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I love Les Misérables. I think it’s one of the greatest tales of redemption ever written and a book that everyone should read before they die. The characters, the themes, the raw emotion—it’s all masterfully done. And it’s clear that Kester Grant loves Les Mis, too. This retelling is packed with easter eggs and references that will delight any fan of Victor Hugo’s novel. However, while The Court of Miracles brings familiar faces and fun nods to the original, it ultimately struggles under the weight of its inspiration.
A Retelling with Limits
Les Misérables is a sprawling, intricate novel—over 1400 pages of layered storytelling, philosophical discussions, and deeply human struggles. Its strength lies not just in the plot, but in the moral dilemmas, historical context, and emotional depth. That’s a difficult thing to condense into a retelling, and unfortunately, The Court of Miracles doesn’t quite capture that level of introspection. While the book embraces the rebellion, injustice, and found-family themes that define Les Mis, it doesn’t offer the same depth of character or moral complexity.
Plot & Structure
While I enjoyed reading The Court of Miracles, the plot lacked a strong foundation. The story was somewhat scattered, with shifting priorities and a lack of clear direction. It wasn’t necessarily bad, just unfocused—it needed a bit more tightening to really shine. That being said, the book still held my attention, and I’m definitely curious to see where the sequel takes things.
Setting
One of the most intriguing aspects of The Court of Miracles is its reimagining of Paris. The book presents a fantasy-infused, urban version of the city, complete with secret societies and a criminal underworld. This had so much potential to create a truly immersive setting—one that could transport readers into its dark, intricate world. However, while the idea was compelling, the execution wasn’t as atmospheric as I had hoped. The world-building felt a little surface-level, lacking the richness that makes a setting feel alive.
Final Thoughts
This book wasn’t a bad read by any means. In fact, I think there are readers who would really enjoy it—especially those looking for a fast-paced, Les Mis-inspired story with a unique take on historical fantasy. But for me, it didn’t feel entirely satisfying. The scattered plot, underwhelming world-building, and lack of emotional depth kept it from being a truly standout read.
If you’re looking to read The Court of Miracles, you can find the ebook here or a paper copy here.
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