Review of ‘The Court of Miracles’ (A Court of Miracles #1)

Synopsis

Les Misérables meets Six of Crows in this page-turning adventure as a young thief finds herself going head to head with leaders of Paris's criminal underground in the wake of the French Revolution.

In the violent urban jungle of an alternate 1828 Paris, the French Revolution has failed and the city is divided between merciless royalty and nine underworld criminal guilds, known as the Court of Miracles. Eponine (Nina) Thénardier is a talented cat burglar and member of the Thieves Guild. Nina's life is midnight robberies, avoiding her father's fists, and watching over her naïve adopted sister, Cosette (Ettie). When Ettie attracts the eye of the Tiger--the ruthless lord of the Guild of Flesh--Nina is caught in a desperate race to keep the younger girl safe. Her vow takes her from the city's dark underbelly to the glittering court of Louis XVII. And it also forces Nina to make a terrible choice--protect Ettie and set off a brutal war between the guilds, or forever lose her sister to the Tiger.

Review

The Court of Miracles tells a story of Les Misérables in a new light. Following Nina of the Guild of Thieves as she embarks on a treacherous journey to save her sisters from the Tiger, the ruthless lord of the Guild of Flesh.

Marketed as a retelling of Les Misérables, this novel has limited references to it. Instead, it uses elements from the classic tale by Victor Hugo. Grant uses some characters and plot devices to broach the similarity, but The Court of Miracles is entirely its own tale. The approach at storytelling is part of what made this novel unique and compelling. As much as I love retellings, it gets tiresome to see the same story retold in almost precisely the same way.

Amazing Storytelling

Grant steps away from the formula and instead brings to life her own story. Grant has put thought into the story and the reader can see it with the introduction of the Guilds and their Law. These guilds rebel against the merciless regime in their own ways while also holding them accountable when others refuse.

The structure of the underworld society is exceptionally done. It is easy to imagine this world of 1828 Paris, to see how the Guilds help each other and help the destitute.

Grant also makes sure that the fluidity of the story remains. There are time jumps in the story, which at times are unclear. But instead of being distracting, they add fuel and tension to the story. From the beginning, Nina has had a purpose and to see time pass and her focus sharpen as her thieving skills make for a compelling read. Furthermore, it highlights just how formidable and thoughtful Nina is as a character.

As far as characterization goes, Nina is remarkable. Nina has gone through such a journey, growing up in a world of crime with honor. While a thief, she has a code, she recognizes what is wrong in the Court, and seeks to rectify it. That is what makes her formidable, the lengths at which she goes to save the people she loves, but also to bring down the Tiger and his sex slavery ring. Nina is thoughtful, calculating, and compassionate, ultimately making her a wisest character.

Final Thoughts

A compelling narrative of 19th century Paris, The Court of Miracles entices the reader with high stakes tension and incredible storytelling.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

BUY ON BOOKSHOP

Like this review?

Don’t forget to follow Cyn’s Workshop on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Spotify | YouTube | BookBub | Goodreads | LinkedIn to stay tuned for future reviews.

About the Author

Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny South Florida with her husband and son and their two cats, Mr. J the Kitten and Nyx.