The Court of Miracles by Kester Grant
Young Adult Alternate History
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The Court of Miracles by Kester Grant
4 STARS, Young Adult Alternate History, My format: e-book for book club
Goodreads Synopsis | Buy on BookShop
After Nina’s father sells her older sister, Nina joins the Thieves Guild and becomes known for her skills as a thief and given the name Black Cat. She spends her energy working to free her sister and protect her friend, Ettie.
Personal Review:
I had no idea what to expect, and I am not sure that was anywhere close to it.
Underground (some of them literally) clans that show no mercy in their crime of choice. Gang-like loyalty to their Guild and leader. Horrific things happening to young children and girls being bought and sold for heart-wrenching reasons. And one girl who refuses to follow along to stay safe.
It was slightly terrifying. I may have had nightmares.
But somehow it worked. The first half took time, more time than I would like creating bonds with characters that will probably just die anyway. But the second half sucked me in and I had to know how everything was going to turn out. There were a lot of moving parts and they all came together.
My girls may never like this book, and probably for sure not until they are teenagers. I can see the appeal for some. But, wow, that was crazy.
Content Warnings:
children in gangs committing crimes, government killing citizens, graphic murder/fight scenes, girls being drugged and forced to work in brothels (not described but disturbing)