Reviews

Der goldene Hof by Richelle Mead

meripm's review against another edition

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3.0

Disappointingly average. Mead's legendary chemistry is not present here, it all felt so forced and unnatural. It is nice for a change to see an author leave its usual genre, but it did not work with this book.

Adelaide, the main character, is whimsical and stupid. She evolves, but it seemed forced to me. I didn't specially like any of the other characters either. They're not bad but... just meh.

The plot and the outcome were somehow predictable too, which definately did not make up for the characters.

On top of that, it all felt so frivolous. The struggles are nowhere near the reader, making me unable to connect with the characters.

It was well written and entertaining, but certainly not what I expected of one of my favourite writers.

booksforourminds's review against another edition

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4.0

Nunca había leído a la autora, pero sin duda, pienso volver a leerla.
Adelaide, la protagonista, me ha encantado, sobre todo por que nunca se rinde y hace lo que sea por aquellos a los que ama.
Este libro encantará a todos los fans de La Selección.

Reseña completa: http://books-for-our-minds.blogspot.com.es/2016/10/resena-la-corte-reluciente.html

aurorasky2025's review against another edition

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1.0

I got 20% of the way through and had to dnf, I might’ve eaten this up after my selection prime phase, HOWEVER this is just a watered down version of that series and it just gave me crumbs.

emleemay's review against another edition

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2.0

A fantasy for those who thought [b:The Selection|10507293|The Selection (The Selection, #1)|Kiera Cass|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1322103400s/10507293.jpg|15413183] wasn't long enough.
“Winifred, the first girl, would look so lovely in the diamond colouring. Ruby’s the next most precious stone, and that obviously wouldn’t suit you with your hair. So third, as a sapphire, seemed like-“
“Sapphire?” interrupted Tamsin. “Sapphire? Everyone knows green is my best color. Isn’t an emerald rarer than a sapphire?"

Who fucking cares? Because I surely don't.

I'll start with credit where it's due - the beginning of this book is quite enjoyable and it is, in my opinion, more entertaining than [b:The Selection|10507293|The Selection (The Selection, #1)|Kiera Cass|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1322103400s/10507293.jpg|15413183] (and much more entertaining than [b:Soundless|24751478|Soundless|Richelle Mead|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1446266199s/24751478.jpg|44380622]). Adelaide's narrative is quite amusing, especially in the novel's early stages, and her attempts to impersonate a poor maid make for some comical moments.

This doesn't last for long.

It quickly becomes apparent that Mead has no intention of moving past descriptions of dresses, dances and romance. I keep coming back to her because I loved the early Mead - such immoral entertainment! - but there will have to come a point when she joins the [a:Lauren Oliver|2936493|Lauren Oliver|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1416335442p2/2936493.jpg] box. It’s been a long time since she’s written something I've enjoyed.

[b:The Glittering Court|27272506|The Glittering Court (The Glittering Court, #1)|Richelle Mead|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1458743105s/27272506.jpg|47326016] is about a high society girl who steals her maid's identity and becomes Adelaide, one of the chosen girls being brought to the New World, Adoria. In a spin reminiscent of [b:The Selection|10507293|The Selection (The Selection, #1)|Kiera Cass|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1322103400s/10507293.jpg|15413183], she will be paraded in front of wealthy bachelors and compete with her fellow girls to attract the best husband.

However, though drowning in male attention, Adelaide finds herself drawn to one of the Court's proprietors - Cedric Thorn.

With some small exceptions, these girls are all obsessed with dresses that suit their coloring, behavior fit for upper class ladies, and the wealthiest dudes. It's tiring. I don't know about you, but I like my stories with a bit more badassery, action and grit.

The world is inspired by a combination of the Elizabethan and Frontier eras, borrowing heavily from both societies and doing nothing new with them. What's more surprising is the distinct lack of any fantasy elements - this book could just as easily have been marketed as alternate history or dystopian. There is no magic, no mythology, nothing remotely supernatural.

Not only lacking in action and magic, [b:The Glittering Court|27272506|The Glittering Court (The Glittering Court, #1)|Richelle Mead|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1458743105s/27272506.jpg|47326016] is extremely tame on several levels. The romance lacks chemistry and Cedric is too nice, polite and forgettable to serve as an enticing love interest. His "dark secret" is also disappointingly lame, not juicy like all dark secrets should be.

As with the direction of the romance, everything else about this book is painfully obvious. Mead tries to build up drama (oh my, what will happen? Can they really be gone forever?) and yet it is dampened by the reader’s surety of the conclusion.

Perhaps an entertaining read for those who like books with lots of fashion and boys.

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mroser16's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

victoriab21's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted tense 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? It's complicated

3.0

tiffy137's review against another edition

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5.0

This book was a 4.5/5 stars really close to 5 stars which is funny as when you look at the reviews for this book everyone dislikes it. i was a bit confusing and slow pace in the beginning but once Adelaide got to the court it got more interesting. It has really strong characters and great romance and friendships.

Adelaide is a strong and witty character who is brave throughout the book. she followed her goals of wanting to escape from her arranged marrige and thought till the end to get to where she wanted. Her friendships with Tasmin and Mira is just key to the story and i believe if she didnt have them she would have crumbled when alone, even if Tasmin was very two faced at times! Cedric is a kind gentleman who does and focuses on what he belives him. Hes also good at hiding his secrets well untill a snooping young lady comes along. The romance between the two chararcters is very slow at first but it was a big part of the book and made me love it even more! (Im a sucker for romance!)

I definatley recommened this book to people who love strong characters and awesome romance and loves Richelle Mead's writing.

maraya21's review against another edition

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3.0

DNF @ P187 (47% - Ch.15)

kerrycat's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5ish

bejf's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

3.75