The description of this book intrigued me as soon as I read it. The book started out slow but something kept pulling me back in, demanding that I keep reading. The pace soon picked up and had me quickly turning pages to the end. I was so engaged with the characters that I immediately said "I want more!!" as soon as I finished the last page. I can't wait to keep reading where this story goes!

Very good book! I am very happy I requested this. The synopsis intrigued me, and the characters sounded interesting. It is a fast paced read, full of twists. It was very easy to follow, and I love the snark and scrappiness of the main character. Definitely recommend!

When Nina's sister is sold by their father to the guild of flesh, Nina's whole life is upended. She swears her alliance to an underground criminal society for protection and thinks of nothing but vengeance against the man that took everything from her. What lengths will she go to to protect those she loves?

This book has such promising mechanics. (IE: the guilds). Now I've never read or seen Les Miserables,or read The Jingle Book (Shame on me, twofold) so maybe that's why I come by the opinion I formed; I found the book to be quite dizzying and disjointed. There are a lot of time jumps that seem to come unexpected and leave so much unexplored which is probably my biggest complaint. . And the plot just goes around and around.
It's by no means the worst book I have read but it's just not my pace. I will also say I found the male "interests" if you could call them that to be quite bland and it's hard to care about any connection with the main character as so little is explored between any two characters in the book. It seems out of place.
Some of the characters were actually quite intriguing and the whole idea of this underground society is exciting and I would have loved to see more world building on that and character exploration and development. There's just so much promise there. I feel if more time was spent on those few things, this could have been a much more complete and enjoyable read.


I appreciate the advanced copy for review.

Thank you Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of this book for an honest opinion.

The Court of Miracles is fast-paced and twisty. It is full of intrigue and yields plot secrets slowly and deliberately. The narrative is multi-layered, with the MC, Nina, at the helm. The story is conveyed through her eyes and chronicles her efforts to destroy the Miracle Court Lord known as the Tiger. He is a “flesh trader” and his enslavement of Nina’s beloved sister, Azelma, precipitates Nina’s journey. Her vengeance fuels the story and sustains her. It is this single-minded need for retribution that makes it difficult to fully embrace her, however. Her myopic tendencies facilitate a willingness to sacrifice any number of people to protect the adopted sister who she placed in harm’s way. The whole debacle is ultimately her doing and though you root for her success, her methods are sometimes extremely off-putting. She is an unrepentant heroine, willing to “pay a terrible price” to achieve her goals, but her love and perseverance are ultimately redemptive despite her amoral path.

Kester Grant’s foray into the fictional world is enthralling, but not without flaws. The most salient flaw is the frequently unlikable nature of her protagonist. Nina makes selfish choices, and although you understand the motivation behind them, they are not always easy to condone. Another issue is the pacing of the novel. Many years pass within a small narrative space and it is disorienting. It disrupts the flow and adds unnecessary confusion to a fairly straight-forward vengeance tale. Finally, although Nina is surrounded by a colorful cadre of characters, they are superficially drawn and lack dimension. It would behoove Grant to flesh out these characters, as they were frequent contributors to the levity and humanity of the novel. Despite these imperfections, I wish to continue with the purposed trilogy.

Not what I was expecting but essentially a good book. I'd definitely recommend this title to others. Are there any more in this series?

I'm absolutely obsessed with this book! The main character is scrappy and fierce. I really dig the concept with the guilds and everything is fairly easy to follow along with. Highly addictive title.

Absolutely loved this! The Court of Miracles is an incredibly rich novel, so well built and fast paced that I wasn't able to put it down till I reached the end. I was absolutely captivated by the atmosphere, and the characters.

This novel submerges the reader in a landscape so imaginative and detailed that the information of the world building/plot never feels forced, and is never difficult to understand or picture in one's mind.

Would definitely recommend this for history lovers too!

I was sent a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A brilliant and elegantly written homage to Les Miserables, Kester Grant asks what would happen if the story was led by female voices and set amidst seedy political intrigue of a... questionably legal variety.
Without giving too much away, I loved so many facets of this book. From the beautiful description to the nuanced character development to the intimately portrayed setting, this book hit notes of some of my favorite books of all time (The Lies of Locke Lamora and Six of Crows, primarily), while also managing to stand entirely on its own. This is a novel based on Les Miserables, but it is so far from what you would expect, and so intensely and vibrantly unique. I highly recommend this book to historical fiction lovers, Les Miserables buffs/newbies, and literally anyone else.

I had a bit of a hard time with this book. The beginning is filled with heavy world-building in terms of the guilds and their different aspects. The plot was very confusing and I found myself lost and unable to figure out what was going on. I couldn’t connect myself to the protagonist in anyway because I felt as though she wasn’t connectable it’s someone I could resonate with. It’s sad to say because I was so excited for this one.

I was blown away by everything about this book. The characters, the diversity of the characters and how they all were so well described. The details about the setting made you feel like you could see and smell this book! The writing was brutal yet exquisite and the storyline was addicting. I was hooked from page one. Nina was such a rich, bold and fearless character and I loved her story throughout this book. Set in 1828 alternative Paris after the French Revolution has failed, this book is filled with heartache and heroics. Plus that ending will leave you with your jaw dropped needing more!

I love Les Mis. It is one of my favorites!! So I was truly looking for to this retelling and let me tell you it is fabulous. I kept pulling for them, hoping it wouldn't end the way I already know it does. The nod to do the song!! *swoon* I'd really suggest you read it and find out what happens!

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC for my honest review.

I think I need to stay away from Les mis retellings. Because they always seem to drag on like the actual Les mis. Almost all the character names are the same but their stories are different. Follows the Lord's of the underbelly. I don't think I will read the second book.

This book was received as an ARC from Random House Children's - Knopf Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I could not get enough of this book and the context and drama that was included with it. The character of Nina blew my mind, she is a cat theif and part of the elite Thieves Guild and then when her adoptive sister Ettie (Cosette, hmm we've heard this name before) gets in trouble with the Tiger and attracted his immediate desire for capture of the Guild of the Flesh. Nina must make a choice in protecting her sister and start a war between both of the guilds or hand over her sister to the Tiger. My heart could not stop racing throughout the entire book and every chapter was a new twist and a new reason to love this book. I know our teen book club will have exciting discussions from this book.

We will consider adding this book to our YA collection at the library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

What an absolutely beautifully written book that had pieces of Les Miserables, The Jungle Book and maybe even The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I wasn't sure if this book was going to be one that I would enjoy because sometimes YA Fantasy seems to be repetitive, but the author found a way to keep the characters and plot original and riveting.

Very well done.

This was a unique and fantastic twist on the classic Les Miserable. I do love a good sister focused story.

This book blew me away. It was such an interesting world. I was intrigued when I saw it touted as a mix of Jungle Book and Les Mis because in what world do THOSE fit together? But honestly the touch of the Jungle Book is subtly done and it works so well. I love our Eponine (who was always one of my favorite les mis characters) and I love how the story is familiar but yet so different. My only complaint is that there was so much being done that I felt like I wish we could have gotten to know some characters better. But there was so much to cover and so little time to do it. The book could have almost been split into two which would have given more depth to some of the characters but I am hoping that will come in others. Overall it was very enjoyable and I found myself not being able to put it down until it was finished. 4.5/5

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.

In an alternate 1828, after the French revolution failed, Paris is divided in two parts, royals and nine underground criminal guilds, known as the Court of miracles. Saved from a awful monster by her sister Azelma, Eponine, known as Nina, Thenardier, is the member of the Thieves Guild and a Cat, a talented cat bulgar. Smart, determined, Nina lives in a world full of criminals and under the same Law every Guild and its member should respect. When her adoptive sister, Ettie, draws the eyes of the Tiger, the cruel, ruthless and lawless Lord of the Guild of Flesh (that deals with slavery and prostitution), Nina is ready to do anything to save Ettie. Even though her choices could bring a war between Guilds

Kester Grant creates a complex and wonderful criminal underground.
Nine Guilds, Gamblers, Beggars. Assassins, Mercenaries, Smugglers, Letters, Thieves, Fleshers and Dreamers that form the Court of Miracles, night world and its members, separated from Those Who Walks By Day by traditions, rules and social and economic differences.
Nina's life and determination brings her to meet royalty, revolutionaries and members of other Guilds in her attempt to save, first Azelma (her biological sister from the Tiger's clutches) and then Ettie, against those ready to war for her beauty and to possess her.
Wit, sarcasm, war, revolution, loyaly, death and tales, The Court of miracles has everything. It's a book about love, hope, desperation, rage, loyalty, trust and truth. In a complex and dark world, Nina moves and befriends the France Dauphin, Lords and assassins.

I really liked this book. As they say, it's s mix between Les Miserables and Six of Crows. I found interesting and intriguing the Guilds, their rules and divisions, their heroes and their achievements. Amazing seeing characters from Les miserables in this books, like a female Inspector Javert and her obsession for Jean Valjean, Thenardier, Eponine and so on. I liked a lot the revolutionaries, above all St. Juste and his ideas and determination. The relationship between Nina and Ettie is beautiful, full of love and hope and trust. I liked the one between Femi and Nina, Nina and Tomasis, Nina and Montparnasse and Nina and St. Juste and between her and the Dauphin. Basically, every relationship in this book! Their interactions are full of wit, sarcasm and trusts. I loved reading about Nina's plans and achievements.
I can't wait to read the next book and see what will happen next!

4 stars

I was sold on this book when I saw it was a cross between Les Miserables and Six of Crows...the latter being one of my all time favorite “heist” stories. And right now I’m feeling a little dumb because I’ve never read Les Miserables, nor have I watched the movie, but I’m also glad I was so unfamiliar because now that I’ve read about the plot it may have spoiled much of the story for me.

The World: Set in France during the revolution, the poor are starving and the nobles are throwing away good food. The criminals have organized into the Miracle Court and its nine guilds live by their own rules. There is no way I can explain the complex hierarchy and laws of the Miracle Court as it’s complexity was one thing I struggled to keep track of in the beginning.

The Retelling: This is Eponine’s story from Les Miserables. The story gets pretty dark at times with all the slavery and prostitution and suffering. Is a “good” retelling? I have no idea...but I definitely enjoyed it.

The Heist(s): Nina (Eponine) is the Black Cat and the best cat burglar of the court. She sets forth impossible plans to steal all kinds of things: from jewels to food to people! Plus, she was a total badass at manipulating everyone around her! (The badass-ness of all the heroines is one of the major reasons I love young adult novels these days.).

The Twists: There were so many twists! Since I’m not at all familiar with Les Miserables, maybe that’s why I never saw the next thing coming? The ending was soooooo good!

The Love Interest(s): Is it the prince? Is it St. Juste? Is it Montparnasse...who might be the only one she hasn’t kissed? #TeamMontparnasse...for now...

The Pace: The pace was the second biggest struggle for me, following the complexity of the court. I understand Nina is playing the long-game for her plan to work, but the time jumps took away a lot of the immediacy of the plot.

A Trilogy: Ugh, and now I have to wait how long until the next book? I’m really not sure why I keep doing this to myself, because it appears this will be a trilogy and I’m not a patient person. What happens to Nina next? What’s the real history between Inspector Javert and Valjean? I can’t wait for the next installment!! But I will have to wait...

Warning: Be ready to root for the criminals!

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own**

If you love Les Misérables or Sox of Crows (or both), then you will love Court of Miracles! I happen to love both so this story grabbed my attention from the very beginning. What makes this such a captivating story is the the magnificent world building paired with a constant sense of danger. The descriptions of the worlds, the guilds, and the mannerisms of different people Nina encounters is done in such a way that you can truly visualize them. I didn't want to stop reading because I had to know what will happen to Azelma and Ettie, how will the Black Cat accomplish such difficult feats, and what will happen next. The story almost took on a V for Vendetta tone where you're wanting everyone to overcome their fear to stop all of their oppressors.

I like the cover. In my opinion a great story doesn't need a complex cover. This one is has enough detail to make you curious about the book without spoiling the story. The pacing was good and had minimal moments where the story lulled, which is expected with world or scenery building.

The only issue I encountered was that there were some basic typos such as duplicated words or phrases in a couple of places.

Overall, I give this story 5 stars because it was unique and captivating. It kept me intrigued and I never wanted to put it down, which is always a huge plus for me. I'll definitely be adding this author to my list so I can stay updated on other titles.

This is my first book by the author and wow.
I absolutely loved everything about this book and I cannot wait to have a physical copy in hands. I highly recommend this one.