The Court of Miracles by Kester Grant

Reviewed by Lotte:

I was excited to read this book. I love Les Misérables and I most definitely love fantasy novels. And I did like the premise! Using the backdrop of Les Mis, the characters and the theme of the uprising was a great idea but it wasn’t quite enough. Sure, you could see the references, but I felt they could have been used so much more. 

However, I enjoyed it as the characters themselves started to emerge and the way Grant portrayed the underground people, the ‘most wretched’ in fantastical ways. It was fun seeing them depicted as guilds of thieves and assassins etc. There were some great story lines including the use of call signals and the various relations between the guilds. Overall, there was plenty of subterfuge and misdirection to keep me hooked and although the time hops were a little disorientating, it all came together in the end.

If you’re looking for a re-telling of Les Mis, this book isn’t for you. However, if you enjoy fantasy, waring guilds and the underground rising for a good cause, with hints of Les Mis thrown in, then you’ll enjoy this book. It’s all about expectation I think. For me, the overall premise and potential plot is enough to make me want to pursue the series and try the next book! I really hope the references and build up in this book come to fruition more as the series plays out.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Author: Kester Grant
Publisher: HarperCollins UK
Release Date: 4 June 2020