The Glittering Court #1
Author: Richelle Mead
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: April 5th 2016
Review Source: Razorbill
A dazzling new fantasy series set in a mix of Elizabethan and frontier worlds that’s dripping with romance from Richelle Mead, #1 internationally bestselling author of Vampire Academy.
Big and sweeping, spanning 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 capable of arranging 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 later, 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. . . .
As much as I always enjoy Richelle's novels due to the actions and romance, you all know I am obsessed with Adrian, The Glittering Court brings in something else. Something that many books nowadays do not over and that is the beauty of a friendship. A friendship that last through trials and difficult times. One that's inspiring and makes you wish to have more friends like Adelaine, Tamsin and Mira. After all, you're friends are the family you get to pick. You can fight and argue but you know you they will always have your back. It's pretty much a friendship like Blaire and Sabrina...
The girls will take you to an amazing ride. They will keep each other's secret and will not judge each other. They're there for a purpose and they will do their best to make it to the top. As you read the story, each of these characters will stand out as individuals as well as a group. I loved this so much about this book. The fact that with such circumstances, these girls are able to make their friendship work even with a competitive environment.
Although the book touches the subject of romance, it focuses more on the friendship side. We learn so much about this world, the politics and what the girls are assigned to be part of The Glittering Court. It's so well described, you wish you were part of the girls. Adeline, Tamsin, and Mira are fantastic characters. They're strong, independent individuals choosing a better life for themselves.
So if you want to read a story about friendship with fantastic characters, you should read The Glittering Court. I do have to point out there were times the pacing of the story would slow. Then again, this is Richelle Mead we are talking about. As she introduces you to her world in the first installment, she's just warming you to what's about to come. Therefore, prepare! I'm so excited for the sequel...
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Nice! Hearing some good things about this one despite the surprising twists and turns! Mainly the lack of magical or paranormal elements! Which are my main kinds of reads. But since this is Mead I am likely to give this book a try! Nice review!
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