Series: The Glittering Court #1
Published by Razorbill on April 5th 2016
Genres: Fantasy
Pages: 416
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
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Big and sweeping, spanning from the refined palaces of Osfrid to the gold dust and untamed forests of Adoria, The Glittering Court tells the story of Adelaide, an Osfridian countess who poses as her servant to escape an arranged marriage and start a new life in Adoria, the New World. But to do that, she must join the Glittering Court.
Both a school and a business venture, the Glittering Court is designed to transform impoverished girls into upper-class ladies who appear destined for powerful and wealthy marriages in the New World. Adelaide naturally excels in her training, and even makes a few friends: the fiery former laundress Tamsin and the beautiful Sirminican refugee Mira. She manages to keep her true identity hidden from all but one: the intriguing Cedric Thorn, son of the wealthy proprietor of the Glittering Court.
When Adelaide discovers that Cedric is hiding a dangerous secret of his own, together they hatch a scheme to make the best of Adelaide’s deception. Complications soon arise—first as they cross the treacherous seas from Osfrid to Adoria, and then when Adelaide catches the attention of a powerful governor.
But no complication will prove quite as daunting as the potent attraction simmering between Adelaide and Cedric. An attraction that, if acted on, would scandalize the Glittering Court and make them both outcasts in wild, vastly uncharted lands…
Richelle Mead made me fall in love with her writing years ago when I read Vampire Academy. I never expected to find something of hers that I loved more than that series (c’mon, Rose and Dimitri? Can it get any better than that?) but I was wrong. The Glittering Court is Richelle Mead’s best book so far, in my opinion.
Pros:
- The romance: Richelle Mead’s books never lack in the romance department and that’s the same with The Glittering Court. While the attraction between Adelaide and Cedric is immediate, the romance is not. In fact, I was really hoping something would start up between them way before it actually did. They built up a wonderful relationship as friends (kind of) before they ever became romantically involved and it just made it that much sweeter when they did get together. They had some serious chemistry and some wonderful banter.
- The story: The Glittering Court is classified as fantasy but it’s almost like an alternate history. Adelaide and the other girls in The Glittering Court travel to a new land where they will no longer be bound by their original stations in life, whether it be a maid or servant like most of the girls or a noblewoman such as Adelaide. While they do have to marry once they reach the new land, they get to choose their husband and can even buy their own way out of their contracts if they can come up with the money. This new land offers religious freedom for some of them as well as a chance at wealth. The Glittering Court almost reads like historical fiction which I loved.
- The suspense: I never knew what was coming next and I’m still reeling over some of the things that happened. Let me just say, if you want a neat and tidy ending with all your questions answered, this is not the book for you. The Glittering Court is very much the first book in a series and it sets readers up with quite a few questions and only some of the answers. Richelle Mead definitely knows how to keep her readers guessing and coming back for more.
- The friendships: I think this is one of the big reasons The Glittering Court will appeal to Richelle Mead’s previous fans. If you’ve read Vampire Academy, you know that Richelle Mead writes about strong bonds between friends (Lissa and Rose) and that those bonds are always amazing. That’s the same with Adelaide, Mira, and Tamsin. They couldn’t be more different but they become fast friends during their time at the Glittering Court. They have their fights and they keep their secrets sometimes but they always come back to each other and each girl has something unique and important to offer to the friendship.
Overall, there are no cons with The Glittering Court. It’s perfection in book form. Fans of Richelle Mead will find many things to love about it that will remind them of their favorite book from her. New readers of Richelle Mead will seek out more of her work after reading this one. You can’t go wrong with The Glittering Court.
Great Review. I’m definitely checking this one out. :o)
You have me really excited about this book! I was going to get it at the library but I might have to buy a copy at the bookstore opening in my town next week. It sounds fantastic! I’ve only read one other Richelle Mead book (Vampire Academy) but this sounds like one I need to read. I love a good romance and friendships, not to mention suspense and alternate history. Great review!
Wow, better than VA??? That’s high praise!! I really loved the romance and the friendships that were explored. I loved the elements behind the glittering court, especially all the jewels and opulence. I felt like this book was parts Elizabethan, pilgrim traveling, and wild west/new frontier. What an eclectic mix! Great review <3
I really want to read this book! I haven’t read any Richelle Mead books but I’ve heard amazing things about her work. Great review! 🙂
I honestly just really love the whole concept behind The Glittering Court! It sounds utterly fascinating. As a fan of books that have this combination of elements, I’ve been wanting to check it out. Half-tempted to buy it instead of just borrowing it from my library!
I almost picked this up the other day but I decided not to (I wasn’t sure) BUT YOU’VE CONVINCED ME (especially great friendships, YES) <3 This sounds fantastic 😀 Great review 🙂
I have read many of Richelle Mead’s books. I loved all the books in the Vampire Academy series. I am not as enamoured of her follow up series Bloodlines. The series started off well, but I’m stuck in the third book. I was curious to see how the first book in this new series would read. It’s set in a totally new world from Vampire Academy and Bloodlines.
Thanks for the awesome review, can’t wait to read it.