Court of Fives (Court of Fives, #1)

by Kate Elliott

[Angie]

I didn't know much (or anything, really) about Court of Fives before picking it up, other than that it was a YA Fantasy with a biracial heroine. I'm so glad that I decided to give it a try, because it kept me hooked from the very beginning! Jes lives with her mother and three sisters, and their father is always away at war. This gives Jes plenty of opportunity to sneak out and run the Fives, which is basically like a dangerous obstacle course. However, she can never win a real competition for fear of dishonoring her family. At least until someone comes to break them apart.

I wasn't sure where the plot was going at first, but soon Court of Fives became a race against the clock type of tale, which I adore! Jes has been separated from her mother and sisters, her father has been sent away to marry another before heading back to the war, and she's caught the attention of the handsome prince who also runs the Fives. This is not the story of a Commoner moving up in society and living her dream despite the odds. It's about a girl using her passion to save her family from certain death! I was shocked at what was done to Jes' mother and sisters, and the rescue was quite exciting and interesting. This city has a lot of secrets waiting to be unearthed (literally!).

Of course, there is a bit of romance in Court of Fives, but it's not the focus. There's no love triangle, but it is a pretty standard forbidden romance. Jes and Kal can't really be together since he's expected to inherit the crown, and she's just a "mule." But the two of them come together because of their passion for the Fives, and he's quite impressed with her since she's so much better than him. Jes also pushes Kal to not be such a pushover and stand up for himself! I did get a bit worried toward the end because of certain things going on, but I'm happy that Jes did not fall into that trap! You go, girl! And now I'm very interesting in seeing what comes next for her.

Court of Fives was a really great read. I found this world interesting, and all of the secrets and hidden things are intriguing. I loved Jes' relationship with her family. It's complicated and messy, but they love each other and are just trying to do the best they can with what the law allows. Clearly this is going to turn into an overthrowing the current power structure and making change and all that good stuff type of plot, but I'm looking forward to more!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.