I liked it. But taking inspiration from Les Misérables sets a high bar.

The French Revolution failed. King Louis XVII sits on the throne of France while the nine guild lords of the criminal Court of Miracles create a Law all their own. Born into the underworld, young Nina Thénardier vows to use her skills learned in the Court of Thieves to rescue her older sister Azelma from the clutches of the vicious Tiger. However, some plans require heartless intention and Nina is just one girl. Even among killers and thieves, few are those who would defy the Tiger.

**This review may contain spoilers for assorted adaptations of Les Misérables and events before Ch. 7 in A Court of Miracles.**

Daring heists, rival guilds - there’s a lot to love. Nina wriggles her way out of some pretty crazy situations without batting an eye, but she still has very clear strengths and weaknesses. Each of the guild leaders adheres to a strict code, but their subjective interpretations of trust, protection, and worth make them some of my favorite examples of what it means to have convictions yet be morally grey.

For me, the ending was robbed of much satisfaction due to shallow character development. Nina’s goals and perceptions were stagnant, and I kept waiting for a paradigm shift or revelation that never happened. The plot took twists and turns, but these felt more like surprises than a culmination of events. Additionally, while Nina worked alongside various allies, I never got the sense that she developed feelings for any of them beyond a working relationship (except for her sisters).

For what it tries to accomplish, I’d say this book succeeds as a pseudo-retelling. Names and places from the original are plucked from weary cobble streets and placed in this alternate world. One of the most interesting examples is in the character of Montparnasse. A minor character in Les Misérables, the young criminal is recast as a mysterious assassin. The adaptation is similar to that of Tibalt in the anime Romeo X Juliet, where what we don’t know about a character is transformed into something dark and mysterious rather than something to be overlooked.

That being said, I almost wish this book hadn’t taken such direct inspiration, simply because it didn’t need to. A house on Rue Plumet or quoting “A Little Fall of Rain” makes a satisfying reference, but those weren’t what drew me to Nina’s story. Those were the original elements of the criminal guilds and Nina’s bold plans. Having the small references without delivering on Big Iconic Moments (rally on the barricades, Valjean’s redemption) is just setting up for needless disappointment.

Several of the adaptations were cleverly done, but the story could’ve shone brighter for not standing in such a large shadow.

**Thanks to NetGalley and Knopf for the ARC**

I loved this story so much! Nina's a survivor thanks to her older sister. But when her dad sells her older sister into prostitution, Nina knows she has to save her sister. This sends her into a new, dangerous guild where she makes alliances and plans...Intrigue, adventure, and a unique, unpredictable plot make this an imaginative new YA favorite...

Well, that was pretty awesome. To be fair, I have not read Les Mis so I have no attachment to the original story, or any expectations. Just vague recollections of the Broadway show from like two decades ago.

The liberties taken with the story make for an interesting and intense tale. I love heist premises, especially those that hinge on the reluctant cooperation of reluctant allies.

I loved the shifting alliances, the conniving, and the complete absence of easy choices.

Very much looking forward the the next installment.

This book was SOOOO much fun. I love Les Miserables so seeing all the references and inclusion of the characters from the original and some of the song lyrics from the musical was highly entertaining. I got lost in this world of France and its many Guilds and didn't want this book to end. There was action, a bit of budding romance, surprise, and angst. I highly recommend this book if you are any bit a fan of Les Miserables. All the stars for this one!

I had already seen some early reviews for this one so I went in with lower expectations. I was really rooting for this book to work out for me as I became quite invested in the first 20% of the book but after that is where my attention just drifted off.

The beginning is intriguing because it introduces us to the main character, Nina, and understanding why she is going to do everything that follows. Her backstory is one that is pretty sad and it's easy to feel sorry for her. There is also introductions to a couple of the guild at this point.

I thought the idea of guilds was pretty cool. There are many different ones like the thieves and assassins. There are definitely some guilds that get more page time than others. There are also some guilds that get more of a background too. I wish that there would have been more from them.

There is also a big timeline jump of two years. I'm not really sure why they had such a huge gap and it didn't really make too much of a different with the story besides them talking about it but even then it just was meh for me. I also felt like it left the characters a bit flat. more than they already were, because the characters come and go and some without much background or page time.

The plot was gripping at the beginning like I said above but the story just wasn't fleshed out enough and when plot twists happened I just wasn't feeling anything when I felt I should have.

Overall, I can see the appeal for this one but the appeal just wasn't really there for me.

Thanks to NetGalley for the free e-ARC.

So again without giving too much away I can and can't see the hype for this book. I feel like it really took to the last third/fourth of the book to pick up. The premise is good and intriguing. I don't know if it was the pacing or the writing but something to me just didn't click right away. In the end I did enjoy it and will like to see how it develops from here.

First of all, thank you so much to Knopf and NetGalley for an eARC of The Court of Miracles!

Now, as I always do when any thing includes Les Mis as a comp, I need to be honest: I don't like Les Mis. I know I'm in the minorirty, but I do love the time period and the setting, and the craziness that the French Revolution entails. The Court of Miracles is based in a world where the French Revolution has failed, and a criminal underground thrives in Paris (the Court of Miracles).

Our main character, Nina, is sent to the Court after her older sister is sold to the Flesh Guild by their own father, and Nina is welcomed into the Thieves Guild. Small in stature and quick, Nina becomes the Black Cat, and flashing forward a few years, begins to care for a young girl, Ettie, who is wanted by the Tiger, the Lord of the Guild of Flesh. In an attempt to hide Ettie from the Tiger, Nina takes her to the darkest Guild in all of PAris. But her actions might just start a war.

I've seen so many mixed reviews, so I want to address something. Is the Jungle Book an older children's story thatn ot everyone will love? Yes. I read it when I was 12, and it is forever one of my favorite children' stories. I think it's a pretty minimal comp, because of the comparison between Mowgli and Nina, the Tiger is Shere Khan, and Nina is raised by the Guild of Thieves and Tomasis, aka the wolves. So, it's mostly putting the characters into the place of the animals, so it's there, but deffinitey kind of light, and it's okay if you don't see it. I see where theres a Les Mis comp, but there's enough of a diversion and it's not too crazy, and if I'm being honest, I hardly see Six of Crows. It's there, just al ittle bit, but not a whole lot.

Now that that's off my chest, let's talk about the book as a whole. I felt like most of the characters were pretty fleshed out, and though we didn't get the same time with everyone, they felt ocmplex and intriguing. We get 2 more books, so though some characters don't get a ton of attentions, since this is 3rd person, I expect to see more details in later books. One thing I did find a bit frustrating were the love interests. Two love interests? Okay. But three? It was a bit much. We see early on that the young dauphin and Nina have a moment (I won't spoiler it) so you can expect him to reappear later. We also see a brooding man much later, and a young revolutionary.

But this book, despite some stereotypes and the love intersts, I loved this alternate world, the characters, and her writing is absolutely beautiful. As a debut, truly awesome! So yes, I really enjoyed this, and I read it in one sitting, which is unusual for me! Overall rating is maybe a 4.25? So pretty good!

I had really high expectations for this book ever since I first heard that it drew inspiration from Les Misérables. Les Mis is my favorite musical and I adore the story so much. This met those expectations and fully overpassed them.

This is one of the best books I have ever read and I cannot wait for the rest of the trilogy.

Nina is a character that you can't help but root for. We watch her grow up throughout the course of the story. She is hardened by the events in her life and what is happening in Paris. What drives her though is her love for others, especially her sisters. This driving force along with her cunningness, her strong will, and need for vengeance; lead her in her quest. I loved seeing the elements from Les Misérables used in this story in such new ways.

It was interesting to see the different Guilds in the Court of Miracles and the laws that guide them. I really enjoyed the different ways they played in the story. The criminal network works together in a way that is quite unexpected at times. Then we get a look at the student rebellion that is a vital part of this revolution. They all work into Nina's plans in a very satisfying way. Also, the nobility, which is both cold-hearted and compassionate, depending on who we are focusing on. All make up a story that is both entertaining and fully engrossing. What a world Kester Grant has created! I highly recommend picking this one up.

*Thank you so much to Kester Grant and the publisher for my advanced reader's copy of the book.*

First off, I love the rewrite of Les Mis because I think we can all agree that Eponine deserved better. And she got that new ending in this story and not only did it make me jump for joy, but it made me love this book more.

We enter France after the first revolution has failed Eponine (Nina) must go to the Court of Miracles and pledge her allegiance to the Guild of Thieves in order to survive. Her sister has been taken by the Tiger and gave Nina the chance to get away. She's one of the best thieves in the Guild and while she is surviving, she also is plotting her revenge. Years later, she adopts a young Cosette and cares for her. When the Tiger realizes Cosette's beauty though, Nina does everything she can to take him down.

First off, adopted sisters are something I don't see often and I loved it. Second, historical fiction of the French Revolution is exactly what I needed. From start to finish Nina not only proves she's a tough cookie and a survivor, but that she has maintained a somewhat good heart through her trauma. We love morally grey characters.

I didn't have any complaints about this book. I thought it was a great "rewrite" and having this secret criminal society working in the underground of Paris was so exciting to read. So, if you like historical fiction, books set in Paris, morally grey characters, thrilling adventure, and a top notch revenge story - you've found your next favorite read!

5 stars!

This was a retelling of Les Miserables, and although I have not yet read the book (it's on my TBR for this year), my knowledge of the story comes from the musical, which I have always loved, both the music and the story. So this book had a lot to live up to, and for me it was a hit. I heard comparisons between it and Six of Crows (which I also loved), and I have to admit that I could see the comparison--the worlds of each had a similar feel to me. In spite of the fact that this was a retelling, the story felt fresh to me and I really started connecting to the characters. I loved the relationship between Nina (Eponine) and Ettie (Cosette) as true sisters, even when Ettie became angry with Nina at one point. The love they had for each other was beautifully written. I loved how the author incorporated the student revolutionaries and the obsession Javert had for Valjean. While Javert was definitely the bloodhound obsessive of the musical, the reason behind the obsession that the author chose to use made me laugh.

I believe this is the author's first novel and this is definitely a winner. While there were a few minor editing errors, they did not detract from the book at all. I am happy to see this will be part of a series and I look forward to future novels in this world!

Thanks to #KesterGrant, #NetGalley, and #RandomHouseChildrens for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A nice solid read!!! I wanted something different to read because I’ve been in a reading slump and A Court of Miracles actually surprised me.

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Court of Miracles." Ms. Grant has done a masterful job at re-imagining Les Misérables with more in-depth focus on the Wretched and the criminal underworld. If you are familiar with Les Misérables, then you will recognize the major characters in Ms. Grant’s reinterpretation, but their roles or aspects of their characters might be different, sometimes rather significantly. For example, Inspector Javert is a woman in this story. The criminal underworld is ruled by nine guilds -- for example, the Guild of Thieves, the Guild of Assassins, the Guild of Beggars -- that make up the Miracle Court, which has a very strict set of laws that are stringently enforced. Ms. Grant introduces the Guilds and the Laws of the Miracle Court at the onset.

While Les Misérables focuses primarily on the pursuit of Jean Valjean by Inspector Javert, Valjean plays more of a secondary role in this book, although he is a critical presence in multiple parts of the story. Instead, the focus is on Nina Thenardier, the younger daughter of Master Thenardier, second in command of the Guild of Thieves. Master Thenardier is overly fond of alcohol and gold coins. and has agreed to "sell" his older and prettier daughter, Azelma, to Lord Kaplan (the "Tiger") of the Guild of Flesh, who will place her in one of his brothels and addict her to opium. Knowing that there is no hope for herself and knowing that when she is gone, their father's drunken rage will fall on Nina, Azelma appeals to Femi, the "Messenger", who is in love with her, to help Nina escape and disappear. Femi knows that the only way to be protected is to be a member of a guild. Despite her young age, Nina is already an accomplished cat burglar ("Cat"), having been taught by her father and being responsible for much of the stolen goods that Thenardier has given to the guild. Femi arranges for Nina to pull off an audacious heist and then presents her to Lord Tomasis as a new prospective member. When Tomasis learns what she has done and what she has brought him, Nina becomes "Black Cat of the Thieves Guild."

However, Nina has much to learn about the guilds and the underworld. When Tomasis offers her a gift because of the incredible value of what she stole and presented to him, Nina asks him to save her sister, but things quickly go south when Tomasis learns to whom Thenardier sold his daughter; Nina knew only the name of the buyer, not that he was a Guild Lord and a particularly vicious one at that. As a member of the Guild of Thieves, Nina has an obligation to obey Lord Tomasis and not engage in actions that put either the Guild or the Miracle Court at risk. However, Nina is determined to save her sister, whatever it takes. "The Court of Miracles" is the story of how she tries to accomplish her goal, making "deals" with other guilds, interacting with student revolutionaries, and even the "Dauphin". There is lots of action and intrigue, some comedic moments, and some rather good surprise twists. I expect readers will find lots to like about this book and its characters.

Yet, as much as I enjoyed the book, I have mixed feelings about The Court of Miracles being the first book in a proposed trilogy. There is certainly appeal in reading more by Ms. Grant and finding out what happens next with the various characters. The book ends in a manner that sets it up well for a second book — what happens to the major characters; what are the personal and professional ramifications for the Black Cat after what she has done; will there be a guild war, etc. However, the book also ends in a manner that would leave readers satisfied if it was a stand-alone novel. My concern is that it might end up being best as a stand-alone book. At the end of the book, the issues motivating the Black Cat are resolved. I am unsure if Ms. Grant will be able to find a motivating cause/issue strong enough to maintain the necessary drive/intensity for the Black Cat to carry through two more books. Potential causes/issues are available— the future of French government, protection of the Wretched, future of the guilds—but will these or other potential causes be enough or will it feel like a letdown? Ms. Grant has a daunting task to make the second book live up to "The Court of Miracles."

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free e-arc!

I really wasn't sure what I was getting into with this, and although it took me a little while to really get immersed into the story line I'm so glad I read this! The little twists to the story, all the different threads that make up the Court of Miracles, a heroine who is badass without being too overdone, even the annoying time jumps that weren't really clear- they all came together into a satisfying read.

I hope we see more in this realm!

I was thrilled to be approved for this advanced review copy! Thank you so much NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

While it took me a little while to get into this story (I’m not as familiar with France or the original plot line of Le Mis) but once I got the gist of what was going on, I was was sucked in. I enjoyed the setting of this story, and how Kester was able to build the Miracle Court within the layout of Paris, France. Another thing I loved was how each part started with an excerpt of the Jungle Book along with one of Orso’s stories. Then the story would be referenced in that part. The flow of this, woven into the plot, was a smooth read.

I adored all of the characters. Nina was a little wish-washy with who she had romantic inklings towards, but because that wasn’t the focal part of the story, it didn’t bother me. If anything, I enjoyed that she wasn’t tied down by a romantic interest. I loved that she was focused on keeping her sister safe. Their bond and relationship really made this book lovable.

This plot made me shout, laugh and gasp out loud as I was reading. I highlighted a TON of parts and quotes that I adored – which I rarely do. So much of this story was endearing. AND so much of it caught me by surprise. I loved that I wasn’t able to predict what was going to happen next. Just an all around excellent read.

I have already pre-ordered this book – I can’t wait for it to come out to read the finished copy!

I had read a variety of conflicting reviews both for and against this Les Miserable/Jungle Book mashup debut by Kester Grant and, to be honest, had been leaning towards believing the negative when an opportunity to review via Netgalley became available. Thank you, thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review, because let me tell you, this book was fantastic! Maybe my dark heart is drawn to the shadowy and dirty street corners of early 1800s Paris, but I was thoroughly engaged by the prose and adventure Grant took us on through the eyes of narrator Nina, aka The Black Cat.

Raised by her selfish and alcoholic father and protected by her older sister, Nina learns too early the cruelties of life when her father sells her sister to flesh trader. Her sister gets Nina out just in time to not be sent with her and Nina joins one of the many underground guilds that make up the larger Court of Miracles. Trained by her father as a their, apparently the only skill of value he endowed upon her, Nina becomes sought after for jobs due to claim to be able to break into anywhere. The story of her survival, adventures, her evolving sense of right and wrong and attempts to free her sister comprise the rest of the fast paced story. I could not put this book down, and sadly finished it in just two and half days. Now the long wait for Book 2!

This book is due the recognition and attention it’s receiving. Waterstones is offering special editions and, according the author’s Goodreads page, Illumicrate is making it their June book box selection. I will be first in line for my copy. Not to be missed. Comparisons to Six of Crows are accurate in the sense of the characters personality. Many thanks to Knopf Childrens and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.

While it took me a little while to get into this book, I can’t deny how beautifully written it is. It definitely stands out amongst the YA fantasy books I’ve read lately. I didn’t overly love or connect with any of the characters, but they were well written and well developed. I did run into the issue where I felt the characters acted a bit too old for their age, but it wasn’t unacceptable and was done much better than other books I’ve read. I do however wish there was a bit more romance

*eARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Holy gods. I knew before I started this that Goldsboro, Waterstones, and Illumicrate are doing special editions of this book, and now I know why. It is freaking amazing!

Let's be real, this book is completely unrealistic. Nina moves through the world like Celaena Sardothien, only without the secret identity to bolster her. Nothing she does really sticks to her and she accomplishes anything she sticks her mind to. In the first part of the book, she breaks into the Palace and steals the crown jewels from the Dauphin's neck! And he remembers her and is always kind to her. She really is untouchable, even when doing things that should have serious consequences. And instead of being put of by a girl who shakes trouble like oil in water, I was entranced. I just adore Nina, with her quick plans and fiery heart, dreams to right terrible wrongs.

The book takes placed in the 1830s, about 40 years after a failed Revolution. Robespierre and the other leaders' heads are still mounted on spikes in front of the palace. The current King, the son of Marie Antoinette, rules the city in a climate that still whispers of a better life. And that's when the other half of the narrative comes in, it is a retelling of Les Miserables. To speak honestly, I wasn't a big fan of Les Mis and I wasn't too sure of this book. It's been a while, and I didn't want to refresh my memory of the musical lest it spoil the plot, but Nina (Eponine), Ettie (Cosette), Javert (who is female), and Le Mair (Jean Valjean) follow only the background of the musical's plot, it is majorly twisted into a story that focuses on Nina trying to protect her sister Ettie at all costs from the man who wants to buy her. If you are a fan of the musical, you are guaranteed enough Easter eggs and name drops to make you smile.

At the start of the book, you are introduced to the system of the Court of Miracles, a name I assume was mainly taken from Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame (as I can find no historical record of it). There are nine guilds in the Court- Assassins, Thieves, Dead, Flesh, and so on. They mainly stay out of the way of everyone who "walks in the daylight." It is a found family and protection from outsiders. Nina is a member of the Thieves guild, and she is very good at what she does, with the nickname "Black Cat."

There is no magic, but it is spellbinding. No romance, but I am in love. It is definitely one of my top books of the year, and I hope everyone who reads this picks up a copy!

5 stars!

I did enjoy this "Les Mis meets Jungle Book/Six of Crows" styled book though I'd say I am coming to realize I'm not a huge fan of Les Mis retellings (please don't hate me). I enjoyed the journey the character went on, but I felt confused for great swaths of time.

First of all, there are some major time-passes areas between sections and, maybe it's just me, but I never seem to pay attention to the dates on those things because there's usually 50+ pages between sections and I never remember what the previous one was. So something like 2 years will have passed and I'll have no clue which means it takes me twice as long to catch up to where I'm at in the story.

Another thing that bothered me about this book was the lack of...dare I call it "character depth"? I'm not sure if that's accurate, but I felt as if many of the characters were surface level with a few depth points but no actual, real, depth to them. We're kept as outsiders for most of the book and I don't think I ever really connected deeply with the main character.

Lastly, and this could just be me, but there was a love square (or something) and I just was not there for it. I don't even think that's a spoiler because almost nothing happens there (and perhaps it will) but it only sufficed to confuse me and make me not care about any of the guys.

I will say the world was fun and unique. I enjoyed the odd "Miracle Court" and the different variations they had. I kind of got a small "Bone Season" vibes from it. I like the setting and the variations of where the MC went and what she experienced. I just wish it had been more cohesive. Not such a sprawling story but one where I could have truly got invested in a few of the characters.

Thanks to the publisher for an early copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Truly enjoyed this book. Would have loved a little more depth about some main characters. I got to the last page and was disappointment it ended. I hope there will be another book after this one. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3248025573

Once upon a time, not so long ago, I was a secret musical nerd so of course Les Mis was one of those soundtracks I've played on repeat (and still do!) all the time.

Pitched as a cross between the Les Mis and Six of Crows I was SO FORTUNATE to get my grubby little hands on an ARC through Netgalley (thank you).

I loved the relationship between the sisters and the idea that the <a href="https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Cour_des_miracles"><i>Cour des Miracles</i></a>, an actual place, being a criminal underground.

And of course it gives one of my favorite characters, Eponine, a much much better deal than the original book and musical did. She becomes Nina, something unsoftened by romantic love and instead softened slightly by sisterly love, but full of agency.

Plus Enjolras is in the story...😍😍😍

I also really appreciate that even though the story takes place within the midsts of another attempt at rebellion against the French monarchy, Nina maintains that her agenda isn't rebellion against the monarch, it's protecting Ettie (and getting tangled up in the laws of the court of miracles and acting as the justice of those).

I didn't like the Ettie's personality so much. She was overly childish and this was passed off as a sort of fairytale kindness and innocence that needed protecting by the other characters. It was hard to suspend belief.

The romance didn't jive with me. It seemed like it was added as an afterthought (after all, the main meat of the story is about one sister fighting to protect the other), and not with just one person, but three. But perhaps those threads will develop more in the next book(s).

Also, the plot takes place over the course of several years and the way it jumped around at some points was a bit disorienting to me.

All in all, this one got me out of a reading slump. It's fast-paced and turns the characters you know and love into something different yet vaguely familiar.