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A review by verymom
Court of Fives by Kate Elliott
5.0
I found this new-to-me author via [a:Sherwood Smith|12350|Sherwood Smith|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1409757657p2/12350.jpg]. In my head, I had also thought the infamous Goodreads critic known as the "Grinch" had also favorably reviewed it, though I was mistaken. I usually like the Grinch's tough reviews, but she wasn't fair at all to this book. I'm glad I didn't read her review until after I'd finished.
Elliot has created an incredible world based on Greek / Roman and Egyptian history. The politics, prejudices, social structures, and stories she borrows from these real empires and dynasties make for an incredibly real-feeling fantasy world that almost reads like a really cool historical novel. She has also based her characters on the father, mother, and sisters of Little Women - a combination I would never have thought of, but one that works incredibly well.
Smith's review contains spoilers but gives you a great overview of all of these factors (historical worlds + Little Women characters). If it sounds odd, trust me, it's really great. I know there have been a lot of olympic type game books burst out onto the scene in the wake of the [b:The Hunger Games|2767052|The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)|Suzanne Collins|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1447303603s/2767052.jpg|2792775], but this is a fresh take and I really enjoyed it.
I found the book impossible to put down once I reached the half way mark. It was a stay-up until 5am to finish it situation. Not every book can do that for me, so I was impressed. I have preordered the next book, [b:Poisoned Blade|31226229|Poisoned Blade|Kate Elliott|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1470640161s/31226229.jpg|46891010] and can't wait to get my hands on it next week.
For younger readers and conservative readers, this book is very clean. There is some talk of concubines, and some ladies will wear white ribbons to sell sexual favors. There are scary bits that are very well done (tense, no gore), and the relationshipy parts are tasteful (no sex). Magic is real and accepted by all (the priests work the magic) though it's not a super major factor in the book, it just exists, woven into the rich backdrop of everything else. There are adult themes (political machinations and historical murder and plotted evil) so it's definitely a YA/teen book, but younger listeners might enjoy depending on their maturity levels. I'd read this out loud to my kids, including my 10 year old, FYI.
Highly recommend!
Elliot has created an incredible world based on Greek / Roman and Egyptian history. The politics, prejudices, social structures, and stories she borrows from these real empires and dynasties make for an incredibly real-feeling fantasy world that almost reads like a really cool historical novel. She has also based her characters on the father, mother, and sisters of Little Women - a combination I would never have thought of, but one that works incredibly well.
Smith's review contains spoilers but gives you a great overview of all of these factors (historical worlds + Little Women characters). If it sounds odd, trust me, it's really great. I know there have been a lot of olympic type game books burst out onto the scene in the wake of the [b:The Hunger Games|2767052|The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)|Suzanne Collins|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1447303603s/2767052.jpg|2792775], but this is a fresh take and I really enjoyed it.
I found the book impossible to put down once I reached the half way mark. It was a stay-up until 5am to finish it situation. Not every book can do that for me, so I was impressed. I have preordered the next book, [b:Poisoned Blade|31226229|Poisoned Blade|Kate Elliott|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1470640161s/31226229.jpg|46891010] and can't wait to get my hands on it next week.
For younger readers and conservative readers, this book is very clean. There is some talk of concubines, and some ladies will wear white ribbons to sell sexual favors. There are scary bits that are very well done (tense, no gore), and the relationshipy parts are tasteful (no sex). Magic is real and accepted by all (the priests work the magic) though it's not a super major factor in the book, it just exists, woven into the rich backdrop of everything else. There are adult themes (political machinations and historical murder and plotted evil) so it's definitely a YA/teen book, but younger listeners might enjoy depending on their maturity levels. I'd read this out loud to my kids, including my 10 year old, FYI.
Highly recommend!