Gun violence
booktreasuresau's review against another edition
3.0
Das Cover zu 'Der Hof der Wunder' von Kester Grant hat mich sofort begeistert. Ich liebe die Vogelsilhouette, Schrift und auch die Farben konnten mich für sich einnehmen.
Die Sprecherin Marie Bierstedt ist meine liebste weibliche Sprecherin, daher muss ich sagen war ich doch ein wenig enttäuscht, dass ich nicht hundertprozent überzeugt bin von der Story. Das ist aber keinesfalls die Schuld der Sprecherin, denn ich finde sie hat wie immer ihr bestes gegeben und die Geschichte so gut wie eben möglich umzusetzen.
Leider hat mich die Story selbst nicht wirklich fesseln können. Ich fand es zwar ganz okay, aber eben auch nur das: Okay! Ich fand die Handlung alles in allem ziemlich wirr und obwohl das Hörbuch erst einen wirklich spannenden Start hingelegt hat, hat mich die Geschichte nach ca. einem Drittel nicht mehr halten können. Meiner Meinung nach war der Sprung zwischen der ursprünglichen Handlung - der Rettung von Ninas Schwester' - und den darauffolgenden Ereignissen einerseits zu abgehackt und andererseits zu langatmig. Irgendwie fand ich den ganzen Plot total verschachtelt und verwirrend. Wie ihr nun seht, konnte mich die Handlung leider nicht überzeugen.
Alles in allem fand ich 'Der Hof Der Wunder - Teil 1' ganz okay. Leider konnte mich die Handlung nicht von sich überzeugen, denn meiner Meinung nach hätte der Plot noch viel mehr ausgearbeitet werden müssen.
Die Sprecherin hingegen hat wie immer ihr bestes gegeben, was man wie ich finde auch wirklich merkt. Leider konnte auch Marie die Story für mich nicht retten. Daher: diesmal leider keine Lese- / Hörempfehlung von mir.
Die Sprecherin Marie Bierstedt ist meine liebste weibliche Sprecherin, daher muss ich sagen war ich doch ein wenig enttäuscht, dass ich nicht hundertprozent überzeugt bin von der Story. Das ist aber keinesfalls die Schuld der Sprecherin, denn ich finde sie hat wie immer ihr bestes gegeben und die Geschichte so gut wie eben möglich umzusetzen.
Leider hat mich die Story selbst nicht wirklich fesseln können. Ich fand es zwar ganz okay, aber eben auch nur das: Okay! Ich fand die Handlung alles in allem ziemlich wirr und obwohl das Hörbuch erst einen wirklich spannenden Start hingelegt hat, hat mich die Geschichte nach ca. einem Drittel nicht mehr halten können. Meiner Meinung nach war der Sprung zwischen der ursprünglichen Handlung - der Rettung von Ninas Schwester' - und den darauffolgenden Ereignissen einerseits zu abgehackt und andererseits zu langatmig. Irgendwie fand ich den ganzen Plot total verschachtelt und verwirrend. Wie ihr nun seht, konnte mich die Handlung leider nicht überzeugen.
Alles in allem fand ich 'Der Hof Der Wunder - Teil 1' ganz okay. Leider konnte mich die Handlung nicht von sich überzeugen, denn meiner Meinung nach hätte der Plot noch viel mehr ausgearbeitet werden müssen.
Die Sprecherin hingegen hat wie immer ihr bestes gegeben, was man wie ich finde auch wirklich merkt. Leider konnte auch Marie die Story für mich nicht retten. Daher: diesmal leider keine Lese- / Hörempfehlung von mir.
coffeestarsbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.5
thebookwormsfeast's review against another edition
4.0
“This is how it started;
with a sister weeping in her bed;
a child so terrified she sold herself to a thief;
a girl so lovely, the world went to war to possess her”
This book was so promising! I think I may have put just a little too much expectation on it. But I mean, come on - just look at that quote! How could I not!?
I must say, I was it super easy reading, and the last 150 pages or so were a delight. It felt we were finally getting to more of what I expected from the story. Before that, everything is super easy for Nina and it was lacking a bit of depth in my opinion. There are these flash-forwards in time rather than some character development, and a lot of fleeting glimpses of characters with some really juicy tidbits that aren't really explored.
Whether the fact I haven't read or watched Les Miserables, which I believe this book leans on for the setting from the promotional material I've seen, is a factor in my believing there is a lack of something - I'm not sure. With it also being called akin to Six of Crows, I expected a lot more plotting and scheming - and although we get some similar situations, the scheming is rather thin on the ground.
I feel I have been rather negative here, and I really don't mean to be. I did enjoy it - I'm just not sure what specifically I enjoyed. With enjoying the closing section so much more, I am looking forward to the next instalment.
3.5 stars, rounded to 4
lilmonkey30's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? No
5.0
I cannot wait to pick up book two. The Court of Miracles has quickly placed itself as my second book in my top five this year!
aprilreads_andwanders's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 Stars
Synopsis: In the violent urban jungle of an alternate 1828 Paris, the French Revolution has failed and the city is divided between merciless royalty and nine underworld criminal guilds, known as the Court of Miracles. Eponine (Nina) Thénardier is a talented cat burglar and member of the Thieves Guild. Nina's life is midnight robberies, avoiding her father's fists, and watching over her naïve adopted sister, Cosette (Ettie). When Ettie attracts the eye of the Tiger--the ruthless lord of the Guild of Flesh--Nina is caught in a desperate race to keep the younger girl safe. Her vow takes her from the city's dark underbelly to the glittering court of Louis XVII. And it also forces Nina to make a terrible choice--protect Ettie and set off a brutal war between the guilds, or forever lose her sister to the Tiger.
I enjoyed this! It was fast paced (maybe to a fault?) and I was immersed in the criminal underbelly of this alternate French world in no time. I guess my theme here for this review is I really enjoyed it; I just wanted a little more (not scope necessarily but depth)
This is how it started;
with a sister weeping in her bed;
a child so terrified she sold herself to a thief;
a girl so lovely, the world went to war to possess her”
One of my favorite aspects was the gritty alternate Parisian world where twelve guilds rule the criminal underworld. I am a complete sucker for a well developed, imaginative, intricate world and this definitely has the makings and promise for that. We get pretty well acquainted with a few of the guilds, but (and here comes my theme) I wanted more. I want to know more about their history, their sacred beliefs and traditions, which guilds are allies and which guilds clash and why. I want to know ALL the things. Speaking of the world I really hope there is a map in the finished copy and some kind of family tree for each guild would be AH MAZING
There is a well rounded cast of characters and I loved Nina's character and development. From a scared little half pint to the clever, badass, most lethal weapon of the Thieves Guild. I'm definitely intrigued by so many other characters (St. Juste, Grantaire (hilarious!), Monteparnasse to name a few) but I don't feel like I really got to know them. I love it when you have a cast of characters and each of them are developed enough to stand on their own. Where you feel like you know them, their history, what motivates them, their traumas, their quirks. And I think we had the start of that...just needed more.
I did enjoy the writing and the storytelling. The quotes from the Jungle Book and the added folk tales of the mice and cats added a nice little spin. My main complaint here is that it seemed a little jumpy. There were a lot of place and time transitions that made some of the writing feel kind of clunky. I think that things could have actually slowed down a bit and then maybe I could have had my details...my "more" and the pacing really wouldn't have suffered for it.
This is solid a first installment and I will for sure pick up the next book. I want to see where this goes and I want to meet those other guilds!
I received an advanced copy of this title from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions of the book in any way. Thank you Knopf Books for Young Readers and Netgalley for the review copy!
Synopsis: In the violent urban jungle of an alternate 1828 Paris, the French Revolution has failed and the city is divided between merciless royalty and nine underworld criminal guilds, known as the Court of Miracles. Eponine (Nina) Thénardier is a talented cat burglar and member of the Thieves Guild. Nina's life is midnight robberies, avoiding her father's fists, and watching over her naïve adopted sister, Cosette (Ettie). When Ettie attracts the eye of the Tiger--the ruthless lord of the Guild of Flesh--Nina is caught in a desperate race to keep the younger girl safe. Her vow takes her from the city's dark underbelly to the glittering court of Louis XVII. And it also forces Nina to make a terrible choice--protect Ettie and set off a brutal war between the guilds, or forever lose her sister to the Tiger.
I enjoyed this! It was fast paced (maybe to a fault?) and I was immersed in the criminal underbelly of this alternate French world in no time. I guess my theme here for this review is I really enjoyed it; I just wanted a little more (not scope necessarily but depth)
This is how it started;
with a sister weeping in her bed;
a child so terrified she sold herself to a thief;
a girl so lovely, the world went to war to possess her”
One of my favorite aspects was the gritty alternate Parisian world where twelve guilds rule the criminal underworld. I am a complete sucker for a well developed, imaginative, intricate world and this definitely has the makings and promise for that. We get pretty well acquainted with a few of the guilds, but (and here comes my theme) I wanted more. I want to know more about their history, their sacred beliefs and traditions, which guilds are allies and which guilds clash and why. I want to know ALL the things. Speaking of the world I really hope there is a map in the finished copy and some kind of family tree for each guild would be AH MAZING
There is a well rounded cast of characters and I loved Nina's character and development. From a scared little half pint to the clever, badass, most lethal weapon of the Thieves Guild. I'm definitely intrigued by so many other characters (St. Juste, Grantaire (hilarious!), Monteparnasse to name a few) but I don't feel like I really got to know them. I love it when you have a cast of characters and each of them are developed enough to stand on their own. Where you feel like you know them, their history, what motivates them, their traumas, their quirks. And I think we had the start of that...just needed more.
I did enjoy the writing and the storytelling. The quotes from the Jungle Book and the added folk tales of the mice and cats added a nice little spin. My main complaint here is that it seemed a little jumpy. There were a lot of place and time transitions that made some of the writing feel kind of clunky. I think that things could have actually slowed down a bit and then maybe I could have had my details...my "more" and the pacing really wouldn't have suffered for it.
This is solid a first installment and I will for sure pick up the next book. I want to see where this goes and I want to meet those other guilds!
I received an advanced copy of this title from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions of the book in any way. Thank you Knopf Books for Young Readers and Netgalley for the review copy!
darkskybooks's review against another edition
4.0
The French Revolution is providing some fertile ground for fantasy literature at the moment - we already had Kat Dunn's excellent Dangerous Remedy, and now we get The Court of Miracles.
The Court of Miracles is essentially a retelling of Les Miserables from the perspective of Eponine (Nina) and the criminal underworld. What follows is a swashbucklingly fun tale of how Nina rises in the Court of Miracles (the criminal council that runs the underworld). Nina is a great heroine figure - adaptable and skilled.
The main thing to say about this story is that it is simply fun. It uses characters that we are familiar with from the classic telling of Les Mis and fleshes out their stories providing interesting twists on plot elements we already know. All the favourites from that story are here from Gavroche to Thernadier to Javert to St Juste. It removes a lot of the dour setting of the original and replaces it with a more exciting adventure stylings. What fantasy there is here is very much of the low variety lending a realism to the story as well.
Whilst this is nothing revolutionary in a literary sense, it is a fun retelling of a revolution.
The Court of Miracles is essentially a retelling of Les Miserables from the perspective of Eponine (Nina) and the criminal underworld. What follows is a swashbucklingly fun tale of how Nina rises in the Court of Miracles (the criminal council that runs the underworld). Nina is a great heroine figure - adaptable and skilled.
The main thing to say about this story is that it is simply fun. It uses characters that we are familiar with from the classic telling of Les Mis and fleshes out their stories providing interesting twists on plot elements we already know. All the favourites from that story are here from Gavroche to Thernadier to Javert to St Juste. It removes a lot of the dour setting of the original and replaces it with a more exciting adventure stylings. What fantasy there is here is very much of the low variety lending a realism to the story as well.
Whilst this is nothing revolutionary in a literary sense, it is a fun retelling of a revolution.