Lisa R. (alterlisa) -
All I can say is holy freaking WOW! I got the wonderful opportunity to read the first 11 chapters of this fabulous first book in what is going to be a fabulous new series. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you Net Galley! Awesome! simply awesome! I'm usually not real fond of fantasy based books but this one was by Richelle Mead so I thought what the heck, her books are always entertaining and it'll be a short read so go for it. Now, I'm pissed cause I've got to wait another month and a half before I can actually purchase this book. The world that Mead has built is wonderful (as always) and I can't wait to see what Adoria is like now that Adelaide has finished her training to become a "lady" and has become the "diamond" in this Glittering Court. For a while there I was afraid the whole proposition was a hoax and they were simply being trained to work in a brothel but it appears to be on the up and up. If you'd like the chance to read the first 11 chapters too -go here and enjoy. Then go right to your favorite bookseller and add this to your pre-order cause once you start it you won't be able to resist. Don't wait as I'm not sure how long this will be available on Mead's website.
The Glittering Court is the latest book by Richelle Mead. Countess of Rothford, Lady Witmore wants a different life. She is expected to marry someone with money and a title (especially since she has no money). That is not what she wants. Her grandmother, Lady Alice Witmore has arranged a marriage to a cousin, Lionel Belshire with an extremely dominating grandmother. The dominating grandmother, Lady Dorothy, states they cannot bring their staff with them. Lady Alice has arranged for Ada to get a position with The Glittering Court. It is an opportunity for young ladies (from the lower classes) to marry well in Adoria (a land that is similar to our Old West but with fancier clothes). Ada, though, does not wish to leave Osfrid (even if it is a great opportunity for her). Cedric Thorn, son of Charles Thorn (financial backer for The Glittering Court), is recruiting this year (he has his reasons). Ada finally agrees and signs the contract. Then she regrets her decision. The Countess sees this as her opportunity to escape. She arranges for Ada to go away quietly and then takes her place (sneaks away from her family). The girls are taken to a house in the country where they will be trained for their new life (how to run a household, proper dress, etiquette, dance lessons, etc.). The Countess has now become Adelaide Bailey (she prefer it to Ada). Cedric recognizes her immediately, but he reluctantly agrees to keep her secret. Cedric has his own secrets (he needs to escape from Osfrid as well). Adelaide, along with her new roommates and friends, Tamsin and Mira are in for an adventure as they head off for new lives in Adoria. Will it be all they hoped?
I love Richelle Mead's previous novels and was eagerly anticipating The Glittering Court. Unfortunately, The Glittering Court is basically a romance novel (and not a good one) set in a different, old-fashioned world (with fancy clothes and carriages). I originally received a sneak peek, but then I read the whole book. It was alright, but I was not enthralled (not drawn in or engaged). I think Ms. Mead needs to go back to what she does well (paranormal novels). I give The Glittering Court 3 out of 5 stars. The book was just lacking. The idea that the Countess is running away to escape an arranged marriage, but she is going to a place where she will be sold to the highest bidder for marriage (unless she can pay back the money they spent on her training and clothing). The ending is expected. If I had read this book, I would have never picked up her other novels. If you are looking for a romance novel (and nothing else), then you will enjoy The Glittering Court. I probably would have loved this novel when I was a teenager (I read quite a few romance novels then).
I received a complimentary copy of The Glittering Court from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.
I love Richelle Mead's previous novels and was eagerly anticipating The Glittering Court. Unfortunately, The Glittering Court is basically a romance novel (and not a good one) set in a different, old-fashioned world (with fancy clothes and carriages). I originally received a sneak peek, but then I read the whole book. It was alright, but I was not enthralled (not drawn in or engaged). I think Ms. Mead needs to go back to what she does well (paranormal novels). I give The Glittering Court 3 out of 5 stars. The book was just lacking. The idea that the Countess is running away to escape an arranged marriage, but she is going to a place where she will be sold to the highest bidder for marriage (unless she can pay back the money they spent on her training and clothing). The ending is expected. If I had read this book, I would have never picked up her other novels. If you are looking for a romance novel (and nothing else), then you will enjoy The Glittering Court. I probably would have loved this novel when I was a teenager (I read quite a few romance novels then).
I received a complimentary copy of The Glittering Court from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.
