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 really enjoyed this story. I think it reimagined the story of Les Mis in a new and interesting way with enough hints of the old story to still feel familiar. I also really enjoyed the different aspects of the Courts within the Court of Miracles and the interweaving stories between the Courts and the nobility. I will say that the middle part of this book felt like a bit of a slog, but the front and back thirds of the book are really strong.

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.

Oo! I really loved this. I like the easy to follow world-building. Descriptively beautiful with a very strong message. I loved the historical twists. Part 4 was by far my favorite.

My only problem was how much time passes from one part the the next. It was explained well, but left me feeling disjointed. It took away from relationship building between the sisters. It did come around in the end, though.

Definitely worth reading!

This book was alot of fun to read. It took alittle to really get in to it because I dont know french well! But my husband does so that helped! But as I finished I didnt want the book to end! It was a magical world following the black cat :) I can't wait to see what's next for her!

4.5 stars

Arc received from NetGalley!

******SPOILERS*******

This book I have seen in blurbs and reviews as a mash-up of Les Miserables + The Jungle Book and here is what I have to say about that. Between every section, there is a Jungle Book quote, the female protagonist goes by her street name the black cat, and the villain referred to as the tiger so there is an allusion to the jungle book but plot set up I do not get any retelling feelings of. Les Miserables comparison is because of the French setting, words, and aesthetic used in the book. Which I live for by the way. There is also rebellion of the common people rising up against people in power both royalty and underground (the Tiger). Personally I see more connection to Les Miserables.

This book also has that complex group classification system that is fantastical and complex yet based on the abilities of the members for the most part. This book's court classification was thieves, beggars, assassins, gamblers, mercenaries, smugglers, prostitutes, opium eaters, and men of letters.

I cannot recommend this book enough. It was so atmospheric but it was not just that. The characters were unique and notable. Side characters I see the great potential and foreshadowing to being more important in the future. Please give me more Montparnasse I love him. Also, there were quite a few lines that were really humorous. It is by no means a comedy but any book that can make funny scenarios and humor in dialogue is an added bonus.

The next thing is the death of one of the Lords of the court I was not expecting. I am curious where that will go in the next book.

The only aspect that created me to be confused was after a character is abducted there is a two-year jump. I would have liked it if it was stated before the chapter started two years later. Instead of a natural progression and then we are getting these descriptive words of how time has changed the characters etc. The passing in my subjective opinion got slightly weaker for a short point but still an amazing book.

I love Les Miserables and I love anything involving French history, however, this book was a miss for me. It was entirely slow moving and the plot wasn't that interesting. Not to mention that it's part of a series for if book one is so slow I can't see how it's going to move faster by book two. This sadly, is a pass for me.

Thank you Netgalley, Kester Grant and Random House Children's Publishing for the ARC of The Court of Miracles. I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and are not influenced by the publisher, author or Netgalley.

I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars.
When I first read the summary of this book and saw that it was catered to fans of Six of Crows, I had to immediate reactions: OMG yes, and lord please no. Fortunately, this book was a total yes. The Court of Miracles follows Eponine (Nina) Thenardier, otherwise known as the Black Cat, in the underground of Paris. The Court of Miracles is what they call themselves and they are divided into guilds. Nina is a cat of the Thieves Guild. Her sister is bought by the tiger and as she attempts to get her back, she accidentally puts her other sister, Ettie, in danger. The book follows Nina as she attempts to keep Ettie safe and get Azelma back.


The world-building is phenomenal and the main character is not a mary-sue (at least in my opinion.) People might find that she is constantly doing the impossible, but that is because of her determination, and her determination is both a good and a bad thing. Nina is self-less in a selfish way. I love how the romance was written and that it wasn't the main focus of the story. I hope in later books it is established and we get a good ship.

I'm not going to say much more about the book because it's amazing and I don't want to spoil it for everyone else.
I recommend this book for fans of: Six of Crows, Throne of Glass, Graceling and Les Miserables.

FULL REVIEW: https://readwithmiki.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-court-of-miracles-kester-grant-arc-5.html

If you've never read/seen Les Miserables, don't fret! This book is amazing on its own!

Imagine a Paris, France where the revolution to overthrow the French crown failed and Louis XVII survived to become King. This is the Paris, France our tale is set in - part Les Miserables, part Jungle Book, all set with a backdrop of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Nina (Eponine) is a cat burglar, a full member of the Thieves Guild and The Court of Miracles. When she was young, she saw her father (Thenardier) sell her sister Azelma, to the Tiger, leader of the Guild of Flesh. Determined to find a way to save her sister, Nina spends years making plans to find and save Azelma, but when she places young Cosette (Ettie) in the Tiger's path, she realizes that she's gone too far. Now Nina, with the help of a cast of characters pulled straight from Les Miserables, must defy the Court of Miracles, the dauphin of France, and each other to survive a fight against the most ruthless and terrifying Guild Lord ever, the Tiger.

Nina is part Aelin Galathenies (Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas) and part Kaz Brekker (Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo). She is strong and capable with a moral compass that doesn't point exactly north all the time. She is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goal, even if it means sacrificing herself. I adore the Nina character - she is quick thinking, feisty, and determined. She meets a wide cast of characters in her quest to protect Ettie from the Tiger's Guild of Flesh, some well rounded, some flat.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and am highly anticipating the sequel. However, one major sticking point for me was some of the jumps in time in this book. We start with 9-ish year old Nina, then jump to 17-ish year Nina, and finish with 20-ish year Nina. I can understand the first jump, and a majority of the story happens during the 17-ish year point. I feel like the last time jump was unnecessary and with a few additional pages we could have seen the planning/preparation that Nina was doing before taking on the Tiger.