Both a school and a business venture, the Glittering Court is designed to transform impoverished girls into upper-class ladies capable of arranging powerful and wealthy marriages in the New World. Adelaide naturally excels in her training and even makes a few friends: the fiery former laundress Tamsin and the beautiful Sirminican refugee Mira. She manages to keep her true identity hidden from all but one: the intriguing Cedric Thorn, son of the wealthy proprietor of the Glittering Court. When Adelaide discovers that Cedric is hiding a dangerous secret of his own, together, they hatch a scheme to make the best of Adelaide's deception. Complications soon arise - first, as they cross the treacherous seas from Osfrid to Adoria, and later, when Adelaide catches the attention of a powerful governor. But no complication will prove quite as daunting as the potent attraction simmering between Adelaide and Cedric. An attraction that, if acted on, would scandalise the Glittering Court and make them both outcasts in wild, vastly unchafled lands.
I have wanted to read this book since I heard Mead talk about it at YallFest last year. I am such a fan of her books, and this book did not disappoint me.
I loved the historical feel in this imaginary world. I liked the idea of freedom that ran through the story. Freedom of religion, freedom to select the life you want to live, freedom to be with the one you love, and physical freedom. In this world of glamour, parties, and wives for purchase, Mead gave us a multitude of strong female characters - Adeline, Tamsin, Mira, and Aiana. They were strong willed, strong minded, and even, physically strong. I can also attest to the swoony romance. I found myself frequently swept away by it. I am eager to read Tamsin and Mira's stories, as there are secrets I want to know. A great start to Mead's new series.
