Author: Richelle MeadGenre: YA Fantasy
Page Length: 416 pages
Publication Date: June 27th, 2017
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Source: Publisher
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A refugee of war, Mira was cast out of her home country and thrust into another, where the conditions were inhospitable at best. In a life-altering twist of fate, she is given the chance to escape once more, and she takes it, joining the Glittering Court.
Both a school and a business venture, the Glittering Court is designed to transform impoverished girls into upper-class ladies who appear destined for powerful and wealthy marriages in the New World. There, Mira finds herself subjected to persecution, not only from her fellow Glittering Court jewels, but from her suitors, as well—men she would potentially be expected to give her life to.
By day, she goes through the motions, learning the etiquette and customs that will help to earn her anonymity, even making a couple true friends in the process, the forthright ladies’ maid Adelaide and the ambitious laundress Tamsin. But by night, Mira hatches a different plan entirely—one that, if exposed, could get her hanged in the highest court of Adoria.
While there is some overlap in scenes between this book and the Glittering Court, I am relieved that the plot and direction of this book is decidedly different. I really liked to see some of the prominent scenes from the previous book rewritten from Mira's point of view. Midnight Jewel predominantly takes place in Adoria (the new colonies still in the developmental stages) though. I really liked that we got to see the workings and hierarchy system of the Adoria as well as the dark underbelly of the city.
This book has a vigilante and espionage twist that made this story really addictive once the plot took off. I loved all of the missions and the trickery and fighting. Throw in some social justice fighters and a charming crew, and readers are in for a fun time.
Mira was such an admirable character, and she really made this book enjoyable for me. Her unfailing loyalty to her friends and her brother are touching. She was such a strong lead. So many people and obstacles came in the way of her goals and her future, yet she still prevailed and never let the stress get to her. I also really like her inexhaustible sense of morality and right and wrong. She has a line that she never dares cross no matter the reward or desire. But her compassion does give her a bit of wild streak, recklessly throwing herself into danger for those she cares about and those who can't defend themselves.
Unfortunately I wasn't onboard with the romance for most of this book, mainly because I wasn't a huge fan of the love interest, Grant. He is a spy with a harsh background, but his unemotional countenance and behavior and scathing words were so infuriating. Mira deserved better! Near the end of the book though, I developed a begrudging respect for the guy...
Overall I really enjoyed the second book in the Glittering Court series, and I can't wait for Tamsin's book!
Moodboard:
Follow Rachel's board Midnight Jewel on Pinterest.About the Author:
RICHELLE MEAD is the #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Vampire Academy series and its spin-off series, Bloodlines. Originally from Michigan, she now lives in Seattle, Washington.Giveaway:
Enter for a chance to win one (1) of five (5) copies of Midnight Jewel by Richelle Mead (ARV: $19.99 each).
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on June 26th, 2017 and 12:00 AM on July 17, 2017. Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about July 21, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.
Schedule:
Week One:
June 26 – Tales of the Ravenous Reader – Top 5 Reasons to Read Glittering Court Before Midnight Jewel
June 28 – Love Is Not A Triangle – Review
June 30 – BookCrushin – Top Leading Ladies Who Escaped Their Fates
Week Two:
July 4 – Books, TV, & More… Oh My! – Female Royalty By Birthstone
July 7 – YA Wednesdays – Couture Cloak & Dagger
Week Three:
July 10 – The Fandom
July 11 – Ex Libris – Review
July 12 – Novel Knight Reviews – A Book in Quotes
July 14 – Fiction Fare – Review
Have you read any of Richelle's books? Are you excited for this one?
Rachel is a teenaged unapologetic fangirl and perfectionist.
She loves reading for the escape it gives from reality and enjoys crying over books, swooning over characters, and laughing out loud over funny lines. She is a semi-recovering Netflix addict and a middle child of three.
You can find her on Twitter @yaperfectionist & Goodreads.
I have the first book, but have held off reading it. And, I never really took the time to learn the setting, which sounds pretty cool. This sounds awesome! Thanks for hosting.
ReplyDeleteYour mood board is so beautiful--my favorite is the ship, but i also really love the forest and sunlight ones. This board tells me there will be stealth, wealth, romance, as well as beauty found in this book.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Rachel! I had some problems with the first book, but they didn't keep me from enjoying it. I did love Mira's character, so I think I'll continue on with the series!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed this one, Rachel! I will admit I wasn't a huge fan of the first book and wasn't really interested in continuing the series, but I'm definitely a bit more intrigued after this review. :)
ReplyDeleteI have the first book but I haven't had a chance to read it yet. I really love the mood board, it is what I imagine this book would be like.
ReplyDelete