This book is slow. The first half of the book is essentially just characters talking, planning, talking some more, pondering some, then planning. This was punctuated by a few very small things that were interesting but didn’t seem to have lasting effects on the plot or characters, which lessened their impact. Things start to pick up a little more in the last half, but only by a little. Something that added to this feeling of slowness was that it felt like things kept happening to the protagonist rather than her doing or achieving things. Her lack of agency and passivity added to the lethargic pace.

I disliked how often dialogue was used for info-dumping. It happened throughout the book, and the amount of monologues that were simply to provide information overwhelmed the already weak plot. When it wasn’t info-dumping, it was still over-explanation to the point where it felt comical and unnatural (it was often as bad as “Here comes the Duchess, the daughter of the guy who wanted to kill the king three years ago! She likes grapes and is probably seeking vengeance. She may be able to help us with our own revenge!”).

Unfortunately, I won’t be continuing with this series despite how interesting I found the premise. My thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I did not realize until further in the book that this is actually the second book. Would have made more sense if I had known! So I went back and listened to the first one and I really enjoyed the listen!

Victor Dixen's "The Court of Miracles," narrated by the talented Carlotta Brentan, takes you on a thrilling ride through an alternate history of vampyric France! Jeanne Froidelac's journey from a commoner to a cunning spy in the court of the vampyre King Louis XIV is nothing short of captivating. Disguised as the noble Diane de Gastefriche, Jeanne's mission to avenge her family and take down the bloodthirsty king keeps you hooked from start to finish.

The story is packed with political intrigue, deception, and a dash of dark magic, making it an absolute page-turner. Jeanne's struggle with her dual identity and emerging powers adds depth to her character, and Brentan's narration brings every twist to life. If you love historical fantasy with a supernatural twist, this audiobook is a must-listen. Can't wait for the next installment!

The Court of Miracles was unfortunately not for me.
First of all I had no idea this was a sequel, not until I was about to write this review, so now my confusion might make more sense since I haven’t read the first book.

Unfortunately I was too confused to wrap my head around everything going on, and because of that I couldn’t really invest myself in the book as much as I wished I could.

I liked the narrator Carlotta Brentan for this one, she had the right amount of depth and tension while giving the story life.

If you’re able to, please read the first book The Court of Shadows and do not make the same mistake I did and jump straight in to the second book.

A big thanks to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing and Victor Dixen for giving me the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

Court of Miracles is the second book in a series however it is that all-too rare book where you can jump straight in and know exactly what is going on.

I loved the set-up of this series as an alternative history where vampires are in charge in France (I want to say it’s around the 17th century however my knowledge of French monarchs is essentially non-existent so I can be sure). Generally, I prefer my vampire stories with the vampires at worst being morally grey but I am not opposed to an antagonistic vampire story which is what we get in this book. It is somewhat difficult to put my finger on exactly what didn’t work for me about this book but I think ultimately it felt a little bit like a rote YA novel which is absolutely fine but I think I was looking for something with a little bit more bite, if you will excuse my pun 😅 Fans of Sarah J. Maas and her ilk will likely have a really good time with this book and the series as a whole but I found myself struggling to connect with this book and I didn’t love the way the backstabbing court politics had all of the subtly of a sledge hammer with characters openly telling one another that they didn’t deserve their positions and wish they died.

I may not be quite the right reader for this book but I definitely don’t believe this is a bad book and I think many readers will find themselves utterly absorbed and really enjoying the story.

This book was such a thrilling journey.

First of all, I would like to compliment the narrator. She did a wonderful job with expressive emotions that I could feel. The changes in tones also helped distinguish between different character.
I also want to compliment the translators for doing an excellent job, which had made this book flow very well and enabled me to be able to enjoy this book.

This book was like a magical journey that was full of actions. It had very minimal romance which some people might enjoy this too.
The book followed Jeanne who was sent on a quest by the King but she also had her own personal mission that she wanted to achieve.
I liked how natural and logical the special powers came into play (Jeanne had a pretty cool power). Also the mystery that surrounded her and the monsters was interesting (the conversation between them was fascinating but also funny). The mix of supernaturals was also interesting.
The book had plenty of plot twists that I did not see coming which had me hooked all the way until the end.
I did not realise this was a second book and I did struggle to remember the characters’ names at the start but overall, it was easy to understand and an enjoyable read.

Thank you for the opportunity to listen to The Court of Miracles. To start, I had no idea this was the second book in a series. This was not advertised and thus, made it difficult to get into without having a backstory. The narrator was just OK. I found myself tuning out from time of time because I didn't find her voice to be to my taste. (This is a personal preference and not because she has a bad voice. I just did not care for it.)

Dixen is very meticulous with his work I noticed. Everything that comes up is circled back to later so keep an ear out dear readers! Everything happens with purpose, even if you think it might not be useful at the moment. This is a true vampire story without the sappy romance and all blood and teeth. They have the typical heir of superiority and are well crafted.

Our main character, Jeanne, is sharp-minded and efficient...but also annoying at times. As her character started to develop, however, I did grow to like her a bit more.

The twist was fun and I think will leave a lot of readers surprised in a good way.

I didn't realize this was book 2 and although I'm not completely lost, I'd prefer to know more of the root of the plot. I'm not well enough invested in the plight at this rate. The book is a bit meandering and I think if I had the backstory it would feel more atmospheric and intentional.

I think the prose and concept are beautiful and seem well formed but I don't feel like I can jump into this and review it adequately. I will not be making a public review and hope one day I will be able to read the English translation of Book 1.

Victor Dixen’s “The Court of Miracles” is the follow-up to “The Court of Shadows.” In an alternate reality, King Louis XIV became a vampire. Three hundred years after his transformation, he still rules France and a great deal of the rest of Europe. A few determined humans are attempting to fight back. One, Mademoiselle Diane de Gastefriche, has made it into his closest circle, that of his squires. He sends her and two others into the underworld of Paris in a bid to flush out a new vampire that may be a threat to him. But Diane has her own agenda. Who will succeed?

Though this was clearly a sequel, I was not lost at all as far as the world-building or character relationships went. The author did a good job supplying enough background information without overburdening the text with exposition. I enjoyed the main character, her drive and the conflict she faces. In addition, the mix of magic and science was entertaining, as was the idea of a world in which the Sun King still rules. The only thing that threw me off a bit was some of the language which seemed anachronistic to the setting. This may be the fault of the translation. In this alternate reality, there are no cars or television, but the speech of the young people sounded an awful lot like modern American.

The narrator, Carlotta Brentan, did a great job with the first-person narration. Her voice worked well for the young Diane, and there was plenty of variety with the other characters as well.

This was a fun listen and a welcomed addition to the world of vampire literature. I look forward to the next installment. I received this book from NetGalley.

This is a sequel that I haven't been able to find the English translation of the first
I love this premise and it looks soo cool! Will be trying to find the full series translated
I love the concept and setting

The Court of Miracles Vampyria #2 by Victor Dixen (US publication June 25, 2024)

Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for the audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is the continuation of a YA paranormal historical fantasy set in an alternate history filled with bloodthirsty vampyes in France.


In the heart of rural France, Jeanne Froidelac witnesses the king’s soldiers murder her family and learns of her parent's role in a brewing rebellion involving the forbidden secrets of alchemy. As a commoner, she has no power to seek revenge for the ones she loves. To avoid suffering the same fate as her family, Jeanne disguises herself as the dead aristocrat Diane de Gastefriche, a young noble maiden her brother fell in love with and takes on her identity after she is killed and becomes a ward of the crown. She is enrolled in a prestigious school for aspiring courtiers under the crown's protection and plays a dangerous game that brings her to the palace doors in Versailles.

Jeanne is no aristocrat, she plays the part.
She dreams not of court like the others, but of blood to avenge her family.
The blood of a king whose murderous reign must be stopped.

Jeanne fooled them all winning the prestigious honor of the sip of king and becoming his newest squire. After taking his blood that he gives the chosen squires that bestow limited powers to them, she is tasked with a special mission for the vampyre King of Shadows Louis XIV. The King is determined to protect his empire at any cost and when a mysterious renegade vampire known as the Lady of Miracles, mistress of ghouls and nightmares ascends to power with her own Parisian court hidden underground ruling over the forgotten lower class people of France. Lower than commoners, the outcasts of society, the wretched untouchables who are spit on by all. The Lady of Miracles is King Louis biggest threat, something he has not had for centuries. His secret weapon is Jeanne posing as Diane, who earned the King’s trust with her cunning ways and a handful of helpful friends. He sends Jeanne to Paris to find and stop this tick who threatens to take his power.

Little does the King know, this orphaned ward belongs to a clandestine organization whose main mission is to destroy and rid the world of the evil vampyre starting with the King and all his evil minions littered all over France. The problem is she is not the only one on this mission. She is sent with her rival and an escort from court to embark on a quest that could alter the kingdom’s destiny—and expose a powerful secret that she will do anything to protect. Her companions hinder her plans and even posing as a false supporter of the king, she has to worry about more than just the Lady of Miracles. Many foes have nefarious plans, and she has to tread lightly to accomplish her mission.

“What if there is truly no hope? Not for mortals, vampyres, or anyone? What if there's no future?”

Jeanne is not interested in joining the King's court or the Lady of Miracles. Her mission is to destroy the bloodsuckers who continue to terrorize and kill innocent mortals and only care about power. Thanks to the king, she also has power as well and attempts to use it to her advantage to keep herself alive to avenge those who had fallen under his wrath and her short list of allies.

This isn't a sweet love story. It's a continuation of vengeance in a dark bloody paranormal war following a young woman who will do whatever she can to succeed. She is relentless yet has even more challenges on this adventure in Paris. Jeanne is in constant danger by many people who all have an agenda. I found it difficult to put down needing to know how she handles each new roadblock she is challenged within this reimagined historical France. Her powers are emerging after the sip of the king and she is still discovering them. The next book in this series will be interesting to see more of her powers that continue to manifest and future relationships with those who want the same as she does—freedom from the wicked.

I am always looking for a book that reminds me of that iconic scene from the Disney Movie The Hunchback of Notre Dame in the Court of Miracles... this was not it. It was a good action packed book with some twists and turns. I think for a translated novel it was easy to follow and understand.