The Glittering Court: Volume 1

Seeing as I paid $11 for this series I begrudgingly trudged through it with half a heart. The was concept interesting but compared to Richelle Mead's previous books this was a monumentally disappointing read. I felt like this had so many points in the story where it could have really taken off and become something more but page after page I waited. It's basically a western set in a fictional world. No otherworldly characters. No detailed romantic scenes. Ugh. I wish I wouldn't have wasted my time.

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 am a big Mead fan (Vampire Academy and Soundless). I picked this up knowing it would be on par, yet in the end I felt cheated. The entire backend of the book felt hurried. Like someone was fast forwarding between each big scene. Many of the supporting character's "secrets" or back stories were never given or explained, even though they were big enough to cause a fight or dilemma. It just seemed like all these key players were mysteriously strung together and no one was going to say why. Too vague.