Librarian Book Review: Court of Fives by Kate Elliott

​Summary:
All Jess dreams of doing is running the Fives and being a competitor, but when a ruthless lord rips apart her family and takes her on as a student she finds that she is running the Fives to protect her mother and sisters. With the help of Kal, a friend way above her station, she will do what she must to protect her family.

Review:
It took me a little while to settle into this novel, but once I got past the beginning I was hooked. Jess's society was at first difficult to understand. In many ways it seemed reminiscent of Roman society. You have the high ranking Patron class and the commoners. Jess's mother was a commoner and her father a Patron, and as a result his family with Jess's mother isn't recognized and it leaves the girls vulnerable because they are not protected by the rights of either class. Like I said--it was a rocky start to understand all this, but as the novel progressed it began to make more sense. Jess's character is well developed and there is plenty of action in this novel. The second book Poisoned Blade will be out soon, and is definitely going to be on my reading list.

Overall:
Overall, this was an interesting adventure and I look forward to reading what comes next for Jess and her sisters.​

Cautions for Sensitive Readers:
Violence: Yes
Sex: References, but nothing explicit
Language: No
Drugs/Alcohol: Mild drinking

Monday Spotlight:: If you Liked: AN EMBER IN THE ASHES

     One of the top-rated books of 2015, An Ember in the Ashes is a genre mix, combining fantasy writing with a historical Roman-era feel. When a book like this comes out, so hyped and so unique in style, it can be hard to find something new to read. Here are a few options that have the same flavor. 

Legacy of Kings- Eleanor Herman: A new take on Alexander the Great's life, this alternate history reflects the lives of many players, all tied by the same force. Peasants and royals alike battle the unknown in this novel. To place a hold on a copy, click here.

Court of Fives- Kate Elliot: This one is probably the closest you can get to AEITA. Another semi-historical feel with fantasy elements thrown in, a trial- in this case, a race- and even masked competitors. This one is a little thicker, but it'll keep you busy for a while. Click here to hold a copy. 

To find more suggestions, visit www.goodreads.com and type in the name of a book you enjoyed.

Waiting On Wednesday: Court of Fives by Kate Elliott

“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine, and it gives you a chance to spotlight a book that you are eagerly waiting to be released.

This week, I picked:

Court of Fives

By Kate Elliott

Publication Date: August 18, 2015

 From Goodreads:

In this imaginative escape into an enthralling new world, World Fantasy Award finalist Kate Elliott begins a new trilogy with her debut young adult novel, weaving an epic story of a girl struggling to do what she loves in a society suffocated by rules of class and privilege.

Jessamy's life is a balance between acting like an upper class Patron and dreaming of the freedom of the Commoners. But at night she can be whomever she wants when she sneaks out to train for The Fives, an intricate, multi-level athletic competition that offers a chance for glory to the kingdom's best competitors. Then Jes meets Kalliarkos, and an unlikely friendship between a girl of mixed race and a Patron boy causes heads to turn. When a scheming lord tears Jes's family apart, she'll have to test Kal's loyalty and risk the vengeance of a powerful clan to save her mother and sisters from certain death.

Why I picked it:

 It sounds similar to The Hunger Games {which I adore} and I’ve heard nothing but good things about it from people who have read the ARC. If you would like to read this book, click here to get your name on the hold list.